(2) 4-6 Wizards of Once series. Xar and Wish (The Wizards of Once) track ample evidence of the demonic Kingwitch's return. Their parents from feuding kingdoms eventually heed their children's urgent warnings and rethink their groups' traditional animosity. This fast-paced sequel is full of the same humor, sketchlike illustrations, and unique companions as the previous entry. The ending is completely satisfying but also leaves plenty of openings for a projected third book.

Reviewer: Monica Edinger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(2) 4-6 In this lighthearted fantasy series-opener set in a medieval-like world, the invading Warriors maintain a fierce feud with the indigenous Wizards; both are terrified of the villainous Witches. Two misfits--brash thirteen-year-old Wizard Xar and introspective, similarly aged Warrior Wish--reluctantly join forces to face those Witches, magic, and more. Snarky narration and the spirited commentary in Cowell's scratchy pen-and-ink drawings keep everything moving briskly along.

Reviewer: Monica Edinger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(3) 4-6 This special collector's edition includes two new short stories along with the original first volume of Hiccup and Toothless's friendship. In "How to Train Your Viking" Cowell tells a story from Toothless's perspective, and Vikings band together in "The Day of the Dreader." Cowell's crude black-and-white illustrations demonstrate humor and motion. The book jacket unfolds into a full-color poster.

Reviewer: Susan Graham

(3) 4-6 This guide "written by" Viking Hiccup explores the basics of dragon anatomy, nests, eggs, and hibernation with full-color illustrations on glossy pages. The art matches the text, with frenzied color for scarier dragons and sparser doodles for the comedy series fans expect. Species charts and a foldout map of the Barbaric Archipelago are included at book's end.

Reviewer: Susan Graham

(3) 4-6 In this tenth installment, Hiccup, Toothless, and the Wodensfang quest to find the Lost Things before King Alvin and his witch mother, Excellinor, do. With only the Dragon Jewel left to find, the three break into Prison Darkheart to rescue Hiccup's father. Scary dragons, unsettling questions, and several ambushes by Hiccup's mother mix well with the silly tone and humorous black-and-white sketches.

Reviewer: Susan Graham

(3) 4-6 In this ongoing saga's ninth installment, fierce dragons attack the Archipelago. Only he who has the king's ten lost things can save the day. Hiccup already has most of them, but the witch's evil son defeats him and all appears to be lost. Fortunately, Book Ten will undoubtedly pick up where this leaves off. The fast-paced story is accompanied by whimsical black-and-white sketches.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) 4-6 A bit heftier and a little scarier than its predecessors, this eighth chronicle of Hiccup and Toothless's misadventures will continue capturing young readers' imaginations. Hiccup faces an impossible task, a Beast, and the Uglithugs, just to name a few of his challenges. The story is action-filled and humorous, with the series' trademark quick pacing and silliness. Energetic sketchlike illustrations enhance the mayhem.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 4-6 Hiccup's seventh adventure begins with a swimming contest: whoever takes the longest to return to shore wins, the upper limit being three months, five days, and six hours. The real test begins when Hiccup, Fishlegs (who can't swim), and Camicazi are kidnapped by old foes bound for America. As usual, the goofy names and silly slapstick coexist harmoniously with moments of real excitement.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 The odd saga of Hiccup the Viking continues. In a land where a guarded library prevents anyone from reading books, Hiccup and his friends attempt to break in and steal a sacred volume. Various dragons, bumbling Vikings, and other humorous details abound in this silly mishmash of fantasy tropes, which will appeal to established fans of Cowell's series.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) 4-6 In this fifth zany adventure about the very unlikely--and unlucky--hero, Hiccup finds himself protecting the Barbaric Archipelago from fiery demise at the claws of the Exterminator Dragons. These rare beasts seek the return of the sacred Fire-Stone. Amidst all the wackiness, the plot takes a while to get going. Cartoonish black-and-white illustrations enhance the humor of Hiccup's quest.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(4) 4-6 In this fourth Hiccup the Viking adventure, the unlikely hero quests after a cure for the deadly Vorpentitis disease that's stricken his best friend, Fishlegs. Zany sketchlike black-and-white illustrations, playful fonts, and silly gags continue the series's fun, although readers familiar with it may find this installment is just more of the same.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Neal Layton. A queen makes repeated attempts to trade valuables for a girl's stuffed-animal rabbit, Stanley. The story's matter-of-fact telling is hilariously undercut by Monty Python-esque absurdity ("One day, Emily Brown and Stanley were launching themselves into outer space...when there was a rat-a-tat-tat! at the kitchen door"), and the mixed-media art is favorably reminiscent of Lauren Child's surrealistic tableaux.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Training to become a pirate, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III proves his mettle again while hunting for his ancestor's famous treasure. As rightful heir, this unlikely hero triumphs over vicious beasts and humans by relying on luck, a bit of courage, and lots of heart. Humorous childlike illustrations and zany character names add laughs to this amusing book.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(4) 4-6 In this cartoonlike Viking story, Hiccup (heir to the Hairy Hooligan tribe) captures and trains a very small, whiny dragon in order to pass his initiation test. Hiccup's ability to communicate with dragons comes in handy when the tribe is attacked by a pair of giant sea dragons. Featuring characters with names like Badbreath the Gruff and Snotface Snotlout, the silly story is accompanied by the author's crudely drawn illustrations.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) PS When Kitty tires of hearing her mother say, "Don't do that, Kitty Kilroy!" she wishes her mother would go away. After her mother really does leave and Kitty does whatever she likes all day long, she finds it isn't much fun anymore, and she's glad to have her mother return--"until tomorrow of course." Although the story is predictable, the exuberant ink and watercolor illustrations create a boisterous milieu for Kitty's antics.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) PS Illustrated by Ingrid Godon. Four talking animals collaborate in an effort to placate a crying baby; only after attempting to feed him adult food, bathing him, and playing with him do they find the winning solution: putting him to bed. The book's humor stems from the absurd premise, the chalky illustrations of animals posed like humans and a baby with outsized tears, and the visual punch line at book's end.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Little Viking Hiccup is worried about going to sea for the first time, but his father, Stoick the Vast, laughs at his fears. When Hiccup consults the oldest Viking, he advises Hiccup to discover the marvels of the sea for himself. In the end, Stoick the Vast admits that Vikings sometimes get frightened, but, Hiccup adds, "That's what makes them so brave." This entertaining, encouraging tale is accompanied by breezy watercolors.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin