(4) K-3 Illustrated by Regan Dunnick. New neighbor Astrid is tormenting the narrator, who finally confronts her when Astrid crashes her bike. But it's not a downtrodden-bullied-kid story: the book features extremely funny (if not-always-smooth) rhymes ("my heart sank a trifle / as there came crashing down / my Popsicle stick Eiffel"). The endearing human-seeming dog characters are rendered with a spare line and much compassion.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 The mother of a dirt-festooned boy wants him clean and kempt for a school performance. She tidies him up--but will the look last until showtime? This story's mild suspense, gossipy omniscient narrator, and gentle reprimand to controlling parents offer something for everyone. Brennan's comic illustrations feature a dirty but lovable scamp.

Reviewer: Nell Beram