(4) K-3 Illustrated by Penny Dann. A canine sleuth works to rescue "dogkind" from an infestation of giant fleas, unleashed by notorious cat criminal Mad Manx. Lift-the-flap and foldout clues, including maps, letters, and newspaper articles from "The Daily Dig," dress up this good-natured but rather hackneyed doggie detective story, illustrated with expressive images of Secret Agent Barker on the trail.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(3) PS Illustrated by Penny Dann & Penny Dann. Bobby the bear explains all the ways that Betty can use the moon, which he claims he's stolen for her. She can keep goldfish in it, play Frisbee with it, or hang it up in the bathroom for when she fixes her hair. Although not all readers will appreciate the good old-fashioned romance, the text is playful and the illustrations reflect the story's whimsy.

Reviewer:

(4) PS Illustrated by Penny Dann. This compilation of three previously published books, What Are Friends For?, What Will I Do without You?, and Will You Forgive Me?, features Figgy Twosocks the fox and Jefferson Bear. Each story explores an aspect of friendship--being a friend, making new friends when temporarily separated from old ones, and forgiving. The stories are overdrawn, but the lively characters and gentle illustrations have appeal.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) PS Illustrated by Penny Dann. Figgy Twosocks feels responsible for Jefferson Bear's favorite scratching stick being lost. She goes to great lengths to get it back because she's afraid if she tells him the truth, he won't be her friend anymore. Both the comforting message of forgiveness and the sweet, appealing illustrations will engage young readers, though the story itself is somewhat convoluted.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) PS Illustrated by Penny Dann. This sequel to What Are Friends For? reunites Jefferson Bear with his fox friend, Figgy Twosocks, who doesn't understand why JB has to hibernate for the winter. She's lonely without him until she meets a new friend, Hoptail the squirrel, but wonders if JB will mind her new friendship when he wakes up. The sweet story of making new friends and keeping the old is warmly illustrated.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) PS In this somewhat drawn-out exploration of friendship between Jefferson Bear and the fox Figgy Twosocks, episodes range from familiar (pulling a thorn out of a paw) to dull (playing hide-and-seek), until the two have a falling out that nearly ends the friendship. Accompanied by gentle watercolors, the story will appeal to preschoolers with its simple drama.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.