(3) 4-6 This sequel to Z. Rex throws Adam right back into the clutches of cyber-evolved dinosaurs. This time they're raptors on an island being used in a creepy, confusing experiment pitting packs against one another and using humans as prey. Exciting, suspenseful, and with a cyber twist on Jurassic Park, the story will capture dino-sci-fi fans' imaginations.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 4-6 A bit heftier and a little scarier than its predecessors, this eighth chronicle of Hiccup and Toothless's misadventures will continue capturing young readers' imaginations. Hiccup faces an impossible task, a Beast, and the Uglithugs, just to name a few of his challenges. The story is action-filled and humorous, with the series' trademark quick pacing and silliness. Energetic sketchlike illustrations enhance the mayhem.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) PS All About Big Machines series. Each book gives some very basic information about the title subjects, sometimes naming the different types of vehicles in that category or briefly describing what each one does. Young children interested in vehicles will enjoy this series primarily for its clear and engaging photographs; they aren't likely to be deterred by the bland, repetitive texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these All About Big Machines titles: Airplanes, Big Military Machines, Big Trucks, Cool Cars, Earthmovers and Diggers, and Rescue Vehicles.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) PS All About Big Machines series. Each book gives some very basic information about the title subjects, sometimes naming the different types of vehicles in that category or briefly describing what each one does. Young children interested in vehicles will enjoy this series primarily for its clear and engaging photographs; they aren't likely to be deterred by the bland, repetitive texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these All About Big Machines titles: Airplanes, Big Military Machines, Big Trucks, Cool Cars, Earthmovers and Diggers, and Rescue Vehicles.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) PS All About Big Machines series. Each book gives some very basic information about the title subjects, sometimes naming the different types of vehicles in that category or briefly describing what each one does. Young children interested in vehicles will enjoy this series primarily for its clear and engaging photographs; they aren't likely to be deterred by the bland, repetitive texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these All About Big Machines titles: Airplanes, Big Military Machines, Big Trucks, Cool Cars, Earthmovers and Diggers, and Rescue Vehicles.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) PS All About Big Machines series. Each book gives some very basic information about the title subjects, sometimes naming the different types of vehicles in that category or briefly describing what each one does. Young children interested in vehicles will enjoy this series primarily for its clear and engaging photographs; they aren't likely to be deterred by the bland, repetitive texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these All About Big Machines titles: Airplanes, Big Military Machines, Big Trucks, Cool Cars, Earthmovers and Diggers, and Rescue Vehicles.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) PS All About Big Machines series. Each book gives some very basic information about the title subjects, sometimes naming the different types of vehicles in that category or briefly describing what each one does. Young children interested in vehicles will enjoy this series primarily for its clear and engaging photographs; they aren't likely to be deterred by the bland, repetitive texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these All About Big Machines titles: Airplanes, Big Military Machines, Big Trucks, Cool Cars, Earthmovers and Diggers, and Rescue Vehicles.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) PS All About Big Machines series. Each book gives some very basic information about the title subjects, sometimes naming the different types of vehicles in that category or briefly describing what each one does. Young children interested in vehicles will enjoy this series primarily for its clear and engaging photographs; they aren't likely to be deterred by the bland, repetitive texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these All About Big Machines titles: Airplanes, Big Military Machines, Big Trucks, Cool Cars, Earthmovers and Diggers, and Rescue Vehicles.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 This third Fred and Ted adventure finds the dogs preparing for and going on a short road trip. Children may enjoy the text's silly humor, but for beginning readers, there's not much story to reward their work. Classic illustrations and the voice of the text are sweet, simple, and consistent with the earlier books.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 1-3 Zigzag Kids series. Illustrated by Alasdair Bright. In this fourth book about the kids at the Zigzag Afternoon Center, Gina longs to be the star of the center's play. However, she faces stiff competition from her friend Destiny. The small but relatable drama, along with some silly antics from secondary characters--all shown in Bright's eye-pleasing black-and-white drawings--contribute to the story's appeal.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) K-3 Step into Reading series. Fred the dragon leaves home with a list of dragon-esque tasks (e.g, "run amok," "eat people"). It turns out Fred is not so great at--or interested in--these things, so he makes his own path. Short, simple sentences; light humor; and colorful, silly illustrations make this a solid choice for newly independent readers. The book would also work well as a read-aloud.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) PS Illustrated by Nancy Speir. Oh, the many things librarians do for their patrons, as readers of this celebration will learn. From helping with schoolwork to dressing up for a book parade, this librarian does it all with a smile--and then goes home to read some more. Sprightly rhymes and approachable acrylic illustrations combine to pay warm tribute to librarians.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) 4-6 Zombie Chasers series. Illustrated by Steve Wolfhard. Zack and his crew (The Zombie Chasers) may have the zombie antidote. They're trying to save the nation while also looking for Zack's possibly-zombified parents. This book isn't as funny or creative as the first one, but there are still plenty of goofily gross, flesh-hungry zombies and enough adventure to keep readers coming back for more.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. Underdog-turned-occasional-superhero Fern is back in his third random food-fiasco adventure. An extraterrestrial pizza falls from the sky; is it malevolent, harmless, or just looking for help? It's up to Fern to save the day. Goofy, satirical, and well paced, this entry will delight its target audience (for others it may be an acquired taste). Cartoon illustrations complement the farce.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Animals with Super Powers series. This series focuses on creatures with unexpected "super powers." Some of the powers, such as using electricity to find prey, seem more "super" than others (e.g., having a transparent appearance). All of the traits--and how animals use them to their advantage--are explained using accessible text. Some explanations are less than thorough and might leave readers wanting more information. Vibrant photographs are included. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Animals with Super Powers titles: Glow-in-the-Dark Animals, Electric Animals, See-Through Animals, and Color-Changing Animals.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Animals with Super Powers series. This series focuses on creatures with unexpected "super powers." Some of the powers, such as using electricity to find prey, seem more "super" than others (e.g., having a transparent appearance). All of the traits--and how animals use them to their advantage--are explained using accessible text. Some explanations are less than thorough and might leave readers wanting more information. Vibrant photographs are included. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Animals with Super Powers titles: Glow-in-the-Dark Animals, Electric Animals, See-Through Animals, and Color-Changing Animals.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Animals with Super Powers series. This series focuses on creatures with unexpected "super powers." Some of the powers, such as using electricity to find prey, seem more "super" than others (e.g., having a transparent appearance). All of the traits--and how animals use them to their advantage--are explained using accessible text. Some explanations are less than thorough and might leave readers wanting more information. Vibrant photographs are included. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Animals with Super Powers titles: Glow-in-the-Dark Animals, Electric Animals, See-Through Animals, and Color-Changing Animals.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Irrepressible Stink is back, this time searching for a sport to improve his unsatisfactory grade in P.E. While thumb-wrestling initially speaks to the non-sporty Stink, the competition and focus of karate may be an even better fit. Young readers will enjoy the humor, the fast pace, and the comic-style illustrations.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Matthew McElligott. The reanimated founding father (Benjamin Franklinstein Lives!), with Victor's help, aims to determine whether he was awakened intentionally. He's also puzzling out the similarly undead Wright brothers' connection with vampire bats terrorizing Philadelphia. Fast-paced, humorous, and just shy of too ridiculous, the series continues to be entertaining while also teaching a tiny bit of real history.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) K-3 Illustrated by True Kelley. A boy talks about his father's coin collection and what he and Dad have learned in pursuit of this hobby. Friendly text discusses money's history, the U.S. mint, what coins are made of, the value of collected coins, some U.S. history, and games to play with spare change. The lively pages combine text, cartoonlike illustrations, and diagrams.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray