(1) K-3 Illustrated by Vera Brosgol. An apron-clad witch who's the host of her own TV cooking show walks readers step-by-step through her recipe for Frog Soup. After heating the cauldron and adding spices and veggies, she reaches for the pièce de resistance: a "spoonful of frogs." Unfortunately for her, but hilariously for readers, the would-be ingredients repeatedly, cleverly hop away, evading the stew, stirring up trouble, and ultimately providing inspiration for a brand-new recipe. Lyall's spare, mostly restrained text uses ear-pleasing, catchphrase-worthy repetition and variation ("Put. The FROGS. On. The SPOON") while Brosgol's retro-chic, increasingly frazzled digital illustrations are a chef's-kiss of comic timing.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sebastià Serra. When Inky, the "greatest escape octopus of all time," retires to the aquarium, his tank-mate Blotchy doesn't believe his wild stories, so Inky stages one final astonishing escape: out of the aquarium. Unbelievable but true(ish), this entertaining story about the Houdini of cephalopods, who escaped the National Aquarium of New Zealand in 2016, is accompanied by eye-pleasing pencil and ink illustrations in neon-bright digital colors.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 4-6 This lighthearted, noir sequel to Howard Wallace, P.I. expands the cast as Howard and partner Ivy investigate the dognapping of their school mascot. Over the course of their work, they must join ranks with musicians, a blogger, and basketball players. Subplots--including the backstory of Howard's uncomfortable relationship with former best friend Miles and Ivy's family troubles--add some emotional depth to the caper.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Even readers not steeped in hard-boiled detective fiction will be amused by Lyall's middle-school take on the genre. Seventh-grade P.I. Howard is hired to uncover the miscreant who's trying to frame the student council treasurer for mishandling funds. The new girl in town becomes Howard's junior partner, facilitating an unforced introduction to his detecting methods. Despite comic exaggeration, the social interactions ring true.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin