(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shahar Kober. Family members unpacking their new home don't unearth their ­Hanukkah supplies in time--the muted ­illustrations show boxes everywhere. They enlist assistance from neighbors: Mrs. Mendez provides birthday candles for their hastily homemade ­menorah; Joe, the super, shares his French fries, which are almost like latkes. On night nine, the family introduces a new post-­Hanukkah tradition, named for the candle that helps light the others: Shamash Night, to thank their helpful new neighbors. Tales of welcoming others into holiday traditions are always welcome; this one about improvising when things are not the same might especially resonate this year. Back matter gives information about Hanukkah and advice on celebrating one's own Shamash Night.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(2) 4-6 After comedy buff Noah Cohen's best friend's dad commits suicide, Noah's responses are decidedly immature, damaging the friendship and calling into question rather-dense narrator Noah's readiness to be a bar mitzvah. Perl ably explains both details of classic comedy bits and modern Jewish ritual. A welcome portrayal of a very difficult situation's impact--with funny moments to make it all easier to handle. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. Room 2-D just got a class pet: an adorable, tiny hamster named Fluffity. When the students illicitly take her out of the cage, they learn that appearances can deceive; unleashed, Fluffity is a "brute," and mayhem ensues. Cole's loose, comic watercolors complement the rhyming romp, together creating a playful story perfect for a high-energy read-aloud.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 This comedic novel in play form centers on ambitious playwright Olive and three other unique seventh graders; all four are involved in the kidnapping of their sports-obsessed school's mascot, Cappy the capybara. This quick, imaginative, and hilariously dramatic story features compelling characters, up-tempo action, and entertaining wordplay. Back matter provides readers with resources to stage the play themselves. Reading list.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. On Monday and subsequent days, Marty is "totally tardy" after he gets distracted by inventive ideas and daydreams, such as making toast on a rope and battling a giant squid. "Never-Late Kate" smugly delivers his tardy notice each day--until she joins the fun, sparking a friendship. Filled with playfully illustrated vignettes and read-along repetition, the narrative has surefire appeal for storytime.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Arthur Howard. Like her human predecessor, Goatilocks goes through the bears' house trying out porridge, chairs, and beds. But true to her goatish nature, she eats all the objects she finds. Young readers will enjoy anticipating and joining in the comical refrain ("she ate it"). Bright cartoon illustrations depicting the big-eyed, curly haired goat match the text's boisterous tone.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Zelly (When Life Gives You O.J.) finally has the dog she has always wanted. Now she hopes to host a sleepover at her house in order to help her fit in at her new school. First she has to be able to control Ace, her dog--and Ace, her grandpa. Zelly tries to navigate obedience classes, school, and family in this entertaining sequel.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) PS Illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic. Chameleon Carlos believes he's king of the zoo, until he sees signage at other zoo animals' enclosures claiming each is ruler; ultimately an admiring little girl boosts downtrodden Carlos's ego right back up. The slight story is dominated by Carlos's repetitive ranting ("The King of the Zoo is ME, that's who!"), but Urbanovic humorously pictures the creature's emotion-induced color-changing.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) 4-6 Zelly desperately wants a dog; her parents need convincing. Zelly's grandfather (who speaks in all caps) hatches a plan that involves taking care of an orange juice container like it's a pet to prove responsibility. In the process, Zelly makes a friend, grieves the loss of her grandmother, and learns self-confidence. Family and friend relationships are engagingly explored throughout the story.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. The potty humor continues in this sequel to Chicken Butt! The protagonist acquiesces to Mom's warning: "No more 'Chicken Butt!' my dear..." However, he grabs the reins and takes off with such homophone hijinks as "Deer Butt" and "Witch Butt." The text (like the boy) sometimes gets ahead of itself, but Cole's exuberant cartoons enhance the silliness.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. When Ida begins school she brings along her imaginary friend, Dotty. Ida withstands classmates' teasing and discovers that her teacher sympathizes with the unique friendship. Appealing brush-ink illustrations convey a contemporary school setting with an assortment of inventive imaginary friends. The book jacket features Ida lounging atop Dotty, a large white creature replete with red, sparkly polka dots.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) YA Having spent more time collecting vintage clothing than making friends, fifteen-year-old "fat girl" Veronica has never been part of the in-crowd. Working at a consignment shop, she befriends two intimidating girls and quirky Lenny, the butt of their mean jokes. Veronica's difficulty in choosing between nice-guy Lenny and the mean girls is believably conveyed.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. "'You know what?' 'What?' 'Chicken butt!'" Alternating dialogue continues as a boy asks his increasingly frustrated father, "You know why?" "How?" "Who?" and "Where?" Large type announces each comical response. The pure silliness of the schoolyard joke is appealing (though the hilarity feels forced). Cole's exaggerated acrylic and colored-pencil cartoons enhance the ridiculous rhyme.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Lester. When the narrator's teacher asks, "How many live with you?", he recounts all ninety-two family members (ninety-three, including him): his mom, dad, two sisters, and an assortment of domestic and exotic pets. He proceeds (in rhyme) to describe the chaos of meals, car trips, bath time, and sleeping arrangements. The funny, dynamic illustrations and the curly typeface echo the story's silliness.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(3) PS Illustrated by George Bates. Who knew? Young farm animals are as expert at forestalling bedtime as their human counterparts: lambs and calves don't come indoors when their mamas call, fish in a pond demand drinks of water, etc. The rhymes (including the improvised ones: "girlie" and "early," "mommies" and "pajamies") work because they're as bouncy as the textured acrylic illustrations are inviting.

Reviewer: Nell Beram