(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Krall. Spoiled little rich dog Mabel's vision problems cause various comical misunderstandings until her human "parents" finally take her to a doggy optometrist. This Mabel story is more transparently purposeful than its predecessor (Naughty Mabel), but the authors' wit survives (Mabel's seventy-year-old neighbor is "490 in dog years"), as do Krall's cheeky visuals (don't miss Martha Stewart as seen in Mabel's triple vision).

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Krall. Eloise, Schmeloise. French bulldog Mabel describes her luxurious life in the Hamptons with her "parents" ("very sweet, for humans"), who tolerate her destructive ways ("I just like to keep things interesting") and love her despite her party-ending flatulence (the book's grand finale). Actor Lane's larger-than-life personality comes through with every wisecrack and witty aside, and the ultra-glam art keeps up--somehow.

Reviewer: Nell Beram