(3) 4-6 Bad Books series. Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno. Clay can communicate supernaturally with all animals, but he is most fascinated by dragons. Armed with exploding gum and a technologically advanced hat, Clay finds himself on a mission to rescue his brother's friend from the evil proprietors of an isolated dragon preserve. Nonstop action, humorous footnotes, and nuanced black-and-white illustrations keep this third Bad Books story flying forward.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Bad Books series. Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno. Clay finds a kid washed up on a volcanic island's beach and agrees to hide him in a cave near the Earth Ranch, "a magic camp for young adepts." When the castaway's wealthy dad comes ashore in search of a dragon, Clay discovers his own supernatural ability: interspecies communication. A clever, funny adventure perfect for fans of dragons and magic.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) 4-6 Cold Whispers series. Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno. This not-too-creepy series for reluctant readers concerns evil vampires at camp, a cursed home, a zombie-infested cemetery, and a trip in time to ancient Egypt. The stories are mildly entertaining; the illustrators' styles vary in quality, but all tend toward a generic comic-book look featuring the white male protagonists with their diverse groups of friends. "What Do You Think?" questions are appended. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Glos. Review covers these Cold Whispers titles: The Horror in the Cave, Curse of the Haunted House, Beware the Pharaoh's Tomb!, and Night of the Gravediggers.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano