(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. At the start, this picture book feels like a straightforward primer in both text and illustrations: this animal is a mammal because of these characteristics; this animal is a reptile because of these. But soon, something...fishy?...starts to happen: opinions creep in. Fish “don’t follow any rules,” making them harder to categorize—some live in salt water and some in fresh water, some eat seaweed, some eat other fish...and “some fish eat poor, innocent crabs who are just trying to have a nice time in the sea.” The lesson gets kookier (fish are accused of spying via toilets) and turns more and more toward fearmongering (“What are they learning in these ‘schools’? We have a right to know”), while the mixed-media art expands from staid vignettes to cartoonish full-bleed illustrations with varied perspectives and palettes, seemingly bouncing around with the mood of whoever is speaking. And who is speaking? By the time the answer is revealed, readers and listeners may have guessed—but along the way, they’ll have found some giggles, maybe a little fish information, and some food for thought about considering the source.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(2) 4-6 Misfits series. Illustrated by Dan Santat. In the first installment of this series (A Royal Conundrum, rev. 1/24), twelve-year-old Olive Cobin Zang arrived at the Reforming Arts School near San Francisco. Eventually, the lonely homebody found her place as part of a diverse group of friends who dubbed themselves the Misfits. Now, the Misfits -- undercover operatives for the secret agency NOCK -- are swept into a new mystery. Their classmate Zeke has been receiving threatening messages, and seemingly random events -- e.g., earthquakes, a runaway cable car, bank robberies, the discovery of an old bunker under the school -- turn out to be connected. Santat's black-and-white illustrations (final art not seen) lend a visual element to Yee's conversational prose. Despite its high-tech gadgetry, this is an old-fashioned adventure tale with a pleasingly complicated mystery and a tremendously likable cast of sleuths (and even some Miss Marple allusions). As this installment concludes, Olive runs off to join her friends on a new escapade. Back matter includes agent and gadget profiles.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. In this entertaining picture book, the duo behind Drawn Together (rev. 7/18) explores friendship and resilience through imaginative play. The two main characters first meet as toddlers after bumping into each other while playing with blocks. As they grow older, their friendship and their creations evolve: the ever-more-elaborate structures incorporate Asian mythological motifs and use a variety of materials, including cardboard, tape, wood, and paint. Each time, their project fails. An argument over the collapse of a creation leads to an important epiphany: "Some things are too important to give up on. Some things deserve to be repaired, no matter how many times they break." Lê's succinct, expressive storytelling and Santat's vivid colored-pencil, watercolor, and digital illustrations are both energetic celebrations of these particular, fictional projects and friendships and a possible metaphor for all such creative collaborations (and those characters do bear some resemblance to their creators).

Reviewer: Michelle Lee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat . With each spread decorated as a simple stage, photo collages of two goggle-eyed, bespectacled hands-as-puppets enter on verso and recto. The one on the left is clad with a cuff at its neck (the wrist) emblazed with the letter L for "Lefty," while the right one's cuff has an R for "Righty." Separated by the gutter, Lefty informs Righty in speech-balloon text, "There was a time when people could get into trouble...FOR BEING LEFT-HANDED!" Righty's incredulous response, "HUBBA WHAAAA!?!?", fills the spread, inviting laughter from readers who may be similarly mystified by this revelation. Aided by illustrations that adopt different styles to indicate other historical eras, Lefty details past superstitions and prejudices against fellow lefties, remarking that "even in ancient times, left-handed people pretended to be who they weren't and hid their left-handedness." As the text proceeds, it's clear that this dialogue about how "handedness is just one part of how you were born" can apply to other parts of life, too, culminating with Righty exclaiming, "And you can't be born WRONG...RIGHT?" Willems and Santat's collaboration provides an engaging conversation starter to help ensure that no child feels the need to hide any part of themself. What could be righter than that?

Reviewer: Megan Dowd Lambert | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(2) 4-6 Misfits series. Illustrated by Dan Santat. In this series opener, twelve-year-old Olive Cobin Zang is a lonely homebody who feels invisible and uncool. She doesn't play sports and is only good at things she thinks nobody else cares about: board games, trapeze, acrobatics, and tightrope walking. She loves Meggie & Her Fun Family comic books, which portray a lively family's adventures and home-cooked meals -- most unlike her own family. Her parents are always traveling for business, and now they have shipped her off to the Reforming Arts School -- RASCH -- near San Francisco. A former castle turned prison, the building is now a school (think Alcatraz meets Hogwarts) for the "artistically adventurous." Among the other misfits Olive finds she's a good fit, at least within the team of crime-fighting preteens assembled to thwart an expected jewel heist on campus. This reunion of Yee and Santat (Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally), rev. 9/09; Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), rev. 9/10) offers an entertaining mystery with good kids working together to defeat the bad guys and, in the process, finding their place in the world. Conversational prose, offbeat similes ("Emotions swirled like a smoothie in a blender"), and Santat's black-and-white illustrations (final art not seen) add up to a madcap escapade featuring likable heroes and dastardly villains. Readers will look forward to further installments.

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

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. Though oversize, this eighty-eight-page picture book is not for story hour; it's perhaps best suited for just one or two listeners. And get comfortable; kids will insist on multiple readings because, while the story begins the same way each time (Rosie must take a cake to her sick grandma), the choose-your-own-path format results in multiple endings (and middles). After introducing Rosie, the text asks, "What next, Rosie? Which coat will you wear?" Readers choose either her faux fur coat or her favorite red cape and are sent to a specific page number depending on their choice. Those pages tell more of the story and offer further choices (kiss your scary-looking granny or run for the door; jump out a window with your eyes open or closed). The numerous possible endings are split fairly evenly between happy and not-so-happy ones. In the latter, Rosie usually finds herself dead--not as morbid as it sounds because, if readers choose (and they will), Rosie can start her story over and hope for a better outcome. The humorously grim text is well matched with amusing illustrations that keep even the darker story elements lighthearted, as readers meet (or not) such characters as Snow White, a wicked queen, Jack, and Sleeping Beauty. Santat's Rosie is small but sturdy and never terribly perturbed, even when she finds herself swallowed by the wolf ("You've got no choice. You sit and wait. It's dark, and what a bore! / You're not quite sure if this is death. You've never died before!"). Both text and art are endlessly clever.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2022

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. Halloween is Crankenstein's favorite holiday, obviously, but this year it is not going well, with a toothache, rain, a pumpkin-carving fail, and the like all conspiring to bring forth a grumbling "mehhrrr" from our young hero. The text relies on a repeated subjunctive conceit ("Crankenstein would say") that is sometimes confusing, and the ending is abstract, but Crankenstein's crankiness remains relatable (see also the monster's previous self-titled story, rev. 9/13, and sequel) and even ­endearing, and the busy full-page ­digital paintings let it all hang out in a panoply of Halloween motifs.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

(2) PS Illustrated by Dan Santat. "Bear is a bear hopeful and shy. Bear is a bear full of love." The large furry creature becomes a baby girl's best friend, playing all sorts of roles (as a "tissue," "soft, warm pillow," etc.). Always, however, "Bear is a bear full of love." As the story unfolds the girl grows older, until finally Bear, who had been a "brave protector" when she was scared and a "piece of home" she took to college, becomes a "memory" packed away in a storage chest. But fear not, this isn't a sad tale, as eventually Bear is introduced to the next generation: a new little-girl playmate. Stutzman's (Santa Baby, rev. 11/20) declarative sentences are short and purposely repetitive, packed with meaning, which Santat (2015 Caldecott winner for The Adventures of Beekle) explores through the loving relationship between the characters in his expressive watercolor, pencil, and Photoshop illustrations. The brevity of the text allows for visual creativity, especially with humorous lines such as "Bear is a fancy lady" (accessorizing for a tea party, of course) or more serious moments (Bear, as a "scholar," sits quietly on a dorm bed as the girl works at her desk late at night). That Santat draws the creature throughout as a real bear makes the impact of the final surprise reveal all the sweeter, and upon rereading reinforces an appreciation for the ­larger-than-life presence favorite toys can have in our lives.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(2) PS Illustrated by Dan Santat. In this cheery and engaging alphabet book, a classroom full of anthropomorphic letters at Times New Roman School explores the day's lesson: "For all of the letters--from A on through Z-- / Can look like each other in some way, to me." Rhyming text from poet Harris (I'm Just No Good at Rhyming, rev. 11/17) spotlights letter pairs, offering comparisons that are playful as well as thought-provoking (though not always sensitive: "A P is a B that just went on a diet"). Santat's vibrant cartoony digital illustrations support meaning-making; rounded corners and bold black outlines emit a vintage photographic-slide vibe. Silly moments of dialogue (in word balloons) and wonderfully adept facial expressions add extra humor to each snapshot. In one illustration, A smiles and says, "Yay! My grade is the same as my name!" while F adds, "Yay! Mine isn't!" A sentimental message of unity and connectedness ends the narrative, alongside a secret communication that readers can decode using the story as a key. Endpapers recall popular English-language handwriting practice exercises. Recommended for fans of wordplay and other pun-filled alphabet books such as Tom Lichtenheld's E-mergency!

Reviewer: Elisa Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2020

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. Lê and Santat (Drawn Together, rev. 7/18) present another story focused on everyday familial relationships, expressed through concise writing and extraordinary visuals. As young Iris waits for an elevator with her family in their high-rise apartment building on Monday, she says, "There's one thing that always cheers me up: PUSHING ELEVATOR BUTTONS." Same thing on Tuesday and Wednesday--but on Thursday, Iris's pesky younger sibling gets there first. On Friday, Iris irritatedly retaliates by pushing "ALL THE BUTTONS!" A series of deliberately repetitive panels depicts the family's subsequent tedious descent to the lobby, and growing frustration. After the sullen Iris pockets a discarded elevator call button from the lobby garbage bin, she tapes it up next to her closet door--and her real adventures begin. An encounter with an impressively illustrated tiger (similar to the stuffed version her sibling totes) and a journey to a space station lead to eventual sibling cooperation. The story's clever premise is fully realized by Santat's mastery of light and atmosphere, resulting in multiple arresting spreads. Readers will be excited to link aspects of Iris's real world to her fantastical adventure, and intrigued by the open-ended conclusion. Uplifting.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2020

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. Santa-obsessed Freddy Melcher "desperately" wants to add a selfie with Santa to his collection of Santa paraphernalia. Santat's gleeful mixed-media illustrations are in cahoots with the rollicking text, which has Freddy devising and implementing an elaborate, almost perfect plan to detain the big guy. Saint Nick's no fool, but he is still Santa, so Freddy isn't left totally defeated. "There's always next year!"

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. This collection of twenty-three irreverent, kid-pleasing poems by Miller (singer/songwriter of the alt-country band Old 97's) covers familiar subjects: a case for staying home "sick" from school, a tyrannical Little League coach/dad, sibling rivalry, etc. With expressive caricatures and varied compositions, Santat's boisterous illustrations amp up the absurdity and enhance the subversion. A solid offering, providing an all-star lineup of mostly relatable, occasionally thought-provoking, and always entertaining reflections.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2019

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. In a mash-up of fairy tale and auto race, the Princess passes a litany of favorite characters from fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and classic books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz after a pit stop. In the vibrant art, full-bleed pages of bold lines and dramatic layouts play up tension and movement. This speedy freshening up of classic children's literature honors the power of confidence and determination and puts the Princess in the driver's seat.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Dan Santat. Frederick Fredrickson is bullied, even by his so-called friends. After a boating dare goes awry, Frederick washes ashore at a disciplinary camp for boys, where he is mistaken for a notorious-bully camper as a hurricane approaches. Frederick is a sympathetic protagonist for this story of bullying and boyhood; mild crude humor, camp shenanigans, and a lion encounter add to the entertainment. Includes occasional black-and-white illustrations by Santat.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. A platypus ("DUDE!") and a beaver ("DUDE!") hit the waves with their surfboards. When one spots a shark in the distance ("DUDE...?"), the surf buddies scramble for shore ("DUUUUUDE!"). "Dude" is a surprisingly malleable word, making it a good fit for a one-word (well, almost) yarn. The elastic facial expressions of the three main players in the colorful illustrations say everything the text can't.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. Nick's toy dinosaur helps him with his fears. After a soccer game in which he scores (with the dinosaur's help), his talisman gets lost. Nick confides his problem to his dad, who takes him back to the field and helps him find it. The boy-friendliness of the text is matched by robust paintings that give the toy dinosaur life--and heft!--as it appears super-dino-style as needed.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(3) PS Illustrated by Dan Santat. A pudgy, giant, T-shirt-clad monster wreaks havoc--stomping on city buildings, shooting stink-rays and slime missiles, etc. When "Rodzilla" injures himself and needs his parents' comfort, the creature turns out to be human toddler Rodney using his imagination during playtime. The humorous text's style and pacing resembles comic-book narration, while watercolor, pencil, and digital illustrations enhance the goofy chaos with cartoonish energy.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. President Penguin of Pluto, enraged that Squeakyville's scientists have dropped Pluto from its planet status, rockets to Earth to avenge Pluto's demotion. Ricky and his Mighty Robot step up, but it's Ricky's precocious cousin, Lucy, who ultimately saves the day. The fast-paced, full-color mash-up of chapter book, comics, and "flip-o-rama" pages should pull reluctant readers into another silly and slight Ricky Ricotta story.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Santat. After a fox chicken-naps their parents, two chick siblings go after him, and their wits and martial-arts mojo save the day. As in this team's previous successes with ninja-fied retellings (The Three Ninja Pigs; Ninja Red Riding Hood), the rhymes are silly-sassy ("The fox said, 'Surrender? / No way, chicken tender!'"), and Santat's snazzy stylized art shows a cast ready for their close-ups.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Dan Santat. Joules and Kevin battle evil alien rabbits again, and these bunnies have extra-large noses, a premise ripe for jokes about smell. Beaty keeps the direct-address wisecracks coming, helped along by Santat's too-goofy-to-be-scary drawings and occasional comic strips. Hand this to your favorite smart aleck, especially if that smart aleck liked the predecessor, Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax