Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 1–4—Unlike previous books about the Hidden Forest, which retold traditional fairy tales through a series of letters, this fourth installment uses a newspaper format. Through articles, opinion pieces, and even sports and international pages, several issues of the Hidden Forest News provide the scoop on Jack and the Beanstalk and report on an Italian toymaker who has gone missing while searching for his puppet/son and a race between a hare and a tortoise. Headlines, columns, and black-and-white spot art tell Jack's tale from a variety of viewpoints. Things are livened up by occasional full-color pages painted in bright watercolors that show Hidden Forest residents producing, delivering, and reading the paper. Fans of the series will find their favorite characters in the articles, editorial bylines, and even the advertisements (Mr. Wolfy Lupus is running a summer camp for children). While there is much fun here, the format does make the plot considerably more complicated. Readers unfamiliar with the featured stories may struggle to follow along, while older children who would enjoy the humor may be put off by art with such a young tone. Purchase where the other books are popular.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—Otis has sold the very last antique from his shop when the richest woman in town strides in asking what's for sale. When the shopkeeper replies, "Uh, nothing," she makes an offer for it. "'I have a lot of things,' said Suzie, but I've never had nothing.'" Remembering his father's words that the customer is always right, Otis sells her…nothing. Neighboring store owners witness this and begin to sell nothing of their own, and soon the entire town is throwing out everything they own in order to make room for nothing. When the original buyer discovers that nothing means no towels, bathrobes, or other comforts in her now-empty home, she marches back to Otis's Antiques and finds that the dealer has stocked up on all the discards resulting from the "nothing" buying frenzy. She buys everything he has and leaves just as the richest man in town enters looking to buy…nothing. Agee relates his modern-day fable with his usual dry wit and sure hand as he explores the foibles of mass consumerism and the slavish following of trends. His trademark watercolor-and-pencil art captures the riotous hubbub in people's quest for nothing as well as the hilarious emptiness the seekers are left with. While adults will appreciate the subtleties, kids will respond to the humor and the silly way in which the grown-ups behave.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 2–5—This fictionalized picture book offers a window into the world of the early Puritans. The Hutchinson family left England in search of religious freedom, settling in Massachusetts in 1634. While the story revolves around Anne's strong beliefs, the third-person narration reveals the sentiments of her daughter Susanna, the youngest of 11 siblings, from the tumultuous journey across the ocean to the marketplace with its unsettling stocks and whipping post. When the child overhears talk of a man whipped for kissing his wife in public and another banished for calling the minister "dull," she covers her ears. Anne is a midwife and minister's daughter who worships a forgiving God, quite unlike the harsh, unbending one invoked at the meetinghouse. She holds meetings in their home to share her beliefs with the townsfolk, who come in increasing numbers. Still, some think it is "wrong for a woman to preach," and business at her husband's fabric shop suffers. Someone throws a rock through their window prompting Faith, the eldest married daughter, to admonish, "Mother, you are putting the whole family in danger!" Even when the colony leaders order her to stop, Anne continues the meetings until she is charged with disturbing the peace and sent to live across the river, locked in a room, as the prisons are for men only. The following year finds the family reunited in another colony. Dooling's lifelike paintings on canvas feature the settlers in accurate period clothing with a somber palette of creams and browns. A useful addition for women's history or early Colonial studies.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

K-Gr 2—One Saturday evening, Mama and Papa Bear are trying to get their four cubs ready for bed. Lily and Rose both take baths, but Rose manages to make many more puddles than Lily. Daisy's baby doll goes to sleep easily, but Daisy is not so eager for bedtime. Jack climbs out of his crib and falls asleep underneath it. After the cubs go down, Mama and Papa finally get time to themselves. Children will be able to relate to one of the bears' stories, whether it is studious Lily or wild Rose. The simple text will be helpful for beginning and reluctant readers, and Duke's expressive watercolors are endearing. Nothing particularly new or earth-shattering, but very satisfying.—Erika Qualls, Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL

Gr 3–5—Asked to help solve a mystery at the circus, Klooz discovers a problem during the juggling portion of the show. Can he find out what is behind the mysterious returning juggling pin? The plot is basic, contrived, and unappealing. The characters are flat and boring. The black-and-white sketches are humorous, but don't consistently follow the text. Mystery series for the same reading level that have a higher quality in the writing include Ron Roy's "A to Z Mysteries" (Random) and David A. Adler's "Cam Jansen" series (Viking). The characters in those books are well rounded and appealing. This book falls short.—Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 2–4—When nine-year-old Emily's family moves from Chicago to rural Illinois, she finds no neighbors but plenty of trees. While exploring she comes across a quaint old playhouse in the woods, and learns a bit of its history involving an artistic woman who deserted her family and a child who died in a fire. The walls are painted to look like the forest, including a lifelike rendition of the playhouse. Emily somehow enters the painting of the playhouse and meets the ghost of the young girl for whom it was built, who tries to keep her there. She is able to get out of the painting, but then realizes that her four-year-old brother has entered it, and she must go back to rescue him. The concept of a painting of a painting of a painting will appeal to children, as will the ghost element and captivity. The soft-focus black-and-white artwork is suitably shadowy and evocative without being too frightening. This is a dramatic fantasy with compelling characters that will capture readers' attention.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

K-Gr 3—This adorable, if gimmicky, oversize flip book is sure to make youngsters giggle. It depicts all sorts of frogs in all sorts of outfits. Each page is divided into three parts: the top is the hat, the middle is the mouth, and the bottom shows the clothes and feet of the amphibian. Children can make up to 3000 combinations of froggy images. The drawings are almost lifelike in detail. They were created with a blend of photography, digital imaging, and computer illustration. This well-constructed and engaging title will work well for a frog-themed storytime.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 1–3—This book expands the picture book The Pain and the Great One (S & S, 1984) into a beginning chapter book. Third-grader Abigail calls her little brother "The Pain" because he causes so much trouble. Jake is in first grade and calls his older sister "The Great One" because she thinks so highly of herself. The book doesn't follow a traditional story arc; instead, it is a series of vignettes in which the children continually clash and then reconcile. While the stories are funny and sometimes poignant, often they're a bit heavy with sentimentality and nostalgia. The theme is that arguing with your sibling is part of the fun of growing up, but there isn't much child appeal in that adult perspective. How many kids enjoy being told that they really love their brother or sister, despite all the bickering? Nevertheless, the stories are sweet and accurately depict the growing pains of childhood. Stevenson's black-and-white ink illustrations are entertaining, particularly the drawing of mashed potatoes with peas strewn across the page. Overall, this is a successful effort with great illustrations and humor, but it's not an essential purchase: the picture book was more succinct.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

PreS-K—Big Mama is a human grandmother. Baby is a Black Angus calf. The two are very fond of one another. In fact, Baby has become a pet. He's fed from a bottle and sleeps beside Big Mama's bed. The Texas townspeople think this is strange, but Big Mama doesn't pay any attention to them. As all babies do, this one grows. Soon Baby's call of "Biiiggg Maaamaaa!" is loud enough to awaken the entire town. He can't refrain from scaling the garden fence and eating the vegetable crop. His manure pile grows big enough to warrant complaints from the neighbors. One day, Baby is missing. A search soon locates him at the neighboring ranch, happily grazing in the middle of a Black Angus herd. And there he remains, though he always acknowledges the woman who raised him when she drives by. Although the quality of the large acrylic illustrations varies, they are pleasant enough, with scenes that evoke the Texas landscape and expressive human and bovine faces, but the story lacks child appeal.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 1—A misunderstanding between friends almost ends a close relationship. Raymond, a squirrel, and Nelda, a rabbit, share many interests: they love to tickle one another, toss a ball back and forth, and eat chocolate-covered strawberries. One day, Nelda decides to twirl for her friend, loses her balance, and falls down. Raymond finds this extremely funny and can't help but laugh, hurting her feelings. The two part company, and the rest of the story tells about Raymond's good-hearted but clumsy attempts to soothe his pal's wounded pride. His letters to her produce further confusion, which almost ruins their friendship permanently. Watercolor, pen, and colored-pencil illustrations vary in size from spreads to framed vignettes placed on top of larger pictures. The drawings clearly tell the story and reveal the anger, sadness, and happiness that are part of this duo's relationship. Pair this book with Margaret Chodos-Irvine's Best Best Friends (Harcourt, 2006), another tale of friendship and ruffled feathers.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 3—In rhyming verse, 15 time-honored, colloquial sayings, such as "When pigs fly," "Hit the hay," and "Knee-high to a grasshopper," are explored. "'You're growing like a weed,'/my grandma likes to say./I'm not sure what she means/but I like it anyway" is accompanied by a literal portrayal of children's heads sprouting from the tops of tall stalks. The meaning of the phrase appears in smaller type. Some of the explanations include clunky rhetorical questions ("I like looking 'bright-eyed and bushy tailed.' How about you?") and first-person commentary ("I grew up in an old farmhouse that we occasionally shared with mice"). The last page invites readers to "write the things your grandma says to you." While this is a serviceable title, for more artful interpretations of idioms, try Wallace Edwards's Monkey Business (Kids Can, 2004).—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-K—Hurricane the cat senses something in the house that does not belong there. As he stalks the intruder, everything around him changes from inanimate to startlingly alive: the goldfish sprout legs, toys come to life, and time seems to stand still. "This is a house where everything has its place and every place has its thing." So why has this strange creature come to Hurricane's house? When the little creature, a combination of pixie and faun, finds the baby's room, Hurricane understands that the "strange thing is a young thing," and realizes that it is lost. He pushes the window open and watches him leave, contemplating the wonder of magic and hoping for the strange little creature's return. The illustrations bring to mind the work of Chris Van Allsburg and dominate the book. Their otherworldly prettiness supports the story in a way that the text does not. Hurricane could just as easily be stalking a troublesome moth as a mischievous sprite. Without Lee's exquisite pastels, this tale would be flat and lacking in magic. Stick with Van Allsburg for books that convey magic through words as well as images.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Carter has created another art-based concept book for youngsters who enjoy guessing games. White spreads show a question mark on the verso and shapes cut into the recto. When readers turn the page, the picture on the right reveals how the shapes can be arranged to represent the animal that is identified on the left. A lamb, frog, goose, three mice, a cat, and an owl are shown individually and then collectively on the final pages. Each answer page depicts the animal standing out clearly in white against the same black and blue shaded background. Initially, children might have trouble visualizing how the assortment of simple geometric shapes and squiggles can be moved around to form the pictures of the animals, but after repeated viewings, they should become adept at identifying them. Thick card stock keeps the pages sturdy; be aware that readers may be tempted to use them as drawing templates. This book could be an excellent starting point for an art lesson and may inspire youngsters to make up their own geometric animals.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 2—Three friends have been stuck in the house for two days because of rain. Now that it has stopped, they go outside, but are warned by Leon's mother to be careful near the creek because the water is high. Each child tells a scary story that includes water and a few classic folktale elements. They have a limited scare factor or are just plain silly. The black-and-white drawings are not particularly inspired, but they do lend a little atmosphere.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

PreS-Gr 1—Digby, the farm's new sheepdog, figures that his assignment to round up six sheep and herd them into their pen will be "easy-peasy!" But the recalcitrant grazers have other ideas, none of which includes listening to Digby. When running after them and making ferocious faces fails to move the sheep, he tries using a digger, a tank, and a helicopter to direct them—all to no avail. He finds success after the cows and pigs suggest a new strategy: using the word "please." With heavy black lines and judicious use of close-ups in the collage-and-acrylic spreads, Church creates an instantly lovable set of chunky characters to whom readers will respond. The message is delivered with humor and insouciance that steers clear of didacticism and will have children cheering the determined pooch.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—Sam wants to fly a kite with his older brother and sister, but they say he is too small and that he might get hurt. Disappointed, he chases the seagulls in his backyard and pretends to fly in and out and through the hanging laundry. He puts on a big white shirt to look like the birds and suddenly the wind billows through it and lifts him up into the air—he is really flying! As he mimics the seagulls' movements, he finds himself soaring across the sky, looking at the shoreline and town far below. When he glides to a perfect smooth landing at the feet of his siblings, they want to know how he did it. He tells them, "'I'm sorry….But you are too big.'" This is a well-told story, albeit a bit long, and the watercolor illustrations of the sea and landscape are picturesque. However Sam's age and size lack consistency, and occasionally the characters are awkwardly posed on the pages. Nevertheless, kids may overlook these quibbles and simply enjoy Sam's flight of fancy.—Wanda Meyers-Hines, Loudoun County Public Schools, Ashburn, VA

PreS-K—This colorful, oversize volume is sure to be a hit, but its lift-the-flap format will seriously reduce its shelf life. Full spreads, divided by theme, show Maisy in action on the left, with illustrations labeled in big bold print on the right. For example, "Let's Cook" shows the mouse standing next to her green stove (oven door opens to show cookies baking) facing objects such as a saucepan, rolling pin, teapot, sink, and jam. Children will delight in the familiar depictions of transportation, friends, a trip to the beach, animals, and much more, and are sure to ask for repeated readings. From getting dressed to preparing for bed, Maisy is a charmer.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2—Halloween was made for carefree Mercy Watson. Treats, especially butter treats, hold a special attraction for the piggy "princess." Reluctant at first to try on the tight-fitting dress and tiara that Mrs. Watson picks out for her, the curly-tailed pet eventually decides that the treats might make up for her discomfort. Van Dusen's beaming, wide-eyed Watsons travel with Mercy through the neighborhood in a series of action-filled cartoons in gouache art that view the evening's goings-on from a variety of perspectives. However, wherever Mercy goes, trouble seems to follow—especially at the home of the Lincoln sisters. Eugenia Lincoln's intimidation of Mercy and the princess's flying pursuit of their cat perfectly capture the text. This is an adventure to grab the attention of both Mercy fans and readers new to her escapades.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 3—Two men battle constantly about which one of them is more important to their Mexican village—Hercules because he is strong or Socrates because he is smart. The people want a bridge over the river and call Socrates to design it and Hercules to build it. The bulk of the story consists of their arguing even when they are banished to a mountaintop so that the villagers can finish the work and ultimately decide which is more significant—brawn or brains. In the end, the villagers declare that they need both, but readers will realize that this argument is not over. The colorful oil and graphite illustrations on full spreads set the story in a believable and lovely landscape. Hercules and Socrates have amusing expressions and occasionally meet readers' eyes to enlist their vote for número uno. Funny details abound, such as the animals' reactions to the goings-on and the dialogue on most pages: "Yo primero! No, Yo primero!"—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—On Halloween night, Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear go trick-or-treating, forest style. A squirrel dressed as Superman gives little bear some nuts, bees give honey, and a family of birds, also dressed for the holiday, drop berries into his bag. When they come across a spookily decorated house and hear someone laughing in the bushes, they hurry inside to find a friendly cat and Halloween treats waiting in the kitchen. A mysterious figure with a pointed hat and a broom causes the alarmed bears to hide behind the couch and then scoot upstairs and get under the covers. Children will be more than happy to point out the strong resemblance the costumed witch has to a certain girl with golden locks. Small details such as a costumed mouse who appears on nearly every page, paintings with storybook figures, and bear motifs throughout the house add even greater charm to an already delightfully presented story, rich with folk-art warmth and whimsical humor. A perfect Halloween read-aloud.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—This sequel to The Jamie and Angus Stories (Candlewick, 2002) is divided into six amusing vignettes. In one, Jamie tries to hide his toy Highland bull from an overzealous playmate, with hilarious results. Another features the preschooler as an aspiring artist who finds that he prefers to draw "angry eggs with beetling eyebrows and fine mustaches" to anything else. Other tales show the boy playing make-believe with Angus, having the bull guard his candy while he goes for a walk with his family, and organizing his books. In the final story, Jamie questions his friendship with his sidekick since the toy bull cannot do the same things he can. Dale's beautifully rendered black-and-white illustrations enhance each story. The tales themselves are charming and heartwarming, depicting this realistic yet fanciful friendship between a small boy and his favorite plaything. This title will work well both as a read-aloud and for those who are just beginning to tackle chapter books.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2–3—Jennifer has a beautiful new diary but nothing interesting to write in it. Her friend Iola, the narrator, is bursting with ideas but has no place to write them down. She discovers the perfect solution to both of their problems when Jennifer unwittingly drops her journal. Iola picks it up and makes up a whole new life for her friend, including a daring rescue and a ghost hunt. At first, Jennifer is angry, but then agrees to share the diary when one of Iola's stories gives her something to read aloud in English class. Predictably, Iola grows frustrated with sharing and wants the diary for herself. Iola's stories are clever and funny but she is pushy and manipulative. Young writers will appreciate her need to find a place of expression, but why it has to be in Jennifer's diary is unclear. Pen-and-ink illustrations appear throughout this easy chapter book. Not a necessary purchase.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

PreS-Gr 2—Brightly colored beetles, created by pouring cotton fiber through hand-cut stencils, crawl and fly across large spreads. From ladybugs to lightning bugs, children will quickly be caught up in the bopping rhythm as the text flits and flies, buzzes and hums among the "Striped beetles,/spotted beetles,/all-over-dotted beetles." The type design and placement of the text are an integral part of the lush illustrations, and the balance between fun and fact will awaken youngsters' curiosity. This perfect mix of art, science, and rhyme is a great addition to library collections and excellent for promoting literacy development.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2–5—In a spirited, folksy narration that reads like free verse, an unnamed Union soldier relates the story of a "dadblamed cow" that accompanies him and other Indiana Volunteers during many battles and skirmishes of the Civil War. At the recruiting station, on the train, at campsites and in the midst of battle, she marches "step by step/all the way South./Clop two three four,/Clop two three four./Dadblamed, footsore cow!" An author's note provides documentation that such a cow existed, although Fletcher admits to taking "liberties with history." The pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are slightly naive and provide an appropriate and appealing visual interpretation of this comic story. Throughout, the author uses clever verbal twists to describe the animal, from "dadblamed persnickety cow" (she'll only eat "unstomped grass"), to "dadblamed heavy cow" (she has to be pulled out of the mud), and "dadblamed dangerous cow" (she runs into a pack of "horse dragoons"), and, finally, to a "dadblamed hero" (she receives a medal). A delightful read.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-K—Rhyming couplets take readers from dawn until dark in the rolling English countryside. Appealing ducklings, lambs, piglets, and fox cubs are featured on this bright, sunny summer day that gradually dims toward night. In addition to the leaping, wallowing, and napping animals, the large double-page illustrations depict water irises, poppies, Queen Anne's lace, and other plants as well as butterflies and a ladybug. The soft-focus pictures charmingly enhance the simple text, and the allure of the young animals will attract children.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–4—Brandon is sent to Hannah's house three times a week while his mother is at work, but he would rather stay home and watch TV. Hannah, an avid reader with a fertile imagination, invents make-believe games in which she is the star while her pet cat and Brandon are given supporting roles. When Mrs. Cooper moves into the house next door, Hannah and Brandon begin to involve her dog in their games, and the pup creates chaos for the entire neighborhood. The outrageous situations, quirky characters, and black-and-white cartoon illustrations are certain to appeal to children who are looking for an easy chapter book that is pure fun.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—In this picture-book adaptation of Grogan's Marley & Me (HarperCollins, 2005), family life is never the same once Daddy brings home a honey-colored Lab. The trouble-prone pup swallows paychecks, pulls a turkey out of the oven, and creates a sofa-stuffing "snowstorm." When Marley's antics finally become too much to handle, his owners place an ad: "Big Yellow Dog—-a little crazy but with a pure heart. Free to good home." In the end, Marley redeems himself by saving baby Louie from a fall. Cowdrey's winsome color illustrations humorously capture this goofy dog in all of his havoc-wreaking glory. Children will enjoy adding their own admonishments to "Bad dog, Marley!"—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 1—Yellowbelly, a fuzzy creature with cheetah-spotted arms and tail and a toothy grin, does everything with his purple teddy bear. When it's time for Yellowbelly's very first day of school, he takes his pal along, and the two enjoy sitting at their desks (Plum is propped up next to a lunchbox), music time (Plum is pounded against a drum), and finger painting (Plum "makes" a bear-shaped print). Then the teddy bear goes missing during recess, and Yellowbelly frantically searches the playground. He discovers that his classmates have been playing with his toy, and that favorite games are more fun when shared with new friends. Hale's acrylic paintings provide an amusing blend of realism and fantasy, creating a light mood that matches the tone of the text. The student body at Orchard Elementary consists of typical-looking human children, appealingly oddball monsters, and even a hot-dog-colored robot. All of these characters peacefully coexist without batting an eyelash. Youngsters will relate to Yellowbelly's childlike characteristics and be amused by his humorously exaggerated behavior and not-too-frightening appearance. A fine addition to first-day-of-school collections.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 1–2—Brothers Arthur and Lance get into trouble with their mother for sword fighting in the house. When they take their game outside, they decide to ride "steers" in place of "steeds" for a joust and one of the cows accidentally tramples their mother's daffodils. Mom, who had hoped to win a month's supply of fertilizer from the Camelot Ladies Garden Club, is upset when she learns of the boys' mischievous behavior. She ends up winning the prize, but only because the judges decide that her garden has the most room for improvement. Colorful cartoon paintings depict the action in this amusing easy reader, and the idea of getting into trouble for roughhousing inside will be familiar to many children.—Danielle Nicole Du Puis, Forest Ridge Elementary School, Laurel, MD

Gr 3–5—This entertaining read will appeal to fans of Judy Moody and Ramona Quimby. Fourth-grader Piper Reed is used to moving—her father is a Navy Chief. But the family's previous moves have always happened during the summer, not in October when school has already started. That is the situation facing Piper and her two sisters, seventh-grader Tori and five-year-old Sam. This time the girls are relocated from San Diego to Pensacola where their father will soon leave on ship duty for six months. Pensacola holds some surprises for Piper—a new puppy, friends who also have a parent on her father's ship, and the Blue Angels flight team (which Piper can watch practice during recess). She also discovers that her siblings can be fun and that there really is such a thing as sister magic. Piper is an irrepressible character struggling with dyslexia and at times exasperated by her place as the middle child with an older sister on the brink of adolescence and a younger sister who is extremely smart. But through it all, her upbeat individuality shines. Davenier's amusing pen-and-ink illustrations capture the personalities of the Reed sisters. A welcome addition to middle-grade fiction shelves.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—Robbie Raccoon loves "the swishy grass" and "sparkling stream" of his forest home, but most of all, he loves Old Father Oak, site of the den where he was born. When its leaves begin to fall, Robbie and his friends fear that the tree is cold or even crying. Then the raccoon's mother assures them that the falling leaves are an autumn event that signals the coming of winter, a "cold, dark, sleepy time" when the disappearance of flowers and leaves, like their own winter sleep, is a preparation for spring. Before gathering leaves and food to hunker down with for winter, the animals plant five acorns that greet them as tiny seedlings when they emerge from their den in spring. The large, stylized illustrations, executed in mixed media, reflect the changing seasons from the lush greens of summer to the burnt oranges of autumn to the return of spring. Blue-toned circular vignettes embody the cold darkness of winter. A text that is a bit too affected—"Father Oak is crying, so let's hug our hugest hug and sing our happiest song!"—mars this otherwise useful vehicle for discussing the changing of the seasons. Kate Banks's The Great Blue House (Farrar, 2005) is a more lyrical treatment of a similar theme.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-K—A young narrator describes a typical Wednesday. She wakes up early and spends time with both parents before her father takes her to the dog park and then to school. Her mother picks her up after lunch and they visit the pool and the library. Back home, she plays, eats dinner, takes a bath, and then chooses Daddy to put her to bed. Even though she has told her parents repeatedly that "today is not a kissing day," she shares some good-night smooches with her father. The story is quiet, with little plot. Nevertheless, the child's voice and point of view are spot-on as she details familiar landmarks, people, and activities, and the text reads aloud smoothly. Castillo's slightly impressionistic mixed-media illustrations give viewers a real feel for the youngster's Brooklyn neighborhood. Small details abound, and the artwork moves smoothly between close-ups of the child and broader views of her community. The endpapers, which depict lively street scenes, draw readers into the book.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-Gr 2—In this well-intentioned but flawed book, a Muslim boy tells readers how he and his family celebrate the month of Ramadan. Katz's folksy, round-headed people portray the warmth of time spent with family. In one particularly nice spread, the artist captures the diversity of Muslims throughout the world gathering to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Unfortunately, a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in the middle of the book will be jarring to Muslim readers. Elsewhere in the book it is implied that there is a Muslim tradition of eating on the floor during Ramadan, which is untrue. This may be a cultural tradition of some groups, but it is not universal. When the book discusses washing before the evening meal, the illustration shows four pairs of hands poised above a bowl of still water. Islamic law states that water used in these circumstances must be flowing. Finally, while Muslim women can choose to wear shorter skirts, they would cover their legs to pray. The mother is shown with her shins exposed. The text itself is mostly accurate, though the timing of the beginning of Eid as described is technically incorrect. Unfortunately, the inaccuracies in the illustrations make this book unacceptable and possibly offensive to many of the readers who might use it.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 3–5—Eleven-year-old Mildred lives in Circleville, OH, site of a three-day-long pumpkin show. When she was six, her mom, a former queen of the festivities, passed away, never getting the chance to fulfill her dream of growing a giant pumpkin. Mildred decided then to cultivate a prizewinner to honor her mother, and started with a salvaged jack-o'-lantern seed. In the years since, her task has been complicated by four disastrous growing seasons, dogs that dig in the garden, hail, and interfering-but-concerned Aunt Arlene. But she has also learned a lot about the special seeds, equipment, and skills that are required for success. Luckily, the girl's dad is supportive, and her friend Jacob, a quiet, steady presence in her life, helps out at just the right time. The author combines the art and science of horticulture with a gentle family story, a feel for a child in mourning, and just the right amount of humor and tension to keep the plot moving along. Unlike Mary Borsky's Benny Bensky and the Giant Pumpkin Heist (Tundra, 2002), there is no skullduggery, but Mildred's rival grower, farmer Grover Farnhardt, adds just the right touch of skepticism and competition to make the story ring true.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 3–6—Lilly Segovia, 11, is veiled in mystery. When she was much younger, she disappeared for a time by a Brazilian waterfall, something that has hovered at the back of her parents' minds ever since. A gift of a shell from a seagull precedes an unexplained and anonymous gift of seeds in a hand-carved box. These gifts come just as Lilly befriends Mr. and Mrs. Finch, parents of Tom, who is missing. A fast-moving and sometimes illogical chain of events takes Lilly to The Land of Ten Kings and Roses where she meets a variety of odd characters in rapid succession as she strives to find and rescue Princess Anais, wearer of the Magic Gown. She saves Tom Finch, who apparently disappeared into this world several months earlier, and defeats the evil Moregrott and his army with the help of the Magic Gown and the Staff of the Ninth King. In the end, readers discover that Tom is really the tenth king and that he and Lilly are both star travelers. The scenes are contrived and passed through so quickly that readers are never quite sure where they are or why. The novel's many fantastical characters are likewise introduced and left behind at lightning speed. Readers who are not put off by excessive descriptions will most likely balk at the extremely complicated plot. Inspired by her own paintings, Kimmel has patched together a fantasy that is anything but seamless. The illustrations are beautiful and by far the best part of the book.—Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL

K-Gr 2—Lizzy loves apples—their crunch, their shape, their smell. She loves playing in the big apple tree in her family's backyard. As she approaches her first day of school, she selects a special apple to keep her company, adding a twig body to make it into a doll. "Susanna" accompanies Lizzy to school, but after the teacher explains that toys must stay at home and Lizzy's sister points out that Susanna will not last forever, the child becomes lonely. Seeking a new way for the doll to remain in her life, she and her family come up with a plan: drying Susanna. The transformation pleases everyone, especially Lizzy, who takes the doll to school on sharing day. Instructions on how to make an apple doll are included. Kleven's lovely mixed-media collage illustrations, especially those that depict the four seasons and Lizzy's neighborhood and school, are filled with eye-catching detail and activity. A sweet story about accepting change, working together, and forming new friendships.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

PreS-K—When Bertie Bear is asked to share his toy car with his little brother, he slams out the door and climbs into the branches of his favorite tree. As he becomes hungry, cold, or needs a light, the other animals try to share with him but with little success—quirrel's berries aren't enough to fill him up, bird's feathers can't keep him warm, and the glowworms' light doesn't ease his fear of the dark. However, the little cub finds that his "wishing tree" mysteriously has everything he needs—pancakes, a blanket, and a lantern. Bertie gladly shares them all with his animal friends and, in doing so, finds that returning home and sharing with his brother isn't so bad after all. Mendez's enchanting watercolor illustrations have soft, reassuring colors and backgrounds that fill in the details. As each of Bertie's needs is met, children catch a glimpse of Mama Bear adding items to the tree. A sweet, reassuring story.—Luella Teuton, Western Kentucky University College of Education, Bowling Green, KY

Gr 1–3—Adorable colored-pencil illustrations can't salvage this strained picture book. Sam, a victim of too-little attention, physically shrinks until he gets sucked down the drain of the sink. He is helped onto a floating sponge by Izzy, a girl experienced with wastewater, who explains that she, too, shrinks every time her family ignores her. She calmly guides him through the sewer system and back home via his washing machine. Fun illustrations (even the sewer rats are cute) sustain the story toward the arbitrary resolution. As the children listen to each other's stories, they both begin to grow. A lick from the dog, recognition from his baby sister, and a welcome from his parents complete Sam's transformation until he is gigantic. In a time of shrinking budgets, justifying such a slight offering is a bit of a stretch.—June Wolfe, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, MA

K-Gr 2—Two chickens open a diner with Dinah handling the customers and Rufus doing the cooking. As customers slowly trickle in, however, he realizes that what he is serving is not what they want. A mule wants hay, a crow wants worms, etc. In the end, he comes up with just the right meals and has some mishaps along the way. When a hungry fox comes in looking for a juicy chicken dinner, Dinah outsmarts him, and he ends up with a face full of custard. Kids will laugh at the zany cartoon illustrations that show the problems Rufus encounters when trying to satisfy his clientele. A lively, action-packed easy reader.—Erika Qualls, Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL

K-Gr 2—Rhyming, almost entirely subjunctive text and lively Seuss-like cartoon illustrations combine to tell the story of a reticent girl with ambitions to be a doctor to the shy creatures that readers hear a lot about but never see. She tells her classmates ("Or she would have, if she wasn't so shy") that she'd minister to Bigfoot's stubbed toe, the Loch Ness Monster's sore neck, the Unicorn's broken horn, Pegasus's strained wing, the Cyclops's nearsightedness, and the ailments of six others of their ilk. But then it occurs to her that all these creatures might just need a friend to help them play games with one another. "HA HA HA!" laugh the creatures, the class, and the girl ("Well, she would have, if she wasn't so shy"). Throughout, the spreads are dominated by the creatures, who are deliciously scary and funny at the same time. Wide-eyed behind her pile of books, the tiny child looks appropriately shy but is transformed as she goes about her imagined work, only to go back into hiding where, of course, she was all along. Children will likely respond enthusiastically to the flight-of-fancy theme, appealing rhyme, and whimsical art in this promising picture-book debut by the well-known graphic novelist. A short explanatory list of the 11 creatures unobtrusively precedes the dedication page.—Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Ruthie admires Superman, and when she agrees to keep her pregnant aunt company, she's hoping for her chance to be a hero. And she's very helpful, going to the neighborhood bodega for various delicacies that the woman is craving. But Ruthie gets sidetracked by a box of kittens and misses the moment when Aunt Juanita calls for help to get to the hospital. The girl is completely dejected until her family visits the newborn and she hears her aunt say that it was the coquito (coconut ice) that Ruthie got for her that made the baby finally come. And when Ruthie gets to be the first to hold little Grace, she finally feels "super." Ruthie's natural first-person narration clearly expresses her desire to be heroic and her disappointment with her perceived failure. The lively Puerto Rican neighborhood and the child's extended family provide a warm, comfortable backdrop to the plot, but it is Ruthie's personality that drives the tale. Phelan's watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations feature friendly characters with expressive faces. At the story's end, the adults have a discussion about pregnancy cravings that's certain to baffle many youngsters. Otherwise, this slightly overlong text is a solid choice for sharing one-on-one.—Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library, IL

Gr 1–3—Cheech begins his narration by saying that he never gets lost. On the following page, however, he is lost somewhere in the desert, although that plotline doesn't develop. One day, his students are lugging musical instruments as they board the bus because they want to compete as a mariachi group in a Battle of the Bands. When they see that the other bands are rock and rollers, they change their style based on each rival group, with unsatisfying results. The Cheecharrones finally realize that they should be who they are, "And that's how mariachi beat rock and roll." Though the message is a good one, the text is at times clunky and overdone—"I am a really, really, really, REALLY good bus driver. I always get to school on time, and I never, ever, ever, EVER get lost." And later in the story—"I was really, really, really, REALLY nervous." The warm-hued, cartoonlike illustrations give personality to the characters and provide for laugh-out-loud moments, especially when the kids try on the different personae of the rock bands. Additional.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—This final collaboration by a gifted duo focuses on 10 animals native to America. The language includes actions typical of the creature highlighted—"Blue heron, blue heron, what do you see?/I see a prairie dog digging by me." The animals, in colorful collages set against stark white backgrounds, strut, slide, glide, and hoot across the full spreads. A terrific read-aloud destined to rank high with the other titles by Martin and Carle.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

K-Gr 3—Tavo, who lives in a village in Mexico, loves basketball and dreams of someday having a nickname "like Air or Magic." His sneakers are patched with duct tape, and because of a local drought, his father cannot afford to buy new ones. Papa believes that clearing the zanjas, the ancient irrigation ditches, will bring water from a mountain spring and save their dying crops. When the mayor and villagers laugh at him, he and Tavo begin the work themselves. After weeks of hard digging, they discover the spring, which saves not only their corn but also the garden of an old widow, whom some believe to be a witch. She repairs Tavo's worn-out shoes with patchwork and silver thread. Tavo's return to the basketball court in mended sneakers that make his feet tingle "with magic energy" and with arms made strong by hard work is a triumph. Meunier's writing is vivid and incorporates some Spanish terms. Edgerton's colorful folk-style paintings convey the hard life in this beautiful, arid place and the quiet resolve of father and son. She gives beauty and dignity to both villagers and landscape. With an unexpected mix of traditional wisdom and modern basketball, this story makes a great read-aloud and will appeal to a wide audience.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS—In this cutesy picture book, Panda Foo tells his friends Jigger Bird and Boodle the baby boar that he has invited a new friend to join them on their picnic. As they swim in a pond, build a sand castle, and hike to the picnic place, Panda Foo answers questions about Curly the blue sheep, whom they are about to meet. After this build-up, they greet Curly, eat, play Clever Jack, and instantly become best friends. The End. Although the book is meant to reassure young children that meeting new people can be fun, the simplistic text will seem trite to those who are expecting more of a story. The double-page illustrations, done in pastel watercolors, are busy and overcrowded with smiling fishies, squiggly flora, and other details. Counter this frothy bauble with a dose of Rotten Ralph, whose entertaining antics can teach children about friendship without being so sappy.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 2—Cowgirl Sugar and cowboy Tex, two country singing cats, head from different locales to find fortune and fame in New York City. Unfortunately, they find that "roadways to stardom are paved with big rocks." Tex gets work as a dishwasher, and Sugar becomes an usher. Longing for the safety of home, they cross paths when they both begin to sing out into the summer night sky. They fall in love and become a smashing duo with instant success. Rich, vibrant illustrations, like an explosion of color, capture the sights of the city, while meticulous detail depicts the all-animal cast and a wide range of expressions. Add rhyming text and the result should be an ideal read-aloud, but the story line about making it on Broadway "in the school of hard knocks" is just a little too sophisticated for the intended audience.—Wanda Meyers-Hines, Loudoun County Public Schools, Ashburn, VA

PreS-Gr 3—Bunny Lune learns in a letter from his Japanese friend, Pyonko, that, according to Japanese legend, rabbits live on the moon. Suddenly, he wants to go there. In an appealing blend of initiative and whimsy, Bunny Lune attempts to follow his dream. He tries working as a giant carrot at a salad bar and selling hardboiled eggs but neither job earns him the billion dollars that the travel agent requires. When a man calling himself the Mayor of the Moon speaks in the park, others call him a fraud for his outrageous claims. But when Bunny Lune questions him, he explains that you get there through your own imagination. In a satisfying conclusion, Bunny Lune imagines a wonderful visit with Pyonko on the lunar surface where they share rice dumplings and sing moon songs all night. The artistic decision to make all the characters human except for Bunny Lune and Pyonko is effective. The gentle, textured wash of watercolors lends a fairy-tale atmosphere that complements this quirky yet graceful story of perseverance and the power of the imagination. Offer this child-friendly mix of the real and the fabricated with Nishimura's similarly inclined I Am Dodo (Clarion, 2005).—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

Gr 1–3—Originally published in Belgium, this adventurous tale chronicles the travails suffered by a greedy piglet with a penchant to snack. Alex's mother catches her hungry son munching on new potatoes in the garden one morning and admonishes, "Look at you. Always eating between meals! And you are so dirty. Go wash up…!" On his way to the river, Alex encounters a monster that has an equally insatiable appetite. The dinosaurlike creature, dressed in a yellow jacket and short blue pants, grabs Alex and threatens to swallow him. The frightened piglet does his best to distract him by suggesting other more delectable meals, including an imaginary elephant and an underground city of rabbits. He is saved when the beast's mother arrives at the critical moment. Just as the monster is about to pop the poor pig into his gaping mouth, she scolds him, echoing the words of Alex's mom. The stylized paintings are filled with cartoon animals primly dressed in old-fashioned clothing. The rich, jewel tones set against an ecru background give the pictures an oddly appealing sophistication. For a monstrously thrilling storyhour, pair this book with Eva Montanari's Tiff, Taff, and Lulu (Houghton, 2004), which addresses the mother-child relationship through the viewpoint of three quarreling troll-like sisters.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 3–5—Six short chapters relate the story of the pirate's grisly demise. Following a picture introduction to the characters, the book begins in the middle of the action with young Jacob saving Blackbeard's life by incorrectly gauging the water level of the harbor, causing the ship chasing the pirates to run aground. The youth regrets his decision as soon as Blackbeard's ship opens fire on his rowboat. Full-color illustrations appear on every spread. A historical essay, discussion questions, and writing prompts round out the book and make it more teachable. The appealing combination of cartoon illustrations with dialogue balloons and easy-to-read text make this book a popular choice for pirate lovers and reluctant readers alike.—Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 2–4—Fans of corny humor and "punny yolks" will welcome this tale. When Chicken dreams of buried corn, he and his friend George set off to find the stash. As they search, they crack jokes and trade puns. Eventually, the hunt leads them back home where the treasure is in their own backyard. The narrative could be read straight through since it is written in small type and the jokes are in balloons; however, it often takes a backseat to the chickens' dialogue. The unique illustrations are a combination of pen, ink, and Photoshop. The dark intensity of the full-page artwork is highlighted by a white border on each page. Black cross-hatching creates an interesting texture in the nighttime scenes. Although the corn is called "cracked corn," the pictures are all ears. O'Malley includes a disclaimer, explaining that ears were visually more interesting. The juxtaposition of the narrative and the comic routine makes this more appropriate for independent reading than for storytimes.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

K-Gr 2—Six-year-old Michael has been invited to his first sleepover at his friend Andre's house, and he is both excited and a little scared. His parents use the occasion to talk with him about what to do if someone touches him in a way he doesn't like and which parts of his body are private. At the party, Andre's older sister squeezes Michael too hard during a game. Her parents reiterate the importance of stopping unwanted touch of any kind. When the boys want to go online to chat with their friends, Andre's mom discusses Internet safety. The book lacks focus—while the narrative covers personal safety and Internet predation, the short list of appended resources includes aid to Africa sites. Despite the story's didacticism, the young hero emerges as a likable boy who learns how to put his fears to rest and enjoy his first night away from home. The computer-manipulated photographic illustrations capture the vitality and sweetness of the youngsters and bring to life a community of loving, protective adults.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 1–4—"I don't want to go anywhere or do anything!" So says Violet Bing, a singularly disinterested seven-year-old who is forced to spend time with her Aunt Astrid at her Grand House. Though Astrid attempts to draw her reluctant niece into new things and exploring, Violet resists her efforts. It isn't until she makes the acquaintance of Magnolia Greene Gold and an unnamed dog that Violet starts to discover that sometimes trying something different is more fun than moping. The writing is exquisitely understated, and Violet's slow emergence into an interesting human being avoids many of the pitfalls a precise little story like this could fall prey to. Violet's story is a breath of fresh air. Simple sentences like "…I was much happier to see you arrive than I will be to see you leave" convey grand sentiments with a minimum number of words. The author's pen-and-ink illustrations complement this fine, subtle early chapter book perfectly.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

PreS-Gr 3—A skeleton girl finds an unfamiliar bone in her house. She asks the monster under the stairs, her man-eating plants, and the spider next door if it belongs to any of them. She even X-rays herself to be sure she is not missing one. At last she finds the rightful owner and a new friend in a skeleton dog. This charmingly simple tale would be fun in any setting, but this is not just any setting. Skelly's world is depicted through Goth-looking mixed-media illustrations in purple and black that feature skewed angles and wittily morbid details. The child has a broad white skull, a stitched-together mouth, eye sockets embellished with long lashes, and a bat-shaped barrette perched in her orange hair. Her skeleton figure is clothed in a black dress with a white bottom ruffle. Her haunted-mansion home is surrounded by swirling clouds and gravestones. In the tradition of Alice Schertle's The Skeleton in the Closet (HarperCollins, 2003) and Margery Cuyler's Skeleton Hiccups (S & S, 2002), spooky elements mix with silly ones to make a safe and sweet story that will delight children.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS-Gr 2—This rhyming tale of a putrid-smelling pooch features bright, energetic pictures that are sure to tickle youngsters' funny bones. Bill loves rolling around in all manner of stinky debris and has thus far managed to escape his family's efforts to bathe him. Enter Great Aunt Bleach, who visits while Bill's owners are out and scrubs the house clean before spotting the dog. She makes it her mission to capture him and wrestle him into a perfumed bath. The family returns to find a shocked but sweet-smelling pet and an aunt who ends up decidedly less antiseptic than when she started. The artwork effectively uses white backgrounds to highlight the humorously depicted characters and keep the focus on the zany action. This book is not quite as punny as Dav Pilkey's Dog Breath!: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis (Scholastic, 1994) or as offensive as William Kotzwinkle's Walter, the Farting Dog (Frog, 2001). Gene Zion's Harry the Dirty Dog (HarperCollins, 1956) remains the classic dog-avoiding-a-bath story; although Postgate's hyperactive update is not as enchanting, kids will still appreciate Smelly Bill's antics.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS—From being awakened in the morning with a tickle on his nose and a kiss, to stories and cuddles at night, to spending their days enjoying and exploring their forest home, a bear cub loves spending time with his dad. Told in rhyme, the story conveys the love a parent has for a child, as well as a child's admiration for his father. The colorful, double-page acrylics give the story movement and aid in visually describing the pair's activities and relationship. The artwork is bright, with soft, rounded edges, and the bears are depicted realistically yet are not at all frightening. The artwork, combined with the story elements, makes this a title worthy of purchase.—G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Gr 1—4—Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble (1996) and Aunt Nancy and Cousin Lazybones (1998, both Candlewick) are two of the four stories in this collection. In the other two, the protagonist encounters Old Woeful, who has a little rain cloud hanging over her head, and Mister Death, a skeleton who wears a ruffly white shirtfront and carries a big gold watch. Parkins begins each selection with a full-color, full-page illustration done in oil and then uses droll silhouettes of Aunt Nancy, her cat Ezekiel, and the visitors to dramatize the action. In sentences such as "I'd be pleased as petunias to help….These-here dishes ain't but half dirty," the folksy dialect and colorful similes evoke another time and place. Root says, "Aunt Nancy is my grandmother and aunts—women who never let the world get the better of them—all rolled into one." While chapter-book readers will enjoy this fun offering, adults will have a fine time reading it aloud, exaggerating the language and hearing the laughter of their young audiences. Pair it with any of the Anansi stories or Jack tales for a meaningful exploration of traditional tricksters.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS—This unexceptional offering follows a troublesome boy called "the Wizzy Foot" as he wakes everyone in the house, has breakfast, causes mayhem throughout the day, and resists going to bed. Wohnoutka's boldly painted cartoons are full of motion and fit the story well. A mix of full-bleed spreads and spot illustrations adds movement to the plot and encourages page turns. Unfortunately, Schotter's rhyming narrative is uneven and makes an unsuccessful read-aloud. The rhythm changes from page to page and the text does not scan well. Better books with active young mischief-makers include Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are (HarperCollins, 1988), Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day (S & S, 1972), and Ian Falconer's "Olivia" series (S & S).—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

K-Gr 3—Darlene's grand venture into acting is told in three short chapters that follow the hippo from amateur acting classes to auditions, and on to ever-more-ambitious roles. Each of her performances, though disastrous, is reviewed favorably by the local theater critic. Portraying "the flood" in Noah's Ark, she splashes water onto the front row. "Audience participation," raves the critic. Portraying a professor in a science-fiction drama, she bungles her lines, and the headline reads, "Profound Professor…Deepens Play's Mystery." At the apex of her burgeoning career, Darlene not only takes over the job of directing, but also casts herself in the central role of "Sleeping Beauty." After pre-performance jitters keep her up, the exhausted star snores through her big scene and the prince's kiss fails to waken her. "Slumbering Princess Enlivens Classic Play," enthuses the theater critic. While touching on many of the recognizable elements of amateur theatricals, the humor is both deadpan and broad enough to entertain young thespians. Watercolor illustrations in unsaturated hues depict Darlene's fellow cast members (animals all) and underscore the light mood. But it is Darlene herself who, as the title proclaims, is the star. With finely drawn, minimal line, Schwartz indicates the full array of the hippo's emotions from overconfidence to overacting to embarrassed dismay in a perfect extension of her brisk, uncomplicated but goofy text. This amusing title may be the perfect antidote to stage fright.—Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

K-Gr 2—Why would a prizewinning rooster crow when the sun isn't rising? This story in rhyming verse introduces the Macintosh farm's champion rooster as family members start to question his health. Brewster's outbursts truly threaten the family peace; he lets loose as young Topper throws a ball, as bald Zeb begins to paint the barn, when Grandma Pearl flips her hotcakes, and as Magnolia leans over to plant daisies—all with disastrous results. Even kindly Doc Sawyer remains puzzled and on the receiving end of the rooster's cacophony until little Julie Macintosh proposes the entertaining reason for Brewster's startling diversions. A bold palette of soft-focus warm colors highlights the whimsical, off-centered eyes and eyebrows of Brewster and the Macintosh clan. Images fly past page boundaries, and readers view the action from multiple perspectives in a haze of color. An original tale that's a visual delight.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 2–4—To console Wiley and Jubal after their fifth failure at passing the Spudscouts initiation test, their grandparents take the boys on a wilderness expedition to Devil's Rump, legendary home of Bigfoot. Grampa hopes to track the monster, but, instead, the smelly beast surprises their camp, sending the four right into the clutches of Spudmaster Maximus and his weird army of robot scouts. The evil Spuds plan to use Gramma as bait to capture Bigfoot. Only the family cat can save her, but Bigfoot has plans of his own for the feline. The book is clearly aimed at Dav Pilkey's "Captain Underpants" (Scholastic) crowd, with smart-aleck dialogue, frenetic plot action, and mild but pervasive body jokes. The exaggerated illustrations are designed in comic-book style, incorporating sound words, unrelated but amusing background activity, and a variety of visual puns. Character development is almost entirely through the art, which shows a particularly stereotyped vision of older people. The inclusion of an igloo (complete with a fur-coated cartoon Inuit) and a Native American tipi among the background tents in the Spudscouts camp is inappropriate as well. While the short text and off-the-wall humor may appeal to transitional readers, especially boys, this book lacks the focus and genuine entertainment value of Dav Pilkey's more coherent titles.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

PreS-Gr 2—Owl flies through the dark wood and crossly inquires, "Whooo's there?" as he detects various forest animals that are out and about until dawn. The story is told in pleasing verse made up of quatrains. "Quiet crept into/the dark forest deep./Wrapped in the hush,/everyone seemed asleep." Then framed between two quatrains, the owl makes his repeated inquiry, "Whooo's there?" For example, "'Whooo!' said Old Owl./'Who has turned on the light?'/Fireflies glowed, a bright show/in the night." The one exception is the skunk, to whom Owl says, "Whewwww!" Illustrations have thick lines of color that accentuate outlines, and the animals feature mostly friendly cartoonlike visages that are quite appealing. The portrayal of trees, distinct blades of grass, and the coyote howling at the moon against full-color backgrounds convey the magic of nighttime very well. The magic of nighttime may be too scary for toddlers, though, because some of the animals have glaring yellow eyes that look quite dramatic. This book will work well with a small group at storytime and perfectly when shared one-on-one.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

K-Gr 2—Sierra has created a clever book about manners and using one's best behavior with a central character known for neither: B.B. (as in Big Bad) Wolf. When the protagonist, who resides at Villain Villa, finds an invitation to a library storybook tea in his mailbox, he is not sure that he wants to go because he doesn't like tea. But Crocodile explains that the main reason to go to a tea is for the cookies. He prepares B.B. for the event, rehearsing proper etiquette (sip, don't slurp; say "Excuse me" when you burp; smile and have a good time). After sipping cup after cup of tea, B.B. feels a ferocious burp gathering steam. He excuses himself before the window-rattling explosion and is complimented by the librarian for his wonderful manners. When B.B. refuses a proffered gingerbread cookie because he could not eat a Gingerbread Boy, the librarian exclaims that he is sensitive and that "storybooks don't do you justice." Sierra's text is spot-on, and Seibold's hilarious illustrations include many easily recognizable characters from various stories. Children will love attending this rollicking party and combing the illustrations for old friends. Sierra has included several levels of humor, and Seibold adds even more twists.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-K—Mousse is a big, red-orange dog who enjoys the feel of the rain on his back. Nut is a small, mostly black dog with a red umbrella. When they meet on a rainy day, their friendship is immediate, but when their differences become apparent, things begin to sour. Mousse loves to swim, while Nut does not know how. Mousse can't climb a wall like Nut does. They can't agree on anything. The story of how they become friends again will satisfy young readers. The plot is reminiscent of P. D. Eastman's Big Dog…Little Dog (Random, 2003), but Simmons focuses more on how their differences almost end their friendship. There are no mean words or hurt feelings, but a brief separation allows them to realize how much they miss one another. The acrylic paintings are rich with saturated color, and Simmons's dogs buzz with personality. Children will feel comforted by the boisterous pups and their antics together.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 4—This idealistic tribute to God's place in children's daily lives broaches a series of worrisome questions from grade school boys and girls. They wonder about a range of traditional and modern concerns, including family problems, the loss of a pet, body image, and popularity. One girl asks, "My friend lives with her mom and dad, but I live with just one parent. Why can't I be like everyone else?" Another child wonders, "Grandma died. Is she really gone forever?" Each heartfelt query concludes with the plea, "God, can you hear me?" and is answered on the opposing page with a comforting response. The themes of love, kindness, and understanding are incorporated throughout the narrative. The text is illustrated with a collection of dreamy watercolors featuring multicultural children in a variety of family-oriented settings. The softly colored paintings are filled with light and suitably reinforce the author's gentle message. When talking about spirituality and faith, parents may want to share this book with their children, along with August Gold's Does God Hear My Prayer? (Skylight Paths, 2005) or Holly Bea's Thank You, God (H. J. Kramer, 2003).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 1–3—The students in Caleb's class have an assignment to create individual projects to celebrate their ideas of patriotism for Presidents' Day, and the boy is stumped. He is discouraged not only because his father is not around to help him, but also because he will not be attending Parents' Night, when the projects will be displayed. Caleb's dad is in the military. When the child thinks about what patriotism means to him, he remembers that his father taught him to love his country and is inspired to make the most impressive display of all—a poster of his dad in uniform, the personification of patriotism. The final page shows Caleb on his bed writing to his father, and the smiling man sitting in a tent looking at his son's picture. Hoyt's color cartoon illustrations are humorous and filled with scenes of an active classroom, with details that include Presidents Washington and Lincoln side by side, saluting. This story is sure to be welcomed by proud families and friends of soldiers who are engaged in battle. The gentle depiction of a boy who turns his sadness and loneliness into a way to respect and honor his father is heartwarming.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

K-Gr 2—Millie's favorite activity is ambushing the mail carrier. The farmer's packages arrive broken. The postman has nightmares. He thinks that maybe if the cow got a package for herself, the raids might stop, so he wraps up a box for her. The next day, she takes off after his bicycle as usual, and the farmer takes off on a tractor after Millie. Everyone's shouting. The mailman shoves Millie's package off the back of his bike, and, when the running cow discovers that it is for her, she comes to an abrupt halt. The tractor can't stop as quickly, and it runs over the present. Millie is so dismayed that she drops down to the ground—on top of the bicycle, which gets all bent and tangled. How will the mail get delivered now? By Millie, of course, in a happy ending for all. This is a very funny book. With amusing details in almost every scene, including curious chickens everywhere, the expressive, cartoonlike illustrations merit careful examination. Great one-on-one and as a read-aloud.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—Simple, declarative sentences and expressive small-scale pictures blend beautifully in this sweet story about a young bear experiencing his first full cycle of seasons. Bamboo pen and earth-toned watercolors are used to great effect to depict the setting of a tiny island with a few trees. The serene scenes and streamlined story line reflect perfectly the gentle passage of time. The bear dances gracefully and happily as he picks flowers and absorbs the warmth of the sun: "Everything was going well." Then the first autumn leaf drops, and he asks it, "Are you okay?" As leaves continue to fall, he leaps around trying to catch them; he even tries to reattach them to the branches. When he becomes sleepy, he carries a bunch of leaves to a hole and uses them to cover the entrance while he hibernates. Snow falls and blankets the ground; a fox trots by and a white rabbit peeks over the hillside. As yellow tones return to the sky, birds scratch for food in the melting snow. The bear looks out of his warm den and, when he sees the new green buds on the trees, he jumps out crying, "Welcome!" This introspective little gem exudes joy.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—In this pleasant import, a grabby ghost is taught how to share. Charlotte goes to bed one night to discover a little white ghost clutching her blanket, shouting "Mine!" She takes the intruder in stride and welcomes him as long as he makes room for her. The next day, he snatches all the toys in the bathtub, claims the socks, hogs the toast, takes over the backyard swing, and runs off with the ball. Good-natured Charlotte maintains her composure and offers an alternative in each situation, to no avail. When she goes off by herself, the ghost realizes that he would have more fun playing with Charlotte than stealing her things. The two become friends and celebrate by making and eating pancakes together. When a neighbor comes by looking for a runaway ghost who doesn't know how to share, he cannot believe that this sociable spirit is his missing houseguest. Cheerful pictures and a lighthearted tone make this lesson easy to digest. Charlotte and her floating, childlike friend are outlined against muted background scenes. Unlike the frogs in Leo Lionni's It's Mine! (Knopf, 1986), Charlotte refuses to argue with her selfish companion. She also sets a good example without being a martyr, à la Marcus Pfister's Rainbow Fish. Simple and sweet.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 2–4—In this second installment in the series, nine-year-old Jennifer, who suffers from insomnia, and her three friends make a difficult journey to the home of the imposing Dream Spider because everyone's sleep has been disturbed by nightmares. They must convince him to cut short his holiday and rebuild the magical Web of Dreams, which protects the world from bad dreams. Each girl has a secret fairy identity and unique gifts. Traveling overnight with their fairy mentors and the Sandman, the heroines encounter some confused trolls and an evil dream spirit that has possessed the Sandman. When a wicked gremlin tries to harm the Dream Spider, Dragonfly uses her special talents of "speed and agility" to save the day. The fanciful narrative is sprinkled with fairy lore and a series of sweet but unremarkable illustrations. Although the plot is predictable and the conflict is neatly resolved with little suspense, this addition to the series has plenty of child appeal. Fans of Emily Rodda's "Fairy Realm Series" (HarperCollins) might also enjoy this book. An interactive Web site complements the narrative.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Anyone who has ever yearned for an absent loved one will treasure this beautifully simple picture book. With short declarations on each boldly illustrated page, the lyrical text repeats the title sentiment throughout. "When the sun is shining bright/or when it's wet and gray/I think about you all the time/I miss you every day." The heartsick protagonist is a rosy-cheeked city girl with curly pigtails, whose solution to her dilemma is to wrap herself up in a nicely decorated package and send herself through the mail. Readers follow her journey from post office to mailbox, ending in her joy at sharing the homey activities she has longed for with her loved one. Taback's trademark wavy outlines and simple shapes are as endearing as ever and add both whimsy and wide appeal to what could be a maudlin subject. I Miss You Every Day has potential to be especially meaningful to children facing family difficulties, but Taback avoids mention of the harsher possibilities and always keeps the tone lighthearted. This bittersweet ode will be loved in any collection.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—This guide to all the nocturnal household monsters that create children's irrational fears is both funny and reassuring. Thach shines a light on these mysterious creatures and shows readers how harmless they are: they are really hiding from each other—and from us. The clever rhyming text glides along, encouraging children to turn the pages to finish each stanza or find the answer to a question. "The first is very near-at-hand, just underneath your bed./There upon the hardwood floor he lays his hairy head./He shuffles through the dust and dark; he likes to watch your feet./At times he'll steal a sock or two—that's all he likes to eat." The illustrations show a pajama-clad girl and her cat who seem startled by every creak and groan. The monsters are revealed as comical creatures whose bizarre appearances belie their harmlessness. And the girl does not go through her explorations alone: she has her cat and her flashlight to bolster her courage. Pages have a blue tone that creates an eerie, nighttime glow. Udovic's use of changing page layouts is very effective in maintaining readers' interaction with the story. Most pages are horizontal spreads, but several vertical spreads are interspersed. A terrific way to begin talking about nighttime fears with children, this book would also work well for group read-alouds.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 2–4—Book four has Melvin once again teaming up with his pal Candace to work out math problems at the library and save the world from an onslaught of bologna by Superhero Carl. There's more bologna here than Carl's as the less-than-super plot falls flat. Melvin learned everything he knows at the Superhero Academy in Boston and now lives in Los Angeles. A transcontinental chase takes place when Carl gets off "The Good Ship Lollipop" in Boston and steals a cape from the academy in order to get back at his nemesis. With all these supposed superpowers, it seems that there would be less time spent traveling and kicking in doors and more time devoted to an actual story. Word and phrase choices like "peeved," "no speaker tags," and Melvin achieving "rear end" status seem odd for the intended audience. Comic-book sketches and cool cover art will draw attention to this title, but savvy early chapter-book readers will find better choices in Dav Pilkey's "Captain Underpants" (Scholastic) and Jon Scieszka's "Time Warp Trio" series (HarperTrophy).—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 1—Four short stories, illustrated in pastel hues with splashes of bright primary colors, describe the daily events in the life of a young, lavender otter. She has a picnic with ants, takes a bubble bath, goes swimming, and picks apples. Each page has a single sentence in large, bold type that is ideal for keeping beginning readers on task. But these stories are also fun to look at and listen to, and short enough not to overwhelm. In addition, instructions are provided for helping "first-time" readers. This is an ideal tool for adults, great for a classroom library, and just the right size for little hands.—Wanda Meyers-Hines, Loudoun County Public Schools, Ashburn, VA

PreS-Gr 1—When Trixie and her beloved Knuffle Bunny go to preschool, Trixie is shocked to learn that her bunny is not entirely unique in the world. Indeed, classmate Sonja has one, too! An argument ensues over the pronunciation of the bunny's name ("Kuh-nuffle," insists Trixie. "Nuffle," replies Sonja), and the teacher confiscates both bunnies, returning them at the end of the day. Trixie's blissful reunion comes to a dramatic conclusion at 2:30 a.m. when she awakens to the horrifying fact that this "…is NOT Knuffle Bunny." In an unspeakable error, the stuffed animals have been switched. And both girls expect the mistake to be corrected immediately. Fans will not be surprised that daddy and Trixie venture into the Brooklyn night to meet Sonja and her dad for the rapturous exchange and a final hug that presages friendship between the girls. As readers have come to expect of Willems, his understated text is brief and the visual storytelling is hilariously eloquent. He masterfully employs the technique of setting his vivid, hand-drawn characters against photographs of neighborhood, school, and even (in an exquisite page turn) the beautifully up-lit Grand Army Plaza at night. In both photographs and cartoons there is expansively witty detail, and it will take a keen observer to distinguish between the "twin" bunnies (and to find the famous pigeon). Irresistibly funny, tender, and universal, this is another consummate star turn for Trixie, daddy, bunny, and their creator.—Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Gr 1–4—This poetic expression of praise for the many facets of nature springs from a familiar biblical passage attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John. Here a child narrator introduces the metaphor: "Oh my Father, thank you,/For all your many mansions…/For the one you call the Ocean/With its salted silver spray…." She appears a bit later, kneeling on the prairie after leading readers through the tundra and woodland. These and several others regions are each described in a quatrain and painted scene. Colón's full- and double-page scenes are lovely, textured folk-art renderings of animals common to each habitat. Some are busy, others striking in design. Golden lights in the appealing views suit the sweet tones of the poem. The concept of mansions may be elusive for some readers, but the appreciation of the natural world is clear. Phrased as a prayer or hymn of thanks, this book will be embraced by some families and is an attractive choice for Sunday school use.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 1–3—On his third road trip (after experiencing the Western and Northeastern regions of the country), this canine cutie invites the audience to travel through 12 Southern states. As in the first two titles, each one has a box with trivia and state facts such as the capital, nickname, and flag, and a small map that shows its location in relation to the other states featured in the book. Then, in rhyme, the audience is told (à la "Where's Waldo" and "I Spy") to find certain things around the state—the Alphabet Museum in North Carolina, Key West in Florida, etc. At the end of each quest, the author asks, "Where's Charlie?" And the little yellow-brown dog is the most challenging thing to find in each map, which is crowded with all sorts of interesting place depictions. At least one fact is not quite accurate. Louisiana is listed as the only state that doesn't have counties. Well, perhaps in the Lower 48. However, Alaska doesn't either. This is a brief, fun introduction to U.S. geography.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–4—All three books have the same format: two-page chapters with a full-color photo on each page, a few paragraphs of large-print text and quotes from eyewitnesses. They conclude with profiles of people involved in these events. Beech examines the harmful rippling effect on wildlife, water, and the environment caused by the disastrous Exxon oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989. Powerful colorful photographs tell the story just as well as the text. This is a very basic account of what happened and how challenging the rescue and cleanup was for the thousands of people involved. Caper tells the story of the excitement that surrounded this shuttle mission and touches on what went wrong with it. There is also a brief history of the space age. Greene gives a barebones description of what happened on September 11, 2001, mostly in terms of the Twin Towers. She describes the harrowing catastrophe for those working in and around the towers and the experiences of the rescue workers. There is little explanation about why this event happened—it's mainly about what actually took place. This book touches on reactions to the horrible tragedy but ends abruptly with a segment on the recovery process.—Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

K-Gr 3—Bozzo presents an overview of how to choose and care for a cat. She places a clear emphasis on acquiring felines from animal shelters, rescue groups, and acquaintances. The utilitarian text is supplemented with full-color photographs on every page. Print is large, with ample white space. A good introduction for first-time pet owners.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

K-Gr 4—Hop onboard for a fascinating alphabetical tour of railroading. The illustrations are an intriguing blend of nostalgic photographs and reproductions and bright, bold art. Red uppercase letters are paired with terms and individuals relevant to the topic. Each explanatory phrase is expanded upon by an accompanying illustration. Entries include "Boxcar," "Dining Car," "George Pullman," "Knuckle coupler," and "Whistle." Some seem a bit of a stretch to suit the theme, e.g., "Newspaper that some people read while riding the train" and "Night Train, a train that runs at night and usually has cars for people to sleep in." The vintage photos, many of which were obtained from the Union Pacific Museum and Canadian Pacific Railway Company, are sure to engage children. They include a hospital train used during the American Civil War and a train-car schoolroom. Coverage includes European, Canadian, and American rail lines; the artwork represents a mix of cultures. A totally engaging book that's sure to appeal to train enthusiasts.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

K-Gr 2—Edson Arantes do Nascimento, son of a former soccer player and better known as Pelé, is the colorful subject of this picture-book biography. Born in Brazil, Pelé knew that soccer was to be an important sport in his life from his early years. He formed a team of shoeless, uniform-less friends who regularly played with a ball made from a sock stuffed with rags and tied with string. Focusing on these early years, the author describes the athlete's thrill when he scored a goal in a youth soccer tournament. Ransome's vividly colored, deeply saturated oil paintings create dramatic scenes that contribute to the action of the game. Endpapers of a Brazilian forest establish the evocative mood. This book is for younger readers than Caroline Arnold's Pelé: The King of Soccer (Watts, 1992).—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–5—The author and illustrator who produced Cat Poems (Boyds Mills, 2005) have turned their attention to "man's best friend." This collection features all kinds of canines from poodles to junkyard dogs in well-constructed poems that vary in length and meter. The rhymes are tight and often clever, e.g., "With this amazing nasal asset/nothing can get past the Basset." Many of the selections end in a punch line, like this one from "Shaggy Sheepdog": "Wide away or fast asleep?/Either way, she's counting sheep." Although some of the subject matter is predictable, Crawley manages to add fresh fun to the already-been-done themes. The comic ink-and-watercolor illustrations perfectly reflect the lighthearted mood of the selections; Petrosino captures the essence of each poem with flair.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 3–6—Beginning with a labeled geographic map, Facklam and her daughter explore New York region by region, dedicating two to three pages to each, from New York City to the Catskills, the Erie Canal, the Adirondacks, the Thousand Islands, the Finger Lakes, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and others. The text is clear and engaging, offering some surprising trivia about what George Washington coined "The Empire State"—"home to many American symbols such as Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, baseball, and even Jell-O." Each spread features a paragraph or two of general text about the history and development of the region and a full-spread illustration with several superimposed cameos of various shapes and sizes, which include lengthy, informative captions. The impressionistic watercolors reveal a green landscape with forests, mountains, and rivers. Perhaps most striking are the repeated references to the Native American tribes who first inhabited the land. A final spread includes the standard motto, flower, tree, and bird along with the more obscure beverage, fossil, and insect. While the picture-book format is a welcome change from textbook-like series entries, the overall effect is somewhat bland and the text is set in a heavy, unappealing type. Still, readers get a thorough overview of the entire state—how each part was shaped and what it offers visitors today. An excellent source for local-history studies, useful for reports and browsing.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 1–4—These beginning biographies all have four chapters, photos on every spread, and a time line. They describe where and when the subjects were born, their childhoods, how they persevered to overcome obstacles, and how they achieved fame. Although the writing style is a bit stiff and choppy, these books are suitable for reports.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

PreS-Gr 1—A mother goose tells her goslings—Boo, Lucy, and Small—little rhymes throughout the day, and they prove so popular that soon other geese are sharing them with their own children. Eventually a heron has the foresight to write them down, and that is (in this version anyway) how Mother Goose's nursery rhymes came to be. This charming presentation captures the affectionate tone of a loving family and a mother's attempt to answer endless questions. The narrative puts the rhymes into a context that children will find appealing (e.g., Boo falls into a puddle and to cheer him up, Mother Goose tells him about Doctor Foster and that really big puddle in Gloucester). While most of the selections are familiar, several are lesser known, such as "How Many Miles to Babylon?" or "There Was an Old Woman Called Nothing-at-All." The droll cartoon illustrations with their pop-eyed characters are well suited to such familiar yet disquieting lines about well-dressed eggs who tumble off walls. A pleasant addition for those looking to add to their Mother Goose collections.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—Following an opening spread devoted to size and weight, these books offer bits of information about habitat, diet, physical features, and reproduction. A simple map shows where the animals live. Well-selected color photographs from a variety of sources are the best part of each presentation; the brief texts merely pique readers' interest. Each title ends with a four-word picture glossary and a three-book reading list.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 3–5—Young fans of Captain America, Spider-Man, X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, and the Fantastic Four can find out about their favorite characters' creators in these brief biographies. All three men were the sons of immigrants, served in World War II, and were affected by the censorship of the Comics Code in the 1950s. Kirby worked with both Simon and Lee, so there is some repetition among the three books. Glossaries provide background information on topics such as World War II, the Great Depression, and pulp magazines. The texts are clear, and every page contains full-color photos. Readers should especially enjoy the reproductions of classic comics. Unfortunately, the books' drab covers are not as eye-catching. Display these books near the graphic-novel collection to increase, or ensure, circulation.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—Lush color photographs show the diversity of the celebrants and bring an immediacy to these observances. Clear, simple texts provide history and background information, descriptions of customs, and basic analyses of each celebration's deeper meaning. The author does not assume uniformity, sensitively noting that some Native Americans mark Independence Day by protesting the loss of Native lands, and by beginning with "Some of us..." when describing various High Holiday customs. Exemplary back matter includes quick facts and extra information to provide context. There is even a map showing where all of the fascinating photos were taken. The use of the first-person plural voice makes the books feel inclusive and welcoming to all readers, whether or not they observe the holidays described. These titles make excellent introductions to the holidays and provide enough background to interest those already familiar with them.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 3–5—This oversize picture-book biography stars the first chimpanzee to orbit the Earth during the final testing phase of the Mercury space program. Large acrylic paintings trace "Ham" from his early days in equatorial Africa through his NASA training, his space flight, his long exile in the National Zoo, and his final two years at the North Carolina Zoological Park. The relatively simple text is accompanied by sidebars with more detailed data on such topics as chimp physiology, the "Space Race," and the hardware of the Mercury program. Glossed over is the fact that Ham was captured and forcibly removed from his family ("When he was old enough to leave his mother…") and nowhere is his "smiling" face after splashdown identified as a chimp expression of fear/anxiety. A brief mention of the ethics of test animals appears in a sidebar. However, this book does provide the younger set with a narrow window into the beginnings of America's space program.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—There's a lack of children's books on softball, but this brief overview does little to fill the gap. A short chapter highlights the sport's history from George Hancock, who codified the rules in 1889, through Eddie "the King" Feigner, who helped popularize the game. Hofstetter notes that women's fast-pitch softball was added as an Olympic sport in 1996, and that it will be dropped from the Olympics after the 2008 games. Successive chapters describe the rules and offer some tips on play, including pitching strategy, batting tips, fielding, and baserunning. The information is attractively packaged with plenty of white space and mostly color photographs. The text is generally clear if dry and this abbreviated introduction is best seen as a lead-in to more comprehensive titles, such as Mark Gola's Winning Softball for Girls (Facts On File, 2002) and Kristin Wolden Nitz's Fundamental Softball (Lerner, 1997).—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 1–3—Ten simple but rather ordinary crafts in each book use readily available materials. Both titles begin with a brief introduction to the topic and conclude with a few suggestions for additional reading, a couple of Internet addresses, and a one-page index. The projects in Sports Crafts include how to decorate a sports water bottle with permanent markers and how to decorate a paper plate to make a baseball fan. One clever idea is the jump rope fashioned from colored rubber bands and ribbons. In Music Crafts, rhythm blocks made from cereal boxes wrapped in sandpaper, a rainstick made from a paper-towel roll, rice, and aluminum foil, and a pie pan transformed into a tambourine are featured. Appropriate safety cautions are added to some directions. The clear and attractive photos and drawings and the easy reading level will appeal to young crafters.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–4—Clara the rhinoceros was apparently quite a curiosity in European cities of the 1740s. Her tour by ship, enormous horse-drawn cart, and even a raft on the Rhine River is told in this first-person picture-book account by the Dutch ship owner Douwe Van der Meer, who bought the animal from the man who had raised her in India. The allegedly true story of this European debut of the unfamiliar creature is amusing though there are no acknowledgments of any source material to support authenticity. A few short journal passages mention European heads of state who joined the Clara craze, but the modern phrasing of these and the main narrative do not convey a sense of the 18th century. "Clara was in rhino-heaven, wandering among the sweet-smelling orange trees that produced her favorite food." The simple sketches washed in watercolor are often on natural fibrous paper or pages gently mottled for an antique look. Simple maps are included, and here and there full-color reproductions of paintings or other art objects are inserted among the childlike art to convey the popular fascination with this animal at the time. Van der Meer's sketchy reminiscence is intriguing and could certainly be used by itself or paired with other materials about unusual wild animal/human encounters.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 3—This picture book introduces Charley Parkhurst, one of the best stagecoach drivers in the Old West. Horses loved him; bandits feared him. After his retirement, he settled down to run a stage stop, joined the local lodge, voted in elections, and was a respected citizen. But Charley had a big secret. When he died, the doctor discovered that Charley was a woman. She had lived her life as a man and enjoyed privileges that were not accorded to her gender during the mid-1800s. Kay tells the story in a style she calls "cryptic rhyme." The lines are short, the pace is quick: "Charley driving!/Gaining fame./Folks requesting/Him by name." The clipped rhythm is just right for a book about a no-nonsense individual. Hints about Charley's secret are subtle, yet intriguing: "That's our Charley,/He's the best,/Even though he's/Fancy-dressed." Gustavson's paintings have an Old West ambience, and the light is reminiscent of Frederic Remington's work. The illustrations make excellent use of perspective to involve readers in the story and create a fitting counterpoint to the spare narrative. Facts about Parkhurst are appended. Pair this lively offering with titles such as Diane Stanley's Saving Sweetness (Putnam) or Sonia Levitin's Nine for California (Scholastic, both 1996) for a surefire Western-themed read-aloud.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

K-Gr 2—Photographs appear with text that is so brief that it strains to be clear. Different Places introduces synonyms for various items. Based on where one lives, these items are known by different words, e.g., hot dogs or franks, soda or pop, creek or brook. However, little information is imparted. Photographs are clear and colorful, and they usually relate to the text. The chapter "Time and Place" actually deals with money and where people buy food (supermarket or grocery store), and has nothing to do with time. Two of the titles in the three-book list for further reading are adult; the other is too old for the intended audience. In Meet My Grandparents, children introduce five grandfathers and five grandmothers by relating where they came from, what they call them, and something they like to do together. A spread includes a picture of the adult and child with a few sentences facing an outline map of the grandparent's country of origin, but with no geographical context and none of the bordering countries labeled. A three-word glossary indicates the name for grandparent in the original language. Choices seem odd; "Oma (o MA)" is there but not "Mmukulu" or "Babushka." It defines "Nonno" as the Italian word for grandmother, but in the text it refers to grandfather. Pass on these two.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 2–5—Each title opens by defining a synonym. The books then introduce a variety of adjectives and their multiple synonyms through simple sentences and full-color photographs. The sentences appear in the upper part of the page with the adjective in red type against a crisp white background. The bottom third of the page is devoted to four or five synonyms for the highlighted adjective set against a yellow background. Castle focuses on inanimate objects, and Ella on adjectives that apply to people. The last title emphasizes words that describe human emotions and attributes. For the sentence "Bob is brave when he goes on an adventure," the synonyms "gutsy," "fearless," "confident," and "courageous" are offered. Indexes divide entries by part of speech. The books would work best if introduced by or used under the guidance of a teacher or parent. School libraries looking for straightforward texts to support the language-arts curriculum will want to consider them.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 2–3—These visually appealing books provide numerous clear details about these nocturnal animals. The layout is particularly appealing, with black pages highlighting the darkness the animals prefer. Each volume begins with "Words to Know." This arrangement provides children with the meanings of new words prior to the reading. Each spread includes a color photograph and highlights a different topic, such as echolocation in Bats, information on the animals' coats in Cats, and predators in Raccoons. The stunning photographs vividly show the animals and will draw in many students. A page of "Fun Facts" concludes each book. These titles will be popular with browsers and are useful for reports.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 2–3—This intriguing title presents basic information about owls' feeding habits and habitats plus interesting, lesser-known aspects of the species. There are passing references to owls in folklore and in the "Harry Potter" books, plus reminders that these birds should not be captured as pets. Each spread features a page of text facing a full-color, captioned photo. Most of the text is printed in yellow on black backgrounds. An additional purchase, where needed.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 3–5—Each table of contents lists 14 questions, such as: "What is alcohol?" "Can people drink safely?" "What are the risks of using drugs?" "Why should I know about drugs?" The answers appear in two-page chapters that include sidebars and color photographs. While the topics are sophisticated, the texts are simple, approachable, and matter-of-fact. Readers will benefit from adult guidance as some of the illustrations may be disturbing. An emphasis is placed on empowering children to make confident, informed decisions.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

PreS-Gr 1—A short poem, first published in Livingston's Wide Awake and Other Poems (Harcourt, 1959), is given exuberant treatment in this picture-book version. The simple verses are fresh and accessible: "January shivers,/February shines,/March blows off the winter ice,/April makes the mornings nice,/May is hopscotch lines." Hillenbrand's mixed-media collages dance off the pages, celebrating each month with a two-page illustration. As the seasons change, the palette moves from the blue iciness of winter to the brightness of tennis shoes and shorts. The artwork enhances and extends the text; the illustration for "September whistles by" shows a girl standing on a sidewalk, holding hands with a parent, as a school bus pulls up, its headlights piercing the early-morning gray. This book, like other titles centered around the calendar, including Nancy Tafuri's Snowy, Flowy, Blowy (Scholastic, 1999), Maurice Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice (HarperCollins, 1962), and Charlotte F. Otten's January Rides the Wind (Lothrop, 1997), sings the seasons for the youngest listeners.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

PreS-Gr 1—Children are introduced to 15 little rigs and the important work they do. Simple, clear explanations accompany each full-page photograph: "An airplane must be pushed out from the gate before starting its engines. This is done by a truck called a plane tug." Street sweepers with "swirling brooms" and garbage trucks that "fit in tight spots" keep the urban landscape clean. A camper, pickup, and mail truck are featured in rural scenes. Action shots show a Zamboni driver smoothing an ice rink, medics transporting a patient into the back of an ambulance, and a vendor selling treats from his ice-cream truck. Bright, primary colored backgrounds frame the pictures, and the text appears inside road-sign shapes. This high-interest book is sure to be popular with vehicle fans.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 2—Brother Pascual's Mexican monastery is thrown into chaos by the news that the Spanish Viceroy will be arriving for lunch in three hours. The brothers throw themselves into a series of hectic preparations while Carlos, the kitchen boy, makes tortillas and watches for his chance to pick up a stray treat. When a raisin bun falls to the floor, he dives for it, colliding with Brother Pascual, who is carrying a tray of seasonings for the various sauces. The seasonings fall into the turkey pot, combining to produce the world's very first molé, and the Viceroy is duly impressed. An author's note reveals that the story is based on a Mexican legend that molé originated in a Spanish colonial monastery, but that in truth it can probably be traced to the Aztecs. The story is appealing, though rather slight. The bobble-headed cartoon characters stand out against the stark white backgrounds and serve to reinforce the fanciful tone.—Rachael Vilmar, Atlanta Fulton Public Library, GA

Gr 3–5—Two well-written, clear guides for youngsters interested in learning about the different types of maps and the best ways to utilize them. Both titles start with a broad definition of terms and hone in on more specific aspects as the discussions progress. The texts are straightforward and easy to read, without being dry or dull. Climate features detailed maps, though the small print of the legends makes reading them challenging at times, such as the one showing plant hardiness. Road covers maps, legends, and the rose compass and then moves into direction, scale, using map grids, and the type of information often found on the backs of maps. The illustrations are crisp and easy to follow. Solid additions for libraries needing to update their map collections.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 1–2—Each title focuses on the life cycle of a particular animal with highlights on its growth and development. "Word Hunt" picture glossaries at the beginning give children key terms, accompanied by photos, to watch for as they read the book. Colorful pictures, borders, and text boxes create an attractive environment for the simple information presented. Excellent opening hooks draw readers in and make them want to learn more: "What's that bouncing in the air? It's a joey!" and, "Do you see those beautiful feathers?…Did you know that he was once a plain, brown peachick? Boldface words indicate glossary entries, and the full-color photographs nicely support the material on a particular spread. A picture time line summarizes facts presented.—Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY

Gr 1–2—In four or five sentences, each book explains the food chain of its particular group of animals, beginning with plants and ending with what the creatures at the top eat. In addition to a full-page, full-color photograph on every spread, these titles contain food-chain charts and a food web. Good sources of science information for beginning readers.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

PreS-K—On the whole, the writing in these books is sensitive and reassuring. Children are reminded that it's OK to have feelings, even unpleasant ones, that they will not always feel sad or jealous, and that they can take steps toward feeling better. However, sometimes the texts seem overly simplistic or incomplete. For example, feelings are defined as "something you feel inside." In Sad, Medina notes that one might feel unhappy when people argue or are mean, but she never mentions loss. Brooker's cheery and colorful cartoons feature expressive characters, humorous details, and warm scenes that reinforce the texts. Each title ends with a quiz, an illustrated glossary, and a simple index. These books are good starting points for discussions, and they will encourage self-awareness and self-acceptance.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

Gr 2–4—This lively introduction to plants and animals of the Amazon rainforest is organized around the towering kapok tree. Readers meet a jaguar, a green boa, leafcutter ants, a sloth, and other creatures that live in its branches. The cumulative verse draws them together while the "rainforest grew all around, all around; the rainforest grew all around." Text panels on the sides of the well-laid-out pages offer facts about the plants and animals depicted close up, such as, "Pineapples are bromeliads that grow in the ground." Although the color illustrations resemble those of Lynne Cherry's in The Great Kapok Tree (Harcourt, 1990), this book is less message heavy. Two pages of activities plus a recipe for rainforest cookies provide opportunities to extend learning, but there is no musical score.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

K-Gr 3—Without watering down difficult-to-explain topics such as the horrors of slavery, these writers keep the tone and scope appropriate for a young audience. All of the biographies focus on the subjects' childhoods, giving readers not only a person they can relate to but also the message that all great individuals were children once, too, thus reinforcing the idea that anyone can achieve greatness. Each title is illustrated in a different style, ranging from watercolor to pen and ink, and includes a photograph of the person on the first page. No sources are included. These books are excellent sources for first-time research projects, and they could help spark an interest in nonfiction that goes beyond encyclopedias or Web sites.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

K-Gr 3—Short chapters explain the steps necessary to produce each product. An interesting "Fun Facts" section, randomly placed, interrupts the flow of the texts. Back matter has a "Can You Guess?" page with two questions. Some of the answers are found in the books, but others introduce new concepts in need of explanation. For example, Grass asks, "Where does butter come from?" The answer is butterfat, but this term is not mentioned or explained anywhere else in the book. Captioned color photos or drawings appear on every spread and pair well with the narrative in most cases. Libraries owning Aliki's Milk: From Cow to Carton (HarperCollins, 1992) or Gail Gibbons's The Milk Makers (S & S, 1985) do not need the book on milk as both of these titles give a more thorough explanation of the process for the same audience, in a more entertaining format. Children may also prefer books like Jules Older's Ice Cream (Charlesbridge, 1984). Given the average quality of these series titles and the abundance of "from start to finish" books, Murray's titles are additional purchases.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

Gr 3–5—Each spread includes division problems that revolve around the big cats on the left and facts about the birth and development of two baby cheetahs, Majani and Kubali, on the right. The color photography is outstanding. Division is defined along with the meaning of dividend, divisor, and quotient. The math problems are written in equation form and depicted pictorially by grouping with hundreds, tens, and ones, and through charts and graphs. The relationship between division and repeated subtraction is also explained. Topics covered about the cheetahs include food, physical growth, running speed, and possible extinction. This book can be used in conjunction with Panda Math (2005), Chimp Math (2002), Polar Bear Math (2004), and Tiger Math (2000, all Holt), which address subtraction, time, fractions, and graphs, respectively. This is a wonderful cross-curricular book and an appealing way to introduce math.—Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

Gr 2–3—Old and Billin-Frye include everything from religious history and the origin of customs from other countries (the original jack-o'-lanterns were turnips or beets) to Frankenstein and Dracula to party-planning suggestions and safety tips. Each chapter offers an illustrated corny joke. Unfortunately, the writing varies in age-appropriateness, and the jolly cartoons don't always reflect the text, as when a kindly healer with a black cat poses opposite a section concerning the execution of suspected witches. An additional purchase for libraries that can use most anything on this holiday.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 3–6—These clear, succinct overviews will support assignments without overwhelming casual readers. Well-organized tables of contents point directly to topics of interest. A variety of maps adds context to geographical, historical, economic, and government-related information. Attention is given to current popular culture. Sidebars, fast facts, and time lines are included. A good selection of recent, high-quality color photographs gives the books visual appeal. A special feature in both titles is a closing chapter that suggests "Flag," "National Anthem," and "Time Difference" as subjects to enhance reports. These approachable titles provide solid information and will prove valued supplements to the more in-depth "Enchantment of the World" (Children's Press) and "Visual Geography" (Lerner) series.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—These titles group 20 familiar rhymes together by theme. Counting includes "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," "Sing a Song of Sixpence," "Gregory Griggs," and "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep." Forecasting highlights "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "One Misty, Moisty Morning," "It's Raining, It's Pouring," and "The Robin." Faces features the likes of "Little Miss Muffet," "Jack and Jill," "Humpty Dumpty," and "Old King Cole." All three books cite The Random House Book of Mother Goose (1986) as their source of editorial and formatting decisions. The books sport colorful, textured artwork; Counting was done in acrylics and Faces and Forecasting were created digitally. A warm color palette gives a jaunty tone to the illustrations. However, a few of Luiz's faces are far from amiable and may even border on grotesque. With the abundance of nursery rhyme books available each year, these titles are strictly supplemental purchases.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–5—A playful collection that features an array of animals and geographical locations. Some of the poems mention specific locales, like Bemidji, MN, and Amarillo, TX; others feature either mundane or fantastical creatures. Many of the nonsense verses feel like old nursery rhymes. They have a very catchy rhythm and are instantly memorable, like the Little Cricket, "singing just as loud/as a little cricket could—/that happy little cricket/in the deep green wood." On a whole, the geography poems are not as vibrant. At times, the rhymes become trite and predictable: "Then to awaiting treetops/they make a swift descent/near beautiful Mount Vernon/home of our first president." All of the selections are enriched by Mathers's rich, folksy watercolors. The artist suggests the wide variety of settings with just a few subtle details. A flock of egrets defines Florida, and a flat brown plain with a windmill evokes Cheyenne. Even the dreamland of "Sleepy Sam" is simply established with a gray haze and crescent moon. Although not as uniformly spectacular as Prelutsky's Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant (HarperCollins, 2006), there is plenty here to delight.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 1–2—Facts about butterflies are delivered through rhyming couplets by the Cat in the Hat. "They are colorful insects/whose lives, you will see,/are very exciting./Come on, follow me!" He teaches the basics to Dr. Seuss-like characters, starting with how a caterpillar hatches from a tiny egg. The names and descriptions of a variety of butterflies are included, and monarch migration is highlighted. Although some of the rhymes are a stretch, such as, "With this tube, the pro-bos-cis,/a butterfly draws/nectar from flowers/like we drink from straws!," the familiarity of the characters and the topic is sure to draw readers. If cartoon material is not what you are looking for, try Amy Bauman and E. Jaediker Norsgaard's The Wonder of Butterflies (Gareth Stevens, 2000).—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

K-Gr 2—Each book opens with a spread about the uses of the animal, followed by a diagram identifying its exterior parts and a chart comparing its size with that of a six-year-old child. A later spread is devoted to different breeds—both domestic and wild—from around the world. The global theme continues with two pages of brief descriptions of customs surrounding the animal in various countries; for example, "In China, each year is named after one of twelve animals. People born in the Chinese Year of the Rooster are hard-working and brave" (Chickens). The brief information can be misleading, and the customs are not always widely practiced. Back matter includes an activity and a list of ideas for adults. The pictures, both photographs and drawings, are more entertaining than informative. It should also be noted that the animals are shown in free-range environments, and are not representative of all American farming practices. While the limited text is accurate, its simplicity has the potential for confusion and false conclusions.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2–4—These books are ideal for beginning readers or for high interest/low reading level needs. Each one covers the basic functions and parts of the machines in question. Explanations are given in the simplest terms, for example: "Sometimes cars and trucks get in crashes. Sometimes they break down and will not run. Tow trucks take cars and trucks to places where people can fix them." Crisp, full-color photos with informative captions cover one half of each spread, with the remaining page dedicated to simple text with excellent use of white space. Labels and insets appear where appropriate to clarify information in the pictures.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 2—The first title is about the number of legs found on a variety of creatures. It starts, "Little children, when they are so little they are called babies, walk on all fours. But not all babies, because some prefer to crawl!" The confusion generated by this statement is then coupled with a lack of clear organization, making for a frustrating reading experience. The book generalizes information—other animals that walk on two legs, "like grown children," include kangaroos and dinosaurs—yet also focuses on a handful of specific six-legged insects. Its unscientific nature is underlined by sweetly serviceable color cartoon illustrations that make even the bees and ants look friendly and playful. Family Tree focuses on a Japanese-American child. It talks about ancestors, and readers see a color illustration of Martin's family tree. Through the use of direct questions ("Do you know any story about your own great-grandparents?"), the author tries to steer children toward creating their own narratives. At the same time, the book provides random details about Martin's family, such as how his grandparents met or the fact that one of his cousins still wets his diapers. The result is a dissatisfying, muddled text that makes it difficult to separate relevant information from the mundane. The color cartoon illustrations do little to clarify the subject.—Martha Topol, Traverse Heights Elementary Library, Traverse City, MI

PreS-K—This picture book is sure to be a favorite. With a rhyme scheme patterned after "Hush Little Baby," the story begins, "Hush, little puppy, don't you bark./It's time to sleep, it's growing dark./Curl up small and warm and glad./Think of all the fun we had." The art shows the youngster dressed for bed as he coaxes his pet into its sleeping basket. The remaining pages are devoted to his recollections of how the two spent the day, including splashing in the creek and stepping into mud puddles, with the end promising adventures to come. The soft-focus watercolors feature a sweet-faced youngster lovingly attending to his puppy. A soothing addition to collections in need of variations on well-known verses.—G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Gr 2–4—Ten very different animals introduce the concept of camouflage in this handsome guessing game. "In the warm summer months, my coat is dark brown./Then as winter arrives, I don a white gown." A short-tailed weasel, or ermine, is described in the poetic lines and peers through snowy grasses in the facing picture. Visible only because of its bright eyes, the furry predator could truly "hide in full view." The combination of poetry, beautiful photography, and clear factual explanation is executed in all of its parts with economy and skill. Patient viewing usually reveals the hidden animal, though some are pretty hard to spot. Each vivid picture folds out to a new view where the background is muted with tissue and the featured creature highlighted. Here there is a short, clear commentary on the animal's life and use of camouflage. Adults will marvel at the ability of the photographer to locate these hidden denizens of day and night, forests, meadows, and ocean beds. Children will be intrigued with the familiar and lesser-known animals. Teachers will find many different uses for science and even visual-literacy units.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 3–5—While new tellings of Latin American folktales would be welcome in most collections, these three stories are unlikely to stir much notice among readers or storytellers. Their language is plodding and their plots drag on interminably with little tension to hold kids' interest. Though the books represent the traditional literature of three different peoples, there is a dearth of cultural specificity or detail. On the versos of the title pages, Sepehri cites the collections of folktales of El Salvador and Panama published in the '50s and '60s on which these tales were based, but offers nothing of how she came across them or altered them. Demeter adopts a slightly different style of art for each of the stories, but the colorful illustrations are merely adequate and not inspired. All told, these titles are well meant, but miss the mark.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 1–3—One or two large-print sentences are set within a wide colored margin that borders a full- or double-page color photo of the featured creature. While all of the titles briefly describe the major physical and behavioral characteristics shared by all the subject animals—such as antennae, eyes, wings, jaws, defense mechanisms, etc.—each one has a different focus. Beetles emphasizes the great diversity in size, body shape, color, etc., found in the largest insect order. Cicadas concentrates on its insects' life cycle, and Praying Mantises elaborates on the predators' physiology while also mentioning feeding habits. Some additional facts are offered in the glossary, albeit in small print. The best feature in all of the books is the sharply defined close-up photos, some of which include labels for body parts. While the minimal texts are clearly written, the amount of information they provide is, understandably, limited. Ann Squire's Cicadas (Children's Press, 2003) has a more complete description of the insect's life cycle and also explains how male cicadas make their distinctive buzzing sound. Rebecca Stefoff's Beetle (Benchmark, 1997) has the same focus on diversity as the Sexton title, but also includes information on diet and life cycle and identifies the species depicted. Of the three Sexton titles, Praying Mantises is the best bet. With its excellent photos and simple text it will be a useful introduction.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—This first entry in a new nature series explores the characteristics, flora, and fauna of desert habitats. Brief, easy-to-comprehend sentences ("Deserts are dry places that get very little rain") are paired with realistic full-page illustrations depicting these arid landscapes. The location and names of featured plants and/or animals are listed for each plate. Alternating between broader viewpoints and close—ups, the artwork captures the character and terrain of each region, while unexpected spots of color—a collared lizard's bright neckband, yellow blooms on a prickly pear cactus, green date palm trees surrounding an oasis-add interest and variety. An outline map displays the world's deserts and identifies those highlighted in the book. While the Southwestern United States gets much attention (Mojave, Sonoran, Chihuahuan), Sill also mentions attributes unique to the snow-covered Great Basin Desert, the Arabian Desert, and the Sahara. A six-page afterword presents small reproductions of the plates along with more details about each locale. A great choice for beginning readers and for sharing aloud, this elegant blend of clearly presented facts and starkly beautiful paintings makes an informative introduction to a harsh environment and the adaptations made by the plants and animals that live there.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 6—Sugiura, a folklore scholar from Japan, retells these stories for children. As compiler, she attempted to capture their essence by collecting them from oral storytellers, rather than working exclusively from written sources. Each book includes three selections (translated from their initial publication in Japanese) with one or more watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations on every page. Rendered in a pastel palette, the images adequately follow the simple story lines. Fables tells of Kanchil, the mouse-deer who outwits a tiger; of a boy who finds his father with the help of his rooster; and of a baby water buffalo that wins the day. The fables favor humor over pedantry, and all could be considered trickster tales. Tales has a selection about a young man who marries a goddess; another about a princess who decrees she will marry the man who gives the best gift; and one about the differing fortunes of two dissimilar sisters. Notes in each book provide information about Indonesia. These books will provide good source material for storytellers and read-alouds, and will make a worthy addition to comparative folktale collections.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 2–3—Each book starts with an example: a tow truck's pulley moves a car; a screw top on a bottle of soda keeps it from spilling; a knife—a wedge—cuts an apple into pieces. An explanation of how the machine works is followed by a fact from history, such as that ancient Egyptians used wedges to help cut stones into blocks. A complex machine that includes the simple machine discussed closes out the information. Back matter includes an "Amazing but True!" fact and a "Hands On" activity that can be done with minimal effort, such as making a pulley with an empty spool of thread. Photos and drawings show the machine in historical settings as well as in its modern-day usage. The text and pictures are clear and informative, but if you already have materials on these topics there's no need to replace older titles with these. Series such as "Simple Machines" and "Understanding Simple Machines" (Capstone) contain the same information.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 3–5—This toothy entry in the series covers lizards, crocodilians, and others of their cold-blooded kin. Colorful, realistic illustrations fill the pages, depicting reptiles in all their scaly/shelled splendor, many—as promised by the title—life-sized. From the incredibly tiny dwarf gecko to the daunting Komodo dragon and the fearsome saltwater crocodile, color drawings of the animals peer from the pages to delight budding herpetologists. Introductory statements and detailed, subject-headed paragraphs are offered instead of a continuous text and, with the many captions accompanying the often dramatic illustrations, will provide enough information for some and a jumping-off place for others. Eminently browsable, this oversize book (with the bloodied jaws of a saltwater croc agape on the cover) will appeal to reptile fans and satisfy the ick-factor impulse as well.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 3–4—The content in this book on the only species with feathers is arranged in the form of questions and addresses subjects like how birds can become extinct instead of "flying away from their problems," whether or not woodpeckers get headaches from pecking wood, and why bird poop is so runny. The narrative is breezy and appealing to read for enjoyment, yet contains enough facts for a book report. Full-color photographs appear on every page.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

PreS-K—A gentle poem written more than 50 years ago and poignantly illustrated by two contemporary artists. They use vibrant greens and blues to express excitement in the fresh new season. Text lines swirl, as if in a breeze, in graceful curves on each spread, showing fields of grass or birds in flight. "Do you not see the earth awakening from its winter sleep,/Combing the hair of the trees and putting new clothes on the fields?" This mood piece may be paired with or supplement such titles as Francisco X. Alarcón's Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems (Childrens Book Press, 1997) about the anticipation of this rejuvenating season.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 2—The lyrics from the ubiquitous 1960s song finally finds a hardcover home in a book by its creators. As pictured by Puybaret in his lush, stylized artwork rendered in acrylic on linen, the soulful dragon and Jackie Paper cavort across the island of Honalee meeting kings and pirates, and boating, climbing, and playing. After his young friend grows older and leaves, Puff languishes until a young girl (observed clandestinely and benignly by a grown-up Jackie Paper) joins him to initiate friendship again. The full spreads feature sweeping panoramas set against the blues and greens of ocean and island with small details revealed throughout. Fans of the song will be the book's primary audience. A four-song CD by Yarrow and his daughter with the title song, an instrumental version of it, "The Blue Tail Fly," and "Froggie Went A-Courtin'" is included.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 3–4—In gentle language, Zecca describes how in spring, after seven months in the ocean, the birds swim home to their nest, where for 40 days both parents nurture the single chick born to them, until it is ready to join the adults in the sea. The striking, full-page illustrations are saturated with color and detail, giving children an authentic look at an animal that most of them are not likely to encounter firsthand because of the isolation of the puffins' island nesting places. A note by the director of the National Audubon Society's Project Puffin about the need for environmentally sound decisions to preserve the birds' habitats is included. A beautiful, informative picture book, with enough material for reports.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA