(2) K-3 Young listeners and readers may identify more with playdate first-timer Ultrabot than with its child playmate--neighbor Becky Tingle, who's seemingly unfazed by visiting a professor's barn-sized robot. Playdate veteran Becky models positive social behavior, putting shy, unsure host Ultrabot at ease. What Schneider's understated text doesn't say, his intriguing, meticulous, and detail-rich mixed-media illustrations fill in. Storytime audiences will want to revisit the illustrations for their comical juxtapositions.

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

(3) K-3 Watercolor and detailed pen-and-ink lines combine to showcase big brother Jimmy using his imagination to turn caring for his sibling into an epic adventure. Fighting "the Blob" (his little sister) and her "stink-containment unit" (diaper) with the help of a "howl neutralizer" (pacifier) is something only "Kid Amazing" can do. A comedic take on toddler siblings and their unique challenges.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) K-3 In this rhyming tale, a boy in striped pajamas finds increasingly clever ways to avoid going to sleep. Everyone and everything goes to bed, but Fred has a long to-do list, which includes practicing karate and breaking the world record for shouting. Humorous cartoon drawings portray Fred's shenanigans until he finally gives in and falls asleep with thumb in mouth.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Amelia's jealous dog hates Amelia's beloved princess doll. Following "an accident" (read: the dog destroys the doll), Amelia rebuilds Princess Sparkle-Heart, but readers don't see until book's end that it now resembles a dog-repelling Raggedy Ann–like horror-movie creation. Schneider plays it perfectly: Amelia is mellow throughout, and he never tips his hand regarding her sinister side. The droll art is pleasantly sparkle-light.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 1-3 Dana, a show-off and a bully, receives a white elephant for her birthday--literally and figuratively. At first she's thrilled, but as she struggles to take care of her pet she falls victim to a bully and begins feeling empathy for others. The illustrations ably support the short text, but overall the message in this chapter book for newly independent readers is rather confusing.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(2) PS Young Arnold is concerned that an under-the-bed monster will bite off his toes. The toe biter has its own worries: "I'm scared of the horrible tooth gnasher." Monster after monster gets under the covers with Arnold, until one of them mentions the scariest monster of all: the Arnold. The funny monster names and the sight of the monsters crowded into Arnold's bed will appeal to scaredycats.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2013

(3) 1-3 Picky little boy James doesn't want any "disgusting broccoli" or "smelly lasagna"; okay, offers his sly father, how about some dirt or pre-chewed gum? When James turns up his nose at "repulsive milk," Dad explains, tongue-in-cheek, what fun it will be to have "nice soft bones." Watercolor, pen-and-ink, and colored-pencil illustrations with plenty of white space display the imaginative scenarios.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Though her parents tell her not to hit her little brother or "you'll be sorry," mouse Samantha goes right ahead anyway. She's finally moved to apologize--not only because his tears flood the entire neighborhood ("That night, they slept in the rowboat") but because of his sorrowful expression. The watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations include many droll details and are occasionally heart-tugging.

Reviewer: Nell Beram