Julius the zebra could not be less enthused for another trip to the smelly, crocodile-infested watering hole. Yearning for independence, Julius wanders from the lake, only to be captured by Roman soldiers. Now cooped up in a caravan with a lion and a warthog, the zebra finds himself on the long road to Rome. His excitement is soon replaced by terror as he and his fellow animals learn they are being taken there to fight gladiators. As the animals are tossed into the arena, Julius snatches up a shiny stick (a sword) in a moment of desperation. And the crowd goes wild. Emperor Hadrian commands that the fighting stop and the animals be trained as gladiators for Hadrian's upcoming birthday festivities. This zany premise is rife with gags, slapstick comedy, and cartoonish illustrations, wherein the scribbly, bug-eyed animals fight for their lives. Tucked within the nonsense are some nuggets of Roman history and a surprisingly informative glossary. A sequel is assured for those eager for more of Julius' antics.

Gr 2-5 Julius Zebra, a fast-talking, nervous sort who tries to sneak home from the stinky, crocodile-infested waterhole, is captured along with Milus, a grumpy lion, and Cornelius, a clueless warthog. They are transported to the ferocious clamor of the Roman Coliseum. They are forced to become gladiators, and the only way they can gain their freedom is if they win the love of the Roman crowds. The story is written in short chapters with funny, irreverent text and cartoon-style visuals. An illustrated guide to Roman numerals and a handy glossary are included in the back. Although the book has a completely ridiculous plot mixed with zany characters, it is highly entertaining and somehow manages to combine daft antics with historical facts. Pair this title with Terry Deary's Ruthless Romans (2009) or Toby Brown's Spartacus and His Glorious Gladiators (2010, both Scholastic), and students are sure to get hooked on learning about ancient Rome. VERDICT A fun and informative addition to chapter book collections. Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN