(2) K-3 Jack doesn't live with his dad full time, and lately when he stays with him, the house seems especially quiet. Although the text never uses the word depressed, this seems an apt description of Dad's state at the beginning of this story, which explores a wide range of emotions through expressive art. Then a green parrot named Jimmy appears on the doorstep during a storm. The bird's presence immediately enlivens the interior scenes of Dad's home with bursts of color and energy. Dad gets a kick out of Jimmy, but Jack feels jealous, and he's annoyed by the parrot's antics. A dreamscape, notable for how much busier and more vibrant it is than previous spreads, shows Jack's bedroom overrun by birds, which he dispatches by opening a window. When Jack awakens, the window actually is open, and a bright green feather rests on the sill. Without waking his dad, Jack puts on a red hoodie (à la Little Red Riding Hood) and ventures out into the rain to search for Jimmy. He doesn't encounter any wolves, but he seems lost and hopeless in an affecting image where his small form huddles at the base of a tree. Then across the spread strides Dad, umbrella aloft. The page-turn shows Dad wrapping Jack in an embrace, and closing scenes offer a hopeful portrayal of how Jimmy has changed their lives and how he might surprise them again.

Reviewer: Megan Dowd Lambert | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2021

(3) K-3 When nature-loving Mae moves to the city, she struggles to find an urban replacement for the garden she's left behind. Eventually a bird leads her to a shop bursting with vibrant plants, which inspires Mae to plant a small sprout. A familiar story is bolstered by lyrical storytelling and delicate watercolor illustrations contrasting the drab, gray city with the verdant plant store--and, eventually, Mae's apartment-sized garden.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(4) PS Reptilian preschooler Alfie undertakes detour-filled preparations for bedtime (Lost Sharkie) and a playdate (Hurry Up), all under his mother's gentle guidance. While the minimalist, all-dialogue text perfectly encapsulates distractible Alfie and his patient mom, the absence of speech bubbles may make it difficult for young readers to track. Ink and collage illustrations capture Alfie's infectious energy. Review covers the following titles: Alfie's Lost Sharkie and Hurry Up, Alfie!.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(4) PS Reptilian preschooler Alfie undertakes detour-filled preparations for bedtime (Lost Sharkie) and a playdate (Hurry Up), all under his mother's gentle guidance. While the minimalist, all-dialogue text perfectly encapsulates distractible Alfie and his patient mom, the absence of speech bubbles may make it difficult for young readers to track. Ink and collage illustrations capture Alfie's infectious energy. Review covers the following titles: Alfie's Lost Sharkie and Hurry Up, Alfie!.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(2) K-3 After a gust of wind transports her to the big city, suburban chicken Peggy explores her new surroundings. Walker's ink and photo-collage art is full of clever details that add levity to the story. The subtle color palette remains constant, regardless of Peggy's surroundings, exuding a calm throughout that is emulated by the varied illustration formats, the text, and Peggy herself.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2014

(3) PS In each of these playful books, young zebra Ollie announces, in lilting rhyme, what he loves about the title activity. Delicately inked illustrations with lots of white space portray Ollie and his dog, Fred, as they romp from beach to bathtub to bed. The volumes are pleasingly simple and easy to follow. Review covers these titles: I Love to Dance, I Love to Sing, and I Love Vacations.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) PS In each of these playful books, young zebra Ollie announces, in lilting rhyme, what he loves about the title activity. Delicately inked illustrations with lots of white space portray Ollie and his dog, Fred, as they romp from beach to bathtub to bed. The volumes are pleasingly simple and easy to follow. Review covers these titles: I Love to Dance, I Love to Sing, and I Love Vacations.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) PS In each of these playful books, young zebra Ollie announces, in lilting rhyme, what he loves about the title activity. Delicately inked illustrations with lots of white space portray Ollie and his dog, Fred, as they romp from beach to bathtub to bed. The volumes are pleasingly simple and easy to follow. Review covers these titles: I Love to Dance, I Love to Sing, and I Love Vacations.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) PS Young zebra Ollie bakes banana bread and goes to the park with his dad; with his mom he plays with butterflies and hides in the grass. These simple shared activities effectively speak to the love between Ollie and his parents. The books' small trim size and pleasing rhymes combined with their spare, soft-hued ink illustrations give the stories an intimate feel. Review covers these titles: I Love My Dad and I Love My Mom.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) PS In his fourth story, young zebra Ollie spends his birthday with friends--a duck, giraffe, lion, tiger, and Fred, his dog. In rhyming text, Ollie describes what specifically he loves about birthdays: "I love green balloons / and party tunes." Walker uses colored inks and a delicate hand to create kid-friendly characters in this winning birthday-themed book.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) PS Young zebra Ollie bakes banana bread and goes to the park with his dad; with his mom he plays with butterflies and hides in the grass. These simple shared activities effectively speak to the love between Ollie and his parents. The books' small trim size and pleasing rhymes combined with their spare, soft-hued ink illustrations give the stories an intimate feel. Review covers these titles: I Love My Dad and I Love My Mom.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) PS Ollie the zebra loves Christmas: setting up the crèche; hanging ornaments; cake-baking with Nanna; and listening for Santa. The handwritten-looking typeface and simple watercolor illustrations are set against ample white space, for a crisp, clean look. And though the rhymes occasionally stumble and the story reads like a list, it's still a gentle celebration of Christmastime and friendship.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty