The Reptile Club, written by Maureen Fergus and illustrated by Elina Ellis. Kids Can Press, 2018. $18.99 ages 5 and up

"Nice to meet you all," said Rory. "My name is Rory. I sweat through my armpits, I can swallow a hotdog in one bite and I would give anything to be able to lick my eyeballs." Everybody laughed. Once the new club members were comfortably settled, they talked about their favorite reptiles."

When Rory arrives at his new school, he feels like most kids who find themselves in this same situation. He wants to fit in. Try as he might, he cannot find a school club that interests him - not glee, ballet, knitting, karate, theater or cooking. He explores others as well. What's Rory to do?

His parents offer a solution; Rory could start a club of his own. Eureka! That club will be for kids who like animals, especially reptiles. He does all he can to entice new members. No one shows up for the first meeting, until ... he hears voices outside the classroom and is astonished to meet the first arrivals. They are a gecko, an anaconda, and a crocodile. Introducing themselves by sharing a special attribute gains a funny response from their host, and on they go.

Once the other students see the reptiles their interest peaks, and Rory must do his best to convince the reptiles to let mammals join them. They have no idea how much they have to learn.

There is great energy in the digital artwork created for this school story. The many details Elina Ellis includes add interest and beg special attention. It is imaginative, informative and perhaps just the incentive needed for children to consider special interests and new learning.

It's a terrific book to share with a group, full of fun and appeal. Friendship and inclusion are its heart, while providing some new learning adds to its allure.