(2) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Boldt. Elmore the moose applies for his dream job as one of Santa's reindeer, but there's one problem: he can't fly. Santa eventually figures out a different job for Elmore that fits his skill set: Official Manager of Assorted Goodies, Treats, and Sugary Delights. Boldt's cartoon-style illustrations playfully embrace the absurdity of Petty's story (e.g., Santa hires a flying walrus named Abner to pull his sleigh). Handwritten letters between Elmore and Santa add to the dynamic page compositions, and entertaining North Pole classified ad pages for endpapers round out this "Christmas kind of story."

Reviewer: Caitlin Kling | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) K-3 Phillip's parents can't see his imaginary friend, tough-guy motorcyclist Brock, so they don't notice that they've left Brock at the fair. Luckily, Anne and her imaginary friend take Brock home; eventually, Brock and Phillip are reunited. Goodrich's clever watercolor illustrations add depth and heart to this friendship story.

Reviewer: Caitlin Kling

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Davies. Nerdy Birdy wants to fit in with the talented, attractive "cool birdies." When they make fun of his allergies and obsession with books, he finds a new crowd but eventually learns it's much cooler to celebrate others' differences. Cartoonish pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations portray birds of different feathers while emphasizing the story's important themes of avoiding labels and the need for honest friendship.

Reviewer: Caitlin Kling

(4) YA In a dystopian future society, teen Nettie Starling lives among a privileged minority on Bliss Island's reality show. When her co-stars (and friends) start to disappear, Nettie spies on the show's creators and discovers a deadly secret. Inventive world-building and a (somewhat bland) romance will hold readers' interest through Nettie's brave departure for the challenges of real life on the mainland.

Reviewer: Caitlin Kling