(3) 4-6 School of Fear series. Illustrated by Carrie Gifford. When a nosy reporter threatens to shut down the School of Fear, the fearful fivesome must overcome their phobias to save it. A visit to another bizarre school--the Contrary Conservatory--delivers new comic twists to a familiar story line. The five "besties" (and a bungee-jumping ferret) bring a surprisingly touching solidarity to this third volume in the series.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Carrie Gifford. Spider Barry B. Wary loves to eat bugs--"Crispy click beetles! Mayflies in June! / A firefly soufflé by the light of the moon!" When he falls for a butterfly, he reconsiders his eating habits--for a while, at least. This funny, morbid tale features tastefully tinted black-outlined illustrations recalling the somberly fastidious work of Edward Gorey.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 School of Fear series. Illustrated by Carrie Gifford. This School of Fear sequel welcomes a new student whose fear of solitude ironically isolates her from her coveted "besties." It will take all the students working together to save the batty Mrs. Wellington and prevent the school from closing, thus leaving the children terrified forever. Although the characters lack individuality, the story's dark and wacky humor is satisfying.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 School of Fear series. Illustrated by Carrie Gifford. Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, and Garrison are enrolled in an unconventional secret institution, the curriculum aimed at overcoming the children's phobias. The story is weakened by imprecise grammar and overwrought prose ("A horrific desire to extol Theo on the rules of life...abounded as [Garrison] watched the boy blubber"). Fans of Lemony Snicket may enjoy the over-the-top twists.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross