Brown compiles capital-L Life Lessons from everyone's favorite aardvark. On double-page spreads, Brown's words pair with a picture-book page or TV still (original sources labeled) meant to exemplify the lesson. Loosely organized into thematic sections, the book's coverage is broad and ranges in depth. Many of the pairings offer genuine wisdom or insight on topics from racism to disinformation to appreciating childhood; other spreads feel didactic; some are theme synopses. The volume should be useful as bibliotherapy and also as an annotated visit with the beloved characters. Back matter includes biographical notes, including "How Arthur Came to Be."

The iconic aardvark gets a celebratory tome.Arthur, Francine, Buster, D.W., and the rest of Elwood City celebrate 25 years of working, learning, and playing together in this rose-colored glimpse back at the Arthur series and eponymous television show. Life lessons, quotes, and warmly rendered illustrations pepper five sections ranging from "Believe in Yourself" to "Believe in Opening Your Eyes, Ears, and Heart" and "Believe in a Wonderful Kind of Day." Less a treasury and more of a keepsake, this volume will mean the world to those who grew up watching the PBS program and reading the accompanying picture books and will mean very little to everyone else. The layout provides popular quotes from the books and show as well as new pieces of artwork that will delight die-hard fans. The material is thin but always encouraging, making for a poor reference text but an excellent eighth grade graduation present. Marc Brown's creation has earned the love and respect of generations, and most readers will find something amusing in here, e.g., a D.W. witticism or hilarious joke from Buster that will remind them of weekday afternoons spent watching Arthur after finishing homework. The book never exploits this connection, instead seeking to pointedly remind readers of the lessons Arthur and his pals (including Pal the dog!) taught them and each other. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A sweet ode to a '90s favorite. (Picture book. 4-8)

Gr 24 Unless children are 24/7 crazy for Arthur, D.W., and the rest of the gang, it's unclear what audience this collection of life lessons starring Brown's beloved aardvark is intended for. Not quite a chapter book, this sectioned-off picture book mines snippets from the books and television episodes then spells out their didacticism in painful recaps: "Buster may be just a kid, but he's lucky to discover that the greatest job you can have is doing work that you love." Between the somewhat grueling "Believe in" sections ("Believe in Yourself," "Believe in Each Other," "Believe in Working Together," and "Believe in a Wonderful Kind of Day") are "Words from D.W." providing much-needed comic relief from Arthur's hilarious little sister, and likely to have the most appeal for readers. The last section, "Believing in Arthur: How Arthur Came to Be," is delightful all by itself, as either resource for a report, or for teachers doing a presentation on the series. The wonderful art is as appealing as ever, and thus the conundrum: Who is this book for? VERDICT The good parts are great, but young readers will find the bulk of the book tedious and unnecessary. Get children the original books, and save this one for nostalgic and sentimental adults.Hillary Perelyubskiy