(2) K-3 "'The rules of the game are simple,' my sister said. 'Avoid the monsters. Don't get caught. And keep moving.'" What sounds like make-believe play is actually quite a dire situation: two young siblings depart their home, joining a group of other masked figures traveling by foot, bus, raft, and train toward a border wall, all the while being tracked by terrifying, spiky, shadowy creatures. Their identities safely concealed behind brightly colored animal masks, the children, for a time, are able to lose themselves in pretend play, with their bold face-coverings making them feel "fast like a rabbit" and "brave like a tiger." But as the trek drags on, reality starts to set in ("This isn't a game...is it?"). Meza's memorable mixed-media illustrations include warm, vivid hues; menacing grays; and lots of white space, which can leave the eye-catchingly drawn children vulnerable in otherwise spare scenes. They finally reach the border wall, but their journey is still not over; their emotional twists and turns know no borders. Making a friend finally allows for the narrator's mask to cautiously be lowered. Meza's appended note describes the inspiration for this story: "Migrants and refugees are often portrayed as either heroes or villains; and yet, the children I was lucky to meet when working on this book were simply that: children [who deserve to] finally feel safe."

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. The crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit (rev. 11/13) and The Day the Crayons Came Home (rev. 9/15) (among others) are back in this fun-size book. Excited about the holiday, the gang heads out in color-appropriate costumes and high spirits. But Orange (pumpkin), Green (witch), Gray (wolf), and Peach ("I'm naked") don't have a clue about what to say. White (ghost), Black (bat), and Purple (vampire) try to coach them, but it's going to take more than hints like "think holiday" and "be polite." Fans of the colorful cast will enjoy this silly confection.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Diana Toledano. In the early-1900s, lonely Edith dressed animals (real ones and toys) in whatever she could, gradually building a collection of fabric scraps ("[her] greatest treasure"). During high school in L.A., she falls in love with the movies; persevering through a long career full of rejections, Head eventually becomes an (eight-time!) Oscar-winning costume designer. Well-versed in female-artist-underdog stories (Ablaze with Color; Maya Lin), Harvey's plainspoken narrative conveys Head's scrappy determination and a humble personality content out of the spotlight. Toledano's hand-rendered illustrations utilize different techniques--including what appears to be, fittingly, fabric collage.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jessixa Bagley. Mae (a human girl) and Bear (a bear) are both embarking on a train journey to an undisclosed destination, and neither feels comfortable. Mae worries about bears who might eat small people, and Bear worries about people who eat big things, like bears. Separately, they each decide to make a paper-bag hat, disguising themselves as the things they fear for protection. The narrative tells their story from a distant, knowing vantage point, creating a philosophical atmosphere. "Courage is something that comes from your heart--but if you can't find it there, you can wear it on your head at first." The soft graphite and watercolor illustrations effectively use perspective and point of view to develop tension and meaning for these two as they board the train from opposite sides and, in their disguises, choose to sit together, share a snack, and form an alliance. As the train winds through a variety of settings, from mountainous to woodland to metropolitan, the art depicts Mae and Bear bonding over the same delights. An aerial view shows the train's path and then a train car full of human and anthropomorphized animal passengers, expanding the reader's comprehension in parallel with Mae and Bear's growing friendship. Eventually the disguises come off, and, unfazed by each other's true identities, they exchange the hats as gifts. The train moves on, but in a satisfying conclusion, it's revealed that these two are heading to the same destination: "Welcome Campers!" While visually capturing the thrill of travel, this warm story pays tribute to bravery, new experiences, and special connections.

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

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Alejandra Barajas. "Charly rummaged through the mishmash in the old costumes box for something that showed they were both a girl and a boy." (An appended note identifies Charly as bigender.) The Red Riding Hood costume they find feels too feminine; the Dracula one, too masculine--neither expresses wholly who they are. Then Charly has an idea: to create "one [costume] from two." And on Halloween night, out trick-or-treating with friends, they feel "one hundred percent Charly." Cartoony illustrations capture Charly's determination to find the right costume, and the way wearing it ultimately makes them feel "joyfully jazzed" and "harmoniously hopeful."

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(2) 4-6 Fifth grader Sofía is proud of her Cuban American heritage and of her family's reputation in the ballet world: her parents danced with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba; her sister, Regina, is on a path to the American Ballet Theatre; and her little brother, Manuel, plays Fritz every year in The Nutcracker. Sofía dances, too, but her passions are more in visual arts and costume design. The Acostas are famous for their openness and generosity; their home is known as the Acosta Accordion "because sometimes it's just my family, like an accordion smooshed to the smallest setting. Sometimes the accordion expands and we have my parents' friends or relatives or a million of Manuel's and Regina's friends over. That's the biggest setting." When friends from Cuba come to visit--the ballet-dancer son is guest-performing a tribute to Alicia Alonso--Sofía learns more about her background while complicating what she already knows about her family, her closest friendships, geo-politics, the arts, and what makes a home. Sofía's voice is authentically tweenlike, as are the conclusions she draws and the realizations she makes; Spanish is naturally incorporated into the dialogue. In the Acostas, Otheguy has created a close-knit family whose warmth, kindness, and openhearted honesty will both educate readers (about the ballet world and Cuban history) and welcome them in.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) 4-6 Sixth grader Zinnia and her young aunt join the Reality Shifters, a league of Real-Life Superheroes who aim to "help the helpless [and] bring hope to the hopeless" through such missions as delivering blankets and water to people experiencing homelessness, while raising awareness with their conspicuous costumes. Quiet Zinnia joins the group largely because her adventurous brother, whose death she is grieving, would have loved it. The influence of fellow Reality Shifters brings her out of her shell, encouraging assertiveness in her daily life; an episode of standing up to a classmate's teasing reveals a lot about both characters. The superhero theme--complete with alter egos (rainbow-loving Zinnia is Spectrum, a bold-when-in-costume classmate is Wrecking Ball, a wheelchair-using member is Papa Wheelie) and a rivalry with another RLSH league--adds a lively element, but the story stays grounded in day-to-day life, encouraging readers to think critically about what allyship means and how to avoid centering oneself. An author's note gives background on the real-life RLSH movement and advice on both grief and advocacy.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

(2) PS Illustrated by Zoey Abbott. Marty the Martian has been able to blend in with society on Earth and observe humans, thanks to a vast collection of disguises. (Apparently, his green complexion and short stature don't give him away.) He spends his days dressed as a construction worker or a cowpoke or an old woman, mingling with people but mostly ignored. It's a safe if lonely life. Abbott's delicately rendered illustrations take advantage of humorous opportunities (see Marty as a tattooed and bearded barista) while expanding Noble's matter-of-fact text. "Look at his wardrobe of costumes!" accompanies a full-bleed image featuring a magnificent old tree festooned with hats, wigs, footwear, and more among its branches. Marty's bed is balanced high up on a branch, too, and at the foot of the tree a comfy-looking armchair, rug, and bookcase complete the homey, enchanting scene. Marty's undercover existence is threatened after a "Creative! Cutting edge!" costume choice draws attention, which leads to suspicion, investigation, and discovery. But the latter--Marty's biggest fear--turns out to be a good thing, resulting in friendship, a home, and "a safe place" where Marty the Martian can be himself. This satisfying and surprisingly tender story beams an encouraging message about acceptance to young Earthlings (and to undercover Martians).

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

(3) PS Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. Halloween humbug Farmer Brown leaves candy on the porch, and hangs a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on the door. After hearing strange noises outside, he trembles under the covers. However, we know that his animals are hosting a Halloween bash. Well-paced text and appropriately shadowy illustrations assure listeners that the only foul thing afoot is a costumed fowl. The brief, sound effects–heavy text lends itself well to this new board-book format.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2013; September, 2019

(3) YA Lou Parker is a sarcastic, passionate teen with a summer job dressing as a hot dog at a rundown but beloved amusement park. Lou turns her enthusiasm into saving Magic Castle Playland from closing down, but relationship dramas among her park coworkers distract her. This is a pleasantly peppy rom-com populated with memorable characters and refreshingly nonchalant treatment of their varied evolving sexual identities.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(2) K-3 Young dancer Lena is worried about whether she'll be able to meet her recital's requirement of white ballet slippers: "At home, money was tight..." Happily, the night before the recital, Lena finds an ingenious solution. An understated text focuses on Lena's joy in dance and the anxiety of her predicament. Unfussy ink, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations use a variety of perspectives to further communicate Lena's emotions.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2019

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Allison Colpoys. In this Australian-import picture book, young Alfie gets a case of the nerves before the Underwater Dress-Up Parade. His anxiety (including nightmares, upset stomach, and negative self-messaging) is palpable as the event approaches. The story's resolution is realistic about Alfie's current state of readiness, with hope for the future. Striking illustrations in a limited palette (coral, blue, and seafoam) reflect the warmth of Alfie's home life, his active imagination, and his complex emotions.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) PS The plot of Charlip's (Fortunately!; Thirteen) very first book, here reissued, is simple: John invites his friends to a dress-up party; as the book unfolds, we see them all arrive, enjoy cake, and then depart. The variation in the costume choices is entertaining, and the page turns flow effortlessly. For Charlip collectors.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) YA The summer before senior year, cosplay-costume-designer Cameron pretends to be a boy to fit in at her local comics shop and escape the internet trolls angered by her cosplay-contest win. Gardner expertly balances serious topics--including assumptions about gender and the consequences of dishonesty--with light, frothy romance. Intermittent pages of black-and-white comic panels depict Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 Birdie wants to be a butterfly in the class play...as do many others, particularly her nemesis Anya. But never fear: where there are costumes, there's a chance for Birdie's alter ego, Crafty Cat, to shine. Series fans will find familiar absurdist humor amid the clean-lined panel illustrations, but they may be disappointed that Crafty Cat has fewer scenes than in previous installments. Craft instructions are appended.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(1) K-3 After seeing three magnificent-looking people dressed as mermaids, Julián creates a makeshift mermaid outfit. Abuela discovers her grandson's attire; how will she react? She helps Julián complete the outfit, then proudly takes him to a festive sea-creature-attire parade. Small but important details add depth to Julián's emotional journey. Vibrant watercolors with gouache and ink create lively scenes that splash and swirl on the page.

Reviewer: Minh Lê | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2018

(3) 4-6 One summer, neighborhood children enact fantastical adventures by constructing places and costumes out of cardboard. The diverse group includes a boy pushing gender norms with his alter-ego "the Sorceress," who he describes as "what I want to be." A refreshing look at what creative kids can do with a little imagination, this graphic novel uses vivid color and expression and very few words.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Soman. In the popular series' latest cheery story, "Ladybug Girl" Lulu wants to rescue all the dogs at the farmers' market adoption stand, but she settles for bringing them water. When her "Bug Squad" friends join her, they organize an attention-grabbing dog parade to help the dogs find homes. Ink and watercolor illustrations capture the costumed heroes' energy and spirit.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Fox thinks tigers are very cool, so he paints stripes on himself and "goes for a prowl." Soon Tiger meets Turtle, who wants to be a race car, and Rabbit, who wants to be a robot. But after rain washes away their costumes, Squirrel's admiration ("Wow! A fox!") helps Fox realize that foxes are pretty cool, too. Expressive illustrations further a highly readable text, and the plot will capture brand-new readers' interest.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) PS Illustrated by Kasia Matyjaszek. A dark-skinned, curly-haired little girl likes to play dress-up. One day, she is a penguin. And the next day...and the next. Her family mostly indulges her fancy but grows exasperated with her commitment to penguin-hood when she slides down the stairs on her belly, is a penguin at her aunt's wedding, and tries to catch fish sticks in her "beak." A funny and preschooler-relatable romp with bright, stylized mixed-media illustrations.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant