(3) PS Illustrated by Carmen Saldaña. "This is Doug. He has lost his dog. Poor Doug!" Simple text asks the reader to help find the missing canine. A series of characteristics (scruffy, spotted, small, etc.) narrows the possible pooches down to one--with a twist. Press Here–style invitations ("Give the spotted dogs a pat!"), cuddly-looking illustrations, and well-conceived design add to the appeal.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) PS Illustrated by Carmen Saldaña. When a friendly red bug chooses to settle in Bear's fur, the uncomfortable host desperately tries to dislodge the guest. In the end, a wise owl recommends new lodgings: a sloth who's looking for a friend. This British import's rhyming text doesn't always scan, but the appealing paintings successfully reduce both animals and setting down to more simplified shapes, à la Jon Klassen.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Carmen Saldaña. Loney touches on identity and an outsider's emotions in this moving story about a bear who feels like a bunny but isn't accepted by either species. Life improves when Bunnybear befriends Grizzlybun, a rabbit who identifies as a bear; the other animals (rather abruptly) come around at a book's-end party. Pleasing, earth-toned illustrations feature simple animal shapes and varied textures.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert