Peggy Gifford

Sometimes putting something off is worse than what is being put off – and that’s just what Moxy Maxwell learns when she puts off her summer reading. Short chapters build tension as readers both understand Moxy’s dawdling but also root for her to finish herassignment.

Moxy tends to put off things that she considers a chore — so writing thank you notes for Christmas presents is definitely something to avoid. Readers of all ages are likely to see themselves in this satisfying novel.

How many types of green exist? There’s “anaconda green, electric-eel green, green-iguana-in-the-sun green” and more as presented in the fresh language and imaginative illustrations that show a seemingly simple color in a rich new way.