(3) K-3 Illustrated by Steve Björkman. With so few pumpkins in their garden, Aden and Leah's plans for a Halloween party are ruined. Their cat, Scruffy, and dog, Mocha, come to the rescue by discovering a field of pumpkins growing from last year's seeds. Illustrated with pleasant, cartoonlike watercolors, the story benefits from its gentle humor, loyal animals, and portrayal of family cooperation.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 German shepherd Hoss works hard to keep his cattle herd safe and happy. The arrival of a headstrong calf, Cookie, riles up the entire ranch. When feral dogs attack the rancher's daughter, Hoss learns how to best help Cookie become the leader he wants to be. The story is predictable and didactic, but the animal perspective lends some appeal.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(3) K-3 Holiday House Readers series. Illustrated by Steve Björkman. Two dogs work quickly to make a plan when the Easter Bunny comes down with the flu a week before the holiday. Thanks to the chickens' eggs, the birds' gathered berries, the squirrels' tails (as paint brushes)--and a last-minute rally from the bunny himself--they manage to save Easter. This lively story about cooperation features spirited illustrations of helpful animals.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Steve Björkman. Christmas is looming and everyone's sharing gift lists except for Kari ("Santa knows," she says). The family tries to get her wishes out of her, and even D.B., their roof-climbing bloodhound, wonders, but Kari keeps tight-lipped. When Christmas Day arrives, it turns out that Kari was right after all. Lighthearted illustrations move the story along to an ending that lacks logic.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Holiday House Readers series. Illustrated by Steve Bjorkman. When Poky the dog and his humans move into a new house, Poky befriends a hamster left behind by the previous family. The humans, thinking it's a mouse, set traps, but Poky trips them. To find out what's going on, the humans set up a spycam, then offer the hamster a home. Lively illustrations energize the pleasant but quiet story.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by John Steven Gurney. Freddy and his friend Spike, two dogs on the run from a mean junkyard owner, find sanctuary with Bethany and Andy, two animal lovers. Adventure and humor abound, and the dog's point of view keeps interest high. The book is illustrated with pencil and wash art.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by John Steven Gurney. As in Bub Moose, this sequel mixes nature with anthropomorphized characters. The young moose and his mother, along with a wolf pup, some beavers and otters, a horse, and two "people" children, have small winter adventures, during which they encounter Burly Bear. Predictably, the friendly animals and humans win out in the end. The black-and-white pencil and wash drawings look dated.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Gray Cat leads the puppy Chomps on a series of messy adventures that land them in trouble with their owners, but when Mama is in danger after her car stalls in the middle of the creek, the pets and their mockingbird friend save the day. Although the prose is somewhat pedestrian, the likable characters will appeal to animal lovers. Black-and-white drawings illustrate the accessible novel.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by John Steven Gurney. A baby moose describes his first few weeks learning about his new world. Although the moose's mother has warned him about roads, traffic, and people, Bub and his new wolf friend venture into town and encounter all these fearsome objects. Mildly amusing in its attempt to let the reader see the human world from a slightly different point of view, the writing is sometimes clumsy. The pen-and-ink illustrations look dated.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 1-3 When Gray, barely more than a kitten, befriends a young mockingbird who is afraid of heights, he names her Flea. He and his friend Callie, an elderly cat, must teach the bird to fly before winter sets in. Gray, the narrator, has a strong voice; however, the first half of this short novel is slow and lacks focus. Black-and-white drawings illustrate the story.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley