(3) PS Illustrated by Chris Mould. When Prince Freddie learns about a dragon attack, he rushes to save the day...until he realizes he needs to pee. Each time he stops to relieve himself, he's interrupted by ogres, a princess in need, and other princely conundrums. The ridiculous plot, bathroom humor, and slapstick acrylic illustrations will have children in stitches, and repetition in the text works well for storytime.

Reviewer: Jessica Costello

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Chris Mould. Amelia, whose hope helped Father Christmas deliver his first gifts, is now orphaned and stuck in a workhouse. It's up to Father Christmas to help, despite his own holiday headaches. The plot feels unfocused--with historical-figure cameos and Santa's-workshop scenes vying for space--but fans of companion book A Boy Called Christmas will find echoes of its charm, particularly in the expressive black-and-white drawings.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Chris Mould. Born in Finland, Santa was named Nikolas. Running away from a horrid aunt, he searches for his father in the Far North and arrives in the village of Elfhelm. In the end, generous Nikolas grows that famous beard and embraces his gift for giving. Spindly black-and-white illustrations feel merry even in their simplicity. There's fanciful sweetness in this confection.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2016

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Mould. Captain Beastlie has a hygiene problem: e.g., "'Only four days left till m'birthday!' he bellowed, rootling a glob of peanut butter out of his ear." For his present, his crew surprises him with a bath and new pirate duds. The book ends a bit too, well, cleanly, but the journey is droll, semi-gross fun, with craggy art that plays along.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 1-3 Shakespeare Collection series. Illustrated by Chris Mould. Each Shakespearean play is retold as a short story with a condensed plot and thin characterizations, and Shakespeare's language is completely missing. Still, those seeking accessible summaries of the plays may find the books in this series a good place to start, and the black-and-white and color illustrations--delicate for Romeo and Juliet and cartoonish for Twelfth Night--are nicely suited to each volume. [Review covers these Shakespeare Collection titles: Much Ado about Nothing, Twelth Night, Antony and Cleopatra, and Romeo and Juliet.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 1-3 Shakespeare Collection series. Illustrated by Chris Mould. Each Shakespearean play is retold as a short story with a condensed plot and thin characterizations, and Shakespeare's language is completely missing. Still, those seeking accessible summaries of the plays may find the books in this series a good place to start, and the black-and-white and color illustrations--delicate for Romeo and Juliet and cartoonish for Twelfth Night--are nicely suited to each volume. [Review covers these Shakespeare Collection titles: Much Ado about Nothing, Twelth Night, Antony and Cleopatra, and Romeo and Juliet.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta