(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jef Kaminsky. Sensitive monster Patrick worries that he won't be scary enough for Monstergarten; future classmate Kevin, "an expert," tutors him in the art of spooking. When Kevin has separation anxiety on the first day of school, Patrick puts what he's learned to excellent use. This fresh take on a familiar situation features dynamic, cartoony digital art that couldn't scare a fly.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Four friends are banned from doing their science experiments inside Stanley's house and set off to build a clubhouse. They struggle to balance their many different ideas until they come to a compromise. Mahoney's watercolor paintings of the group of animal friends aptly illustrate their struggles and the array of feelings that accompany the conflicts.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) K-3 Bear Jack, his rabbit friend Angie, and mouse Melden duck out of their chores to sneak off to story hour at the library. Their deception catches up with them--but not because they are found out: it's a case of troubled conscience. Simple, comic scenes are painted in warm watercolors. Told in spare prose, this unabashed tribute to libraries and reading will be a sure choice for reading aloud.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2002