(4) K-3 Illustrated by Terre Lamb Seeley. In her third book, the Little Black Dog delivers nine pups. The Captain stealthily discovers the hidden birthing spot and brings the pups and mother safely inside from the chilly weather. The grainy illustrations have some awkward moments, but they suitably capture the unpretentious story's Martha's Vineyard setting.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tom Murphy. Rhyming verse tells of a pug who learns to juggle, becomes famous, indulges in plenty of doggie misbehavior, and nearly gets booted from town. His promise to change appeases the townspeople, but the pug immediately ignores his pledge and poops on a friend's rug. The droll black-line illustrations accented with primary colors are much more diverting than the brief, uneven text.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tom Murphy. Mack, a bear, unexpectedly wakes up with a boy on his back. Using just three shades of orangey-brown and a single end rhyme, Bryan and Murphy build tension throughout Mack's packed day, expertly releasing it with a color addition and rhyme change when Mack finally slows down (though the author's "stop...and smell the lilacs" message is mostly for adults).

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(3) PS Illustrated by Tom Murphy. A boy wakes up with a bunny named Fred on his head and encourages his skeptical mother to see the advantages of his new situation. With a rhyming text well matched to spare, slyly drawn illustrations, this playfully absurd story is simple, silly, and short: a good choice for starting up or closing out story hours.

Reviewer: Gay Pampalone

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Terre Lamb Seeley. In a somewhat meandering sequel to The Story of the Little Black Dog, the adopted stray lives up to her pirate name as she plunders treasures from the fishmarket, town dock, and garbage cans in Vineyard Haven. When the Shenandoah sets sail, however, the dog's treasure-hunting ways prove handy. Homey watercolors ably capture a sense of Martha's Vineyard and the lively pup's curiosity.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute