11 Experiments That Failed

The curious and mischief-minded heroine from 17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore turns her attention to the scientific method. A typical experiment: “Question: Do dogs like to be covered in glitter? Hypothesis: Dogs like everything.” Offill’s matter-of-fact recounting (“What to Do: 1. Call dog. 2. Cover with glitter. 3. Let dog go”) make for very funny reading and allow Carpenter to go all out with her collages, which create especially lively depictions of the protagonist’s misadventures (and her mother’s horror). Impressionable readers might be best advised: “Do not try this at home.” Ages 4–8. (Sept.)