As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
To continue you need an active subscription to hbook.com.
Subscribe now to gain immediate access to everything hbook.com has to offer, as well as our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database, which contains tens of thousands of short, critical reviews of books published in the United States for young people.
Thank you for registering. To have the latest stories delivered to your inbox, select as many free newsletters as you like below.
No thanks. Return to article
(4)
PS
Jesse's messes become so unmanageable that the other household pets get lost. The floppy yellow pup realizes that the only way to save Cat, Rabbit, and Hamster is to slowly chip away at the clutter and put the house back in order. Slightly sloppy watercolor illustrations enhance the feeling of disorder and chaos at the heart of the simplistic story.
(4)
PS
Martin the dragon is willing to do anything to fly, including painting bumblebee stripes on himself and dressing up like a cloud. But his wings are too small--until a group of children help him exercise every day and believe in himself. Charming and bright watercolor illustrations elevate this message-y story of the benefits of friendship and perseverance.
(4)
PS
Mary the chicken works very hard at being scary, but once she has driven everyone out of the farmyard, she gets lonesome. Oddly (and perhaps not very believably), the other animals don't seem to mind much; when she asks to join their game, they respond with a resounding "YES!" The amusing illustrations give Mary plenty of personality, and the distinctive typeface adds pizzazz.