Andy Shane Is NOT in Love by Jennifer Richard Jacobson, illustrated by Abby Carter Ages 4-8 64 pages Candlewick December 2009 Paperback     When Ms. Janice introduces Lark Alice Bell to the class, Dolores Starbuckle quickly volunteers to show the new girl around. Instead, Ms. Lark chooses Andy Shane for the job. Dolores’s excitement is rapidly replaced by jealousy as Andy and Lark begin spending time together. When Dolores catches Andy doodling L-A-B in a heart on his notebook, she realizes she must make her move before Andy gets himself a new best friend. After all, it’s a dog eat dog world, isn’t it? Andy Shane Is NOT in Love is a charming tale of early friendship and the newest installment in the “Andy Shane” beginner reader series by author Jennifer Richard Jacobson. Her straightforward prose paired with illustrator Abby Carter’s down-to-earth drawings give the book a classic feel. The story teaches a subtle lesson about jealousy and friendship and should appeal to both boys and girls as they start their journey of independent reading. Andy Shane may not be in love, but kids will certainly fall in love with him.     web reviews   Niki Masse Schoenfeldt/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)