(2) 1-3 How can a single egg lead to a whole town in chaos? Stein's offbeat early graphic novel full of slapstick comedy explores just how much trouble an egg can cause. An uptight food inspector, a chef with something to hide, a fish, and an inventor and her friend (a human-sized chicken named Beaky) are the main players in this silly, pun-filled romp. When the fried egg falls out of the inspector's sandwich, it sets off an improbable series of events that ends with the chicken (in disguise) protecting her only egg from the inspector, who has lost all his clothes and is wearing a barrel. The plot twists and turns through a series of shenanigans, including regular commercial breaks for important messages from our sponsors about the inventor's latest inventions. Stein's recognizable illustration style (e.g., the Interrupting Chicken books) of sketchy pen drawings with watercolor adds even more humor to the goofy goings-on, giving the story the feel and comic beats of a Buster Keaton movie. Readers will find new gags to giggle at with repeat viewings and will look forward to future comic encounters with Beaky and friends.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(1) PS In a series of humorous vignettes, timid pup Murray is urged to overcome his reluctance to do things by an unseen narrator, his owner. "Why don't you want to go outside, Murray?" "Why don't you want to go to the barbecue, Murray?" Each time, the dog is lured by his owner's encouragement to give the proffered activity a go, only to experience a setback. For instance, at the park, he doesn't "want to say hello to this new dog" because he's afraid it will take away his toy. The narrator reassures him that the dog is nice, so Murray does engage with the newcomer--but then is knocked off his (four) feet by an overly exuberant "WOOF! WOOF!" Stein (Interrupting Chicken) skillfully uses repetition in text, page layout, and plot sequence to closely connect the day's incidents and to build humor and characterization (it helps with independent reading, too). Mixed-media illustrations tenderly capture our protagonist's personality and expressive eyes and body language. At bedtime, Murray is afraid to sleep because of potential nightmares. But his owner praises him for trying new experiences, calling him brave, and Murray happily nods off, dreaming not of monsters but of himself as a superhero. Children who recognize themselves in Murray will feel seen and, hopefully, empowered. A gem of a picture book, expertly crafted and oh-so-relatable.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(2) K-3 After school, Chicken tells Papa: "Today my teacher told us every story has an elephant of surprise." Papa corrects Chicken ("an element of surprise"), but Chicken ignores him. The storybooks they read together are repeatedly hijacked by bold, lush illustrations reflecting Chicken's imaginative and elephant-filled retellings. Stein's mixed-media illustrations allow the narrative styles to bounce back and forth between silly and serious, honoring the warm, loving father-child relationship.

Reviewer: Elisa Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2018

(2) K-3 In this follow-up to Leaves, Bear wakes from hibernation. He patiently keeps busy during spring and early summer, trying his best (but failing) to forget that it's not yet time for his favorite snack: honey. Repetition and steady pacing make for compelling page turns. Stein's uncluttered compositions keep the focus on the endearing protagonist, who is depicted in relaxed, carefree lines, with warm yellows and greens dominating.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(2) K-3 Ice Boy finds life as an ice cube too mundane and escapes to the outside. He loves the sunny beach...and soon becomes Water Boy, then morphs into Vapor Boy and, later, back into Ice Boy (in the form of hail). In Stein's joyful mixed-media illustrations, Ice Boy's shape mirrors his journey through the water cycle. This droll story will be a fine addition to classroom libraries.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(2) PS Tadpole Tad loves his dad so much, he can hardly bear to be away from him. Crowding onto Dad's lily pad at bedtime, the growing froglet practices new skills in his sleep ("So that's what was kicking me..."). Little ones will chuckle at Tad's enthusiasm and Dad's growing exhaustion. Relaxed frames signal Dad's more mature bearing, while Tad's energy is uncontained.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2015

(2) PS "I'm my own dog. Nobody owns me. I own myself," says this independent canine. But one day, when his legs prove too short, he lets someone scratch his itchy back. Soon the dog is taking his "good boy" on walks, teaching him about chasing squirrels, etc. Stein's gestural watercolors are the perfect foil for the droll text.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2014

(2) PS The no-nonsense Mama Squirrel peering from her safe heart-shaped hollow in a tree lets the reader know who is in charge of her beloved babies. Whether it's a cat, dog, owl, tree-pruner, kite, or airplane that tries to approach, each is soon sent packing. Lively, loose, gestural drawings, in ink and watercolor and crayon, keep the story light.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(2) PS Newly hatched Dinah the dinosaur decides to give kissing a try. She doesn't know her own strength, though, and her puppyish attempts at affection miss their marks. Dinah finally meets her match when one of her nest-mates hatches. Stein's engaging illustrations work hand in hand with his simple, energetic text. Friendly Dinah takes center stage.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2013

(2) PS It's pouring as Amelia runs down the street; her contagious rain-spattered grin prompts old Mrs. Higgins to bake cookies for her grandson in Mexico--and the good vibes voyage around the world, eventually coming back to Amelia herself. The up-to-date transmission of salutary good humor and a series of related events are effective, as are Stein's cheerfully energetic pencil, crayon, and watercolor illustrations.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(3) K-3 After Grandmouse returns home to the country, Mouserella writes her a terrifically animated and funny letter (this book's content). Though Mouserella's sense of loss following her grandmother's departure is the focus, the story isn't maudlin. The pages of the vertically oriented volume are designed to resemble lined paper and feature Mouserella's drawings and mementos: photographs, food smudges, a ketchup packet, etc.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 A "little red chicken" keeps interrupting Papa's bedtime stories in order to save the day (e.g., telling Chicken Little, "It was just an acorn!"). With a reversal of roles, the little chicken discovers exactly how it feels to be interrupted. Humorously repetitive text draws readers in with just enough variation, while the lush mixed-media illustrations exude warmth and love.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(2) PS Little kangaroo Joey wants to explore. Once outside Mama's pouch, though, he's not quite so daring, and his encounters with unfamiliar creatures (a bee, rabbit, etc.) send him hopping back to Mama's protection. Together, Stein's minimal, to-the-point text and breezy mixed-media illustrations convey Joey's energy and swing of feelings, from bravery to anxiety and back.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2009

(3) PS Colorful animals demonstrate Stein's advice on good behavior. The unpretentious text offers basic rules ("When you get in a snit, don't hit!") and reminds readers that sometimes having time alone is as important as being with friends. The acrylic, ink, marker, and digital illustrations are reminiscent of finger painting. Sound advice and good humor impart wisdom without didacticism.

Reviewer: Becca Schaffner

(3) PS "Monster hide / Monster seek / Monster splash / Monster squirt." Two monster friends--one red and gorilla-like, the other blue and dragonish--play like crazy until their parents tell them it's bedtime, which leads the friends to a monster hug. The rough-and-tumbleness of Stein's illustrations makes the concluding monster-on-monster tenderness all the more satisfying.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Miss Clementine's beauty sends Cowboy Ned tumbling head over heels, which causes his horse Andy's imagination to amble into fits of jealousy. In the end all is righted, and Andy realizes the folly of his imagined rivalry. The black-outlined ink and watercolor illustrations tell the rest of the story about this Old West town complete with big, blue sky.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) K-3 A young bear romps through his first seasons, puzzling over falling leaves ("Are you okay?") and wondering at the changing landscape as summer winds down and winter approaches. The childlike cub gets sleepy, hibernates, and awakens joyfully to spring. There are few words on each page, leaving ample white space. Pacing is well cued to the bamboo pen and watercolor pictures.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 On the eve of his birthday, Cowboy Ned misses being with family. Ned's horse, Andy, sets out in search of a cake to cheer up his friend, only to realize that companionship is the best gift of all. Darkly outlined in ink, the characters have a three-dimensional look, and the rich brown and blue hues of the watercolors suit the Western mood.

Reviewer: David Elzey