(3) 4-6 Adapted by Natalie Andrewson. Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. This telling follows Hoffmann's original story, which is a lot more involved--and trippy--than the popular ballet adaptation. The graphic novel format works well to convey and contain that weirdness; Andrewson's accessible cartoon illustrations help mitigate the tale's scarier moments (Drosselmeier on the clock, the Mouse King). In an author's note, Andrewson discusses her approach to the oft-told story: "I was completely sucked into this dark, bizarre story with a girl's imagination at its core... I connected deeply with Marie in the moments when she was forced to hide her dream world within herself."

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Orchard Novel series. Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. In the third Orchard novel, Olive, Peter, Lizzie, and Sarah are excited for Garrison Orchard's zombie hayride. But Olive's skepticism about the paranormal threatens the tight-knit quartet. Set in small-town New England, a diverse cast includes Olive's two dads, a lesbian mayor, and townsfolk of various racial/cultural backgrounds. Sweet and fast-paced with a touch of the supernatural, this friendship story will appeal to established fans and new series readers.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Orchard Novel series. Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. Sarah and her lifelong BFF Lizzie try to earn enough money at the Garrison Family Orchard ice cream stand to host a zombie hayride. But will their friendship be ruined by the arrival of twins Olive and Peter? Set in a small New England town, this well-paced story has a sweet moral and notable diversity, including the biracial protagonist and the twins' two dads.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 4-6 Orchard Novel series. Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. New-to-town Peter feels left out when twin sis Olive spends more time with her new friends from Garrison's Apple Orchard (Ice Cream Summer). Through adventures both real and surreal, Peter learns the value of friendship and speaking up for himself. Fans of the realistic predecessor may find this sequel's detour into video-game fantasy somewhat jarring; still, the quick-moving illustrated plot has young-middle-grade appeal.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. Pixie (The Secret Destiny of Pixie Piper) and her pet goose, Destiny, head to Chuckling Goose Farm, a summer camp for Mother Goose rhymers. There Pixie and other girls bake "wishing cakes" to fulfill their sacred mission: "keeping hope alive in the world." Worries of fitting in and the potential return of a nemesis don't dampen Pixie's plucky spirit in her second heartwarming if saccharine romp.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. A girl with a talent for rhyme learns that she is a descendant of Mother Goose. Evil witches, not-so-nice classmates, and new pet responsibilities keep her on her toes throughout this episodic (and sometimes unfocused) romp, but family and friends come first. Black-and-white spot illustrations and "Ye Olde..." chapter headings make the story at once relatable, magical, and tongue-in-cheek.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. In this pastiche of the classic country-house mystery, aspiring young detective Tabitha Crum, along with her pet-mouse sidekick and five other children, is invited to a mysterious countess's ghost-ridden Lake District manor. The dark humor, arch tone, and Dahl-like secondary characters wear thin in an overstuffed plot; the prose is lively, however, and Tabitha is a sympathetic heroine.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis