(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jim Madsen. In Nevermoor, Morrigan learned she's a Wundersmith, able to summon and shape the magical substance that flows all around. But the only other living Wundersmith is so evil that the Wundrous Society teachers now refuse to train Morrigan. Townsend stacks hazard upon peril for her beleaguered characters in this magical world, ensuring that the high-stakes action will keep fans riveted. Illustrated with occasional black-and-white spot art.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jim Madsen. "Cursed" child Morrigan discovers she's a candidate for the Wundrous Society, but if she fails any of the upcoming trials, including displaying a "knack" she's convinced she doesn't have, she'll be sent home to almost certain death. Full of fantastical invention, Townsend's debut novel reveals original conceits with each page turn. Ever-heightening stakes give the trials tension and keep readers guessing well into the denouement.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2017

(4) 4-6 Animas series. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Having Awakened to his Animas--Taleth, the last of the white tigers--Bailey discovers that he's the prophesied Child of War, "who will herald a new king for Aldermere." But enemies claim the throne for themselves. While the series doesn't stand out in the genre, its combination of classic fantasy tropes and a boarding-school setting should appeal to Harry Potter fans.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Using a question-and-answer format, Carson relates the story of Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to the civil rights movement. Brief but sufficient explanations are given to questions related to segregation, nonviolent protests, the March on Washington, the importance of Dr. King's philosophy, his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, and his assassination. Illustrations accompany the insightful text. Timeline.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Tales of the World series. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Travelling with his father and his two tamarin friends into the rainforest to gather Brazil nuts, young Eduardo is the hero of this Ecuadorian adventure as he discovers animal traffickers and eventually foils their plot. Realistic details flesh out the captivating setting, as do the colorful illustrations, though their digitally enhanced look is glossy. An author's note discusses animal trafficking and rainforest interdependence.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jim Madsen. This autobiographical picture book relates how, from early childhood, Hamlisch heard music in everything. The story focuses on young Marvin's disdain at practicing classical music instead of playing his own compositions, as well as his Julliard audition, which was punctuated with semi-comical mishaps. Madsen's slick illustrations follow the story closely. Lyrics to and a CD of "The Music in My Mind" is included.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Sacagawea's infant son, carried on her back, narrates this story. Napoli's prose is more evocative than explanatory: "We try dugouts / against the mighty spring current. / The current wins. / We buy horses / and ride…" The language, while poetic and imagistic, can be puzzlingly abstract. Digital illustrations with the appearance of expansive oil paintings depict the shifting landscape.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Young Ehrich "Harry" Weiss is entranced by the circus. He sneaks off with his brother to experiment with acts of his own, losing two teeth in the process. Details like Harry's interest in picking locks help set the stage for his future life as Houdini. The story also stands alone as a tale of boyish hijinks, reflected in Madsen's spirited black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jim Madsen. This book presents several myths about the Norse god Thor. The sections first introduce the god himself, his rivals the giants, and his family before spinning them all together into tales about his various deeds. The illustrations are a mixed bag, with some looking serious and others more cartoonish, but they all help bring the adventures to life. Reading list. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Six interrelated stories follow the everyday adventures of Ray Halfmoon, a contemporary Seminole-Cherokee boy who lives with his grandfather in Chicago. The writing is warm and lively; the situations are sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant; and Ray and Grampa's loving relationship is depicted believably and without sentimentality. Realistic black-and-white drawings illustrate the text.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano