(1) K-3 Friendly, direct-address text covers detailed information about firefighters' equipment, training, daily tasks, and helpful skills to have or cultivate. The writing is clear and specific; the expansive, colorful acrylic illustrations, including labeled diagrams, are themselves quite informative. Firefighters' camaraderie comes through clearly; while the disaster-scenario scenes aren't frantic, neither are they unrealistically downplayed. Back matter includes an interview with a retired fire chief, including questions both from McCarthy and from children. Websites.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(2) K-3 In 1987, a barge loaded with 3,186 tons of garbage takes off from New York for North Carolina. Public outcry at numerous ports of call denies the barge permission to land. However, the episode wakens a national consciousness about reuse and recycling, further explored in an entertaining and informative back-matter discussion. McCarthy's illustrations set the historical scene with her trademark caricaturish bug-eyed characters. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2018

(2) K-3 McCarthy mixes the zany events of the first Olympic marathon on American soil (cheating runners, contaminated water, pilfered peaches, strychnine poisoning) into another appealing informational picture book. The colorful cast of characters is rendered in McCarthy's recognizable cartoonlike acrylic illustrations, which follow myriad subplots, including one athlete being chased off course "by an angry dog" and another stopping to pig out at an apple orchard.

Reviewer: Sam Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(3) K-3 Ear-protectors had existed since the early 1870s, but Chester Greenwood improved the earmuff; he received a patent in 1877 at age nineteen. Thus, his is not the story of an inventor but one of how inventors often improve upon previous patents. McCarthy's signature bug-eyed characters perfectly represent her subject's lighthearted, wide-eyed curiosity. Notes on historical thinking and patents are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider

(2) K-3 In the 1940s, Betty Skelton wanted to become a commercial pilot or to fly in the navy, but those avenues were closed to females, so she went on to aerobatic flying, always accompanied by her dog, Little Tinker. The sometimes choppy prose is balanced by a soaring tale, brought to life in illustrations featuring charming bug-eyed characters and a vivid palette. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(3) K-3 McCarthy recounts the engaging tale of Balto, the sled dog that led a team carrying lifesaving medication from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. The text delves into Balto's later life, which included starring in a movie, performing on vaudeville, and retiring to the Brookside Zoo in Cleveland, Ohio. McCarthy's recognizable illustrations, starring big-eyed, big-hearted characters, enhance the journey. Bib.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(2) K-3 In 1928 mild-mannered accountant/inventor Walter Diemer introduced bubble gum to the American public. This light-as-air biography covers a popular topic and a likable hero whose success comes through hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity. McCarthy's signature round-faced characters, with spherical insectlike eyes, suggest gumballs playfully rolling across each page. An author's note including interesting facts about chewing gum continues the good-humored theme. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2010

(2) K-3 "Welcome to astronaut school!" begins this succinct, peppy text that outlines the rigorous training a would-be astronaut endures before shooting into space. McCarthy's round-eyed cartoon figures take fitness and endurance tests, such as swimming while wearing flight gear. She also explains that not all astronauts perform the same tasks (some fly space shuttles, others repair satellites, etc.). Back matter includes quirky astronautics tidbits. Bib.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2008

(3) K-3 During the Great Depression, people needed something to lift their spirits. Seabiscuit, the washed-up racehorse turned champion, became the inspiration for millions. McCarthy's chunky acrylic illustrations, featuring big-eyed, blocky humans and equines, capture the excitement as Seabiscuit blows past War Admiral to win a big race. An author's note gives additional background. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) K-3 "After Pale Male was sighted near a pond in Central Park...it was clear that he was there to stay." McCarthy details the delight of faithful birdwatchers, depicting them (rather comically) as pop-eyed as her hawks. The caricatures are lively, and McCarthy's rendering of the city is rough yet evocative. Information about Central Park and an author's note extend the story. Bib.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2008

(2) K-3 This picture book biography gives readers context for the homage still paid to the bodybuilding champ and fitness guru. McCarthy's narration is simple and light-handed, illustrated with cartoony acrylic paintings strengthened by black outlines; black-and-white vignettes mimicking archival images are interspersed. A spread of suggested exercises gives readers a concrete connection to Atlas's oversized legacy. An author's note is appended.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2007

(3) K-3 Crooks with a mustache fetish have nabbed the Mona Lisa, and Jack must rescue her famous smile from certain defacement (of the handlebar variety). McCarthy's text is knowingly self-conscious--and funny. She hams it up with lines straight out of an old radio drama ("Is the Mona Lisa doomed?"). Noirish illustrations show off Jack's swell gadgets (insta-blimp cord, laser light, etc.).

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) PS Whenever young Patty drives her big red bus, she has the most fantastic adventures in the city, in outer space, etc. While Patty describes her brave deeds, the illustrations depicting her fantasies show Patty's younger sister looking at her admiringly and quietly saving the day. The book is winning, and the subtext about Patty's sense of superiority to her sister is a hoot.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 The Hubbles think their mangy mutt Ed has what it takes to win the county-fair dog show. To make sure he's ready though, they spy on their grumpy neighbor Mr. Pitt as he trains his perfect poodle Princess, then put Ed through the same paces. Both the self-conscious writing and the bold, colorful art are full of humor.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(3) K-3 George has an unusual habit--he likes to do everything upside down. The illustrations with George's enormous bulging eyeballs and crooked grin are captivating, as is his unique form of logic that leads him to insert upside-down-ness into every aspect of life. While his habit is a bit too easily "cured," George nevertheless is a character with staying power.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin