(1) K-3 Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. In 1785, Dr. John Jeffries and Jean-Pierre Blanchard were determined to complete the first international flight by crossing the English Channel in a hot-air balloon. The voyage (apart from the cantankerous pair's arguments) is going well...until the balloon overinflates. Blackall's witty illustrations--including occasional comic-panel strips--feel plucked from the time period. An author's note reveals the creative adaptations of factual events.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. A help-wanted poster catches the eye of a redundant Parisian postman. "Are you nimble? Are you fast? Are you strong?" Lalouche is all three, and thus begins his career as a boxer. The stylishly funny text demands to be read aloud; the jaunty, kindly pictures in cut-paper collage cast lovely shadows, with the book design giving us ringside seats.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013