(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kass Reich. In this entertaining and elucidating story, some city pigeons are tired of being dumped on by humans: "They shoo us away!... No one appreciates us!" To paint humans a picture of life without pigeons, the feathered friends decide to fly the coop. Reich's art is compassionate to the cause as well as demonstrative (e.g., a sepia-toned flashback scene shows pigeons carrying messages to soldiers during wartime).

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Kass Reich. Lonely in a new town, Daniel Misumi meets an even lonelier talking fruit bat in this early chapter book. Together, boy and bat strategize its return to Borneo while also dodging a callous neighbor, forging new friendships, and bonding over Star Wars. Humphrey makes the story's various absurdities seem only natural, and the gently rounded graphite illustrations and welcoming, large-font format match the sweet tone.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kass Reich. Dog Carson travels with his white-haired human, Annie, from Canada's west coast to visit Annie's sister in Newfoundland. With camping equipment strapped precariously to their "rattlebang" bug-car, the pair enjoys coast-to-coast provincial wonders. The lighthearted road-trip story's gouache illustrations highlight the dot-eyed companions' affection and the beauty of stops such as Lake Winnipeg and Quebec City. Map included on the endpapers.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey