Those little companions that assist their human partner in magical activities now have their own stories to share in this charming anthology edited by Denise Little.

Of the 15 original tales, most showcase cats—but not the standard witch's black cat. In Jody Lynn Nye's "And So, Ad Infinitum" Mira's familiar is a stray cat with fleas. Zoomer helps Mira to reach her aunt across death's boundary, but they both need help from Zoomer's familiar when evil tries to keep them.

Jane's always been intimidated by co-worker Tiffany's successful life and career. When Tiffany dies and comes back as a rat, it's "Business As Usual" by Diane A.S. Stuckart. "Goodness Had Nothing To Do With It" is Mae West's reincarnation tale by Susan Sizemore. "Legacy" is a very clever satire by Michelle West—in a futuristic virtual reality, older programming becomes sentient to overthrow the insidious newer programming. (Jul., 320 pp., $6.99)

—Kelly Rae Cooper