(3) 4-6 This collection comprises many of Thompson's previously published short stories and poems about animals inhabiting a once abandoned house. Rather than focusing on only the more appealing critters, Thompson also includes tales from the perspectives of maggots, rats, fleas, etc. The stories (some with gross details) will satisfy various types of animal lovers.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) K-3 In this petite picture book, Norman and Brenda lead lonely parallel lives. Norman "was never sad, but...never really happy," and Brenda's the type of person "in the kitchen at parties doing the washing up." Their stories play out over stacked double-page-spread panels, most in drab hues--until they meet. The book's child-friendliness is minimal, but clever wordplay and quirky characters add appeal.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 Floods series. Illustrated by Crab Scrambly. The misadventures of the Flood family of witches and wizards (Good Neighbors) continue in these less-inspired installments. Plot details a classmate's attempts to bring down the Flood kids. Friend chronicles the camaraderie between the one normal-looking (but still magical) Flood child and her mousy neighbor. Gorey-esque black-and-white drawings add ghoulish charm to these mildly entertaining, Addams Family–reminiscent tales. Review covers these Floods titles: School Plot and Witch Friend.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 "In that time before the weekend when lonely people realize just how lonely they are, George visited the dog shelter." The action proceeds slowly in this quiet tale, but in the end an otherwise cheerless boy gains friends. Readers may be put off by the story's initial bleakness, but mixed-media illustrations give plenty to look at.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(3) 4-6 Floods series. Illustrated by Crab Scrambly. Constructing dungeons and burying relatives in the backyard may not seem like desirable traits in neighbors, but the Floods are angelic compared to the obnoxious Dents next door. What's a family of witches and wizards to do but get rid of the Dents? Wobbly black-and-white sketches show the Floods in action. The book's gothic playfulness is reminiscent of The Addams Family.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) 4-6 Floods series. Illustrated by Crab Scrambly. The misadventures of the Flood family of witches and wizards (Good Neighbors) continue in these less-inspired installments. Plot details a classmate's attempts to bring down the Flood kids. Friend chronicles the camaraderie between the one normal-looking (but still magical) Flood child and her mousy neighbor. Gorey-esque black-and-white drawings add ghoulish charm to these mildly entertaining, Addams Family–reminiscent tales. Review covers these Floods titles: School Plot and Witch Friend.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 This Australian import compares the life of rat Riley, who desires little and exists in the moment, with humans, who desire quite a lot and are seldom content. The Photoshop illustrations feature a carefree pink rat and a dumpy, bespectacled Everyman; they complement the text's message and dark humor, which will likely resonate more with adults than the picture book set.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ben Redlich. The great Montefiasco is a not-so-great magician whose tricks go all wrong. To help, he hires the Fabulous (and clumsy) Betty. Though her assistance elevates his blunders to comical height, he realizes that their mistakes are more entertaining than any ordinary magic trick. The detailed art and the story's overpowering theme and romance might appeal more to adults than children.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Anna Pignataro. When a fire engulfs an animal shelter, a timid dog, nicknamed "Unknown" because no one knows anything about her, digs out and alerts the caretaker. Although it is unrealistic that a dog could dig out of a concrete and chain-link cage, the theme of overcoming one's fears is satisfying. Loose watercolors show the variety of dogs at the shelter.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) 1-3 Spurred by a king's greed, Spinifex the alchemist wastes the entire kingdom's resources in his frenzy to make gold. When what is supposed to be the alchemist's miracle turns into nothing more than a golden conflagration, even the king realizes that "the only true gold is what's in your heart." Busy with detail, the brightly colored, surreal art is more interesting than the story and its tired message.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute