(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jen Corace. Pliscou's lengthy picture-book biography, for slightly older primary readers, provides an overview of Jane Austen's writing and personality and offers historical context. Small details emphasize the bravery it took for Austen to go against the norm and still achieve success. The decorative folk-art aesthetic of Corace's colorful gouache, ink, acrylic, and pencil illustrations evokes styles common amongst the gentry during Regency England, nicely complementing Pliscou's account. Bib.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tom Dunne. Dick-and-Jane stand-ins Dude and Betty hit the waves. Amusing text gives a righteous shout-out to the classic easy readers: "See Dude surf...Surf, Dude, surf." While the story is modernized for today's beach bums, cameos of fifties-style parents--and a wood-paneled cruisemobile--help preserve the retro feel and enhance the humor (yes, it's almost entirely for adults). A glossary of surfer terms is appended.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi