(4) K-3 Illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo. George Slair, a boy, writes to his assigned pen pal, Blaise Dragomir, a dragon, in rhyme. They learn about commonalities (neither likes writing) and differences (Blaise doesn't like sweets). The class writing project humorously (if not subtly) models how different groups can become friends. Watercolor, acrylic-ink, and graphite illustrations in lush green hues add to the drollery.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo. The second adventure of Wilmer Dooley, aspiring scientist, finds him among stiff competition at the state science fair...and smack in the middle of an evil mind-control experiment. DeWitt balances humor and mystery, smart kids and clueless adults, with particular skill, and while the plot contains few surprises, newly independent mystery readers will happily follow along. Dramatic full-page black-and-white illustrations open the chapters.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo. Aspiring scientist Wilmer Dooley seeks the answer to why his sixth-grade class is suddenly hyperactive, including his beloved Roxie. The third-person narrative is punctuated with Wilmer's journal entries, giving readers some breathing room amidst chaotic action, and while the mystery's solution seems rote (too much sugar), DeWitt's humor will appeal to many readers, as will the comic chapter-opening illustrations.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby