(3) PS Illustrated by Richard Smythe. A crane (the bird) takes flight ("Lift"); on a facing page, a (mechanical) crane hoists dirt ("Lift"). One crane gathers sticks with its beak ("Grab"); the other crane hoists beams ("Grab"”). As pages turn, vibrant illustrations show that each crane is building a home: one a nest, the other a house. File this one under "Elementary but Ingenious Picture Books."

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jorge Martin. Cats make better pets than dogs--just ask this book's feline narrator. Despite the tabby's protests, a child adopts a pup at the same time. Bright, childlike paintings reveal that the smug-seeming narrator is not as secure in the new owner's affections (nor as well behaved) as claimed. Eventually the cat rethinks its stance, resulting in a heartwarming conclusion: "sometimes a dog can be...purrfect."

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Christina Wald. As Kat and Gram Hatter clean up park trash, Kat also searches for coins to buy ice cream. During their "treasure hunt," Gram explains the value of different coins, and she folds paper hats for Kat to wear. This passable, mildly quirky intro to basic money concepts includes colorful illustrations of characters sporting unusual hats. Related facts and activities are appended.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 This second book in the affectionate animal-centric mystery series focuses on Zed, a rescued zorse (a horse-zebra hybrid) living at the Wild Oaks Sanctuary. When a mysterious trainer claims ownership of Zed, Kelsey, Becca, and Leo suspect him of abusing the zorse in the past and determine to uncover the truth. Plot twists and suspenseful action will keep readers, especially animal lovers, entertained.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(3) 4-6 Shy Kelsey, popular Becca, and weird Leo are an unlikely trio. When they discover three abandoned kittens in a dumpster, they are united in their resolve to find the responsible party. Forming the clandestine Curious Cat Spy Club, they discover that pets are disappearing all over town, and their secret alliance becomes harder to maintain. A treat for animal-loving fans of mysteries.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jess Golden. Ally longs for a dog, but they make her sneeze. Instead, she creates "dogs" for each season: a dog made out of snow in winter; flower, sand, and leaf dogs in the ensuing seasons. Rather blurry cartoon-style vignettes picture Ally happily building and playing with her imaginative pets all through the year. Craft instructions for making a cardboard dog are included.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty