Buddy and Earl Go to School

It’s a nightmare scenario: Buddy the dog and Earl the hedgehog show up at school, but the other students completely ignore them. “What do you think their problem is, Buddy?” asks Earl. “I think their problem is that they are only toys,” replies Buddy. (The “school” is in the bedroom of their young human caretaker, Meredith.) Earl’s attitude improves after he takes over as teacher; Meredith’s disappearance halfway into the story warmly hints at the way kids’ attention can be fleeting, even during a game they created. The bond between Buddy and Earl is as strong as ever in their fourth book, as is the playful banter and cheerful artwork that capture their relationship so well. Ages 4–7. (Aug.)