(4) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Illustrated by David Merrell. Shy Bobby (dog Lucy's owner) agrees to play soccer, even though he'd rather be working on his school comic-strip project. At first Bobby doesn't like soccer--or his strict coach--but things change as Coach helps train Lucy, and Bobby discovers a talent for goal-keeping. There's also an adoption story line in this overstuffed story illustrated with sketchlike black-and-white drawings.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Illustrated by David Merrell. In this entertaining if predictable story, Bobby is still shy, even with two new friends and the love of his beagle, Lucy. Upcoming oral reports at school make him nervous, but entering Lucy in a pet contest builds his confidence and gives him something to report. Bobby's shyness is a refreshing change from the usual exuberantly portrayed eight-year-old narrators.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang