(2) PS Illustrated by Galia Bernstein. "While kids write notes to Santa Claus, / Sharks line up for Santa Jaws." In this silly sea-sonal tale, readers and listeners meet a great-white-shark Santa, hammerhead reindeer, and (what else?) elfin-shark elves. ­Bernstein's clear, cartoony illustrations bring the creatures' big personalities (and their big mouths) to life as they belt out carols and prepare toothsome treats. Heos's rhymes bounce right along, and by the end Santa's work is done. "Waving a fin, he roars a good night: / FISHY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, / AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE!" A brief appended spread provides more information about the featured shark species.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Galia Bernstein. "A dastardly dragon named Dreadful" threatens Hanukkah, but never fear: eight knights (a casually diverse company) are ready to "fix things with some deeds of awesome kindness and stupendous bravery." And so they do: Sir Alex carves a dreidel to replace a scorched one, Sir Margaret picks apples for applesauce with her presumably fireproof lance, and Sir Rugelach and Sir Isabella roam the countryside in search of...what turns out to be a not-so-dreadful dragon. (Fire-breathing, after all, can be a useful skill around a menorah.) The faux-medieval silliness is complemented with old-timey illustrations and heavily adorned initial caps on a parchment-white background. Back matter briefly explains the traditions of Hanukkah.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Galia Bernstein. When Monkey's cousin MeeMee needs a babysitter for her three children, Monkey and Elephant take on the job. What they lack in babysitting experience they make up for in heart, and the rules they make for their charges could also be rules to live by. Bright illustrations, a sweet story line, and a text with nice repetition and rhythm will engage confident beginning readers.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Galia Bernstein. In their fourth book, Monkey tells Elephant a secret: it's her birthday and she doesn't want anyone to know. Elephant's secret? He's terrible at keeping secrets. As the day goes on, it's harder for Elephant to stay quiet, but he finds a way to celebrate without spilling the beans. Newly independent readers will appreciate the expressive digital illustrations supporting the mildly entertaining story.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Galia Bernstein. In three short chapters, Monkey and Elephant set off "gadding," are given new hats, and leave Monkey's hat with Monkey's cousin MeeMee as a cradle for her new babies. The third book about the friends is, like the others, well designed for early reading: bright digital illustrations support and lead newly independent readers as they decode the simple, serviceable story.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Galia Bernstein. Friends Monkey and Elephant are very much alike. In the first chapter, each thinks the other is a copycat; when both get sick in the remaining two chapters, they discover that they also have some differences. Bright but somewhat flat computer-generated illustrations allow youngsters to preview the action before reading the words; the bold typeface and jewel-tone palette are eye-catching.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Galia Bernstein. Set in large, boldfaced text, three brief chapters present a blue elephant and a purple monkey as they search for shade, sing together, and challenge wildcats who want to make a snack of Monkey. These unlikely friends bicker, but as Monkey tells Elephant, "I like you just right." The digitally created art is sometimes static but aptly captures the text's humor.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute