(2) K-3 Illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown. Each night of Hanukkah, our pet-desiring narrator receives a gift that makes little sense on its own: "a hard metal lamp," "a squeezy-squirty spray bottle." It all adds up to a (living) surprise, while the family members' gifts to Grandma add up to another surprise that gives the former its name. Increasingly creative latke varieties each night add some eight-nights-is-a-lot humor. Pastel-toned illustrations create a sense of happy family celebration.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(4) PS Illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown. Wally, a boa constrictor, is an enthusiastic hugger. When his animal friends at school are scared of his hugs, Wally expresses how sad he is. If Wally agrees to be gentle, his classmates will gladly accept his hugs. The end feels slightly problematic--Wally kisses everyone without permission because "he couldn't help himself"--but the expressively illustrated story could start discussions on consent.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown. In occasionally strained rhyming text, the surprise truths about fairy-tale characters' imperfect habits are revealed as examples to reassure children who may feel they're "the single kid who messes up the most." Although it's an important message, the examples vary greatly and some (such as cheating) may feel like an excuse for poor behavior. Bright, lively mixed-media illustrations add humor and sparkle.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown. A pair of socks who live in a child's drawer become separated but finally reunite as toys: "'A match made in heaven--now this is the life!' / said sock puppet Sosh to his sock puppet wife." The rhymes are by turns clever, corny, and punning ("Oh, darn it!" says one sock), and the confetti-colored art has a high-energy, low-fuss quality.

Reviewer: Nell Beram