(3) K-3 Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. Bella doesn't care to follow the family rules--she much prefers her own: candy for breakfast, no hair-washing (ever), and no bedtime. Hoping to show her the value of obedience, her parents give her an equally wild puppy that she must help train. Bella's anarchic antics portrayed in effervescent illustrations are a match for this lively tale of tables turned.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Meisel. Raccoon Harriet decides to run away after she's punished for not cleaning her room. Her family members allow her space to be upset while gently helping Harriet see herself as part of a group in which each does her part. Meisel's lively watercolor paintings are a good match for Guest's story about a childhood frustration.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In their ninth adventure, best pals Iris and Walter venture forth from their familiar settings of home and school for a field trip to the aquarium. Guest drops in some foreshadowing, and readers can be certain that Walter will be lost, and eventually found. Davenier employs her minimal black line well to capture the excitement.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2005

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. When Iris and Walter's beloved teacher is sick, Iris's grandpa steps in as a substitute. The illustrations emphasize character traits, reflect the action, and give visual clues for vocabulary words. The familiar classroom offers a comfortable setting, but it is the natural language, neither dumbed down nor manipulated, that provides the best support for beginning readers.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. Iris borrows best friend Walter's precious harmonica (it was his grandma's), but when she looks for it the next day, it's gone. All ends happily when the harmonica is recovered and Walter is able to perform for his grandma. This sixth Iris and Walter story is well suited to new readers in both format and subject. Davenier's loose, curving watercolor and ink illustrations palpably convey Iris's distraught feelings.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In their sixth book, Iris and Walter have high hopes for Walter's favorite cousin Howie's upcoming visit. When Howie isn't very nice to Iris, the two best friends are distressed, but Iris's sympathetic family assures her Howie's behavior needn't affect her friendship with Walter. Guest's story rings true, and the illustrations deftly mirror the characters' changing emotions.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(2) K-3 Iris and Walter series. Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In previous adventures, Iris and Walter faced problems that could be solved; this time the situation can only be endured: Iris is sick the day of the school play. The story's language respects both the concerns and skills of beginning readers. Expressive watercolors suggest the constant movement of young children and capture character traits only implied in the narrative.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. When Iris gets a new sister, she's disappointed that all the baby does is cry. Iris's understanding friend Walter provides earmuffs, and her grandfather gives her "a day away." Iris and Walter's strong friendship is less important in their third book, but Guest continues to write convincingly about children's feelings. The sketchy pen-and-ink illustrations give the book a casual feel.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In book four in this series, Iris looks forward to sleeping over at her best friend Walter's house. When the time comes, she has fun at first, but she eventually gets homesick and asks to go home early. Walter and the adults are very understanding, and Guest reassures readers that Iris does spend the night on another occasion. Spirited pen-and-ink illustrations showcase Iris's lively personality.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In an opening chapter that's more a kid's wish-fulfillment fantasy than it is realistic, Walter helps his friend Iris ride the horse Rain, who is "fast and wild." That feat accomplished, the two bravely face the scary beginning of school; with Iris's support, Walter gets the teacher to stop calling him "Walt." Featuring spontaneous-looking illustrations, the second book in this series demonstrates Guest's understanding of the child's viewpoint.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Pollak. This chatty, accessible guide discusses everything from laser hair removal and embarrassingly big feet to masturbation and the definition of "cool." The narrative laudably emphasizes girls' right to choose from whether or not to wear a bra to whether or not to become a mother one day. Interspersed are short testimonials from adolescent girls and cartoon images of girls grappling with change. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. Unhappy with her family's move to the country, Iris misses her busy city neighborhood. After discovering Walter, with his treehouse and hat collection, she realizes the country has its attractions, too. While the situation isn't new, this exploration of a common experience rings true. Both the brief text and the energetic illustrations help give the characters distinctive personalities.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert