(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Alexis Deacon. Young Jim faces surgery and the possibility that he won't recover from an unnamed illness. His nurse suggests that his animal "finder," a lion, will help him return from this terrifying experience. Deacon's graphic-novel sequences successfully convey the strong emotions of Jim's inner life, and Hoban's allegory will resonate with the right reader. Others will struggle to make sense of the obscure, dreamlike story.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alexis Deacon. In this engaging turnabout tale, young monster Bobo is afraid of a human boy--"pink skin, orange fur, and all"--hiding under his bed. Bobo's grandpa gives him pointers on dealing with the unusual specimen, and when Bobo confronts the red-headed kid they end up becoming friends. The illustrations, featuring atmospheric reds, blacks, and greens, recall an earlier era.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt