(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. Loizeaux stands Kafka on his head, as young cockroach Clarence awakens as a roach-sized human. Shocked, the other cockroaches quarantine him. When they're spotted in the kitchen and an exterminator is called, it's up to Clarence to work out a truce between the cockroach colony members and their human hosts. Amusing black-and-white illustrations enhance this quirky and amiable adventure.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Leslie Bowman. During the summer of 1960, Nick nurtures a young mockingbird he names Marcy; soon, Marcy is following Nick around town. Later, while Nick and his mom are away on vacation, the bird claims its freedom. These story-structuring events are embedded in quiet, homely description, vivid with sensory detail. The writing is deft, and the bird lore authentic. A note on mockingbirds is included.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2006