(4) K-3 When Molly gets a package of seeds in the mail from Grandma, she and Emmett, her cat, plan out a garden. As they're planting the seeds, a gust of wind scatters them in all directions--but they come up anyway in a "surprise garden." The story is slight but may inspire young gardeners. Watercolors with dialogue bubbles illustrate the book; suggested garden activities are appended.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Mop the sheepdog, whose adventures appear regularly in Ladybug magazine, is featured in two enjoyable family tales. With twins Justin and Julie, Mop finds himself embroiled in lighthearted adventures, such as a birthday bicycle trip and a camping adventure in the back yard. Both books feature tightly woven plots, satisfying conclusions, breezy pen-and-wash illustrations, and activities that extend the story.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) K-3 Mop the sheepdog, whose adventures appear regularly in Ladybug magazine, is featured in two enjoyable family tales. With twins Justin and Julie, Mop finds himself embroiled in lighthearted adventures, such as a birthday bicycle trip and a camping adventure in the back yard. Both books feature tightly woven plots, satisfying conclusions, breezy pen-and-wash illustrations, and activities that extend the story.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Richard Kolding. Amy and Martin beg their sitter, Liz, to take them sailing and raspberry picking in honor of the first day of summer. Although most of the berries accidentally end up in the lake, the kids, their friend Click the mouse, and readers learn a lot about sailing in this lengthy summer tale, accompanied by amiable cartoonlike illustrations. The characters are from a regular Click magazine feature.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Children who read Ladybug magazine will recognize the title characters from the monthly "Molly and Emmett" comic strip, but all readers can jump right into this story about optimistic Molly and her sensible cat, Em, camping in the back yard. Hafner's cartoonlike artwork sets a lighthearted tone. Tips about camping included at the end may inspire youngsters to put up a tent of their own.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alex de Wolf. With twins Justin and Julie, Mop the sheepdog, whose adventures are featured in Ladybug magazine, finds himself embroiled in lighthearted domestic adventures such as a treasure hunt in Granddad's living room and a concert featuring kitchen utensils. Both books feature lovable characters, tightly woven plots, satisfying conclusions, and breezy pen-and-wash illustrations. Appended activities extend the stories.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alex de Wolf. With twins Justin and Julie, Mop the sheepdog, whose adventures are featured in Ladybug magazine, finds himself embroiled in lighthearted domestic adventures such as a treasure hunt in Granddad's living room and a concert featuring kitchen utensils. Both books feature lovable characters, tightly woven plots, satisfying conclusions, and breezy pen-and-wash illustrations. Appended activities extend the stories.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin