Hank is nothing like his cousin Judith Ann. When she comes to stay with the Zipzer family while taking part in a junior chef competition, she gives off an air of perfection. She’s an excellent cook, and doesn’t let Hank forget it, either. But when Hank enters the competition, too, he finds out that he and Judith Ann have more in common than he thinks—and it’s not cooking!
When Hank's class takes a field trip to the zoo, he quickly gets lost after his partner (and nemesis) ditches him. Unable to read the map, Hank wanders and finds himself locked in a habitat with Elsie, an elephant recently rescued and kept isolated. He begins a game of soccer with her, and they become fast friends. But when Hank notices how lonely Elsie is, he's determined to help her find her …
Georges's family comes from Lebanon. They love spending time together, and one of the things they love to do is to make tabouli salad. Everyone in the family has a special job to do. George can't wait to eat the salad, but first dad must taste it to make sure it is just right