“Delightfully superb.”— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Henkes is a master.”— The Horn Book (starred review) “Captivating. ”— Booklist (starred review) A stand-alone companion to two-time Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes’s award-winning, bestselling, and acclaimed  The Year of Billy Miller  and  Billy Miller Makes a Wish . This short, humorous, and accessible novel for newly independent readers stars Billy’s younger sister, Sal, and chronicles an eventful holiday season at the Miller house. Oh, Sal  is illustrated in black-and-white throughout by the author, and is perfect for fans of Ramona, Ivy + Bean, and Dory Fantasmagory. The Miller family is celebrating its first holiday with the new baby. Billy is excited that Uncle Jake is visiting, but nothing about this holiday season is making Billy’s little sister Sal happy. The baby is a noisy nuisance and hogging all of Mama’s attention. Plus, the baby doesn’t even have a name yet. To make matters worse, Sal lost the very best gift that Santa gave her! Will Sal find her present? Will the Millers find a name for the baby? Will Billy always be an annoying big brother? The holiday season (and life with the Millers) is full of surprises—and warmth, kindness, family, celebration, and love—in the hands of award-winning author Kevin Henkes. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white art by the author,  Oh, Sal  is an excellent choice for early elementary grades, as well as a terrific family and classroom read-aloud for any time of the year. A stand-alone companion to  The Year of Billy   Miller  (a Newbery Honor Book) and  Billy Miller Makes a Wish .  Gr 1-4-Sal has a lot going on-a new sister, a visiting uncle, an annoying brother, and a missing pair of underpants. The four-year-old sister of Billy Miller from Henkes's previous middle grade novels, Sal received a set of flowered, days-of-the-week undies for Christmas. When her favorite pair goes missing, she's heartbroken. Papa and Mama help her search the house, and when the undies still can't be found, they help take her mind off this very big dilemma. Just when things start looking up, another problem occurs. Sal feels unprepared to deal with it all, but her family-even the new baby-shows her that big problems can sometimes have unexpected and wonderful outcomes. With his characteristic charm, Henkes takes readers straight into the microcosm of a little girl's world where small things mean everything, and imagination helps process emotions; readers will easily feel at home. The picture-perfect narrative creates a natural world filled with a relatable and engaging cast that feels more like family than book characters. The wholesome plot feels authentic and warm. The only downfall of this book is that it is marketed as middle grade because of the previous books when it will resonate far more with the chapter book audience. VERDICT A lovely, honest story perfect for fans of Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks or for those looking for a read-aloud for young children.-Kate Davisα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. “Henkes’ third book centered on the Miller family—after the Newbery Honor The Year of Billy Miller and Billy Miller Makes a Wish —follows Billy’s 4-year-old sister, Sal. . . . Sal’s New Year’s Day has plenty of big moments of misunderstanding—and understanding. . . . Henkes’ keen awareness of the ways it is hard and constantly revelatory to be a child gives this simple family story a sense of heart and happiness. . . . Delightfully superb.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “This third, stand-alone installment of the Miller family saga is told from four-year-old Sal’s point of view. It’s New Year’s Day, and there’s simply too much going on for her. . . . But if Sal is at times overwhelmed by life’s complications, she is part of a loving family that takes her emotions seriously and includes her in their day-to-day decisions. . . . Henkes is a master at probing the mind and heart of a young child, writing with gentle humor and affection.” - Horn Book (starred review) “In this stand-alone companion book to The Year of Billy Miller and Billy Miller Makes a Wish , the spotlight shifts from eight-year-old Billy to his four-year-old sister, Sal. . . . It’s New Year’s Day, and she can’t find her favorite Christmas present . . . Written in third person from Sal’s viewpoint, the story takes place within a 24-hour period, yet the family members’ actions, concerns, and conversations offer a broad range of insights into the characters and their relationships. . . . A captivating family story with gentle humor and emotional resonance.” - Booklist (starred review) “Sal has a lot going on—a new sister, a visiting uncle, an annoying brother, and a missing pair of underpants. . . . With his characteristic charm, Henkes takes readers straight into the microcosm of a little girl’s world where small things mean everything, and ima