(4) 4-6 Writing Builders series. Illustrated by Steve Cox. Each book in this series features a fictional story in which the title student duo produces a writing project. Colorful cartoon illustrations (of ranging quality) combine with perky, helpful narration to show how the multicultural cast of students organize, write, and revise; pictures, format, and tone seem aimed at an audience too young for some of the projects. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Writing Builders titles: Isabella and Ivan Build an Interview, Seth and Savannah Build a Speech, Ben and Bailey Build a Book Report, Leah and LeShawn Build a Letter, Bridget and Bo Build a Blog, and Evan and Erin Build an Essay.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Steve Cox. Pack rat Pinch loves stuff. Hoping for money to buy even more, he sells his collection at the neighborhood tag sale. However, he likes his clean house so much, he donates his profits to beautify the town. Though Pinch's turnaround is just a shade short of a miracle, the story's message is useful, and the mixed-media and digital illustrations are appealing.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Steve Cox. Tuffy (Diary of a Killer Cat) is overjoyed that his family's going away ("a whole week of not being...stroked and petted by Ellie and her soppy friend Melanie"). But his spirits are dampened when the vicar--a.k.a. "Mr. Fussbudget"--comes to cat-sit. Tuffy's cranky, irreverent voice makes him a kitty with an attitude. Cox's clean line drawings help dial down the sarcasm.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz