(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. The author and illustrator of the hugely popular Tacky the Penguin series team up again for a book about Tacky's opposite: painfully shy Mousetta, who "never squoke a squeak." She is so shy that she walks backward to avoid meeting anyone. She scurries out of sight, she hides; she's ­nothing like the three "really popular" mice in her class who are "cool," "gorgeous," and "awesome." When Dr. Gladpaw advertises a workshop to "make you feel outgoing," she signs up and attends with a bucket on her head. To her surprise, three other mice show up with their heads covered up, too. Everyone is in peril when a group of foxes appears ("Foxes in the area! Run and take cover!"), and it is Mousetta who finds her voice and saves them all. Lester's comic timing is right on cue, and Munsinger's watercolors against bright white pages use lots of smaller panels to capture each moment of the story with humor and fun. This is a great read-aloud with lots of different opportunities for discussion.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(2) PS Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. "We're going on a pumpkin hunt / Going to find a big one...I'm not scared. / Are you? / Not me." A group of farm animals in Halloween costumes sets off in search of a pumpkin. The pastel-toned palette of the ink-and-watercolor illustrations indicates that this "shiver-in-your-socks night" isn't meant to be too scary; even the night sky is just a deep lavender--and the grinning pumpkin the animals ultimately find is the height of the thrills and chills. A preschool-friendly intro to Halloween, with plenty of opportunities for sound effects. (For a slightly spookier take on the bear-hunt rhyme, see We're Going on a Goon Hunt, reviewed at left.)

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

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Because badger Boris can't sleep when he's supposed to (during the day), he naps all night and misses out on exciting school activities. Finally, he finds a way to banish his bedtime distractions and sleep soundly all day so that he's able to participate at school. The nocturnal twist sets this bedtime story apart, as do the humorous and engaging watercolor illustrations.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. "Most people believe that dinosaurs are long gone. But not me." So says a boy who is convinced that his beloved dinos are hiding in our midst. It's an affectionate and thought-provoking narrative--the kid considers the pros and cons of the dinos revealing themselves--matched by truly funny watercolors (e.g., of a nervous-looking dinosaur masquerading as a store Santa).

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Well-metered rhymes tell the ABCs of school. From books, crayons, and dump trucks to letters, numbers, and opposites, this alphabetical list of school elements smoothly covers even the trickiest of letters. Munsinger's pictures feature expressive bears making glitter art, practicing writing, and playing in the sandbox. Not the least bit didactic, this concept book will be returned to repeatedly.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. While his penguin pals do all the work preparing for Halloween, "Snacky Tacky sampled the treats." Their haunted igloo is a spooky success until three hunters dressed as ghosts arrive and demand "all yer yummy treats / Or we do something skearies." Not a problem, if there were any treats left. The affectionate text and nonthreatening illustrations play up the absurdity of the situation.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2015

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Eight previously published (and previously reissued) picture books are gathered here in this hefty collection. A Porcupine Named Fluffy; It Wasn't My Fault; Me First; and Princess Penelope's Parrot are among the selections. Lester's silly stories, which feature palatable morals, are enhanced by Munsinger's lively illustrations.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. When upbeat Ginny Louise joins class, resident troublemakers Cap'n Catastrophe, Destructo Dude, and Make-My-Day May combat her maddening cheerfulness the best they can, but they're no match for Ginny Louise. Munsinger's illustrations--colorful spreads interspersed with smaller vignettes and well-used white space--make the most of the comedic misunderstandings and standoff-turned-party antics; Sauer avoids a cloying message about "good kids" vs. "bad."

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Fragility the hippo dissolves into tears at the slightest provocation. She's a stalwart soccer goalie, however, and when Rudy the elephant taunts her, hoping to insult her out of the way, she replies in kind--and this time Rudy's feelings are hurt. Munsinger's humorous illustrations deflect any hint of didacticism as the two adversaries begin an unlikely but satisfying friendship. A downloadable audio version is available on the publisher's website.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Princess Penelope is given a parrot that, despite the princess's threats and name-calling, refuses to speak. When rich--and eligible--Prince Percival comes calling, however, the parrot regains its voice and gets its revenge. The tongue-in-cheek starchiness of the text is well met by the hyperbole of the illustrations of Penelope and her unrestrained extravagances. A downloadable audio version is available on the publisher's website.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1996

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Legendary monster Nessie's son Angus is banished to his room for being messy. When his personal junk pile bursts through the surface of the loch, one look at "land-monsters"--a goat, duck, and cow--scares Angus into cleaning up and remaining in the lake's depths where he belongs. Munsinger's watercolors further the silly humor. A Scottish glossary is included.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. "Ewetopia was not comfortable in her own wool." In a complicated story (involving a costume party, mistaken identity, and a tantrum-prone wolf), she learns to love who she is. Munsinger's playful illustrations depict each character's wide range of emotions. Some of the many sheep puns--"she knitted her eyebrows (a sheep thing)"--may confuse the intended audience. A free audio version is available on the publisher's website.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(3) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. A wizard, a fairy, and a magic chicken all think the same thing: "I am the greatest in the world." Their humorously competitive attempts to out-magic one another result in the three needing to work together to defeat the monsters they create. Munsinger's lively illustrations make the most of Lester's nimble text, which delivers its message with a light touch. A free audio version is available on the publisher's website.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. While the other students prepare for the Thanksgiving feast, bear Sam worries he's the only one who isn't sure what he's thankful for. With the help of best friend Mary Ann, Sam realizes he knew what to be thankful for all along. Both story and detailed illustrations embody the holiday's homey, jovial spirit. Information about the first Thanksgiving and additional facts are included.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(2) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. These reissues (downloadable audio versions available on the publisher's website) feature silly stories, winsome illustrations, and palatable morals. Murdley Gurdson's lost shoe sets off a chain reaction of blame in My Fault. Pig Scout Pinkerton's greed gets him more than he bargained for in Me First. Porcupine is an amiable and ridiculous story about embracing oneself. Review covers these Laugh-Along Lessons titles: It Wasn't My Fault, Me First, and A Porcupine Named Fluffy.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1992

(2) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. These reissues (downloadable audio versions available on the publisher's website) feature silly stories, winsome illustrations, and palatable morals. Murdley Gurdson's lost shoe sets off a chain reaction of blame in My Fault. Pig Scout Pinkerton's greed gets him more than he bargained for in Me First. Porcupine is an amiable and ridiculous story about embracing oneself. Review covers these Laugh-Along Lessons titles: It Wasn't My Fault, Me First, and A Porcupine Named Fluffy.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 1986

(4) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Despite extra-long ears, rabbit Buddy garbles his parents' requests: his father asks for a pen, Buddy brings him a hen, etc. After straying into the den of a hungry bear, Buddy finally learns the value of paying attention. Munsinger's watercolor and ink illustrations are full of amusing details, but the story misses its mark by not making clear that Buddy has a listening, not a hearing, problem. A free audio version is available on the publisher's website.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) K-3 Laugh-Along Lessons series. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. These reissues (downloadable audio versions available on the publisher's website) feature silly stories, winsome illustrations, and palatable morals. Murdley Gurdson's lost shoe sets off a chain reaction of blame in My Fault. Pig Scout Pinkerton's greed gets him more than he bargained for in Me First. Porcupine is an amiable and ridiculous story about embracing oneself. Review covers these Laugh-Along Lessons titles: It Wasn't My Fault, Me First, and A Porcupine Named Fluffy.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 1985

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. The penguins of Nice Icy Land are hard at work, preparing the "Perfect Party for Tacky the Penguin's Birdday." But things don't go according to plan, and with odd bird Tacky, you really should expect the unexpected. But if your Perfect Party is sliding headlong into disaster, what do you have to lose? Munsinger's appealing illustrations celebrate the humor in Lester's lively text.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2013

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Mama kangaroo sings a medley of nursery rhymes and songs to lull Cooper, her baby kangaroo, to sleep. Somewhat awkward alternative lyrics are offered for the familiar melodies of "Rock-a-Bye Baby," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and more. Munsinger's trademark watercolor and ink illustrations picture Mama and Cooper lounging, cuddling, and, eventually, snoozing on a comfy couch.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty