(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. As fourth grade winds down, Charlie learns that his best friend Hector, who's being bullied, is moving back to Chile. Grappling with the sadness of both, Charlie begins a well-intentioned if misguided campaign to prevent Hector from leaving. This seventh series installment is a complex portrayal of bullying and the importance of friendship. Black-and-white India-ink and watercolor spot illustrations highlight the action throughout.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Charlie asks his accountant father to speak at Career Week, hoping a successful classroom appearance will reflect positively on him. After boasting about his dad's serious math skills, Charlie's classmates misinterpret his father's career, and Charlie must face the half-truths his friends now believe. This sixth installment is an amusing tale of well-intentioned exaggerations; black-and-white ink and watercolor spot art is sprinkled throughout.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. In his fifth book, Charlie and his two best friends play on the same ten-and-under soccer team. The Pirates are rookies, but under the tutelage of composed, patient coach Mr. Carmody, the kids steadily improve their skills and gain confidence as a team. Peppered with black-and-white spot illustrations, Charlie's relatable everyday adventures and underdog athletic struggles provide plenty of giggles.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Charlie's family prepares to host a large Thanksgiving dinner; attendees include relatives and friends whom Charlie adores, plus one pesky younger cousin. The story, set within several days, showcases the characters' relatable features and flaws as well as the naturally funny moments between siblings and extended family members. Occasional black-and-white illustrations in ink and watercolor capture this family's familiar quirks.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Charlie (Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year) is disappointed when he's cast as the Nice Gnome--rather than the Evil Sorcerer--in the class play. Attempts to write his way into a better part fail, but the production illuminates Charlie's quick instincts and supportive nature. Strong characters, a fast-moving plot, and amusing black-and-white spot illustrations continue the fun in this second installment.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Charlie has high expectations for Halloween: he has a creative homemade bat costume and plans to trick-or-treat with friends during a sleepover party. When both the party and the costume fall flat, Charlie weathers his disappointment well, and he's pleasantly surprised by the emotional support of friends and family. Occasional ink and watercolor illustrations highlight the installment's funniest moments.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Hopelessly messy Charlie is assigned to neat and well-organized Mrs. Burke's fourth-grade classroom, and he's nervous. Charlie and Mrs. Burke get off to a rough start, but through the missteps and bad decisions, it's obvious that Charlie is a caring and thoughtful friend--something Mrs. Burke works to highlight. Sprinkled black-and-white illustrations capture the highs and lows of Charlie's amusing antics.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. When he finally goes to the unwelcoming janitor's room to search the lost-and-found for his hat, Justin discovers surprising things as he digs through the deep box, from items misplaced by his friends to treasures long forgotten. With playfully changing perspectives, Gustavson's oils add humor and dimension to this story that turns out to be much more than a quest to find a hat.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) 4-6 Having just moved from Arizona to Massachusetts, Ben unexpectedly makes friends with his teacher, a fellow nature lover. Soon Ben finds himself defending Mrs. Tibbets's land, and the rare toads that live there, from developers. Exploring topics such as environmentalism, friendship, and personal responsibility, the story is overblown but effective in getting across its message.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jack E. Davis. Dirty Joe and his ragged band sail the seven seas in search of dirty socks, proudly flying their foul booty from the rigging and sending searing smells soaring skyward. But Joe meets his match when he encounters Stinky Annie, the undergarment varmint and his long-lost sibling. Funny caricature illustrations enhance the text's rollicking rhymes in this big sister/little brother battle of wits.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Melissa Ferreira. When no one comes to Bear's party on the night of the full moon, he begins singing and dancing alone, and soon everyone joins the celebration. Harley, a musician-storyteller, offers ample opportunities for audience participation, though Bear's spirited song may make readers wish the music were provided. The illustrations, appropriately dark for a nighttime story, are alive with touches of color. An author's note is included.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert