Martha, the Talking dog, created by Susan Meddaugh, has a new life in a PBS cartoon series. This is one of several new books adapted from the show and unlike many cartoons, this one says a whole lot about a subject of prejudice. When a neighbor brings home a kitten from the shelter Martha and her buddy Skits reject her because she is different. Without hitting kids over the head this little tale does have a message and one that can't be delivered too soon or too often! We liked the Martha Bakes a Cake story, too but the bilingual text printed under the English text makes for a cluttered page, one that may be difficult for beginning readers to navigate. Too bad since the pace of the story and humor is right on the mark!

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Generations of kids who are ready for first chapter books have enjoyed the Nate the Great series. The series, originated more than 30 years ago, features a no nonsense boy detective who was seeing clues long before fellows like Monk. In this newest caper, some books are missing pages and the president of the Harvard Book Club has come to Nate the Great to find the culprit.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.