(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Huyck. After observing courteous human families from their cage near the zoo playground, three monkey children adopt good manners--to the dismay of their mother, who wants them "to behave like monkeys." When some rude, uncivilized children arrive, the zookeeper decides to release the well-mannered monkeys and cage the unruly children instead. Loose cartoon-style illustrations reflect the absurdity of the amusing tale.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Huyck. This book starts off strong: if kids ruled the world, "birthday cake would be good for you," "there'd be no such thing as bedtime," etc. The big finish, for which smooth digital illustrations show a multigenerational cast acting childish: "No one would ever forget how to PLAY!" It's rather a letdown, though: do kids really dread forgetting how to play?

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Huyck. Prince Maximilian talks incessantly, so his dim-witted brothers ask for a spell that restricts him to nine words. All is well until the finicky Flintians arrive in the kingdom, and Maximilian's brevity on the subject of their absurd customs nearly causes international disaster. Well-used speech bubbles prevent Maximilian's logorrhea from overwhelming the entertaining plot. Huyck lavishes his caricature-packed cartoons with hilarious detail.

Reviewer: Siena Leslie

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by David Huyck. Three unconnected comic-style vignettes feature ordinary children who encounter a witch, sea monsters in the bathtub, and a family of vampires on Halloween night. The spreads use words sparingly, allowing the muted but whimsical art to tell much of the story. More silly than spooky, this graphic novel will suit readers who would rather giggle than give themselves goosebumps.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller