(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. Miss Malarkey has been acting weirdly, and rumors fly that she wants to quit teaching. The students soon discover that she's merely getting married, and they're all invited to the ceremony. The lucky groom? Mr. Fulla. Yes, the story's contrived, and the authors can't resist a "Fulla-Malarkey" joke, but the groan-inducing humor and cartoony caricatures will please fans of the series.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. This well-intentioned but didactic story features optimistic bibliophile Miss Malarkey, who is convinced she can find a book for every student, even the most reluctant one, to enjoy during the school readathon. The story focuses on the variety of genres available to readers, and cartoonlike illustrations with speech bubbles lend some extra liveliness. A reading guide is included.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. In her fifth book, Miss Malarkey takes her class on a science center field trip. They don't exactly have the scientific experience she'd hoped--instead they learn that there are "cool hair dryers in the bathroom" and "gift shops aren't cheap." Though a lot of the humor--especially in O'Malley's illustrations--is directed toward adults, children will enjoy the familiar characters and story line.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. As in Testing Miss Malarkey, Finchler addresses a timely topic in schools--this time, pushy parents at athletic events. Teacher (and now coach) Miss Malarkey is as likable as ever, reminding the children that "winning isn't everything," despite the less-than-admirable behavior of all other adults involved. The message feels a bit heavy-handed paired with such lighthearted illustrations.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. O'Malley's personable caricatures continue to enhance the Miss Malarkey series; here the teacher nervously prepares the students for a big school-ranking test. There are funny details--the principal is obsessed with No. 2 pencils and loses his toupee; the gym teacher teaches yoga for stress reduction; the lunch lady serves "brain food," such as fish--but the subversive humor is aimed mostly at adults.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam