(1) K-3 Illustrated by Kate Berube. Barnett and Berube offer a sensitive story about a boy grappling with stage fright and insecurity. The main character, John, walks into the narrative on the front endpaper carrying a duffle bag, his shoulders slumped and his eyes downcast. A page-turn welcomes readers into a busy school auditorium where breakfast is ending and children are beginning to sit in front of a stage. An unnamed narrator explains the school's weekly Sharing Gifts assembly and notes John's anxiety: "He was quiet at breakfast. We knew why." Barnett's use of "we" builds a sense of intimacy, reinforced by Berube's warm ink and paint illustrations depicting students with many different skin tones, hair types and textures, and affects. The pace slows and suspense builds over a number of pages that show John suiting up in his ballet leotard and contemplating what he is about to face. A double-page spread puts readers onstage with the boy looking out at students who are distracted and whispering. Then Berube's illustrations burst into motion in a series of wordless spreads as John begins dancing. He's absorbed in his joy, and his classmates--and readers--become as enraptured as he is. Barnett and Berube bring mastery of craft as well as an understanding of human nature to offer a fresh take on a familiar theme.

Reviewer: Adrienne L. Pettinelli | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) PS Mira has lots of first days attempting new activities, but fear of failure prevents many second days. Take gymnastics, for example, a sport full of terrible what-if? scenarios for an anxious mind: "What if she fell? What if people laughed? What if she did it the wrong way?" Believing that everyone else is better or a "natural" talent, Mira never gives herself a chance; she accepts failure and thinks of herself as a "shadow" since she's not perfect. One day, all alone at the beach, she practices ­walking--and leaping--on a driftwood log, a makeshift balance beam. She falls but gets back up and tries again. After many more tries, "it wasn't perfect. But Mira did it." She may not be an expert, but she can still participate. Pencil, colored-pencil, and watercolor illustrations highlight the character's frustration and isolation from others. Mira appears against blue backgrounds, while pink-hued bubbles feature the activities from which she has isolated herself. The contrast between the front endpapers (stationary Mira, alone) and back ­endpapers (active Mira, part of a group) hints at growth to come. Give this book to perfectionists or to those who feel too anxious to try new things.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) 4-6 In this graphic novel, Jay starts his eighth-grade year just as his acne starts to worsen to the point that he needs medical treatment for it. It's bad enough that he's self-conscious about his looks, but now he has to deal with the side effects of medication, too. Moreover, Jay is navigating the minefield of middle-school friendships and crushes. His best friend, Brace, becomes more invested in his rock band, and they grow apart, while Jay forms new friendships with classmates Mark and Amy. Over the course of the school year, Jay realizes he doesn't experience strong sexual attraction the way that many of his peers do and that he identifies as asexual. Fortunately, Jay's interest in art is a steady constant, as is his supportive family. In focusing on acne, the story centers a commonplace adolescent experience we rarely see presented in children's literature in a way that perfectly contextualizes it in the daily life of its character, never giving it (or his asexuality) too much or too little weight. It's a middle-school version of a problem novel, a kind that seems ideally suited for the medium of comics. Greene's use of color, line, and composition in his comic-panel layouts enhances the humor and angst of this particular slice of adolescent life. An appended note explains the connections to the author's own background.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(1) 1-3 Illustrated by Pete Oswald. Harry Bergen-Murphy is worried about a lot of things on the night before starting first grade--getting lost, mean kids, and "scary classroom guinea pigs," among others. Fortunately, he has a deft teacher in Ms. Peek-Schnitzel, who assigns him the task of sharpening pencils as the other children arrive--the activity and knowing that "he is the special person who gets to do the pencils" ease his worries. Jenkins structures the book using the first hundred days of school; by day four, Harry, now the confident one, can distract his friend Mason when he's upset. The entire book is solidly grounded in the slice-of-life details of first grade, with the wall of sight words and "sparkly words," the science unit on apples, and activities like making family circle charts (instead of family trees). Jenkins shows everything through Harry's perspective, as when he names the other children at his table: "Wyatt, a boy with a loud voice. Abigail from kindergarten, who looks down at her hands a lot. Kimani, a girl who prints very neatly. And Diamond, a girl with a big laugh." Harry is believably imperfect in a Ramona-like way, as he squabbles with other kids, gets mad at his teacher, and gradually begins to better understand people and their feelings. Though long for an early chapter book, the book's large print, plentiful white space, short sentences with simple words, and very engaging characters will make new readers want to tackle it. Oswald's lively color pictures sprinkled throughout the book also add to its ­accessibility and show a diverse group of kids. It's funny, authentic, and insightful, with an appended author's note providing details about some of the many children's book references Jenkins has worked in.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Raúl the Third. Color by Elaine Bay. This ingeniously crafted illustrated novel offers a multifaceted and heartfelt take on the classic superhero story. Portico Reeves is a kid with a "secret secret"--he likes to think of himself as Stuntboy, a homegrown and self-styled superhero whose power is "making sure all the other heroes stay super. And safe. Supersafe." The selfless Stuntboy protects the quirky and racially diverse cast of characters in his apartment building, particularly his own family members and his best friend Zola. Instead of super strength or flight, Stuntboy performs a variety of odd "stunts" to help others, which also lets him burn off some energy. When he is Stuntboy, the young hero isn't affected by his anxiety, or "the frets," which are made worse for Portico by his parents' constant bickering and his relentless bullying by "Herbert Singletary the Worst." In ten episodic chapters, Reynolds employs fast-paced, realistic dialogue loaded with wordplay and humor. A parallel narrative, in the form of the television show Super Space Warriors, artfully reflects Portico's parents' impending separation. Raúl the Third's cartoon illustrations are integral, active components of the story. From the smallest possible detail in a skyline to commanding double-page action spreads, the art makes Portico's world feel real and vibrant. Bay's color work is invaluable, oscillating between pulsating palettes and subdued screentones. Keeping to the superhero tradition, the creators end on a cliffhanger, leaving readers with a promise of more adventures to come.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2022

(3) PS After naming several scenarios that can inspire anxiety ("When someone is being mean. / When it's dark," etc.), Parr offers constructive solutions ("Try doing something to keep yourself busy, like talking to someone special. / Taking deep breaths," etc.). Once again, the emotionally in-tune Parr and his megawatt-bright cartoon-style art are here to help young readers through a rough patch.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss. The forest animal friends from Bunny's Book Club are back at the library but disappointed to learn that human Josie will soon begin school. With Josie worried about making new friends, the menagerie decides to attend school, too; the critters explore classrooms before reuniting with Josie on the playground. Pleasing watercolor illustrations depict this cute spin on the first-day-of-school story with gentle silliness.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(2) PS Willems's pugnacious pigeon is unsurprisingly unexcited about starting school. In direct-address text, the pigeon imagines worst-case scenarios, from the ridiculous ("What if I learn too much!?! My head might pop off") to the realistic ("What will the other birds think of me?"). Many children facing this milestone will relate to the pigeon's apprehension, though his histrionics are clearly demonstrated as such in both over-the-top text and restrained-until-they're-not illustrations.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2019

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Only-child Ivy takes to heart a classmate's assertion that children like her are usually spoiled. She tries many corrective measures, but ultimately best friend Bean helps Ivy see she's unselfish and thoughtful--the opposite of spoiled. The earnest, emotionally mature second graders' imaginative and somewhat rash problem-solving tactics provide energetic plot details and laugh-worthy gags. Black-and-white spot art captures and builds on the characters' personalities and this eleventh installment's humor.

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

(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) K-3 It's Mae's first day of school, but she's "not going." She hides in a schoolyard tree and before long, another little girl and then teacher Ms. Pearl climb up with similar fears, which gives them all the confidence to go inside. This sweet twist on the perennial first-day-of-school theme reassures readers with its textual repetition and the illustrations' soft lines and pastel hues.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Penguin Young Readers series. In Border's easy-reader spinoff of his food-themed picture books (Peanut Butter & Cupcake!), new-to-town Peanut Butter is anxious about the upcoming first day of school. At his mother's suggestion, he practices his walk to school, soliciting advice from friends Cupcake, Egg, and Soup along the way. The story feels perfunctory, but Border's trademark color photos of wire-limbed foodstuff are as beguiling as ever.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) PS Illustrated by Juana Medina. Lena isn't nervous to start kindergarten...but her shoes are. Lena enlists her headband (who is "a good listener") to talk to them, and, with fears assuaged and a bit of reverse psychology, Lena and her outfit make it to the first day. Child-friendly digital illustrations depict the shaking shoes; the happy results of previous times Lena was brave; and, finally, everyone's shoes mingling happily on the playground.

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

(3) K-3 Translated by Saul Endor. When the titular king spies "something" (a red seed) on the ground, he jails it. To his chagrin, many days later he spots "something else" (a flower) blooming where he left the something. Like a medieval Monty Python character, the king is a lovable, laughable lunkhead. Spanish author-illustrator Guridi's comical iterations of the overblown, undersized king stand out against broken, softly sketched outlines of the kingdom of nothing.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS In their latest adventure, Bear and Mole go camping, but Mole worries they'll get lost in the dark. Bear reassures Mole with a story about the First Bears making the moon and stars, including--in a dramatic vertical spread--the stationary First Star that guides creatures at night. Spacious art transitioning into a nighttime blue palette complements the simple text full of soothing repetition.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 Fourth grader Lucy loves magic and hates change. Unfortunately, her best friend has stopped believing in magic, and her mother is having twins. As anxious Lucy learns to accept change, she finds magic in places she never looked before. Lucy's way of speaking ("I'm quite fine") gives this present-day story a charmingly classic feel. Lowe presents Lucy's fears of change and growing up with empathy.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk

(3) PS Illustrated by Alea Marley. Loretta anxiously awaited the birth of her baby cousin. Before she knows it, Gabe's first birthday is approaching, and Loretta becomes increasing worried because she doesn't have the perfect gift. However, from showing Gabe lots of affection ("Who's the best baby on the block?") and being helpful, Loretta discovers that she is Gabe's greatest gift. A sweet, emotively illustrated story of a tight-knit African American family.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) K-3 Maud the Koala series. Maud, a young koala, unhappily goes to the doctor for her yearly physical (Doctors) and gets overwhelmed at her big, commotion-filled birthday party (Birthday). In each amiable and relatable easy-reader story, the narrator describes Maud's reticence through natural vocabulary and a combination of illustrated pages and well-spaced comic panels. The books include a note to caregivers about shot anxiety and sensory sensitivities. Review covers these Maud the Koala titles: Fish Are Not Afraid of Doctors and Much Too Much Birthday.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(3) K-3 Maud the Koala series. Maud, a young koala, unhappily goes to the doctor for her yearly physical (Doctors) and gets overwhelmed at her big, commotion-filled birthday party (Birthday). In each amiable and relatable easy-reader story, the narrator describes Maud's reticence through natural vocabulary and a combination of illustrated pages and well-spaced comic panels. The books include a note to caregivers about shot anxiety and sensory sensitivities. Review covers these Maud the Koala titles: Fish Are Not Afraid of Doctors and Much Too Much Birthday.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) K-3 Translated by Dave Morrison. Illustrated by Bruna Assis Brasil. A boy walks readers through his concerns about his first day of school: "Now I'm in the belly / of this monstrous bus. / The driver's a zombie / who won't talk to us." The story follows the expected school-isn't-so-bad path, and the rhymes (translated from the Spanish) drop the odd beat, but elevating the affair is the surrealism-tinged art reflecting the kid's imagination.

Reviewer: Nell Beram