Gr 2–5 —In this second installment of the "Esme" chapter book series, Esme is ready; she always has a plan, no matter the situation. Her regular Friday meeting with El Toro the cat and the Garcia twins is interrupted by Wendall, the Troop Badger cookie salesman, hoping to earn his Cookie Empresario badge. Wendall has really great badges, and Esme wants badges, too. She decides to start her own troop with the help of the colorful characters in her building. This building (which Esme will tell you is the topmost building), where she lives on the top floor with her grandparents, adds an additional sense of whimsy. Throughout, readers meet a cast of characters that enrich the daily lives of their neighbors. There are words in French and Spanish, along with music terms. Additionally, there are words that may be new to some readers—nifty, legal tender, artisanal, and dry-farmed, for instance. Valdez's illustrations are fantastic with over-the-top colors and delightfully expressive characters, enhancing the story's charm. VERDICT This book will entertain fans of "The Princess in Black," "Mercy Watson," and "Puggleton Park."—Katie B. Loomis