(3) 4-6 Dragon Rider series. Translated by Anthea Bell. When the last Pegasus mare dies, leaving behind three eggs, Ben (Dragon Rider) and his father Barnabas journey in search of a griffin feather--their only hope for a successful hatching. But Ben must disguise their quest from his dragon Firedrake, fearing an old dragon-griffin feud will reignite. Funke successfully juggles a large cast and adds notes of humor to this second fantastical adventure.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Monster Mania series. A wide-range of legendary "monsters" are discussed in this series. Each volume focuses on a specific category and details stories from ancient times up through modern pop culture. Color illustrations and photographs feature various depictions of the creatures. The occasionally crammed paragraphs and hurried texts still provide lots of information for curious readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monster Mania titles: Sea Monsters, Beastly Monsters, Magic Monsters, and Undead Monsters.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Patrick Griffin and the Three Worlds series. Illustrated by Jake Parker. Patrick's siblings investigate his whereabouts after his kidnapping from Earth and a subsequent visit from a talking jackalope. This second adventure (Patrick Griffin's Last Breakfast on Earth) takes off from there, switching both worlds and viewpoints multiple times (sometimes confusingly). Advanced technology, a dystopian alternate world, and some truly gruesome villains should keep pages turning, but the humor can feel misplaced contrasted with the impending annihilation.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) PS Little Iffy, a young griffin, prefers to be "down" on the ground rather than "up" in the sky. His friend Eggs Pegasus encourages Iffy to try, and a seesaw mishap launches Iffy way, way up, forcing him to overcome his fear and discover his ability to fly. Grainy digital illustrations paired with a bland text make for a simple introduction to risk-taking and to the concept of up and down.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) 4-6 Enchanted Files series. Illustrated by Paul Kidby. Gerald isn't sure he's a very good griffin. Anxious, he runs away to the forbidden human world, where he meets boy Bradley. The pals' trials, growth, and true bond are at the heart of this lighthearted modern fantasy. Told in diary entries and letters, the story's humor and dynamic format keep the pace moving at a fast clip.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(4) K-3 Adventures in Cartooning Jr. series. A knight (Sleepless Knight) wants to fly, and he leaves his loyal horse, Edward, behind to go on an adventure with a gryphon. This comic book is silly, short, and easy to read; the illustrations, with simple shapes and coloring, are engaging. The story itself, however, feels more scattered than other installments. Endpapers contain instructions on drawing the characters.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Chris Muller. With Adrienne Mayor. Mayor is a scholar whose fascination with mythical creatures led her to uncover a scientific basis for the existence of the legendary griffin. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance are central themes in this intriguing story of her search for the nuggets of truth behind the myths. Photographs, drawings, and maps illustrate crucial visual evidence supporting her theories. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 This third installment (Tuesdays at the Castle; Wednesdays in the Tower) finds the Castle Glower children, their pet griffin, and portions of their enchanted home transported to what they eventually learn is enemy territory. Present events do little to urge readers to keep turning pages, but devoted fans may enjoy revelations about how the animate Castle came to be.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 When the ever-burgeoning castle with a mind of its own (Tuesdays at the Castle) helps Princess Celie hide a griffin that hatches in a newly formed tower, the secret leads royal siblings to new knowledge about their magical home. The fantasy includes enough enigmas to build suspense, and the ending is an enticing setup for the inevitable Thursdays.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) 4-6 Monsters series. These brief volumes will be appreciated by mythology fans. The texts describe the creatures' origins as well as giving examples from contemporary popular culture (e.g., J. K. Rowling's hippogriff). Illustrations ranging from historical artifacts to movie stills and book covers add interest to the somewhat dry writing. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monsters titles: Centaurs, Griffins, and The Minotaur.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi. While on vacation with their family in Tuscany, Kate and her brother Michael discover a baby griffin. He needs their help, but what are they trying to save him from--their annoying older brother, the paparazzi, nosy scientists, or the griffin's own family? Perceptive characterization, strong sense of place, and a realistic family dynamic make this sweetly old-fashioned E. Nesbit–style fantasy successful.

Reviewer: Amy Lee Bennett

(2) 4-6 In this sequel to Dark Lord of Derkholm, Jones turns her imaginative attention to the Wizards' University, skillfully pulling together an enormous cast, a dozen convergent plots, an entertaining and well-developed setting, and her trademark humor for the rousing finale. Jones's command of her material is so exceptional that a certain other magical aspirant might well find it fruitful to spend time studying at this school of wizardry.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2000