Warner's Boxcar Children was published in 1942 to mixed reviews. Parents were alarmed that the novel's child heroes, the Alden siblings, got on so well without adult intervention. Children, however, felt empowered and enthusiastically applauded the young survivalists and their numerous further adventures. Denton, whose credits include work for the Cartoon Network, and Dubisch, best known for his fantasy comic artwork, have put together graphic-novel versions of some of the stories. In this first book, the orphaned Aldens set up housekeeping in an old boxcar, making the most of their particular strengths, until their grandfather takes them in. The story, though easy to read and follow, is presented in a surprisingly lackluster manner. The artwork, however, is more energetic, and the format works in the series' favor, lending a contemporary feel even though the cars and clothes are vintage. The question remains, though, whether these modest pluses are enough to entice readers to continue to read the whole series (or find the original books).

This is a large-size storybook edition of the perennially popular, if old-fashioned, story about four orphaned siblings. With muted-color floral borders on every page, each chapter opens with a silhouette image and includes a full-page illustration. What's notable is an appended profile of Warner, her work, and her legacy, enhanced by archival photos and reproductions. Nostalgic adults and collectors are the target audience. Bib.

Gr 3-5 While adult fans of the original series, which began in 1942, might be interested in seeing their favorite characters in a new format, these books fall short of expectations. In all three titles, the art feels stiff and awkwardthe characters faces are undeveloped and indistinct, making them difficult to connect with. The text, rather than the images, moves the action along, flattening the excitement of the Alden kids discoveries and making even the dramatic moments when the mysteries are revealed seem clunky and anticlimactic. Lauren Anduri, Brooklyn Public Library, NY