(3) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. The Timpanzi Tigers have challenged the ZigZag Zebras to a race. The other kids in her after-school program think Gina's the best runner in their group, but Gina, who'd rather sing than run, knows she's not fast. Short sentences and simple vocabulary aid comprehension, while engaging page-turns keep readers intrigued. Black-and-white illustrations break the text into manageable bits.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. Zigzag Afternoon Center's surprise camping trip at the nature center doesn't excite Mitchell--and not only because it interferes with his birthday plans. He's scared of camping, bears, and sleeping outdoors. Luckily, the trip is full of unexpected surprises, new friends, and even an upside-down birthday cake. Frequent halftone illustrations punctuate the short, entertaining chapters.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. In Super Surprise, Destiny and Yolanda hatch a plan to save a beloved teacher from leaving the Zigzag Afternoon Center for good. In Sky High, Charlie is banned from inventing for a week when his inventions go haywire. The culturally diverse, likable cast has have realistic issues and interests in these installments; spirited spot illustrations garnish the manageable chapters. Review covers these Zigzag Kids titles: Super Surprise and Sky High.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. In Super Surprise, Destiny and Yolanda hatch a plan to save a beloved teacher from leaving the Zigzag Afternoon Center for good. In Sky High, Charlie is banned from inventing for a week when his inventions go haywire. The culturally diverse, likable cast has have realistic issues and interests in these installments; spirited spot illustrations garnish the manageable chapters. Review covers these Zigzag Kids titles: Super Surprise and Sky High.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. Charlie loves the "buzz" that comes from thinking up new inventions to share with the other kids in the Zigzag School's Afternoon Center. Most of his projects don't go very well, but Charlie keeps trying; eventually his work ends up helping both the librarian and the custodian. The story is entertaining but rather forgettable. Lively illustrations help give the characters some personality.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. In this fourth book about the kids at the Zigzag Afternoon Center, Gina longs to be the star of the center's play. However, she faces stiff competition from her friend Destiny. The small but relatable drama, along with some silly antics from secondary characters--all shown in Bright's eye-pleasing black-and-white drawings--contribute to the story's appeal.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. A group of kids loves the afterschool activities--and friendship opportunities--offered by the Zigzag Afternoon Center. In Number One, Mitchell worries he's not special, then discovers he is great at writing. In Whopper, Destiny tells a lie (she's descended from President "Abrehem Washington") to impress her friend. Readers not put off by the didactic content will enjoy the unique setting and engaging characters. Review covers these Zigzag Kids titles: Big Whopper and Number One Kid.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith

(4) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. A group of kids loves the afterschool activities--and friendship opportunities--offered by the Zigzag Afternoon Center. In Number One, Mitchell worries he's not special, then discovers he is great at writing. In Whopper, Destiny tells a lie (she's descended from President "Abrehem Washington") to impress her friend. Readers not put off by the didactic content will enjoy the unique setting and engaging characters. Review covers these Zigzag Kids titles: Big Whopper and Number One Kid.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith