(3) K-3 Illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Two little girls meet on a train-station platform and begin both a friendship and a journey; each one has its highs and lows. Sketched-in pencil lines give the pastel art a sense of movement and immediacy; the signs on many of the double-page spreads ("timetable"; "signal failure"; "destination") help keep readers connected to the two themes.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Ottley. Toby wears a bright orange parachute everywhere: it "made him feel safe." When someone else (his cat stuck in a treehouse) needs the parachute more than he, Toby understands that he is safe, even without it. Striking mixed-media illustrations play with perspective and height in almost-fantastical scenes that, paired with a spare text, allow readers to experience Toby's growth on their own terms.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey