(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ron Barrett. Joe imagines that his new neighbor up in a treehouse is an evil creature. He transforms into Superhero Joe to face the creature, who, of course, is actually a nice kid who also likes bugs and snacks. Although the fear factor feels overblown, the feeling of needing courage to confront something new is universal. Barrett's comic book–style illustrations maintain the story's tension.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ron Barrett. Because his parents need his help, Joe--with his "Torch of Radiance" (flashlight), "Shield of Invincibility" (trash-can lid), and "Cape of Confidence" (bath towel)--overcomes his fear of the "Darkest Depths" (basement) to retrieve the "Staff of Power" (mop). The text is a little self-aware, but the setup is entertaining. Menacing furniture and clothing populate the shadowy corners of the comic book–style illustrations.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. The "plot" is the same as that in the author and artist's previous books: a girl's balloon sets off pandemonium when it escapes and leads the reader on a wordless tour of a featured city, in this case, Boston. Meanwhile, the child views elements of the collection, which replicate the goings-on outside. For those who haven't seen the first two books, this will seem original; others may find it repetitious.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. In this wordless book, a young girl leaves her balloon outside the museum before exploring the treasures within. The accidentally loosed balloon introduces the nation's capital in a series of riotous scenes, as in You Can't Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum. The deftly handled execution has culture seekers inside the museum studying works of art whose motifs are repeated in the scenes outside, to great comic effect.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2000

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. In this wordless book, a girl leaves her balloon with a guard before entering the museum. When the balloon sails away, the guard takes off in pursuit. As a series of chaotic scenes around Manhattan follow, the action is reflected in the works of art the girl is viewing inside the museum. Funny and elegant at the same time--thanks to a remarkably evocative line, a sure sense of timing, and variations in perspective and layout.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1998