MCDONALD, Megan . Rocky Zang in the Amazing Mr. Magic . ISBN 9780763657161 ; ISBN 9780763670283 . LC 2012947727. ea vol: illus. by Erwin Madrid. 64p. (Judy Moody and Friends Series). Candlewick . Feb. 2014. Tr. $12.99. pap. $4.99. K-Gr 2 McDonald gives emerging readers their own series that offers the same realism and zany humor as her previous "Judy Moody" books. Madrid's digital illustrations are clearly based on those created by Peter H. Reynolds; they are in full color and in great abundance, which helps support and engage brand new readers. In Pig Trouble, readers meet Jessica Finch, a friend of Judy Moody who loves pigs and hopes to get one as a pet for her upcoming birthday. Jessica asks Judy to snoop around and find out what her birthday present will be and is upset when she does not help her. When Judy later appears at the birthday party with a baby potbellied pig, Jessica realizes that Judy is her best friend ever. In Mr. Magic, Rocky Zang's magic is less than amazing, and Judy, also known as "Stella the Spectacular," is anything but a spectacular magician's assistant. Judy must learn to be a good friend and help the Amazing Mr. Magic put on a terrific backyard show. This new series will be a welcome addition to the library and a great stepping stone to McDonald's original chapter book series. Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN

In these spinoff transitional readers, Judy Moody's friends Jessica Finch and Rocky Zang share the spotlight: Judy arranges Jessica's birthday surprise and helps Rocky with his magic show. Full-bleed color illustrations (modeled after Peter H. Reynolds's originals) add to the fun. The easy-to-read books are great for newly independent readers not quite ready for the longer Judy Moody chapter books.

Jessica Finch is pig crazy. Her entire room is filled with pigs of every variety, and the only present that she wants for her birthday is a potbellied pig. She calls Judy Moody to help her find clues to see if one is in the offing, but all they find are pig-themed presents, which means no potbellied pig. The girls end up playing a pig game they find, but a piece goes missing, and when Jessica goes to Judy's house to find it, Judy is acting strange. Could Judy be hiding the perfect present? Told in only three chapters, this book makes the perfect transition for readers that are beyond easy readers but not quite ready for chapter books. The bright illustrations add more expressiveness to the story and will further engage readers. Fans of Kate DiCamillo's mischievous pig Mercy Watson will also like this.