These mini book reviews appeared in Little Shop of Stories’ 2012 Summer Reading Guide.

Calling all animal lovers! The new early-reader series Unlikely Friendships for Kids is fantastic. Each book contains five true stories about animal friendships that you never would have imagined, with color photographs throughout. An iguana best friends with a cat? A dog diving with a dolphin? You can’t help but be inspired by these sweet, unlikely pairings.
Unlikely Friendships for Kids, by Jennifer Holland, $7.95, Workman.

Meet Eugene McGillicuddy — the most awesome superhero of all time — and he’s only 8 years old! Captain Awesome is an excellent series for brand new readers looking for action and plenty of laughs. When the class pet goes missing, it is up to Captain Awesome to save the day. Packed with tons of illustrations, this hilarious kid-turned-superhero series is sure to leave everyone cheering for more.
Captain Awesome, by Stan Kirby and George O’Connor, $14.99, Simon and Schuster.

Both titles available at the Little Shop of Stories, 133A East Court Square, Decatur, 404-373-6300, www.littleshopofstories.com.