(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sara Palacios. Lola (star of Lola Knows a Lot) moves to a new neighborhood and away from her old friends. Happily, she's an expert friend-maker with plenty of experience. Expressive mixed-media illustrations and Lola's sassy first-person narrative combine for a humorous and honest look at the good--and the difficult--parts of forming lasting friendships.

Reviewer: Tory Fiske

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Molly Idle. Poppy is fearless (she scoops up spiders and snakes and wants to hike in the dark)--except when it comes to heights, as her more cautious sister, Petunia, discovers when Poppy becomes stuck in a tree. The illustrations are flat and angular like animation stills, with a muted, gauzy look that softens Poppy's edges and makes it easier to see the real kid underneath the thrill-seeker.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sara Palacios. Despite her sister's contrary opinion, Lola knows a lot: she can catch tiny lizards, tie her shoes, and drive her sister crazy. "Yup, I am totally ready for school." Mixed-media illustrations capture Lola's exuberance; satisfyingly, her know-it-all attitude (e.g., Lola teaches Mom to use the remote "for the millionth time") subsides, and she's "ready to learn all the things I still don't know."

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty