Author Ed Shankman and illustrator Dave O'Neill have created winning books on Boston, Cape Cod, and Maine. Now they turn their attention to Vermont and one of that state's great legends: Champ, the "Monster" of Lake Champlain (a sort of Loch Ness Monster for the Green Mountain State). Champ is seen through the eyes of a likable tomboy, who sets out from her favorite spot by a maple tree and finds herself by the lakeshore. Suddenly the wind rips off her hat, the hat flies in the water, and-the water throws it back! It's Champ! Who turns out to be a very kid-friendly monster, inviting the girl to sit on his head and ride with him through the Vermont countryside. Together, these unlikely friends dash past farms and mills and over covered bridges, only to run into some-woodworking cows?! Hungry cows, too. The journey continues after girl, monster, and cow raid a refrigerator. Then it's off through the Vermont countryside again and back to the girl's favorite maple tree. The charming story begins as it ended: "If you come to Vermont / Near a lake called Champlain, / And you cut through the woods / On an old country lane, There's a chance you will see / My friend Champ and me / Playing happy and free / By the old maple tree.

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