What happens when two pen pals, who send art and letters to one another, don’t realize that one of them is a glum little human girl — and the other is a cheerful unicorn? Their two artistic styles might have been a tip-off (it is to readers), yet certain phrasings are misunderstood by one another (a comment about the unicorn’s horn is misunderstood to be a reference to a clarinet, since the girl has played it for years). The wordplay is quite clever, as are the illustrations — including the artworks from the two children to one another.

“Can a cat be bad at being a cat?” Our abilities are limited to our own experience, and if that experience is limited, so are our abilities… right? Find out as a housecat (actually, kitten) learns about life (and monsters) from some stray cats, malicious crows, monsters, and more. These books are well written, with a clear plot, and lots of fun. The illustrations are cute and colorful, and the town and scenery remind me a little of the town in “Bluey.” That’s a high recommendation in my book. This is a charming series for anyone who may be a little younger and inexperienced than they’d like (or think) and/or loves their house cat (actually, kitten). These are beautifully printed and remarkably well-bound in hardback, and this series would also make a great addition to any library’s collection.

In this clever and colorful series, Buster the cat (actually, kitten) goes on another adventure to help a younger kitten find her way home. Angry geese, an angry(?) dog, and an angry dogcatcher are after Buster and his friends as they journey across their colorful town. Along the way, they discover that old friends are often remembered — and loved — longer than we may think. This is a charming series, with cute and colorful illustrations, clear plotting, clever dialogue, and a bit more of a moral than you might assume. In “Lost and Found,” the “found” part is taken seriously. As these cats expand their horizons, what will they learn about life and love, now and in the future?

In this fun and funny adventure, Albert brings Pickles camping, who is disappointed to learn that “camping” is not more like “glamping!” Yet, when they find a lost, baby koala, their efforts to bring the baby home help them discover a lot more than either one of them expected! It’s a fun and promising introduction to a world of silliness that many of us would find lots to relate to.

This heart-warming book is dedicated to “every kid who struggles to make friends.” It’s a fun guide to help those of us who are a bit socially challenged to learn how to become a good friend. When things don’t immediately go well, this owl turns to a bit of “sour grapes,” deciding that they don’t need friends anyway. Or do they? This book offers a simply plot, with a happy ending, that even has a checklist, at the end, of “Good Ways to Make Friends,” including ideas like “Don’t be a bossy bird,” and “Share your worms.” The clever illustrations — and excellent production of the book itself — offers worthwhile lessons for birds — and kids — of all ages!

“Was it Kierkegaard (or Dick Van Patten) who said, ‘If you label me, you negate me’?” This funny book has a fairly serious subtext, yet is delightful in every respect. The story explains how just because you’re born a “king” penguin doesn’t mean you’re actually a king. As it happens, treating others fairly (outside a caste system) means everyone can live more happily (and with less chance of being eaten). It explores how paying too much attention to labels can mean you get, well, eaten. Almost. The writing, illustrations, and lettering are all witty, exciting, and fun. It also has one of the most wonderfully off-topic — yet entirely salient — author biographies in publishing history: “Vanessa Roeder was once crowned the Miss LaSalle county wild hog cook-off Fair queen. Her royal duties included riding a parade float and waving at her subjects. She eventually gave up the royal life and now lives with a motley Crew in Austin, Texas, where she writes and illustrates books for kids. Her job rules.” As does democracy (literally).