(3) K-3 A shy ghost lives alone in an attic and likes it that way. When a human visitor disturbs his peace, he tries to scare her off, to no avail — but maybe, he finds, that’s not such a bad thing. The story, smoothly translated from Japanese, offers readers and listeners the fun of realizing the ghost’s true feelings before he does. Charcoal pencil illustrations make creative use of contrast: the glowing white and sometimes transparent ghost pops off the black-and-white and night-blue backgrounds, as do the pastel hues introduced by the moon and the little girl.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Magdalena Mora. Kiki Karpovich feels too shy to join in playing with the other kids on her vibrant, racially diverse city street. One day she looks down at the sidewalk and notices something odd: "The asphalt glistened like water in the heat. Kiki saw something...moving...a giant fish!...'Help,' it seemed to say." She rushes the creature inside, puts it in the bathtub, and fills up the tub, thus saving its life. When the grateful fish, surprisingly, offers up a wish, Kiki asks to be granted lots of friends. This request is too big for our "fish of small wishes," so Kiki goes away to think. "I wish I weren't so shy," she says to the (now larger) fish, but this is also beyond its scope. The next day she has a new idea, including a way to help the fish, but again: no deal. Finally, in contemplating their interactions, she's able to fulfill her own wishes and assist her fishy friend. Color-splashed and varied mixed-media illustrations ably and playfully reflect both the story's fantastical and down-to-earth elements. An appended note describes Arnold's inspiration: a story her grandmother told about her own kindhearted grandfather's fish rescue. ("No gefilte fish for Passover" that year.)

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(1) 1-3 Henry series. Illustrated by Mika Song. In his second early-chapter-book outing (Henry, like Always, rev. 3/23), Henry -- a sensitive child who presents as being on the autism spectrum -- is ambivalent about a field trip to the natural history museum. "Henry was excited. Everyone in Classroom Ten would ride the bus to the museum. Henry was also worried. Everyone in Classroom Ten would ride the bus to the museum." Despite his concerns, Henry is looking forward to the dinosaur exhibit. When Samuel's dad (a field trip helper) asks Henry's group of three what they'd like to see, "'Dinosaurs!' said Henry. But he forgot to say it out loud." Each of his attempts to make his voice heard is inadvertently thwarted, and Henry patiently accompanies his group to the rock, bug, and mummy displays. Song's loosely rendered, limited-palette watercolor and ink illustrations telegraph emotion and deepen meaning for newly independent readers. When Henry eventually shouts "DINOSAURS!" the accompanying illustration makes clear his frustration, along with his classmates' bemused reactions. They finally find the dinosaur room (after getting a bit lost), and Henry's absolute joy is palpable. Bailey's relatable characters, familiar scenarios, and gentle humor make this a remarkably satisfying read...whether you embrace the new or not.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2024

(2) K-3 In this comforting story, a young girl and her mother move to a cozy apartment in a new city where she happily plays by herself whenever her mom has to work in the next room. When Mom suggests going to the park to meet other kids, she isn't interested; her response to the suggestion of a playdate with neighbors is a resounding "NO." An invitation to join a bookstore storytime induces panic, and the girl cries "till [her] face was bright red." One day they visit an animal shelter, where they adopt a sweet and affectionate dog. Millie quickly befriends everyone they meet on their walks, and the girl slowly grows more comfortable with new people and pups. Castillo's ink, watercolor, and soft pastel illustrations show the girl's budding courage: at first she's always glued to Mom, but with every encounter her face and posture relax more until she finds herself smiling and even waving hello. At a dog park, Millie races off to make friends; taking a cue from her affable dog, the girl spots another timid girl and goes over to say hello, just like Millie. In a final, heartwarming illustration, both girls stride along confidently, holding their dogs' leashes, a few small but meaningful steps ahead of their moms. The way in which Castillo's characters stand out against the paler backgrounds, with bolder black outlines filled with robust colors, cleverly helps young audiences focus in on minute but crucial changes in facial expression and body language.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2024

(1) K-3 Every day, a child watches other kids skateboarding past the window and wishes to join them. After receiving Mom's old skateboard, the child can now practice at the skatepark for real. At first unsure about joining the other kids, our protagonist sits alone watching them on their boards. Two others sit down and watch, too; eventually all three decide to join in with the group. Flett's (We All Play, rev. 1/23) spare text, with its naturally incorporated Cree language refrain "haw ekwa," ably and empathetically reflects a child's nervousness and excitement about trying something new. The muted tones of the digitally composed pastel and pencil drawings complement the narrative. In her appended note, Flett explains that the story was inspired by her son and his friends learning how to skateboard and by "the skateboard community we had been a part of for many years." She also explains the meaning of the Cree idiom haw ekwa ("okay, and") and explores the definition of a "flow state," along with providing Cree words that skateboarders may find useful. The book beautifully highlights the value of perseverance along with the joy of skateboarding.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(1) 4-6 Fong's deeply moving graphic novel opens with an intriguing premise: Pia Xing, a reserved and lonely middle schooler, says goodbye to her father and embarks on a multi-day bus tour through the desert with a bunch of strangers. Their destination is the subterranean bioluminescent Cessarine Lake, billed as having mystical, wish-granting powers. During stops at diners and kitschy roadside attractions, Pia gets to know her fellow passengers, all of whom have their own reasons for making the journey. Pia isn't ready to share hers -- not even with new friend Sam, who's grudgingly accompanying her tour-guide mom. Daily phone calls home to her father and flashbacks from the previous year gradually reveal what led to this solo trip, including the tragedy that left Pia and both her parents mired in grief. In varied panel and full-page illustrations, Fong's spare cartoon style is well suited to the setting and the main character's bleak emotional landscape. The trip offers moments of peace and lightheartedness: "I'm actually having a lot of fun! It kind of feels like being part of a big family." The story begins to take on elements of magical realism the closer the group gets to the lake, making the impossible begin to seem possible. Pia's miracle looks different from what she set out looking for, but the magic is transformative all the same. With a sympathetic protagonist navigating unimaginable pain, fully realized and engaging secondary characters, and a skillfully crafted narrative, this is a remarkable debut.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2024

(2) YA This sequel to A-Okay (rev. 11/21) finds Jay, who previously attended a magnet school across town, starting high school without any friends, a situation made worse by his inherent shyness and lack of confidence. Due to scheduling constraints, he's unable to register for his preferred art class. The counselor convinces him to give theater class a go: the public speaking aspect will satisfy his overbearing parents, and he will be able to indulge his creative impulses in set design. While the class pushes him out of his comfort zone, it also creates a safe space with supportive peers and a warm, if demanding, teacher. This graphic novel is told almost exclusively in dialogue with some brief internal monologue, creating an engaging pace that is further enhanced by varied panel layouts, bright colors, and generous use of white space. A relatable story about a shy, awkward kid coming out of his shell and finding his crowd, this is also a bit of a love letter to the community and camaraderie of youth theater. An author's note suggests the tale is semiautobiographical, while another interesting appendix delves into Greene's creative process for comics.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(2) 4-6 It's 1985, and twelve-year-old Stevie has spent years performing with Synchronicity -- a group whose shows are part lip synch, part dance, and some ASL. This summer, they're on a (chaperoned) cross-country tour. Offstage, Stevie is shy and anxious. Even though she's determined to ask out her crush via Long-Distance Dedication on American Top 40 Countdown, she can't stop tripping over her words when she talks to him in person. She's also worried about her brother, who has epilepsy and keeps brushing her off. But somewhere along the road from Omaha to New York City and back to Cheyenne, Stevie believes she'll learn how to be a star. In a road-trip novel that's chaotic but deeply joyful, Patrick captures the thrills and anxieties of performing onstage -- and all the complicated relationships that go on behind the scenes. The prose is at times darkly funny and at others affecting. The protagonist's reverence for 1980s pop culture also shines through and is convincing even if readers have little familiarity with the era. Though Stevie's attempts at first romance take center stage, it's most rewarding to watch her confidence grow as she slowly builds connections with her castmates and realizes that strong friendships can be as vital as first love.

Reviewer: Bodie Shanis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(2) K-3 Little Cap is a small, bespectacled, mushroom-like creature who lives with his best friend, Gustav, a rather perky-looking slug. Their house is the essence of cozy--braided rug, teapot, cuckoo clock, and all. The visual pleasure here lies in the details. One day Gustav goes missing and Little Cap has to conquer his shyness, his general anxiety, and his reluctance to leave home to begin to search for his pal. The slime trail only takes him so far, and Little Cap encounters­ setbacks and obstacles on his odyssey. As he journeys, he gradually finds his voice until he finally bursts out with "WHERE IS GUSTAV? WHERE ARE ALL THE SLUGS?!" At this turning point a cornucopia­ of slugs appears, rainbow-colored and helpful. Gustav is found; everyone gets home safely to cozy beds, baths, and board games. Little Cap has discovered new confidence and a new pleasure in the joys of the open road. Such a story of widening horizons is not new, but the slug element makes it fresh, and Zuill keeps her tongue firmly out of her cheek as she treats her characters, and thus her readers, with dignity and respect.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(2) K-3 This hide-and-seek story begins: "Tiny was giving a big party. But where was Bina Bear?" Thereafter the drama plays out through simple, comical dialogue ("'Bina? Is that you?' 'No. I am a table'") and cartoon illustrations. Bina, a large blue bear, attempts to avoid the party by disguising herself as inanimate objects--a chair, groceries. While Tiny (a small bunny) searches, the bright art showcases Bina's amusing contortions. Meanwhile, the characters' expressive faces and gestures capture their vulnerability and affection for each other. After hearing that Tiny misses seeing her, Bina opens one eye as though she may stop pretending to be a chair and finally show herself. When her friend asks if she's okay, Bina claims to be fine but sheds a tear. In the end, Bina is able to come out from hiding and tell Tiny how she really feels about parties...but also how she feels about Tiny, and so the two pretend to be lamps together in the kitchen while the party goes on without them. This warm and comforting look at friendship offers meaningful insight into the value of support and of acceptance.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2022

(2) K-3 Translated by Lawrence Schmiel. In first-person narration, an anxious child describes their day. "When I leave the house, everything is so difficult for me. I feel a prickling that won't go away, and every step I take is a triumph." Between the overstimulating environment of the bus and an inability to answer a greeting from the baker or to say a classmate's name, the young narrator struggles, hopeful that someday it won't be so hard to say more than a quiet "yes" or "thanks." Originally published in Spain, the book does a remarkable job of presenting the actions and feelings of a child who lives with severe anxiety. Spreads alternate: the child's narration is printed in white type set starkly on black pages (mostly double-page spreads), while the following wordless spread or spreads feature hectic, emotionally charged drawings. While riding the bus, the narrator comments, "A man shouts. I don't like it when people shout." Turn the page, and we see a man's face, mouth open, brows furrowed; the image is repeated over and over, filling much of the spread, on top of irregular blocks of color. A final scene gives the narrator and readers a small success and some relief. Reminiscent of Yashima's Crow Boy, the book, with its flat text and uncomfortable, jarring art, makes a powerful impact.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. The author and illustrator of the hugely popular Tacky the Penguin series team up again for a book about Tacky's opposite: painfully shy Mousetta, who "never squoke a squeak." She is so shy that she walks backward to avoid meeting anyone. She scurries out of sight, she hides; she's ­nothing like the three "really popular" mice in her class who are "cool," "gorgeous," and "awesome." When Dr. Gladpaw advertises a workshop to "make you feel outgoing," she signs up and attends with a bucket on her head. To her surprise, three other mice show up with their heads covered up, too. Everyone is in peril when a group of foxes appears ("Foxes in the area! Run and take cover!"), and it is Mousetta who finds her voice and saves them all. Lester's comic timing is right on cue, and Munsinger's watercolors against bright white pages use lots of smaller panels to capture each moment of the story with humor and fun. This is a great read-aloud with lots of different opportunities for discussion.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda. Young Ava and her parents visit her abuelita's farm to celebrate New Year's Eve with their extended familia. Shyness prevents Ava from enjoying the festivities, and she wonders why her voice hides "like a mouse in its hole." Ava's anxiety and efforts to overcome her fears should resonate with many listeners. The supportive text and welcoming illustrations include details about South American (the setting isn't specified) Año Nuevo traditions. Alessandri's author's note discusses her Colombian family's customs. A glossary translates the Spanish words in the text.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) PS Ghost Gustavo is terribly shy, a problem compounded by the fact that the other monster kids can't see him. His attempts to appear/appeal to the others--disguising himself as a lampshade, a surfboard, a sheet--are funny but hopeless; it's only when he throws a Day of the Dead party at the cemetery and reveals his passion for the violin that the other monsters come to see him as he really is. While the logic of the story won't stand up to much scrutiny, Gustavo is a sympathetic protagonist, and the illustrations are filled with appealing monsters and witty details.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2020

(2) 4-6 When her storm-beast egg hatches into a dragon-like lightning beast, Mina's family thinks there must be a mistake--introverted Mina is nothing like the reckless, impulsive children who usually hatch lightning beasts. The political ramifications of Mina's discovery--that her society's weather manipulation has dangerous effects on those outside the community--are laid out straightforwardly, allowing readers to come to their own moral conclusions.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(3) YA Anxiety-sufferer Stefanie Brons hates the diagnosis "selective mutism": it makes others think she has control over her inability to speak. (Her narrative voice, however, is wonderfully sardonic and plainspoken.) When Steffi befriends cute new boy Rhys, who's deaf, and communicates with him through sign language, she sees herself anew. Thunder is the rare, authentic novel that dives into the day-to-day of debilitating anxiety.

Reviewer: Robyn Bahr

(3) PS Kangaroo and Koala both enjoy blowing bubbles, but Koala is too shy to talk to Kangaroo or climb out of her tree. However, when some of their bubbles stick together to form a bubble monster, Koala musters the courage to help her new friend. Delicate watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations depict the rosy-cheeked animal tykes' sweet friend-courtship and keep even the bubble monster looking more cute than scary.

Reviewer: Rachel Marsh

(4) PS Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli. An interactive read-aloud features a pink dinosaur who loves birthdays, hats, dancing, and painting, but who is also very timid. The direct-address text leads the reader through a number of suggestions ("Go on, say hello") that result in inane mistakes ("Your voice startled him") and occasional silliness. The illustrations are bold and vibrant, but the text often misjudges the reader's responses.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Richard Jones. After Caro and her mom move to a new home, the lonely girl finds an indoor playmate in the Snow Lion. When they spot some kids out the window, the lion encourages Caro to make human friends. In this subtle book's deftest touch, the white lion is barely visible against Caro's home's white walls--a gentle intimation of his being imaginary.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Rebecca Crane. After Annie's family moves from Brooklyn to rural Clover Gap, quiet Annie hides her quirks, including her amazing memory and orderly thinking. But soon the fifth grader makes new friends and learns to be--and speak up for--herself. Decorated with simple yet lively spot illustrations, the story is primarily told in a series of lists (e.g., "Four reasons I'm quiet"), which emphasizes Annie's perceptive and clever personality.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk