(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. In this entertaining fourth Last Kids on Earth book, Jack plans a makeshift Christmas celebration to cheer up his snowbound friends (and fellow monster-apocalypse survivors). But then a new human villainess kidnaps Jack's friend Dirk for a ritual sacrifice, and Jack and company must prevent her from summoning an evil extra-dimensional entity. Dynamic comic book–style illustrations featured throughout once again support the story's well-rounded characters, humor, and action.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Aspiring archaeologist Clementine--raised on digs all over the world by a now-missing archaeologist mother--and her robot brother escape their orphanage and enter a dangerous car race through desert terrain to recover hidden artifacts. A futuristic Indiana Jones–esque story rolls out in graphic-novel format. Action-packed panels and a dark, ruddy palette capture the adventure's dirt and grit.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Monster-apocalypse survivor Jack worries he'll lose his friends forever if they successfully make radio contact with other humans. Determined to convince his pals to stay, Jack distracts them at an abandoned theme park, only to realize he's been mind-manipulated by the evil King Wretch. Comic book–style illustrations, action, humor, and well-developed characters combine for another entertaining Last Kids on Earth book.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. After surviving the first wave of the monster apocalypse (The Last Kids on Earth), Jack Sullivan should be happy that the zombies are disappearing. But if the zombies are getting their brains sucked out by a mysterious shrieking force, Jack and his friends could be next. Icky monster humor is balanced with well-developed characters in this illustrated novel.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Before the monster apocalypse, Jack Sullivan was an ordinary thirteen-year-old orphan. Now he's a butt-kicking hero with a tricked-out tree fort. But Jack learns that he'll need more than razor Frisbees to beat the big baddie Blarg--he'll need friendship. Fast-paced plotting and humor work in tandem with the comic book–style illustrations on almost every page.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 Cheesie Adventure series. Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Sixth grader Ronald (a.k.a. Cheesie) and his best friend Georgie find a four-hundred-year-old artifact; create a time capsule for their hometown of Gloucester, MA; and attend Georgie's father's wedding. This fourth installment features the series' formula of numerous subplots, tired humor, plenty of minor crises and hijinks, and frequent asides to previous books in the series (and to a website).

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. In this third installment, eleven-year-old Ronald (a.k.a. Cheesie) lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with his older sister (a.k.a. Goon) and their parents. The lightweight story centers on Cheesie's friend problems, a middle-school class election, and the cross-country team. Series fans won't mind frequent references to the earlier stories (and a website); newcomers will need to get up to speed.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Little dragon Drago wants to participate in a flying contest, but his family says he's too young to get airborne. Drago sneaks away to train with a bird; he then surprises everyone by winning the contest--and his family's respect. Bold comic-style illustrations, complete with speech-bubble dialogue, give this conflict-lite story some welcome loft.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Super Chicken Nugget Boy and his salamander return for a second adventure in which they must save the world from maniacal food scientist Dr. Ned-Grant. Fed up with being mocked because of his name ("Ned-Grant, eggplant"), the doctor creates a vast aubergine army. This absurd adventure is favorably accompanied by comic-style illustrations, some containing dialogue boxes or songs.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. A victim of bullies, Fern turns the tables when he becomes a mutant/superhero after falling into a vat of radioactive oil behind a burger joint. Lucky for Fern's town he did, because who else could save everyone from a giant, rampaging French fry? Supremely goofy, with action-filled comic-style illustrations that advance the bizarre premise.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray