(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Young. Marie Antoinette's self-centered pug narrates this playful portrait of the famous queen, focusing on her early years in France and their effects on his comfort. Cullen neatly balances royal opulence against simple canine pleasures. The art captures the magnificence of Versailles's elaborate architecture and fashion but humanizes the world with gentle pastel colors.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) K-3 Viking Easy-to-Read series. Illustrated by Amy Young. "This is my pony. / His name is Jack. / He is brown and white. / His nose is black." A girl tells (and shows) beginning readers how she cares for her pony. The simple rhyming text and uncluttered art explains currying, cleaning hooves, and feeding the pony. A glossary of pony care terms is included.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy L. Young. Two dog friends abandon their work as book writer and illustrator to venture to Ice Cream Island. The feline ferry operators won't admit dogs, so the two canines rent a sailboat. A storm tests their courage, but their determination doesn't waiver. Though the premise for the story is odd, the dogs are endearing and the playful illustrations are amusing.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen