(3) 4-6 Survival Tails series. Illustrated by Owen Richardson. Animal fantasy meets history in this enjoyable new series about dogs who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances: aboard the Titanic and on Shackleton's expedition. Occasional realistic illustrations highlight key narrative events. An appended author's note in each reveals surprising real-life facts woven into the stories: a cat traveled with Shackleton's men to the Antarctic; several dogs survived the Titanic's sinking. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos. Review covers these Survival Tails titles: Endurance in Antarctica and The Titanic.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Survival Tails series. Illustrated by Owen Richardson. Animal fantasy meets history in this enjoyable new series about dogs who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances: aboard the Titanic and on Shackleton's expedition. Occasional realistic illustrations highlight key narrative events. An appended author's note in each reveals surprising real-life facts woven into the stories: a cat traveled with Shackleton's men to the Antarctic; several dogs survived the Titanic's sinking. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos. Review covers these Survival Tails titles: Endurance in Antarctica and The Titanic.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Unnaturals series. Illustrated by Owen Richardson. Bat-winged fox Kozmo has always lived in hiding at a laboratory for Unnaturals. She escapes with a friendly new dog to join eagle-dog Castor (The Battle Begins) and his team, who are being hunted. New characters mesh well with returning heroes; the deepening mystery surrounding the Unnaturals' creation raises the stakes, leading to a game-changing cliffhanger. Dynamic black-and-white spot art opens each chapter.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Owen Richardson. In an environmentally ruined future, animals are captured and mutated into dangerous hybrids to fight in gladiator-style tournaments. Street dog Castor, the latest "Unnatural," must adapt to his newly grown wings while trying to help his fellow mutants escape. The animal POV, combined with the science-fiction angle on genetic engineering and animal cruelty, make this series-starter a worthwhile read. Black-and-white spot art adds atmosphere.

Reviewer: Russell Perry