(2) K-3 "Something strange happened on an unremarkable day just before the season changed. Everybody who was OUTSIDE...went INSIDE." The "something strange" is, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, as safety protocols were put into place "all over the world. Everyone just went inside, shut their doors, and waited." (Except for essential workers, whom Pham acknowledges in the main text and a heartfelt appended note.) The story begins with one family. A little girl and her cat are shown looking out an apartment window. While the child remains inside, the cat travels around the city, and then the world, observing its surroundings and offering comfort and connection to everyone it encounters. The text remains general, never specifically mentioning the cat but instead describing universal experiences, observations, and emotions throughout this difficult time. The variety of people ("nearly every face painted in this book is inspired by a real person," per the author's note) and places shown in Pham's colorful, warm-hearted digital ­illustrations--some spreads juxtapose many vignettes, while others focus on one scene--reinforces her message: "On the outside, we are all different. But on the inside, we are all the same." The resilience of nature, too, is a repeated theme, with city parks, backyard gardens, and other lush green spaces offering solace and connotations of peace. Pham's story ends on an optimistic note, with the arrival of spring (and no more masks). We're not there yet--but here's hoping we're on our way.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(2) K-3 Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! series. A turtle snoozes in front of a rock that reads, "Dinosaurs Do Not Scratch." With instant, uncompromising absorption of that message, and self-justification regarding the virtues of "toughness," a passing dinosaur kid spreads the word. A twist ending clarifies the message (somewhat). The easy reader's all-dialogue text and bubbly cartoon-style illustrations have kid appeal, and the implicit issues surrounding individuality and questioning authority are broached at a child-comprehending level.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(3) K-3 A large cast of cartoon animals (including a self-involved duck, a mischievous mouse, plus the author herself) help an unseen narrator search for a bear who isn't anywhere in the book...or is he? With each witty page turn, both the suspense and silliness build; the text, speech-bubble conversations, and dynamic illustrations cleverly play off one another in this captivating metafictional romp.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) K-3 Each of ten set pieces in this worthwhile crusade against size-ism begins with two kids introducing what appears to be a tiny object or concept (a squiggle, a fish, an idea); with the turn of a die-cut page, what seemed small becomes physically larger or otherwise mighty (the squiggle is hanging in a museum). Pham's illustrations offer lots to consider, but some of the more abstract concepts may be lost on the intended audience.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Kind Mouse uses up his baking supplies making a birthday cake for Little Bird, but Mouse trades all the slices with friends for various random items (e.g., cork, flyswatter). Clever Little Bird is able to barter for cake ingredients in a creative way and everyone can celebrate. Pham's entertaining story about generosity is buoyed by her friendly illustrations.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(4) PS A mother lovingly chases after her little boy as he explores his world. This paean of praise from mother to son (father has his parenting time, too) is tender and heartfelt, if adult-centered. The warm, dark-outlined illustrations, including lots of white space, echo the text's affectionate tone while incorporating some of the humor and chaos involved in a typical toddler's day.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman