(3) K-3 World of Weird Animals series. Illustrated by David DeGrand. This offbeat survey explores several "cute" creatures--from fairy penguins to pom-pom crabs to pangolins--whose endearing features actually help ensure their survival. A spread about each animal features a concise introduction to that creature, a close-up photograph and cartoon illustration, and a sidebar of additional facts. Discussion of "The Science of Cute" and reading comprehension questions conclude this intriguing examination. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) K-3 World of Weird Animals series. Illustrated by David DeGrand. This tongue-in-cheek yet informative survey examines a diverse range of "scary" creatures, from scorpions and sharks to fungi and humans. Each entry provides a brief description, a sidebar of basic facts, a close-up photograph in the wild, and a cartoon illustration. The spooky theme dramatizes a thoughtful look at how these species' frightening qualities help ensure their survival. Discussion questions are included. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) K-3 World of Weird Animals series. Illustrated by David DeGrand. This irreverent look at pink animals, from hippos to sea stars to naked mole rats, encourages young readers to "rethink pink." Each spread features a quick overview of an animal, a close-up photograph, a cartoon illustration, and a sidebar with fast facts. A surprisingly informative window into the range of pink-hued creatures. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Zombie Chasers series. Illustrated by David DeGrand. The seventh book, once again, finds its madcap gang of middle schoolers traveling the globe for the ultimate antidote to the world's super zombie virus. Madagascar, China, and Egypt provide the setting for new adventures as the Zombie Chasers face zombified jungle animals and mummies ("zummies"). Fans will enjoy the nail-biting, brain-gobbling finale.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) 4-6 Zombie Chasers series. Illustrated by David DeGrand. In book five, Zach and his crew head to Buffalo and Niagara Falls to find a new antidote. The adventure moves south when the gang is flown to Fun World in Orlando, where monorail-riding and go-kart-driving zombies abound. Fans of the series' middle-school humor and gooey illustrations will continue to enjoy the "super zombie war" and look forward to the upcoming Caribbean battle.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) 4-6 Zombie Chasers series. Illustrated by David DeGrand. The Zombie Chasers leave Florida in search of the antidote, only to have their Caribbean cruise encounter a super zombie pirate ship. The high-seas adventure includes zombie sharks and barracudas; the serum comes up short, meaning series fans can anticipate a seventh adventure. (Will the world ever be saved?) Gross humor and gooey illustrations punctuate the romp.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) 4-6 Zombie Chasers series. Illustrated by David DeGrand. In their fourth book, Zach and friends are in New York City, enjoying the national-hero spotlight. The Chasers appear on the Good Morning Show and take in the Museum of Natural History's zombie exhibit before realizing the antidote has worn off and the city is re-zombified. Zippy dialogue and goofy cartoon drawings enliven the over-the-top narrative.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan