(4) K-3 Funny Bone Readers: Dealing with Bullies series. Illustrated by Debbie Palen. This timely easy-reader series illustrates applicable ways for kids to deal with bullies, from standing up for friends (On-Again) to being yourself (Go, Billy). Relatable situations and mostly realistic dialogue help make the purposeful character-building stories go down easy. Each book's illustrations are bright and story-appropriate. "Big Questions" ("Why was Bear being mean to the others?") and "Big Words" (brief glossaries) are appended. Review covers these Funny Bone Readers titles: Bear's Bad Day, Go, Billy, Go!, How to Deal with Bullies, The On-Again, Off-Again Friend, Stella...Almost, and The Fable of the Bully Dragon.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) K-3 Funny Bone Readers series. Illustrated by Debbie Palen. This educational storybook series teaches social skills: Penguin focuses on "Empathy/Caring for Others"; Band on "Cooperating." The teaching aspect is first-and-foremost, but the stories themselves are also mildly engaging, and the digital-looking illustrations give some personality to the characters. "Big Questions" ("What did Duck do to make his friend feel better?") and "Big Words" (brief glossaries) are appended. Review covers these Funny Bone Readers titles: Homesick Penguin and The Sunrise Band.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Debbie Palen. In this story for independent readers, Will (How Not to Babysit Your Brother) is excited to start third grade. But with a disaster-prone brother entering kindergarten, expect chaos. Will's helpful tips ("#2: Never let anyone see you in the hall with your little brother") and the exaggerated cartoon illustrations set the tone for this over-the-top story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Debbie Palen. An aunt and her fifteen-year-old niece provide forthright information about puberty, tampon insertion, pelvic exams, and other topics adolescent girls might feel uncomfortable discussing with parents and friends. The cartoonlike illustrations and conversational tone make this updated edition a friendly, reassuring resource as well as a thorough one. Ind.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(3) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Debbie Palen. Will regrets not paying full attention to his younger brother when Grandma falls asleep on the couch. One disastrous mess after another inspires Will to offer his own baby-sitting tips. The most important: "#5: don't let him out of your sight for even ONE MINUTE." Confident readers will enjoy the zany cartoon illustrations as much as the silly plot.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 Beginner Books series. Illustrated by Debbie Palen. Originally published in two volumes--Bennett Cerf's Book of Riddles (1960) and More Riddles (1961)--this collection contains classic riddles ("What is the best thing to put in a pie?") with the responses ("Your teeth") printed upside-down just beneath each question. Simple vocabulary and comic illustrations make this a good introduction for young comedians in search of material.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 The "Allowance All-Star Squad," a group of 166 children who served as the book's fiscal consultants, offers practical advice on what kind of allowance, if any, kids should expect; whether the money should be linked to household chores, and how to create a workable allowance plan with one's parents. The breezy text and cartoonlike illustrations make the book a nonintimidating introduction to topics such as budgeting, saving, and spending. Bib.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.