(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andréa Wesson. Each of Mrs. Henshaw's students receives a chicken egg to study for science. Sally's "looks different," and it hatches into a dragon. Knudsen's text includes lots of humor ("Don't be difficult," repeatedly responds Mrs. Henshaw whenever Sally indicates her hatchling's divergent and destructive qualities). Wesson, using impeccable lines, expertly details the implements and appliances of a grade-school science project.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Andrea Wesson. In this adult-centered story, aspiring author Mrs. Wright believes that a pet will help cure her loneliness. After a mynah bird, monkey, and others fail, a trusty canine, who happens to be an excellent writing companion (even fetching a dictionary and a thesaurus), supports the writer, and her story is accepted for publication. Patterned illustrations accented with cheery florals convey a homey setting.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andréa Wesson. Although Alma the opera-singing cat and her owner decide she's ready for her debut, Alma worries that people won't believe a cat can sing about love. She tries a disguise but ultimately goes onstage as herself. Dramatic perspectives in the expressive watercolor illustrations show the audience at first dumbfounded, then cheering for the feline diva.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Andrea Wesson. When Evangeline's parents disappear while studying golden-haired apes in the Ikkinasti Jungle, she and Professor Pikkaflee go after them. They encounter a variety of adversaries, from a wild jungle-hater to deadly spitting spiders, before discovering the Mudds are being held captive by the apes. The pace is uneven, but the story is humorous, as are the illustrations.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrea Wesson. Otis the duck, who is something of a dreamer, dons a disguise and, by virtue of his own clumsiness and some quick talking, becomes the respected hero Jack Quack. The beautiful Violet, longing for a savior, sees through the disguise but falls in love anyway. The watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations endow the ducks with expressive, handlike wings, which add to the story's humor.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert