Preschool to Grade 4

Fiction

PreS–Through exuberant, full-page color photos, this book shows children of varying ethnicities engaged in a range of physical activities, from flying a kite to jumping into a pile of leaves. The energetic pictures even capture children in midair. Each right-hand page has a short phrase that rhymes with the word or phrase opposite: “Fling it/Swing it.” Preschoolers will enjoy the visuals and the rhymes, and they might be inspired to create captions for pictures of themselves similarly engaged. A good purchase where very simple text is required.–Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ

K-Gr 3–City-dwelling Ruby exchanges letters with her grandfather, who lives in the country. She shares with him her excitement about the upcoming birth of a sibling and her fears over her father’s loss of his job. Her grandfather in turn tells the child about the magpies that live near his house and teaches her “The Magpie Song.” Through their letters, her ailing Grampa shares his memories of Ruby’s father’s childhood and reveals a secret to his granddaughter. Then he passes away. Ruby and her family inherit his house and move to the country. Once there, Ruby remembers Grampa’s secret: buried in the magpie tree, she finds a chest full of gold coins, ensuring that the family will no longer need to worry about money. This moving tale lovingly expresses the bond between a child and her grandfather. The story is accompanied by watercolor illustrations awash in soft pastels and outlined in pen and ink. Ruby’s letters bear childlike drawings while the man’s are typewritten. This sweet and tender picture book is good for one-on-one sharing.–Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL

Gr 3-5–Self-styled genius Alex has had it with his little brother. Jonathan is always hanging around–asking weird questions, messing with Alex’s stuff, and generally being a pest. Mom says it’s all just normal sibling rivalry, but Alex decides there is only one thing to do–leave Earth–and Jonathan–forever. Using his astounding scientific ability–plus lots of grocery boxes, duct tape, and assorted bits of junk, Alex designs the Star Jumper. This advanced cardboard spacecraft will take him across the galaxy to a brother-free planet–if only he can keep the first grader out of the way until liftoff. The first-person narration is lively and realistic, bouncing between mock scientific jargon and exasperated brother-speak. The short text is illustrated with sketches from Alex’s invention notebook, including carefully labeled diagrams of the ship and its high-tech, recycling-bin gadgetry. More gently tongue-in-cheek than Dan Greenburg’s irreverent “Zack Files” (Grosset & Dunlap), this early chapter book is a good choice for younger science-fiction fans.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

PreS-Gr 1–In a rhyming text, an African-American girl tells about spending the day with her father at his office. After she and Daddy ride the subway together, the youngster meets his coworkers, helps him write memos, and holds the posters for a presentation. At midday, they head outside for a bite to eat and a walk through the park. At five o’clock, it’s time to call Mom and tell her they are on their way home. Unfortunately, many of the rhymes sound forced, the rhythm is sometimes awkward, and the word choices don’t always ring true for the narrator’s age. The double-page watercolor illustrations effectively depict the child and her parents, as well as scenes of the city and Daddy’s workplace. Boyd portrays the multiethnic cast nicely for the most part, but falls down in his rendering of some of the background characters, who look unfinished, and a laptop that has too many overly raised keys to appear even remotely realistic. While this picture book may fulfill a need in some collections, the uneven writing and artwork prevent it from being more than a marginal purchase.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS–In these books, playful rhymes answer the title question. “Knees like these/don’t grow on trees.” “Ten little lovelies/all in a row./ Whose toes are those?/ Do you know?” On each spread, viewers get a glimpse of the youngster in question. On the final spread, the book takes a vertical twist to show the whole, laughing child. The stories are sweet and simple, and children will enjoy bending knees or wiggling toes along with the protagonists. The illustrations were sketched in graphite and painted digitally; they are warm and lively with swirls of color and friendly animals looking on. The text refers to knees “so brown and so strong” and toes “so brown and sweet.” These titles will add welcome diversity to board-book collections.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

K-Gr 2–An exceptionally handsome book on eggs, from the delicate ova of the green lacewing to the rosy roe of the Atlantic salmon to the mammoth bulk of an ostrich egg. Aston’s simple, readable text celebrates their marvelous diversity, commenting on size, shape, coloration, and where they might be found. The author occasionally attributes sensibilities to eggs (“An egg is clever,” for example). Still, her quiet descriptions of egg engineering and embryo development (no mention of mating) are on the mark, and are beautifully supported by Long’s splendid watercolor depictions of a wide variety of eggs. (One teeny carp–Steller’s jays are not spelled with an “ar,” though they are stellar performers when wheedling for your lunch at a campsite!) A beautiful guide to the unexpected panoply of “the egg.”–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1–Stuck in the same backyard day after day, Stanley the dog is bored. Then, he finds a small hole by the fence. Imagine his surprise when, after a long day of digging, he finds himself on the other side, with no leash and no person. He rounds up his canine friends, and they enjoy a night on the town. While admiring the view from a hill, Stanley sees an unfamiliar object. He investigates (it smells like feet) and accidentally takes a wild ride on a skateboard, followed by his pals, who have found assorted vehicles of their own. The adventure ends at Stanley’s yard, where he is reunited with his people, who “taste sleepy.” The story builds slowly, but the ride is worth the wait. The text is smart, comic, and a rollicking good time. Although Stanley and his friends talk to one another, they never lose their essential dogginess: garbage is for eating, cats for chasing, fences for escaping, and everything is for sniffing. Even the ride captures a pup’s point of view as he roars down the hill “faster than a squirrel!” Good pacing builds anticipation at each page turn, and the textured acrylic cartoon illustrations capture the story’s energy and humor. Clever details punctuate the art, and the dogs’ bodies and faces reflect their joy and excitement. An appealing companion to Stanley’s Party (Kids Can, 2003).–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

K-Gr 2–Mr. and Mrs. Green are back in another series of short and sweet stories. Here, the alligators practice magic tricks, indulge in some cookie snacking, and create a couple of wacky yet useful inventions. The stories will appeal to newly independent readers ready for a bit of a challenge; they are well paced and full of humor (particularly the droll asides), and illustrated in a lively and bright cartoon style. Readers who enjoy James Marshall’s “George and Martha” books (Houghton) will find this couple’s antics to be great fun. Baker’s playful language, particularly Mr. Green’s list of magic words as he tries to make his wife reappear, demonstrate that a great storyteller is not limited by an easy-reader format.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

K-Gr 2–This tongue-in-cheek story follows the adventures of a boy who decides to take his family’s 500 cows on a visit to the Falls. Manny soon finds that moving the insouciant bovines is rather daunting as they pack their hay; sprawl aboard buses; sing a cow-centric version of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”; take over the rest areas; eat, play, and deposit some unwelcome–but udderly necessary–cow pies; and descend on the tourist attractions at their destination. When the bill from the shopaholic cows’ visit to the gift shop threatens to bankrupt the boy, they pitch in by leaping over the Falls with buckets of milk that turns into butter, which they sell to eager tourists. All’s well that ends well as Manny and the herd return home in cow-spotted limos–and readers see the recipe to shake their own butter into being. The crowded, breezy, watercolor-and-ink illustrations are similar in style to Susan Meddaugh’s and William Steig’s work. Becker throws in a few interesting mini-facts on cows and milking throughout the tale. (“A cow must be milked 2 times a day, which makes 10 gallons of milk each day. There are 350 squirts in each gallon. 350 squirts x 10 gallons x 500 cows=1,750,000 squirts every day!”) Far-fetched? Yes. Silly? Definitely. But kids will find themselves laughing at and falling for this goofy story.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha’s Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2–These books are essentially identical except for a few minor stereotypical differences such as showing the girl’s toys to include makeup whereas the boy has tools. Each one is a didactic exploration of how a household gets ready for a new baby and what it means to be the older sibling. Readers are cautioned about dangerous toys versus safe toys and are advised to always wash their hands before touching the baby’s hands and toys. One page answers the question, “Mommy, how will the baby come out of your belly?” and the uterus and the birth canal are introduced. The books address the logistics of who will care for the child while Mommy’s in the hospital, which in these cases is Grandma. Finally, several pages are devoted to the older sibling’s role: “Being a big brother [sister] means being a teacher and an example to your sister or brother.” The volumes work hard to be comprehensive with a congratulatory letter from the author, a final page of tips for parents, a Web site, and even a catchy song on CD that again emphasizes the role of the older sibling. While much useful information is imparted here, the writing is stilted and lackluster. The clarity of the page design along with bright, simple line drawings will help attract readers’ attention, but may not sustain it with these overly idealistic presentations.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

PreS-Gr 1–This unique book is rendered in soft gouache watercolors, bestowing a traditional Old World look that is full of warmth and charm. Simplicity is the key, as nature’s bounty is visually transformed into human treasures. An acorn turns into a tree, the Earth’s clay becomes an artistic pottery piece, wheat becomes bread, and a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Children will marvel at nature’s wonders and will be ready to join in the dancing as the fiddle produces a song. This is a great read-aloud and a good choice for early readers. Combine it with Verna Aardema’s Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain (Dial, 1981) for an artistic visual program about nature.–Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL

PreS–Each line of this simple book begins with the title phrase. As a young boy rides his way through a special day, he comments on how this elevated perspective affects his relationship to his world. He’s taller than his big brother and a giraffe at the zoo. He can touch the tops of trees and slam-dunk a basketball. He can even touch the moon and the stars. All of this makes him, “the happiest kid in the world.” Smooth, bright, and cheerful illustrations create an easygoing atmosphere. The day’s adventures are pleasant and the boy’s statements are made believable through the art. This is an appealing look at quality time spent between a father and son, even though most adults will be amazed at Dad’s stamina.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

Gr 1-3–Harley Harrison is a math whiz and a tattler. The second grader observes his classmates and then writes detailed reports filled with simple numerical evidence of their wrongdoings. The reports are shown in full-page illustrations that incorporate numbers, objects, and childlike printing: “Erwin chewed the erasers off 8 pencils on Monday 3 pencils on Tuesday...=21 erasers.” The adults deal with the boy’s disclosures as his classmates complain. Then a new student arrives, and Harley finds his match. Emma Jean corrects his mistakes and begins to tattle in an oddly familiar manner, using calculations to prove her points. The two tell on one another until their teacher pairs them in a math challenge. After working separately and losing time, they cooperate, and the results are rewarding–extra time at recess. They inform their teacher that they will be “too busy playing” to write any more reports. The striking color cartoon art in soft pastel tones depicts children with expressive faces. The math is cleverly woven into the story and used effectively. Back matter includes a half-dozen “Math Tattle Battle Teasers” and their solutions. The book is a winning combination of math problems and a true-to-life story.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI

PreS-Gr 1–When a father panda takes his son and daughter for a drive to take a look at the ocean, the water looks so inviting that they want to go in but–no swimsuits. Alice suggests they go home and get them (“It’ll only take half an hour”). What evolves is a day at the beach with numerous trips back and forth for goggles, shovels, a camera, and more because, after all, “It’ll only take half an hour!” The characters and background are composed of clay, wire, and cardboard, painted in primary acrylic colors, and then digitally photographed and computer generated, giving the story a three-dimensional look with a puppet-show feel. This is a warm family story that youngsters will enjoy, especially when they chime in on the repetitive line.–Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL

PreS-Gr 3–A girl and a younger boy take turns imitating different animals, including a bear, a snake, and a dog. Each of the brief chapters is introduced by a title page with an illustration of a common object (a basket, a pull toy, etc.) decorated with a picture of or shaped like the creature in question and used throughout the vignette. For example, “How to be a TURTLE” opens with a sand pail with a turtle painted on it. The monkey section shows a book with a monkey on the cover, followed by the boy swinging from a tree, eating with his toes, copying the girl (who is trying to read the volume), and displaying curiosity. The final chapter, “How to be a PERSON,” shows both children embodying all the positive characteristics of the critters with the animals shadowing their actions. The last line reminds readers, “Be yourself.” The spare text matches the black-and-white drawings, supplemented with well-placed smatterings of bright paint. While the simplicity of the language and the artwork may appeal to toddlers, older preschoolers will appreciate the children’s humorous antics. This striking picture book may also inspire school-age children to create their own versions of the story with different animals.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2–In the first title, a versatile birthday gift plays games, performs tricks, bakes, and cleans. But with each activity, the child narrator indicates that this “is not the best thing my robot can do.” That refrain will have readers turning the pages of simple text just to discover the robot’s most valued trait–friendship. A picnic story that is perfect fare for first-grade readers, Pond is about two friends whose outing is delayed when one doesn’t feel well. Fortunately, Tess Tiger’s umbrella and fan help Herbert Hippo cool off. She volunteers to go back for the picnic basket that he has forgotten. Returning with lunch in hand, she has a momentary fright when Herbert appears to be missing. But he’s merely taking a dip and emerges from the water with an endearing big-toothed grin. Both titles have sufficient white space, illustrations that are pleasingly playful, and a craft activity. Nice additions for the easy-reader shelves.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 1-4–As a Muslim girl rides in a hay wagon heading to an apple orchard on a class trip, the dupatta on her head setting her apart, she observes that while some of the children seem friendly, others are not. Her father has explained, “…we are not always liked here. Our home country (never named in the story) and our new one have had difficulties.” Later, when she puts a green apple into the cider press instead of a ripe red one as her classmates have done, they protest. But the cider from all their apples mixed together is delicious–a metaphor for the benefits of intermingling people who are different. Lewin’s watercolors radiate sunlight and capture the gamut of emotions that Farah experiences on this challenging second day in her new school in the U.S. They show her downcast silence and sense of isolation because she can’t speak the language, her shy smile when a classmate befriends her, and, finally, her triumphant smile as she speaks one of her first English words, “App-ell.” This story, along with Bernard Wolf’s Coming to America: A Muslim Family’s Story (Lee & Low, 2003), can heighten youngsters’ awareness of what it must be like to feel different and alone and that each person has something unique to contribute to the good of all.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 1-4–Robert and his friend Charlie Shu spend many an afternoon at Fort Point watching from afar as their dads work on the crews building the Golden Gate Bridge. Robert’s father is a high-iron man, a skywalker, and, in his son’s eyes, has a far more important and dangerous job than the painting Charlie’s dad does. When Robert’s mom gives the youngsters a jigsaw puzzle based on an artist’s rendering of the yet-to-be completed bridge, Robert hides a piece to give his father the honor of completing the puzzle. When a scaffold falls and 10 men die, however, he realizes that the work is equally dangerous for all involved. While the two families are celebrating the completion of the bridge, he cuts the last puzzle piece, offering half to each dad. “Finish it. It’s your bridge. It belongs to both of you,” he says. The text is followed by an author’s note recounting the Golden Gate’s history. Payne’s striking mixed-media illustrations bleed off the pages and offer interesting views of the “impossible bridge”–against a star-filled sky, through a binocular lens. The spread featuring delighted throngs, both boys front and center, walking across the bridge at its opening and that of the dads, index fingers meeting across the page to complete the puzzle, say more poignantly than words that people of different backgrounds can come together to accomplish the unthinkable. Deborah Hopkinson’s Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building (Random, 2006) features more skywalkers at their dangerous jobs.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

K-Gr 2–Five-year-old Rain, born in China, loves the dumplings that she and her adoptive American mother make together. One day at school, Rain’s friend reports that she has dumplings for lunch, but Rain doesn’t see what she is expecting. Katarina explains that they are called pirozhki in Russian, but they “are dumplings.” Carlos’s empañadas puzzle them both, although they concede that they certainly look like dumplings. That day their teacher, too, has dumplings in her lunch, in the form of Polish pierogies, and promises a tasting of dumplings from all over the world the following week. The message in this sweet, simply story is explicitly stated: “Each dumpling is special and each one is different–just like people.” While this book will find a ready audience in multicultural curriculums, it is too didactic and the art too amateurish for general purchase.–Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH

PreS–Here’s another expanded version of what happens to that adventurous arachnid when he’s finished with the waterspout. A variety of farm animals becomes involved with the acrobatic spider as he gets tossed from snout to tail to wing while making his high-flying way home. The song/finger play stumbles a bit with an uneven tempo and words that should rhyme but don’t, such as farm/barn and funny/mommy. Bright, cheerful illustrations are the highlight of this bumpy verse. Flying insects, animal sounds, and the tangible silver glitter of the spider’s silk fill the pages. Stick with Mary Ann Hoberman’s adaptation of The Eensy-Weensy Spider (Little, Brown, 2000) for a more polished story of the escapades of this indomitable eight-legged critter.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1–Mary and Clare spend their days at preschool together. They hug when they meet, hold hands while going out to the playground, and sit next to one another at storytime. All goes smoothly until the day of Mary’s birthday, when she gets special privileges and much attention from the teacher and other students. Clare grows resentful and starts an argument, which ends with both girls angrily yelling, “YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND!” They each play with other children and have time to cool off. When naptime is over, Clare presents her friend with a hand-drawn picture and wishes her a “Happy birthday.” Mary graciously accepts the gift, an unspoken apology, and the two are friends once again. No adult guides them toward reconciliation; these children simply figure out for themselves what is important. Various printmaking techniques are used in the artwork to create bold, flat shapes, with enough white space to allow the colors to pop off the pages. The illustrations, in a warm palette, give a retro feel to the story but the multicultural classroom takes the tale to the present. This is a story of true friendship that is stronger than envy or jealousy.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2–A frisky puppy wants to play with “his people,” but everyone is too busy. With Mommy working in the garden, baby Edward digging in the sandbox, and Daddy and Laura fixing the swings, Slippers is left on his own. When he pokes his head through an opening in the front gate, his curiosity is piqued: “It smelled BIG out there.” As the inquisitive pup explores his new surroundings, he sees “an edward….But it wasn’t Edward.” Slippers just wants to be friendly, but is quickly shooed away by the stranger’s dad. He races all the way home until he is surrounded by his family “in the middle of the biggest hug.” Bynum’s ink-and-watercolor pictures capture the pooch’s boundless energy, from chasing a beach ball to tunneling through bushes. The repetitive, patterned text cleverly provides a dog’s-eye view of the world. Emergent readers will enjoy the continuing adventures of Slippers.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 3-5–The misfit hero of How to Be a Pirate (Little, Brown, 2005) returns in another Viking tall tale. Chief’s son Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, his friend Fishlegs, and his cranky dragon, Toothless, get separated from their class during “Boarding-An-Enemy-Ship” practice. The peaceful fishing boat they are supposed to attack turns out to be a prowling Roman galley, crewed by some of the Empire’s least-distinguished legions. The invaders are plotting to provoke war among the Viking factions by kidnapping the heirs of Hiccup’s own Happy Hooligans and the Amazonian Bog-Burglar tribe. Then, while the locals are occupied, the Romans plan to make off with the entire dragon population of the islands. With the help of Bog-Burglar girl warrior Camicazi and the bumblebee-sized dragon Ziggerastica, the boys must find a way to counter the treacherous plan before they all end up facing combat to the death in the local arena. There is a lot of raucous humor and mock-heroic dialogue; ridiculous names add to the fun. The theme of brains over brawn is well defined. Warriors, Roman and Viking alike, are loud-mouthed, bullying braggarts, easy targets for clever, scrawny Hiccup. The sketchy, childlike black-and-white cartoon drawings are amusing but occasionally indistinct. Jon Scieszka’s “Time Warp Trio” books (Viking), for slightly younger readers, have a sharper, more literate sense of twisted history, but the broad humor of Hiccup’s misadventures will appeal to reluctant readers.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

PreS-Gr 1–This perfect bedtime read captures the sounds of a creaky old house in the country as well as the noises outside. Vivid images evoke the contrast between the stormy fall night and the snug coziness indoors: “Hear the hissing,/Soft as kissing,/From the radiator grate./Hear the chiming/ Tell-the-timing/Of the hall clock striking eight.” Attractive, full-page folk-art illustrations that combine collage and oil paint on gessoed watercolor paper lend an old-fashioned charm to the rural scene and the comfort and security within.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2–It’s the last day of first grade, and Gilbert, a winsome opossum, is filled with conflicting emotions. He’s excited about summer vacation, but he’s going to miss his teacher, Mrs. Byrd. What’s more, he’s not sure he will receive an award because he’s not sure what he’s best at. As time passes in a flurry of last-day activities (cleaning out desks, etc.), Gilbert works through his feelings and bids farewell to first grade. He does, of course, receive an award, and the school year ends on a positive note. The color cartoon illustrations are filled with detail and charm. This picture book effectively captures both the excitement and sadness that many children feel at the end of the school year, and it makes for a good discussion starter.–Rachael Vilmar, Atlanta Fulton Public Library, GA

K-Gr 3–Another action-packed escapade staring the “porcine wonder.” Every weekend, when Mr. Watson takes his pig for a ride in his pink convertible, Mercy must be cajoled out of the driver’s seat with the promise of a tasty treat upon their return. One Saturday, their elderly neighbor, Baby Lincoln, stows away in the backseat. Man and pig speed happily along until Baby reveals her presence. Surprised, Mr. Watson takes his eyes off the road, and Mercy seizes her chance, jumps into his lap, and grabs the wheel. The vehicle zooms along, pursued by a police car. With Mr. Watson unable to reach the brake, it takes some heroics from Baby to save the day. Back at the house, the ever-serene Mrs. Watson manages to mollify everyone–including Baby’s crotchety sister and the angry policeman–with a stack of hot buttered toast. Written with simple vocabulary and lots of repetition, the quick-paced narrative flows gracefully and is packed with amusing moments. The glossy, full-color gouache paintings provide visual clues to support the text and add greatly to the humor. The characters’ facial expressions are laugh-out-loud funny, and the idealized 1950s setting strikes just the right tone of innocence. A fresh, fun-filled must-have for those looking to spiff up beginning-chapter-book collections.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-K–In this rhythmic counting book, a sleeping child’s teddy bear falls out of bed and can’t climb back up. Three mice invite him to play, racing four cars, counting five stars, sipping tea with six dolls, and so on. Finally, the toys work together to help the stuffed toy build a 10-brick staircase up to the top of the bed. When the inevitable tumble of bricks occurs, the playthings and mice are counted down as they scatter back to their places. The noise awakens the child, who drowsily reaches for Ted and nestles back to sleep. Although no numerals are used, the text and watercolor-and-ink art combine to show the progression to 10 and back again. The toys in the airy illustrations that sweep across the pages are packed with personality. Perfect for storytimes or one-on-one lapsits, this book can be counted on for a gentle, cozy read.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha’s Public Library, WI

Gr 3-5–Phineas MacGuire loves scientific explanations and experiments. He demands empirical evidence of why old beans stink, how to make film canisters explode, and why fellow fourth-grade scientist Aretha always seems to be right. Mac just can’t get back into his scientific groove, though. He misses his best friend and former lab partner, Marcus, who has moved away, and his teacher pairs him with obnoxious classmate Mac R. in the science fair. As the two Macs struggle to agree on a project, Mac R. confesses that his real name is Ben, and the boys plot to introduce the new, improved Ben to the class. Predictably, they make peace and become friends. Details of classroom life, like bouncy Mrs. Tuttle and her frog collection, and the mystery of a mouse in the paper closet, ring true. However, the story is surprisingly bland, given the author’s past successes. Fans of funny, realistic chapter books might find Mac likable, but they are unlikely to remember him or to clamor for more.–Wendi Hoffenberg, formerly at Yonkers Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2–When a determined frog sets his mind on flying, everyone laughs at his unsuccessful efforts to become airborne, and his parents assure him that he is capable of doing any “frog thing.” Despite their cautionary words, Fred refuses to give up on his dream. After he rescues a baby bird that falls into the pond, its mother is so grateful and admiring of Frank’s swimming skills that she takes him for the ride of his life. Frank clings to a twig as the bird and one of her friends lift it and him into the air to glide, swoop, and dive high above his watery home. When he returns to Earth, the young frog tells his parents that he realizes he should be proud of his own special talents. This charming tale about a youngster’s moment of self-discovery is accompanied by dreamy, delicate illustrations rendered in gouache, colored pencil, and pastels. Children can read along with the author and a cast of other voices as they listen to the CD, which features sound effects and mood-setting classical music. Pair this delightful title with Karma Wilson’s humorous counting book, A Frog in the Bog (S & S, 2003).–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

PreS-Gr 3–The latest escapades of a precocious piglet and the mother who attempts to both nurture and civilize her opens on the morning of a fireworks display. The charcoal-and-gouache scenes with their signature red highlights on uncluttered white backgrounds depict Olivia’s family, but readers are soon treated to a series of surprises that include the introduction of a new color (turquoise), collage elements, a fold-out, and full bleeds. When the protagonist declares that a band is essential for the evening’s entertainment and that, lacking one, she’ll fill in, her mother’s thought bubble fills with a photograph of a leaping rock band; Olivia’s depicts the marching variety. The fold-out starts with the heroine as the sole majorette and reveals a full-size band of Olivias, with the score of a Sousa-like march printed boldly above. Falconer builds to a crescendo of two and a half pages that portray a picnic at sunset followed by a dazzling display of feathery fireworks. These compositions are predominantly charcoal; the family members, backs to readers, are outlined in the reflected yellow glow of an ascending rocket. The palette returns to the original color scheme in the denouement, a bedtime moment to which all ages will relate. With perfectly nuanced dialogue and a mixture of comical and artful scenes, Falconer explores the logic, invention, and humor emanating from a talented youngster, serious about the mission of the moment.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 3–Polo is a delightfully engaging and most resourceful canine. Equipped only with a small backpack filled with a few necessities, he roams the world and beyond, venturing from the ocean depths into outer space and everywhere in between. Whether traveling by boat, plane, spaceship, or swiftly scuttling cloud, this plucky pup is always primed for his next escapade, all the while collecting friends from the four corners of the universe. Young readers will be charmed by this hound, and be awed by his ingenuity. Somewhat similar to a graphic-novel format, this wordless picture book contains bold, colorful, cartoon panels that are sure to captivate even the most finicky youngster.–Debbie Lewis O’Donnell, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 3-5–In this novel, Raoulino, a diminutive, unidentified reptilian creature, finds himself incarcerated in the Metropolitan Zoo after he is captured and spirited away from his island habitat. Homesick and frightened, he soon befriends three other reptiles, and, with the assistance of an accommodating sparrow, the four friends formulate a plan to return to their respective homelands. Chock-full of contrived messages about self-discovery and following one’s heart, the plot lacks the plausibility necessary to create any real sympathy for its characters. Young readers will have difficulty accepting this far-fetched story line that has animals reading the newspaper and waiting for the light change to cross a busy highway. Also, the heavy-handed foreshadowing all but reveals the mystery of Raoulino’s true identity, eliminating the element of surprise. A smattering of dark, but whimsical black-and-white pencil sketches helps to elucidate the action. Those looking for a dragon adventure should try Jackie French Koller’s A Dragon in the Family (S & S, 1996) or Jane Yolen’s Here There Be Dragons (Harcourt, 1993).–Debbie Lewis O’Donnell, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 2-5–“I am I, King of everything!” declares a blue-haired boy from a hilltop, but he soon sees another child claiming dominance from a nearby hill. Their words fly through the air and form a barbed-wire fence on both sides of a stream that separates them, and then create an obstruction causing a flood. “Look at what you’ve done! DESTROYER! I hate you, hate you, hate you!” shouts one child. Their words form a huge fire-breathing dragon that emerges from the water and parches the ground into a desolate scene. Finally, rainfall, remorse, and apologies set things right, with the land and with the youngsters. The story closes with each child again saying, “I am I,” this time without any claims of dominion–it’s become a positive cry of individuality rather than one of ego or power. Bright poppies and two colorful and graceful birds visually reinforce the narrative, and the closing scene places the same children in a different setting, in a front yard next to a modern street. An artistically accomplished book, this is a departure for Fitzpatrick in terms of theme, but is as effective as her traditional picture books in composition and point of view. She uses very few words and communicates powerfully with pictures, portraying a vast landscape and the ancient elements of earth, air, fire, and water. This thought-provoking fable about competition and the capacity of words to wound and heal will be best understood and appreciated by older audiences.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1–Stanley returns in another simple but surreal picture book. Here, the man puts his boat on his old pickup truck and heads off to a stream to do a bit of fishing. After waiting patiently, he finally feels what he assumes is a big fish on the line, but it turns out to be a sorry-looking boot. Inspired by another of his famous ideas, he casts his line into the sky rather than the water and immediately begins to haul in a boatload of golden fish. He then pours them from his buckets into the stream and heads for home, having had a most satisfactory day. Though the story is intriguing, it is the artwork that captures the eye and sparks the imagination. The crisp, clean illustrations in bright golds, verdant greens, and brilliant blues are a pleasure to behold. “Created by hand and digitally colored,” the pictures have a calm, uncluttered feel with their black silhouettes in the background and a wide variety of perspectives. Stanley and the fish are happy, and readers will be gratified.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2–In this funny beginning reader, Mrs. Wow is mowing her lawn when she discovers a cow on it. Although she shoos it away, the animal will not leave. The woman’s lazy dog and cat convince her to keep the animal and then attempt to train it to do their jobs, but the newcomer is a disaster at catching mice and guarding the house. Mrs. Wow finally finds two things that it can do–eat grass and give milk (which is later made into ice cream). The story ends happily with the cow mowing and the cat and dog doing “anything” for ice cream. The mostly one-syllable words with regular phonetic patterns are spare and natural, and Salerno’s brightly colored cartoon illustrations amplify the text’s humor.–Bobbee Pennington, Bryan Public Library, TX

Gr 2-4–Mallory McDonald, now nine, wants the “Perfect Purse.” Her friend Mary Ann has one, and if they both had one it would be perfect perfect perfect! The only problem–her parents refuse to buy it. When her grandmother suggests that she earn her own money, Mallory comes up with a host of business ideas. They all fail miserably until she and Mary Ann open a beauty salon that generates the needed funds. Then, when she goes to purchase the purse, she is torn–should she really buy something so expensive, or is the money better spent on her brother’s birthday gift? The message is pretty blatant, but that doesn’t make the story any less enjoyable. It stays on course the entire time, and Mallory grows through her experience, feeling sadness, happiness, envy, and regret. The illustrations are dark and bold, and interesting to look at. From the characterizations to the visuals, this chapter book is a winner.–Diane Eddington, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 1–Ben is a brave and loyal little brother. Sure, he uses Anna’s makeup to paint red blobs on her desk. But really they’re drops of blood from the man-eating monster standing behind her, fork in hand, sprinkling her hair with a soupçon of salt. He instructs her to hide inside her wardrobe and make monster noises (no giggling–this will inflame the creature) while he attacks the suddenly ferocious armoire with his plastic artillery. While Anna extricates herself from her vanquished furniture, Ben is battling the green bathroom slime, the weekly burglar, and the backyard bears. His strength and courage are distinguished by a trail of spilt and broken things left in the wake of his heroics. Yet when night sneaks in through the windows, Ben is up against the wildest monster of all and he is so very glad to have a sister to shelter him. Meyer’s color-soaked cartoons are bursting with a zany energy in which fantasy becomes real. While the text is somewhat awkward, Meyer takes up the slack whenever the words falter. This is not so much the story of a small boy’s daytime bravery and nighttime fears as it is the tender description of a special sibling relationship.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 1-3–George focuses on a young sandhill crane to describe the birds’ long migration route. A girl in Texas names the crane Luck after freeing him from a plastic six-pack holder caught around his long neck. As he follows his parents into the March sky over the marsh, he memorizes the blue sunglasses on the girl’s face for he recognizes her as home. The simple story line recounts the various locations the cranes pass and note on their way north and west to Siberia, where he meets his mate. In a gently humorous turn, Luck occasionally notes human evidence instead of the natural landmarks, and, predictably, he gets lost on the return journey. Minor’s skilled paintings provide richly varied perspectives of the world below the flying cranes–humans looking up at the impressive number of birds filling the sky and the watery places where they occasionally land. Maps tracing the cranes’ migration appear on the endpapers. George’s ending seems a bit rushed and tidy as Luck arrives back at the same marsh where the story began and is met there by his mate. This pleasant tale will be enjoyable shared reading for bird-watchers, especially those living in states in which the cranes pass by, and useful for introducing classroom units on natural science.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PreS-Gr 2–In a book that echoes not only Gertrude Stein’s “A rose is a rose is a rose” (quoted on the dedication page) but also the languorous feeling of summer, four friends spend their time enjoying outdoor activities. From cloud watching and exploring to a carnival and a baseball game to sneezing during a walk through a field, the youngsters engage in a celebration of the season. The rhyming text is bouncy and brief and captures the exhilaration of this time of year with its seemingly endless days and opportunities for fun. (“A rose is a rose/And everything grows–/When summer is summer is summer./A bee is a bee is a bee./A tree is a tree is a tree./Cool in the shade,/Pink lemonade–/Summer is summer is summer”). Whimsical watercolor illustrations feature a dreamy world of fantasy and reality, with layered perspectives and strong patterns that undulate across the spreads. The pages are saturated with color, as vivid hues evoke the lush greenery, the dazzling blue skies, and the warm shades of the children’s clothing. The youngsters, who are from different ethnic backgrounds, have round, animated faces that shine with contentment. This offering is perfect for one-on-one sharing and for early readers, who will delight in the scenes of summer.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha’s Public Library, WI

Gr 2-4–A gentle, touching picture book about the relationship between a grandfather and grandchild. When Cayley was having nightmares, her grandpa made her a special clock that would tick comfortingly and help her get to sleep. Now he has promised to make her a Lord Nelson clock, and she is waiting patiently for it to be finished. But before he can complete it, he suffers a heart attack. Children will readily grasp the metaphor of clock and heart and draw the connection between the ticking of Grandpa’s timepieces and the beating of his ailing heart. Just as it takes time and patience to make Cayley’s clock, it will also take time and patience for Grandfather to heal. Gilmore has created a caring family with credible characters and provides Cayley with a realistic voice to express her concerns and feelings. The soft, realistic watercolor illustrations are warm and inviting. The concern of the whole family for their aging relative is palpable, particularly in the hospital scene where they wait anxiously at his bedside. Gilmore tackles a sad reality, but also gives hope and illuminates the value of intergenerational relationships and their ability to enrich the lives of both young and old. This well-crafted story would strengthen any collection.–Carol L. MacKay, Forestburg School Library, Alberta, Canada

K-Gr 3–Barcelona Smith never takes risks. He avoids roses for fear of thorns, playgrounds for fear of injury, animals for fear of germs, and smiling for fear of flying bugs. The colorful and wacky illustrations depict a severe boy in outlandish attire complete with safety goggles, a life jacket, an umbrella, and a protective helmet resting atop about four feet of thick, carefully coiffed blue hair. But one humid day, that hair develops a mind of its own: “Every follicle fooped.” Before Barcelona can take any precautions, the tresses take control and have him out the door riding a bike, climbing monkey bars, smelling roses, and, finally, with reckless disregard for flying bugs, even smiling. Rendered in acrylics, the large and exaggerated cartoons complement the text’s wry humor. A fun choice for group settings.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1–In rhyming text that runs along the bottom of the pages, this energetic read-aloud describes the step-by-step process of building an asphalt street. Three-dimensional, colorful clay characters bring magic to each scene. From the construction crew to the realistic heavy equipment, from the rocky start to the placement of the street sign, the art shows each element of the job. Back matter includes further information about asphalt. Readers will enjoy picking up on the minute details of each spread again and again.–Cassandra A. Lopez, Northfield Elementary School, Ellicott City, MD

PreS-Gr 2–Griessman’s poetic voice and Monks’s soft-hued, folksy paintings combine to describe the anticipation of a storm, its dramatic arrival, and the peaceful aftermath. It is a serene summer day on the prairie, but the animals sense that nature has something in store. As the leaves flutter in the breeze, the wren lifts her head and the crow flaps his wings: “It was coming. Oh yes, it was coming.” The sky changes from blue to purple and the cow swishes her tail. The perspective continues to switch from critter to critter. Then the humans become aware that something is brewing, noting the weather change just before a raindrop falls and the first lightning bolt–represented by a full-page illustration–strikes. Each creature finds an appropriate form of shelter and comfort, including the children who run to the safety of their grandmother’s arms. After the calm returns, “the wonder of the storm” remains deep in the animals’ hearts and in the children’s minds, “For everyone knew…it would come again.” This gentle book is perfect for sharing during weather units. Use it with Jane Yolen’s Before the Storm (Boyds Mills, 1995) to inspire descriptive writing on the topic or in partnership with Patricia Polacco’s Thunder Cake (Philomel, 1990) to soothe thunderstorm anxiety.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

K-Gr 2–At bedtime, Edwin adamantly asserts that he is not sleepy. Each excuse for not settling in (too hungry, too warm, too thirsty) takes him downstairs, where he finds his parents engaged in an unlikely, wildly imaginative scenario. For example, when he is “roasting” in his room, he creeps downstairs and discovers a frozen wonderland with his mother ice fishing and his father bobsledding with penguins. He is led back upstairs and a window is opened. In bed again, Edwin simply cannot get comfortable. When he creeps through the woodsy living room, he finds his bear in a cave and goes back to his bed with the stuffed animal, quietly watches the rising moon, and falls asleep. Well-placed rhyming couplets and bold, full-bleed spreads convey the universal problem children face in settling down to sleep. The vibrant illustrations capture the nighttime atmosphere. Edwin is an appealing figure with tousled brown hair and an expressive face. An additional purchase.–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 1-4–Adapting and expanding an ancient Egyptian story, Hawes has created an original fairy tale about familial love and its power to thwart even the majesty of Pharaoh. Muti cherishes the necklace her father made for her when she was born, associating it with many happy memories. After turning 13, she leaves her beloved family to work as a servant in King Snefru’s palace. Pharaoh, impressed by her beauty and grace, makes her the leader of a cohort of female rowers for his pleasure boat. When her necklace breaks and falls into the lake, she refuses to row or to accept a replacement. It is so important to her that she stands up to Pharaoh, who is now even more impressed by her determination. Where the story contrasts sharply with traditional fairy tales is in the climax: when Snefru asks Muti to become his queen, she declines, preferring to be reunited with her family. The writing style favors the more fleshed-out manner of a short story than the leanness of a folktale. Guay’s lush watercolor-and-gouache paintings incorporate elements of Egyptian art and culture, including jewelry motifs, decorative geometric patterns in the scenery, and headdresses and hairstyles. The characters’ faces and gestures are expressive and dramatic, and the surrounding landscape teems with life.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX

Gr 1-3–There once was a king who could not tolerate noise. The commotion at his son’s birth was so great that he called for “Silencio!” which became the prince’s name. The boy grows up, and the king charges him with enforcing the Law of Silence. Silencio’s presence among his subjects causes pauses and great gaps in conversations. When the king finally dies, the kingdom explodes in dancing and boisterous chatter. Silencio tries to join the fun, but the people reject him until they realize the importance of the silence “…between the laughter and the songs. Between the words.” Unique illustrations fill the pages with a cacophony of color, pattern, and texture. The king, represented by a large face in the shape of a castle, stands tall above the buildings in his realm. Silencio is dressed in white in contrast to the brightly colored crowd. Some pictures also contain words running together and flowing from the chattering crowd. The quirky and symbolic details of the illustrations will be best appreciated by individual readers. However, the size and color of the artwork and the simple text make this a good book to share with groups.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2-4–The upcoming appearance of the Amazing Karlovsky at Toby’s school could be trouble. Chester the skeptical cat is sure that the magician is from Transylvania, and he suspects that everyone is in for an avalanche of vampire bunnies pulled out of hats. So Chester; the gullible puppy, Howie; and Harold the dog form a plan involving garlic pizza and the ever-enigmatic Bunnicula. This easy chapter book covers the basic “facts” older readers may know about this rabbit in a format that is suitable for proficient second and third graders. Mack’s cheerful acrylics reflect the action but don’t get in the way. An additional purchase where a fan base exists.–Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA

PreS-Gr 1–In the first book, a fat cat does everything a proper feline should–he flops on beds, purrs, chases birds, sleeps all day, and prowls all night. He is a great companion for his young owner. One sentence of text faces a full-page illustration; the pictures are bold and funny. The point of the book, about the friendship between the boy and his pet, is well taken. Who Do I Look Like? takes a child’s question and walks readers through the answers–you look like your sister, your mother, your father–until it reaches the most important message: “A little bit of Mom and a little bit of Dad…makes me!” The pictures are bold and humorous and show a racially diverse family. In Who Needs Friends?, a boy enumerates all the instances when he has remembered friends’ birthdays. Now, it seems that everyone, including his teacher, has forgotten his. Not to be downcast, he concludes that he can make his own birthday card, his own cupcakes, and so forth. The story ends, however, with a surprise party. This book deals well with the early childhood anxiety about being remembered, and the pictures are appropriately expressive.–Eve Ottenberg Stone, Cooper Lane Elementary, Landover Hills, MD

PreS-Gr 2–This ebullient picture book puts a spotlight on loved ones who light our lives from far away. The narrative reassures a young pigtailed girl, “Somebody, somewhere,/is thinking about you...Loves you…/more than brothers love to tease,/loves you even more than dogs have fleas,/and that’s a lot, too!/Loving you is their favorite thing to do./Wow!/It sure is good to be you!” The pictures show the vivacious youngster receiving phone calls, mailing and reading letters, experiencing moments both happy and sad, and going about her day-to-day activities. Finally, at story’s end, her ever-encouraging relative arrives for a visit. The rhythmic, mostly rhyming text reads aloud like a chorus of adoration from one person to another. The muted hues and flat perspectives used in the childlike cartoons give the artwork a retro feel. The characters move gracefully across the pages, while the backgrounds are decorated with dots, stars, flowers, and hearts in eye-pleasing pastel shades. The empowering language and the images of the young protagonist as she pursues her various interests or stands up to a bully shout positive girl-power attitude and provide a strong dose of self-esteem. This heartfelt yet lighthearted offering is packed with child appeal.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS–Simple couplets describe a child and her father on an evening walk to the coast to see the far-off lighthouse illuminate the darkening water. Some rhymes are quite successful: “Red-hot sun sinks away./Fiery clouds fade to gray.” Others are confusing: “We cross the field of bushes, stumps;/I climb gray rocks like whaleback humps.” Blues, purples, and greens dominate the paintings to illustrate the quiet stroll at dusk. The images expand on the text and reveal an intimate summertime ritual. However, it seems odd to dress a child in pajamas and then take her for a walk in the woods where she climbs rocks and sits on the ground and then put her to bed. An additional purchase.–Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS–Bea is a silent, gentle blue hippo. Her friend HaHa is a talkative, curious green ferret. Each of these books begins with Bea holding an object. In Hug, Hug, Hug!, it’s a blanket, and in Num, Num, Num! it’s a bagel. HaHa notices it, asks about it, and then pesters about it. The characters are shown thinking about the situation, and the final spread shows them sharing and smiling at one another. The rhythmic language is fun to read aloud. Each page ends with the same phrase, inviting young listeners to chant along. Bogacki’s illustrations are sweet, playful, and slightly offbeat, with colors that are rich and vivid. The only things on the page are the two characters and the object. The warmth and simplicity will make these titles popular with toddlers.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS-Gr 2–First published in 1965 as Castles in the Sand with illustrations by Betty Fraser, Johnson’s manuscript resurfaces here, accompanied by his original sketches. Two children, bored on a summer day, wander down to the beach and begin to write in the sand, only to find that the waves wash away their words and replace them with the objects they describe. They continue writing until they have created a magical kingdom complete with forest, castles, and a sad king. With strong allusions to the Fisher King myth, this is a sly reflection on the power of words and the line between real and imaginary worlds. Though the story was “enthusiastically turned down” by many publishers in Johnson’s day as too oblique for young audiences, the characters’ realizations (e.g., “The king is still there, in the story….Hoping to get to his throne”) are presented in a child-friendly way. The sketchy dummy illustrations, complete with erasure marks, lend a deep realism of their own. Though this package, complete with a foreword by Maurice Sendak and an afterword by Philip Nel, will mostly appeal to children’s book aficionados, the deceptively simple story has undeniable child appeal as well.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 1-5–“Where’s the angels? Where’s the love?” This is the haunting refrain underscoring this fictional account based on a newspaper story about an old man who found a newborn in a Los Angeles Dumpster. Johnston’s lyrical, free-verse narrative describes how Joseph, an African American, hears “a whimper frail as life” and discovers a Mexican infant. Joseph seeks help from neighbors to unlock the mysteries of baby care and to learn Mexican songs and recipes while sharing the tales and flavors of his own heritage. The bond between him and Juan deepens over time and their traditions mingle. When the child is six, they plant corn in a vacant lot and he makes friends with another boy, Chucho. Then Chucho is shot and dies. While the love Joseph wonders about is recognized and felt, so is the loss. The comfort of his affection and the beauty of nature shine through Byard’s impressionistic acrylics, helping to mitigate the challenging (and unfortunately, believable) circumstances. Father and infant son are bathed in lamplight, as Joseph’s tender gaze and large brown arms cradle the lighter-skinned baby. The dawn glows with swirling peach strokes and soothing lavenders amid homelessness and bullet-marked walls. Those seeking stories depicting nontraditional families or realistic tales of urban life will find a poignant portrait within these pages.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–As a young boy slumbers, readers learn about the sleeping habits of 10 assorted water mammals, such as whales, seals, and dolphins. Karwoski introduces the story with an informative preface in which she points out the vast differences in these mammals’ sleeping habits. However, the picture-book pages that follow, while age-appropriate, seem too simplistic in contrast. Attractive artwork resembling oil paintings helps set the deep-sea mood by using a blue-gray palette. Nonetheless, at times the appearance of the young boy sleeping underwater is disconcerting. The author provides an appendix where still more information about the mammals is highlighted. The bibliography and extended artwork suggestions rely on using the publisher’s Web page to aid in creating original drawings.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 2–Anu has just moved and she is terrified. Not only is she lonely and uncomfortable in her new surroundings, but she also has ghosts in her bedroom closet. No one believes her, of course, so she asks the help of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, whose statue guards her room. She also expresses her feelings about her new school, and how much she misses her best friend, Mira. However, when Anu goes to school the next day, the children befriend her, giving her the idea to do the same to the ghosts. Since nothing is more unpleasant to scary ghouls than someone who is not afraid, the ghosts run off to find another victim–Mira. Fortunately, Hanuman is already on the way to give her a helping hand. This delightful story has a familiar theme, but the addition of Hindu mythology and the twist of having the protagonist herself discover a way out of her dilemma set it apart from similar titles about overcoming fears. The dialogue-filled text is perfectly complemented by Bhabha’s humorous acrylic illustrations, filled with intense shades of bright colors but uncluttered and done with simple lines. The ghosts are more impish than frightening, and Hanuman is also fun and appealing. An upbeat story with a positive message.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 1-4–Maxine has a favorite tree in the forest near her home in the Pacific Northwest. It is special because it “talks” to her. On a trek through the woods, she worries that the loggers will have chopped it down. Then, she meets a tree climber who explains that what makes the tree seem like it is talking is an endangered species of bird that nests there. The seven-year-old learns that because of the marbled murrelet, the loggers will not be allowed to destroy the tree. The pictures vividly contrast the beauty of the forest, of its rivers, waterfalls, huge moss-covered trees, and flowers, with the stark ugliness of clear-cut hillsides. As Maxine and the others hike through the woods, the stillness and serenity are well conveyed through the pictures. Especially appealing is the portrait of a huge tree-cave formed by two big hemlocks. Unfortunately, the text does little to explain what clear-cutting is and how much forest has already been affected, and how, aside from saving an individual tree now and then, it might be stopped. Overall, though, the illustrations are bright and serviceable, and the text’s simplicity keeps it accessible to children.–Eve Ottenberg Stone, Cooper Lane Elementary, Landover Hills, MD

PreS-Gr 3–This is the quintessential book about going to the beach complete with overflowing picnic baskets, kite flying, singing around the campfire, and scratchy sand in places “where no sand should be.” Kids will certainly identify with the exuberant and familiar fun, but what will get them howling is the fact that the characters are bats that are visiting the beach in the moonlight. The rhyming text is grounded in reality with many inventive twists to keep the imagination rolling. There is moon-tan lotion, salted ’skeeters, and bat kites. Where the book truly soars is in the dark yet luminescent art where bat wings glow in the light of the full moon and the sky is a steely blue. The faces on the bats are furry and friendly. These creatures use cocktail umbrellas for beach umbrellas; they hold wing-boat races in red-and-white checked food containers; and when it’s time for a late-night snack, they enter the ice-cream shack where a lit light bulb attracts a multitude of succulent bugs. Readers may not be tempted to try marshmallows with bug legs and gossamer wings but that won’t keep them from reveling in this grand adventure.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

Gr 1-5–This companion to My Secret Bully (Tricycle, 2005) addresses the topic of teasing. D.J. is tired of Vince’s mean-spirited comments at school. Vince knows which buttons to push, using the “I was just kidding” defense when he goes too far. Unsure how to handle the situation, D.J. talks with his father and his teacher and learns a few strategies to help him deal with putdowns. Most importantly, he realizes that he isn’t the problem and that he hasn’t done anything to deserve Vince’s taunts. This frank and plausible story will help youngsters to distinguish between good-natured teasing and the destructive variety, empowering them by providing options they can use when faced with bullying. Realistic acrylic paintings beautifully capture the text’s mood and action. Gustavson is adept at revealing the subtle emotions of his characters, and both D.J. and Vince will strike a familiar chord with readers. A foreword by a bullying-prevention consultant outlines four points that educators and parents need to impart to victims of this behavior. Also provided are conversation starters for further discussion, a list of pertinent organizations and Web sites, and suggested reading for both adults and children. This useful resource is an important addition to school and public libraries.–Carol L. MacKay, Forestburg School Library, Alberta, Canada

PreS-Gr 3–Nancy can’t wait for Ally, her pen pal from Florida, to arrive for a visit, happily declaring, “We know each other so well, we’re almost like sisters.” Readers might expect a pleasant tale about two girls enjoying their friendship, but the author and illustrator present a twist that transforms this offering into a delightfully unusual story. When Ally gets off the plane, Fatus’s colorful paintings reveal that she is an alligator. The tongue-in-cheek fun begins right away, as Nancy tells Ally–without batting an eyelash–that she is exactly what she expected. The two pals sing, dance, laugh, attend ballet class, and make friendship bracelets together. After they purchase matching outfits complete with pink boas, Ally exclaims, “I bet people will think we’re twins.” The humor is often subtle, as when Ally eats nine Spicy Shrimp pizzas or when, during a visit to the beach, she zooms through the water “like a torpedo” to rescue a drowning boy and, after one look at her, he “suddenly remember[s] how to swim.” The endearing paintings, featuring textured backdrops and cartoon characters, are funny and filled with affection. A strong intertwining of text and illustration, this is a charming celebration of friendship.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

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