Pandora and Granny continue their magical partnership in this chapter book that presents three discrete stories.In the first, Granny creates lots of Christmas fun at a disappointing Winter Wonderland. When they arrive, the promised snow is made of shaving foam; the ice rink is "just dirty sheets of bubble wrap stuck together." There are no reindeer, just dogs with antlers, and the sleigh is a pig trough. With several flicks of her wand, Granny transforms everything into the "most wacky and wonderful" Winter Wonderland for Pandora and her friends Jake and Nellie. Pandora is white and so is Jake, but Nellie is darker-skinned in the illustrations. In "Best in Show," Cobweb the cat easily wins first prize with his beautiful grooming, courtesy of Pandora's hard work, and his tightrope and trapeze act, thanks to Granny. In "Museum Mayhem!" Granny acts as the chaperon at a class sleepover at the history museum. Using her magic to bring history to life, she introduces the class to Vikings, Egyptians, Tudors, and Stone Age animals. She even turns Mr. Bibble, the teacher, into Henry VIII. Amusing line-and-wash drawings enhanced with red appear on almost every page, making this beginning chapter book very attractive for newly proficient readers. Funny and light but with enough of a plot to keep readers interested. (Fantasy. 6-9)

Gr 1-3Having a grandmother who is a witch is fun, but it also causes problems for young Pandora. In three short stories, Grandma magics up a winter wonderland, wreaks havoc at a pet show, and chaperones a field trip to the museum where she literally brings history to life. While Grandma's magic is seen by outsiders, most people just take it in stride. Readers will appreciate the book's whimsical tone, and the length and level are just right for early chapter book readers. VERDICT A general purchase for early chapter book collections.Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA