Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-Gr 1—Froggie stands in for the quintessential overexcited child in this companion to Too Many Frogs! (Philomel, 2005). He loves sleeping in his own special hut by the pond, but on his grandfather's birthday, he eagerly wakes up and heads for the celebration. He quickly makes a costume, a stage, and programs so that he can give his present to Grandpa-a performance of his favorite song. When the party ends, Froggie doesn't want to leave. His friend Rabbit plays the part of the patient parent, taking him home and reading him a story. Finally settling down, he reminisces about his wonderful day. The colorful multimedia illustrations range from full-bleed spreads to spot art, which adds movement and visual interest to the pages. While the spotted frogs are appealing, Rabbit, who is blue and rather odd looking with an elongated forehead and fluffy white mustache, is a bit off-putting. Nevertheless, youngsters will empathize with Froggie's feelings. The fact that Froggie, who seems so clearly to be a preschooler, apparently lives alone is a bit jarring. However, the rhythmic, repetitive refrain of his song will work well for audience participation, and both intergenerational and birthday stories are always in demand.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 1–5—Kayâs uses his ability to understand the languages of the animals he hunts so that he can provide food, shelter, and clothing for his village. As word of his hunting prowess spreads, he comes to enjoy the attention so much that he stays home to hear the others sing his praises. By the time he is confronted with empty baskets and drying racks, he discovers that his gift has vanished. Ashamed and disheartened, he seeks the advice of the Elders. Because Mwâkwa, The Loon, owes them a debt for freeing him from their nets, the Elders advise the young man to ask for his help. The Loon intervenes with the Fish, who agree to give themselves to The People in exchange for a celebration to honor all Beings that Kayâs might hunt. Auger, a Sakaw Cree, incorporates Cree words and phrases into the text and provides definitions and pronunciations. His paintings introduce viewers to life in a traditional village and evoke the vistas of surrounding lakes and hills. The lesson of this story is one of repaying debts and using gifts wisely for the benefit of all. While it may not capture the interest of many independent readers, it could serve as a starting point for a discussion of such values or as an introduction to Cree traditions.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 1–3—This story defies expectations of what an early chapter book can be. When the normally quiet Ivy tells her classmates that there's a ghost in the second-grade bathroom, reactions vary from fascination to fear. When a girl refuses to use the bathroom, though, Ms. Aruba-Tate's gentle reprimand sends Ivy reeling, and she and her friend Bean decide to make the problem go away by performing an exorcism. Barrows keeps the language simple and clear without sacrificing wit and subtlety. While Ivy steadfastly insists that the ghost is real, sensitive readers will see her diversionary tactic for what it is. (She doesn't want anyone to know she can't do a cartwheel.) The author even makes the occasional vocabulary lesson palatable ("Cody had lit two garbage cans on fire and wasn't allowed to come back to school anymore. He was expelled"). The slightly wider than normal format with large print, lots of white space, fun detailing, and Blackall's expressive illustrations make an attractive package that will be welcome in most collections.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1—The true story of the African baby hippo that was separated from his mother during the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 and then bonded with a giant tortoise is one that has endeared itself to many. This version is a bit too endearing. Bauer's symmetrical text gives the basic facts, compressing details in order to draw clear parallels between the hippo's activities with his mother and then with the tortoise. The author uses repetitive phrasing to convey the severity of the situation: "The rain fell and it fell and it fell. The Sabaki River rose and it rose and it rose." While this is a time-honored narrative device, when combined with Butler's soft-focus, anthropomorphic artwork, the effect is cloying and monotonous. The scenes, rendered in acrylic paint and colored pencils in a gray/brown/pale-lavender palette, feature animals that smile continuously, even during the storm. For strong visuals and a conceptually satisfying account, stick with the striking photographs and sensitive narrative provided in Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Paula Kahumbu's Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship (2006) and its sequel, Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship (2007, both Scholastic), reviewed in this issue.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS—A slight story about a Paul Bunyanesque character. Horris was born large-he's so immense that his normal-size parents have difficulty rocking his cradle and pushing his huge stroller. When he turns four, they decide that he's big enough to get a job. He works as a "box sorter," separating cardboard containers into piles by size. Though the other staff members invite him to socialize, he doesn't fit in. One day, when he is filling in as a "box counter," his boss discovers that Horris can't count past 10, and he's fired. On his way home, the dejected youngster passes a group of children playing together. The idea of play as an acceptable way to spend time is foreign to him, but, after joining the other kids, he decides he likes this "new job." Placed on a background of faded blue, the bright-hued, digitally rendered illustrations have a retro feel. The artist's trademark eyes-black pupil and white iris surrounded by the eye color, usually black-give the impression that the characters have been in a recent fistfight. For a more enjoyable read about a child and her job, try Amy Schwartz's Bea and Mr. Jones (Harcourt, 2006).—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 2–4—Humphrey is just as lovable and sweet as he was in Friendship According to Humphrey (Putnam, 2005). Still a classroom pet, the hamster learns that his freedom may not be as important as his loyalty to his human friends. The students of Room 26 are assigned jobs as part of a social-studies project. When the hamster gets out of his cage, it is not because the student in charge did not lock the door, but because it does not lock. Humphrey feels guilty for getting his friend in trouble and spends the rest of the book trying to make it right. Along the way, he helps a child learn how to concentrate, reunites two friends, is banned from the classroom, and visits the vet. His escapades teach honesty, responsibility, and the consequences of actions. Essential reading for students who already love Humphrey.—Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT

Gr 3–5—In 1944, President Roosevelt invited 1000 European displaced persons to stay at an American army base in Oswego, NY. Rebekkah and her mother are two of the Jewish refugees who make the journey, living in the safe but confining conditions of the base. This quiet story is largely based on interviews with former shelter residents, and is told from seven-year-old Rebekkah's point of view. Perhaps because of its basis in long-ago memories, the narrative seems rather dreamy and loosely connected, with little historical context provided. Mystifyingly, it leaves the biggest question unanswered: Why were the refugees kept fenced in once they reached America? The text is not emotionally involving and does not provide enough detail for reports. The illustrations are muddy and dull, and sometimes have the photographic quality of having caught the characters in unattractive moments. Several times, the art directly contradicts descriptions in the text, as when a rabbi with a "long black beard" is pictured with a short white beard. Despite its shortcomings, the book might find a place in collections that focus on Holocaust studies or modern American history. However, it is unlikely to appeal to general readers.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

PreS-Gr 3—A thinly disguised discourse on the dangers of a discouraging word and on living up (or down) to labels. Edwardo appears to be the most ordinary of healthy, energetic boys-full of standard-issue snips and snails and puppy-dog tails-doing the most ordinary of things: making noise and messes, eschewing soap and water, and occasionally being not in the best of tempers. It's only when the negative grown-ups around him assert that he is the noisiest, nastiest, dirtiest boy ever that Edwardo turns terrible. In fact, as long as they already think it, he might as well be "the horriblest boy in the whole wide world." Can a kind word from a thoughtful adult nurture what's nice in little Edwardo (still occasionally dirty, clumsy, noisy, and rude)? You betcha. Fans of Burningham will delight in his witty, winsome pictures, so full of animation and expression, and perhaps all readers will take a second or two to consider the impact of hastily chosen words. An important message with a special delivery.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Gr 2–5—Liberty Elementary School has a state-of-the-art library media center with a librarian who, allegedly, won't tell the students anything. At least that's the grim report that new student Robert receives from his classmate Carmen. When he meets Mrs. Skorupski-who wears tarantula earrings, rhinestone glasses, a bright red-and-gold shirt, and purple pants-he discovers that she is not quite as close-lipped as he'd been led to believe. While it's true that she won't place a book directly in his hand or find him a Web site, she patiently teaches him how to search an online catalog and how to access and select appropriate information by himself. In other words, she's a perfect school librarian. Mrs. Skorupski enables Robert and his classmates to locate print and nonprint materials, take notes, keep track of sources, and demonstrate their learning in a multimedia product. This amusing story with bright, zippy illustrations can be used to launch research units. The accompanying "library lessons" pamphlet has useful forms, a self-assessment rubric, and additional information on multimedia formats including claymation films, podcasts, TV advertisements, and PowerPoint slide shows.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 2—In this 10th book about Gilbert, the young opossum and his sister are excited about their cousin's visit. They soon realize, however, that having Wally around isn't as much fun as they had imagined. He is so competitive that he turns everything into a contest. "Last one in is a rotten egg" is his favorite phrase, which he yells while running to beat the others at whatever activity is taking place, even getting to the lunch table first. The children attend an Easter egg hunt and Wally fills his basket quickly while Gilbert takes the time to help his little sister search for eggs. Lola spots the golden egg, which signifies a prize, but neither she nor Gilbert can reach it high in a tree. Wally takes it from its perch but instead of giving it to Lola, keeps it for himself. In the end, Lola wins her prize, Wally learns to share, and the three become friends. Pastel, cartoon-style watercolor illustrations depict the activities while revealing the small town's populace made up of raccoons, porcupines, rabbits, cats, and dogs. Children will relate to the story, which imparts a gentle lesson on how to be a friend.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 1–3—Max, a bald, Charlie Brown look-alike, and Pinky, a pig, are best friends, so when Pinky disappears, his pal is worried. However, with a little thinking and common sense, Max figures out just where to find his porcine pal. With minimal bold lines and bright colors, Eaton has created a humorous story of an unusual friendship. Max is fun, creative, and adventurous, while Pinky's one-track mind keeps him focused on consuming as many marshmallows as possible. Children will laugh at the silly conversations and at the funny art. The cartoon pictures offer an explanation of the simple text while the dialogue is a little more advanced. Max and Pinky will delight both readers and listeners.—Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT

PreS—Mother and Father Duck have five ducklings. While all of the others are adventurous and plunge full-steam ahead into the water, Ruby, the smallest, prefers to swim slowly, looking at everything around her. She quite often falls behind, but her encouraging siblings call, "This way, Ruby!" One day, while they race along, she notices something her siblings have not-a storm coming their way-and they have no idea which way to turn. Luckily, Ruby's observational skills come to the rescue. This is a sweet book for preschoolers, who will enjoy the little bit of danger and the reassurance that Ruby will find the way home. Harry's illustrations are charming, giving each duckling its own personality. The pastel palette provides a sense of comfort and well-being throughout. Small details are tucked into each picture for children to discover. This follow-up to Ruby in Her Own Time (Scholastic, 2004) is perfect for storytimes and family sharing. Youngsters will be reassured to discover that not all ducks have to swim through life at the same pace.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 1—With clunky logic and rhyme, Estefan creates a tale of a homely little bulldog's quest for treasure. After listening to her owner read about sunken Spanish galleons and a crown lost at sea, Noelle decides that she will find it during the family's vacation at the beach. Various creatures help her search, to no avail. The dog settles down for a nap and dreams about a turtle that reveals clues about the treasure's whereabouts. Noelle follows the instructions, which lead to a mound filled with newly hatched sea turtles. She protects the creatures from hungry predators and points them in the right direction. After they are safe, she digs up the lost crown. Though the author wants readers to recognize the turtles and their rescue as the true treasure, the inclusion of the crown's discovery dilutes the impact of the message. The colorful digital art is attractive but unmemorable. The CD featuring a bouncy song extolling the virtues of life around us as the real reward is the best part of this package.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 3–5—Tuffy the cat narrates this clever sequel to Fine's The Diary of a Killer Cat (Farrar, 2006). The tabby thinks he will get to do whatever he wants while his human family is on vacation-"A whole week of sunning myself in the flower beds"-but his plans are foiled when the vicar comes to cat-sit. Comedic errors abound when the man tries to get the cat down from a tree: Tuffy flies into a soft basket belonging to Ellie's best friend next door, who has been praying for a cat. Not recognizing the pet, she takes him in as a pampered companion. Tuffy is loath to reveal his true identity; he endures being called Janet and wears a doll's frilly nightie, all so he can escape the austere clergyman and enjoy the neighbor's delicious cooking. Eventually, he can't continue the charade and an overweight Tuffy is found among the shredded remains of the nightgown, with no sign of Janet. The cat is triumphant when his owner's mother arrives home and catches the vicar at the exact moment he loses his patience with the shenanigans. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations are mostly merely serviceable, except for the perfectly captured surly expressions that amplify the protagonist's personality.—Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—Three dinosaur playmates fear fierce Tyson and share rumors of his terrifying reputation. As "Boom...Boom...Boom" sounds in the distance, they realize he is getting closer and their shaking increases. The booms turn to sobs as a tiny tyrannosaurus appears and bemoans his lack of playmates. When the three friends realize he is harmless, they invite him and his "little" brother to join them in a game of soccer, only to meet the real Tyson. With its vivid, saturated complementary colors and bold black outlines, the cover art of a toothsome and terrible Tyson would be compelling to any primary reader, not just the dinophiles. Thick card stock pages are pleasantly firm and easy to turn. Illustrations of the three friends are consistent and identifiable, with increasingly frightened expressions and "gasps" as Tyson appears in a full-spread foldout. The dialogue is set in bold, black type with Tyson's terrible traits emphasized by suitably "scary" and "horrible" font styles. With its kid-friendly format, cheerful colors, and laugh-aloud ending, Tyson is a definite crowd pleaser with "read it again!" appeal.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

Gr 3–5—Ginny's parents have recently divorced, and the fifth grader wishes that they would get back together. When she realizes that her dad has a girlfriend, she fakes being sick and calls her mom from school, even though it is her week to be with her father. Her mother gets to the bottom of the problem and suggests that Ginny talk to her dad and try to work it out. All of the problems, including the fight she has with her best friend, are easily resolved by the end of this short chapter book, providing a perhaps inauthentic view of the ease with which relationships can be mended. The text is easy to read, and the story line has enough action to hold children's interest. The simple line drawings are well executed and add to the book's appeal. Although written specifically to help youngsters who are dealing with divorce, this title is less didactic than most children's self-help books. In the back of the book, a psychologist gives readers advice about how to handle having a dating parent. It will be useful to both children and their parents.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

K-Gr 3—Farmer Seamus and his goat, Finny, live on the most beautiful mountain in Ireland, where each night he reads the stories of Finn MacCool (the only book he has). Life is simple and Seamus is content, but he wishes for someone to talk to. Fortunately, the fairies overhear him, and magically Finny begins to speak. When the two discover a handbill inviting everyone to the King Puck Festival where a lucky goat will be crowned king for one day, they make their way to Killorglin, and, predictably, Finny is chosen. The ending has a nice touch for book lovers: in answer to Finny's wish for more books, a librarian delivers new ones every week. An author's note explains the origin of the story. Garland's trademark illustrations feature a rotund, traditionally dressed Farmer Seamus, a sprightly, wide-eyed goat, and fairies set against authentic Irish landscapes. Children will be drawn in by these lively, colorful pictures, and they will delight in discovering the fairies hidden everywhere. This is a simple, silly story that youngsters will enjoy.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 2—Best friends Amy and Louie build pretend towers, see magical creatures in the clouds, and regularly climb through a hole in the fence into one another's yards. The special "Coo-ee Am-ee" or "Coo-ee Lou-ee" call is enough to bring one or the other running. But then Amy's family moves "to the other side of the world" and the two friends are bereft. They think about each other night and day until Louie comes up with a way to send his special call out to his friend. Blackwood's watercolor paintings depict the imaginary world in which the two children are immersed. There are playful touches, such as tissue-box shoes, a colander hat, and a laundry-basket tower. But their playfully colorful world changes when Amy leaves. Though clad in red, Louie looks out on a neighborhood awash in gray as her moving van pulls away. A tiny Amy, also clothed in red, stares up at the gray skyscrapers and apartment buildings of her new city. Both children appear downcast and alone on subsequent pages, but the power of the imagination triumphs in the end. Loss of a friend is a common childhood experience and is the subject of many picture-book stories. This one is unique in that a new friend doesn't immediately come along and the two children must find a way to cope.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Lucille is not content with merely standing around chewing her cud. She craves excitement as she admires Thunder the racehorse galloping in his field, and she wonders why she can't try life in the fast lane. Thunder tells her, "horses are horses, and cows are cows. And you are only a cow." But the next day, when Farmer Charlie takes them all to the country fair, Lucille gets her chance to prove herself. Instead of following her herd to the barn, she wanders into the starting gate of the horse race and takes off down the track after her equine companions. The horses fly by as she plods along, but she stays true to her dream and eventually finishes a lap as the audience cheers her on. Although the theme of setting a goal and trying your best to achieve it is a worthy one, Hamilton's slight story lacks inspiration. Griffiths's illustrations are pleasant enough, except for the title-page drawing that features Lucille standing on her hind legs. Robert Kinerk's Clorinda (S & S, 2003) is a better story about a cow with high aspirations.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Lani turns to the people in his village to help get an elephant off his roof after he realizes that he cannot do it alone. At first everyone refuses, but the youngster convinces them to lend a hand. Once down, he and the elephant reciprocate by assisting the fisherman, some children, and an old woman with their problems. The villagers then throw a surprise party for their new friend to say thanks. Coming full circle, the narrative ends with Lani and the elephant back on the roof. The story has the look and feel of a folktale, and the softly colored watercolors suggest an Asian setting. Harris offers a positive message concerning helping one another, but Heather Forest's The Little Red Hen (August House) and Jerry Pinkney's The Little Red Hen (Dial, both 2006) are better choices for reading aloud. An additional purchase for larger collections.—Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Remember the five little ducks that wandered away from their mama? In this parody, the troublesome offspring are balls of chopped fish traditionally served as an appetizer to a Jewish meal. The gefiltes wander across an early-20th-century New York City, visiting theaters and delicatessens, swimming in the bay, and riding in a yellow cab, with a smaller number returning home each time. Whenever she loses a child, Mama Gefilte cries out, "Oy Vey!," and the book is well spiced with Yiddish phrases and New York speech patterns. Of course, all ends happily when the five gefiltes return, because "each was a mensch" (a really good person). With the right adult guidance, this story may amuse youngsters while helping them to absorb some Yiddish. It might even encourage them to expand their tastes-although gefilte fish is not a dish popular with kids, who are more likely to agree with the character who utters "Feh! that's disgusting." It's silly, but all in good fun.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 1—This easy-to-read rhyming story introduces the concept of fractions as a girl shares snacks with her family and friends. Mary Clare splits a pear in half for her and her brother, a muffin in thirds for her classmates, and a pizza cut into eight slices. Each time, a different food is divvied up in a different location. Readers see the whole, then the parts, and then the "re-wording" into "One-third for you and you and me!," and so on. The story ends with Mary Clare inviting her friends to share in her birthday celebration. The clear, attractive artwork is a big plus in this simple but useful title that highlights fractions, friendship, and sharing.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

K-Gr 2—Lily loves the real world in which she lives with her parents and baby brother. But when she paints, her world is transformed into a magical place indeed. Stars come to Earth and relax in cafés. Trees wear hats and drink tea. Fruit sings on its journey to people's homes. Lewis's watercolor spreads become delightfully childlike when depicting the girl's creations and pay tribute to the artists who inspired him as a youngster. Lily's bedroom and her painting of a star-studded café bring to mind Van Gogh's work. Her conversion of a path to the park into a "wild-animal living room" is a nod to Gauguin. The text comes full circle as Lily, her paints tucked away for the day, reenters the world of her loving family. Pair this story with Peter H. Reynolds's The Dot (2003) and Ish (2004, both Candlewick) to inspire readers to don their painting smocks and create new worlds of their own.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

K-Gr 4—Wry humor and lyrical dialogue make this story great fun to read aloud. Unfortunately, the text does not always provide sufficient context to explain some of the plot elements. Finn O'Finnegan returns to his village after a long absence and notices that "something was clearly amiss." It is an oil painting that reveals what: a cow is being served milk, a hen is staring at fried eggs, and a pig is taking a bubble bath. Finn's mother complains that some noisy leprechauns who are making fairy shoes are disturbing her sleep with their "tap-tap-tap," so the young man devises a clever scheme to outwit them. He angers the leprechauns when he finds fault with every one of their shoes, so they show him their stash of gold to prove that they make fine products. However, the story does not explain how the leprechauns can find their gold at will, and at the end of a rainbow, when there is no reference to moisture in either the text or illustration. Nevertheless, the clever Finn makes their gold disappear (or does he?) and strikes a bargain: "If you promise to leave Dingle and never trouble us again, I'll return your gold." Additional humorous visuals show the increasingly annoyed leprechauns searching high and low for their treasure. Purchase as needed.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—"If you could be...?" is an often-asked question by a child. What would you be if you were something other than yourself? And if you were that other thing, would you still be you? Kuskin poses these questions throughout this playfully thoughtful book. In delicious rhythmic language, readers are asked what they might be if they were the color green or a square shape, soft or loud, small, red, or fierce, and more. Possible answers are considered after each question, answers as familiar as "the sound of thunder at night" and as quirky as "an acrobat's tights with a hole in the knee." Children will enjoy considering the many possibilities prompted by each question and will most certainly be eager to add their own responses to the list. The warm illustrations have a soft, smudged, crayonlike effect that renders the most impossible query and response accessible. Portions of the text were published previously in 1960. Such an engaging invitation to explore the world and tickle the imagination is most definitely worth a second visit.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—These beginning readers, each with three short chapters, highlight familiar situations: the first day in a new school, bedtime fears, and conflicts with a friend. School features a monkey in a wheelchair and her classmates, while Bed and Diggers have children and their family members as characters. Teachers will appreciate the multisyllabic word choices in these books, but at times the language may be above the level of the intended audience. The books also contain dialogue bubbles. Each title includes some descriptive words that may help young readers develop a larger vocabulary when the books are read aloud. The colorful illustrations, which differ in style, add humor. Additional fare.—Kathleen Pavin, Purdy Elementary School Library, Fort Atkinson, WI

PreS-Gr 2—A sweet story about a girl and her Border collie. When Annie brings Bess home, she wants to know what the puppy is trying to say. With Mom's gentle help, the child learns when Bess wants to be close to her, to be petted, and to play. The dog learns to come when called. The two friends love roaming the English countryside, exploring special places for hours. When the day comes that Annie must go to school, Bess misses her terribly. She halfheartedly plays with her toys and finally lies quietly at Mom's feet until she hears the school bus approach. Bess tears across the yard leaping and jumping to greet Annie, and the pair once again roam outdoors. The realistic, soft pastel and colored-pencil art reflects the joys of owning and loving a puppy. The story would work well in a storytime paired with Bob Graham's "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Katie (Candlewick, 2001) or when introducing children to pet ownership. This heartwarming book will be right at home in most picture-book collections.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS-Gr 1—One morning, just as the town begins to wake, a rabbit in a hot-air balloon floats overhead, releasing thousands of toy balloons on the unsuspecting rabbits below: "A raspberry red one/A blueberry blue one/Shiny as a shoe one/Balloons Balloons Balloons." The mysterious gifts delight the youngsters, who hurry to choose their favorite colors. The adults are confused, and then annoyed, as the orbs carpet the streets and fill the grocery store, office building, and school. As night comes, the balloonist sails on, out into space "to other suns and moons." Jelly-bean-hued cartoons capture the fun. Humorous details fill the spreads, such as the grocer dumping boxes of cereal when balloons cascade onto his head. Spare rhyming text makes the book suitable as a read-aloud for preschoolers or as a solid choice for beginning readers. Children are likely to enjoy the wild "what if."—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

K-Gr 3—"When you're a baby, you are in a crib and not in school," according to a worldly wise big sister, who reads from a book she has written for her new sibling. She itemizes a long list of things that babies cannot do, including play with her toys, sit in a car "like a normal person," or "have ANY pillows on your bed." Although she tends to focus on the negatives, in the end the unnamed protagonist admits that babies have some uses. She tells her brother that babies are "good at hugging" and "people smile at you because you're so small." She also describes what life will be like when he gets bigger, looking forward to the day when they will "laugh and point at pictures of you in the olden days when you were a baby." The comical cartoons subtly convey the love that the rosy-cheeked girl feels for her round, placid sibling despite his limited abilities. The text and illustrations are scattered across each page in varying patterns. Heap uses acrylic paint, crayon, and felt-tip pen in a pleasing palette of pinks, blues, and yellows to enhance the story with childlike charm. This amusing title could be paired with Amy Schwartz's humorous Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner (Scholastic, 1991). For a more poignant look at sibling relationships, young readers might prefer Shirley Hughes's Annie Rose Is My Little Sister (Candlewick, 2003).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

K-Gr 1—In overly cute illustrations, filled with rainbows, flowers, and butterflies, and simple text, beginning readers meet a unicorn that can fix things with his magical horn. However, he is unhappy because he does not have wings. He asks the birds, butterflies, and swans for wings but, of course, none of these animals can share. He falls asleep on the beach and when he wakes up he sees a winged horse with an injured wing and heals it with his horn. The cured animal leaves, and the unicorn wishes again for wings. He looks in the water and (surprise, surprise) he has them. This title is not going to fly with children. Even the ever-popular unicorn will not save it. It is just too precious and there isn't enough plot to hold their attention.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

Gr 2–4—Drawing on well-documented accounts of Martha Washington's runaway slave, McCully's fictionalized retelling focuses on Oney Judge's childhood and early adult years. Favored by her mistress, the girl is separated from her mother when Washington becomes president and moves his family from Mount Vernon to New York and then to the new capital in Philadelphia. The watercolor paintings, often circular cameos on the page, along with the text, create a good sense of household life and the rising issues of slavery in these early days of the new republic. McCully uses Oney's growing awareness of the meaning and importance of freedom as a theme throughout the story. Running away first as a teenager, Oney must run again when she's nearly caught after she has married and become a young mother. Her story here ends a bit inconclusively with the promise of lifelong freedom. "Several months later, President Washington died and his wife gave up on ever owning her maid again." McCully follows this somewhat abrupt finish with an author's note sketching in a bit more about Oney's subsequent long life.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 3–5—In her third appearance, the spunky nine-year-old chatterbox vacations with her family at a dude ranch. The eager girl loves horses; she is allowed to explore on her own and hang out with staff, but has to convince the instructor, Kansas, that she is skilled enough at riding to get out of the kiddie corral. Mary Margaret is too busy talking to listen to advice and blames the gentle horse for problems with her performance. When Kansas shows up to spend the evening with her 13-year-old brother, Mary Margaret makes a bad choice, which nearly results in disaster for her, one of the horses, and her brother's athletic career. The protagonist's preoccupations with her fancy red boots and with impressing Kansas are right on target, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments. MacLean writes with a sense of humor and tenderness that fans of Megan McDonald's Judy Moody (Candlewick) and Paula Danziger's Amber Brown (Putnam) are likely to enjoy.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

Gr 3–5—Seven-year-old Adara was born during the coldest chill of the coldest year ever, a chill that killed her mother during the girl's birth. Ever since then, she has been a remote and chilly child, living for winter when the ice lizards come out and forming a bond with a mysterious ice dragon. When war comes and dragon-riding invaders threaten her home and family, the ice dragon helps her to thwart them, leading to its own demise. Filled with illustrations of swooping dragons and folks in medieval-type garb, this fantasy is a slim but rich introduction to the genre, one that should appeal to both boys and girls. Give it to readers who are not quite ready for Emily Rodda's "Deltora Quest" series (Scholastic) or to fantasy fans who want a quick but meaty read.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—One morning, Monty wakes up on the wrong planet. A three-headed mother and liver flakes for breakfast are sure tip-offs. Unfortunately, the youngster cannot remember how to get back to Earth (this has happened before). Pretending to go to school, he instead searches for help. Buck, a horse, promises to take him home, but Monty soon discovers that Buck is really a donkey named Tulip in disguise, and that he's never heard of Earth. Tulip whips out his cell phone and calls his friends-an assortment of animals, also costumed as horses-who offer a flurry of conflicting advice, before agreeing that Monty should consult "the Starman on the Hill." Gazing at the stars makes the boy tired, and he remembers that he can leave the same way he arrived: by falling asleep. The first-person narrative reads like a child relating a dream, complete with abrupt transitions and surreal events. The cartoon illustrations are also childlike and include many fun details. Dialogue appears in balloons and carries much of the story's humor (e.g., Monty's alien mother advises as he leaves the house, "Don't eat anyone"). The sheer silliness of the adventure will appeal to youngsters, as will the idea of life on another planet.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

Gr 3–5—It's 1899, and 12-year-old Basil lives in a lighthouse on the coast of Maine. A dour, gnomish lad with an oversize head, he longs for adventure. When a balloon piloted by a kindly, mysterious man appears outside his window, the boy leaps aboard and soars off to a fantastic city in the sky. Professor Angus McGookin has brought him to Helios, the home of a secret, advanced society, and Basil is soon caught up in an adventure involving evil scientists, pteranodons, and mechanical armies. Miller's plentiful, full-color cartoons expand on the story, but there's little invention or character development in this rambling story. The narrative flow is clunky, with awkward shifts in perspective from Basil to that of an all-knowing narrator. Miller, creator of the comic strip "Non Sequitur," has crafted a hybrid picture book/short chapter book, but this tale fails to fulfill the promise of its attractive design.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 1–3—In this second story about Napí, the young Mazateca girl's father hasn't returned from work in the fields, so she and her younger brother go in search of him. Their quest leads them on a magical journey upriver and through the jungle, where they encounter animals prominent in Mexican folklore and are transformed into deer. None of the creatures they meet knows where their father is until an armadillo announces, "The family is finally together again." In company with the animals that are "like brothers and sisters, children of the same mother, of the Earth," the children race home to a joyful reunion with their father. "It was so good to see him that I forgot to worry about where he had been," says Napí. The large, flat watercolor spreads extend almost to the full length of the pages, leaving room for the brief text across the bottom. Domi combines the bold colors associated with Mexican culture with large areas of brown washes, perhaps to highlight the siblings' anxiety at their father's disappearance-a neighbor "had seen some men hit him, then take him away"-and the dire situation of the Oaxacan people who must continually fight to keep their land. The transition back to reality happens abruptly and is a bit jarring, and some readers may have difficulty with the juxtaposition of brilliant color and dark shades. Nevertheless, the story may provide some insight into the lives of the poor in Oaxaca and their culture.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 2–4—When their parents decide to open a country bed-and-breakfast, Alex, Mattie, and Sophie worry that life will be dull. Then they discover a secret tower room and an old desk containing an antique brass spyglass that has the power to send them back in time. Each adventure begins when a Travel Guide checks into the Jefferson Room. In Secret, the inn's first guest is a Revolutionary War reenactor who tells the kids about the Battle of Yorktown. The spyglass then transports them back to 1781 where they help a courier who has been injured. The time travelers must get the message through to the American headquarters-and avoid being arrested as spies themselves. In Bones, the special guest is a paleontologist on vacation from her dig in the Western badlands. This time, the spyglass sends the children to 1898 Wyoming during the Bone Wars. They join the camp of pioneer dinosaur hunter Walter Granger and help trap a crook who is trying to steal his dinosaur discoveries. Each adventure concludes with a letter from the Travel Guide that gives more historical details and a science experiment based on the events of the story. The books are similar in scope to Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House" series (Random), but with longer text, slightly more complex story lines, and fewer fantasy elements. The mild suspense, accurate historical detail, and occasional touches of humor should appeal both to transition readers and intermediate-grade reluctant readers.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

K-Gr 2—The piggies in Mrs. McNeal's class learn the difference between tattling and informing an adult in an emergency. After enduring a morning of students "squealing" on one another, the teacher explains that kids should try to work out their kid-sized problems themselves, but they should seek help when a more serious situation arises. When Mrs. M. falls down, the children take the appropriate action and call for help. Although the plot is contrived and the ending abrupt, readers will recognize the familiar-sounding accusations. The brightly colored cartoons are on target and add a touch of humor to the didactic text. A concluding note discusses common reasons why children tattle as well as ways to turn these episodes into teachable moments by using problem-solving skills. This book may be helpful for teachers and parents who need to deal with this particular nuisance.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Petey thinks his older brother, Sam, can fix anything, especially the messes he makes. But when Sam can't fix the younger boy's sagging chair tent, it's Petey who is the solution-literally. The text is comprised of short and simple phrases, but it's really the illustrations that tell the story. They show Sam, complete with tool belt, as a helpful older brother clearly aware that his sibling is taking advantage of his fix-it reputation. Ramá's use of water-soluble crayon with watercolors creates colorful pictures that manage to be detailed, emotive, and childlike all at the same time. The artist captures the active nature of a toddler and the knowing looks of an older brother. Her addition of two stuffed animals that closely follow the action is a nice touch for alert readers. This story works as a read-aloud and as a beginning reader.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

K-Gr 3—This twisted treatment of Aesop's fable flips everything readers know about the boy who cried wolf on its head and ends up where they never would have expected. From the brushstrokes of the hand-lettered title to the pink cherry blossoms featured with the wolf and the boy on the cover, ancient China unfolds as the stage and setting for this story. In this variant, children get a little insight into the wolf's point of view: When the boy cries "WOLF! WOLF!" the slightly deaf animal believes he is being summoned. He feels tricked by the youngster when the angry villagers arrive looking for a menacing creature. The poor animal is only looking for a tasty meal, possibly one of the boy's goats since his garden has fallen into disarray. In the end, the boy gives the old wolf a goat; instead of making him a one-time-only meal, the wolf puts him to work in his garden, and the two become friends. The wolf is a fully anthropomorphized character, complete with red silk jacket and shade umbrella. The purposeful use of frames, unusual setting, and visual humor makes this an excellent addition to any collection and a particularly interesting launching point for many discussions and investigations into fractured tales.—Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

K-Gr 5—Working in the early 11th century, d'Arezzo is widely credited with having formulated the system of musical notation. This fictionalized picture book tells an abbreviated version of his story, following him from a boyhood in the choir to various monasteries to his eventual achievement. The emphasis is on his perseverance as he struggles to develop a system for "writing down the sounds of a song," and to convince the musical establishment of the benefits of being able to read, rather than memorize, music. The language is simple and intimate, fabricating conversations and thoughts that d'Arezzo and his medieval fellows real. The large-font text moves clearly across the cut- and torn-paper (and the occasional photo) collages that fill the spreads with wonderful colors and fibers. The slightly simplified forms lend a kind of cheery awkwardness and individuality to the characters. The stylized artwork ranges from close-ups to mini-frames to broad landscapes that subtly incorporate d'Arezzo's staff. While the narrative does a good job of explaining the significance of d'Arrezo's innovation, it sometimes oversimplifies matters and gives a sense that he was flying completely solo rather than building on ideas already around. In the actual explication of his system, the glossary has to do the heavy lifting. The book's format is young, but much of its content-including an author's note-is aimed at an older audience with some musical background. This is an attractive if flawed introduction to a little-covered figure.—Nancy Palmer, The Little School, Bellevue, WA

PreS—A simple tale of a mother's love for her child. The story, in one-line rhyming verse, is told from the point of view of a mother bear. She promises her cub all of life's simple pleasures (splashing in streams, gazing at stars, snuggling and hugging) that they can share. And of course, there is the reassurance that no matter how old the cub gets, or how far it wanders, the mother's love will last "forever and ever,/for YOU are the bear of my heart." This book covers ground already well trod by Sam McBratney's Guess How Much I Love You (Candlewick, 1995), Nancy Tafuri's I Love You, Little One (Scholastic, 1998), and Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny (HarperCollins, 1942). Moore's illustrations, rendered in watercolor, are dominated by the bears, which helps to reinforce the all-encompassing relationship between the two. This book will appeal to new mothers and is suitable for lap-time sharing.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

Gr 2–4—Araminta Spookie lives in a sprawling haunted house. She spends her days hunting for ghosts, avoiding her cranky Aunt Tabby, and helping her nocturnal Uncle Drac. In the first book, her aunt wants to sell the house and the little girl does all she can to scare away potential buyers. Things turn out better than expected when the ghost-loving Wizzard family shows interest but decides instead to move in with the Spookies. In the second book, Araminta and the Wizzards' daughter find themselves in danger when they try to retrieve a sword from a cave for the house ghost's 500th birthday. These straightforward stories are filled with exposition and description but little action, until their funny and fitting finales. Reluctant readers may have lost interest by then, however. What the books lack in action, though, they make up for in setting. Kids who use "weird" as a compliment will delight in the charming details of Araminta's life. Trapdoors and secret passageways get her into forbidden places. Frogs, bats, and ghosts are part of the family. Pickering's full- and half-page illustrations and cobwebs dangling from the page corners add the perfect mood. However, Araminta is less interesting than her surroundings. She speaks with a consistent, peevish tone, remaining unchanged throughout her adventures. These books offer few surprises, but will be fun escapism for readers who like their spooky without the scary.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 1–3—In eight spreads, these small-format books offer information about their respective animals and a fictional story. The left-hand page includes one or two facts and a colorful, often close-up, photograph of the creature. It faces a story about an animal character accompanied by an amateurish cartoon illustration. In Bear Claws, Harry and Mama Bear visit Grandma, who makes them "bear claws" to eat. When they return home, the cub settles down to hibernate as he "snuggles under his comforter." In Cat Tails, a feline detective with fur that can "blend in to any surroundings" solves a mystery, of a sort. Despite the fact or fiction labels on the pages of these books, the alternating texts are likely to confuse beginning readers and children with learning disabilities. Both texts are repeated in the back of each book in a section labeled "Speed Read." Each title also includes a one-page glossary that offers definitions for some challenging words ("omnivore," "exceptional," "communicate," "notorious"). Librarians and teachers wanting to pair fiction and nonfiction texts will be better off selecting individual quality titles.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI

Gr 2–4—This light reinvention of the myth of Pygmalion gives the ancient Greek sculptor access to French perfumes, a modern-day spa, and an apprentice named Jane. Pyg is obsessed with his masterpiece, a sculpture of a goddess so beautiful that he wishes she were real. Jane finds her hard, flawless beauty a little off-putting, somehow, but he sees only perfection. Then he gets his wish and his work of art comes to life, but she turns out to be vain, humorless, demanding, and disloyal. As the end of his unhappy day with the "perfect" girl comes to a close, Pyg goes home to find Jane waiting for him with a blazing fire and a game of Scrabble. The pleasing, painterly cartoon illustrations combine ancient and modern elements. This fairy-tale/nursery-rhyme spoof, one of several by Stanley, has its own personality, tone, and palette, all of which work together toward a happy ending for everybody.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

Gr 3–5—In this third entry in the series, Harvi and Sarvi Runter-Tun-Tun, reindeer herders and cheese makers par excellence, discover a baby on the doorstep of their cabin in the Frozen North. When the child, Hugo Pepper, is 10, he discovers a sled, a gentleman's boot, and a lady's glove-all that remain from his parents, who have been devoured by polar bears. He takes off in an Aeronautical Snow Chariot to find out about his past and lands in Firefly Square. Rescued by a couple of eccentric mermaids, Hugo joins forces with the good people there to rid the town of evil Elliot de Mille, who has taken over the Firefly Quarterly to blackmail the citizenry and spread lies and gossip. The action is nonstop, with a wacky cast portrayed in cleverly detailed, spirited illustrations of various sizes, some in silhouette. Inventive touches include a moth-eating dog that lives in a carpet shop and cloud sheep so small and light that their shepherd carries a net to keep them from falling off the mountains. Their wool is used to produce magical flying carpets. The dizzying array of characters propels the story forward at a manic pace. This is just the kind of tongue-in-cheek humor to tickle the funny bones of Lemony Snicket and Philip Aardagh fans, and it is sure to delight readers of Stewart and Riddell's earlier books.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

PreS-K—As the sun rises, two swans awake and leave their egg on the shore while they swim away to find food. The other feathered creatures are surprised by the sight of it. "CLUCK! CLUCK! Whose egg is this?" "QUACK! QUACK! Whose egg is this?" Then, when a fuzzy gray hatchling emerges, the question becomes, "Whose chick are you?" Mother Swan knows the answer, and readers who are attentively searching the pages will often detect the swans hovering close by. Tafuri's sunlit watercolor and brush-pen illustrations magnify each inquisitive animal so that it appears to be life-size. Children will find it satisfying to witness the meeting of parents and their offspring, and they are likely to sing along with the chirps, honks, clucks, and quacks while they jump into this vividly drawn world.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-K—Bird wakes up one morning feeling out of sorts-too grumpy to eat, too grumpy to play, and even too grumpy to fly. "Looks like I'm walking today," he grumbles. On his way, he passes a succession of happy-go-lucky animals, including a sheep, a rabbit, and a beaver, all of whom ask him what he is doing. "Walking," he responds, more and more testily, and each creature decides to join him. Eventually, the walk turns into an impromptu game of follow-the-leader, and Bird finds himself having so much fun that he forgets to be grumpy. Finally, he invites them all to fly back to his nest with him, and, oddly enough, they do. This straightforward story is enlivened by unusual mixed-media illustrations. Each scene consists of sketches of farmland or trees, layered over photographs of real farms and trees. Cheerful flowers and stars are scribbled throughout. The animal characters are simplistic cartoons with thick black outlines and comical facial expressions. The slightly psychedelic quality of the art works to foreshadow the whimsical ending, which otherwise comes as a surprise after the wry, sarcastic tone of the rest of the story. Grumpy Bird would make a good addition to storytimes with themes of emotions or imagination.—Rachael Vilmar, Atlanta Fulton Public Library, GA

Gr 2–4—Emily is a third grader from London who has been sent to stay with her American friend, Molly, during World War II. Molly helps Emily overcome her shyness and find a way to aid people back home. This is a companion to the "Molly" books (American Girl), and, with its well-paced plot and likable characters, it's an interesting addition to that series. A concluding chapter includes photographs and anecdotes about English children during the period and expands on Emily's story. Lovers of the "American Girl" series can add an English lass to their list.—Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Max has always liked to do things his own way, and his search for marshmallow chicks is no exception. The Easter Bunny has hidden 10 pink chicks for the indomitable bunny and his sister to find, and the ways they go about their search illustrate their very different personalities. Ruby does a methodical, traditional search and finds the candy every place she looks. Max searches through the bath beads and the toothpaste tube, and finds none. The drawings of the search are boxed in the middle of a solid pastel-colored page. However, elements of some pictures (such as Max's unsuccessful search through the coffee can) spill out over the page. To assist with children's counting skills, there are large numbers on each page, as well as a visual count of the marshmallow chicks Ruby has discovered. As usual for Max, even though he has not discovered any of the confections (and Ruby has taken all of the chicks they were intended to share), things turn out just fine for him in the end. The fun of counting, along with the humor in the little rabbit's search strategies, will entertain listeners whether they find this book at Easter or in the counting section.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 1—In this musical whisper of a book, various animals settle down for a winter's nap, assured that spring will wake them to reenter the warmer, more active world. Each page features a lullaby with language quirky enough to raise a smile-for instance: "Snore, little skunk, snore,/Turn over, snore some more./The winter winds may howl and wail;/Your den is closed with snow and hail./But you know spring will never fail./Snore, little skunk, snore." Complementing the comfort and reassurance of the text are Dyer's cozy and humorous illustrations. Frog cuddles up under a leaf-patterned comforter, warmed by her pink-striped scarf. Her ice skates are poised at the bedpost and her figure-skating trophy decorates the text on the opposing page. Badger, dressed like Sherlock Holmes, sneaks in some reading with his magnifying glass as he rests by a roaring fire in his underground den. Dyer deftly inserts details of pattern and personality using gentle, appealing colors. The painting of chipmunk snoozing in his running suit, surrounded by sneakers, is a hoot. The culmination of the book, on a blue background that might be flecked with snow or with stars, is, aptly, a message to children: "And even YOU, it's time for sleep,/So snuggle down and burrow deep./The sheet and quilt will keep you warm/Through winter or through summer storm/Till you awaken in the morn./Sleep, my little child, sleep." Soothing, soporific, and magnetic, this is a special winter bedtime book.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 1–4—Charlie's at it again, and this time the pooch takes the Northeast by storm. From Ohio to Maine, he visits 12 states and their landmarks. This geography lesson is presented in the form of a scavenger hunt. Charlie hides among colorful spot illustrations superimposed on a state map facing rhyming text: "Find Providence, Kingston,/Narragansett Bay./Find Newport,/the place for a jazz holiday./Where's Charlie?" The information on each spread will inspire children to inquire further. Like Jean Marzollo's popular "I Spy" series (Scholastic) and Martin Handford's "Where's Waldo?" books (Candlewick), this is a fun, creative way to learn.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

K-Gr 2—Brisk, snappy rhymes, many revolving around the school year, are full of the kind of silly humor that primary graders enjoy. Action-packed cartoon-style acrylic and pastel illustrations are rich in detail and brimming with good cheer. Short, simple rhyming phrases and lots of repetition make this a suitable choice for newly independent readers. While not as original or as inviting to share aloud as Lee Bennett Hopkins's Questions (HarperCollins, 1994; o.p.) or Faye Robinson's A Frog Inside My Hat: A First Book of Poems (Troll, 2003), the high-energy selections and lively drawings might find a place in large collections.—Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

Gr 3–5—These volumes all begin with the question, "Why do people play musical instruments?" and conclude with a chapter on how a child could go about learning to play. A history of each instrument leads directly into a discussion of how its sound is created and its placement in a musical family. Following chapters reveal the role of that instrument in larger ensembles and include helpful hints (visually eye-catching in blue boxes) and quotations or facts: "the word tabla comes from the Arabic word tabl, meaning "drum." Artists featured have a wide range of styles-from pianist-composer Clara Schumann to drummer Buddy Rich, flutist James Galway, jazz and classical trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, and pianist-songwriter Norah Jones. A labeled diagram with a description of physical interaction between artist and instrument clarifies the concepts for beginners. With their reader-friendly format, excellent color photographs and drawings, annotated discographies, and time lines of the instruments' historical use, these are excellent resources for beginning musicians.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 2–5—Young pet owners won't go wrong with these well-organized guides. Each one places its subject within the context of its wild roots and its relationship to humans. From there, Barnes explains what makes the animal an ideal pet, recommends how to be a good caregiver, and reveals how the creature communicates (as well as how to answer). The books mix practical advice with trivia in a way that children will find informative and easy to navigate. Crisp, full-color photos enhance the texts. Ideal for expanding pet-care sections or replacing older titles.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

K-Gr 4—The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet first published this collection of 34 brief poems in 1956. Each one presents a different child involved in a pastime that still figures in the lives of contemporary children. Mexie and Bridie are enjoying a tea party, small Narcissa is sitting still while her imagination transforms her into an ancient queen, and Michael hopes no one will notice that he holds his mother's hand during a thunderstorm. Some of the selections, such as "Robert," are reflective: "Do you ever look in the looking-glass/And see a stranger there?/A child you know and do not know,/Wearing what you wear?" Others, such as "Otto," offer a bit of social commentary:" It's Christmas Day. I did not get/The presents that I hoped for. Yet,/It is not nice to frown or fret./To frown or fret would not be fair./My Dad must never know I care/It's hard enough for him to bear." The original illustrations were black-and-white line drawings, done by Ronni Solbert, and despite the fact that the Bronzeville area of Chicago was also known as the Black Metropolis, featured white children. Ringgold's trademark, vibrantly colored, stylized art features children of color. This book is an excellent opportunity to introduce the work of an important author to a new generation. It should be considered a first purchase for most libraries.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 2—A competent translation and soft, minimalist paintings recount this oft-told tale. Many of the framed text pages carry a small portrait of a figure featured in the larger facing scene. This story is built around dialogue among a donkey, cat, dog, and rooster and rises to a bit of action in the two scaring-the-robbers scenes. The illustrations keep the speakers in the foreground with almost no details in the colored backgrounds except for very small, wispy overhead vignettes echoing story elements. These small, almost indistinct figures are vague and dreamy, and the soft forms and gentle tone of the pictures never build the humor usually associated with the plucky "musicians" and the villains. It's a pleasant introduction to the story, but the renditions by Hans Wilhelm (Scholastic, 1992), Janet Stevens (Holiday House, 1992), Ilse Plume (Yearling, 1998), and Paul Galdone (McGraw-Hill, 1968; o.p.) are stronger.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 3—This title examines a variety of ancient mammals. It opens with a brief introduction, followed by a spread devoted to each animal. The creatures are compared to things that readers will recognize (e.g., "size of a small dog"). The pronunciation guide is a welcome feature. The finely detailed watercolor illustrations emphasize the unusual features of each species. This title is more substantive than Helen Frost's Woolly Mammoth (Capstone, 2005) as it focuses on more than one ancient animal in more complex sentences. Add this book if your students are addicted to prehistory.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

PreS-Gr 1—Large, almost tactile paintings of birds, butterflies, and bunnies combine well with the flow of Brown's charming poems, originally published in 1959. "Here comes a bunny/The first to stray/Out of April/And into May" is the first verse of "Song of Summer." Spring flowers, a loving mother and baby mouse, and a young fox and curious rabbit eyeing each other across the pages are some of the vignettes that grace this appealing book. A variety of sizes of paintings, ranging from a single animal on a crisp, white background to full-color, double-spread scenes, accents the verses. Onomatopoeic and motion words are reflected in the pictures with their ground-level perspective. These five beautifully and newly illustrated poems will enchant another generation of children.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 2–5—These appealing introductory titles will captivate beginning and reluctant readers. Soccer highlights the skills of some of the world's best players and emphasizes the growing popularity of the sport around the globe. Spider describes the habits and habitats of both poisonous and nonpoisonous species. UFO explores the question of whether or not we're alone in the universe and scientists' search for life outside our solar system. The fourth book explains how a comic book is made, from initial script through storyboards and the inking of the illustrations, through the final lettering of speech balloons. The fifth title examines sharks and why they attack and includes information on how to stay safe in the ocean. These books all have three short, informative chapters written in a large font, with key words set in bold. Full-color photos on every spread help to break up the text so that readers are not overwhelmed by information. Captions provide insight into the fascinating pictures. Light bulb icons draw attention to sidebars, which provide related trivia and extend learning. "Find Out More" sections reference other books as well as the publisher's site, with a promise of safe, related links to the topic. The titles are perfect starters for readers not quite ready for the more comprehensive "Eyewitness" series (DK). However, one can't help but question the series title as the books will be equally appealing to both boys and girls.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 1–3—Considering the wide variety of topics covered in this easy-to-read series, it is a mystery how all of the subjects specifically relate to females. Soccer Superwomen covers well-known stars like Mia Hamm, but also offers some information and photos on lesser-known standouts, such as Dagny Mellgren from Norway, Sun Wen from China, and Marta of Brazil. Because there are few books on females who skateboard, Skate Girls offers new, yet brief, biographical information on stars in the sport. However, half of the action photos show skaters who are not wearing helmets or any protective equipment. Dolphins feels out of place and is the weakest of the group. Covering facts about habitat, diet, and communication and training, Kelly presents an anthropomorphic view of life in the ocean. The author mixes factual and fictional statements as the dolphin addresses readers about tail-walking by commenting, "Since the scientists never asked me...they're still not completely sure!" Additional remarks such as "ha, ha…that's an old dolphin joke" are cloying. This entire set is marred by unnecessary exclamation points. Suitable suggested Web sites are accessible through the publisher's home page, but the suggested book titles are often way above the intended audience's reading level. Purchase specific titles selectively.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 3–5—These titles feature attractive layouts, color photographs, and engaging texts. Maps with icons pointing out various items of interest, such as hiking trails, lodging, campgrounds, and ranger stations, are interspersed throughout. An explanation of national parks, a brief history of each region, and a narrative tour of the park are provided. A list of "fast facts," including the size, elevation, tourist activities, weather, and number of annual visitors, is appended. Redwood includes Native peoples, and the flora and fauna. The fast facts for Mount Rainier lists the area as 365 square miles, but the national park Web site states it as 378. Teton gives tips for bear safety, and includes information on Jackson Hole. Hawai'i discusses the legend of Pele, the goddess of fire, and the settling of the islands by the Polynesian people. There is brief mention of individual volcanoes, such as Mauna Loa and Kilauea. These colorful and informative titles are similar in content to, but aimed toward slightly older readers than, those in the "New True Books" and "True Books" series (Children's Press). They are better for browsing than for reports. Buy where needed.—DeAnn Okamura, San Mateo County Library, CA

Gr 2–5—Using clear language and short sentences, these titles provide descriptions of the forms and functions for the various parts of plants, such as the way in which roots carry food and water to the rest of the plant or the purpose of the stem. Processes such as photosynthesis and pollination are explained. Helpful diagrams and sharp, colorful photographs supplement the texts. The intricate and often symbiotic relationship between plants and animals is described in specific detail, e.g., plants often provide a food source for animals and also rely on them to spread seeds as a means of pollination. Relevant vocabulary such as "pistils," "sepals," and "evergreen" is used in context and defined in a glossary. Sidebars with facts that are labeled as "amazing" make for interesting reading and can be a draw for young readers. With a bit more detail than Gail Gibbons's From Seed to Plant (Holiday House, 1991) and easier to understand than Susan E. Goodman's Seeds, Stems, and Stamens (Millbrook, 2001), these books offer solid information in an attractive format.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 3–6—In each volume, three children from different backgrounds illustrate the diversity within their country. For example, in India, Shubha is Tamil and is a member of the Brahmin caste, Jyoti is Bengali