(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger. A girl searches for her missing puzzle-loving uncle in this over-the-top adventure. Armed with a map from inside Uncle Paul's old umbrella and accompanied by her little brother, Samantha sets out on a worldwide mission complete with ninjas and a magnetic underground train system. The frenetic action is nevertheless entertaining, and smart, resourceful Samantha is a heroine to cheer for. "Super-secret answers" to the story's puzzles are appended.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger. In their third madcap adventure, Gizmo the "Evil Genius" guinea pig and his oblivious cape-wearing nemesis, corgi Wedgie, go on a family camping trip that has their youngest human, Jackson, feeling left out. All the series' hallmarks are present--alternating pet narrators, humorous spot illustrations, one of Gizmo's evil plans gone wrong--but it's the distinct, funny voices of Wedgie and Gizmo that are the selling point of this zany series.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger. Gizmo, an "Evil Genius" guinea pig, and his blissfully ignorant cohabitant/nemesis, corgi Wedgie, return in a standalone adventure centered on the school pet parade, the neighbor's pet pig, and (of course) Gizmo's plan to take over the world. Alternating chapters highlight the distinct and hilarious voices of the two pets. Scriptlike human dialogue and slapstick-filled spot illustrations add to the funny plot.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger. When Elliot's dad marries Jasmine's mom, the family pets must learn to get along. While Gizmo, Elliot's guinea pig, is plotting a "dastardly Evil Plan," Jasmine's enthusiastic corgi Wedgie is busy protecting his pack. The titular animal characters have distinct and hilarious voices as each narrates in alternating chapters. Script-style dialogue and comical illustrations add to the fun in this series-opener.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester