(1) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. "In Michigan country on a two-rut road along a stream called the upper South Branch of the Au Sable River," a young boy sits on his father's lap in a red Jeep, two sets of hands on the steering wheel, as they head out on a camping trip. Set in the early 1950s and rooted in Jackson's own boyhood memories, this homage to a moment in time is beautifully rendered and made specific in poetic text and brilliant illustrations of fly fishing, catching brown trout, cooking on an open fire, and trying to spot an owl. But that was last summer, and now winter has come to their Michigan town, a gray-blue world of snow-covered houses with yellow lights; the boy is on his mother's lap, thinking of "Dad now as he drives another Jeep in a far-away war." Floca's stunning yet gentle illustrations in pen, ink, watercolor, and gouache were completed after Jackson's death in 2019 and capture the varied greens of a summer day in the country, the shimmering light on a trout half in and half out of the water, and the eerie moon in a nighttime sky. The effective interplay of text and art makes this slender tale of reminiscence unforgettable.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. British illustrator Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886) transformed illustrated books for children ("stiff, full of pretty poses and cluttered scenery") into picture books (ones that featured stories that "tumble[d] forth like life"). Markel briefly covers Caldecott's boyhood, emphasizing his love of drawing and of the outdoors, the latter despite a weak heart. She speaks directly to readers, telling them to move fast ("Quick!") or they'll miss the boy McClintock depicts as racing across the page. As an adult, Caldecott works in a bank but keeps drawing and begins illustrating travel books and, eventually, books for children. Markel emphasizes the artist's ability to capture action on the page and fills this lively text with bustling active verbs (lunging, strutting, pounce4), set off in larger letters and a different font color. Likewise, McClintock's exquisite, energetic illustrations depict Caldecott at the drawing board, creatures bursting forth from his paper. Several instances in the book reproduce the artist's drawings, and one stunning wordless spread showcases the illustration from The Diverting History of John Gilpin that adorns the Caldecott Medal. (The book's abundant back matter includes notes on where Caldecott's art appears in the book.) Children and/or animals appear on nearly every spread of this exuberant tribute to the illustrator who revolutionized children's books.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. A red-tailed hawk hunts as its chicks wait in a cedar tree and two human children observe from their house and backyard. Realistic ink and watercolor illustrations accompany a sensory, poetic text, setting the suburban scene and offering a dynamic, naturalistic depiction of the predator's behavior. Perspectives and colors shift, presenting breathtaking bird's- and child's-eye views of sunrises, sunsets, prey, the neighborhood, and more. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Elisa Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2018

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Princess Cora longs for a dog. The grownups say no, but her fairy godmother delivers a pet--a crocodile--who takes the girl's place (wearing Cora's dress and a wig) when she needs a break. Seven spry chapters detail Cora's much-needed day off and the crocodile's humorous attempts to impersonate her. Copious ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations are witty in their execution.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2017

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Aging wolf Nashoba struggles to find fresh game for his pack; thirteen-year-old Casey, who plays a video game incessantly, receives a bow and arrow set. These two stories come in direct contact. Avi switches perspective between Nashoba and Casey, building the tension and raising a multitude of questions in this thought-provoking allegory. Naturalistic pencil illustrations enhance the classic-feeling tale.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2015

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Twelve-hundred-pound elephant seal Elizabeth preferred the Avon River in Christchurch, New Zealand, to the ocean. She sometimes hauled herself up onto the city's roads and obstructed traffic, prompting an "elephant seal crossing" road sign. Cox creates an appealing narrative for this intriguing, if problematic, individual. Floca uses a spare but agile pen to convey Elizabeth's persistence; spacious sweeps of watercolor evoke sea and sky.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2014

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Marty and her friends launch a pet-sitting business to raise money for freed laboratory chimps, but the pets prove more challenging than anticipated. Meanwhile, her class prepares a talent show. Likable characters; realistic yet quirky school and family scenes; and clever, age-appropriate language create a welcoming school story with a twist. Floca's cheerful black-and-white illustrations offer literal interpretations of the action.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. A bouncy verse introduces young reindeer Octavia's seven uncles, from Uncle Uno, who wears one hat and one vest, to Uncle Sven, who has written seven books and seven plays. The surprise conclusion reveals that Octavia's uncles join their niece every year to pull Santa's sleigh. This original Christmas counting book is illustrated with energetic art set against snowy backdrops.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Floca. As Asterel searches for a token that will save the world from freezing, she races against time and the evil Mr. Underton. The fairly complex good-versus-evil plot works well, and the black-and-white line drawings are expressive--though somewhat crude by today's standards. This edition of the graphic novel by two ALA medalists includes a new introduction by the author.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Marty's school is embarking on projects to save the planet. With her friend, Annie, and her Grandma Barb ("the cool one"), she creates a worm composting project for the school cafeteria--but her classmates are overeager to feed the worms. Marty's spunky personality shines in this charming prototypical elementary school tale. Accompanying black-and-white drawings cheerfully reflect the antics.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Marty is a tomboy forced to portray the princess in the school play. By combining her ingenuity and her love of nature, she saves the production, makes her parents proud, and gets her best friend back. This elementary-school story, with spirited black-and-white illustrations, is highly readable, with engaging characters and accessible language.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. After choreographer Martha Graham asked composer Aaron Copland and sculptor/set designer Isamu Noguchi to collaborate with her on a new ballet, the iconic Appalachian Spring was born. Using spare, concise sentences, the authors echo Graham's approach to dance: nothing's wasted, and in such exactness lies beauty. Floca's fluid, energetic line and watercolor illustrations also reflect the plain boldness of Graham's choreography. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2010

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Floca. A sense of loss permeates this final Poppy book, beginning with the deer mouse's husband's death and ending with a forest fire. In between, fast-paced action, cliffhangers, and porcupine Ereth's comical theatrics prevent the story from becoming too dark. Avi's affection for his cast is obvious; as always, Floca's thoughtful drawings add depth to the characters and bring the woodland setting to life.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2009

(4) YA Amanda Project series. Illustrated by Brian Floca. When their classmate Amanda goes missing, three otherwise unconnected students are left to analyze the many clues she left behind. Amanda had always been cryptic, but sketches, handwritten notes, and other remnants reveal lies and provoke more questions. The first in a proposed eight-book series, this opener is gimmicky but engaging. An interactive website extends the mystery.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Lily and Liam love visiting their grandparents' farm, but this year Liam can't stop thinking about Gran and Grandpa's lonely cow. When Liam comes up with a plan to find a friend for White Cow, everyone's Christmas is made merrier. Floca's realistic black-and-white illustrations reflect the solemn tone of MacLachlan's moving tale, narrated in older sister Lily's thoughtful voice.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2009

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. Anabel must sew a princess's gown for the Butterfly Ball. Unfortunately, a pest she can't spot--a Hinky-Pink--keeps disrupting her sleep. Each night she fashions it a bed, until she's finally able to satisfy it--just in time. McDonald embroiders her tale with colorful language; Floca's nimble pen lines are washed in warm colors, bubbling with energy and verve.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2008

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Brian Floca. Classroom pet hamsters Max and Mo watch the students make paper snowflakes then rush outside to play in the snow. It's too cold out for Max and Mo, so they build their own snowman with supplies they find around the room. Though the text is stilted, the vocabulary is easy to read. Delicate line illustrations add appeal. A craft project is appended.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Brian Floca. In School, hamster friends Max and Mo move to the art room (though it's unclear why), sneak out of their cage, and make nametags for themselves. In Apple, they snack on some homemade applesauce (recipe included). Though the plots are confusing, the vocabulary is easy to read; clean, delicate-line illustrations add appeal. A craft project is appended to each story. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Max & Mo Go Apple Picking and Max & Mo's First Day at School.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Brian Floca. In School, hamster friends Max and Mo move to the art room (though it's unclear why), sneak out of their cage, and make nametags for themselves. In Apple, they snack on some homemade applesauce (recipe included). Though the plots are confusing, the vocabulary is easy to read; clean, delicate-line illustrations add appeal. A craft project is appended to each story. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Max & Mo Go Apple Picking and Max & Mo's First Day at School.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Brian Floca. During the Battle of Gettysburg, a family takes in a young deserter from the Confederate army. The dialogue is stiff, and Floca's watercolors do little to enliven things, but the basic story is compelling (and based on real events of 1863). A map opens the book; an excellent historical note closes it.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano