(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Small. Marshall thinks the story about runaway gingerbread men is baloney, but he reconsiders when the gingerbread cookies that he and his classmates make escape from the oven. Aside from the nod to the classic story, there is nothing traditional here, from the hip teacher ("Kudos, Marsh...You rocked that dough") to the springy illustrations of the kids playing detective at school.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tony Fucile. Mitchell is stoked when his dad takes him bowling, but knocking pins down proves more challenging than it looks. When frustration sets in, his dad suggests they be on the same team, and together they bowl a perfect strike. Energetic, retro-toned digitized cartoon illustrations express the allure of the lanes while a passionate Mitchell typifies every child's struggles with a new skill.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) PS Illustrated by Tony Fucile. Three-year-old Mitchell avoids bedtime until his father lets him "drive" there on his shoulders (i.e., Dad's the car). After a couple of days, Dad starts to find the increasingly roundabout journey tiresome (as might readers; the joke does go on) and takes charge of the ride. Fucile does a nice job signaling the hipster pop's fatigue through his expressions and posture.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In her third book, Dessert fears that her younger siblings, a.k.a. "the Beasties," are her parents' favorites. Determined to win back some attention, Dessert works hard to place first in the Thomas Edison contest at school. Davenier's playful pen and ink-wash illustrations sprinkled throughout the story help keep things light as the protagonist realizes how much her parents loved her all along.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In this sequel to Dessert First, the main character's young siblings are giving her trouble. She rounds up schoolmates with similar problems and starts the Annoying Siblings Club. After collecting dues, Dessert discovers that she is ill-equipped to handle the club's accounts, let alone sibling rivalries. Tidy black-and-white illustrations depict Dessert's road toward sibling appreciation.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. Third grader Dessert loves her teacher, Mrs. Howdy Doody, her warm, wacky, fondue restaurant–owning family, and her namesakes--especially Double-Decker Chocolate Bars. Sacrificing dessert for a school fundraiser, the spirited protagonist learns valuable lessons about life--and her favorite course. Quirky characters and stylish pen and ink-wash illustrations enliven the sweet tale.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin