Karen English is a Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner and the author of the Nikki and Deja chapter book series. She is a former elementary school teacher and lives in Los Angeles, California.

Laura Freeman has illustrated several books for children, including nine chapter books about the kids of Carver Elementary. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and two young sons. Visit her website at www.lfreemanart.com.

Carlos isn't sure how he feels about the news that his cousin Bernardo will be joining his class at Carver Elementary. But when Bernardo comes to live with him temporarily, taking over Carlos's top bunk, his spot on the school soccer team, and even his Papi's attention, Carlos knows he isn't happy. Worse, Bernardo starts messing with Carlos's pet geckos! Carlos tries to see past his cousin's annoying ways, but Bernardo sure doesn't make it easy. Will Carlosand his geckossurvive Bernardos visit? Can he keep the peace for his family's sake? Emerging and newly independent readersare sure to recognize themselves in this humorous school and family story.