(3) 4-6 Real McCoys series. Illustrated by Robbi Behr. In this satisfying sequel (The Real McCoys), a rift forms in the new partnership between sibling detectives Moxie and Milton McCoy. They compete to identify the sender of some anonymous letters to classmates--with spirited Moxie preferring a hands-on investigation while thoughtful, steadfast Milton analyzes clues--before realizing they work better together. Black-and-white illustrations once again complement the story's vibrancy and humor.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Robbi Behr. The narrator tells a brown-skinned boy reading a book "you have a story, too. You'll find it in the things you stop to notice." From there the boy embarks on a fantastical journey, from the Egyptian pyramids to Brazilian jungles to the moon to more mundane everyday destinations that trigger his creativity and curiosity. A tribute to observation and imagination, illustrated with vibrant digital collages.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Robbi Behr. Fourth grader Moxie McCoy and best friend Maude were "the perfect problem-solving duo" until Maude moved to California. Now Moxie is interviewing classmates to both find Maude's replacement (who, it turns out, is another McCoy) and determine who stole the school mascot. Exuberant text and black-and-white illustrations work in tandem, conveying a wealth of wit and imagination. Readers will eagerly await the next installment.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Robbi Behr. Initially, the young narrator doesn't like her new baby brother: she's forced to "whisper while playing Zombie Attack," etc. Would modern parents really not prepare their child for a new baby's arrival? Would this narrator really be surprised when the baby doesn't say "thank you"? Swanson eschews verisimilitude for laughs, which Behr dials up to eleven in her mixed-media art.

Reviewer: Nell Beram