(4) 1-3 Hubble Bubble series. Illustrated by Joe Berger. Each title contains three stories about witch-in-training Pandora and her magically mischievous granny, who transforms ordinary goings-on (such as baking, gardening, and entering cat Cobweb in a pet show) into extraordinary adventures. While the books may try too hard for whimsy, the pink-accented illustrations adorning every page; small, easily digestible blocks of text; and brief, magic-packed vignettes should attract newly independent readers. Review covers these Hubble Bubble titles: The Great Granny Cake Contest! and The Wacky Winter Wonderland!

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jorge Martín. Bob's life with his dog Rex "was perfectly neat and fine, except...they were very, very poor." They start a pet-sitting business, but when fairy-tale characters begin dropping off their animals, trouble ensues. The house gets wrecked, culminating with a "puppy" (a.k.a. the Big Bad Wolf) blowing it down. Clever nods to the familiar stories, loads of sound words, varied typography, and childlike art capture the book's playful spirit.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(4) PS Illustrated by Tim Warnes. Otto wants to ramp up the Christmas traditions in his household, but he makes several messes and mixes up the gifts. His somewhat implausibly patient family laughs along, and Mom fixes everything to make it "the most Christmassy Christmas EVER!" The illustrations of the rhinoceros family are filled with cheerful Christmas imagery and depictions of Otto's eagerness.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 1-3 Hubble Bubble series. Illustrated by Joe Berger. Each title contains three stories about witch-in-training Pandora and her magically mischievous granny, who transforms ordinary goings-on (such as baking, gardening, and entering cat Cobweb in a pet show) into extraordinary adventures. While the books may try too hard for whimsy, the pink-accented illustrations adorning every page; small, easily digestible blocks of text; and brief, magic-packed vignettes should attract newly independent readers. Review covers these Hubble Bubble titles: The Great Granny Cake Contest! and The Wacky Winter Wonderland!

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jane Chapman. Mouse doesn't realize that his new house is already inhabited by a bear, a crocodile, and a tiger, all of whom insist there's no room for the tiny newcomer. Mouse, undeterred, starts to unpack--then another creature upends his plans. The tale is slight but mildly entertaining, with details to follow throughout the varied illustrations and a visual surprise at the end.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) PS Illustrated by Tim Warnes. In this instructive tale, Otto, a young rhinoceros, wants everything "NOW!" Emotive illustrations focus on Otto as his smiling parents calmly use a planned vacation to encourage patient behavior. Otto's eagerness slows only when he loses a toy en route to the airport--a confusing diversion from the central theme. A bit muddled, but still a useful introduction to the virtues of patience.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(4) PS Illustrated by Alison Edgson. Mouse Arthur, dressed like a knight, calls for his daddy when his castle collapses, when he falls down, when he catches a "monster" while fishing; each time, Dad calmly comes to the rescue. As thanks, Arthur gives his dad "the biggest hug in the whole kingdom!" While the story and art are sentimental, the pair's love for each other is clear.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. Tucked inside his blue suitcase are all Dog's special treasures and everything he thinks he needs to be happy. Then he spends the day playing with Mouse and discovers he needs something--or someone--more. The expressive mixed-media illustrations help readers appreciate Dog's change of heart as he invites Mouse into his life in this charming story of friendship.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) PS Illustrated by Tim Warnes. Otto, the little rhino who incessantly said "NO" (No!), now tires his parents out with constant questioning. A trip to the museum generates more questions rather than abating them, though it successfully tires Otto out. Parents of relentless questioners will appreciate the simple, relatable toddlerhood story that includes humorous cartoon illustrations peppered with speech bubbles of why this? and why that?

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) PS Illustrated by Caroline Pedler. In this pleasant story, Baby Bear wants to do everything by himself--"I can do it!" Backpack fasteners and coat buttons prove challenging but doable. Candy-colored illustrations show a young cub asserting his independence and expressing his capabilities, though needing assistance from Mommy when reaching a book at the library.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) PS Illustrated by Tim Warnes. Once Otto learns the word "no," he constantly uses it in little power struggles with his parents. When this approach backfires at school, Otto learns that a little "yes" can make everything better. The simple story about this inevitable phase of toddlerhood will resonate with parents and little naysayers alike. Sweet illustrations peppered with Otto's one-word exclamations capture his emotional highs and lows.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Joe Berger. The intergenerational duo from Hubble Bubble, Granny Trouble returns for another romp in which the younger still wishes her witch grandmother would be "a little less peculiar," especially as the girl's birthday rolls around. Granny obliges, helping with party details sans "Helping Kit" (spell book)--until clean-up time. Berger's illustrations add humor and pizzazz to a story told in spunky rhymes.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Steven Lenton. Frustrated with botched burglaries, Shifty and Sam hatch a plan to steal from their neighbors while hosting a tea party. The guests are wowed by the robber dogs' homemade goodies before they catch on. With a little encouragement, the pooches are swayed from a life of crime to one of baking. Mixed-media illustrations of comical canines and colorful cupcakes pair with witty rhymes.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Joe Berger. The narrator's granny is "kind of different" with her cats, frogs, bats, and spells to make things disappear. When her granddaughter suggests a makeover to become "normal-ish," Granny agrees--but the next day she's dreadfully sad. Granddaughter quickly realizes that individuality is a good thing. Playful, snazzy illustrations full of clever witchy details elaborate on the jaunty rhymes.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. To show his devotion to little girl Luna, her polar bear friend journeys far and wide to find a replacement for the now-wilted "sunshine flower" he had given her. Bear's eventual return is empty-handed, "but seeing her again was all that mattered." There's a schmaltzy resolution to the flower issue, but the heart of this tastefully illustrated book is its message about friendship.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Alison Edgson. "Just one more!" repeats Little Brown Bunny after every bedtime story. Determined to make storytime last all night, he consults friends and writes his own "super-long one." Rest finally comes to the excited bunny as he falls asleep before the first word is read. Illustrations employ warm, inviting colors and irresistible fuzzy critters in this gentle story that might inspire budding authors.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tim Warnes. Mouse Monty dislikes how his younger sister Milli takes over his playtime. Tensions flare when Milli's ineffectual "help" ruins Monty's new magic act, so the magician-in-training tries to make her disappear--for good. The ending is a little too cutesy, but it's a mostly realistic tale of sibling squabbles; Warnes's illustrations contribute additional wit and humor to the package.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jane Chapman. A little owl who lives alone finds comfort in telling himself imaginative stories. When his daydreams spur him to travel the world, he encounters a group of snooty owls and quickly figures out how to win them over. Lack of conflict makes for an underwhelming read. The accompanying illustrations are enlivened by vivid hues and Owl's emotive, eager facial expressions.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff