(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. In a very busy city filled with very busy people, lonely but well-rounded little girl Mango Allsorts meets a frightened Malaysian tapir named Bambang, and a fast friendship forms. This endearing collection of four short, interconnected stories, perfect for newly independent readers, is framed by expressive illustrations that put readers in the center of the action to connect with our brave, selfless heroine.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. In this third adventure, dogs Digby and Percy, along with their new friend, parrot Ariel, visit an air show and accidentally take off in a hot-air balloon. As ever, neighbor Lou Ella (who likes "getting her own way") makes an excellent villain. The drama is both exciting and appropriate for new readers. A jaunty page layout and profuse illustrations move the story along briskly.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. Dogs Digby and Percy return for another early chapter book (Digby O'Day in the Fast Lane), here tootling off in Digby's convertible to a seaside vacation at the Hotel Splendide, where they become embroiled in a diamond heist. The combination of cozy setting and dangerous adventure, all brought to life in a profusion of pencil, ink, and digital-collage illustrations, should keep readers engaged.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. Digby the dog and his friend (and co-driver) Percy enter the All-Day Race from Didsworth to Dodsworth. Can they defeat nasty neighbor Lou Ella and cross the finish line first? This very early chapter book is illustrated profusely with line art washed with pinks and reds; the story is warm and nicely predictable, with just enough adventure for the intended audience.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. These nine stories, originally published between 1928 and 1955, have been newly illustrated and collected in an oversized book. In the old-fashioned stories, Milly-Molly-Mandy, a spunky, independent little girl, is safe and cared for everywhere in her small village. The delicate watercolors show a kind world of smiling friends and neighbors. This will appeal to nostalgic adults and girls too young for Betsy, Tacy and Tib.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth