(4) K-3 Luke's parents are so preoccupied with the imminent arrival of his new sibling that he wishes two new parents into existence. While the Newbies give Luke their undivided attention, he finds that he misses his true parents. It's a fresh take on the expecting-a-baby-sibling story, but the hazy, shadow-drenched watercolors, which give characters overdramatized facial expressions, aren't a great fit.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) 1-3 In four chapters for new independent readers, Monkey (Monkey & Robot) continues to make a mess, and Robot helps him fix things, at the beach, in the front yard, on Halloween, and while telling time. Catalanotto has created two distinct and likable characters--unlikely pals who understand each other. Black-and-white pencil illustrations provide helpful visual cues for the easy-to-decode text.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2014

(2) 1-3 Four illustrated short chapters relate Monkey and Robot's tales of misunderstanding, cooperation, and friendship. Robot, though mechanical, is always up for an adventure; Monkey has a lot to learn; both buddies are equally likable. Readers looking for funny friendship tales but who think that Frog and Toad and other early readers are a tad too easy will find this duo just right.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2013

(2) PS Catalanotto creates an intrepid caped crusader for whom no question is too daunting or trivial to ask. Question Boy bests one everyday hero after another with question after question. Parents will identify with the plight of Garbage Man, Police Woman, Mechanic Man, etc. The scenarios build to an absurdist height until, finally, QB meets a worthy opponent who has all the answers and then some.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2012

(2) 1-3 2nd-Grade Friends series. Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto. Emily's Pop-Pop is coming in to talk to her class about Veterans Day. She's worried, though, because he has narcolepsy, falling asleep at unexpected times. Frequent black-and-white illustrations keep readers involved and move the story to its brisk resolution. Emily's love for Pop-Pop is warm and respectful, and it's nice to meet her strongly individualized, opinionated grandfather.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2008

(2) K-3 What appears to be a folktale retelling turns into a story hour gone amok after terrier Ivan bursts onto the scene. An unseen storyteller cries, "You naughty dog!" and starts over with a different story. Readers will enjoy pointing out signs of Ivan's imminent arrival. Finally, the storytelling focus turns to the terrier, but it's too late: Ivan's all pooped out.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2007

(3) 1-3 2nd-Grade Friends series. Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto. Emily and Vinni are best friends. When Vinni misses Emily's birthday party without any explanation, a rift in their friendship occurs. To make things worse, Vinni, jealous of all the post-party talk, ruins Emily's class pumpkin. The frustrations and emotions of both girls, shown in the sketchy black-and-white drawings, are realistic for the age group.

Reviewer:

(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

(4) PS This companion to Matthew A.B.C. and Daisy 1 2 3 feels more contrived than the previous books. How does Mrs. Tuttle tell her sixteen calico kittens apart? The creative watercolor art suggests that she gives them each a different colored ribbon, then gives each cat to a neighbor with the same color-associated job: "Blue kitten patrols with Francine, the police officer."

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(3) PS Mrs. Tuttle, the teacher from Matthew A.B.C., moonlights as a dog-obedience-school instructor and faces the earlier book's predicament: all of her students have the same name. While the premise doesn't seem as ingenious the second time around, Mrs. Tuttle's method for telling apart the twenty Dalmatians ("Daisy 3 plays three instruments") has goofy, upbeat charm, as do the watercolor images.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(2) PS After the principal wonders how Mrs. Tuttle tells the twenty-five Matthews in her class apart, we are treated to a cumulatively wacky alphabetical rundown of the traits distinguishing one boy from the next. "Nearly naked" Matthew N. wears briefs and a superhero cape, while "fiercely tense" Matthew T. inclines rigidly against his chair like a tin soldier. Sturdy watercolors illustrate this clever alphabet book.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2002

(3) K-3 Emily, who loves drawing, loses the first-grade art contest. She feels like a part of her has been taken away, and indeed she appears translucent in the watercolor illustrations until she begins drawing again at the behest of her best friend. Filled with touches of humor and authentically childlike emotions, this book explores the subjectivity of opinion and the importance of personal conviction.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler

(3) K-3 Space-obsessed narrator Tommy and his dad plan to watch the story of America's first space walk on the news together. When Dad returns from work crabby, Tommy goes to great lengths to secure his attention. The surreal watercolor illustrations (work-preoccupied Dad drives his car into the house) and fantastical text capture perfectly Tommy's inner turmoil.

Reviewer: Nell Beram