(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer. Fifteen-year-old orphan Billy takes a job as a castle prison guard, only to learn that ghosts there have sinister plans for him. Slightly younger readers who want the excitement of Delaney's Last Apprentice books will enjoy this eerie but manageable horror novella. Spooky sketchlike black-and-white illustrations adorn almost every page and add to the story's old-fashioned flavor.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer. Lottie (Lottie Paris Lives Here) and Carl meet in the children's book room at the library, which they each respectively consider their "best place." Lottie's passion is planets and stars while Carl's interest is in dinosaurs, but it's their love of reading that cements the friendship. Energetic mixed-media illustrations complement the exuberant characters' zest for the library.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer. Lottie Paris, energetic, imaginative, and filled with positive self-worth, invites readers to share her joy in living. The text touches on moments with Papa Pete (whose boots she wears just for fun), dizzying rides on park swings, sloppy dog kisses, and finally a rest. No heavy thoughts here, just a fun-filled story of peace and warmth. Purple-heavy mixed-media illustrations capture Lottie's ceaseless verve.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) YA Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer. Older readers looking for unusual poetry collections may enjoy reading about the inner thoughts and problems faced by a variety of creatures (e.g., "Smart ASS," "Shallow OWL," "Pimp SHRIMP") in an Animals Anonymous program. The volume is designed to look like a school notebook complete with doodles and cartoons. Though the poems themselves vary in quality, the presentation will hook readers.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) PS An alien child travels through space seeking a star he sees from his home. Flip the book over and follow a human boy's parallel journey. Their adventures come together in a large pop-up centerpiece. Busy graffiti-like graphite and digital illustrations convey a sense of wonder. The text--all five verses of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"--is surprisingly awkward.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer. Twins Wally and Cheyenne Shluffmuffin return for more adventures as they try to block the Ont (giant ant) Queen's invasion. The twins, their vampire father, and their allies are threatened by assassins, child-eating ghouls, and killer octopuses, but Greenburg's exaggerated action and often-disgusting humor soften the dangerous encounters. Fans will enjoy these, though the gross-out factor is frequently intense. Review covers these titles: Secrets of Dripping Fang: Book Eight, Secrets of Dripping Fang: Book Seven, and Secrets of Dripping Fang: Book Six.