(2) K-3 DeGroat gently subverts conventional storytelling and notions of heroism throughout this playful work of picture-book metafiction. The action begins on the title page when young Henry plops down next to his dog to read his copy of The Adventures of Robo-Kid. The comic's intentionally clichéd conflict is quickly resolved by its robotic ­protagonist. A series of double-page spreads then cleverly depicts two parallel story lines. Henry in the real world nervously prepares for a swim lesson. In the comic-book world, Robo-Kid, or Roby, drops the persona and heads home for lunch. Roby's discontent with the ­predictable superhero life leads the robot to ­literally escape the comic book, ­breaking the fourth wall (and panel border) between the super-heroic and real worlds. Although pint-sized and powerless in Henry's world, Roby agrees to help the hesitant boy with his swim lesson. But it's Henry who becomes the story's unlikely hero after Roby tumbles into the pool's deep end and Henry jumps in to rescue his new friend. Clear visual storytelling will help readers follow the narrative, thanks particularly to the largely horizontal panel layout and distinct illustration styles between the two settings. Subtle visual details, such as similarities between Roby's and Henry's rooms and families, strengthen the connection between the two protagonists and will reward multiple readings.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Gilbert's lost tooth is stolen by Lewis, who puts it under his own pillow, but the Tooth Fairy (a winged mouse) figures out who deserves a prize. The omniscient narration gives new readers a chance to know more than the characters do. Like the text, the illustrations of the anthropomorphized animal characters are humorous and relatable.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) K-3 A garbage-strewn, unshaded picnic area motivates Gilbert's class to work on Earth Day projects. Though at first he struggles to come up with an idea, Gilbert finds inspiration in what is "right in front of" him: his favorite tree. Fans of Gilbert and company will enjoy their characteristic humor in this book with an environmentalist twist.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 Gilbert's thrilled about April Fool's Day--until he's the victim of a barrage of jokes. Determined to turn the tables, Gilbert cleverly warns main prankster Lewis about a trick "I've been saving tjust for you"; this leaves Lewis paranoid and vulnerable to everyone else's wiles. The well-composed illustrations hide several seek-and-find surprises.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Opossum Gilbert forgets his bathing suit on a trip to the beach with his family. He hastily buys another one, which is too big, but he loves the "Surfer Dude" emblazoned on the front. Three short chapters and friendly illustrations bring beginning readers along for Gilbert's latest adventure--in which he discovers the perils of mixing waves and oversize swim trunks.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) PS Computer-manipulated photographs humorously illustrate dogs engaged in typical activities--but also involved in canine capers that fall far outside the realm of normal behavior (e.g., playing tennis, running on a treadmill). Lift-the-flap double-page spreads capture both the usual and the wildly inventive sides of a dog's life. An appended spread shows all the doggy models' names and breeds.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) K-3 Wanting Mom all to himself on Mother's Day, opossum Gilbert does what he can to get his sister out of the way. More than the homemade card, breakfast in bed, or chocolate ice cream, though, Gilbert's inadvertent babysitting is what Mom appreciates most. Gilbert's mixed motivations will resonate with readers, as will the comfortably recognizable images of Gilbert and family.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Gilbert and Lola's cousin is so determined to win the Easter egg hunt that he takes the special golden egg away from Lola. Gilbert outsmarts him, but they all eventually learn the value of sharing. Though the story is bland, readers will likely relate to dealing with a pushy older kid. The watercolors are done in an Eastery palette.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 In the seventh tale about opossum Gilbert, he's selected to be George Washington in a classroom play and fears that he will forget his lines. So that he can practice at home, he borrows a tricornered hat without asking, then accuses "know-it-all" Philip of taking it when the hat is missing the next day. Gilbert's anxiety will resonate with young readers, and the watercolors flesh out his animal classmates' characters.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(2) K-3 In his first time at sleep-away camp, opossum Gilbert is nervous about the camp ghost. Camper Lewis's bullying and a campfire story spook Gilbert, but after he bravely makes a nighttime trip to the bathroom cabin, he finds that he has scared Lewis. Gilbert's reaction to Lewis's fear is realistic--and satisfying. Expressively shadowy watercolors get the thrills and (slight) chills of a first camp experience just right.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2002

(4) K-3 In this fifth book featuring opossum Gilbert and his friends, Gilbert is partnered with boring Philip the tattletale for their class trip to Pilgrim Town. Gilbert tries his best to lose Philip, but in the end it's Gilbert who needs rescuing. Luckily, Philip is looking out for his field-trip buddy. Readers will recognize familiar situations and emotions in this rather generic story. The cheerful watercolors feature autumnal tones.

Reviewer: Shelley Woods

(3) 4-6 The nine-year-old budding thespian is given the part of an artichoke in the school play as punishment for bad behavior, but Annie saves the play when unexpected hitches arise. In Swamp Monster, Annie adapts her artichoke costume to star in a high-school production of a horror movie. Brief chapters, childlike dialogue, and lots of silliness will appeal to middle-grade readers. Realistic drawings add to the books' appeal.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 The nine-year-old budding thespian is given the part of an artichoke in the school play as punishment for bad behavior, but Annie saves the play when unexpected hitches arise. In Swamp Monster, Annie adapts her artichoke costume to star in a high-school production of a horror movie. Brief chapters, childlike dialogue, and lots of silliness will appeal to middle-grade readers. Realistic drawings add to the books' appeal.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Preoccupied with Christmas activities, Gilbert forgets to do his homework over the weekend. On Monday, the resourceful opossum recruits a classmate who's in the same boat, and they do their assignment in an unusual way. In this enjoyable fourth book about Gilbert, the characters may be animals, but their body language is human, and the illustrations are full of familiar details.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 1-3 The spunky heroine of the Annie Pitts series auditions for a Burger Barn poster ad, but first she must survive Thanksgiving with her older cousin Mercedes and her pesky classmate Matthew, when a resulting turkey overdose threatens her audition. DeGroat's charming pencil illustrations join well-grounded characterizations in this slim, saucy chapter-book offering.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam