(4) 4-6 Prizewinners of Piedmont Place series. Illustrated by Colin Jack. The biracial Talaska family (The Prizewinners of Piedmont Place) works together to solve riddles to win the "Funland Fun House Makeover Contest" and save the dilapidated family home. Although lacking in character and plot development, slapstick humor and pun-tastic wordplay are at the heart of this imaginative book filled with clowns, amusement-park attractions, and last-minute saves. Spot illustrations echo the over-the-top tone.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Colin Jack. In this self-consciously wacky series-starter, eleven-year-old Cal Talaska's quirky family competes to win the "Great Grab Contest" at a superstore. The evil, rich rival family feels stereotypical, but the financially struggling Talaska family (illustrated as mixed-race) is well developed and worth rooting for. Some of the jokes are belabored, but this is light and easy reading; Jack's black-and-white cartoons add appeal.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Illustrated by Scott Altmann. Magician Mr. Cigam assigns nine-year-old cousins Henry and Keats a new job: rid the local supermarket of giant slugs before the store is named a hazard zone and shut down. Delightfully, there's no logic in the absurd, slapstick messiness that ensues as the boys chase slimy critters and trash the store. Chapter book readers into yucky humor will gobble this up.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Illustrated by Scott Altmann. Cousins Henry and Keats accept an odd job at Hallway House to earn money for new bikes. Cryptic instructions list daunting tasks including "battle and defeat the shark-headed zombie." With some luck--and magical aids--the boys emerge victorious after a wild but confusing day of chasing, fighting, and conjuring. The story is convoluted but entertaining; shadowy black-and-white drawings help clarify the action.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 4-6 Worst-Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure series. With David Morton. In this engaging Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style book, readers join a team climbing Everest; of the twenty-six possible endings, only one takes participants to the top. Organization is spotty; an appended "Expedition File" section, which should be read first, provides maps, gear, and safety information to help readers make informed choices (they're also encouraged to "listen to your gut"). Black-and-white illustrations and comic-style spreads add visual interest.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan