(3) 4-6 Calvin Coconut series. Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. In this seventh book in the series, fourth-grader Calvin flies to the big island of Hawaii to go deep-sea fishing with Ledward, his mom's boyfriend. Salisbury's message about respecting wildlife is cleverly tucked within an edge-of-your-seat adventure story. The illustrated series continues to feature well-individualized characters, an uncommon and vividly described setting, and a plot both involving and humorous.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(2) 4-6 Calvin Coconut series. Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. Following a tropical storm, Calvin's friend Willy falls into the flooded waters; when Calvin realizes Willy doesn't know how to avoid the current, he goes in after him. This fifth book about the real-boy protagonist again features the series' funny stories and plenty of illustrations. The rescue is also grippingly described, and young readers will relish the extra drama in Calvin's life.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(3) 4-6 Calvin Coconut series. Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. In the sixth book in this Hawaii-set series, fourth-grader Calvin is creeped out by the new kid in class: Benny Obi wears dark shades, says he knows kung fu, eats bugs, and doesn't seem afraid of sixth-grader bully Tito. This illustrated series continues to feature well-individualized characters, an uncommon and vividly described setting, and plot lines both involving and humorous.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) 4-6 Calvin Coconut series. Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. Fourth grader Calvin must write an essay on the subject "What I Want So Badly I Can Taste It." What Calvin wants is a dog, but sixteen-year-old houseguest Stella, allergic to cats, insists she's allergic to dogs, too. Salisbury's Hawaiian setting and characters gain depth and interest with each series entry; Rogers's illustrations match the lighthearted but heartfelt tone of the engaging text.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) 4-6 Calvin Coconut series. Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. In the fourth book in the series, fourth-grader Calvin is worried his mom will make him get rid of his new pet, Streak, who's a really great but really stinky dog. Salisbury's characters, both kids and adults, are nicely varied and well developed; Rogers's illustrations bring them and the Hawaiian setting vividly and humorously to life.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) 4-6 Calvin Coconut series. Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. In this entertaining series opener, fourth grader Calvin has trouble staying out of trouble at home and in school. Things get even tougher when teenage Stella comes to live with his family. Through detail, incident, and dialogue, Salisbury provides a real sense of the story's Hawaiian locale. Rogers's frequent illustrations flesh out the well-developed characters and will help readers picture the setting.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) 4-6 Calvin Coconut series. Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. Fans of Trouble Magnet will welcome this second book about fourth grader Calvin's amusing troubles. Tired of being teased by Stella, his fifteen-year-old babysitter, Calvin gets even but then feels awful about it. He decides to get her a nice birthday present, but with what money? Salisbury's Hawaiian setting adds interest to this generously illustrated book for younger intermediate-level readers.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander