(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. From the creators of Just Being Audrey comes another picture-book biography on a beloved American woman. The narrative outlines Jackie Kennedy Onassis's accomplishments throughout her life, with emphasis on her grit, assured voice, and passion. (Satisfyingly, her relationship with JFK is just a small part of the story.) Elegant watercolor, pencil, and pen-and-ink illustrations complete the engaging portrait. Author's and illustrator's notes are appended. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 1-3 Fairy Bell Sisters series. Illustrated by Julia Denos. In these episodes in the adventures of Tinkerbell's younger sisters, Clara's magical powers manifest themselves at the annual Valentine's Games and Sylva and Poppy, given a magical dollhouse by Queen Mab, quickly discover that sharing treasure is challenging, even for best friends. McNamara's playful narration balances the sweetness factor, and her characters' realistic imperfections will resonate with readers. Gently shaded sketches add atmosphere. Review covers these Fairy Bell Sisters titles: Clara and the Magical Charms and Sylva and the Lost Treasure.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. The adventures of Tinkerbell's five younger sisters continue. When aspiring fashionista Golden Bell is invited to the mainland for the annual costume ball, she is challenged by unfriendly competitors but befriended by others. McNamara's wry narration tempers the potential sweetness overload, and Denos's whimsical details add complexity.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) 1-3 Fairy Bell Sisters series. Illustrated by Julia Denos. Five lesser-known sisters of the famous Tinkerbell are given their own adventures in this charming series. The first two volumes introduce Sylva and Rosy as they battle trolls and brave the company of children vacationing on their island home. Denos's spot art and occasional full-page illustrations provide visual interest and help break up the short chapters, which are perfect for emerging independent readers. Review covers these Fairy Bell Sisters titles: Rosy and the Secret Friend and Sylva and the Fairy Ball.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) 1-3 Fairy Bell Sisters series. Illustrated by Julia Denos. Five lesser-known sisters of the famous Tinkerbell are given their own adventures in this charming series. The first two volumes introduce Sylva and Rosy as they battle trolls and brave the company of children vacationing on their island home. Denos's spot art and occasional full-page illustrations provide visual interest and help break up the short chapters, which are perfect for emerging independent readers. Review covers these Fairy Bell Sisters titles: Rosy and the Secret Friend and Sylva and the Fairy Ball.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Julia Denos. Fourth-grader Annie, (Remembering Mrs. Rossi), is still adjusting to life after her mother's death. She gets a dog, Leo, and writes letters to him, journal-style, much like the late Mrs. Rossi's students wrote letters to Annie. Illustrated with doodles and lists, the letters allow her time to reflect and heal. Readers will enjoy watching Annie grow as a friend and a daughter.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2012

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. A girl wears her "favoritest" dress on her favorite day, Tuesday. When she outgrows the dress, Mama, with a "SNIP, SNIP, sew, sew" makes a shirt for the girl's new favorite day, Wednesday. The garment's subsequent iterations are each cherished until just one scrap--used creatively--remains. Though Ashburn's rhymes occasionally falter, their lightness is mirrored by Denos's girly mixed-media illustrations.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. From Audrey Hepburn's childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, to a film career, motherhood, and role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, this picture book biography encapsulates Hepburn's "certain something." Cardillo's prose is focused and elegant; Denos's paintings perfectly depict the delicate beauty and iconic style of her subject. Author and illustrator notes detail the lasting influence of Hepburn's achievements and charisma. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Julia Denos. Lexie's father asks a "friend," Vicky, and her two sons, to join their father-daughter vacation. All of a sudden Lexie feels like a visitor in her own summer home. Small details define the novel, told from Lexie's introspective point of view. Couloumbis wisely doesn't end with everyone living happily ever after, suggesting instead that Lexie just makes the best of her situation.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2011

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. A girl must cope with the death of her beloved grandmother, who taught her to garden and whose gardening gloves she ultimately claims as a memory-sustaining keepsake. At times Castellucci strains for a child's voice; still, the text is moving and the watercolor, pencil, and digital collage illustrations are awash with emotion.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. When Ida begins school she brings along her imaginary friend, Dotty. Ida withstands classmates' teasing and discovers that her teacher sympathizes with the unique friendship. Appealing brush-ink illustrations convey a contemporary school setting with an assortment of inventive imaginary friends. The book jacket features Ida lounging atop Dotty, a large white creature replete with red, sparkly polka dots.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Julia Denos. Esme survives her father's military deployment by helping her mother and remembering her father's rules (e.g., "The first person that hits is always wrong"). She deals with the changes in her home routine and counts the days until her father returns. Esme's first-person narration is not convincingly childlike, but it does draw readers into the protagonist's very difficult situation.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Stories of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Julia Denos. This story of the freed slave who became a preacher and a fighter for women's rights is told cleanly and clearly in this book for more sophisticated beginning readers. Merchant provides some historical context and the motivations behind Truth's actions. Many of the illustrations are atmospheric and powerful (though a few look unfinished). Timeline.

Reviewer: Becky Levine