(3) K-3 After receiving a party invitation, Dora declares parties are “too loud and too busy.” The young girl thinks of several outrageous reasons to give for declining (a gorilla stealing her party outfit; a frog eating her shoe), but at her mom’s urging, she reluctantly attends. She finds the event chaotic, but when she meets another child with similar feelings, they find a quiet spot to enjoy the fun. Humorous and expressive hand-drawn and digital illustrations enhance a realistic portrayal of an introverted child’s feelings about socializing.

Reviewer:

(4) PS Illustrated by Kate Alizadeh. Bella's special blanket has become "sparkly, muddy, painty, smelly" from their adventures together. But Bella's new baby brother prefers Bella's much-loved blanket to his boring new one. While Bella's unrealistically mature solution does not solve the immediate problem, it does show a loving sibling bond; appropriately childlike illustrations show pink-cheeked brother and sister enjoying each other's (and both blankets') company.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith