This exciting twist on the story of David and Goliath depicts David, in the shape of a tiny tugboat, rescuing an enormous cargo ship (named Goliath) as it's sinking in a storm at sea. Usually, fictional tugboats are depicted as cute and friendly; this one, the Mighty Mackerel, looks tough and ready for anything, as does the tugboat's female captain. Gall's emphasis on the small boat saving the foundering ship is perfectly pitched for young readers, and the theme is enhanced by other comparatively small vehicles pitching in. Amid all the excitement, Gall also emphasizes care for the environment, as when the salvage divers make sure not to damage any coral. The illustrations g, bold, with waves jumping off the page fectively convey urgency, showing the emergency from different perspectives, as in the outstretched hands of crew members waiting to be rescued. The ending offers comfort, with the captain safe at home, watching her toddler play with toy boats in the tub. Vehicle and adventure story fans will love this.

PreS-Gr 2 It's a bad sign when the Goliath sends out a Mayday call. Amid strong winds, the big ship has taken on water. Luckily, the crew is rescued, but more help is needed right away to prevent oil spills and other dangers, as the vessel drifts toward the shore. In this story, children learn about the equipment used by a collaborative team trained to handle such dramatic nautical situations, as well as the steps this team must take. Divers inspect the hull for damage; water, fuel, cargo, rocks, and sand all must be removed before the ship can be hauled back to port. The salvage master is the key person for the entire job, and here that person is a woman named Salvage Master Miley. Working in a typically male-dominated field, she handles risky operations. Readers also get a glimpse of her domestic life, with a final illustration depicting her as a mother bathing her child. Saturated, colorful illustrations are rendered in a realistic style, and nautical terms appear in bold print. A labeled diagram that names the parts of a big ship is included and extends the learning potential of this narrative informational book. VERDICT Perfect for children who gravitate toward books about vehicles, machinery, and hands-on occupations, but with an exciting, readable narrative likely to attract other readers, too.Gloria Koster