Critter Sitter & Lulu's Magic Wand

Author and illustrator Chuck Richards is spotlighted in this two-fer collection of iconographic-animated adaptations, both narrated by Mike Pongracz. First up is 2008's Critter Sitter, which follows young Henry—the titular animal wrangler—one day when he takes on the Mahoney family's menagerie, including a dog, cat, boa constrictor, goldfish, cockatiel, tree frog, goldfish, and crickets. Mischievous canine Slobberchops causes a domino effect of havoc, getting out of the laundry room and tracking blue detergent, knocking over boa Slinky's aquarium, and digging holes near the creepy neighbor's house on the hill. Scared of animal neglect charges, Henry struggles to bring things under control by the time the family returns. In 2012's Lulu's Magic Wand, the main character is a pigtailed toddler, whose trip to an amusement park with her family turns into an assortment of mishaps when a wizard's magic wand carnival prize falls into the wrong hands. Backed by colorful detailed visuals and apt sound effects, extras include a “Sharing My Story” with Richards. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)