The Real McCoys (The Real McCoys #1)

Gr 3–5—A lot can happen in one day when you're the world's greatest fourth grade detective. Moxie McCoy aims to find both her school's stolen mascot and a new best friend while surviving multiple trips to the principal's office. Moxie's biggest surprise of the day? A new appreciation of her "boring as a butter knife" younger brother Milton, who reveals detective skills of his own. Moxie knows the meaning of her name, and embraces it as a mantra. With fictional girl detective Annabelle Adams as her muse, Moxie crackles with enthusiasm and ideas that leave her hair literally standing on end. Heavily illustrated, the book's design makes it a standout: playful interactions between text and black monochromatic cartoon art create a visual treat. Moxie bumps her head in frustration against a line of text; on another page, she's buried under her principal's angry word bubble. Drenched in slapstick humor, hyperbole, and wit, Behr's artwork makes every page unique and keeps a longer book within reach of younger readers. Adding depth to the fun is Moxie's glossary of vocabulary ("happenstance") and phrases ("go for the jugular") along with wrap-up questions encouraging personal reflection and understanding of the book's characters. VERDICT First in a series, readers will breeze through this ingenious combination of text and art, eager for Moxie and Milton's next case. A first purchase for all middle grade collections.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY 

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission

Delightfully topsy-turvy . . . readers will hope to see more of both siblings soon.

Copyright 2017 Publisher's Weekly Used with permission

Praise for The Real McCoys

"An ingenious new series . . . an innovative reading experience that surprises and delights. Wordplay, witty descriptions and visual jokes abound." —The Washington Post

"Swanson and Behr have created a gem with this hilarious elementary-level read with graphic novel tendencies." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This clever, funny, delightful book is just what this crazy world needs. The surprising and inventive interaction between text and illustration shows that two brains are, indeed, better than one—especially when they belong to Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr." —Andrea Beaty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ada Twist Scientist

Praise for Everywhere, Wonder:

"A sweeping exploration of imagination, appreciation, and possibility."—Publishers Weekly

"Swanson's fanciful and whimsical exploration of the meeting of imagination and story is strengthened by the jewel-toned colors and sheer scope of Behr's illustrations." —Kirkus Reviews

"A tribute to the power of imagination awaiting those who are open to the marvels that surround them." —School Library Journal

Praise for Babies Ruin Everything:

"Babies Ruin Everything speaks to that older brother or sister, telling them, simply: 'I hear you. This is hard' This is a wonderfully empathetic and funny book that doesn't talk down to older siblings and their real struggles having their world turned upside down. I love my little sister, but if I was still three, I'd probably be trying to sell her to you." —Kate Beaton, author and illustrator of The Princess and the Pony and the #1 New York Times bestseller Hark! A Vagrant

"A fun read that can empower big sisters and brothers to make the most of their new family roles." —School Library Journal