(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dena Fishbein. Sassafras's hard-won humility from her first book seems to have evaporated: here she leaves her work at the Much Love Animal Rescue Center to compete for the role of Hollywood "It Dog." The plotting creaks, but there's pleasure to be derived from the comically extravagant art showing the pink doggy diva trying to be all that.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dena Fishbein. Poodle Sassafras narrates her life story, which takes her from rags (homelessness) to riches (an animal-rescue worker discovers that she's a rare breed) to rags (she becomes so conceited that her wealthy new owner kicks her out) to riches (of the emotional sort). While the tale's arc is formulaic, the muttered wisecracks and winkingly over-the-top art offer a giddy ride.

Reviewer: Nell Beram