(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer. In this fourth book (Skunked! etc.), the Tate family's prize dog, Ajax, gets quilled twice by a porcupine. Each time, nature- and animal-loving Calpurnia acts quickly to help him, even though the quill removal is difficult and painful for her to watch. The scary situation is softened by Calpurnia's bright first-person narration. Detailed black-and-white illustrations capture both the urgency and warmth of the story.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer. This third entertaining chapter book retains the solid setting and believable characters of the earlier titles (Counting Sheep; Skunked!) but offers even more natural science. Calpurnia and her beloved grandfather rescue an injured owl, care for it, and release it into the wild. Generous spot art illustrates important plot points and supports the science.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer. In this second book (Skunked!), aspiring naturalist/veterinarian Callie is more immersed in her science and beginning to put her newfound skills into practice as she helps town veterinarian Dr. Pritzker with a lamb's difficult breech birth. Detailed black-and-white illustrations reinforce the historical setting and highlight action. Delicate leafy branches decorate the top of each page, subtly underscoring Callie's scientific interests.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2016

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer. This first entry in an engaging standalone series for younger readers features aspiring naturalist/veterinarian Callie Tate (The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate) as more sister than scientist. Her one-year-younger brother, Travis, brings a baby skunk home. Callie's first-person narration adopts a tone of loving exasperation, and it reads like family lore with an extravagantly humorous ending. Generous black-and-white illustrations reinforce the turn-of-the-twentieth-century Texas setting and highlight action.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2016

(2) 4-6 This episodic Evolution of Calpurnia Tate sequel follows nascent scientist Callie's thirteenth year. When the September 1900 Galveston hurricane brings refugees, including a veterinarian, to town, Callie discovers her vocation. But, says Dr. Pritzker, the work is "too much for a lady," and Callie's parents can't imagine sending a mere girl to veterinary college. Callie's determination to fulfill her ambition is believable and cheer-worthy.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2015

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Clint Young. Kelly (The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate) boldly extends Grahame's iconic Wind in the Willows, bringing wit and imagination to the familiar characters' further adventures and adding appealing new players. Like Grahame, Kelly is generous with an extensive, appropriately British vocabulary, lightened in chatty footnotes. It's delicious to find the old friends thriving in a rousing, well-wrought tale that honors its source.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012

(2) 4-6 In Texas, 1889, eleven-year-old Calpurnia tries to carve a place for herself as a scientist. Trouble is, the only other family member interested in nature is misanthropic Granddaddy. With his help, Calpurnia starts cataloging her observations and formulating hypotheses--culminating in the discovery of a new plant species. Without anachronism, Kelly has created a spirited young woman who's refreshingly ahead of her time.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009