Daisy Dreamer loves to write stories, daydream, draw, and have fun with her best friends, Lily and Jasmine. Daisy especially enjoys the stories her grandma tells her and always asks for more. When her grandma gives her a special journal full of writing prompts, Daisy and her friends create the Secret Journal Club, and Daisy draws a bearlike character named Posey for the first prompt. When mean girls Gabby and Carol tear the page with Posey's drawing from Daisy's journal, Daisy is devastated. Soon, however, she finds the page with the illustration of Posey t then the drawing disappears from the page and a life-size Posey appears! Daisy's imaginative journal entries add a breezy dose of fantasy to this otherwise realistic early chapter book. With quick episodes, a large font size, and lively illustrations, this story is sure to catch the attention of little ones getting comfortable with independent reading. The open ending promises more adventures in Daisy's world, both real and imaginary. Recommended for young readers not quite ready for Dork Diaries.

In Totally True (the series opener), Daisy Dreamer doodles an imaginary friend, Posey, who comes to life. In World, Posey takes Daisy into the World of Make-Believe to help retrieve unicorn Andever's lost melody. Both easily accessible chapter books have the feel of thirty-minute animated cartoon episodes, with thin, problem-driven plots and round-faced characters constantly at the height of various emotions.

For Daisy, the real world isn-t nearly as fascinating as her imaginary one. At school, she draws a friendly monster named Posey in her journal: -Posey needs a nosey and a perfect goofy smile. And antlers. Obviously.- When a classmate tears the page, Daisy despairs-until Posey comes to life. Anna has a good handle on Daisy-s exuberant narrative voice, and the open-ended conclusion serves as a lead-in to book two, Daisy Dreamer and the World of Make-Believe, available simultaneously. Aided by Santos-s chunky, gestural cartooning, Anna readily conveys how having an active imagination can feel like magic. Ages 5-9. Illustrator-s agent: Jaida Temperly, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Apr.)

Gr 1-3 Meet Daisy Dreamer, a girl who could dream the day away. She tells the story of how she and her classmates Jasmine and Lily draw a doodle in Daisy's special journal. To the girls' amazement, the doodle comes to life as their magical friend Posey. Now Posey has a tale to tell, and who better to tell it to than the girl who loves to write, draw, and invent games, Daisy Dreamer? This is the first book in a series for emerging readers. Easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page make this title accessible for new readers looking to build confidence. Pair with Dan Santat's The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend or Eoin Colfer's Imaginary Fred to encourage readers to create their own imaginary friends with special powers. VERDICT An additional purchase for collections in need of new early chapter book series. Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN