(2) PS Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte. In this entertaining (if unattributed) update of the classic Yiddish folktale "It Could Always Be Worse" (see Margot Zemach's 1976 version for the gold standard), two kids complain that it's too crowded in the back seat of Mom's car--what she calls her "gracious-spacious automobile"--as they drive into town. "'I'm squished,' said Max. 'Move over, Molly.' 'I'm squashed,' said Molly. 'Move over, Max.'" Unmoved, Mom proposes a solution: "Too tight for two? I know what to do." She stops to, sequentially, pick up Peter Jeeter with his piglet, who are waiting for the bus; Dolly Waddle with her two ducklings, walking to the Duck Pond; and Inch Pinch with her three puppies, whose quadracycle has a flat tire. (The lively pencil-and-digital illustrations portray a community of both human and animal residents.) Max and Molly keep grumbling, but they eventually catch on, and when they spot Scooter Mooter and his four calves by the side of the road, they hold their tongues. The schooled siblings continue to "hush-mush" as Mom drops her passengers off at their respective destinations. And after a pleasant time shopping at the outdoor market, including a "sweet treat," Max and Molly are only too happy to stretch out in the back of what they, too, now term their "gracious-spacious automobile." Rector's hyphenated-rhyme-laden text may be a bit much for some, but the humorous situation, cumulative action, abundance of audience-pleasing animal sounds ("QUACK QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! OINK OINK! WOOF"), and well-earned resolution should make ­readers glad to go along for the ride.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte. For James, balloons are allegorically each filled with a memory, hence it's worrisome when his grandfather--who "has more balloons than all of us together!"--starts "having trouble holding onto his" (repeating himself, losing the conversational thread). The ingeniousness of this introduction to memory loss extends to its illustrations: color is reserved for the balloons, which, when presented outsize, contain scenes from characters' reminiscences.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte. This slice-of-life illustrated novel is a standalone sequel to Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire. Writerly Cilla negotiates a third wheel's intrusion into her relationship with BFF Colleen, learns about her Chinese American heritage, serves as a flower girl, and attempts to teach her baby sister to say her name. Charming Cilla is as believably enthusiastic about life (and cake) as she is conflicted about friendship.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte. Only child to a white mother and Chinese American father, eight-and-a-half-year-old Cilla isn't thrilled to be getting a sibling. Worried that "The Blob" will cause her family (including her grandparents, with whom she's close) to ignore her, Cilla decides to write a bestseller that will maintain her top status. Cilla's liveliness, vulnerability, and thoughtfulness make her an endearing and entertaining narrator. Winsome black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout.

Reviewer: Monica Edinger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017