(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Rátz de Tagyos. While on vacation with their owner, ferret Einstein escapes the cage to explore the Arizona desert; protesting, fellow ferret Fudge reluctantly joins him. They devour juicy cactus fruit, but a hungry rattlesnake has them hastily retreating back to their cage. As in Ferret Fun, clean ink and marker cartoon-panel art and humorous dialogue-bubble exchanges highlight Fudge's cautious nature and Einstein's bold behavior.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Illustrated by CB Decker. Kobi invites prim Polly for Hanukkah dinner at his Israeli moshav (cooperative farming community), but she detests his friendly animals. Then Ruthie shows up with a truck full of her own animals--she's a better love match for Kobi. Breezy watercolors, bad puns, and information on the Jewish values of "Compassion for Animals" and "Welcoming Guests" (but nothing about Hanukkah) round out this offbeat story. Glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Rátz de Tagyos. House-pet ferrets Fudge and Einstein nervously welcome visiting cat, Marvel, into their home. When Marvel mistakes them for rats ("I love tasty...rats"), the two must show her who's boss in order to save their necks. Fudge and Einstein's humorous exchanges with each other and with Marvel will entertain readers. Clean-lined marker and ink cartoon-panel illustrations add to the liveliness.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Vincent Nguyen. Outraged when his owner brings home a kitten, Bandit the cat runs away. He changes his mind--only to find himself locked out by mistake. After the kitten helps him get back inside, Bandit warms to her enough to provide a satisfying (if predictable) resolution. The illustrations' comic-strip look and Bandit's grumpy reaction are entertaining, though his nicknames for the kitten grow tiresome.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Vincent Nguyen. Bandit the cat doesn't understand that it's moving day. He runs away (back to his old house) only to realize that home is where your possessions are. Bandit's sarcastic comments and stale puns are forced into text that does little more than describe what's shown in the stylish illustrations. A digital pop-art-style dot pattern adds background texture to the pictures.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Ratz de Tagyos. Rooster wakes up with a sore throat and a big problem. How will the chores get done if he can't crow and wake up Farmer Ted? The other animals are quick with puns, but no one has a solution. Finally, everyone pitches in to help (with a lot of fooling around along the way). The comical illustrations make the most of the farmyard crisis and extend the text's droll humor.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2004