(4) K-3 Illustrated by Elanna Allen. Sadie's drillmaster-like efforts to prepare her younger sister, Eva, for kindergarten by impersonating a teacher end up panicking the five-year-old ("I have math sheets to do and I don't even know what math is"). The book is superior to Eva and Sadie and the Worst Haircut EVER! because this one radiates sisterly love, but the soft-shades-only illustrations still lack depth.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Elanna Allen. Best friends Violet and Rose organize a small protest and draft a petition to save their favorite oak tree from being chopped down. Branford's characters feel authentic, portraying the innocence and hopefulness of childhood in their words and actions. Newly independent readers will benefit from the clear story construction and descriptive writing; sweet halftone illustrations accompany the text.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Elanna Allen. In her fifth chapter book, Violet discovers many interesting things in her new home, including a hole in a fence that leads to a potential "very good friend." This sweet story about childhood social anxieties and venturing out on one's own is perfectly paced and focused, supplemented by gentle black-and-white halftone illustrations. Young readers will find both girls easy to relate to.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Elanna Allen. In her fourth book, Violet's Theory of Leaving Small Things Behind comes in handy as her mother's wedding plans mean the family has to move. Older brother Dylan protests by moving into a space of his own (a tent). Violet's compassion for Dylan is endearing, and readers will connect with the heroine as she helps her family adjust to changes. Black-and-white illustrations share this story's warmth.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Elanna Allen. Violet (Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot) is worried about getting her tonsils removed. When the doctor casually mentions the fact that some people's voices change after their tonsillectomies, Violet's fear turns to curiosity, and she convinces herself that she will now become an opera singer. Many new readers will identify with the warm story, enjoy the accessible vocabulary, and appreciate the expressive illustrations.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2013

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Elanna Allen. In this third series entry Violet dreams up the Theory of Helping Small Things: "If you do something to help a small thing, that small thing might find a way to help you." Thoughtful, caring Violet has the right amount of seven-year-old self-absorption. This is an excellent example of a chapter book that takes new readers seriously. Expressive black-and-white halftone illustrations accompany the text.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Elanna Allen. Seven-year-old Violet knows that to obtain the beautiful blue china bird at an outdoor market, she needs a "brilliant plot." Violet is a true original: a complicated heroine for new readers who is neither stereotypically spunky nor silly. She needs her mother's gentle guidance but is able to solve little problems all by herself. Black-and-white halftone illustrations accompany the text.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012