(3) K-3 Illustrated by Johanna Wright. Latham uses a poem of her own as the source for her "'nestlings'--the name I've given the small poems nesting inside the big poem." This book features 161 of those small poems, organized into seven themed sections, including "Time," "Only Human," and "Places Seen and Unseen." Showcasing brevity's effectiveness, the poems' moods range from whimsical to contemplative. Playful digital drawings with gray-tone ink washes introduce each section and appear sporadically throughout the pages. Tips on "How to find nestlings" and an index of poem titles conclude this lesson in playing with language.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Johanna Wright. Lewis's parodies of famous poems are as much homage as humor. Though his scansion isn't perfect, his intentions are commendable, and many of the verses even provide deeper understanding of the original poetry. Carl Sandburg's "Fog" sings a duet with Lewis's "Hail"; Issa's toad converses companionably with Lewis's tiger. Expressively cartooned acrylics complement the playful text with characters of many colors and species.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine series. Illustrated by Johanna Wright. Ten-year-old Celie adjusts to a new apartment and school in this third volume (Friendship Over; Secrets Out!), once again told through diary entries, notes, and lively sketches. Drama surrounding old and new friends as well as her sister's boyfriend mixes with more humorous moments and Celie's sweet, mutually supportive relationship with her grandmother.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(2) 4-6 Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine series. Illustrated by Johanna Wright. Ten-year-old Celie (Friendship Over!) continues her ultra-honest (and at times unintentionally funny) journal. Here she's dealing with changing friendship dynamics; older sister Jo surreptitiously texting--and possibly more--with a boy; and, most worrying, her grandmother's worsening memory problems. Celie's voice is fresh, unselfconscious, and emphatic. Much of the book's considerable humor, and pathos, are communicated in Celie's heartfelt sketches, diagrams, and notes.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2015

(2) 4-6 Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine series. Illustrated by Johanna Wright. For her tenth birthday, Celie receives a journal, in which she relates her friendship and family woes (best friend Lula has suddenly become mean; Granny starts acting strangely) through authentic-sounding entries, drawings, and a variety of notes and letters. Celie navigates her troubles in a manner both satisfying and believable; readers can look forward to more of Celie's heartfelt, funny diaries.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2015

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Johanna Wright. While her parents are still delivering their safety warnings, Bonnie rides off on her new bike, climbing over bridges and mountains and visiting the Grand Canyon. The homey ink and acrylic landscapes show that the whole adventure takes place in Bonnie's backyard. Energy springs off the page--it's no wonder Bonnie wants to ride without training wheels...or even training.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2012

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Johanna Wright. Clover Twig, housekeeper to a witch, and her friend Wilf set out to find Clover’s toddler brother, spotted entering the nightmarish Perilous Path. This sequel (Clover Twig and the Magical Cottage) is as lighthearted as its predecessor. The colorful cast of characters competes with a clever if somewhat uneven plot for attention, but fans will enjoy reading about Clover’s further adventures.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Johanna Wright. In this lighthearted fantasy, witch sisters Mrs. Eckles and Mesmeranza have a long-standing feud over property rights. Mesmeranza appears invincible, but Mrs. Eckles has two secret weapons--Neville, an extremely nasty cat; and our hero, Clover, a sensible and tidy ten-year-old cook and cleaning lady. A rambunctious plot, lashings of corny and delightful wordplay, and an original supporting cast contribute to the fun.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009