(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. In the series finale, adventurous cat Bo outwits hijackers in the Mediterranean and returns to England, where she meets the Queen of England and is reunited with her brother Maximillian and her parents. The pacing perfectly mirrors a cat's activity: bursts of action followed by more leisurely stretches. Full-page and spot illustrations show boat scenes, London landmarks, and playful cats.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. In her third outing, spunky little cat Bo sails to Italy. There she and her owner explore the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Roman Colosseum. Bo also has a run-in with a circus lion and discovers two of her long-lost siblings. Travelogue-like descriptions tend to slow down the large-format chapter book's action. Full-page and spot illustrations show scenes of Italy--and cats.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Johanna Westerman. In this warm-hearted if sentimental story, ten-year-old orphan Mandy longs for a place to call her own, so she clandestinely spruces up a deserted cottage. Her secret leads to trouble but also to the happily-ever-after ending, in which Mandy is adopted. Fans of The Secret Garden will enjoy this old-fashioned story, newly decorated with appropriately homey black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. This sequel to Little Bo finds kitty Bo and her person, Billy Bates, exploring France. In Paris, Lyons, Avignon, and Cannes, Billy takes various jobs, while he and Bo make friends and have several adventures. Billy and Bo's affection is touching, but plot coincidences overwhelm the narrative. Finely detailed oil paintings illustrate the story. Glos.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. Unwanted by their owner, a litter of kittens narrowly escapes being drowned. Taken in by a fisherman, Bo feels at home on the boat, but the captain is determined to get rid of her. Although the narration's gentle tone will reassure young readers, the story will be a bit too precious for some. This large-size chapter book includes many illustrations of the small cat and her companions.

Reviewer: Anne St. John