(2) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Readers shadow Hank the pill bug for a day as he journeys past other small ground-dwellers, up his "exercise stick," and across a big sidewalk to meet his best friend (a human child). Cleverly designed, the book tells the story through droll narration paired with editorializing picture labels. Digital illustrations capture Hank's personality and charmingly convey his bug's-eye vantage point through details, size, and changes in perspective.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes. During a tremendous storm, twelve-year-old twins Fenton and Fiona find a ball of light with the power to restore life to the dead--sort of. They experiment on the deceased family dog before moving on to digging up their grandfather, with mixed results. This comic science-fiction romp explores themes of ethical science experimentation and family forgiveness. Field guide–style illustrations appear throughout.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno. Matt Rambeau never expected a robot for a brother, but this kind of thing happens when your dad is a brilliant computer scientist. His family fights about the surprise addition, only coming together when spies try to nab the bot. Matt's goofy narration has appeal, but a villainous subplot and easy resolution drown out the greater theme of what truly makes a family.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by J. P. Coovert. After his father's death, twelve-year-old Finn Garret's hair starts to turn white, causing him to believe he is becoming invisible. Finn's meandering journal explores many facets of dealing with grief, though it can be, by turns, too self-aware and too lighthearted to be truly believable as written by the character. Black-and-white cartoon art throughout tracks Finn's slow disappearance and reemergence.

Reviewer: David Elzey