(3) K-3 Illustrated by Edward Hemingway. Cat Mr. Fuzzbuster is obviously owner Lily's favorite. His fellow pets disagree, so the smug kitty writes a note asking Lily to decide. Her response is not what Mr. Fuzzbuster expected (though listeners might have), inspiring him to shift his perspective. The well-paced text--which includes silly pet names and a final twist--is complemented by humorous mixed-media illustrations conveying Mr. Fuzzbuster's emotional roller coaster.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Edward Hemingway. Between a school bully, an overprotective mother, and a visiting over-the-top goth teenager, Ben is having a difficult fifth-grade year. The first-person narration doesn't always sound genuine, but the story treats Ben's misery with refreshing seriousness, even if some of its causes are funny. Handwritten portions of text and grayscale spot art provide visual variety that should attract reluctant readers.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax