(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Peter Chan & Kei Acedera. In their second story, the three prophesied magical animals--cat Aldwyn, frog Gilbert, and blue jay Skylar--set out on a quest for the only artifact that can stop the evil familiar, Paksahara, from unleashing an animal-zombie uprising. The engaging story line features page-turning action and suspense punctuated by droll humor.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Peter Chan & Kei Acedera. Young wizard Jack chooses Aldwyn the alley cat to be his familiar (animal magic assistant). Aldwyn begins his new life--and adventures--with Skylar, a bird, and Gilbert, a tree frog. Wry humor and energetic writing power the animals' efforts to save the lives of their human "loyals" from an evil witch.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Peter Chan & Courtney Booker. While fishing on the bayou, Leon and his pet squirrel catch a "fish-of-stars" that takes them to the moon. There, they meet Moongirl, who uses Leon's fishing bait (his lightning bugs) to relight the moon, thus preventing the monstrous gargaloon from keeping it dark forever. Though the storytelling is self-conscious, the dreamy, dramatically lit animation-style illustrations are appealing.

Reviewer: Mark Adam