(4) K-3 Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. Rabbit Garcia and fox Colette can't agree whether to explore space or the sea. After Garcia builds a rocket and Colette a submarine, the friends embark on separate journeys but quickly grow lonely. They eventually agree that exploring the desert together satisfies both their interests. Simplistic text draws parallels between Garcia and Colette's divergent trips, elevated by mixed-media illustrations that evoke a playful, retro style.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) PS Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. With a "How Make Den" booklet in paw, industrious Bear digs a den, filling it with homemade chairs, table, bunk bed, and other household niceties, including colorful hand-painted wall art. Minimal text paired with expressive digital illustrations emphasize how invested Bear is in his cheery endeavor. Bear's final realization--"Den Need Bears!"--leads to his inviting fun-loving bear friends over for a festive gathering.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. Unlikely pals Duck and Hippo splash in the springtime rain--then umbrella-holding Duck gets carried off (Rainstorm); they invite their friends on a summertime picnic--then Hippo gets lost (Found). Cartoon art, rendered in brush-and-ink with wash and pencil and digitally colored, depict the silly (and slim) escapades that celebrate friendship and the benefits of sticking together. Review covers these titles: Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm and Duck and Hippo Lost and Found.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. Unlikely pals Duck and Hippo splash in the springtime rain--then umbrella-holding Duck gets carried off (Rainstorm); they invite their friends on a summertime picnic--then Hippo gets lost (Found). Cartoon art, rendered in brush-and-ink with wash and pencil and digitally colored, depict the silly (and slim) escapades that celebrate friendship and the benefits of sticking together. Review covers these titles: Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm and Duck and Hippo Lost and Found.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. Mama Crocodile gushes over her new baby, which makes sister Caroline "very, very, very jealous." So she swaps her brother at the Baby Shop. Except the baby panda is fussy, the elephant "too squirty," and so on--good thing a "secondhand crocodile" is still available. The funny new-sibling story's vintage-feeling illustrations depict a town teeming with animals going about their busy day.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(2) PS Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. A falling apple sparks mass hysteria among the forest animals--until the littlest rabbit calms down and identifies "the Plop." This is classic picture book fare with unfaltering rhythms, perfectly choreographed page turns, and the great satisfaction of readers being smarter than the protagonists. Jaunty drawings with a touch of collage demonstrate that even a dust cloud can have the presence of a character.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009