(3) 4-6 Children's author Hodgman's slices-of-life memoir catalogues the silly, painful, and awkward moments of her childhood through her sixth-grade year. She leaps from past to present and skitters off on tangents--great fun for readers who can follow her train of thought. Upper-elementary and middle-schoolers are sure to enjoy her breezy tone and offbeat humor. Family photos--and snapshots of her stuffed animals--are included.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. Hodgman's home is a veritable ark, and that's the way she likes it. In this chatty pet-care guide meets tell-all, Hodgman dishes oodles of details about the different animals she's cared for--from guinea pigs and finches to pygmy mice and sugar gliders. Yelchin's black-and-white illustrations capture Hodgman's deep affection for her brood. Animal lovers will lap it all up.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2008