(4) 4-6 Last Dogs series. Illustrated by Douglas Allen. On the final leg of their journey to reunite with their human families, canines Max, Gizmo, and Rocky receive help from a motley crew of animals while facing off against new and old enemies. This series finale delivers reliably corny dialogue but also edge-of-your-seat action, memorable characters, and a satisfying ending. Douglas's full-page black-and-white art is expressive and detailed.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 Last Dogs series. Illustrated by Allen Douglas. In this second book in the series, Labrador retriever Max, dachshund Rocky, and Yorkie Gizmo pursue new leads into the humans' disappearance and befriend a casino boat full of dogs. The exposition-heavy narrative provides some answers to the central mystery, but the dogs' dialogue suffers from clichés. Black-and-white illustrations of the action contribute to the storytelling.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(4) 4-6 Last Dogs series. Illustrated by Allen Douglas. In this third installment, dogs Max, Rocky, and Gizmo face wolves, alligators, and mad dogs as they continue their journey to find their families, missing since the Praxis virus broke out. Though the dialogue is sometimes stilted, the characters have colorful personalities. Holt has firmly established the Southern setting, from the dark swamplands to Belle's once-majestic mansion. Sporadic black-and-white illustrations capture action scenes.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 Stepping Stone Fantasy series. Illustrated by Allen Douglas. Though the first chapter explains that monsters aren't real, this book confuses the issue with statements such as: "A Cyclops was a type of giant that lived in Greece." Italicized excerpts of legends attempt to provide context. The tense and narrative voice frequently shift, adding some drama but also potential confusion. Cartoonish paintings depict each menacing creature.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth