Frank nodded grimly. “Well…any goddess who throws a Ding Dong at a giant can’t be all bad. Let’s go.

A telkhine was hunched over a console, but he was so involved with his work, he didn't notice us. He was about five feet tall, with slick black seal fur and stubby little feet. He had the head of a Doberman, but his clawed hands were almost human. He growled and muttered as he tapped on his keyboard. Maybe he was messaging his friends on uglyface.com.

Tantalus made a wild grab, but the marshmallow committed suicide, diving into the flames.

She said this in the same way you might say Fields of Punishment or Hades's gym shorts.

I'm a teacher still, but with a much larger classroom.

"Percy, you're a brave guy," She said. "Just take the compliment. I swear, is it so hard?"

I think kids will read more good books than we can possibly produce.