(2) K-3 Illustrated by Claire Keane. This story spans decades, introducing two artists separately until Nancy Schön (born 1928) begins work on her sculptures of Robert McCloskey's (1914–2003) beloved duckling characters for Boston's Public Garden. Kunkel (­Digging for Words, rev. 1/21) dips into and out of each creator's story line smoothly and effectively, advancing the narrative to get to the heart of the book: how an illustrator's drawings were re-envisioned by a sculptor as three-dimensional public art. Keane's digital illustrations on sepia-tinted backgrounds have an appropriately vintage look; her loose lines and energetic compositions are a good match for the conversational (and lengthy) text. After some brief background about each artist's early years, three double-page spreads neatly outline McCloskey's path to the publication of Make Way for Ducklings in 1941. Schön's artistic career is more circuitous (raising a family is her priority), and she receives less recognition; once she conceives of the duckling project, Kunkel focuses on the sculptor's meticulous process, along with the added pressure of interpreting a living artist's iconic characters. Scenes of meetings between McCloskey and Schön reveal how the two navigated a potentially tricky collaboration. An author's note and timeline provide more detail about the subjects and the sculptures. For more on McCloskey and the creation of his Caldecott Medal–winning book, read Smith's Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards (rev. 11/22).

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Claire Keane. When a young girl says she'd like one hundred dogs, her dad logically asks where they would all sleep. The following spread shows her vision (dogs tucked comfortably into bed next to her) alongside her parents' vision (dogs sleeping uncomfortably on top of her). Convinced, the girl agrees to ninety dogs. "But how would you walk 90 dogs?" Again, two very different pictures are conjured--one where the girl holds many leashes while sitting jauntily atop the largest dog and one where the dogs drag her along at top speed. McAnulty ([cf2[Excellent Ed, rev. 5/16) continues the pattern as each time ten fewer dogs are involved. Keane's (illustrator of Make Way, rev. 3/23) loose lines and lively compositions show the opposing viewpoints in comedic scenes of dog bliss (dogs bathing in a large swimming pool) versus dog chaos (dogs piled up in the girl's wading pool). All the bases are covered--feeding, naming, training, vet visiting, grooming, and playing. Down to ten dogs and it's finally time to address a different number--the number two. There's no pretty picture here, as all involved imagine the same stinky scenario. "I think I'd like 1 dog. Please," the girl says, and one she gets. The humor continues on the final spread, as Dad says to Mom, "I can't believe we talked her out of 100 dogs," while the girl, tucked in bed with her happy pup, says, "I can't believe I talked them into getting 1 dog." It's winner takes all here--or maybe just one.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(3) PS Illustrated by Claire Keane. A curious duckling, separated from its family, finds a new home with a little girl until it's time to move on. The rhyming text sketches out a tender story of found, lost, and rekindled love, but the details are in the loose, classic-feeling digital illustrations; Keane successfully creates expressive and lovable characters.

Reviewer: Alia Jones

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claire Keane. This agreeable rhyme offers advice on befriending a fairy: how to build a miniature house, how to get a fairy to stay there, and when to say goodbye. The illustrations show a girl making friends with a group of fairies; her dog supplies touches of visual humor while the sketchy, spontaneous-looking images of fairies reflect their lively, skittish nature.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert