(1) K-3 In Bliss's nearly wordless book, told mainly through panel illustrations, ordinary-looking Grace sneaks out of her dads' NYC apartment at night to creatively raise money to buy a companion for class guinea pig Gus. Deadpan Grace remains hilariously impassive, her little Mona Lisa–esque smile the only hint of her extraordinary measures. Cameo appearances and visual jokes fly fast and furious throughout Bliss's giddily gleeful tale.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(4) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Kelly Light. Art-loving Louise must rethink her bake sale plans when little brother Art mixes all the icing colors together (Bake Sales); when Louise's cat scares the class guinea pig, Pigcasso, her brother saves the day (Class Pet). Emerging readers will appreciate the large font, ample white space, and appealing illustrations, but the subtle difference between art (noun) and Art (character) may confuse those unfamiliar with Louise's earlier picture books. Review covers these titles: Louise and the Class Pet and Louise Loves Bake Sales.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger. Gizmo, an "Evil Genius" guinea pig, and his blissfully ignorant cohabitant/nemesis, corgi Wedgie, return in a standalone adventure centered on the school pet parade, the neighbor's pet pig, and (of course) Gizmo's plan to take over the world. Alternating chapters highlight the distinct and hilarious voices of the two pets. Scriptlike human dialogue and slapstick-filled spot illustrations add to the funny plot.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger. In their third madcap adventure, Gizmo the "Evil Genius" guinea pig and his oblivious cape-wearing nemesis, corgi Wedgie, go on a family camping trip that has their youngest human, Jackson, feeling left out. All the series' hallmarks are present--alternating pet narrators, humorous spot illustrations, one of Gizmo's evil plans gone wrong--but it's the distinct, funny voices of Wedgie and Gizmo that are the selling point of this zany series.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) PS Guinea pig Fiona (Fiona's Little Lie) can't wait for the volcano she built with bestie Felix to "erupt big-time at show-and-tell." Unfortunately, she waits too long to go to the bathroom, causing her own embarrassing natural disaster. Usually confident Fiona is mortified; it's sensitive Felix's turn to offer friendly encouragement. Wells's comforting watercolor and pencil illustrations focus on the positive (not puddles).

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) 1-3 Hamster GW, rabbit Barry, and guinea pig Sunflower (The Great Pet Escape) again face off with fiendish mouse Harriet, intent on framing GW for disrupting the elementary school's art show and getting him remanded to obedience school. The class pets employ teamwork (and art supplies) to outwit her. There's a lot happening in this zany graphic-novel chapter book; cleanly rendered panel illustrations help readers keep track.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2017

(3) 1-3 Fix-It Friends series. Illustrated by Tracy Dockray. "The Fix-It Friends," a group that works together to help their peers solve problems, forms in Fear; they help a friend learn lines for a play (Show), another friend to stand up when teased (Sticks), and one of their own to process losing a pet (Wish). Narrated by spunky seven-year-old Veronica and emotively illustrated, these kid-empowering books' lessons go down easily. Back matter includes resources for dealing with each story's concern. Review covers these Fix-It Friends titles: Have No Fear!, The Show Must Go On, Sticks and Stones, and Wish You Were Here.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) K-3 Photographs by Chuck Kennedy. When guinea pig Philomena gets a pair of glasses, her sisters Audrey and Nora Jean also get pairs (despite not needing them). The same goes for handbags and frilly dresses until the siblings eventually come to the conclusion that "not everyone needs the same things." Readers will genuinely chuckle at the droll text and the accompanying up-close photographs of bespectacled guinea pigs wearing tutus.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger. When Elliot's dad marries Jasmine's mom, the family pets must learn to get along. While Gizmo, Elliot's guinea pig, is plotting a "dastardly Evil Plan," Jasmine's enthusiastic corgi Wedgie is busy protecting his pack. The titular animal characters have distinct and hilarious voices as each narrates in alternating chapters. Script-style dialogue and comical illustrations add to the fun in this series-opener.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) PS "Crunch likes his comfy bed, but most of all he loves...eating!" When a mouse named Cheddar shows up and asks Crunch to exchange some food for a friendly hug, Crunch's selfishness takes control. Eventually, Crunch becomes worried about Cheddar's safety and leaves his cage for the unknown. A spare text and lively, expressive illustrations create a message-y but warmhearted story.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(4) K-3 Bumba Books: Pets Are the Best series. This formulaic series provides slight introductions to common pets and their habits. Short, descriptive first-person-plural sentences balance simple content with new-reader vocabulary and repetition. Questions scattered throughout encourage reading comprehension and further curiosity (though answers are not included). A bright design includes full-page stock photographs that correlate closely to the text. Suggested supplies are noted at the end. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Bumba Books: Pets Are the Best titles: I Love Dogs, I Love Cats, I Love Goldfish, I Love Guinea Pigs, I Love Hamsters, and I Love Hermit Crabs.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) PS Fiona forgets that she's Felix's Birthday Elf at school, and instead of being honest, she makes up stories and blames others for the lack of cupcakes. Everything works out neatly, and the lessons about lying, friendship, and self-control are effectively conveyed through engaging dialogue and word choice. Colorful, friendly animals fill the pages, and the thought-balloon vignettes of Fiona's lies add humor.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Catherine Rayner. This novel by Paddington Bear's creator is reissued in a handsome oversize, fully illustrated edition. Here Bond recounts the daily adventures of a pet guinea pig. Olga's limited understanding of the human world and sweet temperament make for a pleasant story; Rayner's lovely watercolor and screen-printed illustrations add warmth and charm.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: June, 1973

(3) 1-3 Nightmare Club series. Illustrated by Glenn McElhinney. A Halloween sleepover at which each guest must tell a scary story sets up this series of self-contained tales. The author embraces the idea that things unseen are scarier than those described to keep the stories age-appropriate without sacrificing spookiness; a jaded, slightly meta tone adds levity. Jagged line illustrations on roomy pages complete the accessible packages. There are four other spring 2015 books in this series. Review covers the following the following Nightmare Club titles: A Dog's Breakfast, Guinea Pig Killer, Help! My Brother's a Zombie, and Mirrored.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(3) K-3 Do You Really Want a Pet? series. Illustrated by Katya Longhi. This series' presentation is playful but offers helpful information about the different animals, how to keep them healthy, and how much human interaction each animal needs. Whimsical illustrations show kids taking care of pets and the animals in silly situations. An appended quiz helps readers determine which pet may be the best fit for them. Reading list, websites. Review covers these Do You Really Want a Pet? titles: Do You Really Want a Guinea Pig?, Do You Really Want a Lizard?, Do You Really Want a Snake?, and Do You Really Want a Turtle?.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) PS Felix (Felix and the Worrier) and more-confident Fiona win first prize for their singing-and-dancing pixie act at the Guinea Pig Jubilee. Felix's pride is short-lived, however, when he's teased at school. With Fiona's invisible Magic Protection Suit, Felix finds the courage to "stand tall." Wells's reassuring watercolor and pencil illustrations keep the tone light in this anti-bullying narrative. Endpapers feature costume sewing patterns.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 1-3 Critter Club series. Illustrated by Marsha Riti. While preparing for and celebrating the holidays, Amy matches some guinea pigs to a family (after solving an allergy problem) and spreads some cheer to a dear friend. While the rest of the Critter Club frog-sits, Marion tries to win a local fashion challenge--but at what cost? Riti's sweet spot art decorates the latest enjoyable outings of these animal-loving girls. Review covers these Critter Club titles: Amy's Very Merry Christmas and Marion Strikes a Pose.