In the setup episode Max draws comics, lays out simple science demonstrations (“Experiment #1: What happens when you microwave a marshmallow?”) and turns a bucket full of pencil erasers into action figures by drawing faces on them-all while watching and fretting about his parents’ separation. In these retooled versions of Max’s Logbook (2003) and Max’s Mystical Logbook (2004), Moss discards the graph-paper backgrounds, expands the role of a small green pencil-topper that is (at least in the young narrator’s mind) a visitor from space with telepathic powers and remixes lightly revised text and art.

The second installment in this spirited series is a hit. Ryan, her family, and friends are Black, and occasional illustrations by Mata spotlight their joy and make this book shine. Watson continues to excel at crafting a sense of place she transports readers to Portland, Oregon, with an attention to detail that can only come from someone who has loved that city. Hard topics like family finances and complex relationships with friends are discussed in an age-appropriate way. Watson’s heroine is smart and courageous, bringing her optimistic attitude to any challenge she faces. When the time for camp finally arrives, Ryan is so worried about bugs, ghosts, and sharing a cabin that she wonders if she should go at all. Ryan’s Dad is still working the late shift, which means he gets home and goes to bed when she and her older brother, Ray, are waking up, so their quality daddy-daughter time is limited to one day a week.

Ryan feels like the baby is taking forever to arrive, and with Mom on bed rest, she isn’t able to participate in the family’s typical summer activities. Ryan has so much to look forward to this summer-she is going to be a big sister, and she finally gets to go to church camp! But new adventures bring challenges, too. A new baby coming means Ryan has lots of opportunities to grow love.

Renee watson ways to grow love