(2) K-3 Translated by Elisabeth Lauffer. Jacob could fly before he could crawl--an abnormal feat for a human child. Once his parents got over the initial shock, they began to enjoy the many benefits of having a son who could fly. When the family decides to take a Mediterranean vacation, they're able to save on airfare, as Jacob insists on flying there himself. Along the way, he encounters fifteen cows, has a bite to eat with thirty-one squirrels, and joins a flock of eighty-three birds. When one of the birds is caught by a bird-catcher, Jacob comes up with a plan to rescue his new friend. Disguising himself with feathers and a tied-on beak, Jacob is able to fool the bird-catcher into believing he is the rarest of birds. The man quickly grabs his net and runs outside just as the remaining eighty-two birds swoop into the house to set free each and every feathered friend in the man's collection. After a small celebration, Jacob finally arrives at his destination, where his parents have been patiently awaiting him. The book's illustrations, rendered in Japanese ink, crayon, and inkpen, are charmingly old-fashioned and playful. Jacob's adventure is exciting, and the story is filled with child-pleasing details (for instance, the contents of Jacob's backpack: "cheese sandwiches, water, and a compass--just in case").

Reviewer: Hill Saxton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(4) K-3 A boy imagines he's a soccer hotshot as he runs errands with his mom, washes the dishes, and plays a game with friends. The tongue-in-cheek illustrations tell another story, showing, for example, the "undefeatable" wannabe going up against an unmovable adult. At times the boy looks too old and the story goes on too long, but the text/art interplay is genuinely funny.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) K-3 A self-confident bear runs through the list of what he likes about himself--e.g., "I'm beautiful. / I enjoy the little things in life..."--while admitting in the end that he sometimes feels "absolutely alone" and needs a friend. Though this small square book's distinctively lined cartoon art is child-friendly, the boosterish text seems geared to an adult audience.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann