(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. In this entertaining fourth Last Kids on Earth book, Jack plans a makeshift Christmas celebration to cheer up his snowbound friends (and fellow monster-apocalypse survivors). But then a new human villainess kidnaps Jack's friend Dirk for a ritual sacrifice, and Jack and company must prevent her from summoning an evil extra-dimensional entity. Dynamic comic book–style illustrations featured throughout once again support the story's well-rounded characters, humor, and action.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS: Knights Academy series. Illustrated by Alessandro Valdrighi. When shy orphan Fletcher arrives at the Knights' Academy, he accidentally unleashes a dormant "Forbidden Power." Fletcher and his enthusiastic friend Izzy must reclaim the Forbidden Power to defeat the undead Baron von Bludgeonous. With black-and-white illustrations, this standard-issue school story is ideal for fans of LEGO toys, though it contains an incongruous mix of medieval trappings, magic, and sci-fi gadgetry.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Galactic Hot Dogs series. Illustrated by Rachel Maguire & Nichole Kelley. Cosmoe, Princess Dagger, and Humphree return for a third installment. Kidnapped by evil pirate Rani, Cosmoe must escape and save the galaxy--but without Humphree's help. High jinks ensue, and Cosmoe learns that no villain is pure evil. Frenetic sci-fi action meets a Wimpy Kid format, with plentiful illustrations that add to the humor.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Monster-apocalypse survivor Jack worries he'll lose his friends forever if they successfully make radio contact with other humans. Determined to convince his pals to stay, Jack distracts them at an abandoned theme park, only to realize he's been mind-manipulated by the evil King Wretch. Comic book–style illustrations, action, humor, and well-developed characters combine for another entertaining Last Kids on Earth book.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Galactic Hot Dogs series. Illustrated by Rachel Maguire & Nichole Kelley. Cosmoe the Earth-Boy and his Galactic Hot Dogs business partners are trying to enjoy a trip to Crostini's Cosmic Carnival and Wonder Circus. But the event becomes an intergalactic battle when Crostini's evil circus monsters attack and it's up to Cosmoe to save the day. Energy-packed comics-style art advances the action in this second hilarious but frenetic installment.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. After surviving the first wave of the monster apocalypse (The Last Kids on Earth), Jack Sullivan should be happy that the zombies are disappearing. But if the zombies are getting their brains sucked out by a mysterious shrieking force, Jack and his friends could be next. Icky monster humor is balanced with well-developed characters in this illustrated novel.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 Galactic Hot Dogs series. Illustrated by Rachel Maguire & Nichole Kelley. Earth-boy Cosmoe navigates his hot-dog space ship--the Neon Wiener--through high-energy episodes, including an Intergalactic Food Truck Cook-Off and a videogame apocalypse. Ultimately, Cosmoe and friends defeat General Krax von Grumble's Ultimate Evil rockets. The hyperactive story is told through a combination of comic-panel illustrations and an action-packed text.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Before the monster apocalypse, Jack Sullivan was an ordinary thirteen-year-old orphan. Now he's a butt-kicking hero with a tricked-out tree fort. But Jack learns that he'll need more than razor Frisbees to beat the big baddie Blarg--he'll need friendship. Fast-paced plotting and humor work in tandem with the comic book–style illustrations on almost every page.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay