Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 2–5—The soldier may be handsome and the princess lovely, but the old witch and the three giant dogs along with the beautifully developed settings really create the superb fairy-tale ambience of this robust telling of Andersen's tale. Ibatoulline's finely hatched pen drawings, washed in muted tones, resemble lithographs and have an appropriately old-fashioned look. His wide double-page scenes include broad vistas of the mountainous countryside with far-off palaces and close-up views of characters and actions. Mitchell's faithful retelling is a bit verbose at times, but Andersen himself tended to be wordy. The scraggly witch is quite wonderful, but of course she comes to a quick end. "So he cut her head off. Her body fell to the ground, and her head fell beside it." This is not a tale for the faint of heart, but it's a rich rendering of the durable, intriguing classic.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PreS-Gr 1—Joe the frog is back for another outing—this time at a family reunion. When all of his relatives gather for a cookout, he has trouble finding someone to play with as all of the other guests are either too busy or don't want to "go" with little Joe. Finally, he connects with Grandma, who is more than willing to spend some time with her grandson. Beginning readers will enjoy the rollicking rhyme and equally active art. They will also identify with Joe's need for attention and the endless refusals he receives. The book's design gives new readers a nice crisp background for the short and repetitive text. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations of the busy frog family pop against the white backgrounds. Anderson has compiled a variety of forms of rolling transportation that children will recognize—roller skates, scooters, baby strollers, skateboards, and, finally, Grandma's wheelchair, which affords Joe a chance to go. A book with a lot of child appeal.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

K-Gr 2—Arnold characterizes the good and bad twin princes and their like-minded horses in this featherbrained tale in which Old King Chanticleer decides that his successor will be determined by a horse race and a riddle. Verbal puns—"You crossed the road to help me" and "Last one back is a rotten egg"—gain significance when the cast is made up of players complete with waddles and beaks. Listeners are encouraged to solve the riddle and prompted with visual clues and verbal urging: "Last chance…." Arnold's stylized art with bold outlines, colored-pencil curlicues, and watercolor washes is most recognizable for the expressive googly eyes—something that might be duplicated with golf balls in 3-D. The book is fun, but the nuances might be lost on a young audience.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

K-Gr 3—In Azore's second picture book featuring Wanda, the girl finds tadpoles in a puddle and takes them to school. Her teacher sets up an aquarium, and, as days pass, the creatures begin their transformation, ultimately needing to be released back into the natural world. The children are sad to say good-bye to them, and Wanda convinces her teacher that she will be able to take care of some of the frogs at home. Chaos ensues when they escape from her room and surprise her unsuspecting mother. All ends well as Wanda and her father agree that the now-collected frogs need to return to the creek. He promises to consider building a backyard pond so that one of her frogs might visit in the summer. The book is perfect for a read-aloud tie-in to a unit on frogs or a frog-themed storyhour. The brightly hued, chalk-pastel cartoon illustrations add to the story's charm. Youngsters will enjoy studying the changes to the tadpoles as they develop and looking for the small creatures hiding in Wanda's home. A neat addition for spring.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS-K—Baby Rooster is having a difficult time finding the right phrase to use to wake up the farm. After he asks the pigs what they say, he tries "cock-a-doodle-oink-oink!" to no avail. He learns each animal's sound and incorporates it into his wake-up call, but nothing works. The wise old owl advises him to listen very carefully the next morning, and then he will know what to say. Baby Rooster follows the owl's suggestion and hears the appropriate call. His delivery is not so accurate at first, and he gives out with "cock-a-noodle-noo!" "cock-a-poodle-poo!" before he hits upon the iconic cry and the desired result. Children will giggle at and identify with Baby Rooster's silly bumblings. Busby's full-page cartoons in colorful acrylics lightheartedly reflect the buoyant text. While the ever-popular mixed-up rooster story has been done many times, this title could serve as a replacement for out-of-print variants.—Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Using rhyming, rhythmic language, Baker expands the traditional nursery rhyme into an around-the-clock adventure. The story begins as a small rodent scurries up to a grandfather clock standing in a field: "Hickory/dickory/dock,/the mouse/ran up/the clock./The clock/struck one…/it's time for fun!" As the timepiece marks each hour, another creature—a bird, a snake, a rabbit, etc.—interacts with it, and then takes off to follow its own pursuits: "Hickory/dickory/dock,/a pig/oinked at/the clock./Seven/was struck…/he rolled in muck!" Finally, at midnight, the mouse hurries off to bed beneath a star-filled sky. The short stanzas make this tale appealing to beginning readers as well as a good read-aloud for small children. Large, bold illustrations done in Adobe Photoshop capture the whimsy of the text and will hold the attention of the youngest listeners. The boldly delineated clock face, with hands pointing clearly to each hour, may also help with basic time-telling skills. A useful and fun selection.—Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

Gr 2–5—Lionel lives on Manhattan's Lower East Side in the early 1900s. His older brothers make deliveries, peddle chestnuts and ices, and shine shoes to help out. His sister works in their mother's dress shop, but the nine-year-old spends his time drawing and sketching on the backs of envelopes and shopping lists. His parents, Jewish immigrants, hope he'll outgrow this "useless habit," but his teacher nurtures the young artist by treating him to a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Before the outing, he worries needlessly about the nickel trolley fare, searching the sidewalks for found money. While the ride itself is thrilling, the museum is like a "palace" with "polished stone floors" and breathtaking works framed in gold. The dark-hued artwork is brightened occasionally by such objects as the yellow trolley, multicolored marbles, a flower cart, or a lady's dress. Details like a horse and carriage, organ grinder, and fishmonger bring the period to life, though many of the characters' faces look confusingly alike. Most pictures are full spread with text in a vertical frame to one side. The narration is both accessible and engaging. Share this nostalgic story before a trip to an art museum or to enrich social-studies units on New York.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

PreS-Gr 1—Born on a spring day, a baby fox is taught the necessary survival skills by his patient parents. The kit is eager to explore the world on his own and asks from time to time, "Am I ready?" "No, fox, no," is the reply. In the fall, a more competent creature doesn't ask, but states, "Now I'm ready," and his mother responds, "Go, fox, go." The lyrical text reads easily, and one slightly changed sentence is repeated throughout: in the spring, "And the rain comes and goes"; at night, "And the stars come and go"; and in the fall, "And the days come and go." Rich, saturated colors fill the spreads with the seasons' deep hues as they depict the young animal's progress toward independence. Van Gogh-like sweeps of color indicate tall grasses, while splotches of paint deftly reveal the changing hues of leaves and sky. The endpapers show a silvery landscape bathed in moonlight. This picture book is a tender tribute to family.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—This stunning book spotlights the flora and fauna of Florida's Okefenokee Swamp, but it is applicable to most Southern swamps and bayous. The text is a version of the familiar poem "Over in the Meadow," with impeccable meter: "Deep in the swamp, in a hollow cypress knee,/Lived a mother flame bird and her little chicks Three./'Sweet-sweet!' trilled the mother. 'Sweet-sweet,' trilled the Three./So they trilled loud and long in their hollow cypress knee." Lies's meticulous and glowing acrylic illustrations feature myriad shades of green, yellow, and blue, calling to mind an Audubon painting. Concluding pages discuss each of the featured species, accompanied by detailed illustrations and interesting facts on the animal babies. This appealing title is a perfect combination of text and art.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 5—Fair Kathleen, a princess with hair like autumn leaves, will only wed a man with "a daring soul, a keen wit, and a merry heart." She sets her suitors the task of winning a leprechaun's pot of gold in a single day. Traveling Tom is a minstrel who finds a leprechaun on a hillside "where wildflowers were scattered across an emerald meadow like stars in a green sky." With fine harp tunes and grand tales retold, he persuades the fellow that gold only weighs down the pockets and does nothing to lighten the heart. Tom is victorious, yet the leprechaun acquires songs, stories, and fair lasses on the open road in the bargain. Potter's ink, gouache, and collage paintings evoke the Irish countryside as surely as Bateman's lilting storyteller's voice. Through this book filled with rainbows, shamrocks, green patchwork hills, and floating clouds, youngsters will find themselves transported to the Ireland of legend.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 3—Sieta, a young African girl, is having a difficult time accepting her "home now" with her aunt in a busy town. She longs for the life she knew with her loving parents in a friendly village. During a school trip to the elephant park, she forms a special bond with a baby elephant—also an orphan. The connection helps her heal and embrace her new life. The text and illustrations provide a positive glimpse of life in Africa. The evocative watercolors effectively convey the child's loneliness, isolation, and, finally, emotional rejuvenation. The understated narration also creates a poignant sense of her loss. Unfortunately, it is never fully explained. Readers only know that "Sieta saw her mother getting sicker…and thinner…and quieter, and her father getting gentler and softer and sadder. One day they were just not there anymore." Young readers are bound to be left with many questions. An endnote explains the effects of AIDS on many African families. The book will need to be introduced to be fully understood and appreciated. It may fill a void since there are few books about AIDS for this age level, and none set in Africa.—Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—This tender tale about intergenerational friendship, love, and loss tells of the cozy relationship between a young girl and an old, hard-of-hearing man. Lisa and Otto share many interests, but they are captivated by numbers. Together they hone the child's counting skills by assigning items to each number: "ONE is for Lisa, there's only one of you in the whole wide world! TWO is for our two emergency cookies." Lisa also practices shooting with her slingshot, attempting to hit a buffalo that is made of a rusty barrel and bent bicycle handles for horns. When she finally hits her target, Otto is there to celebrate her victory. After he dies, she must learn to deal with her pain and feelings of abandonment. The closeness of the characters is portrayed in heartwarming illustrations: the two friends stargazing with Lisa's arm casually draped over Otto's generous stomach, while her other hand is holding his; strolling together with mouths full of contraband cookies and conspiratorial looks on their faces. A small white cat appears in each of the pictures and encourages readers to study the wonderfully varied art. Outside the framed single- and double-page illustrations are Lisa's pencil doodles, including cookies, numbers, and Native Americans with feathers on their heads and the front of their clothing decorated with hearts. This universal story will speak to many readers.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 1–2—In Party Time, Mia listens to her older sister's stories about her experiences at the "fairy shop" and imagines all sorts of wonders. When she goes to the same party center, she finds that anticipation is the greater joy. The story compares two perspectives. Bad Buster depicts a family of social outcasts. After facing difficulty with his peers, young Buster finds that animals respect and respond to him. When he stops a burglary and is treated as a hero, his social life starts to improve; however, he still finds time to be bad. These easy chapter books may motivate reluctant readers, who will appreciate the humor hidden in the stories. Both titles are illustrated with black-and-white line drawings in a cartoon style. The easy reading level allows students to read them independently and will make for good discussion starters. However, some of the phrasing and structure in Party Time, such as "she joined in," "she got cross," and "have a turn" might confuse emerging readers.—Kathleen Pavin, Purdy Elementary School Library, Fort Atkinson, WI

K-Gr 3—"My brother is really cool," boasts a young boy. On widely spaced lined paper, he writes of his older sibling's many attributes. Not only does he have cool ears and hair, but he also wears cool clothes. And he can score "FANTASTIC goals" in soccer, "run so FAST that...he can FLY!," "read HUNDREDS of books," and write "BRILLIANT stories." Browne's over-the-top, whimsical cartoon illustrations are the perfect foil for this child's exuberant praise of his sibling. Big brother's "cool" button is echoed in the many buttons containing accolades like "SUPER BROTHER!" and "He's GREAT!" on the endpapers. Big brother's artwork is so fine that the wolf he has drawn comes to life and frightens Red Riding Hood off the page. The bubble he blows fills a room, and he reads Browne's My Brother in a chair constructed of books and "cool" sandaled feet. The author's fans will recognize his penchant for gorillas, and they will delight in the self-affirming ending when they turn the page after reading, "And guess what…." Cool!—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 1—The calm of a bucolic farmyard with its grazing sheep and tranquil cows is shattered by a rooster shouting, "HURRY! HURRY!" "COMING! COMING!" answers a jumping goat. "Ready? Ready?" asks a duck of her three ducklings, who respond, "Yes! Yes!" as they lift out of the water and fly toward the barn. Pigs and a sheepdog join the throng standing inside the barn door watching as the newest member of the farm family pecks its way out of an egg. "CHEEP! CHEEP!" and "I'm here! I'm here!" are its first words to the animal community, which greets the arrival with limbs flung high in triumph. The sweet story is filled with movement and excitement as the animals happily rush to witness the event. Acrylic spreads are bright and cheerful, and the simple text is done in bold, colorful type with exclamation marks galore. This charming story celebrates the anticipation of a new life and its long-awaited appearance.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—On the eve of her mom's wedding, seven-year-old Pinky reflects on her relationships with her faraway father and Jim, her pending stepfather. While she loves both men, she secretly hopes that her parents will get back together. When the girl sees her father in the midst of her ring-bearer preparations, she whispers to him that she will give him the rings if he'll marry her mother instead. Daddy gently reminds Pinky that he and her mother are "just friends." At the ceremony, Pinky hesitates before she gives up the rings, but she realizes that she is happy for her mother and Jim. While Pinky's reactions to and acceptance of her mother's remarriage and her stepfather are unrealistically condensed into the actions of two days, her range of feelings is typical of children in like situations. While her first-person voice may be a little precocious at times, it is honest and direct in typical Bunting style. Papp's soft watercolors, bordered and cropped to evoke wedding photos, set up idyllic matrimonial images. While this offering may hurry Pinky's emotional arc, it does help fill the need for titles on stepparents and remarriage.—Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS—With which friend does Kitty love to cuddle best? Is it Tiny Mouse, "prickly" Porcupine, "squidgy" Frog, "squeezy" Octopus, or a host of other animals featured one per spread? Though seemingly a tough call, Kitty's new baby brother is ultimately revealed as the paws-down favorite. Cabrera's trademark eye-catching, lush colors are used to full advantage on every page. While Kitty's never-changing expression is monotonous, the animal friends are rendered with a verve that catches the essence of the other creatures and splashes it vibrantly across the pages. While it's all slightly precious, youngsters will be riveted by the bold pictures and find comfort in Kitty's predictable exploits.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

K-Gr 4—Apprehensive about her jazz dance recital despite the encouragement of her three bebopping great-aunties, Mindy stomps off to her room to cry. Spying a talking drum outside her window, she follows it down the fire escape to find herself whisked back in time to the Savoy Ballroom of the '20s or '30s. Stepping inside, she is swept up with dancers doing the Lindy Hop to the bouncing music of Chick Webb, Benny Goodman, and Ella Fitzgerald. "Somebody's trying to mess with my mind," she says, puzzling over the clothing and hairstyles. As a Battle of the Bands begins, clarinets wailing and drumsticks pounding, Mindy dodges the club bouncer and finds herself entered in the dance competition, along with her suddenly youthful aunts. She performs her recital dance for the enthusiastic crowd, then lands back on her bed at home where she announces that she's ready for her performance. Her aunties respond with perfectly executed splits. Rhythmic gouache and pastel paintings depicting swinging dancers and jiving musicians perfectly complement the lyrical energy and magical realism of the cadenced prose. A terrific read-aloud, Stompin' at the Savoy is brimming with the irrepressible energy and "happy feet" of the Lindy Hoppers. A splendid shelf-mate would be Ntozake Shange's Ellington Was Not a Street (S & S, 2004).—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 3–6—Shortly after her first adventure in Little Fur: The Legend Begins (Random, 2006), elf troll Little Fur is on another dangerous quest. In order to discover what evil plot the Troll King has conceived to destroy the earth magic running through the natural world, she joins a fellowship that ventures beneath the city to Underth, the realm of the trolls. Her companions include her loyal feline friend Ginger, two stealthy sibling ferrets, and an unwilling rat as a guide. However, the most intriguing member of the group is Sorrow, a fox whose sole wish is to die and who joins the quest to achieve that end. Little Fur's healer instincts demand that she attempt to discover and cure what ails the fox's body and spirit, but he proves an unwilling patient. Though the story builds on the events of the previous novel, it is not necessary to have read it to enjoy this one. In fact, this installment is more cohesive and less didactic than the earlier one and has a better developed and more rounded character in Sorrow. The simple pen-and-ink drawings add little to the narrative. Patrick Carman's "The Land of Elyon" series (Scholastic) is similar and superior, but readers who enjoy a tame eco-fantasy should be satisfied with Little Fur's return.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—George is a lovable and dependable basset hound whose humans have always been happy to have him around. When a stray comes into their lives, though, things suddenly change. Zippity runs, fetches, swims, and chases, and he zooms circles around George, who feels left out and displaced. Unfortunately, the newcomer is scared to death of thunder and runs away when a storm hits. The man and woman ask George to help, and he uses his trusty nose to track Zippity, rescuing him from the muck where he is stuck and frightened. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations perfectly capture the exuberance and spirit of this tale. George's wrinkled, floppy, lovable face speaks volumes, and Zippity's energy is equally clear. Children who have had their own feelings of doubt, and of being overshadowed by the arrival of a new sibling, will relate to and embrace this story of each individual's importance and place in a family.—Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 1–3—Gator used to be a popular carousel animal, but that was before the amusement park closed. Now, the happy laughter of the children has faded to only a memory. Tired of waiting for the good times to return, he leaves the park, but with a hole in his heart where the pole used to be. After wandering aimlessly in the forest, he follows the sounds of laughter with the hope of finding another amusement park. But to his sorrow, he finds only a zoo. In his disappointment, he sits on a bench where he is recognized by a passing man. Soon everyone follows Gator back to the old park, where the flashing lights come on and the calliope is playing again. As he reclaims his place on the carousel, the hole in his heart disappears. The text, placed on the top or bottom of the page and often appearing in a gilded oval frame, is unremarkable. Cecil's quirky illustrations include oblong-headed humans and have sufficient detail to determine the character's emotions. The hole in Gator's chest makes logical sense, but is a tad disturbing. It is the oil-paint illustrations that provide the story's overall mood. The muted, flat colors including gold, green, and gray give even the happy scenes a somber feeling. This pervasive mood tends to drag the whole story down. Cecil's take on a familiar theme is different but not completely effective.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 1–3—Piglet Patty, new to Farmer Wu's farm, demonstrates qualities associated with those born in the Year of the Pig. The sociable animal quickly learns about her new home and the other Chinese zodiac animals that live there, including the ox, horse, sheep, and dog. However, her impulsive, stubborn, and inquisitive nature resists learning the manners that her aunts and uncles try to teach her. Then Farmer Wu's jade ring disappears, and even cousin dog's sniffing cannot locate it. With Mama and Papa Pig's encouragement, Patty uses her intelligence to sneak out of the barnyard, find the farmer's misplaced glove, and follow its strange scent to the compost heap. With determination, she recovers the missing ring. Her success earns her the respect and acceptance of the farmer, his family, and her barnyard cousins. Computer-generated graphics feature bright colors, angular cartoon figures, and visually appealing textures. The text, written in short sentences, large font, and easy vocabulary, would be suitable for beginning readers, but the many bold illustrations peppered across the pages disrupt the book's flow. Although brief notes mention the origin of the Chinese zodiac and qualities associated with the pig, the purpose of this original story is not to inform but to entertain. Purchase where Chin's The Year of the Dog (Immedium, 2006) is popular or where interest in these zodiac animals is high.—Julie R. Ranelli, Kent Island Branch Library, Stevensville, MD

PreS-Gr 2—Stanley the Stork's parents have separated. "Dad and I don't sing the same song anymore. All we do is clatter." Now they live apart, and Stanley is convinced that he can't be happy splitting his time between two nests. He is particularly concerned that his dad won't be there for Fathers' Flyday at school. Then he meets Stella, who shares the same lifestyle. "Two nests are better than one, we always say." His parents each give him extra attention and time to help him through the transition. The book's theme is obvious; while it's a little heavy-handed, it might be suitable for some families coping with divorce. The drawings are bright and simple, the text is easy enough for beginning readers, and children will be happy to see the upset young stork's gradual acceptance of his new situation.—Kathleen Pavin, Purdy Elementary School Library, Fort Atkinson, WI

PreS-Gr 3—The deep friendship between a boy and his dog is lovingly portrayed in warm prose and appealing art. Corky, who "seemed to be built from other dogs' spare parts," and Mike are inseparable, and they plan to be "best friends forever." Cochran gently leads readers through a difficult plot in which Corky dies, and Mike, with the help of his mother, comes to accept that the Forever Plan will have to work in a different way. In the satisfying conclusion, he lets the memory of his dog "all the way into his heart. And it felt warm inside." Andreasen's soft illustrations portray a heartwarming relationship and capture the changing mood of the story from joy and exhilaration to sadness and back again to a subdued happiness and understanding. This book has much to offer to children, not only because they love pets but also because of its sensitive treatment of loss.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 5—A nameless boy and his grandfather discuss the meaning of the Golden Rule, its universality, and ways to practice it. Grandfather points out that many religions and cultures, from Christianity to Hinduism to the Shawnee tribe, have their own variations, and he quotes six examples. The boy wonders what the world would be like if more people practiced the Rule, and Grandfather explains that "It begins with you." The rich, golden paintings and large format reinforce the importance of the topic. The cherubic boy and his old-fashioned grandfather gaze solemnly out of the pages, making eye contact with readers and inviting them into the discussion. Swirling patterns of animal shapes and symbols from various traditions are reminders that the topic is as abstract as the art, with much room for interpretation. This is less a story than a discussion starter, and teachers, parents, and religious leaders will welcome it as a clear introduction to an important subject. While there are more compelling examples throughout children's literature of characters practicing the Golden Rule, from Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess to Chris Raschka's Yo! Yes? (Scholastic, 1993), there are few titles that address the concept so directly.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

PreS—A warm celebration of parental love. The sparse, rhyming text is evocative and affirming, and appropriate for toddlers or even babies: "I love/your knees,/your toes,/your feet./I love your skin—/so soft,/so sweet." The text hints at the passing of a day, while the illustrations depict timeless activities that every child can relate to. The art complements the text beautifully. Chodos-Irvine uses a combination of printmaking techniques to produce a soothing mix of patterns and textures. Pairings of moms, dads, and children of various ethnic groups are depicted. Many of the pictures show a youngster asserting independence in typical toddler fashion (for instance, brushing teeth), while the parent waits lovingly to assist if needed. Only You will make calming bedtime reading, and the words may end up memorized and recited aloud to soothe a cranky child. A stellar effort.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 1—Princess Justina Albertina likes getting her own way. Her nanny, when faced with a choice between a headache-inducing royal tantrum or giving in to the princess's demands, always caves. So when the youngster insists on getting the perfect pet, her nanny does her best to oblige, scouring the Earth for unusual animals. None of them is quite right, though: the puffer fish ignores the princess, she cannot ride the two-headed dog, and the monkey scares too easily. Finally, the nanny returns with a fierce gryphon, which the princess declares is perfect. This time, however, Princess Justina Albertina has bitten off more than she can chew, with tragic results. The book's cover hints at what is to come: while the princess dances in the background, a grim-faced nanny holds up a sign that reads, "A Cautionary Tale." Humorous details pack the cartoon illustrations, which are done with a mix of watercolor, colored pencil, and gouache. The nanny's outfit changes for each expedition: lederhosen for the unicorn, a wet suit for surfing Australia's shark-infested waters. The princess is frankly repulsive, with buck teeth, a piggy nose, and fierce green eyes glaring through round glasses. Nanny and the rejected pets clearly find her intimidating. The busy spreads contrast well with the dramatic conclusion, in which the nanny is left standing all alone, saying "Oh, dear." The end result is a deliciously satisfying tale about the dangers of acting like a spoiled princess.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

PreS—Little Monkey is bored. Looking for something to do, he climbs aboard a lily pad and is quickly swept downriver. Luckily, his mother has told him, "If you ever get lost, find other monkeys. They will lead you home." As it turns out, the jungle is alive with monkeys of all shapes and sizes, and each new group has something to share. He learns to howl, swing, eat fruit, and hug. While he has to find his own way home, he uses these new skills to do so. Once there, he shows the others what he has learned so that no one is ever bored again. A palette of greens creates a generalized backdrop of leaves and swirling color upon which the animated creatures engage in their various antics. A few other animals help enliven the scenes. Back matter has facts about each of the nine New World monkey species featured. This simple tale follows the circular pattern of a classic hero story, although conflict is held to a minimum; no territorial behaviors are evident. An additional purchase.—Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

PreS-K—Little Monkey gets into mischief when Big Monkey is too busy to play with him. First he amuses himself by throwing figs that Big Monkey has picked for supper. Then he swings and jumps in the Big Tree, but crash-lands in the middle of the bed that Big Monkey has made for him. Finally, he swings from a branch and lands right on top of Big Monkey, who is trying to nap. Little Monkey fears that he is no longer loved when he is sent to bed for punishment, but is reassured that Big Monkey loves him always, even when naughty. There's nothing original here, but the familiar message is always on target for small children, who will easily identify with Little Monkey. Lively cartoon drawings in watercolor and pencil depict the mischievous animals at play in a colorful jungle setting.—Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Bowler-hatted and be-scarfed, Dodsworth leads a rather dull and lazy life of naps, TV, and daily junkyard trips to replenish his thrift-shop stock. The mouse's routines are abruptly altered when he is attracted to a magnet on the front of a rusty pink refrigerator. The mysterious appliance becomes his cornucopia for adventures as it is filled with different supplies each day to help him follow the gentle suggestions written on notes held under the magnet: "Make pictures"; "Read more"; "Play music." His days become so filled with purpose and life that when a last note on the now-empty refrigerator exhorts him to "Keep exploring," Dodsworth finds he has the inner resources to do just that. Egan's masterful handling of the character's growth from lazy lump to a delighted self-starter will engage readers. The ink-and-watercolor art mirrors the laid-back tone of the narrative. In a style slightly reminiscent of James Marshall's work, Egan places his blocky rodent amid an ordered world of muted colors and white-framed spreads. This off-beat tale is perfect for reading aloud, but will also be appreciated as a read-alone and lap-sit. It's never dull.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—An assortment of hip city dogs and their owners take a walk to the Farmer's Market. These proud Bow Wow School graduates celebrate their good behavior as they struggle to behave before heading off for a romp in the park. Told through the canines' thought bubbles, this simple story has a rhythmic, jazzy quality that begs to be read aloud. "Wag a tail./Wag a tail./We know how./Wig Wag Zig Zag/Bow Wow Wow." Collages composed of brightly colored buttons and scraps of fabric and handmade paper stand out on vivid green backgrounds. The final endpaper shows portraits of the pups introduced with their name and characteristics ("Keep an eye on Spike, he needs more obedience training"). With polish and pizzazz, this well-designed package pays tribute to dogs and life in the city. An author's note provides special behind-the-scenes details about the illustrations.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 3—In this version of the traditional American folk song, the heroine is a feisty little girl in pink pajamas, "flowery and frilly,/and they make her look quite silly." Her six white horses have names like Moonbeam and Stardust. When she comes, she will be doing remarkable things like "juggling with jelly" ("Squish-Splat!"), dancing across the rooftops ("Yee-Ha!"), and painting the whole town plum so "the place won't look so glum." A turquoise sky shows off white cowboy-hat clouds, and two foldout pages open wide like green saloon doors to welcome her. The joyful children and animals playing instruments who go out to meet her are small against the landscape, which is done in a palette of Southwestern colors. These illustrations are as lively as the new verses and call for another round of singing, using the hand motions given at the end of the book. Other versions with the same title are by Philemon Sturges (Little, Brown, 2004) and Ann Owen (Picture Window, 2003). This lively addition will surely elicit smiles.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 2—Ten old men have seen their synagogue's membership dwindle as families moved out of the old neighborhood. Now they keep one another's spirits up during their daily prayers. Life becomes a little cheerier when an intelligent mouse moves into the shul, bringing out the men's nurturing instincts. The birth of baby mice, however, is too much, and they sadly relocate the family to the countryside. Loneliness sets in again—until the mother mouse, now an empty nester like her friends, returns home to the synagogue. The men tell her not to worry: "You'll hear from your kids again. You know when? When they need something." Fagan, whose storytelling is usually so vibrant, has written an odd, sad little story with an unclear message. Neither the mouse nor the old men learn or grow or change from the experience. The only lesson seems to be that old age is so lonely that the adoption of a pet is cause for great celebration. The Jewish content does not contribute to the story in any significant way. The 10 men form a minyan (the quorum required for Jewish public worship) but this is never mentioned in the text, leaving readers with too many characters and not enough fleshing out. They never learn what synagogue attendance means to the men or what keeps them coming back when nobody else does. The cartoon-style ink-and-watercolor illustrations are colorful, but the pathetic nature of the characters' lives is reflected in scene after scene of unpleasantly anxious faces. A surprisingly lackluster effort.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

PreS-Gr 1—Bear has found something fantastic-a little box that Mouse will just love. But by the time Bear shows it to his friend, he is unsure of his gift's value, because everyone he has met along the way has pooh-poohed it as either too small, too ordinary, or better in someone else's hands. But Bear and Mouse aren't friends for nothing. Sure enough, Mouse agrees that the box is "the greatest thing ever." Bear's journey from euphoria to doubt to euphoria again is gently rendered. There is not a lot of detail in this book, but not a lot is needed. Pastels provide the backdrop for the text, while Bear and his detractors stand in contrast on a white page, carrying the story with their expressions and body language. Young listeners, particularly those who understand the value of leaves and stones and bottle caps, will love this book. They will hope that Bear will remain steadfast and trust in Mouse, who rewards Bear's thoughtfulness with the gratitude of a true friend. Absolutely charming.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2—This highly comical yet heartwarming tale begins simply enough. Jack, a hungry farm cat, builds a perfect nest to attract the perfect chicken to lay a perfect egg for a delicious omelet. Everything is going even better than planned when he lures a chicken, a duck, and a goose, and each one lays a yummy egg. Unfortunately, Jack cannot convince any of them to leave the nest though he tries with cries of "Flood!" "Fire!" and "Wolf!" Finally he appeals to their greedy nature by telling of the better and empty nest at the farm down the road. They take off immediately, but before Jack can enjoy the eggs left behind, they hatch, and, to his horror, the chicks target him as mom. He can't possibly eat them. In the end, as he snuggles with the tired babies, he realizes how perfect his nest really is. This amusing tale gives each of the nesters a different nationality (French, American, Spanish) complete with accent. Manders's gouache illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. The bickering poultry; the hungry, then desperate, and finally horrified cat; the demanding chicks; and the auxiliary characters are all given wonderfully detailed expressions that can be laugh-out-loud funny. Varying perspectives in the illustrations give a nice sense of movement to the tale. The text gives the mood and action of the story and the art really brings it to life.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-K—Wombat is bored with living in his burrow so while his mom is busy spring-cleaning, he follows her suggestion to find somewhere better. Koala, Frog, and Mole invite him to live with them, but wombats can't climb trees or walk on lily pads or live under rocks with the ants. So the ants lead him parade-style to a "great big nest nearby," which is filled with eggs. Mrs. Emu is not pleased. Feeling dejected, he returns to his now-tidy home where there's plenty of room—even enough to have a sleepover with all of his friends. The exuberant illustrations infuse the book's many expressive characters with vim and verve, bringing to life even the lowly worm. The visual closeness of Wombat and his happy support group makes each page feel big, bright, and alive. Wombat's naïveté, optimism, and persistence are a winning combination. His search and final discovery that his own home is ideal will resonate with readers. This book will be a big hit with the storyhour crowd.—Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

PreS-Gr 2—All of the friendly animals in town want to know why Turtle is in such a hurry. "I am off to see something red, red, red," he replies. Each of his neighbors asks if it is something they have, but it is not Mrs. Raccoon's roses, Rabbit's produce, Goat's red socks, Fox's roof (which he is painting red), the firefighters' truck, or Captain Dog's boat. A growing parade of animals follows Turtle as he rushes through the town and up a hill that overlooks the lake. "Where is red, red, red?" they ask. "Look over there," says Turtle, as the friends are rewarded with a strikingly red sunset. Children may enjoy pointing out the colorful objects on each spread and trying to guess Turtle's mysterious destination. The pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures are kid-friendly, with the clothes-wearing critters reminiscent of Richard Scarry characters. A slight, but pleasant story.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 2–5—This entry in Goscinny and Sempé's series features a number of vignettes spanning a couple of summers. Each chapter opens with a few sentences from Nicholas or excerpts from correspondence between the boy and his parents. Nicholas's forthright voice is full of childlike repetition and exclamations ("fantastic!"). This book isn't notable for its plot. The stories are simple, relating Nicholas's antics when he and his parents travel to the seaside and then when he goes to his first overnight camp. What distinguishes this title is a narrative that captures a child so believably and allows its readers to relate to the action but also at times to see beyond what Nicholas himself sees. Sempé's charming cartoon illustrations appear throughout and reinforce the tone. The strength of voice, multilayered humor, short chapters, and episodic nature of the text make Nicholas on Vacation an ideal family or classroom read-aloud. It may take some selling, but it's well worth a place on library shelves.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

PreS-K—A young girl announces that her family is going to take her infant sister outside to "meet baby animal friends/and hear the bright blessings around every bend." First, they encounter "Mama doe and her 1 little fawn," whose wish is, "May baby be loved every day of the year." Since this spread illustrates the number one, the inclusion of a second animal, the doe, may be confusing to children. Similarly, on the next spread, the text celebrates "2 wobbly foals," but the illustration shows four horses. Throughout the pictures, most of which conflict with the text, Dad holds the family's newest member while Mom and the older siblings introduce her to the animals and receive blessings. After they have seen the 10 puppies, they plant a welcome tree for baby while the other animal young gaze on, and then gather on their front porch swing. There is a lot going on here. The 10 wishes do not seem to relate to the counting of the animals and the tree planting. The folk-art illustrations are brightly colored and idyllic, conveying a sweet and precious tone. One wonders about the audience for this title. It is unclear whether it is meant to be a counting book for preschoolers, a book for older children to help welcome a baby into the family, or an inspirational gift for a family to receive on the birth of a child. Its overall appeal is limited to those who want sentimental books.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 5—Brothers Rob and Mikey and their friends Jon, Mariah, Bernardo, and Adam discover a time portal in the woods behind their clubhouse. Upon entering it, they find themselves transported to prehistoric times. After a heart-stopping encounter with a T. rex and a pair of velociraptors, the group finds itself lost in a land before time. Surrounded by dinosaurs and pursued by the angry T. rex, the resourceful young travelers must rely on their wits and one another to find the portal and get home. This fast-moving tale is sure to grab the attention of video-minded children as it reads like an episode of Land of the Lost. The characters are rather flat, acting like pawns in the nonstop pacing of the narrative, but the action will definitely keep the pages turning. Both plot and characters take a backseat to the full-spread illustrations: a cool blend of computer art and color photography. The text highlights the illustrations, running down the sides of the pages in columns to frame the photographs or along the bottom of the pages as if to underscore the artwork. Several questions go unanswered: why dinosaurs that lived millions of years apart from one another are together in one time period or the shady purpose of a man in black (who's wearing sunglasses in the middle of the night). This should be a huge hit with dinosaur-obsessed reluctant readers.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

K-Gr 3—Prunella knows a lot about bugs, but no one has time to listen—not her parents, the bus driver, or her teacher. She waits patiently for her turn at show-and-tell only to have a swarm of bees invade her classroom. When everyone else runs away, the quick-thinking child covers herself with a white sheet and leads the swarm to a new hive, all the while explaining the behavior of the insects. With peace restored, she wins the undivided attention of her classmates with her dung beetle, one of "nature's pooper-scoopers." Gran uses watercolors, dark outlines, and a cartoon style to bring Prunella's story to life. While her teacher and classmates sometimes fade into a monochromatic background, the girl stands out, resembling the bugs she loves. Her wispy hair, tied with red ribbons on either side of her large head, resembles spider legs. Her sleeves might be dragonfly wings, her skirt could be a ladybug, and her stockings are the black and yellow stripes of bee bodies. Reminiscent of Megan McDonald's Insects Are My Life (Scholastic, 1995), this book enlightens and informs with tidbits of information and a fact sheet. It's a clever introduction to entomology.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—Greene offers a straightforward account of how Noah built an ark, gathered animals, and sailed safely over the flooded earth. This rhymed version scans well, which encourages reading aloud. Except for the dark backgrounds that make the words hard to see at times, the book is well designed. Variations in type size and spacing work well with the text and add emphasis to crucial words. Cohen's illustrations feature a gray-bearded patriarch and dozens of animal pairs that children will enjoy identifying. The impressionistic style suggests shapes through use of shading and flowing lines. Although this rendition lacks the majestic qualities of Jerry Pinkney's Noah's Ark (SeaStar, 2002) or the bright intensity of Lucy Cousins's Noah's Ark (Candlewick, 1993), it is definitely worth considering for collections that need a new or replacement version of Noah's story.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 2–4—Narrated by a contemporary African-American girl, this wordy story tries too hard to bridge cultures by making a traditional Chinese custom acceptable to the child's skeptical black grandmother. At a parade celebrating the Chinese New Year, Sugar and Grandma watch the dance of a bouncing, colorful dragon whose bright cloth is held on poles by Daddy, identifiable only by his red shoelaces, and a diverse crew of community members. After Sugar ties her father's shoelaces, the bumpy dragon finds its rhythm. While the bright, watercolor paintings convey the dragon's initial clumsiness, much of the two-dimensional art in the naive style lacks a focal point to attract readers' eyes. The story of making the dragon dance is a thin metaphor for multiculturalism: "It takes a while to learn to dance together," Daddy concludes at the end of the parade. The book's didactic message may be most useful in collections with a need for picture books about Chinese-American and African-American relations.—Julie R. Ranelli, Kent Island Branch Library, Stevensville, MD

Gr 1–4—"I'll hunt with Orion,/We'll stalk the dark night;/On the bridle of Pegasus/We'll trap a gold light." In bouncy rhythm, two young narrators—a boy and a girl featured in turn and sometimes together—visit several planets, constellations, and other heavenly bodies. Drawn in cartoon style and cunningly costumed for each venture, the children appear in vividly colored scenes that are rich in detail. In some settings, relevant mythological figures are sketched into the background. The set of brief poems is augmented with several pages of factual explanations of the solar system, the planets, and the sun, moon, and stars. These are particularly helpful since many of the concepts will be unfamiliar to younger children, and the combination offers a tool for introducing these topics. The explanations do get caught in the Pluto hiatus since the book uses the familiar nine-planet scheme. Still, the bright tone of the poetry and the appealing, strong art are a happy combination.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PreS—In this loving celebration of all things baby, Henderson lyrically commemorates a small child's amazing feats, from crawling to clapping to exploring food with their entire bodies. "Stand./wobble./Sway/wobble. Bump!/Step/walk/toddle!" The oversize pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are warm and soft, with perfectly captured body movements and facial expressions. These babies are wide-eyed, innocent, and irresistible, and their feelings are right on target. "I want yours! No! It's mine!" is prompted by a tug-of-war over a bottle. "I feel lonely" shows a solitary child in a swing, while "I feel fine" shows a little girl hugging her stuffed bear. A lovely book for group or individual sharing.—Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1—Employing the thick lines and uncluttered illustrations reminiscent of his work in Kitten's First Full Moon (Greenwillow, 2004), Henkes tells the story of four creatures who start out having a bad day. A bird loses his favorite feather, a dog gets her leash tangled in a fence, a fox loses his mother, and a squirrel drops her nut. But then, the squirrel finds an even bigger nut, the fox is reunited with his mother, the dog frees her leash, and the bird discovers he can fly higher than ever, even without his feather. The animals' triumphant expressions and perky postures, in sharp contrast to their former dejected demeanors, bear witness to the fact that the bad day has turned out to be a good one after all. In a surprising twist, a young girl finds the bird's feather, "tuck[s] it behind her ear," and runs to her mother shouting, "What a good day!" A reprise of all four creatures in the last scene as the excited child seeks out her parent is the perfect conclusion. Full-page, pastel-hued watercolor-and-ink illustrations appear framed opposite each page of large, brief text. This gentle story affords an opportunity to introduce the very young to ways of dealing with life's small disappointments. A fine choice for the lap set.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 3–5—After her mother dies, eight-year-old Annie Rossi does her best to cope, assisted by Remembering Mrs. Rossi, a book of memories compiled by her mother's sixth-grade students. During the difficult year that follows, her dad forgets to buy her brand of cereal, doesn't remind her to wear her boots, mismatches her pajamas, and doesn't understand that they should be the first to make footprints in the snow. Annie's patterns of belonging have been disrupted, but as she and her father search for ways to "keep Mommy close…and let her go…and keep her close again," they take comfort from the sixth graders' book, share memories with one another, and begin to forge new rituals. Hest avoids delving into grief, focusing instead on Annie's frustrations with changes at home, at school, and in their summer beach community. Maione's soft pencil drawings capture the child's emotions. Readers will recognize their own feelings of frustration and confusion in the protagonist and admire her attempts to convince her father to get a dog. The book by Mrs. Rossi's students is reproduced at the end of the story. Although some of the entries seem naive for sixth graders, this feature gives readers an opportunity to share their memories of their teacher. This gentle story that captures one third grader's year reinforces the power of journaling in navigating through life's changes.—Linda Ward-Callaghan, Joliet Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1—A little girl's first overnight at her grandparents' home is both exciting and worrisome. She has a fine time drawing, dressing up as a bride, and playing with their new puppy. Come nighttime, her fears are soothed by her grandmother, who shares the family story behind a handmade quilt. Hoberman's normally spot-on rhymes seem forced at times: "My grandma was YOUR great-great-grandma, oh yes,/and when she was just about your age, I guess," and the events of the visit often seem written more for their ability to rhyme than for the story: "My grandpa's an artist. He helps me to draw./He plays 'Three Blind Mice' on his musical saw." The saving grace is Beeke's impressionistic, vibrant, watercolor-and-acrylic art, which glows with sunset colors, conveying loving and warm relationships and portraying the grandparents' home as a wonderful place. Pleasant, but additional.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

K-Gr 1—Mother O'Leary's mischievous cow, a swift kick, and a lighted lantern set the stage for an expanded version of a well-known folk song. With sirens blaring and hoses ready, firefighters lead a daring ladder rescue with the traditional refrain: "There'll be a hot time in the old town tonight!" The youngest readers probably won't notice it, but telephones and modern fire equipment move this tale far beyond its historical foundation, and it has a happy ending. In visually arresting, vibrant oil paintings, firelight enhances faces and shadows, and figures stretch outside a framed cartoon to accompany rhyming text. From the first sparks through a raging blaze, the story builds consistently toward a climactic rescue. This is definitely a book that requires a sing-a-long. Try a verse or two-the pacing of words with illustrations creates an entertaining read, despite any rhythmic stretches of the text.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS-Gr 2—A curious dog asks his young owner a series of typical toddler questions, which are followed by one-line, adult-sounding answers. "Why can't I drive the car?" "Because you are too small to drive." "Why can't we play ALL the time?" "Because there are other things we have to do." "Why do I have to be good when we have company?" "Because we want them to see how well-behaved you are." The illustrations are amusing and expressive, and young children will relate to Murphy's many questions. However, the story lacks consistency, and the child's bland answers lack imagination. Some questions, answers, and corresponding illustrations seem to fit the characters, while others don't. Even the title may be confusing for young readers, as Murphy eats from a dish and not straight from the floor.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

K-Gr 1—Clancy is a Belted Galloway born beltless. Teased by the others, he tries various methods of blending in, but all fail. The Belted Galloway community itself is the victim of a harsh fate; each year they miss out on the grazing rights to the rich grass because they cannot defeat the Herefords in the annual cow-wrestling competition. When Clancy realizes that, under the protection of his all-black hide, he can sneak into the Herefords' field at night, he grazes and becomes stronger. More importantly, he befriends Helga, an all-brown Hereford. She, too, has known the sting of rejection. When Clancy finally defeats a Hereford, and the Belted Galloways prepare to take over the rich grazing field, Clancy and Helga call for an end to the discrimination. "I say we pull down the fence and be cows together." And they all lived happily ever after. From Margaret Rey's Spotty to Dumbo to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, children have heard this "being different is okay" theme many times before. The illustrations, done in watercolor and graphite pencil, are amusing at times-the spread on cow wrestling maneuvers is a good example—but, over all, this is a force-fed message book.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

K-Gr 4—Both of these books provide gentle Christian explanations of loss and death. In Jenny, a child copes with her sister's illness and hospitalization. She asks her mother, "Why doesn't Rosie feel better after a good night's sleep?" and "Why is she always ill?" When her mom explains that she may not get better and that she might die, Jenny asks if "Jesus will take care of Rosie." The story ends with Jenny saying good-bye to her sleeping sister and praying. "Lord Jesus, please take care of Rosie." In the next book, when Josh's friendly neighbor is hired to paint the boy's bedroom, they become good pals. Josh decides he wants to be just like Max when he grows up. When Max is killed in an accident, Josh asks his mother questions such as, "Why did Max have to die? and "What happens when we die?" She gently explains that his spirit has gone to be with God. She tells Josh about coffins and funerals and reminds him what happened when his hamster died. Both texts are clear and direct, and feelings of sadness and bereavement are acknowledged and discussed. Watercolor illustrations are light and filled with color. Useful additions to Christian literature collections.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 1–3—Written and illustrated by the team responsible for Salt in His Shoes (S & S, 2000), this oversize title looks promising but never reaches its potential. Jonathan and Michael are best friends and baseball teammates. Jonathan is a weak link on their team—he is constantly striking out and making mistakes. However, once introduced to the "ten golden rules of baseball" that Michael's uncle made up when he played college ball, he practices more and improves his performance in the big game against a rival team. Readers will have difficulty believing in Jonathan's speedy transformation from "strike out king" to a better player who accepts the team's loss with maturity. The dialogue is a bit wooden and is filled with clichés. Furthermore, the "ten golden rules" seem to fit an adult agenda and wouldn't mean much to most youngsters without significant explanation. Nelson's illustrations are stunningly realistic and powerful. Readers view characters from multiple vantage points, some so close that one feels part of the action. The story does feature an appealing multicultural cast, and it might have some appeal to children who play team sports.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

Gr 1–3—Eight-year-old Makayla is great at helping others, but her fear of bugs keeps her from assisting her neighbor in planting a memory garden for her cat. After thinking of the things her grandfather does to indicate his love, such as taking her for ice cream even though he can't eat it, the girl realizes that she must overcome her anxiety to prove that she cares. The illustrations portray Makayla pondering the problem and overcoming her concern. Pictures vary in size, which keeps readers' focus. This book is useful for discussing concern for others, but it also can stand alone as an enjoyable story.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

PreS-Gr 2—Using a little bit of fantasy and childlike imagination, Kwon tells the story of a little girl and her cat. The pet may act coy and shy when the child seeks its affection, but when she turns away, the feline begins to follow her and mimics her actions. The elements of fantasy are clear as the cat is the same size as the girl and, in the end, she begins to follow and copy her cat. The bright, colorful illustrations feature light gray outlining and accents that add a luminous quality and increase the imaginative nature of the drawings. For cat lovers everywhere, this is an attractive addition.—Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

PreS-Gr 1—Four crocodile pals are bored with being cooped up inside, so they outfit themselves for the inclement weather and set off. They spy a pirate ship, whale, and monster in the distance, but when the fog lifts, they find that "this scary place" is actually a mini-golf park and they decide to play. The action is conveyed in short declarations: "'Smack it!' said Sam. 'Putt it!' said Pam. 'Hit it!' said Will. 'Lost it!' said Jill." Next, a shaggy black dog with a ball in its mouth approaches, and the friends begin an impromptu baseball game (using an umbrella as a bat). When they realize that a torrent of fly balls is actually a hailstorm, the clever canine leads the way to safety in a library. The crocs settle in with books related to their favorite adventures of the day. Nash's bright, expansive cartoons, crisply outlined in black pencil, detail the exploits of these befuddled reptiles. A lively offering packed with child appeal.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 2—In a mansion by the sea, a lonely boy finds a mysterious key under a chair. Curious to discover what it opens, he tries each lock until finally he succeeds in opening a large trunk with a ladder inside. As he climbs down the ladder, he finds himself in a passageway beneath the sea that eventually leads him to a lighthouse where a group of children and their dog become his instant friends. They have lunch, play ball, fly kites, and play on the beach until it is time for him to retrace his steps. This wordless story is straightforward but not predictable. The mystery of the key, the discovery of the passageway, and the obvious enjoyment of the children at play are all pleasantly depicted in brightly colored, simple watercolor, gouache, and ink illustrations that combine full-page images, spreads, and pages of sequential panels. There are nicely done details such as the elaborate dinner service placed on the table at the mansion and the spiral stairway at the lighthouse. This appealing rainy-day tale will stir the imagination of those who have ever looked for something to do on a gloomy day.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 2–5—Inspired by an actual 1830s lithograph, this beautifully crafted picture book briefly relates the story of Henry "Box" Brown's daring escape from slavery. Torn from his mother as a child, and then forcibly separated from his wife and children as an adult, a heartsick and desperate Brown conspired with abolitionists and successfully traveled north to Philadelphia in a packing crate. His journey took just over one full day, during which he was often sideways or upside down in a wooden crate large enough to hold him, but small enough not to betray its contents. The story ends with a reimagining of the lithograph that inspired it, in which Henry Brown emerges from his unhappy confinement—in every sense of the word—and smiles upon his arrival in a comfortable Pennsylvania parlor. Particularly considering the broad scope of Levine's otherwise well-written story, some of the ancillary "facts" related in her text are unnecessarily dubious; reports vary, for instance, as to whether the man who sealed Henry into the crate was a doctor or a cobbler. And, while the text places Henry's arrival on March 30, other sources claim March 24 or 25. Nelson's illustrations, always powerful and nuanced, depict the evolution of a self-possessed child into a determined and fearless young man. While some of the specifics are unfortunately questionable, this book solidly conveys the generalities of Henry Brown's story.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 2—Mookey is a hairless monkey who has difficulty coping with his classmates' teasing. Then he learns to ask for help, accept himself and his differences, think positively, find good friends, use humor, ignore taunts and stay cool, and realizes that he can't control the teasing. The average-quality cartoon art is effective in illustrating the action, but not outstanding. The book includes advice for parents and teachers who want to help students deal with being teased or bullied. An effective tool for discussion.—Kathleen Pavin, Purdy Elementary School Library, Fort Atkinson, WI

Gr 1–3—Gooney Bird Greene returns for a third installment. Here, her second-grade class is learning about fables. In typical Gooney fashion, the precocious child takes over her classroom by suggesting that everyone write a new fable. Mrs. Pidgeon encourages her enthusiasm by letting her direct the project, and each subsequent chapter is dedicated to a student's work, including one fable about a T. rex done as a rap, concluding with, "Big mean nuthin' if you don't do school!" Given the age of these children, they are amazingly adept at writing, reading, and giving presentations, and they run into only minor glitches with their fables. While it is refreshing to hear from the other members of the class so clearly dominated by Gooney Bird, their creations lack the zest that hers usually have. Fortunately, her eccentric outfits and words of wisdom are peppered throughout to keep the story moving along while Thomas's characteristic black-and-white illustrations provide nice visuals. Full of new vocabulary words and information about fables, this slightly didactic first chapter book is a must for Gooney Bird fans.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—A mother speaks to her young daughter of milestones to come in her life, first recalling her infancy ("One day I counted your fingers and kissed each one"), and then contemplating her future ("Someday you will swing high—so high, higher than you ever dared to swing"), her adulthood ("Someday I will watch you brushing your child's hair"), and her old age ("Someday, a long time from now, your own hair will glow silver in the sun. And when that day comes, love, you will remember me"). The pen, ink, and watercolor sketches have the same soft sentimentality as the text. The artist's use of white space and hand-printed letters gives a childlike innocence to the book. However, its greeting-card quality will appeal more to new mothers and gift-givers than to children. Barbara M. Joosse's Mama, Do You Love Me? (Chronicle, 1991) is a better choice for libraries.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

K-Gr 3—When Hugo, an elephant, finishes his painting of an electrical outlet, he realizes that he has painted everything in Cornville and is fresh out of ideas. His canine friend, Miles, suggests a trip to Paris for inspiration. Days of exploration prompt the artist to consider various possibilities, such as becoming Van Hugo, who paints impressions of his feelings; working in one color as "Hue-Go"; or creating "Hugo-mongous" canvases. But it is his vision of a completely different Paris as he views the city from atop the Eiffel Tower that finally convinces Hugo to return to Cornville where he "can paint everything all over again, only differently." The cartoon illustrations, rendered in pencil and digitally colored, pro-vide an ample supply of visual jokes. Cornville is the home of "Soft's Hardware" and "Munchie's Grocery." "Get There Air" takes Hugo and Miles to Paris and "Been There Air" flies them home. The myriad subjects of Hugo's paintings are quite amusing, and there are disguised works by Raphael, Hals, Van Gogh, and others in the museums. The paintbrushes and wrenches on the endpapers exemplify the two friends' occupations, and the French street map, passport, and guide-book on the title pages foreshadow their trip. This story, along with Michelle Markel's Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall (Holt, 2005), can spark a discussion about new ways to see everyday objects.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Mammano has added another winning title to her series featuring adventurous rhinoceroses. Here, they have put away their surf-, snow- and skateboards to become intrepid firefighters. They brave burning buildings, fight "major ragers," and report to the scene of multiple-car crashes. Some work as smoke jumpers or rescue townsfolk from sweeping floods. The kindhearted heroes also make "band-aid calls" to pluck stranded kittens out of trees. When they are not out on their "rig," there is plenty to keep the rhinos busy in the firehouse. They joke around as they wash and maintain the trucks, but when the bell clangs, the "rhinos who rescue are off again!" The text is sprinkled with firefighting terms collected in a glossary of "Rescue Rap." Psychedelic illustrations increase the action and sense of adventure. The collagelike watercolors feature mosaic backgrounds and orange flames resembling exotic flowers. The unusual text layout in waves and arcs further enhances the excitement. This enjoyable story may be paired with Nancy E. Shaw's Sheep in a Jeep (Houghton, 1988) for a fun-filled storyhour.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 3–5—Vietnamese and American cultural assumptions are woven seamlessly into the plot in this accessible and inviting story. Nine-year-old Binh is fascinated to know that she has an American aunt, who at age five was sent to the U.S. as part of Operation Babylift. Now Di, 35, comes to Vietnam to visit her birth mother and other relatives. Binh knows that all Americans are rich and imagines her aunt taking her home with her to live in the house that looks so enormous in photos. Binh, too poor to attend school, is embarrassed to tell her aunt that she helps her family eke out a living by selling fruit from a cart, and Di knows little of Vietnamese culture. With some final, brave efforts at communicating, Binh finally helps Di sort out what is and isn't offensive in Vietnam, and the tension is dispelled. Direct language, a balance of simple and complex sentences, and a generous use of white space will pull in younger readers, giving them more depth than is typical in early chapter books. Despite unfamiliar words and a rather large cast of characters, the story of Binh and her family shines through the spare text, creating a welcome chance to experience another culture. Pair this with Andrea Warren's Escape from Saigon (Farrar, 2004) for a nonfiction look at the same topic.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

PreS-Gr 2—Louisiana life is good for a sonorous-voiced rooster with a blue head and the brown hen named Miss Cleoma. That is, until a bad bout of chicken measles steals the rooster's crow and makes him ripe for Mrs. Miser's "silent rooster stew." A desperate Miss Cleoma two-steps a "rooster-in-danger dance" down the road, seeking help from Mr. Joe Beebee, the best musician around. Meanwhile, Mrs. Miser's attempts to grab her ax to deal with the rooster are delayed as farmyard animals pitch veggies in front of her (think of the Greek myth of Atalanta and the Golden Apples) that simply must go into the stew first. Mr. Joe Beebee comes to the rescue, gathering neighbors and musicians who converge on Mrs. Miser's house ready to create a music-filled party. The rooster is inspired to crow, Mrs. Miser sells her "seven-vegetable stew" to partygoers, and good times ("Bons temps!") are had by all. Saturated in Cajun and Creole cadences and sensibilities, this rollicking, multilayered tale is at once lyrical and tongue-in-cheek funny. The playful illustrations are a clever mix of collage and bright watercolors that feature varying perspectives and impressively expressive poultry. The spreads are overlaid with panels of handmade paper containing the pictures, with chickens dancing a red-dotted trail over, under, and around them. The sheer insouciance of both text and art will have readers dancing the two-step and sharing that chicken joy as well.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 2–6—A celebration of the life of a major fashion designer and independent spirit. Chanel was born poor, was scorned, and ultimately succeeded because of her own talents. "Coco couldn't afford to dress like the corseted ladies of high society and she was never going to be shapely. There was no point in trying to be like them. Instead, she tried to be different." Like Kathryn Lasky's Vision of Beauty (Candlewick, 2000), this imaginative tale should be shared with every child who thinks Jane O'Connor's Fancy Nancy (HarperCollins, 2005) is the epitome of high fashion. The story is accompanied, appropriately, by elegant pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons that capture her struggles as a young woman, as well as her innate sense of style. Viva, Coco.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

K-Gr 3—"Little Red Hen" repurposed. This gritty, sharply graphic woodcut version of the time-honored tale sets our feathered friend and her slothful sidekicks squarely in the present. Lolling in a state-of-the-art media room, glued to an enormous TV, an indolent trio proffers predictable replies to Hen's entreaties for help with her work: "'Not I,' said the Fat Cat. 'Not I,' said the Dirty Rat. 'Not I,' said the Greedy Pig." So it's Hen who plants and waters and weeds her seed, which grows to be the sheltering tree under which her little red chick is born. When, in time, Mother Hen encounters a little cat, a little rat, and a little pig who ask, "Who will let us in to play under the tree?" her response is—you guessed it—"Not I!" Her chick, appalled at Mother's unkindness, calls her out and asks them in. At the end of the day, Hen sends the visitors home with green seeds of their very own. Matthews's hand-painted Japanese woodblock illustrations, black and white and red all over—with, of course, an important touch of green—are striking editorial panoramas that give readers a sense of the tension (and the undeniable connection) between city and country, between environmentalism and careless consumerism, and between egotism and the greater good.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT