(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Tara Anderson. Nine-year-old Jeannie and her new pet hamster, Sapphire, share narrating duties as both attempt to make sense of the world. Jeannie's father has recently moved out; she later learns he's dating a man. Friendship with a transgender neighbor helps Jeannie come to terms with the changes in her family. Brenna skillfully handles contemporary issues with a believable child's point-of view and plenty of gentle humor.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tara Anderson. Eccentric Mrs. Cosy works at an animal shelter. At the end of the day, all the animals are adopted except for one stripy cat, which Mrs. Cosy decides to adopt herself. There's not much to the story, but the rhythmic telling and funky textured illustrations highlighting the frisky kitty from a variety of angles will entertain cat lovers.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth