ALA Booklist (Thu Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2004)

Kim and Dad are lonely when they move from their farm to a new house in the city. Then their dog, Chip, escapes, and as Kim and Dad search for him, neighbors join in. By the time Chip is found safe and sound, waiting on the front steps, Kim and Dad have found new friends in their fellow searchers. Cheerful, bright pictures in cherry reds and lime greens extend the action in the skillfully simple, well-paced story, and the type and images are nicely balanced against plenty of white space, making it easy to follow the words. Younger children will probably need help with the appended activities, which include a list of questions about friendship, but this Green Light Readers book offers a warm, accessible story about a situation and feelings kids will know.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2002)

Daniel LeBlanc is living with his aunt Judith when he receives a mysterious summons. Convinced that his father, who lives out on the frontier, is in trouble, Daniel joins an emigrant group on the Oregon Trail to search for him. Daniel is often too pious to seem realistic, and others are stock characters. The ending wrapped in Native American spirituality is unconvincing.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-Two easy-to-read stories with bright, engaging illustrations. In the first title, Ann doesn't think she is very good at athletics. During Sports Day, she is encouraged to try her best and ends up having a great time. In the second book, Kim has just moved to the big city and doesn't know anyone. When her dog runs away, she looks for him in her neighborhood and makes some new friends. Both offerings include repetitive phrases as well as short sentences so that even nonreaders can catch on quickly and recite some of the lines. Each title ends with plot-related questions, information about the author and illustrator, and a simple craft.-Kristina Aaronson, Henniker Community School, NH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.