(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. Popular Chuck Wood seeks Louie Ratso's advice about impressing his crush, Fluffy Rabbitski. Louie outlines a plan--while ignoring his brother Ralphie's own pleas for help with a poem contest. As in previous entries (beginning with The Infamous Ratsos), the characters entertainingly navigate real-world situations regarding friendship, loyalty, and responsibility. LaReau trusts readers to draw their own conclusions about the characters and their feelings--though playful black-and-white illustrations offer some clues.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2018

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. Newly reformed Ratso brothers Louie and Ralphie plan to turn a vacant lot into a community arcade, but there's a hitch: the lot is next to a creepy house. Louie faces his fears, approaches the scary resident, and discovers a way to help another creature. The relatable situations, progressive plot, expressive illustrations, and easy-to-read text create a satisfying follow-up to the Geisel Honor–winning The Infamous Ratsos.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2017

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. When obedient Ian's older, obnoxious sister breaks the "rules of the house" posted at their spooky vacation place, she awakens some monsters intent on eating her. Ian's moral crisis--why save someone who broke the rules?--resolves with his toothbrush-abetted plan to turn the tables on the monsters. The elaborately clever tale's macabre mood is enhanced by textured, shadow-drenched art.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. After his mother sends him a "Perfect Pirate Captain" checklist, Captain Crave seeks to meet one of the requirements: a pet. What follows is a search on a beach, at a farm, at a zoo, and finally in a pet store. While, predictably, Captain Crave ends up with a parrot, getting there is half the fun. Dynamic oil and acrylic illustrations complement the punny text.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. Wanting to emulate their father, a tough rat named Big Lou, Louie and Ralphie Ratso decide to play mean tricks on classmates and neighbors. But each attempt at being tough backfires--winning sterling reputations for the Ratsos. What will happen when Big Lou finds out? Generous black-and-white illustrations evoke the rundown-city setting and reinforce the text's light tone. A beginning chapter book with heart.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. "What happened to 'cock-a-doodle-doo'?" a farm boy asks rooster Mel, who "just wasn't feeling" the old routine. Problem is, the sun won't rise without a proper doodling. The all-dialogue story cries out to be performed: some verve gets lost on the page. But the moonlit illustrations carry the humor, especially the wordless scenes showing the characters in action--and inaction.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. Stripping off layers of straw and clothing, a skeleton finishes his workday as a scarecrow and meets up with "ghoulies and ghosties" to "dance under the moon." A large cast of monsters spend all night with the scarecrow, playing games (including hide-and-seek) and fighting mock battles until the sun starts to rise. The rhyming text and playful illustrations make this a festive read-aloud.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2015

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Myers. The narrator, a budding artist, is peeved at her best friend James; she's heard that James said she thinks she is perfect. Only when she stops to listen does the girl realize he's been singing her praises all along. Mixed-media illustrations ably convey simple emotion, the girl's wrath punctuated by angry splotches of paint. This story will resonate with the primary-grade crowd.

Reviewer: Sam Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2015