The Neighbors

K-Gr 3—A young girl lives in an apartment building full of interesting characters, or so she thinks. From a family of thieves and a jungle explorer to a family of acrobats and a sewing vampire, the building is teeming with life. Each floor has a separate apartment with a unique door that sets it apart. The young girl lives on the seventh floor, her plain gray door marked with a simple plant and welcome mat. She thinks her parents are boring, but she is unaware of what they do once she falls asleep. The surprise ending in this zany and imaginative picture book is sure to have young readers going back to reread and look for clues. Each page is an attention grabber because of the vibrant colors and elaborate illustrations. The eccentricities of the cast of characters are compelling and readers will linger on each scene to absorb each intricate detail. The main character's vivid imagination is brilliantly reflected in the bold manner in which the illustrations are presented. The stark white pages that show each apartment's entry are a sharp contrast to the imagery of each dwelling's interior, again highlighting the power of imagination.