(2) 1-3 In this graphic novel for primary readers, a dinosaur is trying to shut out nearby roars and write a poem. A frog tries to help, or perhaps to provide distraction, since the dino’s first draft rhymes “eat” with “fine and froggy meat.” Further attempts and creature encounters unfold over short chapters. Humor and action are both plentiful, and the frog is full of good advice, both literary (“Rhymes are nice, but phony poems aren’t”) and general (when a larger dinosaur appears: “Run!!...Hide!!...Flee!...Don’t write it! Do it!”). The sense throughout is that poetry can be about what matters to the poet in the moment, whether that means a limerick about a very immediate pursuit through the forest or a stanza of “poo-etry.” The collage illustrations are set against a paper bag–brown background and use speech bubbles written on what resembles notebook paper, with different colors for each character aiding new readers. Some complex vocabulary, especially dinosaur names, makes this a good choice for those gaining independence in reading, with rhyme and repetition to help them along. Poetic edification with a side of adrenaline rushes—though some of the dangers, much like poetry, may not be as scary as they seem.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. In a mash-up of fairy tale and auto race, the Princess passes a litany of favorite characters from fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and classic books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz after a pit stop. In the vibrant art, full-bleed pages of bold lines and dramatic layouts play up tension and movement. This speedy freshening up of classic children's literature honors the power of confidence and determination and puts the Princess in the driver's seat.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Cece Bell. This madcap Inspector Flytrap mystery includes a mountain of zany crimes, a falsely accused sidekick, a "Master Criminal" disguised as a sloth, and a truly epic chase scene. Thankfully, Inspector and blasé partner Nina the Goat save the day ("Big deal"). Nearly every character from the previous books makes an appearance in this third heavily illustrated, pun-filled romp. Best read in series order.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 With their spaceship low on fuel, Rocket and Groot make an emergency landing on Planet Happyhappyfunfun. They encounter self-driving minivans, killer trucks, and a bookmobile; and they are tasked with finding President Dina the Wonder Lizard's missing daughter. This second absurdist-silly Guardians of the Galaxy romp, told almost entirely in dialogue and heavily illustrated with wacky cartoons, successfully tones down the franchise characters for a younger audience.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) 4-6 Rocket and Groot (from the Guardians of the Galaxy comic and movie franchises) crash-land on a planet full of killer strip malls and must escape with the aid of their intelligent tape dispenser, Veronica. Told through Captain's Log transcripted dialogue (each character's in a different typeface) and illustrated with wacky rudimentary cartoons, the story tones down the original (foul-mouthed in Rocket's case) characters for a silly romp.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Cece Bell. Tough-talking and cerebral Inspector Flytrap (a Venus flytrap) runs the Flytrap Detective Agency. His sidekick Nina, a goat, is deadpan, cynical, and good in a crisis. Their cases--in three easy-to-read mystery stories--involve art restoration (and Da Vinci's boogers), stinky cookies, and a missing rose. Generous illustrations spilling across the pages humorously set the mean-streets, noirish scene.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(3) 4-6 Qwikpick Papers series. The Qwikpick Adventure Society--Lyle, Marilla, and Dave--embarks on a quest to topple the corpse of a Revolutionary War colonel who was reportedly buried standing up so that he could continue to oversee his slaves. Balancing the atrocities of slavery with preteen repartee is difficult, but Angleberger strikes an impressive balance in this fast-moving, entertaining story told through reports, notes, cartoons, and photographs.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Cece Bell. In this welcome sequel, pompous POTUS Horse G. Horse demands that Inspector Flytrap and his ever-blasé assistant, Nina the Goat, save the White House, the city, the country, and the world from a four-hundred-foot Venus flytrap. As in book one, rapid-fire pacing propels a plot filled with ridiculous wordplay. Potty humor and absurdity abound in Bell's two-color cartoons and in the short, punny first-person narrative.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(2) 4-6 Life gets complicated for seventh grader Max when she meets Fuzzy, the first robot student at Vanguard Middle School. Fuzzy thinks outside the box, and Max is a free thinker, too. Before long, the pair is in hot water, and Max's days at Vanguard may be numbered. Set some fifty years in the future, the story is briskly paced, with plenty of humor.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Hendrix. McToad mows Big Island every day except Thursdays when--by truck, train, forklift, airplane, baggage buggy, helicopter, boat, and crane--he hauls his riding mower to Tiny Island. That Tiny Island is about the size of the mower itself exaggerates the journey further, but transportation devotees will find the trip worthwhile. Elaborate pen-and-ink acrylic-wash illustrations in bright yellows and greens are graphically fulfilling.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) 4-6 Qwikpick Papers series. Tensions are rising in the Qwikpick Adventure Society as they set out to see if a local research facility really contains a rat with a human face. It doesn't help that Dave and Lyle are both vying for Marilla's affection. This second installment is deftly paced, with a solid mix of humor and action; photos, doodles, and journal entries keep the format interesting.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) 4-6 These adaptations--published in advance of the 2015 release of the seventh Star Wars movie--assume readers are familiar with the franchise and the plots of the original trilogy. The authors bring their own unique, fresh takes to elements not explained or mentioned in the movies. The novels include black-and-white halftone illustrations and full-color section-opening paintings by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston. Review covers these Star Wars titles: Return of the Jedi, A New Hope, and The Empire Strikes Back.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) 4-6 The final episode featuring the McQuarrie Middle School crew finds the friends on a field trip to Washington, DC. But the trip is in trouble before it begins when Principal Rabbski institutes a "No Origami rule." Angleberger nicely concludes the mystery of Origami Yoda with an ending that will make readers feel as though they are maturing along with the characters.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Origami Yoda series. The FunTime Menace (a deadly boring test prep program) is still wreaking havoc at McQuarrie Middle School in the sixth book in the series. The only way to abolish FunTime is to get Principal Rabbski on the side of the Rebellion, but the Origami Rebel Alliance will have to risk everything to win her over. Angleberger continues to develop authentic and engaging voices in these "case files."

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Qwikpick Papers series. Lyle, Marilla, and Dave usually hang out at the Qwikpick convenience store where Lyle's parents work. But the imminent shutdown of a local wastewater "sludge fountain" inspires them to seek out the oddity before it's gone. The book's gross-out factor doesn't dominate the story, and the dialogue is snappy. A mix of photos, cartoons, and sketches adds variety. Previously published as The Qwikpick Adventure Society by Sam Riddleburger.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Cece Bell. Depicted in spindly lined cartoons, Yankee Doodle and his pony debate plans for the afternoon. His pony cheerfully suggests they go to town--do some shopping, buy a feather for his hat--but each idea is met with disdain. Readers will cheerfully hum their way through the giddily imagined argument and resolution. An author's note outlines possible origins of America's goofiest ditty.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(3) 4-6 Origami Yoda series. McQuarrie Middle School's test scores have gone down, and Principal Rabbski is taking away electives in favor of math basics, delivered through a mind-numbing video series called FunTime. Dwight, Tommy, and friends form a scheme to get rid of the "FunTime Menace" by enlisting students to commit to failing the test. Playful cartoon drawings and pop culture references abound.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jen Wang. When a spree of bank robberies strikes his wacky town, Lenny Flem Jr. knows that his best friend Casper is the culprit. It's only with the aid of has-been TV star "Jodie O'Rodeo, the preteen cowgirl queen" that Lenny can bring Casper to his knees. The breathless stream of deliberate stupidity is admirably relentless and will gain the book fans among those becoming bored with Captain Underpants.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2012

(3) 4-6 The third wacky, doodle-embellished Origami Yoda book finds the kids of McQuarrie Middle School soldiering on without Dwight and Origami Yoda's advice. Then Sara brings in a paper fortuneteller in the shape of Chewbacca. Tommy, Kellen, and Harvey try to get to the bottom of Fortune Wookiee and figure out why Dwight's acting way too normal at his new school.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 A chatty, droll, omniscient narrator describes the trials--and ultimate triumph--of Horton Halfpott, a kitchen boy accused of stealing the pompous Luggertucks' heirloom diamond. Angleberger takes pages from Lemony Snicket and Charles Dickens (among others) to good effect here, and the blend of mystery (with more than a dash of farce), social satire, and romance (Horton gets the girl!) will win fans.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger