The Horn Book Guide

YOUNGER FICTION

Catalanotto, Peter , Schembri, Pamela

The Secret Lunch Special

56 pp. | Holt | August, 2006 | Trade ISBN 0-8050-7838-X $15.95

(2) 1-3 2nd-Grade Friends series. Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto. Small changes threaten to derail second-grader Emily. This promising new series captures moments of anxiety in an elementary school day. While adults might dismiss these worries, the authors show them for what they are: important, sometimes overwhelming concerns. Expressive black-and-white illustrations help keep the story straight; an eye-pleasing font and generous white space will encourage youngsters to keep reading.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2006