(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Joe Sutphin. Books in which animals talk to each other and understand humans (but humans remain oblivious) are ripe for the sort of inconsistencies that mar this novel. Nevertheless, readers craving pleasant animal adventures set in the subways, sewers, streets, and parks of New York City may enjoy this inconsequential story about a rat rescuing his brother, who's become a show-and-tell assignment. Expressive pencil sketches appear throughout.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions series. Illustrated by Joe Sutphin. Runt Higgins is faced with many struggles, including figuring out who cursed him; reconciling with his expelled former best friend, Syke; and passing the Junior Henchman Training Program when the professor clearly has it out for him. Funny and full of heart, fans will enjoy delving further into this world of (sorta) monsters. Sutphin's imaginative line illustrations add dimension to the third hilarious adventure.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(4) 4-6 Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions series. Illustrated by Joe Sutphin. Runt Higgins must save Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions once again; shenanigans ensue. This time, Runt conducts a secret quest for the Great Library, helps run a fashion show to appease the powerful Siren Syndicate, and learns why one of Dr. Pravus's monsters thinks he's a family member. A few deus ex machina events weaken this second silly adventure.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Joe Sutphin. Isaiah the mouse escapes from the "Horrible Place," a research lab responsible for turning him blue. Out in the world, he befriends another mouse, Mikayla, and a kind (human) teenager, Hailey. Readers will root for the courageous, compassionate Isaiah as he braves cats, birds, mousetraps, and a return trip to liberate the other lab mice. Classically composed black-and-white line sketches enhance the already well-drawn characters.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Joe Sutphin. Twelve-year-old werewolf Runt Higgins might not be able to transform into a ferocious beast (yet), but he will do whatever it takes to save Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions when he discovers that someone is trying to shut down the monster-training institution. This funny magical-boarding-school story is a natural choice for Harry Potter devotees.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller