Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 2–5—Margarita, a young Guatemalan girl, contemplates her home from her perch on a tree branch. She surveys several scenes—a distant volcano smoking; her gardener working and playing with her dog; and her young neighbors stealing her tricycle. Later, at lunch with her parents and guests, Margarita hears the adults discussing that thieves should be shot. Troubled by her friends' action but frightened for them, she tells her mother that men with guns in a black car took her tricycle, and it doesn't matter because she's too old for it anyway. In true picture-book form, Ruano's illustrations add context and detail to Amado's muted, understated narrative. The expressions on the characters' faces, the details of the houses, and the beauty of the setting are masterfully articulated in the acrylic paintings. The contrast between Margarita's wealth and her neighbors' poverty is evident but not explained. Readers are left to make their own interpretations about the characters' motivations. Because of the ambiguous nature of the story and its themes, this book is best suited to children old enough to understand economic realities and their social implications.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

PreS-Gr 2—This counting book begins with a young pig struggling to fall asleep. She is interrupted by a growing number of adult pigs, each bringing its own distraction, such as, "Five came to bed with a full set of drums" and "Pig number eight was a Spanish dancer." When the youngster can no longer take the chaos, the others apologize and help to make her comfortable as they leave one by one. The story is told in a simple rhyme, the sentences printed in wavelike patterns. The illustrations are bright and humorous, depicting the increasing bedlam. Goodnight, Sweet Pig would not only help small children learn their numbers but would also make an excellent bedtime story for restless children.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library, Harbor City, CA

PreS-K—Filled with sound effects galore, this rollicking read-aloud is perfect for transportation storytimes. The text moves along with a steady rhythm, describing the passengers who occupy the various cars of a colorful train ("Here is the school class off on a trip, and the children yell, Please, sir, please, ma'am...are we there yet?'") followed by a refrain ("and the train goes, Clickerty-click, clickerty-clack…"). The bright retro illustrations look like a 1960s record-album cover. The train and the characters' clothing are depicted in glossy colors and covered with flat floral patterns and other graphic designs. The people's stylized faces are adorned with eyeglasses, freckles, and/or beards and mustaches; surrounded by hair of different shades; and topped with hats of all shapes and sizes. There are many details for children to pore over, like a full tea cart and doily-covered tables for the "ladies off to the races" and the fancy uniforms worn by the "soldiers off on parade." This visually pleasing offering joins a large pantheon of good train titles including Philemon Sturges's I Love Trains! (HarperCollins, 2001) and Donald Crews's Freight Train (HarperCollins, 1978).—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

Gr 1–3—Most of the children in Sean's class have been looking forward to third grade and learning cursive writing. Sean, however, is worried that third grade is "going to take a lot more thinking than second grade had." Nevertheless, he soon becomes excited about his classroom activities. His teacher tells the children about John Hancock and explains that they will be invited to join "The John Hancock Club" when they have mastered cursive. The text is written in short segments and bursts of dialogue to engage reluctant and transitional readers. One quibble: the Caucasian principal and teacher are called Mr. Meeker and Mrs. Tovani, while the African-American cook is simply Rose to both students and teachers. Gustavson's vibrant watercolor illustrations depict a multiethnic group of students and pleasant school scenes. Mr. Meeker is shown getting into the Hancock spirit with his tricorn hat and American-flag tie. Real examples of cursive are incorporated into the page design. The back jacket helpfully features a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence. Borden provides gentle lessons about how new skills take practice to master and how worrying about something can be worse than actually doing it. Many children will relate to Sean's experience.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

PreS-Gr 1—This up-to-date treatment of a high-interest topic is perfect for its intended audience, and children will soak up details like sponges. From "A is for Alarm" to "Z is for Zones," each page introduces a different aspect of firefighting. Crisp, colorful illustrations depict the topics, and thick borders frame the artwork as well as the text boxes at the bottom of the pages. Alphabet letters are placed in the top left-hand corner and cleverly decorated to correspond with the accompanying subject matter. Butler goes beyond the typical explanations of fire trucks and fire stations by providing information on vehicles rarely included in such basic nonfiction. Airport crash rescue vehicles, grass trucks, mobile-command vehicles, quint trucks, and water-rescue vehicles are considered along with such devices as key boxes, outriggers, and thermal imaging cameras. Historical tidbits about bucket brigades and the original duties of Dalmatian dogs are also provided. This accessible resource can be used to supplement community and community-workers curriculum areas.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 3–4—The canine members of the WOOF (Words of Our Friends) Society gather together to hear stories that have been collected from dogs all over the world throughout history. The goal: to prove that dogs are accomplished storytellers who have larger vocabularies than merely "sit" and "fetch." The 11 tales that follow cover many aspects of the animals' lives and are by turns touching, funny, and sad. In "Abu: The Dog Who Ruled Egypt," Abu is catered to by everyone in the Egyptian court, except for Miu, the Royal Cat. However, at night, when it is cold in the kennel, he welcomes the warm presence of the feline curled against his back. In other stories, a garbage disposal is pooch's invisible enemy; Tidbit appears at the Grand Ole Opry with Johnny Cash; a dog learns the importance of a moniker; and a mother dog nurses abandoned kittens. At the end of the evening, the members of WOOF disband, satisfied that they are literate, and look forward to next year when they will be joined by the cats of MEOW. The stories average four to five pages, a length that allows readers to cover one or two in a sitting. Black-and-white pencil-and-ink drawings appear on almost every page, revealing the personalities of each animal and illustrating the setting of their stories. Readers will enjoy seeing the world from a canine's perspective.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA.

Gr 1–3—A mother rabbit gives each of her five sons a daily chore. Readers will understand when George decides to swim, watch TV, and build a fort instead. They may even relate to the bunny when his mother refuses his allowance and assigns him a new job-babysitting. When he is invited to the movies, George promises his brothers that they can come with him if they do his chores. Predictably, this leads to disaster. The story loses credibility when the brother who can dust his room can't dust the living room without destroying it, and so on. The unfortunate hash marks the illustrator uses to represent fur look like razor stubble. "Loudmouth" George is more of a sneak than a loudmouth, and he looks more like an adult than a kid. He also acts like an adult when, after cleaning up after his brothers, he elects to take a nap rather than go to the movies. Responsibility is a hard sell for kids. This book makes it harder.—June Wolfe, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Carter's playful take on the classic song is destined to be a storytime hit. A tractor peeks out from behind the barn doors on the title page, and then it's off to work as Old MacDonald takes it out to the fields for plowing, fertilizing, harvesting, and more. The bouncy text follows the pattern of the familiar song, and kids will love the sound effects, like the seed drill's "Pfffft, pfffft." And if some of the text works a little too hard to fit into the expected rhythm ("Smooth it here./Smooth it there./Maybe Old MacDonald/could find a cultivator.../for his hair!"), kids will be too busy giggling at the artwork to notice (e.g., one scene shows the farmer running under his water sprayer in his underwear on a hot day). Carter's uniquely textured illustrations, created from foam board, drywall compound, and acrylic paint, nearly leap off the pages. As an added bonus, different animals appear throughout, enabling the pictures to be used for the traditional verses as well. Add this one to your programming resource shelf.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS-Gr 1—When Coriander is told to "go," she stays; when she is requested to "stay," she leaves. One day, she decides to relax in the middle of the road, blocking traffic as she pauses to read her magazines. The hen just won't listen to reason. As a traffic jam ensues, a young girl uses some reverse psychology to remedy the situation. Coriander retires back to the henhouse, but she continues to show attitude toward the other chickens there. Although it appears that she is rewarded for resisting positive suggestions, children will be able to relate to her and may even want to talk about their own "Coriander days." Cartoonlike paintings—in one scene, Coriander wears reading glasses-add humor to the text. Choruses of repeated rhymes—"Cluck cluck duck," "Cluck cluck truck"—will perhaps bring participation to this tale.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–4—Stacey's class is putting on a play about the Colonial era and the child is worried because she has terrible stage fright. Aunt Kiki, an actress, shares her experiences with her niece and takes her to Colonial Village to research the life of a 10-year-old girl so that she can get into the part. As the performance begins, her aunt brings a live sheep to join the cast and although it wreaks havoc, it's just what Stacey needs to give her courage. Colorful cartoon illustrations show the busy classroom and Colonial life as replicated at the museum, and text boxes offer facts about the period. Ty has been assigned to work on a volunteer project. As he tries to decide what he'll do, he interacts with his classmates, who tell him about their projects. Meanwhile, he spends his time skateboarding, and readers learn about the necessary equipment and different kinds of moves. The book actually serves two purposes. Children learn about the value of volunteering and various aspects of skateboarding. In the end, Ty takes on too many projects, resulting in disaster. Text boxes throughout give information about volunteering. Colorful cartoons show the boy's skateboarding activities and the chaos caused by taking on more than he can handle. Both books end with suggestions for extending the focus of the stories. Useful readers for extending social-studies units.—Gina Powell, Richneck Elementary, Newport News, VA

K-Gr 3—Coffelt and Tusa have teamed up to create a charming book that meshes text and illustrations seamlessly. A young girl moves back and forth between her divorced parents' homes, along with her canine companion, Fred, who has several bad habits that neither parent appreciates. When the dog wears out his welcome at both homes, the child must forcefully remind the adults that, "Fred stays with me!" and help work out solutions for his naughty behavior. The story unfolds through the voice of the child: "Sometimes I live with my mom. Sometimes I live with my dad. My dog, Fred, stays with me." Her descriptions of what she does at each residence and Fred's constant affection and consistent bad behavior can be read independently by the intended audience. The text, for the most part, appears against a simple white backdrop. Tusa uses gold and brown hues with occasional splashes of red to create a warm tone. The narrator is drawn with a doll-like charm, but it is Fred, with his perky ears and perpetually wagging tail, that holds the most appeal.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS—The frenetic pooch featured in Wiggle (S & S, 2005) is back with a decided bounce in its step. Readers are invited to jump, hop, leap, and bounce balls off their noses and toes along with the playful pooch. Rhymes weave in and out of the pen-and-ink and digitally colored spreads. The cartoon art is eye-catching and as playful as the text, featuring photographed objects like curtains, cabbages, and caps. A final bump and fall brings the silliness to a satisfying conclusion, "But it's better to have bounced and bumped...than never to have bounced at all!" Preschoolers will relish the fun and respond to the infectious energy of this title.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 1–3—An exuberant realtor drags a young couple and their son to a series of possible new homes with catchy, descriptive names. Still, the waves near Breezy Lake Lodge are too splashy, the landscape at Dry River Ranch is too sandy, and the vines around Briarwood Cabin are too thorny. At all of the unsuitable residences the pair, who are expecting another child, implore, "May we see another house, please?" Meanwhile, a raccoon dressed in a long overcoat and bowtie shows off the appealing qualities of a run-down but idyllic farm to the local animals. He invites families of finches, ducks, cats, foxes, and deer to "Raise your babies here." They all agree that the farm is "Perfect." Finally, the real-estate agent takes her clients to see it and they declare, "No other house will do." On the last page, the family—they are now four—stand proudly in front of their refurbished home. The rhyming verse is enhanced by delicately shaded, atmospheric watercolors that aptly contrast the unfriendly settings of the rejected homes with the shady green tranquility of Old Mill Farm. This story does not address the concerns children face when they have to move. However, it does cleverly celebrate the importance of turning an unfamiliar house into a beloved home.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

K-Gr 2—Mrs. Ruler is an unusual teacher: she often talks in rhymes, she wears a ruler in her tall hairdo, and she disciplines children by having them perform acts of kindness. When students ask to participate, she turns her assignment into a class project, and they eventually complete 100 acts of family, school, and community kindness (all listed at book's end). Unfortunately, this story does not measure up to Cuyler's usual high standards, and Mrs. Ruler's singsong speech is annoying. Furthermore, the text often seems preachy. For example, the teacher offers wisdom such as, "A slice of nice makes a mile of smile" and "Good deeds fill needs." The plot is a bit contrived: just when David, a reluctant participant, is looking for good deeds to perform in order to catch up with everyone else, he is presented with an opportunity to rescue the class gerbils. Done in bright hues that reflect the tale's upbeat tone, the cartoon illustrations are playful and inviting. They feature an endearing group of students from different ethnic backgrounds. An additional purchase that may fill a need in some libraries.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

Gr 3–5—Cara is the daughter of the Dragonmaster at the renowned Dragonsdale training farm. She works with dragons every day, mucking out their stalls, caring for their harnesses and tack, and tending the new hatchlings. But her father has forbidden her to do the one thing she wants to most in the world—fly on one—because her mother was killed in a fall. She has bonded with the most unruly dragon in the stables, Skydancer, who refuses to be trained, ridden, or cared for by anyone other than Cara. When a wealthy and cruel girl decides that Skydancer will be her next dragon, Cara is forced to choose whether to obey her father or save the creature she loves. Though this book is set in a fantasy world, it most closely resembles horse books for girls. It is filled with adventure, perils, and triumphs that will keep young readers avidly involved. Full-page black-and-white drawings and spot art are scattered throughout. This story may not be breaking new ground in fantasy literature, but it is a warm, friendly introduction to it that's perfect for young readers.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2—During Health Month, Mrs. Furber's students prepare for a Student Fitness Challenge, including the class mouse, I.Q. He is determined to change his junk-food ways and follow a more active path to win a gold ribbon. He makes a chin-up bar from pencils and a jump rope from a shoelace. I.Q.'s determination and pride in achievement, despite temptations, are excellent models for children who may be resistant to improving their own fitness. Fraser has written an uncomplicated but endearing story that touches on all of the basics of a primary-grade health unit: rest and exercise; the new food pyramid and eating balanced meals; drinking lots of water. Using the pet mouse as the main character makes an often dry subject more fun and avoids pointing fingers at overweight and unfit children. Illustrations add necessary humorous details to keep readers interested. There is a dearth of picture books on this timely topic, and this book fills a need. A good choice for libraries and classrooms.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-K—Poem after poem sings of "feeling dozy,/sleepy, cozy" as friendly-looking animal families prepare for bed. Freedman maintains the same gentle singsong pitch throughout this loose collection of "lullabies," which blend together into tedium. The only signal that a new selection has begun is the sometimes-abrupt change in illustration style, e.g., an earth-toned, smudged pastel of a momma bunny carrying her baby up the stairs is followed by a crisp, bright watercolor of two mice gazing at the moon. This volume lacks any sense of story, and it is too disjointed. Additionally, there is no musical notation. This attractively produced title will suffice for bedtime reading, but won't win any converts from the classics in the already heavily explored genre.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—When Emma insults her younger sister's cat drawing by calling it a scribble, Lucie retaliates by drawing all over the older girl's picture of a sleeping princess. So begins the tale as Lucie follows Scribble Cat into Emma's drawing in search of the beautiful princess who is now obscured behind a tangled bramble of scribbles. After much difficulty, the lines are rolled into a ball and Scribble Cat awakens the sleeping princess with a kiss. Despite Emma's protestations that a kitty and a princess can't get married, they do anyway and live happily ever after. This fresh and imaginative story-within-a-story perfectly captures the logic and tone of children's dialogue, especially two arguing siblings. But the text is only half of the story. Freedman combines two wildly different drawing styles to great effect as she takes readers between reality and her characters' artwork. Her "real world" illustrations are reminiscent of Maurice Sendak's work complete with speech bubbles. The artist's attention to detail is excellent, making it easy to see that Lucie is sorry about ruining Emma's picture without a word being uttered. The amusing antics of Scribble Cat, who looks as though he's been drawn by a preschooler, come alive for readers. Having Lucie's real-world kitty join her in drawings adds another layer of entertainment. A fun and imaginative romp.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 2–4—Mallory is back, and her best friends are about to become related. She is concerned that once Joey's dad marries Mary Ann's mom, they'll be a family and she'll be left out. Her fear seems to be coming true when the three families go on a cruise, where the wedding is to take place, and Joey and Mary Ann make family T-shirts that she isn't a part of and drag her around looking for wedding presents for their parents. Readers will enjoy the details of the cruise and the fancy wedding arrangements on board. The book is well designed, and the frequent black-and-white illustrations enhance this easy chapter book. There is bonus end matter, featuring Mallory's spring break report and a special illustrated scrapbook. Her voice, which is sometimes humorous and sometimes full of self-pity, sounds authentic, and readers are sure to appreciate the happy ending.—Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

K-Gr 2—This counting book depicts 10 mice who are out collecting food. They encounter obstacles on the way that cause them to drop some of it. As the story progresses, readers are asked to identify the numbers of cherries, acorns, ears of corn, etc., after each incident. However, the questions are occasionally confusing. For example, "How many pieces of food fell into the stream?" could be interpreted differently due to the placement of items. The questions are in small font and obscurely placed on each spread. The appealing mixed-media collages of scanned fabrics provide interesting patterns and textures, but are a bit busy for a counting book.—Jessica Lamarre, Medford Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—The tale of "The Three Little Pigs" gets an underwater makeover in this snappy yarn. Three little fish swim out into the deep blue sea to build their homes. Jim builds a "weedy little house," Tim builds a "sandy little house," and Kim takes up residence in a sunken ship. It isn't long before the big bad shark shows up at each successive residence, calling "Little fish, little fish, let me come in!" Children will quickly join in the answering refrain, "Not by the skin of my finny fin fin!" Gorton's whimsical, computer-drawn scenery and electric color palette set just the right tone for Geist's tongue-in-cheek retelling. The bold font is humorously integrated with the art, appearing inside the shark's mouth for emphasis, or swirling along the current with an escaping fish. This spunky tale is a welcome addition to storytime and picture-book collections.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—Each night, the old Fisherwoman casts her rod into the moonlit waters near her home. The Moon looks on and notices that she usually comes up empty-handed. At the new moon, he pays her a visit, wearing sunglasses and hiking boots as a disguise. Each new moon thereafter, he makes additional visits, enjoying tea and conversation with her. He learns that she is really trying to catch him. The high tides are destroying her home and the dock on which she sits. To appease her, the Moon sends the woman a large can of a very luminescent paint. As she paints her cottage, she asks the moonbeams to keep the tides away from her home. This charming book has a wonderful melding of text and illustrations. The deep purples and blues of the nighttime scenes counterbalance the glowing yellows and golds of the moon. Some of the paintings almost glow in the dark. In one, the Moon's light can be seen seeping under the closed door and through the keyhole. In another, its glow brilliantly enhances the woman's laughing face, making her homely features beautiful. Goldberg's text flows almost like the tides and includes words that will gently stretch a young child's vocabulary, e.g., crustacean, luminous, and guffawed. This delightful book is not to be missed.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 2—A girl explains all of the reasons that her dog is anything but ordinary: Lyle knows what W-A-L-K spells, howls at sirens, gets sprayed by skunks, eats grass, chases squirrels, and is afraid of thunder and lightning. The snowballing list of characteristics—from snuggly and smart to smooshed-nose and sneaky—builds on each page. The lively text matches perfectly with the vibrant, playful illustrations, done in bold, richly hued acrylics and oils. The expressive paintings of Lyle drinking out of the toilet bowl and running into the glass door will produce laughs and giggles from readers, and the cumulative nature of the narrative will make it a crowd-pleasing read-aloud. Dog lovers will relate to all of the pup's personality traits and will come to love him as much as his owner does.—Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI

PreS-Gr 1—When Daisy plays at being a spy, and speaks in a special code language, no one understands her and she remains miserably alone. But her mother, who is a good sport, disguises herself as a mysterious stranger and joins in the game. Quirky cartoon illustrations are just right for this offbeat story. Daisy sports oversized sunglasses and a mustache, and arms herself with "secret spy gadgets"—a hair dryer becomes a "baddie zapper," and a brush turns into a telephone. The warm relationship between the six-and-a-half-year-old and her mother, who not only understands but also participates in her daughter's make-believe play, gives this title an edge over other picture books about imagination. It should find a welcome readership.—Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—This edgy story has some British touches and a slightly arch tone that add a lovely fairy-tale flavor to it. When Horace makes a cookie in the shape of a bear, he can't wait to eat it, but then it is dinner time, then he has brushed his teeth, and there is nothing to do but put his gingerbread bear in a tin for safekeeping on his pillow. When Ginger Bear wakes up, there is no one to play with so he decides to bake himself some friends. He makes enough fabulously iced and decorated cookie bears to have a circus, one so thrilling that no one notices the approach of Bongo the dog. While the cookie carnage that follows might rattle a few tender souls, others will beg for a rereading of the crumbled cookie spread, and all will be satisfied by Ginger Bear's clever and considerably safer new career in a bake-shop display window. Wonderful art that matches the text in its ability to be comfortingly familiar and perverse at the same time pleases with a great many witty details and an appealingly varied layout. The nearly psychedelic illustration of Ginger Bear squeezing pink icing over rapturous cookies as the backdrop shimmers with sprinkles is a treat in itself. This is a tasty choice for fans of Traction Man Is Here! (Knopf, 2005) as well as anyone who's enjoyed the various retellings of "The Gingerbread Boy."—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—First introduced in The Mummy and Other Adventures of Sam & Alice (Houghton, 2005), the intrepid siblings are back for more fun. In this set of three intertwined stories, they travel by rocket ship into space; dream up a "genius crocodile" that can do all kinds of things, like invent bubbles that do not pop; and find a pirate's treasure map that leads them to a chest full of gold and jewels. While the text works best if read with an adult, it can be read independently by more advanced beginning readers. Children already familiar with Sam and Alice's imaginary worlds will recognize several references to their first set of adventures in the artwork. The colorful gouache illustrations complement the fanciful plots and add to the book's appeal. Libraries in which the first title is popular will want to consider this one.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Going to visit Grandma is always fun. In this book, it is doubly fun-in English and Spanish. The day begins with "Buenos días/Good morning." Suitcases in a corner of the bedroom and an airplane on a nightstand indicate a trip in the works. A brother and sister and their father leave their New York City apartment in a taxi, board an airplane, and fly over clouds and fields. They take a bus past pastel houses nestled among tropical trees until they reach Abuelita's casa. The soft, pastel shades of the realistic illustrations on full-bleed, full spreads create a warm, cheerful atmosphere. The art tells the story; the one or two words per page are more labels than narrative.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 2–4—Fighting supervillains is a demanding and eventful lifestyle, but as Amazing Techno Dude and his grandmother discover, it doesn't pay the bills. So, Bodacious Backwards Woman decides to advertise for some super-roommates. Unfortunately, 1313 Thirteenth Street isn't exactly the Batcave, and the ad attracts a flock of decidedly subpar heroes—among them Mighty Tighty Whitey (a walking pair of jockey shorts—size extra small), Wonder Boulder (a flying rock in a cape), the Impossibly Tough Two-Headed Infant, Super Vacation Man, and mixed-up canine Blunder Mutt. At first, the housemates are hopeless in the hero department, but gradually they slowly begin to blend their wacky talents to defeat evildoers. Their first adventure pits them against two odoriferous foes—insane stinkbug Queen Smellina and her smelly sidekick Fabian the Flatulent Fiend—who plan to take over the world with super-stench. The second episode takes the Goofballs to a tropical beach resort where the world's crabbiest crook, Mondo Grumpo, is plotting to transform the population into zombie Numbness Nincompoops by eliminating laughter and fun. These stories have less gross-out and body-function humor than the "Captain Underpants" books (Scholastic), but they can't match the controlled absurdity of Dav Pilkey's iconic scatterbrained superhero. Hannan's wild-eyed, exaggerated black-and-white cartoons are reminiscent of his animated Nickelodeon series Catdog. There is some amusing dialogue, especially Granny's bodacious backwards talk, but the total package is more silly than super.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 2–5—A book-loving, cookie-baking rat gives Scheherazade a run for her money in this whimsical collection. When a book on a bench catches his eye, Bob, the castle rat, becomes distracted and soon finds himself in the clutches of the Queen's cats. As the felines prepare to devour the savory rodent morsel, Bob attempts to postpone his fate by plying them with a batch of his fresh-baked cookies and regaling them with his ancestral tales. All of his stories are parodies of classic fairy tales, such as "The Three Pigs," "Jack and the Beanstalk," and "Rumpelstiltskin." Clever wordplay and large doses of humor make this a most enjoyable selection that has great potential as a read-aloud. The black-and-white cartoon-style illustrations add to the fun and will captivate even the most reluctant of young readers.—Debbie Lewis O'Donnell, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 2–4— Just Grace starts with a list of missed opportunities and finishes with the rich possibility of a new friend. In between, third-grader Grace Stewart sends postcards to her next-door neighbor (purporting to be from Crinkles, the neighbor's own cat), draws comics of Not-So-Super ("but still good") superheroes, plays detective with her best friend when Crinkles goes missing, tries to avoid the odious Sammy Stringer, and establishes herself as a true original in a class with not one, but four, Graces. The narrative voice is strong throughout and the story reads like one-part diary, one-part testimonial. The text is interspersed with the child's illustrations and postcards, which nicely divide the story into episodes, as opposed to chapters. A strong cast of supporting characters shares her world. Since Grace claims to have a teeny-tiny superpower ("I can always tell when someone is unhappy, even if that person is pretending to be happy and is a really good actor"), her relationships with these people, and her ability to read them correctly, take on greater significance as the story advances. Grace is a funny, mischievous protagonist who should easily find a place in the pantheon of precocious third graders. Fans of Amber Brown, Clementine, and Judy Moody will love her.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—One snowy day in Maine, the stork delivers an enormous newborn to an astounded family. Narrated in a laconic New Englander's style by his sister, this episodic look at the gigantic baby's first year of life is milked for every ounce of its illustrative worth. Diaper changing requires hazmat suits, fire hoses, and talcum powder dispensed via helicopter; knitting hats and booties for the nipper sends a kindly lady with bandaged hands into catatonia; real boats become the toys in each ocean bath, and eating ice cream means swallowing the truck as well as its wares. Each lush spread in Hawkes's characteristic style uses space and perspective to particular advantage as it focuses on the wicked big toddlah. The many bits of visual humor will keep youngsters poring back and forth over the pages. Though the plot is thin, the sheer exuberance of the pictures and title character will keep children's imaginations stoked with the big-time possibilities of life as a giant.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-K—This cheerful story is just right for kindergarten-bound children and their younger siblings. It works equally well as a counting book and as a school-readiness primer. Often leaping or prancing, a little girl shares her excitement on every page as she starts with seven and counts down to the big day. Both the rhyming verse and the pictures are filled with humor and energy (the sleeping child counts "kindergarten sheep" that wear school backpacks). The computer-generated illustrations are detailed and vibrant. Because the format is small, this book is most appropriate for one-on-one sharing.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

K-Gr 2—When his parents finally cave in to his wish for a pet, George sets out to find one. He arrives home with several inappropriate candidates, including a huge untrained dog, uncaged mice and their babies, and a shark. George is told to return them, and in frustration he demands to know exactly what he can keep. When his mother and father suggest a bird, he makes them promise that they won't send it away. It comes as no surprise when George brings home a loud, insult-shouting parrot with bright red feathers. The text and homey cartoon illustrations are used together to good effect, and the pictures breathe life into this familiar story.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2—Noah tells Giraffe that he can't board the ark until he finds a mate because "That is how it must be." In his travels from deserts to icebergs in search of a "girl just like him," Giraffe asks several animals for help. Kangaroo offers to shorten his neck and paint his spots, while Camel instructs him to "go that way." Giraffe learns to swim on land by merely observing Fish move his fins and tail in the water. When it starts to rain, Giraffe races to catch up with the ark. Once he is pulled aboard, he finds a female companion waiting for him. (One has to wonder how she got onboard alone when he wasn't allowed on the ark without a mate.) Pigni's artfully designed paintings evocatively capture the journey and include a humorous close-up peek inside a mouse hole, and a stark silhouette of the giraffe running alone during the flood. Unfortunately, the text is often stilted, and the many unanswered questions will frustrate readers.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 3—Benny the polar bear has a bakery. Once a week he puts up a sign that says, "Free Broken Cookies Day" and the "children"—a squirrel, a hedgehog, and a bird—love to stop for a treat. One day a bowler-wearing "skinny brown dog" with white markings enters the shop. Benny immediately tells him that "dogs aren't allowed in my bakery" but gives him some food. The illustrations, which vary in size, show a pup who oozes personality as he politely removes his hat before returning a dropped purse to Mrs. Patterson the elephant. When she compliments the baker on his smart dog, Benny replies, "He's not my dog," and she winks knowingly at Brownie as he hangs out outside the bakery. Sure enough, Benny begins to imagine Brownie lying by the fireplace in his home. Acrylic paint, gouache, watercolors, and color pencil in somewhat muted tones give a realistic, weather-beaten look to buildings, and expressive faces and postures bring the characters to life. The polar bear is wearing a white chef's hat and coat, yet the white shades are distinctive, and the animals' clothing is patterned and colorful. At the end of the story, a new sign is posted proclaiming "everyone welcome." This is a well-crafted picture book that children will appreciate; they are most likely to pick up on the theme of exclusion and enjoy the humorous details and happy ending.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—In Catch a Thief, the two friends suspect Cat of breaking into their piggy bank and, later, of looting the farmer's jewelry box. Pup and Hound trail her all day to gather evidence, but, to their surprise, she is the one who finds the real thief. In Hatch an Egg, Pup finds an egg in the grass and tries to return it to Duck and then to Mother Hen. Both mothers deny ownership, and when the egg eventually hatches, it turns out to be a baby turtle—a new friend for Pup and Hound. Both books have appealing characters and all of the requisites for a successful beginning reader. Plenty of white space, lots of visual clues, and large bold print with a minimum of words on each page are all evident, but these books rise above the average with lively, interesting story lines, a few dashes of suspense, and satisfying conclusions. The simple vocabulary is sprinkled with occasional more challenging words ("hangdog," "disaster," "cufflinks"). Bouncy rhymes add to the fun, and the gentle humor provides some subtle life lessons. Both books are perfect choices for the youngest beginning readers.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

PreS-Gr 1—A crisp and spare aesthetic gives immediate appeal to this simple story of a demanding bear. Clearly a self-appointed king of any domain, this blue tyrant wearing a golden crown and a red cape has a to-do list that includes, "Do what I want. Take me where I want to go. HURRY UP!" Unsurprisingly, Bossy Bear's ways leave him all alone. An encounter with someone new—a patient, toothy turtle—leads to Bossy Bear's enlightenment. Vibrant colors, a clean layout, and small bits of text just begging for a dramatic delivery make this picture book a natural for read-alouds. Fans of the narrative style in Mo Willems's "Pigeon" books (Hyperion) and parents seeking behavior-related tales will welcome this tidy story.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-K—Horse, Sheep, and Pig want to dance on a moonlit night but worry that their leaping and bouncing may wake their little ones (who are not really asleep). They put some straw on the floor to muffle the sound and start to frolic, but one by one their exuberance lands them in trouble, and they retire to the bed of hay. Once they are asleep, the youngsters go outside to cavort until sunrise. The action appears on single pages and spreads framed by white borders. The bright gouache illustrations reflect the happy mood of the animals, but the pictures follow the text exactly and do not add anything special to the story. For some unexplained reason, the mother horse, pig, and sheep all have a blue flower tucked behind their right ears, which is distracting. Although the rhyme is cheerful, the story is slight. With so many other books about dancing farm animals available, including Bill Martin, Jr.'s Barn Dance! (Holt, 1986), this one is not an essential purchase.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Isadora drops her simplified and humorless retelling of Andersen's tale into an African setting without adding meaningful cultural context to this story of a prince who travels the continent looking for a wife. Africa is treated as one culture except for three spreads that show individual princesses. These spreads are wordless except for a phrase: "Iska Waran," "Selam," or "Jambo, Habari." No translation is provided in the body of the book, so readers only learn on the last page that the words mean "hello" in three different languages. Awkward phrasing like "What a sight the rain and the wind had made her look" slows the pace of the story. Isadora uses oil paints on palette paper and decorative print paper to interpret the story visually and infuses her art with exuberant color and stylized figures. The prince and his entourage appear as shadowy figures that contrast dramatically with the deep reds and oranges of a setting sun. The three princesses are vividly portrayed: one is covered in body tattoos and looks menacing, another has light skin and an elegantly long neck covered in multicolored jewelry, and a third is dark and heavy. Faces exhibit paint strokes and look flat with minimal expression. One effective spread shows the "real" princess perched on top of "twenty feather beds on top of the mattresses" as she complains to the king and queen that she is "black and blue all over." An additional purchase.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 3—Henry loves books. In fact, he literally devours them. And the more he eats, the smarter he gets. When he starts eating too many too fast, he can no longer digest them, and their contents get all mixed up. The simple cartoon illustrations twinkle with humor and feeling. Done in paint and pencil on smart backdrops—pages from old books—the pictures set the stage for the quirky story. When forced to give up eating his favorite volumes, Henry eventually learns to enjoy reading them. However, an actual bite taken out of the back cover suggests he still succumbs to the occasional indulgence. This well-done package will charm its audience. The snappy text works well for reading aloud, but older children will enjoy exploring the subtle details hidden in the illustrations and backgrounds.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—Pauline Poulet reveals all in this tale of adventure. After hearing the farmer plotting to put her in a chicken pie, the plucky hen escapes her dreary life of doing nothing but laying eggs and winds up in a scary wood. She outfoxes the fox chasing her, and her new motto is born: "Pauline, Prevail!" But things get worse when she falls into the river and is picked up by pirate cats; she barely escapes the bloodthirsty ship's cook and, after a slight problem with a hot-air balloon and a kite, she lands safely in a petting zoo, where she takes up residence happily ever after. Slack's digital mixed-media illustrations are wacky and cartoonish, and the text ripples with big, impressive words befitting the exaggerated nature of Pauline's adventures: "I navigate high altitudes,/an aeronaut with fortitude./Above me burns a blaze of stars,/below the view blurs fast and far." Language-arts teachers will have a field day with this one, and the tone and zany sensibilities of the story and pictures are a perfect match for the funny bones of an early elementary audience.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 3–5—While these fictionalized stories will be helpful in lessening children's self-blame about obesity and empowering them to improve their lives, they are extremely simplified and make the process of losing weight seem much easier than it really is. They also assume that parents are willing (and able) to change the family's eating habits. The texts are identical, except for the names of the characters. Matt (in the boys' edition) and Patty (in the girls' edition), both 10, have made some unhealthy choices that have caused them to become severely overweight. Finally, a pediatrician explains the dangers of obesity, and the children and their parents commit to a healthy lifestyle. These books show how both characters overcome outside influences and begin to make better decisions for themselves. Black-and-white full-page drawings, in a coloring-book style, appear throughout. These books will help educate children, obese or not, about health issues, as well as the social implications of being overweight.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

PreS-Gr 1—Little Rabbit and his imaginary best friend do everything together until the youngster starts school. While Harry's status is never explicitly stated, he is represented by a blank space, and the bunny's friends call him "Imagine Harry." The text strikes a balance between humor and understanding without patronizing Little Rabbit. His mother is good-natured about her son's request for two lemonades and four cookies so that he can share with his companion, but her patience begins to wears thin after he says he cannot go to bed, wash his hair, or eat Brussels sprouts because of Harry. As Little Rabbit adjusts to school and his life begins to fill up with new friends and activities, Harry fades away until one day he is startled to realize that he has not seen his imaginary playmate in weeks. The acrylic illustrations reflect the gradual change, as the empty spaces become less prominent and eventually disappear. Warm tones of apricot, blue, and brown infuse the pictures, reinforcing the themes of acceptance and love. Detailed settings emphasize the importance of home and school in the rabbit's life, such as multiple family photos hanging on the walls. The family is composed of himself and his mother, a fact that is never mentioned but will be appreciated by single parents looking for books that reflect their own lives. Make room on the shelf for this warm, funny story.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 1—The squishy toy Holstein is back for another adventure. This time, Cow's mother (a hippopotamus vase) has chipped her nose and cannot go to the store. Cow takes the list, and so begins a zany trip through the aisles. The well-placed, nearly full-page, vivid color photographs on a white background show Cow taking the school bus to the market, riding on the cart, selecting produce ("Yum, bananas" reads the caption under a picture of pineapples), addressing fish that stare back ("Excuse me, ladies, where would I find the mayonnaise?"), going through the checkout, and arriving back home to a treat of "ice cream" that looks an awful lot like frozen peas. This silly romp is sure to delight children.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 3—When his parents fear that Rufus will not make it in the cold, cruel world, they enroll him in the Big Bad Wolf Academy to learn huffing and puffing, the art of disguise, and sheep as a foreign language. Poor Rufus doesn't fit in with the other students, who practice being wolves in sheep's clothing and debate the best way to enter a henhouse. On moonlit nights and sunny days, he finds better things to do than prepare for exams. Yet when the hunters come, he saves everyone by doing what wolves do best and graduates with a special medal. Sneed's watercolors of lean, lanky, yellow-eyed creatures give the story a slightly sinister dimension, and the contrast between the posturing wolves at the academy and Rufus's more naturalistic poses is striking. While they walk on two feet, Rufus is usually shown on all four and looks out of his element at his desk or in costume. Krensky's tale cleverly points out the limitations of storybook wolves and the advantages of being true to one's own nature. This story pairs well with the many fairy tales that feature wolves as villains.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 2–5—A pleasant family outing takes a surreal turn. A little girl begins, "I went to the zoo with my mom and dad," then lists the various animals they visit. The pictures, however, tell another story. Somber gray and dark-blue-toned illustrations depict humans looking into empty cages. The girl darts away, following a peacock into a colored landscape. As her frightened parents search for her, the child plays with an increasing assortment of vividly hued animals before she is found sleeping on a bench. She finishes, "I love the zoo. It's very exciting. Mom and Dad think so too." Lee's illustrations, a complex mix of pastels, pen and ink, and collage, are full of intriguing details. At the beginning, the child is grayish like the rest of the landscape. When she is with the animals, she is depicted in color. Even after she rejoins her parents, her cheeks, coat, and single boot are a bright pink. The cover and endpaper illustrations contain important elements that inform one's interpretation of the events. Before the story begins, readers see an empty monkey house and an ape leaving through a hole in the fence to join other beckoning animals. The back cover shows the animal back in the monkey house, admiring a small pink boot. This sophisticated picture book may be best appreciated by older readers who are willing to explore its complicated visual images.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 3–5—Twelve-year-old Shoshana and her family set out for Amsterdam in 1854 but end up in the New World after a pirate attack puts them off course. Landing at the port of "Nieuw Amersterdam" after a precarious voyage from Brazil, the Levys have to overcome prejudice to make a place for themselves in the Dutch community. Shoshana, whose name means "rose" in Hebrew, longs to see an actual rose, and while searching for one in the woods she befriends a Lenape Indian, Ogin, whose name also means "rose." Their friendship alarms Shoshana's mother, whose own prejudice toward the Indians adds a bit of drama to this thin story and leads to a contrived conclusion. Rather than enhancing the plot and bringing depth to the characters, the historical and cultural descriptions of both the Jews and the Lenapes often read like separate texts, weakening the narrative. In addition, there is a great deal of didactic contemporizing that detracts from the integrity of the story. For example, discussions about doing one's homework, getting good grades, and the harm to children of separated parents seem more appropriate in present-day America than in Colonial times. In spite of addressing an interesting and underrepresented period in the history of the Jewish people that might have wide appeal, this book is at best suited for the niche market that has an interest in Gali Girl dolls and other products.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3—In this unique take-off on "Casey at the Bat," the New York Pets are playing the Boston Beasts in the World Series. Each team has quite a beastly lineup. Boston catcher Armand the Octopus has lots of gloves at his disposal. Sliding into third base is a scary thought with the Pets' Lance Porcupine on the bag. However, it is Tulip Hippo who wins the day for New York when she bunts a ball so hard that the Beasts have to dig it out of the ground. Readers will thoroughly enjoy the antics of these animal athletes. The rhyme works most of the time, and it is witty and silly and lots of fun. The illustrations burst with color and action, and they're done with a perspective that puts viewers right on the field. Although young Boston fans might have preferred a different ending, this rollicking good read is a winner.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Another tender offering from the creators of I Love You Like Crazy Cakes (Little, Brown, 2000). Here, a mother relates her thoughts and emotions on her daughter's birthdays, reflecting on the child's birth in China ("I wasn't there, but I was thinking about you as I waited at home to be your new mother"), recalling a first birthday enjoyed with family and friends, describing how her daughter became an American citizen at age two, and so on, to her fifth birthday, which is spent at a riverbank picnic watching a colorful dragon-boat festival. The text alternates between specifics of each celebration and a scrapbook of the mother's thoughts ("…I think about how quickly your gurgles have turned to giggles. It seems like just yesterday when I met you."). Throughout, the mother preserves her daughter's Chinese heritage and includes multicultural layers in her upbringing. Dyer's delightful watercolor illustrations highlight the most touching points of the story. The birthday cakes reflect the themes and add an element of fun to an otherwise poignant book. The pictures match the pace of the text, getting brighter and busier as the years go by and the child becomes more active. The book ends fittingly with the Chinese character for "family," which "is a synonym for 'home.'" A sweet, gorgeously illustrated book that's perfect for family sharing.—June Wolfe, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, MA

PreS-Gr 2—The story picks up where Olvina Flies (Holt, 2003) leaves off, with the fearful chicken and her penguin friend in Hawaii. Hailey encourages her pal to overcome her fear of the water in stages, first in the bathtub, then in the pool, and finally in the ocean. In the end, Olvina learns to enjoy the water and appreciate a helpful friend. Lin's straightforward story will reassure nervous young swimmers. Both the text and art include whimsical moments and images, such as the ocean-dwelling fish sporting top hats and caps. The full- and half-page spreads, executed in gouache, feature delightful patterned borders and fabric designs in sunny colors. Pair this with Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz's Froggy Learns to Swim (Viking, 1995) for a storytime that youngsters can dive into.—Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—A companion to the author's entertaining Follow the Line (Viking, 2006). Here, Ljungkvist takes her acrobatic line and rhyming text into a house and invites children to locate common items inside a toolbox, a refrigerator, a medicine cabinet, a toy box, etc. While the line challenges and trains the eye to follow it, the text poses some questions and suggests activities such as counting like objects, choosing clothing to wear to the beach or to a party, and deciding what foods are needed to make a sandwich. The author uses a mixture of bright and muted colors and includes some of her daughter's drawings to decorate the playroom. Some family photos and even a postcard written in Swedish appear in the attic treasure box. Objects like an old rotary phone and a record player will likely intrigue children and possibly even stump them; that just adds to the fun. The last page cleverly sends children back to look again by asking, "As you were exploring, did you see a mouse?" or "A few things were put in spots that were wrong. Where do those things really belong?" While not as flashy bright as Walter Wick's "I Spy" books (Scholastic), this clever, interactive offering is a welcome addition to the genre. Children will line up to check it out.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—With few words and one gray-striped cat, Lobel addresses a universal and complex theme. Her pictorial description of the feline's home, outside and in, precedes the text; Nini faces outward, her engaging eyes directed toward readers. She surmises from the piles of clothes, equipment, toys, and books that her family is going away, and she attempts to find a perfect perch from which she won't be left behind. She is discovered and placed in a case, and meows herself to sleep. Nini dreams of glorious adventures until her case is unzipped and she is coaxed out into an unfamiliar, yet glorious, sun-dappled landscape. The story concludes with her finding another comfortable perch, again on a windowsill. The sun sets, the moon rises; Nini explores her new surroundings knowing that her family is close by. Lobel's vibrant watercolor and white gouache illustrations and her nod to Matisse's decorative motif, line, and color visually engage readers. Nini's curious eyes and playful gestures, and the warm embrace of the arms that hold her, convey emotions and comfort to those who are wary of being left behind.—Marian Creamer, Children's Literature Alive, Portland, OR

K-Gr 3—This metaphysical fish story is awash in diverse symbolism, literary devices, and oblique mystical and doctrinal references in both text and art. Jarred from sleep by a tsunami that strikes the shores of his village and strands a hapless whale outside his window, Joe and his grandmother, May, ascend their chimney and climb to the tip-top of the great creature, where all the townsfolk (and "even the Owl who had lived in the Clock Tower") have congregated. What to do? Make mincemeat of the poor beached behemoth? No—better refer to the higher powers of nature and wait for an answer. Owl asks the Wind, the Wind asks the Sun, the Sun asks the Moon, and the Moon asks the Innumerable Stars. Their enigmatic reply? Sing! The Rain Song brings a deluge, the town floods, the whale floats, and the townspeople are now stranded, atop its back. Whale drinks, land appears, the landlubbers are returned to terra firma, and the leviathan is returned to the bay. Lucas's pictures are sort of quirky opera buffa, complete with Japanese-inspired waves and a cast of characters costumed in his now-signature bizarre chapeaux. There's a message in there somewhere (in fact, there may be two or three), but it's all a bit esoteric for the intended audience.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

PreS-Gr 1—The animal friends from Hondo & Fabian (Holt, 2002) return for another adventure. This time, readers follow Fabian the cat out the window while Hondo the dog stays home with the baby. Illustrated with pencil on watercolor paper artwork, McCarty's second installment is characterized by the same color schemes, softened shapes, and low light as the first book, and depicts equally likely experiences for a cat on the lam and a dog stuck inside with a toddler. Fans of the first title will find neither disappointments nor surprises here.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 2—Vivid hues, clean visual elements, and simple language combine to create a successful and eye-catching concept book. The rhyming text begins: "Follow the leader/and count with me/the fish that live/beneath the sea…." Sturdy pages with see-through die-cuts depict an increasing number of colorful aquatic species on each successive spread. When youngsters reach the book's end ("here come 10…"), they are invited to "Follow the leader and do it again!" (the phrase is printed across the page bottom and curves up the right-hand margin, making it natural for readers to rotate the book and hold it upside down). The same pictures in reverse order count down from "Ten fish" to "One fish left," where the volume can be turned once more to start all over again. MacDonald's "round and round" design works well, especially since the underwater illustrations can be viewed from either direction. The layouts are varied, with an appealing mix of shapes and colors. A fun book for beginning counters that will be enjoyed again and again.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—In this humorous introduction to the concept of division, 2 bugs gather 13 beans and try to devise a way to share them evenly. Flora and Ralph think of several scenarios but in the end they still have "bean thirteen" left over. Even inviting their friends for dinner doesn't resolve the problem. Whether they plan on one guest or six, the beans cannot be arranged into equal portions. Then Ralph accidentally knocks the beans to the floor as their company arrives. He places all 13 into one bowl and each guest takes as many as he or she would like to eat. This resolves the problem, but leaves Flora and Ralph wondering who ended up consuming unlucky "bean thirteen." The story's pacing and the dialogue between the two bugs help children analyze the situation and follow the different possible grouping solutions. The large, limalike beans are a great visual aid and are easy to see when the book is read aloud. Done in pen and ink with digital effects, the cartoon illustrations feature bright hues and slightly off-kilter perspectives that will appeal to children. Youngsters will undoubtedly enjoy this funny tale; teachers will truly appreciate the connections it makes to their curriculum and the use of manipulatives in math.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 2–3—In this sequel to Willy the Scrub (2004) and Whitewater Scrubs (2005, both Darby Creek), Rufus decides to take ballet in hopes of improving his performance on the football field. The other players, Rufus's coach, and even his friends tease him about tights and tutus, but in the end the boy's new skills help the team win the big game. Although the story is predictable, the characters are appealing and the fast narrative pace will hold children's attention. Male and female stereotypes are explored through various people's reactions to Rufus and his (all-girl) ballet class. McEwan also takes aim at the intensity with which some people approach youth sports. Although the topics are serious, they are handled with a light touch. Small, cartoon-style illustrations are included at the beginning of each chapter and add another layer of humor to the text. Ballet terms, football action, and funny situations combine to make this an enjoyable transitional book for children ready to take the next step up from beginning readers.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

PreS-K—On the first day of kindergarten, Eliza misses her mother. She's too sad to sing, play tag with classmate Ruth, or eat a snack. Not even the kiss her mother put in the pocket of her jumper near to her heart helps ease her longing. During the course of the morning, she collects various objects that remind her of her beloved parent: two blue buttons like her shoes; a smooth bright pebble like her skin; and a red napkin like her dress. Still, "her pocket felt empty, too empty inside." Then she spies a bit of golden yarn, just like her mother's hair, and she gets the idea to make a clothespin mommy doll to keep in her pocket. "During music, Eliza and Mommy sang every song." At recess, "Eliza and Ruth and Mommy all played tag." At the end of the day, the little girl is surprised to learn that she, too, has been missed—her mother reveals the child's photo tucked into the pocket of her dress, and then "she headed home with one Mommy by her heart and the other by her side." The bright acrylic cartoons feature the blond-haired, blue-eyed girl and her mother—a taller, thinner version of herself—against a sunny yellow background. While the story is somewhat predictable and sentimental, it is reassuring and may inspire some creative doll making. An additional purchase for back-to-school blues or Mother's Day.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

PreS-Gr 2—McPhail's illustrations are as sweet and whimsical as ever in this endearing story of friendship. During a picnic on the riverbank, Rat informs Bear that it's a special day; Rat has remembered Bear's birthday even though Bear has not. Rat even has a surprise present for his pal, something that "has four letters and begins with a B." Just then, a boat floats down the river, and Bear jumps aboard, assuming that it is his gift. Rat joins him, explaining that the boat is not for Bear, and they row upstream, looking for its owner. After a brief adventure, they return to the picnic basket, and Rat gives Bear his gift, a ball that he happily balances on his nose. This picture book is divided into four brief chapters. The story reads aloud smoothly and the vocabulary is appropriate for beginning readers with some experience. The pen-and-ink and watercolor paintings are saturated with warm summer hues and support the quiet text with humor and élan. The affection shared by the two friends is conveyed through both the narrative and the artwork.—June Wolfe, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, MA

PreS-Gr 2—On her seventh birthday, the narrator helps her mother select a sari to put on for her party and they recall the various occasions at which she wore each beautiful outfit. In the process, readers learn that the girl's mother only dons a sari for special events, while her grandmother dresses in one every day. The child pleads to be allowed to wear one and her mother finally agrees, saying, "just today, because it's your birthday." Mama wraps the cloth around her, finishing with bangles and a bindi (a decorative mark worn on the forehead). The child's happiness is evident in her expression as she tells her mother, "I think I look like you!" The colorful, detailed acrylic illustrations complement the simple storyline by showing the designs of the various saris mentioned in the text. A glossary of the Hindi words is provided. A pleasant offering about family traditions that depicts a positive interaction between mother and daughter.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS-Gr 2—Pete enjoys watching his father shave until, one morning, Dad unexpectedly shaves off what little hair is left on his balding head. The boy spends the day contemplating this new style, observing how other men handle hair loss and, with his mother, looking at photos of Dad's various hairdos through the years. At bedtime, Dad asks Pete if he should keep the new look and the child answers by giving him a kiss on his bare head. Quite a few youngsters can identify with the experience of having a parent radically alter his or her appearance, and the author subtly examines the emotions that these changes stir up. O'Malley's digitally colored cartoon artwork underscores the tale's humor. Although the illustrations are uneven and occasionally suffer from poor page placement, they are animated and mesh well with the buoyant text. Despite the book's shortcomings, this lighthearted story could encourage fathers to explore their own hair loss with their children.—Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—Mayer's Terrible Troll (Dial, 1968; o.p.) has been redone in full color, which gives the story new life and vitality. A little boy wishes he lived a thousand years ago so that he could be a squire to the bravest knight and encounter kings, queens, knights, dragons, and trolls. Funny details abound in every picture as he imagines polishing the knight's armor, sharpening his sword, and being rescued from a huge dragon. If a troll were terrorizing the countryside, the knight and his squire would fight him and the victor would emerge. It is then that the child decides he no longer wishes to live during this period. This fresh version of an old favorite should find a place in all picture-book collections.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—As her father puts lunch on the table, Emily Greene decides to make herself scarce. The rhyming text consists of her father's gentle, loving voice. "She must be hungry—it's time for lunch/I want her, I need her, I miss her a bunch." The oblong format allows for generous backgrounds with plenty of places for the father to search and the child to hide. Emily and an ever-present striped cat watch as the man looks in the drawer, under the rug, on top of the desk, in the tub, and behind the chair—almost everywhere. He's about to look inside a jewelry box when the game comes to an end. "Here she is, before my eyes—/Emily Greene, what a surprise!" The warm, reassuring rhymes are perfectly paired with Davenier's soft watercolor paintings in reds and greens and gold. The child, who readers are told, "loves the color red,/and roses and rhymes and ribbons and bread," is dressed in red, and her room is papered with roses. Mazer's picture book celebrates the special bond between fathers and daughters, making it perfect for a shared read-aloud.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 2—Meserve's story treats the classic theme of a younger sister struggling to keep up with her older sibling. Small is always in the shadow of Big, both literally and figuratively. At the beginning of the tale, Small is depicted as a fleshed-out character, while readers see only Big's shadow, always looming larger than her sister's body. One day the teasing goes too far, and Small lashes out by letting Big's prized parrot out of its cage. She soon regrets her actions and runs away, but she doesn't go far—just out to the meadow where she sees the parrot in a tall tree, with Big—now fully depicted as a person—sitting underneath it. She is too frightened to climb the tree. Predictably, Small is unafraid and quickly rescues the bird. That feat makes her bigger in her sister's eyes, and the two walk off together. Done in digital media, the illustrations are large and crisp. The details in the backdrops-a bright patchwork quilt, a textured braided rug, a dainty white tea set—are vividly depicted, and the outdoor scenes are colorful and soft. The girls are a little stiff, more obviously computer generated. This is a pleasant book, but there's nothing special or original about it.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 1–4—From the wide-open spaces of southern British Columbia comes this fictionalized tale of a mother grizzly bear and her cubs. In a documentary style, the story follows Mother Bear from the winter she birthed her last three cubs until her 27th and last hibernation. Using matter-of-fact language, the author treats her subjects with genuine respect and obvious admiration. She writes of topics like nursing, scent trails, and aging in the same casual tone as hibernation and eating. A beautiful example comes after she crawls into her last den: "…a crying storm descended upon the slope. But the grizzly knew nothing of it. She was already gone, past drowse and beyond winter. Her memory she left with every cub she had ever reared; her body she released to the mountain." The authentic portrayal of the animals makes the pastel illustrations an apt fit for the book's style. Bang portrays the cubs as small bears, not teddy bears. The focus of the art stays on the activities in the text with a few generous glimpses of the scenic views. When appropriate, the illustrator shows honest expressions on the face of mother bear. The length of the story and the slightly sophisticated vocabulary mark this as a read-together book. The informative nature of this honest tale will make it as educational for readers as it is enjoyable.—June Wolfe, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, MA

K-Gr 3—Little Melvin loves his library, and his librarians—Marge, Leeola, and Betty—are his very favorite people. As he grows up, they help him learn about his world and explore all kinds of things. And when Melvin finishes college, he chooses to join the noble ranks of their profession and help other children learn wonderful things just like he did. Morris is—you guessed it—a children's librarian herself, and her enthusiasm for the field permeates her narrative. But it's Sneed's animated, startlingly accurate depictions of contemporary libraries that make the story engaging. Librarians will also recognize other, less prominent details incorporated into the background, like the covers of several Caldecott Award-winning picture books, successfully rendered in miniature with just a few deft brushstrokes of watercolor. Morris delivers a quaint story, but Sneed makes it possible for readers to smell the very bindings of the books and hear the shuffle of feet across the carpeted floor. This title will be a surefire hit with librarians; whether or not it will also appeal to children is more difficult to predict.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 4—Rachel and her younger brother are placed in foster care after their mother leaves. Frightened and worried, they meet a number of people such as police, caseworkers, lawyers, court-appointed guardians, judges, and volunteers who help them understand what is happening and help them navigate the difficulties of their new situation. Still, they want to know when they can be reunited with their mother. When Gilbert finds a dog, he names him Spud, and hides him in a shed. All of the children at the home love the animal but forget to feed him. When he runs away, they realize that just because they love Spud doesn't mean that they know how to take care of him, and that he needs to live where he can be properly cared for. Through this, Rachel begins to understand her own situation and is able to explain it to Gilbert. The full-color illustrations, many full-page, reinforce the story and provide additional visual information (such as what a courtroom looks like). The story of the unintentionally neglected dog provides an analogy that children can understand, and a difficult, complex situation is depicted with clarity and compassion. Boxes offer brief but accessible information such as "a supervised visit means another grownup will be there to make sure that you are safe." The five-page glossary is thorough and clear. A thoughtfully assembled book that will fill a need in many collections.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr