Hautzig retells the story of The Nutcracker concentrating on the narrative content of the first act. While several picture books and books for older children have presented the ballet with more spirit and grace, the simple vocabulary makes this edition accessible to beginning readers; bright watercolor artwork adds an immediate appeal. Younger children might also prefer this rather childlike version to some of the more sophisticated ones available. Useful to have on hand for the December, preballet demand. (Reviewed Dec. 1, 1992)

In this fifth book about Martha the talking dog, Martha's family is disappointed when their new puppy, Skits, eats alphabet soup but can only say "woof." It turns out, however, that Skits has his own special talent--that of chasing and catching flying objects, from Frisbees to bees. Once again, Meddaugh's appealing cartoon-like illustrations move the story forward and add humor and personality to the characters.