Clover, despite her name, knows she's the unluckiest girl in the world. With her best friend, Emma, away at pony camp and parents who work all the time, Clover has resigned herself to spending the summer alone. When her pet canary escapes through a broken window e third pet in a row imal-loving Clover chases the bird into the woods, where she happens upon an ad for volunteers at an animal-adoption agency. Thinking it might be a way to care for animals without losing them, Clover answers the ad and finds herself working with Mr. Jams at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. When Mr. Jams leaves Clover to take care of the agency, she wonders if her bad luck will bedevil her, especially with a devious witch lurking around. The first novel in George's new series is a charming story, delicately written, with a winning heroine. Clover's first adventure with the magical animals at the agency comes to a conclusion that will satisfy young readers.

Gr 2-4 Clover believes that she has bad luck. She keeps losing her pets and her best friend got into horse camp without her. She is dreading her summer. This changes when her latest pet, a bird, escapes after a baseball breaks a hole in her window. She follows her bird into the scary woods where no one is willing to go. Clover soon finds a sign advertising the need for animal lovers to volunteer at an agency called the M.A.A.A. She follows the directions, discovering an animal shelter that is like nothing she has ever seen. It is full of magical creatures like unicorns and dragons. Clover's summer is now far from terrible, but she must keep her job a secret. When the youngster is left in charge for several days, she must deal with a pesky princess and a wicked witch while finding magical animals a good home. This story is cleverly told and Clover is an endearing protagonist. George writes descriptively, making readers feel at home in the cottage filled with visual wonders, delicious cinnamon toast, and surrounded by a forest carpeted with feathery moss. VERDICT This new chapter book series is perfect for young readers who love animals and fairy tales. Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH