(3) 4-6 Magic Misfits series. Illustrated by Lissy Marlin & Kyle Hilton. Escape-artist Leila, who has two adoptive dads and was first introduced in The Magic Misfits, is this second entry's protagonist. The six Misfits use magic tricks, codes, and logic to confront another scheme, here involving clowns, ghosts, and a psychic with surprising secrets; meanwhile, the series' overall mystery, involving a disbanded adult magic club, deepens further. Once again, spot and full-page grayscale illustrations and beginner magic tricks appear throughout.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(3) 4-6 Magic Misfits series. Illustrated by Lissy Marlin & Kyle Hilton. Runaway orphan Carter's sleight-of-hand ability comes in handy when he works with five other magically minded kids to expose a criminal group of circus performers in the town of Mineral Wells. Containing spot and full-page black-and-white illustrations, this new series introduces a diverse cast of characters and a satirical Lemony Snicket–like narrator. Beginner magic tricks included throughout make this ideal for young magic enthusiasts.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(4) 4-6 100 Dresses series. Illustrated by Lissy Marlin. In If the Magic Fits, spunky servant Darling has learned that she can use a closet of illusion-weaving dresses to magically disguise herself. But there are still many secrets in the castle to uncover, including a thieving ghost and revelations about Darling's own heritage. The upbeat tone and gradual world-building are engaging even in moments where the plot otherwise wears thin.

Reviewer: Siena Leslie

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lissy Marlin. Mira is the psychic-abilities-lacking daughter of boardwalk fortune-teller Madame Mirabella. But when her mom gives her a pinwheel and a windsock, Mira learns that she can forecast, if nothing else, the weather. (Six weather terms are defined mid-story.) Things proceed predictably--Mira averts disaster during her town's annual surf competition--but not unpleasantly, with an assist from the lively digital art.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 100 Dresses series. Illustrated by Lissy Marlin. Ten-year-old servant Darling Dimple daydreams about adventures beyond scrubbing pots. But she gets more excitement than she expected when she discovers a closet of magic dresses, secrets in the castle, and an evil plot to overthrow the princess. Plucky Darling should quickly win hearts, and the bubbly prose evokes the whimsical flavor of a traditional fairy tale without sacrificing any originality.

Reviewer: Siena Leslie