(3) 4-6 Emerson's body uncontrollably floats in the air at random. He dreads spending the summer at Camp Outlier for RISK kids ("Recurring Incidents of the Strange Kind"), but it turns out to be a life-changing time of adventure and camaraderie among kids who time travel, become partially invisible, etc. Typical camp pranks combine with deeper issues of identity, destiny, and friendship in this compelling story.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Following Edge of Extinction: The Ark Plan, friends Sky and Shawn discover a hidden lab working to save humanity and the dinosaurs. Meanwhile, human ruler "the Noah" has devised a nuclear plan that will destroy the dinosaurs and humanity. As Sky, Shawn, and their allies race to stop the Noah's plan, plentiful action keeps the pace moving, while engaging character interactions provide narrative depth.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brett Helquist. In this heartwarming standalone story featuring characters from the Doll People novels, antique Victorian doll Annabelle is upset when the humans make changes to Christmas traditions she's cherished. However, after an exciting (and dangerous) Christmas Eve adventure with her modern doll friend, Tiffany--portrayed dramatically in the detailed illustrations--Annabelle concedes, "I had the perfect Christmas after all."

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Eric Deschamps. In this future world, cloned dinosaurs caused a worldwide pandemic that nearly drove humanity to extinction. When twelve-year-old Sky discovers a message from her long-missing father, she and friend Shawn escape their underground compound, braving an environment of unimaginable danger while learning to trust newfound allies. Gripping action and mystery create a compelling adventure peopled by likable characters with believable interactions.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Brett Helquist. In their fourth book, the doll families are packed in a box and mistakenly put on a boat to England. Fans will be intrigued by a personality switcheroo: adventure-loving Tiffany Funcraft becomes terrified when three dolls fall out of a hole in the box and disappear; cautious Annabelle Doll leads the search. Black-and-white illustrations by new series illustrator Helquist are amusing and abundant.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2015

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Selznick. This third Doll People book introduces Annabelle's long-lost sister. Upset by the adults' cautious reaction to the baby, the kids run away. After some misadventures, they end up in a department store, where Annabelle solves a mystery and re-encounters (gasp!) Mean Mimi. The fast pace, sharp characterizations, and profusion of Selznick illustrations (including an extended wordless opening) make this a runaway success.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) 4-6 Over thirty-five craft projects use everyday, recyclable materials such as juice cartons, junk mail, plastic containers, metal cans, bottle caps, and old clothes. The text, photos, illustrations, and diagrams encourage kids to be environmentally proactive. Projects include aluminum-foil fish mobiles, plastic instruments, and fabric coasters. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Marika Hoe

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Selznick. In this sequel to The Doll People, the authors clearly know the contemporary world of dolls and the way kids play with them, mixing in action figures and dollhouse dolls with baby dolls and trolls and paper dolls and Lego structures. The book's broad humor and action balance with smaller, more personal dramas, and Selznick's illustrations, in their wit and profusion, tie it all together in one appealing package.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2003

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by David Cain. Ignore the overenthusiastic introduction and proceed straight to the inspired crafts: vine baskets, a woodland chess set, plant dyes, and more, for any taste or skill level. A color drawing of the completed project is followed by a materials list and illustrated step-by-step instructions, with emphasis on safety and conservation. An appendix goes into greater depth on gathering natural materials. Reading list. Ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Bothered that she hasn't seen her aunt Sarah for forty-five years, Annabelle Doll embarks on a search that takes her out of her protective dollhouse. She braves dangerous territory beyond the nursery to discover not only the answers to family secrets but also a whole new family of dolls. Black-and-white pencil drawings illustrate this lively addition to the doll-fantasy genre.

Reviewer: Cyrena Musset