In this contest, which asks students to protect an egg and then drop it from a specified height so that it lands on the ground intact, it's all or nothing. If Hank's egg falls to the ground without breaking, he wins. If it breaks or smashes, he loses. Surely Irma, the smartest dog in the world can help Hank figure out how to emerge a winner.

Barry Gott's wonderfully quirky art, and two very compelling characters in eight-year-old Hank and his charismatic canine, make for a smashing volume just right for beginning readers. This perfect back-to-school book is sure to encourage science experimentation in class...and out.