(2) PS Mouse Mistletoe felt Christmassy as she trekked through snow to elephant friend Norwell's house to invite him on a walk, but he thinks it "looks cold out there." This inspires Mistletoe to make Norwell a very special, very big Christmas present to wear outdoors: a rainbow-striped knitted onesie. The cheerful digital illustrations' mix of spot art, full pages, and spreads helps Hills pace his engaging narrative, especially when emphasizing the passage of time as Mistletoe knits and knits with all that yarn until Christmas Eve. This sweet friendship tale reminds readers that "a truly special gift comes not only from the heart but also from the hands," a message that should keep us all as "toasty and warm" as Norwell.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(2) K-3 In this latest entry (and first early reader) about the feathered friends, Duck presents a package to Goose, who thinks the box is the present: "This box is not your gift." "It is not mine?" A page-turn brings resolution: it is your box, Goose, but look what's inside. Age-appropriate foreshadowing, vocabulary repetition, visual jokes and recognizable emotions in unfussy illustrations, and a good payoff make for an enjoyable outing.

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

(3) K-3 Step into Reading series. In his latest easy reader, Rocket the dog befriends a butterfly, who soon flies into the forest. Rocket is afraid of the forest, but if the butterfly is brave enough to go inside, why can't Rocket be? Adorably rendered in Hills's soft colored-pencil and acrylic-paint illustrations, Rocket is a lovable example for this light-handed lesson on the importance of facing one's fears.

Reviewer: Jessica Costello

(3) K-3 Duck eagerly anticipates trick-or-treating in his ghost costume on Halloween, but superhero-clad Goose is worried: their friend Thistle has warned, "Beware the swamp monster!" Ongoing hints at the monster's true identity (it's costumed Thistle) temper the scariness, as does the humorous, fear-facing confrontation. Textured illustrations in oil and acrylic paint and colored pencil surround the friends in warm fall colors.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(4) PS Dog Rocket and his animal friends take an alliterative, if random, trip through the alphabet. Each page includes a sentence showcasing the featured letter ("Fred frolics with fireflies in the field") and a cheerful illustration depicting the text. It's rather slight, but Rocket's many fans will enjoy visiting with these friends.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS In this satisfying story, friends Duck and Goose are good foils for each other. When Duck suggests a hike, Goose is reluctant to leave their meadow. However, once they reach the beach, Duck is the reluctant one, while Goose wants to explore. In the simple but pleasing oil paintings, land- and seascapes rendered in horizontal bands of color form the background for the friends' adventure.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Sweet dog Rocket returns, along with a cast of softly sold cuties. Rocket and his bird friend search for new words for their word tree (Drop It); Rocket selects "100 special things" for the hundredth day of school--but squirrel Bella can't resist eating a few items (100th Day). Hills's charming colored-pencil and acrylic-paint illustrations pair nicely with the absorbing easy-to-read texts. Review covers these titles: Drop It, Rocket! and Rocket's 100th Day of School.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Step into Reading series. Sweet dog Rocket returns, along with a cast of softly sold cuties. Rocket and his bird friend search for new words for their word tree (Drop It); Rocket selects "100 special things" for the hundredth day of school--but squirrel Bella can't resist eating a few items (100th Day). Hills's charming colored-pencil and acrylic-paint illustrations pair nicely with the absorbing easy-to-read texts. Review covers these titles: Drop It, Rocket! and Rocket's 100th Day of School.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 A yellow bird taught Rocket to read (How Rocket Learned to Read), and now the little black-and-white dog wants to write a story. Inspired by his new owl friend, Rocket carefully crafts a story until it's ready to share. Textured oil-paint and colored-pencil illustrations enhance the engaging narrative; a mix of spot art and full-page illustrations adds variety.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) K-3 Rocket likes to nap after playing. One day a little yellow bird disturbs the pup's slumber, insisting she's Rocket's reading teacher. He dismisses the notion at first, but eventually he begins to learn. When the weather turns cold, Rocket must continue practicing--by himself--until his teacher returns in springtime. Vibrant oil-paint and colored-pencil illustrations bring the story to life.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) K-3 Although Duck and Goose are good friends, Duck's new friend, Thistle, causes friction. Goose quickly tires of Thistle's endless contests to prove she's the best. Eventually Duck agrees, and the two trick Thistle into demonstrating she's the greatest napper. The characters are rendered in playful oil-paint illustrations that evoke springtime.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley