(3) 1-3 Translated by Oliver Latsch. Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer. A humorous adventure starts when Stout Sam and his deckhand, Pip, find a pig washed up on shore. They soon discover that the pig, Julie, can smell treasure. She's a pirate pig! When nasty pirate Barracuda Bill steals Julie, Pip and Sam will do anything to get her back. Lively full-color illustrations add extra sparkle to this enjoyable treasure of a chapter book.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Translated by Oliver Latsch. Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer. While walking by the ocean, Emma and her dog discover a mysterious bottle with a blue genie inside. Unfortunately, Karim is unable to grant her wishes without his missing nose ring. The trio searches for the nose ring but quickly learns an evil yellow genie has stolen it and many other treasures. The colorful art pairs perfectly with this enchanting story.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(4) K-3 Translated by Chantal Wright. Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer. Bored with her passive royal existence, Princess Isabella rebels and refuses to wear her crown. Her father (the king) punishes her by sending her to wallow in the pigsty...where she's never been happier. The genial story resolves its father/daughter conflict warmly if a bit facilely. Black-outlined illustrations contrast the staid, jewel-toned king and his subjects with the earthier, more high-spirited Isabella.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) 1-3 Translated by Alissa Jaffa. Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer. Mr. Moose crash-lands on Billy Wagner's house while taking Father Christmas's sleigh for a trial run. Droll line and watercolor illustrations capture both this German import's holiday magic and its amusingly dry humor. Readers wanting a holiday tale that will have them laughing all the way will find, like Billy and Mr. Moose, their "deepest felt wishes" come true.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2006

(2) K-3 Translated by Chantal Wright. Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer. Captain Firebeard, "the terror of the high seas," captures young Molly, sure her parents will pay a "handsome ransom." When Molly's formidable mother--a truly terrifying pirate--shows up with her own crew of fearless ladies, she saves her daughter and exacts a fitting revenge. Meyer's comically detailed illustrations raise the book above its girl-power message. A rowdy, satisfying seafaring adventure.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2005

(3) K-3 Translated by Anthea Bell. Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer. Princess Violetta, who has trained as a knight, is angry when her father announces that she will be not a competitor but the prize in a jousting contest. She finds a way to compete anyway--and strike a blow against sexism. Written with panache and delicately illustrated with images inspired by the Bayeux tapestry, the book makes its point in an original way.

Reviewer: Nell Beram