(2) K-3 A bully of a shark learns the importance of friendship in this ocean-set retelling of Aesop's "The Lion and the Mouse." Sharky McShark, the "meanest, most fearsome creature" in the deep blue sea, relies on her size to bully and intimidate others: "Even the rocks get out of her way." When a small orange crab ­accidentally bounces off her fin, Sharky threatens to devour her. Fearing for her life, the crab pleads, "Spare my life and I promise I'll return the favor. You never know when YOU might need MY help." Sharky finds this notion preposterous ("Being a lone shark was best"), but her full-bodied gales of laughter send her tumbling into an old fishing net and down to the bottom of a deep, dark abyss. Finding herself utterly alone, Sharky longs for a friend and is surprised when none other than the small crustacean comes to her rescue. Murray's bold, buoyant screen-print and digital cartoon illustrations use dynamic shifts in color (from bright corals to dark blues and greens) and page layout (panels interspersed with double-page spreads, including one vertical spread highlighting the depth of the abyss) to trace Sharky's transformation from intimidating bully to lonely and helpless "sole" to grateful friend. Both playful and poignant, this fable gently reminds readers that everybody could use a little help.

Reviewer: Emmie Stuart | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

(3) PS Dino Duckling (who's really a dinosaur) has always felt different from his family, but Mama Duck--speaking in rhyme throughout--encourages her ducklings to "celebrate their differences." He struggles with this when he can't fly south with them for the winter. This therapeutic reimagining of "The Ugly Duckling" stands out for its preschooler-friendly screenprinted illustrations that reflect the unconditional love of this unusual family.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(2) PS The story kicks off with young Zack building a house with blocks--until a fly comes along. "This is the cat / that stalked the fly..." This version drops the cumulative repetition of the original rhyme, but the spirited rhythm holds true. Bold digital art in warm colors depicts a friendly farm on which Zack, oblivious to the mayhem, continues to build his creation.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(2) K-3 With lively digital art and snappy narrated text, this rendition of Aesop's famous race is a funny, satisfying read-aloud. Hare's overconfidence lures him into complacency, and Tortoise manages to slip past and beat him to the barn-gate finish line. The race is given the due diligence of a serious sporting event (to comedic effect); smart design makes the story more engaging.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2016

(4) PS Fairy Felicity wakes to find a mysterious invitation instructing her to follow a silver snail trail. Felicity, joined by insect friends, traverses the winding nighttime trail across double-page spreads, through woods and over flowers. Brief rhyming text and uncluttered digital illustrations serve as backdrop to the gimmicky glitter trail that readers can follow right up until the surprise ending.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(2) PS This riff on a familiar nursery rhyme tells of dog Rufus's surprise visit to his boy's preschool. There's a "hullabaloo" because "dogs aren't allowed," but the smiles on the kids' faces telegraph that it's a welcome one. Murray's energetic digital illustrations, on thick oversize pages, add context to her cheery story. Use this as a friendly introduction to what a school day looks like.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2014

(3) PS A little girl doesn't feel like her mommy's "little mouse"; she's as tall as a giraffe, as strong as an ox, as brave as a lion. But when it's bedtime ("quiet and cozy"), her nickname suits her just fine. Murray's animal-filled illustrations, with their retro feel and bold lines and colors, expand the story and showcase the little girl's imagination.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(4) K-3 Princess Penelope chases a runaway kitten through the palace until he finally reaches his mother. The airy double-page-spread illustrations offer a tactile experience: sparkly, magenta-colored raised yarn wraps around the kitten's belly and unravels across the pages as he scampers from room to room. Though not always fluid, the playful rhymes paired with digital illustrations heavy on the pink may win young princess fans.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(2) PS The same girl-dog pair--and same classic art style--from Apple Pie ABC is back in this twist on the nursery rhyme "One Two Buckle My Shoe." Lively illustrations show the dog playing keep-away with the girl's red shoe as the story counts items (five butterflies, six flowers, etc.) from one to ten. This is a step above most counting books, and the clean, bold art is superb.

Reviewer: Kathleen T. Horning | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2012

(2) PS A freshly baked apple pie sets off a series of alphabetical responses. Murray incorporates unexpected action words and an original underlying story of a sprightly black-and-white dog driven to bad behavior by a strong pastry craving. Printed on thick cream-colored paper with a limited palette of blues, reds, and yellows, the monochromatic illustrations resemble linocut prints. Bold uppercase alphabet letters anchor each page.

Reviewer: Kathleen T. Horning | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2011