(2) K-3 "Everyone" says that Archie and Zack love each other--everyone, that is, but the two boys in question, who are boon companions at school and at play but seem unable to put their mutual affection into words. Three times, Archie tries to write Zack a love note; three times, he fails to send it because "something's missing." That the something is an oral declaration only becomes apparent when it actually occurs, although, oddly, the boys keep their feelings in the third person, saying "Zack loves Archie" and "Archie loves Zack." Men, amirite? The story is oblique and more than a little adult, but the animated pictures (watercolor and ink and pencil) of the boys and their supportive schoolmates are filled with friendship and fun and leave no doubt that Archie (who is white) and Zack (who is brown) belong together.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2021

(2) K-3 In a thoughtful effort to prepare best friend Roger for her move, Adelia teaches him how to climb a tree and "how to fall"; her speech-balloon instructions make good guidelines for life as well as tree-climbing. Circular illustrations show soft objects Adelia collects--for the pile Roger finally falls into with a smile. This tender story is an eloquent metaphor for saying goodbye and allowing memories to cushion the blow.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2019

(3) K-3 I Like to Read series. As Tate draws pictures, he ignores his dog playing nearby. On alternating spreads, readers can spot lots of objects ("But there is no Pup") within the pictures Tate has drawn. Tate learns his lesson after Pup runs away ("Now Tate will always draw Pup"). With its very simple text, detailed illustrations, and interactive picture-puzzle elements, this easy reader will keep new readers' interests.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Dragon Gingersnap and dinosaur Freddie (Freddie & Gingersnap) take flight together, hoping to meet a cloud; instead they encounter two children in an airship, who pepper the creatures with questions and enchant them with magic and song. Vibrant, rich colors illuminate the fantastical world but also highlight the story's oddities. Though this adventure is puzzling, fans of the duo may enjoy their return.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) K-3 Dragon Gingersnap and dinosaur Freddie become unlikely friends in a fantastical world populated by various brightly colored, odd-looking creatures who lurk in the equally odd vegetation. Freddie helps Gingersnap learn to fly, and together they explore the clouds. Kirsch's detailed illustrations are more interesting than the meandering story, but fans of gigantic reptiles, both extinct and imaginary, will enjoy these characters.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) K-3 The Chandeliers--a family of theatrical giraffes--put on quite a show night after night. Rufus Chandelier is too young to perform, but one evening his behind-the-scenes heroics save the show from an array of mishaps and Rufus finally gets on-stage recognition. The wacky story plays out smashingly in show-stopping, brightly colored line sketches of long-limbed giraffes in dazzling costumes.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Chester appreciates his multi-talented friend Forsythia, who can decorate elaborate birthday cakes, perform piano concertos, and grow prizewinning roses in winter, among other stupendous feats. Chester shines, though, when Forsythia falls ill. Intricate gray-scale illustrations with well-incorporated pops of vibrant color invite repeat viewing in this story about the give-and-take relationship shared between friends.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Rudy Toolittle abandons frivolous toy-testing to become more serious about the family business, choosing instead to catalog, inventory, and disassemble the playthings. When re-assembly proves tricky, younger brother Ridley comes to Rudy's rescue. Engrossing watercolor wash, graphite, and colored-pencil illustrations (rounded out with a search-and-find catalog of toys) provide a fanciful backdrop to a story about valuing playtime.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 Wanting to help when their family's posh department store is really, really busy, Natalie and Naughtily, twin sisters, hit all nine floors, offering their services--which no one seems to appreciate. Readers will pore over the intricately detailed watercolor and pencil illustrations of each floor of the department store while chuckling over the girls' ideas of helpfulness.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden