Pet lovers be ready! In this new, snuggly easy reader series, two handicapped dogs leave shelter life for a new home and discover the true meaning of family. In their stories, told in engaging, short chapters that make them feel like multiple books in one, Moose and Bear instantly worm their way into readers' hearts. From their long days at the shelter to coming home with Cathy and finding that fences can be terrible (but also good), this series starter is perfect for young readers who like animal-based stories with more words per page and want the quick feeling of an easy reader but the story level of a chapter book. This first title in a planned series goes beyond the shelter, following the dogs home on their adventures, and features simple but strong sentences that guide readers and invite them to engage with the dogs' dialogue. With full-page, scruffy illustrations reminiscent of art by Corey Tabor and Charlie Alder, this narrative will appeal to developing readers, who will find themselves compelled to keep turning the pages.

Two shelter dogs win over both a human visitor and a new feline companion in this cozy adoption story.Moose has one eye and two toys, Bear has three legs and a ball, and the two are fast friends. One day they draw the notice of Cathy-a brown-skinned adult human visitor who hugs them lovingly and takes them to a new and bigger space, where they can romp and make friends with Mailman Joe. When a fence appears that's too tall to jump over but not quite low enough to dig under, they have an adventure, then are surprised to meet Tiger, a shy, frightened new friend in the yard. Cathy, too, is surprised but welcomes Tiger with a bath and a warm blanket. Despite lots of vigorous play and a lullaby sung by Moose, nervous Tiger still has trouble falling asleep come bedtime but closes his eyes at last once Moose and Bear have "snuggled in close to their new brother." The sweetness may be laid on here with a trowel, but the two pups brim with unselfconscious vim, their doggy dialogue adds comic notes (" ‘I have been thinking,' said Moose. ‘You do not look like a bear.' ‘That's funny. I have also been thinking,' said Bear. ‘You do not look like a moose' "), and the easy acceptance they and their adoptive human offer to the timorous new arrival will draw enthusiastic responses from younger audiences.Warm and snuggly. (Early chapter book. 5-8)

K-Gr 2 —This launches a new early reader series by the author of the "Charlie Joe Jackson" middle grade books. The charming addition to the field introduces Moose and Bear, two dogs at a shelter that get rescued by a woman who helps them when they are stuck in a bush. Later in the story, the friends meet a stray cat and help him become part of the family. Short sentences follow a comfortable pattern, ideal for young readers. Moose and Bear are lovable characters that children will immediately connect with. Readers will root for Moose, who has one eye, and Bear, who has three legs, from the first page. Their funny dialogue is similar to Laura Vacarro Seeger's "Dog and Bear" series and James Marshall's "George and Martha" books. Pate's soft illustrations capture the heart of the story and are a perfect match to Greenwald's sweet text. VERDICT Budding readers will devour this series opener and be eager for more. A highly recommended new addition to the beginning chapter book section.—Heidi Dechief