(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bob Shea. A parrotfish explains the species’ special superpower(s) to an impatient hammerhead shark, including how it is able to consume coral with its "throat teeth.” That digested coral then becomes sand—or, in a reveal that will delight readers, “My poop grows beaches.” The stylized, cartoon-style illustrations and humorous text make the book especially accessible; the final page includes additional parrotfish facts.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bob Shea. Square is a bookworm; Circle likes to "bounce into the action." Nevertheless, they've been best friends "since they were a dot and a speck." When flashy newcomer Triangle arrives, a "wedge" is driven between them, as described in Colleen's clever, math-centric text. Shea's geometric illustrations give the spindly-legged characters lots of personality.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bob Shea. "New day on the farm / muffled mooing announces / a fresh pail of milk" is the first in a series of haiku that offer clues to a familiar animal's identity; the answer is revealed with a page turn. Bright, simple, well-designed illustrations and a repetitive format make this introduction to the five-seven-five form easy to grasp. An appended note offers additional information about haiku and syllables.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) PS Illustrated by Bob Shea. Caswell and Shea return to the format of Guess Who, Haiku and make it spooky. On each spread, a haiku plus spot art hints at a Halloween character. Turn the page for the answer and the next seventeen-syllabled riddle. A brief appended note explains haiku basics. With its cheerful colors, welcoming smiles, and participatory pattern, this ghoulish gathering is more friendly than frightful.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(2) PS Illustrated by Bob Shea. A pear-shaped, purple-fur-covered creature speaks directly to listeners. "I'm no monster!" This not-a-monster's appearance and behavior belie his message; the cognitive dissonance between text and pictures is what makes the book funny. Shea's kinetic illustrations take full advantage of the silly premise and offer loads of character. Jittery lines and bold background colors make the pages pop with nervous energy.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2016

(2) PS Illustrated by Bob Shea. "If you turn any more pages...I WILL CHOMP YOU, BUSTER!" A monster bites, yells, and barrels its way through the book, trying to halt-by-chomping the reader from reaching its secret hidden in the back pages (it's cake). The silly-angry monster monologue is matched by bold, brightly colored illustrations for a temper-tantrum immediacy. The fast pace, funny faces, and silly secret make this a great read-aloud.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2015

(4) K-3 Step into Reading: The Adventures of Wedgieman series. Illustrated by Bob Shea. These goofy stories for independent readers feature Veggieman, a crime-fighting, vegetable-eating superhero. In the first book, our hero is mistakenly dubbed "Wedgieman" by some children; unfortunately, the name sticks. In Rescue, Wedgieman (he's embraced it) fights Bad Dude and returns peace to the playground. Kooky illustrations match the tongue-in-cheek texts, but some of the humor may soar above kids' heads. Review covers these Step into Reading: The Adventures of Wedgieman titles: Wedgieman and Wedgieman to the Rescue.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Step into Reading: The Adventures of Wedgieman series. Illustrated by Bob Shea. In this easy reader in cartoon panels, a lozenge-shaped blob and an oval blob take on a bush that has devoured their ball and encounter some friendship issues along the way. The pair takes a superhero- and ninja-approach--until they are distracted by a large cake. The stylishly understated gray and pink cartoons are deadpan and wry (an underpants joke included).

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) PS Illustrated by Bob Shea. Searching for a pet, Cave Boy brings home a woolly mammoth (too big), then a saber-toothed tiger (Papa has allergies), then a dodo bird (not housebroken). But the animals all help stave off a stampede, changing the minds of Mama, Papa, and Gran Cave. Shea's stylized illustrations, with their thick lines, abstracted human figures, and flat perspectives, resemble Chris Raschka's.

Reviewer: Kathleen T. Horning | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2012

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bob Shea. Goldfish Gilbert longs for a pet. A visiting dog is energetic but loud; a neighboring mouse is cute but quiet; a buzzing-by fly is friendly but, sadly, gets swatted (a bit shocking). When all hope seems lost, a twist reveals the perfect pal. The well-paced story, with crisp illustrations, will hook readers into rooting for the endearing, bright-eyed swimmer.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan