(4) 4-6 Daring Dreamers Club series. Illustrated by Anoosha Syed. Five fifth-grade girls idolize Disney princesses and have big dreams. Milla, who identifies with Belle and wants to be a travel writer, convinces her two overprotective moms to let her go to Adventure Camp, where she and her friends thrive. The girls' dialogue is often overly formal, but their diverse backgrounds and aspirations (which are also reflected in Syed's lively illustrations) signal the start of a worthwhile high-interest series.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk

(3) 1-3 Puppy Pirates series. Illustrated by Russ Cox. REVIEW MISSING

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Puppy Pirates series. Illustrated by Russ Cox. Boy Henry and dog Wally and the other puppy pirates are called upon to organize a banquet while the captain is sick (Sea). Kitten pirates retaliate after the pups play an ill-advised catnip prank (Catnapped!). Illustrated with jolly black-and-white art, these chapter books are full of pirate puns and campy adventures. Wally's enthusiasm for the pirate life is infectious. Review covers these Puppy Pirates titles: Catnapped! and Sea Sick.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Puppy Pirates series. Illustrated by Russ Cox. Dog Wally and boy Henry stowaway on a pirate ship, determined to prove they have what it takes to be great pirates (Stowaway). In X Marks, the pirates (including Wally and Henry) search for legendary pirate Growlin' Grace's treasure chest. Illustrated with jolly black-and-white art, these chapter books are full of pirate puns and campy adventures. Wally's enthusiasm for the pirate life is infectious. Review covers these Puppy Pirates titles: Stowaway! and X Marks the Spot.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Puppy Pirates series. Illustrated by Russ Cox. Dog Wally and boy Henry stowaway on a pirate ship, determined to prove they have what it takes to be great pirates (Stowaway). In X Marks, the pirates (including Wally and Henry) search for legendary pirate Growlin' Grace's treasure chest. Illustrated with jolly black-and-white art, these chapter books are full of pirate puns and campy adventures. Wally's enthusiasm for the pirate life is infectious. Review covers these Puppy Pirates titles: Stowaway! and X Marks the Spot.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Colin Jack. With their tenth birthday approaching, twins Molly and Penelope find themselves squabbling over the details of their joint party, and how to solve the mysteries in Grandpa Quill's annual celebratory scavenger hunt. Magical mishaps enhance the action, while gentle humor and riddles help diffuse the realistic family drama. This third book is an amusing (if predictable) tale of sisterly tension and birthday-party pressures.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) 4-6 Quirks series. Illustrated by Colin Jack. Twins Penelope and Molly continue to dodge the issue of their family's magical "quirks" (read: powers) in this unsurprising but enjoyable series entry. A trip to a monster museum unleashes spooky trouble, and Uncle Cork, visiting for the week, reveals his quirk, which he uses openly at home. Black-and-white illustrations punch up the chaotic magical action in this story of self-acceptance.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Kelly Light. The Quirk family's attempts to settle down in Normal are hindered by their magical powers and a nosy neighbor. Molly, the only un-gifted Quirk, further sharpens her talents for cleaning up after her family and its troublesome gifts in this amusing if insubstantial fantasy sequel to The Quirks. Black-and-white spot illustrations highlight the lighthearted hijinks.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Kelly Light. Nine-year-old Molly's family is constantly relocating to escape the havoc caused by their magical powers. Settling in welcoming Normal, Michigan, Molly and her twin Penelope work hard to avoid catastrophe and relish the chance to develop friendships. The comical story is predictable, but readers will enjoy the magical mishaps and the family's quirky dynamics, both fully captured in Light's black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) 4-6 Animal Tales series. Illustrated by Guy Francis. Willa the monkey has always been curious about the human habitat outside her zoo enclosure. When a child drops her backpack in, Willa ventures out to try to return it. Told in Willa's voice, the narration is a little too cutesy and unconvincing. The story's close calls and silliness may appeal to fans of the series.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray