(2) PS Illustrated by Katherine Tillotson. First published in 1990 (with illustrations by S. D. Schindler), this story of a hermit crab's quest for a safe new home appears in a bright reissue with fresh illustrations. Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell, which leaves him unprotected in a sea of predators. Dramatic art created with watercolor, finger paint, and acrylics shows an orange hermit crab on the shore, contrasting with a blue sea that barely masks the shadow of the ominous porcupine fish. From page to page, with dangers lurking throughout, our protagonist checks out a variety of problematic living arrangements: a too-heavy rock, a too-noisy tin can, a too-deep plastic pail. The rich illustrations depict this intrepid and personable little creature from multiple perspectives on his real-estate journey while the text moves along in patterned rhythm. After each failed attempt, Hermit Crab transitions to the next with a refrain that invites audience participation: "So he stepped along the shore, by the sea, in the sand...scritch-scratch, scritch-scratch." The narrative takes a dark turn when a wave catches Hermit Crab, taking him down into the sea with the hungry porcupine fish. Mercifully, he finds his new home just in time. The book closes with a note from the author and a double-page spread with hermit crab facts and a resource list.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Scott Nash. Best friends Bunny and Clyde learn that it can be hard to be bad in this early chapter book. The rabbit and chipmunk duo are tired of being good and decide to put their energy into being bad, but each of their misdeeds ends up aiding the intended victim in comically unintentional ways. In one instance, Bunny and Clyde toilet paper a neighbor's rose bushes, which, it turns out, protects the flowers from an unexpected frost. Never ones to give up, the two move on to more and more daring attempts at villainy, all of which lead to disappointment. McDonald's short chapters, simple sentences, and snappy dialogue are perfect for newly emerging readers looking to take their first steps beyond early readers. Nash's frequent full- and partial-page black-and-white illustrations (final art not seen) provide lots of breaks in the text and ably capture the hijinks of these two fundamentally goodhearted critters. Bunny and Clyde can't help but fail to live up to their infamous namesakes.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. When Judy Moody is assigned to do a family tree project, she discovers what she thinks is a royal relative; from there it's full-steam ahead: Judy writes to the queen, starts wearing purple, and drops British colloquialisms. But classmate Jessica also seems to know a lot about royalty...could they be long-lost relatives? Judy's fourteenth amiably illustrated episode is timely considering interest in England's current royals.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Stink heads to Shakespeare Camp over spring break (the only boy attending, it turns out). Stink's in it for the Shakespearean insults and swordplay, but he learns that there is also kissing in Shakespeare's plays. Stink won't have to kiss his "sometimes friend, most times enemy" Riley Rottenberger, will he?! Reynolds's illustrations capture all the theatrics in this spirited chapter-book introduction to Shakespeare.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. To fit in with her left-handed dad and brother Stink, Judy pledges to do everything as a lefty for a whole day. This is harder than she expected: everyday activities like eating are a complete mess. But in typical Judy fashion, she persists--and manages to make a rare hole-in-one mini-golf shot to boot. This full-color transitional-reader spinoff series has all the appeal of the Judy Moody chapter books.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. On April Fools' Day (also Judy Moody's birthday!), third grader Judy wants to fool her favorite teacher, and a stick insect gives her the perfect idea. When a fifth grader says "there's no such thing as the Tooth Fairy," Judy sets out to prove otherwise. As usual, the full-color illustrations pop and the series' characters shine in these transitional-reader spinoffs of the longer chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: April Fools', Mr. Todd! and Judy Moody, Tooth Fairy.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. On April Fools' Day (also Judy Moody's birthday!), third grader Judy wants to fool her favorite teacher, and a stick insect gives her the perfect idea. When a fifth grader says "there's no such thing as the Tooth Fairy," Judy sets out to prove otherwise. As usual, the full-color illustrations pop and the series' characters shine in these transitional-reader spinoffs of the longer chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: April Fools', Mr. Todd! and Judy Moody, Tooth Fairy.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Stink names his Saturday Science Club slime mold Mr. McGoo. Recording scientific observations in his "captain's log," (à la Star Trek's Captain Kirk), Stink alternates between loving to watch it grow and worrying that Mr. McGoo might be out of control. When Stink's imagination runs wild, sister Judy steps in. With science, sweet-silly humor, and Reynolds's signature illustrations, Stink's chapter books are never disappointing.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. After discovering a bucket list in her grandmother's purse, Judy decides to craft her own. In typical Judy fashion, she steadily crosses things off, some with more success than others, as is humorously documented in Reynolds's familiar illustrations. It's heartwarming to see Judy--with help from Stink, her family, friends, and her grandmother--discover it's about the journey and not the end product.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Judy is convinced she will win the Turkey Trot and bring home a turkey for Thanksgiving. With the help of Stink, Judy channels Sarah Josepha Hale ("inventor of Thanksgiving") to prepare for the race, with their efforts shown in Reynolds's ever-cheerful illustrations. The book contains many facts about Hale and her life, but it lacks a comprehensive/inclusive history of Thanksgiving.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. In three vignettes, Stink and Judy watch the night sky for a comet in a sweet sibling moment; Stink worries about (and prepares for) an asteroid hitting Earth; and Stink names a star. McDonald has done a stellar job of transferring the appeal of the original Judy Moody series into transitional readers; full-bleed illustrations bring the beloved characters to bright, colorful life.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. Judy navigates pet ownership in three chapters. In the first, Jaws (her Venus fly trap) is not doing well, so Judy and Stink get Jaws a plant friend. In the second, Mouse (the cat) sets up a psychic pet table. Lastly, toad Toady goes to obedience school. The easy-to-read book, with clear, supportive illustrations, works well for newly independent readers.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. When Stink goes to a sleepover at the aquarium, he's very excited (he loves sharks) but also nervous (he's a bit afraid of sleepovers). Although the children are constantly cracking each other up with silly second-grade jokes, readers will also glean lots of factual information about sea creatures. Reynolds ably illustrates both the wondrous animals and the comical antics.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. In these spinoff transitional readers, Judy Moody's friends Jessica Finch and Rocky Zang share the spotlight: Judy arranges Jessica's birthday surprise and helps Rocky with his magic show. Full-bleed color illustrations (modeled after Peter H. Reynolds's originals) add to the fun. The easy-to-read books are great for newly independent readers not quite ready for the longer Judy Moody chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble and Rocky Zang in The Amazing Mr. Magic.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. In these spinoff transitional readers, Judy Moody's friends Jessica Finch and Rocky Zang share the spotlight: Judy arranges Jessica's birthday surprise and helps Rocky with his magic show. Full-bleed color illustrations (modeled after Peter H. Reynolds's originals) add to the fun. The easy-to-read books are great for newly independent readers not quite ready for the longer Judy Moody chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble and Rocky Zang in The Amazing Mr. Magic.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Siblings Judy and Stink find themselves stuck at home after a storm knocks out the power, and they come up with some creative ways to entertain themselves and their family. McDonald's simple structure and kid-friendly humor take the edge off a scary situation; Reynolds's full-color illustrations light up the pages. Includes suggestions for things to do if readers find themselves in the dark.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. Judy Moody's friends take center stage in two more spinoff transitional readers. As Judy provides ideas and support, budding journalist Amy hunts for news stories and Frank attempts to win a contest. Series illustrator Madrid brings the original characters to full-color life. The breezy, humorous books are great stepping stones for kids on their way to independent chapter-book reading. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Amy Namey in Ace Reporter and Frank Pearl in The Awful Waffle Kerfuffle.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Judy Moody and Friends series. Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. Judy Moody's friends take center stage in two more spinoff transitional readers. As Judy provides ideas and support, budding journalist Amy hunts for news stories and Frank attempts to win a contest. Series illustrator Madrid brings the original characters to full-color life. The breezy, humorous books are great stepping stones for kids on their way to independent chapter-book reading. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Amy Namey in Ace Reporter and Frank Pearl in The Awful Waffle Kerfuffle.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. When Judy gets "in a mood" again, she challenges herself be cheerful for a whole week. Whenever things get rough she resorts to finger knitting. By Good Mood Day #7 she has a gigantic ball of yarn and a wonderful surprise for her math class. Always-relatable Judy's efforts to fight off irritation are hilarious; Reynolds captures the high points in his expressive black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katherine Tillotson. When Shoe Dog is adopted, the only thing he wants to chew is shoes--heels, sneakers, old, new, whatever. Until "She, Herself" brings home slippers shaped like cats: "Shoe Dog did not would not could not ever chew this new shoe!" The text's energetic pup-perspective language is charming; crayon and charcoal illustrations ultimately show loosely sketched Shoe Dog snuggling peacefully with Shoe Cat.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley