(3) PS Illustrated by Luke LaMarca. "I am the...Master of Illusion!" A top-hatted squid presents a series of tricks; each one (e.g., "behold: the cuttlefish has turned to gold!") is denounced by his sister ("You KNOW that is not magic. Cuttlefish change colors ALL THE TIME"). Fish facts, squabbling siblings, gag-revealing gatefolds in bracing colors, a riotous incantation ("Smelly yellow jellyfish!")--the combination is magic.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Luke LaMarca. Terse and hard-boiled, this story of a parade balloon named Ray who makes a break for freedom lies somewhere between picture book noir and mock crime report. Suspense is created as we catch mere glimpses--an eye here, a patch there--of Ray. The story's theme is both subversive and (literally) uplifting. Bright illustrations celebrate roundness and buoyancy.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2010

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Luke LaMarca. While preparing to host a party, Witch repeatedly asks Cat for assistance. Cat, however, is too busy chasing Rat and otherwise disturbing the proceedings. The darkly humorous, Gorey-esque black-and-white illustrations make ample use of white space and shadow; the story's strong yet unconventional rhythm carries the silly tale to its inevitable conclusion, in which Cat pays the price for being disruptive.

Reviewer: David Elzey