Readers will practically feel the heat rising from the pages of the latest Amanda Pig book, as four episodic stories unfold through the course of a very hot day. First, Amanda's father dampens Amanda's complaints about the stifling, sticky heat with a surprise shower from the garden hose. After her brother, Oliver, and his pals reject her offer to help them build a fort, Amanda and her friend Lollipop open a lemonade stand. That night, the family gather outdoors to hear an unusual bedtime story as they wait for a cool breeze. The clarity, simplicity, and charm of the pencil-and-watercolor artwork create an appealing look for these childlike and sometimes amusing stories. An excellent addition to the satisfying Dial Easy-to-Read series.

In four short chapters, Amanda Pig gets a cooling "hot-day surprise" in the garden; she and best friend Lollipop trade lemonade for entry into the boys' fort; Amanda and Lollipop open a lemonade stand, then drink the stock; and she waits with her family for a cool evening breeze. The combination of simple text and expressive illustrations will encourage new readers.

PreS-Gr 2-Two appealing easy readers. In Hotdog, a dachshund who is "a very good eater" competes to earn a spot in a television commercial for Doggy Yums, even though his favorite food is ice cream. After a series of mishaps at the studio, the pup is chosen to represent a new product, Doggy Yums ice cream. The simple illustrations painted in softly colored acrylics enliven this delightful story. Hot Day is divided into four interrelated stories that flow seamlessly together. As the Pig family swelters in the heat, Amanda and her father cool off with the garden hose; Oliver and his friends shun Amanda and Lollipop until they get thirsty; the girls set up a lemonade stand; and, finally, the entire family gathers outside to stargaze and listen to stories while waiting for a breeze. These amusing vignettes are accompanied by watercolor-and-pencil illustrations that charmingly portray a loving family and happy home. Both of these age-appropriate selections, written in clear, simple sentences, will be popular with young readers.-Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.