(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Sydney Hanson. In the kingdom of Petrossia, disaster strikes when "mathemagician" Pieter and alchemist Teresa accidentally turn the despotic Czar's son, Alexander, into a fluffy kitten. After the initial humor of the premise, the pun-filled, whimsical tale gradually--and naturally--becomes deeper, verging on philosophical as the plot develops. Footnotes and asides throughout keep things interesting; grayscale illustrations are also included.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Poly Bernatene. Lettie's mother disappeared, leaving Lettie a warning not to "set a foot upon Albion, for it can kill you." So Lettie and her father have remained trapped inside their home on stilts for years...until a mysterious snow merchant arrives and sets Lettie on a quest to find her mother. Black-and-white illustrations extend the Roald Dahl–esque whimsy (with touches of absurdity).

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 To save her village from a giant, Greta recruits and embarks on a mission with a young flea named Hercufleas. Testing their morals and courage against incredible odds, they will need to believe in themselves and each other before they can save anyone. Puns and humor (e.g., Hercufleas gets stuck in the giant's nostril) lighten explorations of darker concepts such as grief, doubt, and revenge.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Alice Ratterree. Kidnapped and held captive in a birdcage in London by a "giant" named Gulliver, Lily continuously plots her escape home to Lilliput. With only a sliver of danger, the limited plot (spoiler: she escapes) is supplemented with tender new friendships and the forgiveness of her well-meaning but misguided capturer. Ratterree's delicate, detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations enhance the Gulliver's Travels–inspired adventure.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis