In this collection of comics, a persistent young penguin has problems aplenty.Reggie's having a tough go of things. He's got a high-tech toy with too many tiny parts. He finds blowing bubbles to be a wet, slimy, unpredictable experience. His fish makes a less-than-impressive showing at the pet talent show. And he struggles with releasing the butterflies he's nurtured since caterpillarhood in his classroom. Thankfully, Reggie is resilient. Each challenge is an opportunity to put a positive spin on a tricky situation. The high-tech toy provides a bevy of accessories with which to adorn his favorite stuffed animal, while a sack race gone off course ends in a surprising win. In the book's final tale, Reggie's role as butterfly monitor gives school days a poignant purpose; even when it comes time to say goodbye to his fluttering charges, Reggie vows to always remain "on duty." While charting Reggie's emotional growth, de Oliveira's cartoon illustrations also revel in his rather hectic settings: a veritable riot of quirky pets at the talent show, a gloriously chaotic childhood bedroom. Familiar friends and teachers from the series' first book also populate each scene, allowing readers to easily re-immerse themselves in Reggie's bustling, vibrant corner of the world.Affectionately encapsulates the creative energy and challenges of childhood. (Graphic early reader. 4-8)

PreS-Gr 3 —Reggie, a sweet and mischievous young penguin, returns for more adventures in this second volume of the "Reggie" series. Told through short stories, the book features Reggie facing a set of familiar early childhood obstacles, finding creative and humorous solutions with some help from his stuffed creature, Bubba. Whether he is trying (and failing) to put together a toy with too many pieces, learning to blow bubbles, entering his fish in a pet talent show, or finding a shortcut in a potato sack race, Reggie never gives up. The charming story "Lost!" shows Reggie taking the pencil and the visual approach changes to mimic that of a young child—a style young readers will appreciate. Reggie draws the terrifying moment when he turns around and finds that his mother is no longer in the same aisle of the grocery store, as well as the relieving moment they reunite with a hug. Adults and children alike will relate! The illustration style is simple and bright, depicting Reggie's world as a friendly place filled with talking animals that anyone might want to join. VERDICT This gentle title is an excellent choice for early readers and would be an engaging read-aloud for younger children. Fans of series like Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm's "Babymouse" and Dav Pilkey's "Cat Kid Comic Club" will enjoy this title.—Amy Ribakove