Reading: OLLIE'S HAFFINESS - Riya Aarini (author), Virvalle Carvallo (illustrator)

Prose (Story): Book two in the Carefree Ollie early reader children's series finds our hero losing his front teeth, which he promptly leaves in an envelope for the Tooth Fairy in the hopes of getting his wish of having a pet lizard. Sure enough, upon waking up he finds a cage on his nightstand housing a bright green chameleon, whom Ollie instantly calls "Haffiness" (thanks to his missing teeth). But when Ollie proves easily distracted from his pet owner duties and Haffiness turns up missing from his tank, the worried boy goes on the hunt, determined to get his new friend back. 

Don's (Review): Being a fan of the first book in the series, Ollie's Backpack, I have to say I loved this one even more. Again bursting with colorful, full-of-life illustrations kids will love and ogle - courtesy of Virvalle Carvallo - having been a pet owner since childhood, I also really appreciate how author Riya Aarini here spins an entertaining story around a message that will hit home to kids about really caring for (and taking responsibility for) the pets they love. Don't worry, things end on a positive note here, but just don't be surprised if, after reading this engaging book to your kids, they start asking you for a lizard of their own. (Available September 12)  4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.