(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. Adam Melon, a.k.a. Melonhead, and best friend Sam are whisked off to Paradise, Florida, to stay with Melonhead's grandparents, and they quickly launch a search for a pet to bring home. Kelly's deceptively simple plot works on multiple levels and never loses the rhythm of Melonhead's hilarious narration. Johnson's spot sketches echo the rapid-fire pace of the boys' escapades.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. In his fifth book, Melonhead and best friend Sam damage a family heirloom and decide to raise repair funds by doing odd jobs. Undeterred by their lack of knowledge and experience, the buoyant troublemakers unleash their assistance on their neighbors and somehow manage to salvage everything in the end. Johnson's spot art reinforces the humor, and, while the plot lacks cohesion, this is an entertaining pick for reluctant readers.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. Adam Melon, a.k.a. Melonhead, finds himself stuck with a terrible fifth-grade teacher and also victim to his mother's new health kick. In order to avoid eating Mom's vegetable experiments, Melonhead hatches a plan that, of course, goes terribly wrong. And he's forgotten all about his homework! The universally boyish Melonhead is as relatable as ever in this light, humorous installment.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. In this Melonhead and the Big Stink follow-up, the title character and his friend Sam are FBI Junior Special Agents. They spy on a suspicious person, botch their investigation, and accidentally solve the wrong mystery. Melonhead continues to be amusing, but this set of misadventures is a little long and convoluted. Elderly friend Mrs. Wilkins steals the show.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. Accidental troublemaker and would-be inventor Melonhead makes some unusual friends in his second book. On his best behavior pending a much-desired trip to see the titan arum, the world's stinkiest flower that only blooms every seven years, he still gets into trouble at every turn. Lighthearted gray-scale illustrations depict the entertaining adventures of Melonhead and his knucklehead ways.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. In this Lucy Rose spinoff, energetic ten-year-old Adam Melon, a.k.a Melonhead, has a knack for trouble (e.g., he gets stuck in a tree, requiring a Jaws of Life extraction). Also a budding inventor, he helps with his class's "reinvention" contest, making something new from recycled materials. Adam's good-natured hijinks, shown in spirited black-and-white spot art, make for an entertaining read.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. Accompanying his ballet-dancing owners to work everyday, James the dog aspires to be in the spotlight. Although not originally chosen to play the part of the hunting dog in the company's performance of Giselle, circumstances soon turn in James's favor and his dreams of being on stage are realized. The amusing illustrations give James personality.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. Eugene, a middle child, tries to tell a story about his life, but his older sister Winifred keeps interrupting with scornful corrections. Finally he edits his siblings out and begins again, depicting himself as a blissful only child. The amusing illustrations alternate between Eugene's and Winifred's versions of the story, but Eugene's fantasy triumphs; readers will likely chuckle when Winifred disappears.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. While visiting their uncle in the Castle Apartments, Winifred and her toddler sister inadvertently go up in the elevator by themselves. Winifred decides the characters they meet--a dog, "a beautiful lady," and a gray-haired woman with a broom and a cat--are actually a monster, a princess, and a witch, all suitable castle denizens. The distinctive people in the illustrations add to the story's humor.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Gillian Johnson. When Winifred realizes the birthday party preparations are for her one-year-old sister rather than for her, she hides in the closet. Mommy's reassuring words and Nana's playful arrival ease Winifred's concerns. The humorous text is enhanced by pastel-colored illustrations that capture the busy household and outdoor winter landscape.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty