(3) K-3 Illustrated by Marisa Morea. After kitten Pom-Pom arrives, adult cat Oswald quickly learns that being "the boss" of chairs, toys, etc., is "much easier when you're the only cat in the house." Ultimately Oswald realizes that these things (and troublemaking) are more fun when shared. Oswald's barely-in-check outraged narration and the energetic mixed-media illustrations make for a funny and relatable new-"sibling" story.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laurel Molk. Worry-filled little dog Sukie visits the beach with her child owner, Eleanor. Sukie is afraid of the sand, a beach ball, and the water--and "besides, there might be lobsters." But when Sukie's stuffed monkey, Chunka Monka, needs rescuing, the pup bravely conquers her fears. Playful watercolor, acrylic, and pen-and-ink illustrations add humor to the recognizable plot and will endear timid little Sukie to readers.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(3) PS Illustrated by Stephanie Buscema. One at a time, six adventurous pugs hop in a VW Beetle convertible for a rhyming romp through the countryside. When the Bug ends up at a "Pooch Parade," the pugs, along with a variety of other canines, enter the fray, each on a different mode of transportation (e.g., skateboard, sled, scooter). Brightly colored illustrations reinforce the text's exuberance.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Roberts. Cat columnist Tabby attempts to help a lovesick skunk, a loquacious parrot, and other animals who write letters soliciting her advice. This is one of those punning, winking, mildly amusing kids' books that adults are meant to read on a different level ("Trying to kick the catnip habit?"). Spreads foreground the text's multiple fonts and Roberts's flourish-y illustrations.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Confident offstage, Mole dreams of becoming a rock star. But a terrible case of stage fright keeps him from performing in his friend Pig's talent show. When a broken iPod jeopardizes Pig's own dance number, Mole overcomes his fear to help his friend and "rock the house." Munsinger's illustrations add humor to the easily resolved story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Donald Wu. At bedtime Principal Fred discovers his teddy bear missing, so he and his family begin a frantic search. Most young readers never tire of seeing the home life of principals and teachers, and here they can both laugh at and identify with the authority figure's plight. Mixed-media acrylic and colored-pencil caricatures nail this supportive family's comical histrionics.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Manders. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies receive a mysterious threat about an impending invasion of their idyllic island home. Henry's thoughtful and thorough preparation (writing a how-to book for dealing with the unknown enemy) serves to protect his fellow rabbits from a fierce chicken pirate attack. Crafted with equal parts humor and attitude, the lively illustrations effectively complement the quirky story line.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Manders. To evade bedtime, Little Baby Mummy begs his own mummy to play a game of "Hide and Shriek," during which he gets the fright of his life--courtesy of a tiny mouse. Readers will enjoy having their expectations upended, and there's just enough comedy to declaw the eerie gouache illustrations, showing a foggy graveyard inhabited by Bones, Glob, and Drac.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Gris Grimly. Two monster neighbors (slovenly Bella Legrossi and persnickety Boris Kleanitoff) who don't get along each decide to throw their own Halloween party, but everyone they invite would rather attend Harry Beastie's party instead. Bella and Boris crash Harry's shindig and end up dancing together. The delightfully spooky illustrations and humorous, creepily detailed text will please monster fans.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Janie Bynum. While Thelonious Beaver is supposed to be working on his family's dam, he daydreams and admires the world around him. When he finally gets busy, his creation wows all the beavers on the pond. Bright, appealing illustrations add to the beavers' personalities in this otherwise trite story of finding one's own talents.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Marsha Gray Carrington. Talented mouse Tessa loves to sashay to the beat while, unbeknownst to her, an equally gifted cat who lives in the same house, belts out tunes. One night during a rain shower, each is inspired to indulge his or her passion, and they finally meet. The ending is a bit anticlimactic, but the comical acrylic illustrations (Tessa uses bottle caps as tap shoes) convey the book's energy.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. In a story that neatly avoids sentimentality, Rat gives up on friendship after his best friend moves away. He's rude to all the animals--including the new guy, Dog, who's just as grumpy as he. Rat and Dog's slow-to-grow friendship is humorously and believably conveyed in a fine melding of art and text: while their words continue to be gruff, loneliness and concern for the other are apparent on their faces.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1999