(4) 4-6 Lost Rainforest series. Illustrated by Emilia Dziubak. Panther Mez discovers she is a "shadowwalker," gifted with hidden magic. Boa constrictor Auriel asks Mez to join other "eclipse-born" and prevent the evil Ant Queen's return. Mez befriends some fellow recruits but soon discovers Auriel's ulterior motives. While the plot drags, the story's engaging friendships, action, and suspense may garner fans for this new animal-fantasy series. Includes a Q&A about Schrefer's research in the Amazon.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Emilia Dziubak. Daddy Bear and Little Bear decide to give a number of reluctant forest animals hugs, because as Daddy Bear says, "Hugging always makes you feel good." The evocative illustrations feature borders that range from leafy edges to carrot tops to spikey forest branches, among other organic surroundings. The lush pictures help make up for the saccharine story line.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 Translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones. Illustrated by Emilia Dziubak. In lush jungle scenes, hiding creatures cautiously peek out of leafy foliage and a lithe tiger looks well in charge of his territory. But "you can't believe all the stories you hear..." At night, this jazzy, cheerful tiger does the ridiculously unexpected: making fruit salad, styling orangutan hairpieces, dancing with tapirs, etc. Tiger has some mildly amusing one-liners as he spells out the story's lesson.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo