(2) PS The three animal friends who live in an oak tree "at the edge of the meadow" are back for more lighthearted frolicking (Molly, Olive, and Dexter: The Guessing Game, rev. 7/24). Dexter the fox, who "loves chasing games," tags Olive the owl to get one started. Olive quickly tags Molly the hare from the air. Molly happily sets off after Dexter, and the two end up running in different directions around the oak tree. "BUMP!" Now Dexter is "it" (and dizzy), but Molly is "just too quick" and Olive is "just too good at flying." How will he ever catch his friends? This companion book features the same spirited fun as the first installment. Rayner's detailed, soft-hued mixed-media illustrations give her characters lots of charm; her light line work and effective compositions playfully convey movement. If Dexter can't run as swiftly as a hare or fly like an owl, he'll need to do what foxes are good at: "I can think of clever plans!" He slyly catches his friends off-guard in a crowd-pleasing conclusion. If you focus on what you can do, everyone wins.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(2) PS Illustrated by Ivan Bates. Mamma Duck is leading her ducklings to the lily pond, and little Puck, with his downy feathers and tiny feet, always seems to fall behind. When Mamma encourages him forward ("Keep up, Duck!"), Puck first hops on a paddle boat to catch up, then a skateboard, bicycle, and others. The text has a gentle rhythm and uses a lot of onomatopoeia ("Whizz! and Whirr! went all the wheels. Whizz! Whizz! Whirr! Whoooo!"), perfect for reading aloud. The watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations make beautiful use of delicate lines, subtle textures, and pastel colors, particularly the gradations of blue and green that abound in the water and the landscape surrounding it. The spreads are at once peaceful and full of motion, particularly with Puck, who is a pop of sunny yellow that jumps off each page, leaving confused creatures and mild chaos in his wake. In the end, Puck winds up ahead of his family and gets to shout, "Keep up, Mamma!" On a wordless page, Puck quivers with joy in his accomplishment, and when the family is reunited, Mamma has the good grace not to look irritated. Humorous and charming.

Reviewer: Adrienne L. Pettinelli | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(3) K-3 My First I Can Read Book series. In their newest adventure, reminiscent of "The Tortoise and the Hare," impulsive Fox (Fox the Tiger, Fox Has a Problem, rev. 7/23) and Fox's hapless friends play football. "Fox wants to win. Elephant, Rabbit, and Bear want to win. And Snail? Snail wants to win too." As in other books in the series, the digitally assembled pencil and watercolor illustrations extend and add humor to simple, repetitive text. "Elephant kicks the ball far" graces a page in which readers see the ball fly out of the field and land deep in the mountains. When the players chase the ball, they take off on skateboards, a bike, and a scooter--except for Snail, who muscles along, playing independently. Soft lines, gentle textures, and smiling faces on cartoon-style characters (one of whom wears a colander as a helmet) give this a lighthearted, giddy tone that rewards reading practice.

Reviewer: Adrienne L. Pettinelli | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) K-3 In this story told in the cadence of a folktale, a little ibex is minding his Ps and Qs when the biggest ibex comes along and challenges him to a duel for the "top spot." The little ibex is confused at first, but after a knock-out head butt from the biggest ibex, he takes off running "down the mountainside, over the river, across a vast desert, into a dense forest." There's more than a dash of Klassen (The Skull, rev. 7/23, and others) in the strong shapes, earth tones, gritty textures, and shifty eyes of Weber's art, a combination of pencil and digital paintings. When he finally stops running, the little ibex spots a goat at the top of a mountain and, believing it to be wise, asks for advice. After a couple of questions from the bewildered goat (just a kid, readers learn), the ibex decides to put his evasive skills to work. The wry text sits on spreads with plenty of white space, slowing the pace and giving readers the opportunity to consider the wisdom of the little ibex's choices when he runs back and uses his nimble speed and his wiles to trick the other ibexes into falling off cliffs and getting stuck in crevasses. It isn't until the little ibex eliminates all his competitors and gets the top spot that he pauses to consider whether this is something he even wants. This book should prompt thoughtful discussions about what's important in life.

Reviewer: Adrienne L. Pettinelli | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. This genial beginning reader about dinosaurs racing has the rhythm and rhyme of a chant: "Rolling reptiles, in your places! Time to start the Dino Races!" Illustrations in jewel tones with a sponge-painted look and minimal lines depict helmeted dinosaurs riding a unicycle, a tricycle, roller skates, and a skateboard through a racecourse, complete with spectators and a concession stand. (Brontosaurus gets off to a late start, being busy "munching, ­crunching at the cart.") There are ten to fifteen words on some spreads, many of them challenging, particularly the dinosaur names. ­Windness sticks with dinos that are familiar parts of the childhood lexicon, though, and the cadence, illustrations, and straightforward action provide encouraging nudges in the right direction. A supportive choice for children who are building stronger phonics skills.

Reviewer: Adrienne L. Pettinelli | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Neha Rawat. Aarav, a young South Asian boy, is zippy and bursting with energy while his thatha (grandfather) is calm, patient, and prone to taking his time. Despite being polar opposites, the two enjoy a close bond cemented by Aarav’s love of the stories and masala chai that his grandfather expertly concocts. When Thatha is immobilized by a minor injury, Aarav longs to comfort him with masala tea, but his attempts to brew it are repeatedly hampered by his hastiness. Only when Aarav finally heeds Thatha’s expostulations, does he come to appreciate that slowing down just might be the recipe for caring for those we hold dear. The text pairs well with Rawat’s straightforward, heartwarming digital illustrations. An author's note connects the story to cherished traditions in LaRocca’s family, and a recipe for masala chai is appended.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(2) PS Readers meet high-energy Sasha Patience Prudence, who races through her days accomplishing as many activities as possible and leaving a trail of books, musical instruments, and toys in her wake. "She loved to do lots of things, all at once. She had one speed—fast." Then Mr. Sloth tumbles from a tree branch into her life. Though Sasha means to have slow Mr. Sloth as her new best friend, their different approaches present challenges. Undaunted, Sasha keeps pushing Mr. Sloth into activities, including the neighborhood race. Cartoony illustrations capture the comedy as the pair rushes along, Sasha's expression of heightened concentration juxtaposed with Mr. Sloth's solemn features and reactive eyes. During the race, Mr. Sloth (who rides up front in the bicycle basket) insists, repeatedly, that Sasha stop--to hear the birds, to smell the flowers, to be still--and with every stop they lag farther behind, until she loses interest in the race altogether. Thus these two really do become friends and find a balance between them, approaching their days with a varied pace but always slowing down each night for snuggles and stories. And in case anyone hurries through the story too quickly to absorb what Sasha learns from Mr. Sloth, the book concludes with a more pointed list of mindfulness tips.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(1) PS Daredevil Annie has a big imagination--and a plan. In her sleek racing car, Annie zooms out of her second-floor bedroom window; then, gleefully bypassing all geographical logic, drives up a mountain; through a desert, a forest, and a city; and across a finish line (first place!). Dynamic illustrations reinforce Annie's racecar love with details in her racecar-themed bedroom, where she ends her epic journey, in bed reading a book with her family.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2019

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Rebecca Evans. Growing up in seventeenth-century Denmark, Ole Romer wondered why lightning appeared before thunder sounded. Later, as an astronomer in Paris, Romer's observations of Jupiter's moon (Io) led him to calculate the speed of light. Dense scientific information is lightened by comic-panel illustrations with speech-bubble jokes about ice cream, plumbing, and butts. Budding scientists will enjoy learning the slow process of scientific discovery. Timeline.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Orbie. Delivered to "the Zoom" (instead of the "Zzzzzoo"), a sloth doesn't understand why the animals are always in a hurry. She takes her time, and eventually, gradually, makes friends with a snail. In the end, the other animals pause long enough "to become fast friends." This tale will especially appeal to children who move at a different pace; Orbie's illustrations offer lots to slow down for.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 4-6 Barry Allen, also known as superhero speedster The Flash, races to the sixty-fourth century to confront the reality-bending menace Hocus Pocus on his home turf. Back home in twenty-first-century Central City, Kid Flash and the rest of Barry's friends hunt down Earthworm, a sewer-dwelling villain. This installment closes the spinoff trilogy from TV's The Flash with more campy action and superhero-adjacent science concepts.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. Featuring a handful of "underdogs" in the animal kingdom, this informative book is also intended to serve as an affirmation for young humans who feel like they just don't fit in. Creatures' seemingly negative attributes are identified and then explained for the lifesaving traits that they actually are. The digital illustrations are friendly and engaging and complement the chatty text. "More About the Underdogs" is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Katie Darrin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Vivienne To. Always on the go, Amy's family does everything in a hurry. When Amy brings home a sloth, he slows down the family, and they learn to appreciate one another and life around them--to Amy's relief. This story about the drawbacks of today's rapid-fire life and the benefits of taking time out will resonate with both jet-propelled readers and those who move more purposefully.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laurel Molk. Giant Galápogos tortoise Harriet defies other creatures' jeers and explores the ocean and surrounding islands at her own slow pace: "She was in no hurry. There was plenty to see." A calmly voiced narrative encourages readers to follow their own rhythms, while eye-catching watercolor and block-print illustrations depict the exotic creatures along Harriet's saunter. Note on a real tortoise named Harriet included.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) PS Illustrated by Simona Ciraolo. In this clever cumulative story reminiscent of "The Gingerbread Man," swift mouse Jake outruns the clutches of Old Tom Cat, plus a fox, wolf, and bear. "'Can't catch me!' sings Jake. 'I'm the fastest mouse in the world!'" That is, until the boastful rodent is finally outwitted (and gobbled up) by Old Tom Cat. Energetic pencil and watercolor illustrations capture the animals' spry movements.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 First Facts: My First Guides series. Superficial, stats-filled text introduces a variety of high-speed vehicle types (including helicopters, race cars, sports bikes, ATVs, and trains) as well as some very basic technology concepts behind their designs; clear action photos appear on recto pages. Fact boxes throughout spotlight specific vehicles, such as Japan's famous bullet trains. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Comparison Fun series. After a note to adults provides reader-encouragement tips, these slim easy readers make comparisons using familiar objects (school buses, a bathtub) or animals to explain either the speed or size of each of the four mammals. Some of the examples are more concrete or easier to grasp than others. Crisp color photos illustrate the text; additional facts are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Comparison Fun titles: How Big Is a Blue Whale?, How Fast Is a Cheetah?, How Slow Is a Sloth?, and How Tall Is a Giraffe?.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(4) K-3 Comparison Fun series. After a note to adults provides reader-encouragement tips, these slim easy readers make comparisons using familiar objects (school buses, a bathtub) or animals to explain either the speed or size of each of the four mammals. Some of the examples are more concrete or easier to grasp than others. Crisp color photos illustrate the text; additional facts are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Comparison Fun titles: How Big Is a Blue Whale?, How Fast Is a Cheetah?, How Slow Is a Sloth?, and How Tall Is a Giraffe?.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(4) 4-6 Megafast series. Illustrated by Mat Edwards & Jeremy Pyke. After an introduction to the kind of vehicle, each book features double-page-spread profiles highlighting stats, physical features, and mechanics of specific models. Color photos are superimposed (sometimes jarringly) on other photos and drawings on each spread, and there's very little transition between the profiles. Still, young middle graders will be attracted to the power and mobility of these cutting-edge "megafast" machines. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Megafast titles: Megafast Cars, Megafast Motorcycles, Megafast Planes, and Megafast Trucks.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Megafast series. Illustrated by Mat Edwards & Jeremy Pyke. After an introduction to the kind of vehicle, each book features double-page-spread profiles highlighting stats, physical features, and mechanics of specific models. Color photos are superimposed (sometimes jarringly) on other photos and drawings on each spread, and there's very little transition between the profiles. Still, young middle graders will be attracted to the power and mobility of these cutting-edge "megafast" machines. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Megafast titles: Megafast Cars, Megafast Motorcycles, Megafast Planes, and Megafast Trucks.

Reviewer: Jack Forman