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Brett is a plesiosaur who is very proud of his long neck and looks down it at others, especially pliosaurs with their short, stubby necks. In fact, he figures creatures like that don't even have names. When Brett attempts to bake some cookies using the cooking vents on the ocean's floor, he is attacked by three bandits and left bleeding with a large rock dropped on his neck, trapping him. Two different plesiosaurs pass him but make excuses for not helping him. When Kyle the pliosaur passes by, he sees Brett's precarious situation. Kyle drops his food, rescues Brett, takes him to the doctopus, and even pays for Brett's medical care. Kyle's kindness shows Brett how terrible he has been to others, and he decides to invite Kyle to eat with him.
Patterson's picture book is clearly inspired by Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. Although targeted at a young audience, it is best read aloud to them by a caregiver who can help with new vocabulary and lead a discussion of Kyle's choice and the lesson Brett learns. The illustrations are bright in a vivid, watercolor style and should appeal to children. For example, the doctopus is a visual treat. As the story never explicitly references the Bible, it can be used in both secular and religious settings. The writing is smooth and free from grammatical errors. The only real discord in the narrative lies between the story's cuteness and its strong violence. Audiences who get past that, particularly young ones obsessed with dinosaurs or other large reptiles, will find an engaging story with a strong moral message that can serve as a teachable moment.