(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Stacy Peterson. This self-help book offers a "toolbox of mindfulness practices" with directions for meditation exercises, visualization techniques, and other strategies for handling emotions, stress, and negative thinking. Stewart's persistent "MINDFUL ME" branding is distracting, and her tone can be preachy. That said, her descriptions ("Meditation is like a personal pause button") and the black-and-white illustrations are both kid-friendly, and the topics (technology, social media) are timely.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) K-3 All Aboard Reading series. Illustrated by Stacy Peterson. Annie is dreading second grade: not only are her two best friends in another class, but the new second-grade teacher's name is Ms. Toady, and rumor has it that she's as unpleasant as her name. The premise is slight and the happy ending predictable, but the prose is swift and clean, and the flat illustrations of a hip, enviably well-dressed cast will lure emerging readers.

Reviewer: Nell Beram