(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kirstie Edmunds. In two silly stories, chipmunk Lulu and squirrel Bruno, imaginative friends who live on a playground, trick the mean playground cats out of their cupcakes and pretend to swing, slide, etc. while actually in time-out. The plot lines wander, but simple speech-bubble text makes this lengthy easy reader suited for shared reading; sunny digital art adds to the jovial tone.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kirstie Edmunds. When a monster loses his letter M (for "mean"), he becomes "Onster," incapable of being nasty. His friendly behavior results in ridicule from his fellow monsters but makes him popular with humans, and Onster decides his new personality suits him. The bouncy rhymes and digitally created illustrations are amusing, though the well-meaning lessons about individually and kindness are a bit obvious.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert