(3) K-3 Illustrated by Olivier Tallec. Christmas Eve finds often-prickly Rita and her dog Whatsit in a flurry of activity, including writing letters to Santa and decorating the tree. But the hardest part of Christmas Eve is going to bed--and staying there. The affection between these best friends shines through the black-and-white line drawings, judiciously accented with red.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Olivier Tallec. These two stories feature a girl named Rita and the dog she receives as a birthday gift. In the first volume, the pup allays Rita's peevishness as she searches for and settles on his name; the duo then shares unexpected fun at the beach. Spare black-and-white line drawings accented with red amusingly convey character and story-specific details (e.g., sunburn--ouch!). Review covers these titles: Rita and Whatsit and Rita and Whatsit at the Beach.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Olivier Tallec. These two stories feature a girl named Rita and the dog she receives as a birthday gift. In the first volume, the pup allays Rita's peevishness as she searches for and settles on his name; the duo then shares unexpected fun at the beach. Spare black-and-white line drawings accented with red amusingly convey character and story-specific details (e.g., sunburn--ouch!). Review covers these titles: Rita and Whatsit and Rita and Whatsit at the Beach.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute