Award-winning picture-book poet Sheree Fitch returns to chapter-book fiction with The Other Author Arthur, sequel to The Hullabaloo Bugaboo Day. This second story about the staff and students at Upper Millidocket Elementary School revolves around an author visit that goes awry. Fitch fans will welcome this new fix of word shenanigans and plot convolutions.

Fitch has a good feel for the chapter-book format. In 17 short chapters, she sets the stage capably for her plot, develops distinct characters, makes good use of dialogue, paces action effectively, and brings a day brimming with humorous “bugaboos” (problems) to a satisfying conclusion. It’s less satisfying that she uses dated phrases such as “No Problemo” and “Like, hello.”

The Other Author Arthur features black-and-white drawings by Jill Quinn, including 16 full-page pictures and chapter-opening depictions of a mouse reacting to the story’s events. While most illustrations complement the story, a drawing of three children at Arthur’s feet is at odds with the story’s description of an entire student body. Regrettably, several pictures precede the text they portray.

The Other Author Arthur has strong story appeal for both boys and girls. It’s a good choice for independent readers making the transition to text-only fiction. It’s also a good read-aloud title, particularly for schools with an author or illustrator visit on the horizon. Finally, any author, illustrator, teacher, or librarian who has participated in a school or library visit will appreciate Fitch’s portrayal of much that’s familiar and feared.