(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. The eighth book in this amiable series in which historical dogs tell their stories in first-person narratives features the spunky Scottish terrier companion of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Witnessing key moments in the president's career, Fala has the run of the White House and the affection of the staff. Soft, gray-toned illustrations are included. Historical notes and information on Scottish terriers are appended.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. Emphasizing Seuss's lifelong passion for doodling and general playfulness, longtime Seuss publisher Klimo objectively highlights the author-illustrator's life-defining moments in this accessible easy-reader biography. Johnson and Fancher incorporate Seuss's original art into their soft-focus, nostalgic illustrations. This is a nice follow-up read to the illustrators' other, more childhood–focused Seuss biography, The Boy on Fairfield Street.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In this continuation of the illustrated chapter-book series in which dogs tell their own stories in first-person narratives, Sweetie, a foxhound companion of George Washington, is witness to and participant in both Revolutionary War battles and Washington's domestic life. Her story is based on actual historical events described in the appendix; details about her breed are also included.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Siberian husky and sled dog Togo narrates this fourth installment. Musher Sepp and exuberant Togo lead the team in the 1925 Nome Serum Run, saving Alaskan children in a remote village who have diphtheria. Based on a true story, this is an intimate portrait of the breed's lively and devoted personality. Black-and-white illustrations, additional breed information, and some archival photos are included.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In this accessible fifth book of a series in which dogs tell their own historical stories in the first person, springer spaniel Dash brings to life an adventure on board the Mayflower, followed by the building of Plymouth Colony and its early struggles. Lively black-and-white illustrations and additional information about the breed and colonial life are included. Websites.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In the first book in this new series, golden retriever Ginger, born in a puppy mill, endures several unfortunate encounters with humans before landing with a responsible owner. In book two, German shepherd Buddy tells the story, based on actual events, about her rigorous training as the first guide dog. Pleasing black-and-white illustrations (and in Buddy some archival photos), breed history, and rescue information enhance each story. Review covers these Dog Diaries titles: Buddy and Ginger.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In the first book in this new series, golden retriever Ginger, born in a puppy mill, endures several unfortunate encounters with humans before landing with a responsible owner. In book two, German shepherd Buddy tells the story, based on actual events, about her rigorous training as the first guide dog. Pleasing black-and-white illustrations (and in Buddy some archival photos), breed history, and rescue information enhance each story. Review covers these Dog Diaries titles: Buddy and Ginger.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Dragon Keepers series. Illustrated by John Shroades. Book six of the series sees cousins Daisy and Jesse following their dragon, Emmy, to help Santa Claus. But something's fishy at the North Pole, and it turns out that the person they've been helping is actually the legendary hero Beowulf. Younger readers may crave the real-deal Santa, but there's adventure and magic aplenty. Whimsical black-and-white illustrations open each chapter.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Michael Fleming. Twinky may be small in stature but he's giant-size in aspiration. "Twinky-Poo" is mortified when his owner dresses him in silly clothes, carries him around in a purse, etc. But, thanks to lessons from the big dogs, Twinky proves himself by scaring away a would-be robber. Humorous digital illustrations, though too synthetic-looking, express the pup's big-dog personality in this simple dreaming-big story.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. This third entry in the chapter book series is narrated by Barry, a St. Bernard mountain rescue dog who lived and worked at the Great Saint Bernard Hospice (a hostel of sorts) in the Swiss Alps in the early 1800s. Lively black-and-white illustrations, breed history, and rescue information enhance the story. Some archival photos and additional facts about the breed are appended. Websites.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) YA Centauriad series. Malora, the last human in a world of scientifically created mythological hybrids, and her centaur friends set out for Kahiro in search of Sky, the missing leader of the horses. Along the way, she encounters a winged man named Lume, who is also the last of his people. The exquisite world-building in this unique tale will delight fans of high fantasy. Glos.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) 4-6 Dragon Keepers series. Illustrated by John Shroades. Cousins Jesse and Daisy are visiting their grandmother (without dragon Emmy). They discover a golden Thunder Egg, containing a baby dragon, and are pulled into the Watery Realms. Mythical characters abound, from selkies to mermages to underwater zombies, in this fifth series entry that will keep fans reading. A (gimmicky) "dragon footnote" feature throughout directs readers to the series' website.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Dragon Keepers series. Illustrated by John Shroades. Just when Dragon Keepers Jesse and Daisy think they're getting the hang of taking care of Emmy, the dragon runs away to a volcanic underworld called the Fiery Realm. Fans of the series won't be disappointed by this fourth adventure that features as much tween sass as it does magic. Black-and-white chapter-opening illustrations enhance the story's element of wonder.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Dragon Keepers series. Illustrated by John Shroades. In their third book, Jesse, Daisy, and dragon Emmy must save the professor from St. George's wicked girlfriend. Imaginative descriptions of the Scriptorium (a dragon library) and Uffington Castle, as well as a growing cast of characters, will keep young readers engaged in the expanding magical realm. The story progresses at a good pace and includes some nods to children's classics.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(3) 4-6 Dragon Keepers series. Illustrated by John Shroades. Ten-year-old cousins Jesse and Daisy (The Dragon in the Sock Drawer), along with their cutesy young dragon Emmy, must stop dragon slayer Saint George from seizing the forest and controlling its creatures. This light fantasy moves quickly, with colorful characters in a well-developed world. Each chapter begins with a scene-setting black-and-white illustration.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(3) 4-6 Dragon Keepers series. Illustrated by John Shroades. After an unusual-looking "rock" hatches, cousins Jesse and Daisy are stunned to find a newborn baby dragon inside. As they puzzle through how to care for their new charge, wicked Dr. St. George plans to steal her. The story moves along at a quick clip, with the baby-talking dragon taking center stage. Black-and-white chapter-opening illustrations set the scenes.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey