Truly this Quarterly contains a bit of everything. From a hiding dog to giant squids and merman, the characters these authors dream up are nothing short of magical. If fantasy isn't your thing, try a series of essays on topics like why schools should get rid of homework.

— Simon Traub-Epstein, International Library of Young Authors

From the publisher: “A BRIEF GUIDE TO THIS SMALL BUT TIGHTLY PACKED VOLUME: Turn to p. 41 and you will come across several ways to ruin a perfectly horrible day. Flip to p. 71 for a compelling argument against homework. Want to know how to act around a mother who also happens to be a mermaid? Turn to p. 144. Feeling a little mermish yourself? Swim on over to p. 28. Perhaps you re feeling less aquatic and more investiga-tive? Then crack the case of the gum wrappers on p. 24, or solve the puzzling, swampy mystery of the monster library on p. 97. Or perhaps you are a gentle and quiet soul. Explore the inner workings of the mind, especially the minds of store clerks, on p. 74 and p. 109. But if working for a living seems like a never-ending chase, you'll sympathize with the poor fellow on p. 125. Sometimes it's hard enough just to travel to a country where jobs are available, as is touchingly described on p. 13. Want to take some time to yourself to contemplate it all? Take a snow walk to a lake under a pink sandstone sky on p. 61. Or consider the differences between the city and nature on p. 118. Or skip this incomplete list altogether, go to page one, and enjoy every single piece in order and without pause!”