Kate is cowgirl through and through, but finicky Cocoa must be persuaded to herd cows. Four easy but interesting chapters are full of dialogue between horse and girl. Energetic watercolors show great expressions and bring these endearing characters to life.

14. MERCY WATSON TO THE RESCUE
By Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Candlewick, $12.99; Ages 6 to 8; ISBN: 0763622702

Mr. and Mrs. Watson simply adore Mercy, who just happens to be a sweet, sprightly pig. They love her so much it brings on the "buttery-toasty" feeling that makes her all warm inside, buttered toast being one of Mercy's favorite things. But not everyone approves of a farm animal for a neighbor, even when Mercy inadvertently comes to the rescue. Twelve chapters of Mercy merriment with colorful, exaggerated illustrations sure to please.