(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tull Suwannakit. Mr. and Mrs. Cripps become the reluctant owners of an unnamed dog, who names himself "Sad." When the Cripps move away, leaving Sad behind, the family that moves into the house includes a boy named Jack who loves "Lucky" on sight. Muted watercolors capture a wide range of emotion and personality, both human and canine, in a winsome, winning tale.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 Samurai Kids series. Illustrated by Rhian Nest James. With the drums of war beating, a band of disabled samurai-in-training, the Cockroach Ryu, sets off to convince the Emperor to maintain peace. Along the way, the youngsters receive help from an unlikely source--the Owl Ninja clan. Some historical details are inaccurate, but struggling readers and fans of the previous book (White Crane) will enjoy the straightforward narrative style.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Samurai Kids series. Illustrated by Rhian Nest James. Fourteen-year-old samurai-in-training Niya Moto has only one leg; his fellow students have similar disabilities. Under the tutelage of a legendary sensei, the group confidently participates in the Samurai Games. Issues of historical accuracy aside, this story of kids overcoming odds in feudal Japan is positive and engaging. Illustrations at the beginning of chapters and scattered throughout add a period feel to the tale. Glos.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute