Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-Gr 2—This reverse cumulative tale cleverly connects some fairy tales and nursery rhymes. "Goldilocks arrived home all bothered and hot. Previously she had been running like mad in the dark woods. Previously she had been climbing out of somebody else's window." Previously, she had bumped into Jack who "was running like mad in the dark woods with a hen under his arm." Cinderella was "bumped into by…The Gingerbread Boy" and his whole group of followers. The ingenuous acrylic paintings mirror the turnabouts artfully so that, for example, Jack appears four times on the same spread: falling down a hill with Jill, playing soccer, talking with his mother, and exchanging a cow for some beans. The jazzy, colorful pictures display substantive variety: silhouetted figures dance at Cinderella's ball; she previously runs through trees that rise out of Impressionist-like blue-dotted ground; the prince who danced with Cinderella changes into a frog; his head visibly transforms in a series of views atop his normal head. Read this book aloud so that youngsters can chime in and shout the word "previously" 29 times. Children will delight in this energetic, amusing, and very approachable tale.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 3—In this beginning reader, two earthworms, one pink and the other tan, have five adventures gyrating through the garden. In the process, information about worms and how they help a garden grow is conveyed. To make their work more interesting, the worms sing a little ditty as they aerate the soil. They also have a picnic with dirt rolls, bug juice, and mud pies during a rainstorm. The simple illustrations enhance the humor and provide the graphic support that new readers need. This would be a wonderful companion to Doreen Cronin's Diary of a Worm (HarperCollins, 2003). The book concludes with "Fun Worm Facts" and "How Worms Help Plants Grow."—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 1—This poetic tale about the path an orange takes to the store begins in a grove near the sea. When the fruit is ripe, "a hand, brown with seasons of sun, plucked it from its branch, while dew still glittered on the leaves." Then, it is packed up and trucked off to a faraway grocery store, where it is carefully chosen by a boy wearing a red turtleneck sweater, a hat, and mittens. He plays with the orange on the way home, imagining himself a juggler and a baseball pitcher. The last spread shows him sharing his treat with friends as they play outdoors and snowflakes fall. Like the text, the glowing acrylic paintings are artfully simple and make beautiful use of color. Even the youngest listeners will gain awareness that food doesn't magically spring into being on the shelves of markets.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-K—The Mine-o-saur does not like to share. Grabbing all the toys, snatching all the snacks, he refuses to let anyone else in school have anything, shouting at his classmates in rhyming verses that end with, "They're MINE! MINE! MINE!" After everyone refuses to play with him, he becomes lonely and finally changes his behavior. All ends happily as the Mine-o-saur tells his new friends, "You're MINE!/MINE! MINE! MINE!" The cartoon illustrations are colorful, showing round-eyed dinosaurs of all types, both carnivores and herbivores, playing in a school yard presided over by Mrs. Raptor. However, the text switches back and forth between prose and verse, sounding a bit disjointed when read aloud, and some of the rhymes are forced. While this offering may serve to fill those requests for "a book that will teach about sharing," the message seems more strident and heavy-handed than absolutely necessary.—Marian Drabkin, Richmond Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2—As early as two years of age, Iggy determinedly builds structures from a variety of common items like pancakes and diapers, and his parents are amazed at his "unusual passion." In second grade, though, his teacher informs him that there is no room for architecture in her classroom. "That might seem severe, but she was sincere./For when she was no more than seven,/she'd had a great fright at a dizzying height/in a building so tall it scraped Heaven." School becomes a bore for Iggy, until the students go on a picnic and cross a trestle to a small island, only to have the trestle collapse. As the teacher faints, Iggy comes to the rescue. Using whatever he can find—boots, shoelaces, tree roots—he enlists his classmates to help him construct a suspension bridge. When Miss Greer recovers, she realizes the importance of building dreams. After that, second graders in Blue River Creek Elementary are taught every week about some of the world's greatest buildings by Iggy Peck, architect. The detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor spreads, evocative of architectural drawings, are crisp, clean, and expressive. Through cartoonlike characters set against white backgrounds or, on occasion, graph paper, they capture the emotion and action of this imaginative story.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

K-Gr 2—The fun is anything but frightening when Ben, a well-groomed demon, throws a surprise party for his petite dragon friend, Doris. All of their pals—a robot, a ghost, Dracula, a mummy, a skeleton in red high-tops, and an alien—come to the celebration. The illustrations are laid out in comics-style panels, and the clean composition of each painting puts the focus on the monsters and their interactions. As the partygoers boogie to Ben's banjo music, Robot tells his dance partner (a lamp), "You really light up a room." Doris the dragon compliments Ghost, "You're very light on your feet." When it's time for cake, all the monsters duck for cover and then cheer when her fiery breath ignites rather than extinguishes the candles. Beck's monsters make an unintimidating crowd with their joyous smiles and wide-open eyes. Simple text along the bottom of each page might suggest that this is a book for storytime collections, but the goings-on at this event will appeal most to independent readers with the time to peruse the visual jokes and speech bubbles in detail. Fans of riddles, jokes, and unusual creatures—always strong in number—will gravitate to this humorous tale.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 1—Although initially longing for a sibling because she is feeling smothered by so much family attention, Rosemary ultimately finds satisfaction in being an only child in this jovial picture book. Best gives readers much to think about as she puts the ball directly back into this resourceful girl's court: "To make herself feel better, Rosemary started collecting 'only' things...." Blackhall adds humor by featuring the child dressed in colorful stripes, polka dots, and mismatched stockings, emphasizing her personality and individuality. Rosemary's animated features show that she is definitely an in-charge child who acts confidently on her own to solve her problem. The dramatic view of her climbing a branch to rescue a cat that could be a companion is one example of the visual variety of scenes supporting the text. Both only children and those in larger families will relish reading about this girl's escapades.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 2—While delivering mail to the many creatures living in an enormous old tree, the pigeon mail carrier notices something strange: a big white X painted on the trunk. She starts asking the animals about it, and none of them knows what it means or where it came from. Finally, she gets to Captain Crow, who realizes that the X means that their precious home is in danger. Can the animals work together to find a way to stop the ax-wielding woodsmen? This well-written story is quite long by picture-book standards, but the suspense, combined with the charming details of the animals' personalities, will keep even younger listeners interested. The beautiful acrylic-and-watercolor paintings, all spreads, show a bucolic world in which the natural order is all too fragile compared with destructive human activity. A single, spectacular pop-up on the last spread may not last long, but it's not essential to an appreciation of the book as a whole.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1—This winning story is enhanced by Estrada's colorful, inviting illustrations. Pedro and Papa travel to market to select a new burro, but they wonder how they will find the right one. After looking at many, they meet a playful one wearing a hat, and he proves to be just right for work and friendship. Featuring repetition and humor, the simple story is set in large type with ample white space. The eye-catching illustrations add to the fun, with detailed Latin American-flavored backgrounds, varying perspectives, and an adorable animal that will capture readers' hearts.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

Gr 1–4—Chin reveals the hard work it takes for young martial artists to accomplish their goals. Julie idolizes action-movie star Brandy Wu and longs for a black belt like her heroine. She's already mastered all of the moves in her video games, so how hard can it be? But she discovers that the road to black belt is a long one, requiring bruised knees (and bruised pride), dedication, and perseverance. The exuberant digital illustrations show Julie's journey from enthusiastic beginner to struggling novice to poised and confident student who earns her yellow belt. The story includes kung fu terms and self-defense philosophy that will be familiar to young martial-arts students. The only possible concern lies in the depiction of some of Julie's techniques, which look slightly advanced for beginners (a leaping sidekick appears as one of the moves on her test). Overall, however, youngsters interested in the sport will be thrilled to follow Julie's adventures. Other readers may also learn something from Julie's determination to meet her goals.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

PreS-Gr 2—On the first day of school, Miss Lucinda tells her students that she will use name tags to remember their names and would also like to know about their special talents. She tells them, "I plant flowers and watch them grow. I am good at gardening." Following her lead, the children introduce themselves and what they do best. The illustrations also follow a consistent design—a framed close-up picture of each child is overlaid on a full-spread illustration of that individual engaging in the specified activity. The class seems happy (and well-rounded) until it's Jack's turn. He is quiet for a long time before stating, "I am not good at anything." But as he speaks, comparing himself to the others, he shows that he is good at doing something, in fact, better even than Miss Lucinda—he remembers everyone's names and abilities. Drawn with large round heads, the colorfully clothed cartoon characters are filled with personality. The artwork is cheerful, and the brief, repetitive text reads aloud smoothly. Miss Lucinda and her friendly class will help welcome many students to a new school year.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS—While strong on story, this title is short on information. It follows the young mouse as she is injured while playing on her trampoline. With the assistance of her friend Charley, she is off to the hospital where Doctor Duck sets her broken bone and Nurse Comfort puts her to bed in the children's ward. Maisy makes friends with her roommate and returns home the next day after learning to walk with her crutches. The gouache artwork is done in Cousins's familiar style and leavens the potentially frightening situations. Paulette Bourgeois's Franklin Goes to the Hospital (Kids Can, 2000) and Fred Rogers's Going to the Hospital (Putnam, 1988) offer more technical, child-friendly details about the experience.—G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Gr 1–3—Bibi Branchflower is so rich that she has two of almost everything, including houses and limousines. However, she doesn't have any friends. One day the woman buys a jeweled music box that contains two mechanical ballerinas. The shopkeeper warns her that the sorcerer who created it cursed it so that all who look on the sad-faced figures will experience sorrow. Bibi still insists on purchasing it. She is devoted to the dancers and tries to lift their spirits through jokes and kisses. In an attempt to cheer them up, she takes them on an adventure to Alaska and then to Africa, where she loses them in a market. She frantically searches the village for them, exclaiming that, "I'd give up all I own to have you back again," and sees the tiny dancers standing far up a road. Bibi runs toward them and they begin to smile and grow until they are the size of real girls. Bibi realizes that good friends are all she needs and the book ends with the three characters dancing in a circle. De Varennes's text reads like a parable: readers learn that money cannot buy happiness. Juan's acrylic-and-crayon illustrations create a moody, mysterious tone; subdued hues gradually brighten by the end of the book, and even the angular structure of Bibi's face softens when she discovers happiness. The amusing endpapers display dozens of duplicate items, from mittens to sandwiches to feather dusters. A true celebration of the value of friendship over material goods.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

Gr 2–4—In the first book, Taylor is having a sleepover to celebrate the end of second grade, and Emily knows that her parents will say that she is too young to go. She has a major meltdown, and her friends suggest that she apologize for her behavior and try to act more mature so her parents will change their minds. Of course, they do. Of course, the sleepover is fantastic. In the second title, Emily hosts the sleepover in her backyard—tent and all. Now Taylor has the problem—she is afraid of bugs. Will she overcome her fear, share with her friends, and have a great time at the party? You bet she will. These easy chapter books have no character or plot development, the author uses far too many adjectives, the girls' behavior is not always age-appropriate.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

PreS-Gr 2—Two books in one. Read one way, it is the parent who responds to the child's question, "just how much do you love me?" With the book turned over and read from the back, the mother asks the question of her son. Both answers are given in rhyming couplets as the pair try to prove the depth and strength of their love. Some of the rhymes work well, but others seem forced, e. g., "I love you longer than the longest path ever wound./I love you prettier than the prettiest flower ever found." At the middle, where the two books meet, readers see that the two love one another "more than anything in the whole wide world." The large illustrations are colorful and childlike, but the text trips the tongue. Similar titles, such as Sam McBratney's Guess How Much I Love You (Candlewick, 1995), are more lyrical to read. Consider this one an additional purchase.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 1—A boy and his porcine friend Pinky decide to play superheroes. They practice their moves (their version of flying is getting launched off the high end of a seesaw) and try on costumes (everything from a shower curtain to laundry). Finally, wearing simple masks and capes, they become Mighty Max and his "stubby sidekick." The two plug an undersea volcano to save a whale, battle a snowmonster, and turn away an asteroid that's heading toward Earth. Then Pinky tires of his sidekick status and quits, leaving Max on his own. While wallowing in a mud puddle, the pig hears a cry for help. Max's head is stuck between the slats of a fence. Pinky gets a bucket of water and hurls it at him, freeing him (it's not exactly clear how), and the friends are reunited. How can Max repay him? It just so happens that Power Pinky is looking for a sidekick. The simple cartoon illustrations are done in black pen-and-ink and colored digitally in bright, flat hues. The one or two lines of text on each spread are supplemented by word balloons coming from the characters. The appealing theme and the simplicity of the telling are major selling points, but this book is not an essential purchase.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—A ramshackle old house droops sadly as it waits for new owners to make it their own. Perspective buyers look at it but see only its flaws, and the old house is convinced that no one will choose it. Despite cheering from the birds that nest in its gutters, the wildflowers that grow in its yard, and the squirrel that hides its nuts there, the dwelling remains forlorn. When a young family begins to show interest, the house shifts its perspective from worrying about itself to worrying about providing for its possible inhabitants. All ends well as the family moves into their new home, fixes it up, and fills it with laughter. Edwards's colloquial text is accessible for young readers to tackle on their own and would make a lively read-aloud. Cole's energetic cartoon-style artwork gives oodles of personality to this house waiting to shine. His use of varied perspectives keeps the otherwise static building both vibrant and interesting. More than a story of an abandoned abode, this tale will resonate with all children who have felt left out at one time or another.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

K-Gr 3—In this humorous story, an unspecified animal named Dodsworth sets off to have an adventure. Before boarding a train to New York City, he stops to eat breakfast and say goodbye to his friend Hodges, a character previously encountered in Egan's Friday Night at Hodges' Cafe (Houghton, 1994). Later, on the train, Dodsworth opens his trunk and out pops Hodges's crazy duck. Dodsworth intends to send the stowaway back when they reach the Big Apple; instead, he ends up chasing it around the city. Egan slyly involves readers in admiring how the runaway inventively stays one step ahead of his pursuer; humorous scenes show the duck hiding in a window display, pretending to be part of a sculpture, and even jumping out of a magician's hat. The expressive ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture the comic aspects of the text; in one amusing depiction the duck lies with his wings behind his head and legs crossed atop a pile of Dodsworth's clothing, telling his angry host, "Whoa...calm down there, partner." Other colorful illustrations show animal characters flying kites, shopping, and playing instruments. Even the predictable ending waggishly fits the story. Sporting an inviting cover, this first chapter book will delight newly launched readers.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 1–2—Every year on his birthday, David receives the same present from his Bubbie—a starched white dress shirt. He can imagine himself hanging white shirts up in an endless row for the rest of his life. This year, in frustration, he flings the shirt out the window, and his dog, Pupik, chases after it. He drags the shirt through a muddy garden, past a restaurant diner eating borscht, and into a basket of bagels. And incredible as it may seem, the shirt flies out the window not once, but twice, in this far-fetched tale. Comic watercolor illustrations are framed to resemble photographs taped onto the beige pages of an album, adding to the nostalgic feel of the story. Birthday books are plentiful this year, and this one will appeal to a limited audience.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

K-Gr 2—In this rhyming companion to One Odd Day (Sylvan Dell, 2006), a boy wakes up to find that everything he sees represents an even number. His room suddenly has eight beds, and his mother has two heads. The child's "even" day gets odder on a class trip to the zoo. Alligators have antlers and lions have wings, all in multiples of two. At the end of the story, things return to normal, although there is a hint of more craziness to come. The back matter includes some interesting math activities. Lee's brightly colored illustrations are fantastical and contain strange elements not related to the concepts of even and odd. For example, the bouquet on the kitchen table is made up of fried eggs on stems, and the school bus seems to ride through the ocean on the way back from the field trip. In the earlier title, the boy's day includes both odd numbers and odd events. Together with that book, this one makes more sense, but alone the strange illustrations are a bit baffling and a little disconcerting. For a book about odd and even numbers that can stand alone, try Stuart J. Murphy's Missing Mittens (HarperCollins, 2001).—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS-Gr 1—Ballet Kitty is preparing for her playdate with her friend Princess Pussycat. It should be a time of joy, but Kitty is distressed because she cannot find her pink ballet slippers and will have to play in her yucky, dirty pink sneakers instead. Despite this hindrance, the day is great fun, and the missing ballet slippers are found "just where she had left them the night before!" The back cover states that this book is "For little ballerinas everywhere," and there is absolutely no attempt to appeal to any other sort of reader. Pink permeates the simple, cutesy illustrations and the text is more than a tad treacly. That said, the book will be a huge hit with its intended audience of little girls who admire a pretty package. A purely supplemental purchase.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—A sleepy-time success from a powerhouse pair. Shown fast asleep on the title-page spread, a freckle-faced child in a wooden boat uses a spyglass to spot dreamy denizens of a land of Nod, depicted as an archipelago of enormous body parts that appear to rest where a giant has fallen. Fairies, a wizard, and a pair of wee witches are some of the snoozers netted in this hypnotic nighttime rhyme; only the elves are awake, sewing a celestial quilt to cuddle the little navigator as he settles into sleep. Radunsky's allusive gouache-on-handmade-paper pictures are apt accompaniment to Fox's rhythmic, soporific verse: left-hand pages depict the view through a more-or-less-objective lens, while right-hand pages expand to extraordinary full-bleed exposés of the sleepy-eyed view of things, complete with sandman's mist. A concluding spread reveals that each of the elements of the child's slip into slumber is present in his room: his toy dragon, lighthouse night-light, and even the wallpaper cows have come along for the ride. Children will sail along with them—and have sweet dreams.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Gr 1–4—Kimo relates how each spring, his grandfather took him to Laupahoehoe Point, a peninsula on Hawaii. There they sat quietly, with the old man promising to someday tell him the "story of this sacred place," uttering phrases such as "know that the ocean is both friend and foe." Only after Grandfather's death, when Kimo is nine, does his father tell him about the tsunami of 1946 that had carried away 24 of Grandfather's teachers and classmates as well as his younger brother. Kimo and his father visit the monument at the beach and the memorial quilt in the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo. Despite the inherent drama of the 1946 tragedy, the book lacks immediacy. The illustrations do little to enliven the formal, plodding text. People appear posed and static, even in scenes of imminent danger. An author's note provides information about tsunamis in general and the 1946 occurrence in particular. Interest in this book likely will be limited to those who have visited the museum or monument on Hawaii.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

PreS-Gr 1—Josephine loves to dance, and, despite the lack of support from other kangaroos, who remind her that she is supposed to hop, she perseveres. She learns how to bow, point her toes, and soar. When a ballet troupe arrives in a nearby town, Josephine spends her time watching and practicing. And when opening night arrives, and the prima ballerina is out with a twisted ankle, she leaps to the rescue. She wins over a skeptical director, cast, and costume designer and shines in her debut. And in the tradition of truly great artistes, her performance inspires others. This is an amusing twist on the age-old story of triumphing over adversity. Josephine follows in the footsteps of the thespians in Amy Young's Belinda the Ballerina (Viking, 2003) and Mary Hoffman's Amazing Grace (Dial, 1991), who, for one reason or another, are told that they are unsuited for the spotlight. Although a dancer at heart, Josephine remains first and foremost a kangaroo (she eats her roses), and the fact that her style has been influenced by the animal world she inhabits is a nice way of showing how art helps us stay true to ourselves. There are no sweeping stages in this book, just individual figures against soft pink pages, helping to focus the story on the characters. Little girls with ballerina dreams of their own will embrace Josephine.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-K—You'll need multiple copies of this building saga. With collage and broad brushstrokes of paint, Garcia shows a landfill, and then gradually introduces six google-eyed construction vehicles that toil and ultimately create a playground on the site. Each function, from "Dig Dig Dig" to "Roll Roll Roll," is revisited twice, once with added detail, "the digger digs a hole," then via the question, "What did we do with all that mess?" Environmentally friendly, a sure shot for construction fans, a color concept book, and an avenue for beginning readers, this book is a winner.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 3—In this ode to the seasons, the sights and sounds of a picturesque country village are artfully evoked. Under the summer sun, "Leaves rustle, hammocks sway. Splish, splash, children play." In autumn, "Pumpkins ripen, quick, quick. Apples, corn—pick, pick." During winter, "Crunch, crunch, boots clomp. Grown-ups shovel, children romp./Skaters spin, skiers glide. Zip, zoom, slip, slide." When spring arrives, "Pop, pop, bulbs sprout. Leaves grow, flowers shout." Jay's crackled-varnish paintings have a nostalgic, folk-art quality. The rhyming, onomatopoeic text wraps around the busy scenes, and the words and art together provide a smooth transition between the seasons: "summer's gone" is illustrated with a swarm of insects buzzing off the page. An appended "can you see" game encourages close examination of the changing landscapes. Children will be inspired to "listen, listen" in their own environments.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 3–5—Belle and Sam, owners of the Mink Street Deli, have all but given up hope of having a child. Then a magical woman named Silvia helps make their dream come true by explaining to them that they have to eat an artichoke every day for a year, and save the leaves to make a cloak. It works. Their much-longed-for Arietta is a special child who has the magical power to see into people's hearts. When the child first meets Silvia's brother, Hector, an unhappy magician who, believing himself to be ugly, changes faces with the help of a magic mirror, she sees his true worth. Unfortunately, he kidnaps Arietta as she is the only one who accepts him. The girl must then call upon all of her inner goodness and the help of her magical friends to regain her freedom. This eccentric fantasy is full of quirky characters including enchanted, chocolate-loving giant pigeons and a fashion designer who creates the cloak of artichoke leaves, which enables the wearer to fly. The complicated plot is sometimes overwhelming with its many twists and turns. Unfortunately, Gustavson's simple black-and-white sketches will do little to help further readers' understanding. As a result, the original message about the power of an innocent child to see the truth in people's hearts is diluted and, at times, completely lost.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

K-Gr 2—This beginning riddle book is something a little different for this audience. On each spread, a few clues are offered along with the questions, "What am I?" "Can you guess?" There are five choices, all of which are depicted in the facing illustration. A page turn reveals the correct answer and gives an additional description of the object. The riddles feature commonly found items, randomly arranged: a doughnut, a backpack, a bicycle. The gouache illustrations are stylized graphic cartoons. Although the book is slim and simple, it is more than enough to introduce youngsters to the topic. A marvelous addition for storytimes or for one-on-one sharing.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 2—Vivi loves pink. She thinks her world is too brown and is envious of three girls at school who are always dressed in her favorite color. She's sure their lives are perfect while her own is merely adequate. Vivi sees a doll in a store window that is the epitome of pinkness—it's sparkling, beautiful, and expensive. Convinced that she must have it, she starts doing errands for the neighbors and saving her money to buy it. One spring day her family goes on a "pinknic" with raspberry jam sandwiches, cranberry tea, and pink cakes. On the way home, she convinces her parents to walk by the toy store. As they arrive, one of the pink girls from school is leaving with the coveted doll in hand. Vivi is devastated. Back at home, with Dad playing his harmonica and Vivi dancing, she comes to realize that even if she doesn't have the doll, she has everything that matters. Despite the positive message, the text is a bit lengthy and message-driven. The digitally produced illustrations are static and, well, pink. The characters, with their very long, oval-shaped heads and tiny features, are somewhat jarring.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 3—Tucker Dohr loves to dance. At school he is constantly teased for his pursuits: "Yo, Tippy-Toe Boy! Where's your tutu?" At home, his mother encourages his talents, but macho Uncle Frank isn't impressed. Despite the taunts and jeers, Tucker's passion never wanes. Walking home from a recital, he is recruited by the football team to be an emergency substitute. Not surprisingly, his nimble pirouettes and jetés win the game. In a somewhat forced ending, the same boys who used to mock him show up at Madame Clara's Dance Studio for class. Wummer's sprightly watercolor-and-ink cartoons capture Tucker's fancy footwork and the characters' varied expressions. For a discussion about gender stereotypes, pair this book with Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's Ballerino Nate (Dial, 2006).—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 3—A family packs up and leaves their lakefront summer home in the woods, carefully covering furniture and straightening toys and books. As soon as their car is out of sight, another family—of bears—moves in. The animals waste no time in making themselves at home, opening up a big jar of honey, sledding down a snow-covered hill in a canoe, and throwing a New Year's party with all of their woodland friends. In the spring, the bears neaten up and leave the house just in time for "the summer visitors" to return. Just five sentences of simple text, spread throughout the book, are a perfect accompaniment to the delightful pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork. Readers will enjoy the many fun and clever details as the story unfolds, particularly on the spreads with multiple panels. This little gem is perfect for independent reading or sharing with a small group.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

Gr 3–6—Set in 15th-century China, this is the story of an orphan who becomes the heir to the Kung Fu style of Eagle boxing. Taken in by the kindly Master Yang, the boy studies the old man's movements in secret, watching him quietly and following in his shadow. When he discovers his secretive pupil, the man takes him on as his disciple and names him Little Eagle. Though he trains to perfection over the years, there is a danger threatening his life with Master Yang. Cruel General Zhao has long craved the secrets behind the style and is willing to kill to get them. The gorgeous, oversize illustrations, done in the style of classical Chinese scroll paintings mixed with elements of Japanese anime, move the story along, showing Master Yang's shadow cascading through the window and Little Eagle moving in identical form. On one spread, he trains through all four seasons, balancing on poles in a stream in various postures. The ending is a tad abrupt and not entirely satisfying. Luckily, the art is spectacular, and it and the subject matter will captivate young readers.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 2–4—This story is based on a phrase frequently found in Civil War correspondence; "seeing the elephant" meant to have experienced combat. Ten-year-old Israel is both jealous of and lonely for his two older brothers who have gone off to fight in the Union army. When his Aunt Bell, a nurse, takes him to a Washington, DC, hospital and introduces him to a captured Confederate soldier, he comes to realize that the issues are not as clear and simple as he had thought, and he writes to his brother: "I didn't go to battle, but I have seen the elephant. He was even bigger than I thought he'd be, and he was the ugliest beast on this earth." As she did in The Breaker Boys (Farrar, 2004), Hughes keeps her focus not on action, but on the impact of historical events on the personal lives and relationships of her characters. Presented in a clear and direct writing style, the story has an emotional power that is similar to that in Patricia Polacco's Pink and Say (Philomel, 1994). Stark's realistic paintings are remarkable both for their artistry and their meticulous attention to historical accuracy. For example, the Capitol dome is shown as being only partially constructed. An author's note provides background information. This book deserves a place in most collections.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 3—Johnson, who also has produced homages to Henry David Thoreau with his "Henry" picture books (Houghton), tackles another complex idea, distilling for young readers a taste of the philosophy behind George Orwell's Animal Farm (without that book's heavy sense of foreboding). Orvie, a pig who walks on two legs, sits all day "holding up the barn" while Duck, Goat, Donkey, and Cow do the chores and cater to his every whim. Duck rebels at this tyranny (after all, she has two legs too), pulling the plug and draining the pond in protest, and Orvie gets hopelessly caught in the mud. After harnessing the animals together, Duck shouts, "2 legs good! 4 legs better! 18 legs best!," and they work as one to pull the pig not only out of the muck, but also out of his human clothing. The edgy, bright, mixed-media art uses stylized characters and panels to illustrate the action. Sprinkled throughout are references to Orwell's book: Manor Farm is renamed "No-Man Farm"; the crossed-out phrase, "All animals are equal," on the barn wall; a pig as farmer and lord over the other animals; and the wordplay on Animal Farm's sheep chanting, "Four legs good, two legs bad." Though the literary references will sail over children's heads, the basic story will appeal and more than a few adults sharing it with kids will be tempted to revisit the classic.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 1–3—While exploring the hillside behind her new house, Julie finds a sparkly clear rock that her dad identifies as a crystal. He knows that it is made of quartz, that it comes from a vein in the ground, and that all crystals grow and have the same shape even if they are different sizes. While Julie is unfamiliar with technical terms such as "silicon dioxide" and "veins," she is fascinated by what her dad teaches her. The book successfully incorporates nitty-gritty detail about crystals. Soft pastel illustrations make this a warm, accessible introduction to rock collecting. The interplay between Julie and her dad and the infectious enthusiasm passed between the two add to the appeal of digging up treasure in one's own backyard. A four-page reproducible section "For Creative Minds" features tips on becoming a rockhound, a Moh's Hardness Scale for comparing minerals, and recipes that serve as models for understanding how different types of rocks are made. This book will find a place in either picture-book or natural-science collections.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS—Humor-filled cartoons of farm animals who read the newspaper or knit while they use the elusive red pot can not save this erratically rhymed tale. Suzy Sue's potty is snatched from underneath her by a cow, who blissfully discovers its intended use. Other desperate critters eventually have their turns taking advantage, each declining Suzy Sue's query for her potty because the animals all think it's a "poo-pot." In addition to lapses in logic, the story is too long and often too challenging ("hygiene" and "genius") for its possible audience. The book is lacking in most regards, but for McQuillan's friendly art.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 1–5—The Philp family reunion is taking place in the apple orchard where Donna Delle's Grandpapa had planted the first tree on the day he and Grandmama were married and he added another to mark the arrival of each new family member. He invites everyone to return in the fall to celebrate their 50th anniversary, requesting that a grandchild recite a verse to commemorate the occasion. Donna sets to work learning "The Owl and the Pussycat," only to find that cousin John has already memorized it. With time running out, Donna's siblings search for the perfect poem, and even take on her chores to give her time to learn it. At the party, Donna recites all nine stanzas of William Cullen Bryant's "The Planting of the Apple-Tree," changing the last few lines to personalize them for her grandparents. The old-fashioned folksy paintings and hay-colored tones reinforce the book's gentle mood and recall a bygone time when family gatherings were precious and simple gifts were far more important than store-bought ones. Bryant's poem, which is appended, may be a bit difficult for children to read alone, but offers an opportunity for sharing aloud with an adult.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 1–4—In the first of these two stories, Martin's frustration with a classmate's continual lies and exaggerations reaches a boiling point after Harper boasts that his father is a spy who has created a jet pack for him to use. It is only after Harper arrives at school wearing the same astronaut costume as Martin that he really loses control, causing Harper to be accused of something he did not do. Next, Martin learns the danger of imitating his cartoon hero, Zip Rideout, too closely and that bouncing on a pogo stick in a tree fort is never a good idea. Young readers will identify with Martin's reaction to these humorous predicaments and many will share his interest in space and superheroes. The frequent charcoal illustrations will help early-chapter-book readers make sense of the text, and the quality of the storytelling makes this title a good read-aloud.—Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 1–4—A companion to Dogs Rule! (Hyperion, 2003). Through 18 poems, Kirk explores all aspects of a cat's life, from the joy of playing with a ball of string, to the distress of a dirty litter box, to the mortification of being made to walk on a leash. There is some experimenting with format—such as the dueling limericks of two Persians in competition at a cat show—but, for the most part, these are just silly and fun rhymes. The oversize format allows for big fonts and large-scale cartoons; Kirk's felines are wide-eyed, cheeky, and utterly winning. The poems are great for reading or reciting aloud, and an 18-song CD is included. Youngsters who are ready to move to chapter books but are daunted by page counts would be more than comfortable tackling Cat Power with its effortless rhythm, accessible vocabulary, and over-the-top illustrations. Combine these selections with some classic cat stories for a feline funfest.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 2–4—In this sequel to Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg (Disney, 2005), Rani has promised a magic wand to a mermaid, Soop. When she can't provide it, Soop sets in motion a flood that may destroy the fairies' world. Wise Mother Dove then allows Rani and two others to go on a quest to the Great Wanded fairies. Even when the item is secured and the flood averted, adventures continue. Rani takes on the form of a bat, and her friends must rescue her. Soop and her friend exploit the wand in anger but cannot reverse their regrettable spells. Tinker Bell may not be able to shape the wand into an instrument of good. Nearly every creature wants at least one try at having a wish granted. They come to realize how easily their best wishes could turn ugly, and how much responsibility the wand demands. Although this fantasy fairy world is intriguing, the writing sometimes seems less than magical. Too often Levine tells thoughts and emotions instead of allowing the action to convey them. That's a shame, because the book itself is lovely. Christiana's watercolors convey a nostalgic tone; their soft colors reflect the feel of fantasy. Quality paper and colorful full-page illustrations, along with spot art and illuminated chapter beginnings, result in a beautiful book. With the current popularity of fairies and fantasy, chapter-book readers will be pleased to welcome these further adventures in Fairy Haven.—Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE

Gr 2–5—This oversize edition of the classic story has much to offer a new generation of readers. It has new full-color illustrations, some full spread, and a new translation. Nunnally updates some of Florence Lamborn's old-fashioned phrases and makes other terms more politically correct. For example, the original English translation calls Pippi's father a "Cannibal King," while this one calls him a "King of Natives." In Lamborn's version, Pippi goes for a "morning promenade"; here, she simply goes for a "morning walk." Nunnally's language flows naturally and gives a fresh, modern feel to the line drawings, filled with color and pattern, to create a Pippi who is full of personality. A variety of perspectives, colors, and textures adds movement and excitement to the story. Child often incorporates the text into the art, linking the text and illustration into a single whole. Libraries should consider archiving (or retiring) older editions of this old favorite, and replacing them with this new offering.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

K-Gr 2—Lyons relates the events of the 1995 Million Man March as told from the point of view of a girl who accompanies her father to Washington, DC, for the historic gathering. She begins, "My cousin, Omari, said no girls were allowed. But Daddy took me." The childlike observations are accompanied by deceptively simple color illustrations, outlined in black and reminiscent of a coloring book. The description of the faces as "a rainbow of chocolate, graham cracker brown and cream" is accompanied by a spread depicting men of different ages, dress styles, and color, but their expressions of pride and hope are the same. Ambush successfully varies the illustrations to include both warm close-ups of father and daughter and wider views of the speakers she sees while sitting on her dad's shoulders. An author's note includes additional historical facts about the march. This story might prove useful as an introduction to black history or to engage students' interest in social issues.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

K-Gr 3—The "hairiest…smelliest, dirtiest, and most colorfully dressed pirate ever" returns for another adventure. Backbeard is forced to seek new employment after the Pirate Council deems him unfit for a career in pirating because of his clownish attire, straw hat, and pig mascot. He finally finds work in an elegant tearoom (not exactly the perfect fit for his skills) before finding a way to return to his true calling. McElligott's mixed-media illustrations are striking. Numerous textures in warm hues accentuate Backbeard and his crew's unexpected fervor for fashion. Framed illustrations with dominant vertical lines make the actions portrayed seem static and formal, contrasting ironically with the text's conversational tone and silly subject matter. Unfortunately, the fine artwork does not compensate for a lackluster plot and underdeveloped writing. The eye-catching cover featuring the protagonist wearing a "Pirate for Hire" sandwich board will attract young readers, but swashbuckler aficionados may have trouble appreciating Backbeard given that he does very little pirating. For better books about buccaneers behaving uncharacteristically, try Mem Fox's Tough Boris (1994) or Melinda Long's Pirates Don't Change Diapers (2007, both Harcourt).—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 1–5—Victor W. Dickens, a self-described rebel and "lousy student," first introduced in I Hate to Read! (Creative Editions, 1995), makes another appearance. His true identity as a hard-core book lover is known only to his dog, Page, and to those who turn the pages of this appealing offering. The story of a boy who will not reveal his undercover passion (especially to his tattletale little sister) will find an audience among children lucky enough to have discovered the deep and mysteriously personal connections that one can develop with books and with reluctant readers as well. The fantastical illustrations featuring Victor and Page unleashed on the field of book-inspired imagination landscaped with surreal rats on cell phones and crows in top hats add to the fun, and will no doubt show struggling students that there might be something to all this reading business after all. Library programs in which children read to dogs should take special note—Page, the literature-loving dog, could be your new mascot.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—A girl gets the hiccups at the library, which sets off a sequence of events that involves little sisters, hippos, flying ice cream, and other zany happenings. While trying to get rid of them, she discovers a hippo in a tree and exclaims, "The wonderful thing about finding a hippo in a tree is that it is a BIG surprise. BIG surprises are the best way to get rid of BIG hiccups." She then adds that hippos are the best way to carry library books, and what follows is a rollicking series of events that even has a librarian climbing onto the roof to save the little sister. The silly pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations that race across the pages add sparkle and appeal. However, the whimsical nature of the story is at odds with the concluding message—that being responsible with your library books shows that you are ready for your own library card. It's just too heavy-handed for most children. The book ends with "Library book rules to remember."—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

K Gr 2—There seems to be a disconnect between the format and the content of these small board books. Merberg and Bober have penned loosely plotted rhyming stories that use Rousseau's and Gauguin's paintings to illustrate the action. The first book opens, "After a stroll in the starlit night,/beneath a moon that's pearly white,/a girl falls asleep on a sandy bed,/as magical pictures dance in her head." The remaining images are all supposedly part of the girl's dreams. Similarly, Gauguin's paintings provide a backdrop for a simple rhyming narrative about island life. Neither the art nor the vocabulary ideas seem suited to a board-book audience. Stick with more traditional informational texts about the lives of the artists and their contributions to the art world.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

Gr 2–5—The story begins with a man answering the call, "Who will fight for his country, brave and true?" Leaving his rural Georgia home, Papa joins the military and becomes a World War II paratrooper stationed in France. His wartime and childhood experiences are effectively paired, often on facing pages. One spread shows him jumping from the hayloft with his brothers and sisters; the next shows him as a paratrooper. These juxtapositions explain how the boy became the man who was able to be a soldier. A reassuring tone is maintained since readers know that the soldier will survive to become a father. Mazellan's paintings make use of a cool palette. The many hues of blue, green, and purple produce a peaceful effect even in the midst of war. The story line reflects the uneasy balance soldiers must strike: Papa's mother had taught her son to "always be a brother." When he comes face to face with an enemy soldier, both men decide to wait out the night quietly. The intriguing cover illustration shows children loading cotton, but a closer look reveals shadowy images of parachuting soldiers in the sky. This is a fine book to spark discussion, but on its own, it has limited child appeal.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

K-Gr 5—Yesterday and today are connected through shared experiences in this picture book about Lenni Lenape customs. As Traditional Sister (from the past) and Contemporary Sister (from the present) describe the activities of their extended families through the seasons, readers will realize that even though times change, family traditions remain the same. The past is portrayed on the left-hand pages, which show a family wearing deerskin clothing, using traditional tools, and living in a wikwam (small lodge). The present is portrayed on the recto, where a family dresses in modern clothing, drives a pickup truck, and lives in a modern house. The characters from both periods engage in similar activities, such as catching fish, harvesting pumpkins, or telling stories. Some objects, such as a baby's cradleboard, are used in both settings. The design is effective, and images in the gutters—a tree trunk, a shoreline, a sledding hill—creatively link the two eras together. Discreet yellow banners identify the seasons—or moons—in both Lenape and English. Messinger (Turtle Clan Lenape) and Katz poetically tell the story in first person, present tense. Fadden (Wolf Clan Mohawk) uses lush hues in his sensitive, acrylic illustrations. An opening note points out the ways that the Lenape and Europeans exchanged cultural elements, and endnotes provide information about the Lenni Lenape and their culture, a description of the Lenape seasons, and a pronunciation guide. Share this book with children of all backgrounds during celebrations of families, traditions, and seasons.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

Gr 2–4—Third-grader Marvin Klutzer is a clumsy kid who's always picked on by the school bully, Hank Howell. He decides that becoming "karate cool" will enable him to defeat his nemesis and get away from his klutzy image, so he takes karate classes. Of course, Marvin is impatient at first, and, despite his sensei telling him to take things slowly, he throws himself into karate, earning a new nickname, Kung Fu Klutz. Until he learns to be patient, he'll always be hounded by Hank. This chapter book features manga-style pen-and-ink drawings and intermittent panels throughout; the combination is likely to lure in reluctant readers. The illustrations are the highlight of the book and will appeal to manga fans. A "bonus manga" at the end of the book features Marvin's dog, Goliath.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 3–5—Mildred Hubble is up to her old antics as she and her friends begin their third year at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. Fans of the "Worst Witch" books (Puffin) will be delighted by her escapades, and first-time readers of the series will find themselves swept up in the action (pertinent scenes from the prior installments are briefly explained). True to form, Mildred gets right down to trouble, ending the first day of school with a horrible haircut, compliments of her nemesis, Ethel Hallow. But when Mildred attempts a restorative spell, the hair-raising catastrophe that follows is just one of the adventures in which she and her pals partake before she uncovers the sinister plot of the new form teacher, Miss Granite, and, as the title implies, saves the day. Murphy's ink sketches provide a comic look at some of the more unusual sights and situations—especially Miss Granite's odd appearance. A fun read with plenty of silliness and excitement to keep readers engaged, this is a solid purchase, especially for libraries where the other titles are popular or those with younger audiences eager for magic/fantasy.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV

Gr 1–3—This is a traditional Japanese play (kyogen), adapted as a story for children. Hundreds of years ago, when the foxes were reputed to have magical powers, their leader calls a meeting to decide what to do about a skillful hunter who has made a habit of killing them. Having already made up his mind about what would be the best course, the old fox rejects a kit's suggestion as too simplistic and stubbornly insists on his way. Eventually, the elder is taught a lesson in humility by the youngster, who "outfoxes" him. Childlike, Japanese-style illustrations, done in mixed media, have predominately soft, warm browns; green-blues; and lavenders to lend an Asian feel to the book. A short explanation of kyogen is appended.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1–6—This colorful volume is chock-full of fascinating and humorous details. The encyclopedic entries provide information about the life cycles, habitats, diets, and unique characteristics of unusual creatures. Recommended safety measures are also included when applicable since some of these creatures eat children. The inspired format resembles a well-used scrapbook with page edges that look as if they are folded, frayed, and browned. Through a clever and imaginative use of mixed mediums that include ink, pencil, watercolor, oil paint, and Adobe Photoshop, Olander depicts stained and crumpled notebook paper filled with field observations including pictures and diagrams, a reproduction of a 100-year-old "wood-panel painting" of a "Snouted Grabber stealing someone's silver," and archival papyrus scraps. Color is used sparingly to great effect: the blue eyes of a Patooty, fuchsia eyes of a Flesh-Eating Tub Frog, red teeth of a Razor-Twigged Tree Beast, and, of course, the bold, red "DANGER TO HUMANS" warnings. The spread that follows the title page includes a brief explanation of the "science of monstrology"; the "key traits" of a person who can "see a monster," including "an open mind"; and a list of tools recommended for anyone considering field study. This superb, playfully farcical presentation with its multiple levels of humor will capture children's imagination. Warning for squeamish readers: there are references to toilets, sewage, flatulence, and places "where the sun don't shine."—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

K-Gr 3—Two brothers tell one another how silly girls are to comb their dolls' hair, to change their dolls' clothes, and to sleep with their teddy bears. They say girls are "scaredy cats," who wet their pants when they are afraid. When their talk turns to ghosts, their words become small on the page, and they have to go to the bathroom. The final spread shows the two wide-eyed boys in bed with their sister, hugging several teddy bears. They can say boys are best, but their sister tolerantly suspects that they are just silly. While this slight story may reflect the attitude and behavior of some boys, it seems like a bit of a throwback, at best. The full-color spreads are done in a cartoonish style, but the scenes are mostly alike. Two pajama-clad boys are in their beds, sometimes under sheets with ghostly designs, sometimes jumping around, and once mooning readers.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 3—In this clever and engaging picture-book homage to Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," a young protagonist's overactive imagination generates scenes of ominous fantasy: "One morning I woke up sleepy,/came downstairs to something creepy./Outside the window sat something freaky/my eyes had never known." Suspense builds as the child peeks out again and again, each time imagining a frightening villain based solely on these furtive glimpses. Is the mysterious figure a proud and powerful king, a "slick robber on the roam," a spell-casting wizard, or a pirate "peering through a spyglass"? Each suspect is depicted in a wordless, darkly menacing spread. Finally, the youngster bravely opens the front door and realizes, "Oh,/it's just a crow./And now I see/that he was/just as scared as me." Using folksy cut- and torn-paper collage images, unusual angles, and exaggerated perspectives, Paul creates the excitable child's imaginings, frightening in a suspenseful, almost titillating manner, but without real terror. The illustrations allow readers to identify the bird long before the main character does. Children and parents alike will appreciate the protagonist's process of overcoming fears, and fans of slightly spooky stories will enjoy the tale's atmosphere.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN

Gr 3–5—Though inspired by Andersen's classic story, this version of Thumbelina only loosely follows the original. Not only does Picouly exchange the European setting and animals for those of the Caribbean, but he also changes the undertone of the tale. In the traditional story, the small protagonist is searching for the place where she belongs. In this version, she is seeking to understand the world, what is right, and what she should do. The language is rich and full of unusual descriptions and unexpected dialogue. For example, when several animals first admire Thumbelina, they ask, "Do you wish to marry us, Thumbelina?/Thumbelina, who didn't know how to say 'yes' or 'no' said only:/—Fish! Fish! Fish!" The fish save her "from the lovesick animals, a true peril. For if one love is worth one hundred dangers, the worst of dangers is to accumulate one thousand loves." Comments like these are bound to baffle readers. The text rambles as Thumbelina wanders from animal to animal either receiving advice or turning down marriage proposals. Tallec's bold, stylized illustrations reflect the exotic feel of the text. The heavy brushstrokes and contrasting colors make the art vivid and strong. Those looking for an engaging retelling will find Brian Pinkney's (HarperCollins, 2003) or Brad Sneed's (Dial, 2004) more traditional versions to be better choices.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS-Gr 2—Larry the polar bear returns for another adventure at the Hotel Larry. Mildred Frobisher, who narrates the story, has just had a sleepover, and now Larry wants to have one as well. Mildred helps him send out the invitations, plan the entertainment, and prepare the menu. Larry and his friends (three polar bears, a wolf, and a bunny) dance ("the flat foot floogie"), watch a scary movie (Wild Polar Bears of the Frozen North), and dine (blueberry muffins, codfish cakes, and pizza with anchovies) with Mildred until bedtime. Then she retires to her room and the animals play on the lawn and giggle late into the night outside their tents. Everyone behaves well and has a swell time in this good-natured frolic. The story's understated humor is perfectly matched with the bright, cheerful illustrations. The white polar bears pop against vivid backgrounds, and the clean text is easy to read. Kids may be inspired to have their own sleepovers after reading this pleasant romp, although they might want to skip the codfish ice cream.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2—This nearly wordless picture book starts with a man with a parrot on his head buying a strange egg and putting it in the refrigerator. In the middle of the night, they hear a loud "Crack" and find that a crocodile has hatched. They depart ("Zoom!"), leaving the crocodile in residence. The creature turns the place into a nightclub, invites the man back, and presents him with another egg. Youngsters will laugh at both the story line and the characters depicted in this zany book. The simple royal blue and black silhouettes capture the feeling of a dark night, and the bright yellow of the daylight offers a realistic contrast. The digitally produced spreads are cartoonish and expressive. Polhemus captures surprise and fear by changing the placement or shape of the man's eyes, which are depicted simply as black circles within white ones. The few sound-effect words in the pictures help to enhance the flow of the story. The occasional foldout that shows the height of the building or reveals a surprise turn in the tale might pose a problem for some collections, but the paper is sturdy. Blues is an accessible, fun read that lends itself to groups, one-on-one, and solitary perusal.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—This is one of those treasured picture books that has a fresh concept, beautiful poetry, and appealing illustrations. Written entirely in well-metered rhyme, the story is about an elflike man, Engelbert Sneem, who flies around on a carriage pulled by dragons, sucking up children's dreams with his dreadful vacuum cleaner. He then returns to his castle and enjoys them. The turning point comes when he experiences a child's nightmare that turns out to be about himself. This horrifies Sneem, resulting in a change of heart in which he travels the world taking nightmares away from children. The lyric language is delightful for reading aloud—"And while the boy dreamt/of the tale he had read,/A shadowy figure crept up to his bed,/And he sucked up the dream/and he plugged it up tight,/Then he chuckled and/scuttled away through the night." The softly colored cartoon illustrations are large and have various perspectives, magnifying the dastardly Sneem, who has a long pointy nose, pointy ears, and missing teeth. Kids will relish this story.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—All of Snail's friends join in celebrating his birthday by bringing an odd assortment of presents. While watching his buddies frolic in the pond, Snail laments that he is not fast enough to keep up with the raucous play. Cartoonlike illustrations emphasize action as Squirrel zips out his four inexplicable gifts and Frog offers another puzzling present as his contribution. Children will be kept guessing until the clever conclusion, when the friends fit all their gifts together to create just what their pal wanted. Birthday Wish is as large as a picture book, yet the text size is big and the sentence structure is simple enough for beginning readers. Although birthday gift stories abound, this title can stand beside Stephanie Calmenson's Birthday at the Panda Palace (HarperCollins, 2007) and David McPhail's Big Brown Bear's Birthday Surprise (Harcourt, 2007) as a friendship tale to cherish.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

K-Gr 2—Sam is starting a new school and wants the other kids to realize how special he is. The young creature begins making up stories about himself and his dad to impress them instead of showing his talents (he is a good soccer player). While he eventually has to come clean about his tales at school and at home, he learns that kids still like him. The story is somewhat confusing as Sam also tells his younger brother bedtime tales and convinces him that he still has a talent for storytelling. There isn't enough of a distinction made between the lies that Sam tells his friends and the creative tales he tells his brother. Goossens's oil paintings are uncluttered, with strong, simple shapes and muted colors. His illustrations of the assorted animals are warm and friendly. The desire for friends will be understandable to many children, but the story will require some discussion about the difference between lying and storytelling.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 2—After accidentally breaking her mother's favorite necklace, Sarah tries to cover it up. But when she tells Mom that everything is fine, a little ghost pops out of her mouth. It sings out the truth about the necklace, but only Sarah can hear it. It hangs around, sitting between Sarah and Dad on the couch, flying around her bedroom, explaining, "I'm the ghost of secrets…I say the words you want to say but are too scared to." When Sarah tells another lie, another ghost appears. Soon they are everywhere until she comes clean. The story effectively captures the growing guilt and subsequent bad feelings of a child caught up in a lie, making it hard to cuddle with a parent or have a conversation. The ghosts are never particularly scary (picture fluffy marshmallow blobs with teasing expressions), and are an understandable metaphor for a guilty conscience. Sarah is a sweetly cartoonish girl, her large head dotted with freckles, and on most of the pages when she is dealing with her ghosts, her gray kitten and her mother or father are reassuringly visible in the background.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—A nostalgic look at an idyllic Sunday drive with two parents, three kids, a basset hound named Shirley, and nary an interstate or housing development in sight. They head out in the morning, travel on narrow and winding country roads, and stop at an old-fashioned general store, "that's got only one or two of anything on the wooden shelves…." Coming across a lake, the dog chases ducks and the kids stand behind a waterfall. The unscheduled day is filled with many such stops and impromptu activities. Soon, night falls, and the return home brings a gentle reminder of the special closeness they have shared: "wherever in the world we've been today, the only place we wanted to go was Together, just our family, and a Sunday drive in the country took us there." Rosen's free-verse text reads aloud well, with subtle rhythms and interesting language. Burckhardt's acrylic paintings are a good match, with mellow earthy colors, deliberate yet fluid lines, crackled textures, and an open-road motif that wends its way throughout. Overall, this quiet book may not have wide appeal, but it is certainly a lovely glimpse at a custom that may be disappearing as fast as these beautifully empty country landscapes.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

K-Gr 2—Annie, her father, and her pet bunny live next door to her cousin, Henry, and his dog, Mudge. While dainty Annie, who loves "lace hankies" and "frilly dresses," likes her nice, clean house, she longs for it to be pretty. One day, Henry remembers that there are tons of things in his attic that used to belong to various grandmas and aunts. The two kids get permission to explore the room and discover many pretty things with which to decorate Annie's home. Snowball and Mudge also find interesting objects to investigate. With the help of her dad and Henry's parents, the furniture and knickknacks are moved next door and carefully arranged, making Annie's house beautiful. This charming easy reader will draw in youngsters with its vivacious pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, and the short paragraphs and chapters will help beginning readers prepare for more complex stories.—Erika Qualls, Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL

Gr 3–5—KayKay Granger, 11, is used to being the daughter of a political mother, but she isn't impressed with being a First Kid. Living in the White House isn't so great—it seems cold and not at all homey, and her mother is extremely preoccupied with her duties. Her father and the support staff are of some comfort. KayKay, an aspiring mystery writer, and her younger sister both get caught up in different ways with the idea that the White House might be haunted: Annie sees a tall thin man with a beard enter one of the rooms and he never comes out again. KayKay is determined to sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom, despite her mother's refusal to give permission. Complications develop when the trick that KayKay and Annie concoct goes awry and a foreign guest is terrified. Eventually, their mother comes around, and the girls have an experience that's far from what they imagined. The plot is lively, the characters are believable, and some interesting history is woven into the story.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

PreS-Gr 2—The strengths of Samuels's books about Dolores, beginning with Faye and Dolores (Farrar, 1985), are the truthfulness and humor in the depiction of relationships. And the family cat has played a major role since his introduction in Dolores and Duncan (Farrar, 1986). This time there's a new girl in town, Hillary, owner of a pedigreed Siamese, Harold, who has seven different ways of saying "meow." Dolores, the established cat expert, now faces a challenge. Despite elder sister Faye's sage advice to "let Duncan be Duncan," she can't help making comparisons. It all comes to a head on Pet Day at school, and despite Dolores's inability to come up with a trick for Duncan to perform, he manages to save the day—and Harold—just by being himself. In a predictable but satisfying ending, the cat-loving girls realize that they are kindred spirits. Samuels's bright-colored cartoon illustrations are appealing. There are clever design elements, such as the different typefaces for Harold's various ways of saying meow, making it look as if he speaks seven languages. A fun addition to Dolores's repertoire.—Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

PreS-Gr 2—With brief text and vibrant artwork, Seeger describes familiar transformations in nature. The opening spread reads, "First the EGG." Textured backdrops painted in mustard yellow and rusty orange fill the eye and focus attention on a white egg that peeks through an oval-shaped die-cut from the next page. The following spread completes the thought, "then the CHICKEN," revealing a just-hatched chick and a fluffy white hen. Other similarly conveyed cycles include tadpole to frog, seed to flower, and caterpillar to butterfly. Finally, Seeger extends the concept to a broader sphere, with "First the WORD…then the STORY" and "First the PAINT…then the PICTURE," bringing the book full circle with an illustration that incorporates all of the highlighted entities, including the chicken—which then lays an egg. Throughout, the paintings focus closely on the items being described, and vivid color combinations and see-through die-cuts keep the art fresh and inviting. With its even rhythm, clearly expressed concept, and strong visuals, this book would make a great read-aloud for preschoolers; it could also serve as a beginning reader, a simple introduction to developmental biology, an example of logical sequencing, and a launchpad for creative writing.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—Cowboy Ned and his equine friend, Andy, are back for another adventure in the Old West. This time, the theme revolves around the old adage that "two's company, three's a crowd." And it sure seems that way to Andy when Ned meets Miss Clementine on a rare visit to town. When she lends Ned a lace-trimmed "hankie," he can't stop thinking about her, and Andy is jealous. A roundabout set of events leads to the capture of two robbers and Andy's realization that he and Ned will always have a special relationship. While fans of the original story will be happy to meet old friends, this book can stand on its own. The text is peppered with expressions and circumstances sure to bring a smile. Stein's ink-and-watercolor illustrations lend a scratchy charm to the setting and portray the plot's quirkiest aspects with humor. A good addition to cowboy-themed storyhours.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS-K—A worthwhile addition to Tafuri's growing treasury of simple and satisfying stories for young children. Squirrel is getting ready for winter. Other animals, such as Mouse, Frog, and Cat, want him to stop and play, but the refrain is always the same: "But Squirrel couldn't....He was so busy!" Finally, when night arrives, Owl invites him to watch the moon, "But Squirrel couldn't….He was fast asleep!" The drama of the page turn is used to good effect as Squirrel leaps, climbs, and runs through his day gathering and storing food. Readers will be engaged by the oversize illustrations and kept busy naming the many items accumulated—acorns, berries, ears of corn-as well as spotting a fellow squirrel and various insects presented on each spread. The text, with its soothing repetition, is predictable and reassuring. A natural choice for fall read-aloud programs.—Martha Topol, Traverse Heights Elementary School, MI

PreS-Gr 2—A witch has a problem. Although she is a fairly colorful dresser, everything that surrounds her—her house, her furniture, and even her cat, Wilbur—is black. She has no trouble keeping tabs on him while he is awake (he has huge emerald eyes) but when asleep, his black coat blends in with the carpet and furniture and Winnie is forever tripping over or sitting on him. She casts a spell and turns him green, then rainbow colored, but the transformations never quite work out. Paul's illustrations are full of energy and Winnie fully vibrates off the page. Although there is a lot of black in each picture, there is enough variation to see each sooty item in Winnie's very dark house. This book was originally published in the U.K. (Oxford Univ., 1987). While the font and the front cover are different, the story and illustrations are essentially unchanged. Libraries that have the first edition won't need to purchase this one; for others, it's a fun, colorful book to spark discussions of creative problem-solving techniques.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 3—Through rhyming verse, this appealing picture book introduces the various objects found in a gai see or "street market" (Cantonese) that a boy and his family visit throughout the year. In spring, he and his mother eat noodles, see songbirds carried about in cages, and shop for shoes. In summer, he and his sister find tofu blocks and soybean milk; tanks of fresh fish; and fruit stands with mangoes, starfruit, dragon fruit, and lychees. In autumn, he shops with his grandma, finding incense, paper money, and sweets, and they enjoy an open-air meal of rice, fried egg, and crispy roast duck. In winter, he and his father purchase holiday supplies, and the entire family celebrates New Year's together. Choi's uncluttered, vibrant illustrations convey a sense of the market's lively charm. While the boy and his family are clearly Asian, the street scenes include shoppers of various races; this Chinatown is in an American city. As she did in previous works, Thong crafts an evocative introduction to aspects of Chinese culture through a child's perspective.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 2–5—In his fifth adventure, Melvin decides to go to Las Vegas for a superhero convention, hoping to see his old friends from the Superhero Academy. He leaves his assistant, Candace, in charge of Los Angles. Humor abounds in scenes such as the one in which Melvin visits the library, with funny illustrations showing readers how he sees everyone's underwear with his X-ray vision that he can't turn off. It continues as adversaries at the Bad Guys Convention work hard on perfecting their evil laughs. Meanwhile, Johnny Fink and Knucklehead plot to switch magic capes with Candace so they can rob her of her magic powers. And Hugo, Melvin's pet rat, mistakenly eats a pretzel-shaped telephone, resulting in operator messages coming from his stomach. Bizarre, outrageous, and totally kid-friendly, this easy chapter book is sure to appeal to the "Captain Underpants" fans of the world. Zany black-and-white drawings of the incredible events appear throughout the chapters.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

PreS-K—A slight story about two busy appendages. Though they have different likes and dislikes, Righty and Lefty (the latter has an ever-present, identifying bandage) recognize the need to cooperate. The feet belong to the same person (who is never shown in full), but are complete opposites. Righty likes to wear different types of shoes, but Lefty's first choice is always the green galoshes. At times, the odd couple cause one another grief—as when one or the other crosses the finish line first—and Righty dreams of being on vacation alone. Just like siblings, though, they rely on each other for fun, and for keeping warm at night. Large expanses of white space showcase the humorous pen-and-ink and pastel watercolors. While one foot is active and adventurous, and the other is satisfied with the status quo, the two really are best friends and incomplete without their mirror image. The third-person narrative lacks tension and a substantial plot, thereby limiting its child appeal.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—This zany story introduces a conjunction at every page turn. A boy describes a day in the city, accompanied by an entourage of rodents. The people seem amazingly polite, clearing the elevator for them, providing helpful vantage points for viewing the city vista, and leaving their food behind when they flee a chic French restaurant. Children will laugh at the accompanying watercolors that show startled citizens scattering in all directions—some appearing simply as a vanishing leg at the edge of the page. The conjunctions (highlighted in large colored font) provide the drama as listeners wait to see what new havoc this troupe will visit upon the town. For example, when the rats decide to see a play, the narrator states, "We had trouble finding just the right seats, AS…/…all the seats were filled, SO…/…we sat on people's laps." The Gordons deliver the perfect cartoon imagery of wide-mouthed, perspiring play-goers exiting the theater. Those seeking definitions and direction for the use of conjunctions must look elsewhere, but this account of inadvertent rodent mayhem will be a winning addition to language-arts units and picture-book collections.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—A northern counting book set to the tune of "Over in the Meadow." This particularly timely ecological romp introduces Arctic animals, from beluga mamas and their calves to a family of lemmings to 10 little fox cubs curled up in their den with their mom. The lively, cheerful gouache artwork and the accessible text will easily lead into discussions of habitat and animal life. Hidden numbers appear on every spread, and a "Cool Facts!" section offers snippets of information and questions, such as, "Can you think of why an animal would want to be camouflaged?" A lyrics and music page wraps up this nicely packaged offering.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1—One winter day, Grandma Needlethorpe receives a letter from Nellie saying that she will be a bumblebee in the spring concert. Grandma promptly knits and mails off a yellow-and-black striped sweater. It is miles too big, but Nellie insists on wearing it rather than saving it for the big day, despite her mother's admonition that she "keep it nice." Predictably, the youngster soils the sweater, it requires washing, and it shrinks a bit. The soiling/washing/shrinking pattern repeats itself until it is doubtful that the garment will be wearable for the concert. The story line is slight, and there's nothing particularly engaging about the writing style to compensate. The fact that both Nellie and her parents keep repeating the same actions expecting different results strains credulity. LaFave's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations feature children whose faces are indistinguishable from one another and rarely vary in expression.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 1–4—Welling offers a confusing, pun-filled story that combines the Great Chicago Fire and the origins of Halloween. In a pumpkin patch south of the city lives a family of field mice, the Halloweens. Murphy, the area's last witch, sends her black cat, Jacko, to gather mice for a potion. Thanks to Darlene Halloween's quick action, Murphy ends up in the pot and dissolves into a "wild witch wind." Everyone flees for the city, where Jacko eventually tracks the mice to Mrs. O'Leary's barn. He's frightened by carved, lighted pumpkins, and, as he tries to escape, encounters the wind; he smashes into the lanterns, igniting a fire that the wind then turns into a tremendous blaze. After the conflagration subsides, the mayor declares October 31 Halloween Day to honor the family that got rid of the witch. The celebration includes Jacko lanterns. Frenetic cartoon illustrations contain images that might mean little to children. While references to sports teams like Da Bears may be familiar, a sign such as Democratic Machine on a huge mechanical contraption seems aimed at adults. Welling provides a couple of pages of facts about the 1871 fire, including lyrics to the famous song about it. With so many Halloween-themed books available, there seems little reason to purchase this jumbled tale.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

PreS-Gr 1—In this colorful picture book, Tom loads his truck with fresh fruit and vegetables and travels across the country to deliver them to the city. Along the way, he and his dog drive by farms, up mountains and down valleys, through tunnels, and over bridges. They stop for gas and food, get bogged down in traffic, and meet other trucker friends. The simple text is printed in a large block font that is just right for beginning readers. But it's the bright, bold illustrations that will really capture children's attention. The pictures are loaded with details that kids will love to pore over, but are not so cluttered as to be overwhelming. Tom's easy-to-spot 18-wheeler is depicted along with an array of trucks and cars, all of which are listed at the back of the book with an invitation for youngsters to look over the pages again to locate each vehicle. Clearly drawn gouache paintings are enhanced with meticulously cut photos to add texture and character to the scenes. Fans of Richard Scarry's books will enjoy this offering, and it will keep the "I spy" set occupied for hours.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Daddy Rabbit calls Bella "Little Baby Not-Sure" because she tends to worry. When he suggests that the family go ice-skating, she hesitates, so they play in the snow instead, building snow rabbits and sledding. Bella builds a snow mouse. "'Well done, my Funny Bunny!' said Daddy." With each successful activity, Bella's nickname changes for the better, so when they finally go skating, she has gained enough confidence to become Daddy's "Super Skater," leaving her worrying ways behind. Although Daddy Rabbit is patient and understanding, his penchant for nicknames makes one wonder how much a moniker reinforces a child's self-image, for better or worse. Still, sweetness abounds in this book, with bright and playful pastel illustrations featuring adorable bunnies frolicking across spreads. An agreeable choice for storytimes dealing with anxiety and self-confidence.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—Inquisitive, spirited Louise loves her big brother and follows him everywhere, while Jake tries to make her go away and give him some peace. He threatens, cajoles, and pleads, but his pesky sister won't leave him alone. In desperation he takes a book and runs outside to read under a tree, but she snuggles up to him: "'I have no one to play with,' cried Louise. 'You'll see. I'll be quiet. You won't even know I'm here.'" Of course, Jake is well aware of her, stuck like Velcro to his side. He fantasizes that, instead of a little girl, she is a dog, since a dog wouldn't sing and dance and pound on his door. Upon opening his eyes, he can't find Louise but discovers a small pup and worries that his wish has come true. After searching for her, Jake is relieved to see Louise riding past on a scooter behind their new next-door neighbor. He is delighted to hear her shout, "We want to play alone. So Jake—GO AWAY!" When the siblings wave to each other—"See you later"—readers are assured that the separation will only bring them closer. Watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations reveal an energetic, tousle-haired girl and her grumpy but loving brother in a test of wills. Vignettes and spreads clearly depict this common predicament that's resolved in a satisfying manner.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—A twin boy and girl living in a village in northern China are the happy recipients of a pair of white doves. The siblings take care of the birds just as their parents have always cared for them and the fledglings stick close to home. One day, their father, unaware of their devotion to the doves, gives the birds to his brother as a gift for helping with the harvest. When the youngsters find out where their cherished pets have gone, they steal away on their uncle's wagon to visit the doves but learn that they've flown away. The despondent siblings return home only to discover that their birds have done the same. Bold gouache single- and double-page illustrations done in a folk-art style are the highlight of the tale. Occasionally, simple black-and-white silhouettes decorate the framed text. Though the story is predictable, the vividly colored artwork, depicting various animals frolicking across the pages and a warm, happy family, will attract children.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–5—Dazzling full-color close-ups of over 15 arachnids—including a freeze-frame series of a jumping spider hurtling across the gap between two blades of grass—provide eye-catching visuals from cover to cover. The chatty text accompanying these spiffy shots is generic information printed on colored pages, with dominant factoids set in larger, more colorful type—e.g., "Fishing spiders rest at the water's edge with one foot on the surface." The excellent author's note is a great introduction to the minutiae of a nature cameraman at work, providing a sense of real-time research to the entire book. While more simplistic than Seymour Simon's equally attractive Spiders (HarperCollins 2003), this title is an attention-grabber and, paired with Michael Elsohn Ross's Spiderology (Carolrhoda 2000), it might have kids poking into basements and peering into leaf litter to observe these fascinating arachnids caught in mid-skitter by Bishop's sensitive lens.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—These books offer a unique combination of early literacy tactics to aid children in strengthening reading and comprehension skills. Mixing Colors introduces basic art and color concepts. Each spread contains a bright photograph and a facing illustration that explains the concept. In How Can You Tell, each page contains a bright photograph with a person depicting a basic emotion; accompanying text asks readers suitable follow-up questions concerning the "what and why" behind the expressions. Both books include helpful back matter such as "Fun Facts about Colors" and "Fun Facts about Body Language" and a list of high-frequency words to offer caregivers and teachers a variety of ways to extend lesson plans and reading opportunities.—Kristen Frey, Rocky River Public Library, OH

Gr 1–5—A colorful compendium of poems, geography, jokes and riddles, fun projects, gardening activities, recipes, recommended reading, and Web sites to explore. Part 1 contains poems related to food arranged in an A-to-Z format. For example, "Let's start with A for applesauce./We'll show the apples who's the boss—/We'll squeeze and squish and squash and squush/Until the apples turn to mush." A spread following the poems addresses the questions: "Do you know when we call something a fruit?" and "Do you know when we call something a vegetable?" Part 2, for older children (and for adult/child sharing), offers activities and factual information about the food introduced. Recipes galore, with eye-catching titles and ingredients, will provide hours of culinary fun for adults and children, with names such as "banana soft serve," "sweet orange carrot coins," and "purple parmesan." Children will also learn how to grow a lemon plant and sprouts in a jar, and laugh at some great jokes and riddles.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—A colorful rendition of Coleridge's 1834 poem. It begins, "January brings/the snow,/Makes our feet/and fingers glow." Each month appears on a spread depicting modern children participating in seasonal activities. Rhyming couplets are written in large, clear text in a color column on one side of one page. Bright watercolor illustrations cover the remainder of the spread with a portion of each scene exuberantly overlapping into the text column. Weller's contemporary style aptly captures active youngsters at play. Her whimsical illustrations provide lightness and humor that simultaneously contrast and highlight the Victorian text. A few of the verses may need to be explained to today's children. For example, "May brings/flocks of pretty lambs,/Skipping by their/fleecy dams." In addition, some illustrations present a more contemporary interpretation of the text. In "Warm/September brings/the fruit,/Sportsmen then/begin to shoot," the traditional apple trees laden with ripe fruit are shown, but the sportsmen are children shooting goals in a field hockey game. Picture books describing the months of the year are always popular, especially with teachers. However, libraries that already own Nancy Raines Day's A Kitten's Year (HarperCollins, 2000), Crescent Dragonwagon's Alligators and Others All Year Long (S & S, 1993), Maurice Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice (HarperCollins, 1962), and Alice Provensen and Martin Provensen's The Year at Maple Hill Farm (S & S, 2001) may consider The Months an additional purchase.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

PreS-K—In this attractive collection, Collins organizes 45 nursery rhymes in a slight semblance of a narrative story. Cheerfully rounded characters such as toy bears, pigs, dogs, kittens, and elephants perform daily activities as they gather around the kitchen table eating for "Pease Porridge Hot" and later as they pour and mix ingredients for "Pat-a-Cake." The soft, often primary-colored palette features a watercolor spread for each rhyme, imparting a gentle feel to the text. Compilations of nursery rhymes are plentiful, but collections constantly require updating; purchase where needed.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–4—Extraordinary illustrations that blend clay sculpture and painting bring to life a lesser-known German folktale. The story introduces a poor miller, his wife, and their daughter, a girl "so beautiful that when she sat by the millstream in summer, washing her feet, all the fish swam up and jumped out of the water for joy." Times are hard and the family is down to its last bit of food. After squabbling over a spoonful of porridge, the wife takes the pot and runs off into the forest, pursued by her angry husband. The girl follows but is unable to keep up. Before long, a mysterious old woman appears, soothes the child's tears, and tells her what to do. Following the instructions, the youngster walks to a palace where she is taken in by the royal family, betrothed to the 12-year-old prince, and eventually reunited with her silly parents. Depicting a far-off world "seven miles beyond Cloud-Cuckoo-Land," the painterly illustrations feature elaborate medieval dress, sumptuous food, and odd elements of fantasy. Imaginative details, such as strange creatures posing atop the palace, buildings with Escher-like arches and stairways, and a carriage drawn by a set of rhinos, will delight readers.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 2–6—Dabrowski offers short, accessible selections on common topics such as games, families, food, friends, school, and wishes. The true-to-life experiences and emotions are delivered in a child's voice and run the gamut from funny to serious. In "Mary Jane," a girl speaking to a nun realizes too late that she has said too much; in "Hannah," a youngster tells her parents why she hates broccoli; and Emmett sounds off about his bossy older sister. The book has several classroom applications, including public speaking, memorization, journal writing, and storytelling. While there are other monologue titles for elementary children, including Ruth Mae Roddy's Minute Monologues for Kids (Dramaline, 2000), Janet Milstein's Cool Characters for Kids!: 71 One-Minute Monologues (Smith and Kraus, 2002), and Chamber Stevens's Magnificent Monologues for Kids (Sandcastle, 1999), the selections in First Monologue are much shorter and easier to memorize or analyze.—Terrilyn Fleming, Colby Public Schools, KS

Gr 3–5—Beach Biology is well organized, with spreads devoted to each subtopic, such as "Tides," "Waves and Currents," Rocky Shores," "Sandy Shores," etc., and covering the geophysical environment and some beach and intertidal plants and animals. The book touches on a few fascinating organisms, showing a cutaway of a sea star, the development of a muscle from larva to adult, and a biologist bottle-feeding a manatee. Liberty is organized around the concept of total freedom from laws versus necessary restrictions, engaging readers in the issues. Historical and contemporary examples of progress toward fighting for and establishing human rights are included, as are photographs of early milestones and of contemporary protesters, such as Tiananmen Square, the Ukrainian "Orange Revolution," American antiglobalization protests, etc. Below Sea Level provides brief discussions of the history, geography, and culture of the city and includes photographs of Mardi Gras and hurricane Katrina, though little of the storm's devastating aftermath. Each volume includes an initial glossary of a few key words and a longer one in the back. Small inserts give dramatic statistics that underscore the books' themes. Other inserts include reading strategies, such as thinking about vocabulary or making inferences, which can become distracting, and an occasional summary of key points. Each book ends with pro/con statements about an issue, presented by two children. Several colorful photographs and illustrations appear on every spread. Additional titles where needed.—Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL

K-Gr 4—In this celebration of New England, dePaola's familiarly styled illustrations create cozy backdrops for traditional tales, short quips, and modern anecdotes of life in the "North Country." The 10 humorous stories are arranged by season, with breaks via cartoon strips about a tourist interacting with locals as he drives around the glorious landscapes. The author's conversational style charmingly meanders at times and includes regional dialects ("yehah" for "year") that are included in a glossary. The stories graduate in length and sophistication. The tale of "Big Gertie," Paul Bunyan's cousin, is perhaps a bit long, but each story encourages at least a grin at the end. This book's appeal will not be limited to its region of inspiration and will add modern flair to tall-tales collections.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-K—This adaptation of "Over in the Meadow" attractively portrays wildlife in Louisiana's bayous and swamps. With rhythmic ease, Downing counts offspring, from "a mother pelican and her pelican one" to a mama mosquito "and her skeeters ten." Similar to the illustrations in Today Is Monday in Louisiana (Pelican, 2006), Kadair's mixed-media collages now include colorful painted backgrounds. The pictures are sometimes a little crowded as the numbers of animals rise, and proportions are somewhat scrambled (e.g., bears and dogs are the same size), but the overall effect is appealing. The appropriate numerals are occasionally hidden in the illustrations. There is no information about the animals, some of which may be unfamiliar to readers (e.g., alligator gars, Catahoula hounds, nutrias). Music is appended. Donna M. Bateman's Deep in the Swamp (Charlesbridge, 2007), a similar book about Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp based on the same traditional song, has finely detailed illustrations and provides information on the flora and fauna pictured. For the most part, the two titles cover different species. Downing's book is directed at younger readers and offers good storytime possibilities.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1–4—This book pairs 13 rhythmic poems with glowing oil paintings to portray different methods of fishing in various locales around the world. On each spread, descriptive verses, narrated in first person, focus on a specific region, type of fishing, and species. For example, deep-sea fishing for blue marlin in Hawaii is depicted: "We strap our sturdy harnesses/and brace ourselves in bolted chairs/to angle for a fish whose size/can dwarf gigantic grizzly bears." Other pages introduce fly-fishing in Ireland, logboat fishing (with bow and arrow) in Namibia, spearfishing in the southwest Pacific, and more. One offering describes how Japanese fishermen put a metal ring around a cormorant's neck, allow it to catch a fish too big to swallow, and then collect the prey from the bird's mouth. The large illustrations are done in browns and reds. Oddly, there's not a blue or green to be found in these nautical scenes. The people are not finely depicted, but appear almost as shadows in the seascapes. While it's clear that both the author and illustrator have a great love for this pursuit, this book will have a very limited audience.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—These small-format books are useful for one-on-one instruction, for small groups, or for mathematics centers. Patterns features an "ab" pattern along the bottom of each page. Examples include patterns using shapes, color, size, numbers, letters, fruit, shoes, musical instruments, and the students themselves in various poses. Adding uses numbers from 0 to 12. Examples with manipulatives including counting markers, marbles (identified as stones in the book), colored cubes, and uniflex cubes help students visualize the process, set up the problem, and find the solution. Zoo introduces counting from 0 to 20 and comparing those numbers using the terms "fewer" and "more." These three titles have informative color photographs that help relate the information to the world outside of school. City introduces the numbers 0 to 30; however, the artwork for this title is simplistic and poorly drawn. The "I Can Do Math" series (Gareth Stevens, 2004) introduces the same concepts for the same grade level and has short quizzes that reinforce the skills presented. If more material is needed to supplement the mathematics curriculum, these first three titles are adequate additions.—Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

PreS-K—Gershator's cheery adaptation of a traditional song from the 1900s is perfectly complemented by Priceman's breezy watercolor illustrations. A multitude of babies clad in hooded pink or blue pj's and tended by loving caretakers is waiting to be taken home. Each day the children are given away along with a special treat, such as "half a pound of tea" or "milk and cookies for free." On Monday, a woman chooses a bundle wrapped in blue, Tuesday's lady gladly takes a boy and a girl, Wednesday's new mother flies away with three little ones in her hot-air balloon, and so on, until the remaining seven tots gallop off on horseback with their smiling mom. Two splashy spreads illustrate each verse, first by introducing the day of the week and then concluding with the mother departing with her adopted young. The text swoops through the idyllic indoor and outdoor scenes to create a lyrical, joyous, and somewhat silly mood. The characters represent a variety of races and nationalities, and blended families are the norm. Sharp-eyed readers will observe that the picture for each day includes an animal that has the same number of offspring as those taken by the human mother. This pleasant romp is a natural for baby sing-along programs (sheet music is included), one-on-one sharing, and lullaby time.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 3—Young readers who are interested in learning about backyard creatures will welcome this rhyming counting book. From "one doe's fawn" to "a swarm of ten nymphs" (grasshoppers), Giogas introduces children to the group and baby names of 10 critters commonly found in woodland areas (the animals are identified at book's end). For example, a page showing skunks reads, "In my backyard I can see/a surfeit of seven kits/squinting at me./They hunt for grubs and ants and snails,/and sometimes eat the eggs of quails." Appended are additional facts about the highlighted species and tips on ways to observe, protect, and care for wildlife. The colorful illustrations are a good match for the text and at times provide visual clues. The book makes a pleasant read-aloud for younger listeners, while older children can enjoy it independently, though they might need help with a few of the more scientific terms. While not an essential purchase, it will be a useful addition for libraries in which nature books are popular.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 1–4—Similar in design and layout to The Miracles of Passover (2007) and The Miracle of Hannukah (2006, both Blue Apple), this book presents each story through a page of text and a foldout illustration. The vertical foldouts of Samson breaking down the pillars, the giant Goliath in a showdown with David, and Jonah being swallowed by a large fish are particularly dramatic. However, the retellings are severely lacking. The "Birth of Adam" ends abruptly; God's motive for destroying the Earth in "Noah's Ark" is left unexplained; and "Balaam and the Donkey" (which is not typically included in these types of collections) is too complicated to be so abbreviated. Readers will be better served by the more comprehensive retellings in Celia Barker Lottridge's Stories from Adam and Eve to Ezekiel (Groundwood, 2004), for example. Yet, despite the weaknesses of the Hanft text, the fresh, creative illustrations are a delight.—Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 1–3—These beginning readers have an eye-catching format and incorporate beautifiul reproductions, often full page, on each spread, set against an occasional jewel-toned, black, or textured background. The texts follow a simple sentence structure and mention mediums used, explain both symbolism and realism found within the art as reflections of everyday life and culture, and pinpoint specifics in the pictures. Although not all terms are explained (e.g., woven, loom), many are defined with pronunciation given in parentheses. Egypt has a "search and find" element as well. Although some of the cultural history may be too advanced for the intended audience, these small books provide excellent visual support for curriculum studies of history, art, or early cultures and may be used as hi/lo readers.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 5—This vibrant offering pairs colorful photographs of African-American girls with upbeat verses. The youngsters are shown alone and together, and their moods and expressions vary from shy and pensive to bold and exuberant. They wear their hair loose and natural, and in barrettes, beads, Afro puffs, or braids that "fly high into the sky." One to three photographs appear on each spread, surrounded by linen-textured blocks of color that connect the fabric of this tapestry of young beauty, strength, and promise. Most of the verses are short and rhythmic and read aloud like a jump-rope rhyme. For example, a series of three photographs follows a girl whose love of dancing can't be concealed as her body moves to an unknown rhythm. Her hair is described, "It's sassy short/and bouncy long/barrettes on my braids/keep the beat of the song." Another page, featuring a photo of three friends, makes readers welcome: "come on, you'll fit right in/with our rainbow tribe/of heritage/our sisterhood of hearts." A lighthearted font matches the text's effervescent tone. A child can hold this volume and think, "That's me!" and then—"Beautiful!" This title can encourage discussions about self-image, feelings, and cultural identity. Pair it with Natasha Anastasia Tarpley's I Love My Hair! (Little, Brown, 1998) and Sylviane A. Diouf's Bintou's Braids (Chronicle, 2001).—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

Gr 2–4—Beginning with defining moments in the subjects' lives, these brief biographies follow a pattern of introducing the subject as a child and then chronologically leading readers to their adult achievements. Chief Joseph focuses on the Nez Perce chief's upbringing in the Wallowa Valley and his tribe's conflicts with and flight from the U.S. military, followed by his imprisonment in Oklahoma and role as a spokesman for his people. John Muir describes how the environmental leader learned to love nature as a boy on a Wisconsin farm. His passion led him to fight to protect Yosemite and found the Sierra Club, as well as travel the world and write about nature. Kiely Miller relates how Houston spent time living with the Cherokees as a teen, and then went on to serve as a representative and governor in Tennessee before becoming involved in the war for Texas's independence. Each title features good-quality maps, photos, and drawings. However, the subjects fail to come to life, and students will not likely be inspired to read more about them. Though the leveled texts make these volumes a logical choice for early readers, they lack the engaging writing and visual appeal of titles such as Kathryn Lasky's John Muir (Candlewick, 2006). Buy where demand for easy biographies on these subjects is high.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

K-Gr 3—Each book explains the featured value through a simple question-and-answer format. Real-world examples will help children to understand and associate with the subjects and situations. The first book discusses what friendliness is, why it is important, and its benefits. The second book addresses generosity with time, food, money, knowledge, etc. Each chapter spread features a paragraph of text facing a large, clear photo. The full-color pictures are basic, with an even balance of gender and multicultural representation. Amy Krouse Rosenthal's Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons (HarperCollins, 2006) is great for reinforcement of values.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

Gr 2–4—In the first book, Anansi tries to get the sky god, Nyame, to share his box of stories with humans. Nyame sets a series of four impossible tasks for Anansi, who solves them with the aid of his clever wife. Krensky's retelling is simple and fast-moving, ably supported by Reeves's illustrations. An afterword gives a brief overview of Anansi folklore. Unfortunately, neither the author nor the illustrator of The Dragon Emperor is up to the daunting task of simplifying and retelling this complicated tale for young readers. This fantastical legend of four-faced dragons, invincible warriors, and monsters is central to the founding of China's Middle Kingdom, but Ping's retelling is choppy and muddled. An afterword adds information on dragons and their place in Chinese culture.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 1–4—Lane has interpreted a dozen biblical passages that feature angels appearing to humans. The various encounters show the winged messengers as friendly (saving Daniel from being fed to lions), fearsome (banishing Adam and Eve from Eden with a flaming sword), and, at times, merely decorative (walking up and down Jacob's Ladder). The rough textures of Baboni's colorful, acrylic illustrations call to mind cave paintings, appropriately giving a sense of ancient times. The artist's stylized renditions reinforce the unpredictable nature of the heavenly hosts, who are shown in varying dress, hairstyles, and skin tones. These selections may be enjoyed from a folkloric or religious viewpoint. Adult guidance may be beneficial in providing context.—Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3–5—These volumes are perfect for young readers seeking information on contemporary environmental issues. Short chapters, large font, and pronunciation guides to key words engage children doing research, but the depth of information is not compromised. Historical and scientific background, the animals' current status, existing rescue efforts, and future prospects are addressed. Colorful, up-close photographs are accompanied by satisfying explanatory captions. "What You Can Do" pages provide practical suggestions for proactive readers.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

K-Gr 3—Ricci's watercolors accompany the familiar words of the 23rd Psalm, using the King James Version as the text. The psalm begins, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," which is illustrated with a springtime pastoral scene of various farm animals basking in the sunshine near a red barn. As spring turns to autumn, an abundant harvest is depicted ("Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over"), and when winter comes, the animals are warm and safe inside the barn ("And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"). The wonderfully detailed illustrations merit close scrutiny. The text is framed in an old-fashioned scroll with the first letter of each phrase surrounded by a colorful block coordinating with the larger illustration. Richly decorative borders frame each spread. This elegant presentation will not explain the meaning of the psalm to children unfamiliar with the text, but it will be enjoyed by those who already know it. This is an additional purchase of exceptional quality for collections needing more material in the area.—Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 3–4—These solid, smoothly written introductions are compelling for their well-organized and attractively formatted presentation. The texts are enriched by mostly well-chosen stock photographs, yet a few are blurred and loosely connected. The skeleton/full-body spread offers this level of detail in the captions: "A beaver has four large front teeth, long front claws…"; The sea horse is "…covered with bony plates that protect it like a suit of armor"; and "swans are awkward on land because their legs are set far back on their bodies." While this limited amount of information is disappointing, the texts themselves are informative, and the writing is quite good.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 1–3—A modern sensibility and quirky humor define this retelling. Cynthia (as she is first known) lives happily in the big city with her dad until he is blinded by love, but the steps are thoughtless rather than cruel, and Cinderella seems trapped by psychology more than circumstance. "Is this all there is to my life?" she wonders when her family leaves for the ball without her. A hip fairy godmother reminds her that "You must take charge and change your own life, young lady." With the help of a little magic, Cinderella empowers herself, wins the prince's heart, and lives happily ever after. Kids familiar with the traditional tale will enjoy this pleasant variation, and adults will be tickled by the irreverent approach. The naive paintings add greatly to the lighthearted feel of the book. Cinderella appears as a swingy-haired gamine reminiscent of Marlo Thomas in That Girl. Gentle humor typifies each scene; for example, the women waiting in line to try on the shoe have shopping or children in tow, check their watches, or yawn with boredom. While not a groundbreaking interpretation, this is a humorous variant that will be appreciated in large collections.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 1—Easy enough for first graders to read independently, these books have large print and one sentence at the bottom of each spread. The vocabulary is simple, and most spreads cite positive examples of good character within the areas denoted by the titles. Leader, for example, says, "When you help others with a problem...you are being a good leader." The colorful cartoon illustrations show boys and girls of various ethnicities, some with disabilities, and all with strange, prominent mouths. Some of the pictures are a bit ambiguous, but the lack of total illustrative clarity might be an asset, leaving room for interpretive discussion. An "Activity" page asks how a child in a picture above the question is exhibiting the relevant character trait. These titles would serve for early-reading practice or as points of departure for character-education discussions, but they are not essential purchases.—Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, NJ

Gr 3–6—This revision of the 1984 title suffers from a mismatch between the writing and the intended audience, vague terms and oversimplified explanations, and generalizations that don't always ring true. The use of "you" throughout implies that intended readers are Jewish, but the information seems far too basic for students studying to become a bar or bat mitzvah. The narrative does not make it clear that the focus is on ceremonies in Reform and possibly Conservative settings; it only occasionally clarifies differences in Orthodox tradition. Additionally, the author neglects to point out Shabbat observances and how they might affect the post-ceremony celebration and doesn't differentiate between the ceremony and the party. The "fresh" new illustrations also seem too juvenile. Eric A. Kimmel's Bar Mitzvah: A Jewish Boy's Coming of Age, Barbara Diamond Goldin's Bat Mitzvah: A Jewish Girl's Coming of Age (both Viking, 1995), and Jeffrey K. Salkin's For Kids: Putting God on Your Guest List (Jewish Lights, 2007) are more comprehensive and more inspiring resources.—Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 2–5—This fairy-tale retelling describes how a clever huntsman captured a nine-foot-tall wild man who had been sitting at the bottom of a forest pool, killing anyone who came near. Placed in a cage at the palace, the wild man convinced the young prince to free him, explaining that he had been put under an evil spell. The prince ran away with the wild man, who gave him the task of watching a golden spring to see that it remained unpolluted. But when the boy leaned over to look at himself, his hair accidentally dipped into the water and turned to gold. Because of his failure, the wild man sent him out into the world to learn what it was like to be poor, telling him to return to the forest and call for "Iron Hans" if he was ever in trouble. In good fairy-tale style, the prince got a job at a nearby palace, saved the kingdom with the help of his friend, and married the princess. In this version of the ponderous tale, Mitchell attempts to add some coherence to the history of the wild man, but even so, it's a convoluted story. The formal book design and the stiff, dark illustrations with their many shades of brown and gray add to the tale's weighty tone. For libraries wishing to have a strong collection of the Grimms' individual tales, this version is adequate if not exciting.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

PreS-Gr 3—Partial views of Matisse's collages provide the clues to a visual guessing game. Featuring bright colors and simple shapes, a series of four spreads focuses tightly on a particular image, offering slightly different views along with ideas about what the pictures could be. For example, a leaf from Chapelle du Rosaire des Dominicaines de Vence par Henri Matisse is presented in a page-filling close-up ("What is this?"). The following two spreads suggest that the image looks like blue fingers against the bright yellow sun, or a feather lying on the sand. At last the object is seen in its entirety ("Oooh! I am a leaf"). Parts of four other works are similarly treated. The guessing game is a fun way to explore art. By observing parts of the whole, children are encouraged to look at it in a new way and see more with their imagination. Unfortunately, the text does not lead readers to look beyond the objects suggested. Children, with adult assistance, will need to take that initiative on their own. At book's end, a large black-and-white photograph of the artist is paired with the phrase, "Oooh, thank you Mister Matisse!" and the complete collages are reproduced and identified. This title will probably be more popular in museum shops than in libraries.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2–6—Sijo is a traditional Korean form of poetry that can take two different shapes, three lines or six lines, using a strict syllable count as haiku does but with distinct differences. All of the lines have a purpose: in a three-line poem, the first one would be the introduction, the second would continue the theme, and the third and final line holds a sort of punch line, be it a play on words or a whimsical observation. Park's sijo, 28 in all, harmonize with illustrations that are deceptively simple at first glance, but have a sophistication and wise humor that will make viewers smile, and at second glance make them think. The selections are thoughtful, playful, and quirky; they will resonate with youngsters and encourage both fledgling and longtime poets to pull out paper and pen. The author's note includes historical background on sijo, further-reading suggestions, and a helpful guide to writing in the form. A smart and appealing introduction to an overlooked poetic form.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

Gr 2–4—These titles are similar to those in the "True Books" series (Children's Press) but are less detailed. The texts are simple and sparse. Blue text boxes labeled "Did you know?" offer brief factoids throughout the books. Vibrant color photographs appear on every page. Topics include location (including a couple of simple maps), the landscape, weather and seasons, the people, school and family, country and city life, houses, work, and fun. Lots of facts such as type of government, how the country is divided into regions, currency, and population are included. There is also a blank map of the country, with instructions to trace or photocopy it, and a list of places and items to fill in. With the wealth of other information available, these titles will serve as additional purchases for larger collections, and they're more suited to browsing than reports due to the limited content.—DeAnn Okamura, San Mateo County Library, CA

Gr 2–3—Each title starts with what people used before these inventions. Then readers are taken through a time line of developments and key people who played a role in changing our lives. Camera explains that cave paintings and artists were the only source of pictures until the first photo was taken by Joseph Niépce. It ends with digital cameras, cell-phone cameras, and the tiny pill cameras used by doctors. In Car, a discussion of the horse and buggy moves into steam cars and the changes that resulted in the modern automobiles of today. How the Internet and World Wide Web have greatly changed our lives is included as part of Computer. Space is devoted to Alexander Graham Bell's invention in Telephone before the author moves into the phone service of the late 1800s, ending with how satellites have helped make us more connected. Chapter spreads include a paragraph of text and a photo on each page. Each book has a world map, and children are encouraged to find the countries of people mentioned in the texts. The books' large font, colorful borders, and both black-and-white and full-color photos with bubble captions will help entice students as they gain information. Useful sources where needed.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

K Gr 2—Two concept books that feature the works of well-known artists. Rubin's rhyming text accompanies a boldly hued image of an animal or insect by Andy Warhol on each spread. "Big RED dog barks BOW WOW WOW/Small GREEN cat just purrs meow." The book concludes with the verse: "See the colors bright and bold./ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, and GOLD./PINK and BLUE and all the rest./Which of them do you like best?" While this is not the standard color spectrum, it does serve as an effective introduction. Counting uses Thiebaud's whimsical work to count from one (piece of pie) to 10 (cheese wedges). The last spread has a painting of a gum ball machine and offers viewers a counting challenge. While these concepts may be appropriate for the board-book audience, there are better books available to introduce youngsters to these artists.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

Gr 1–4—This account of Lincoln's childhood is written in fast-paced, short sentences. St. George, author of So You Want to Be President? (Philomel, 2000), uses a folksy, conversational style and incorporates old-fashioned words such as "ignoramus" and "dunderheads" to add to the period feel. She chose incidents from Lincoln's life that will help children understand the man he became, demonstrating an early awareness of the feelings of others and a desire for fairness. She also emphasizes how family members, including his mother and stepmother, helped Lincoln to achieve his potential. Faulkner's humorous illustrations are a perfect match for the text. Children accustomed to typically staid photographs of Lincoln will laugh out loud seeing him depicted as a squalling baby and a young boy riding a pet pig. The expressive images are done in a caricature style, with slightly exaggerated hands, feet, and heads. Large and colorful, the visuals sprawl across the spreads as if the action cannot be easily contained. Although the narrative covers only Lincoln's younger years, his adult professional life is summarized in an endnote.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

K-Gr 3—This book begins with the lyrics to a song with the repeating refrain, "Oh we go this way, that way,/port side, starboard/over the deep blue sea!" The pirate crew consists of a captain and a group of children, including a baby with a bottle, who find a treasure-filled wreck. The pen-and-ink, paint, and crayon illustrations are colorful, lively, bold, and humorous. After the song lyrics, the presentation takes a turn toward nonfiction with a labeled diagram of a pirate's galleon, descriptions of different types of pirate ships, pirates around the world, and some infamous bucanneers. Children will enjoy the variety and the brevity of the material. This book can be used as a springboard into more detailed stories and information about pirates.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 3–5—In a series of two-page chapters, columns of lucid text set against brightly colored backgrounds describe basic insect anatomy, major body parts and how they function, special adaptations of close to three dozen kinds of insects, egg-laying, metamorphosis, defense mechanisms, etc. One to three finely detailed close-ups of the invertebrates discussed dominate each section—most are arranged in large ovals or circles. Most of the photos are so highly magnified that individual hairs, spines, and antennae segments are clearly visible. A sidebar in each section also describes a distinctive characteristic of the insect featured in the largest close-up. Among the small creatures depicted are a wasp, blow fly, grasshopper, etc. Similar information on anatomy and body parts is available in titles in the "Minibeasts Up Close" series (Raintree); they also have good close-ups, though on a smaller scale. Swanson's book, however, has a broader scope and more detailed text, and offers some fresh insights into insect life. For instance, instead of just identifying spiracles, the air holes through which insects breathe, Bugs explains that they vary in number, size, and shape according to species, and that most contain hairs to filter out dust. This attractive, informative overview will appeal to both browsers and budding entomologists.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—What artistic medium would Nature use to depict each of the seasons? This rambling poem asserts that winter would be sketched in pen and ink, spring drawn in pastel chalk, summer painted in watercolors, and fall conveyed in rich oil paints. The art is lovely—a snow-covered wall in black and white melts into a spring pastel with the blurred edges of chalk. Summer's blue sky deepens with a purple cast as the watercolor warm days become a frenzy of oranges and golds carrying youngsters full circle to a pen-and-inked page of winter once again. It's a successful conceit undermined somewhat by the enthusiastic stream-of-consciousness prose that doesn't allow readers to take a breath. Spring is "blossoms/everywhere.../blossoms,/peach and white,/and pink;/fluffy, puffy,/pillowy,/billowy,/spun-sugar, /cotton-candy/blossoms;/blossoms;/blossoms." The enthusiastic lists of colors representing each season (autumn is "crimsonrustyellowtancranberrybrown") at times overwhelm. Even so, the introduction of the four seasons through four mediums will appeal to art teachers.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

PreS—These simple board books each feature five American Sign Language signs. The English word and a picture demonstrating the concept face several illustrations showing the formation of the sign. The signs are well chosen to fit into a young child's world (First Words: "Mommy," "Daddy," "play," "cuddle," "I love you"; Feelings: "happy," "sad," "hungry," "excited," "sleepy"). The cartoonish, computer-generated art features copious white space, bold colors, and chunky black lines. The star of both titles is a childlike, greenish monster. Though the creature is oddly appealing, the thick lines sometimes make the hand shapes in the sign illustrations difficult to decipher. Also, some of the concept pictures may be confusing; those for "Mommy" and "Daddy" show parent and child dogs and monkeys, respectively, and may lead youngsters to think that the signs for the animals are being shown. Though not quite up to the quality of Annie Kubler's playful "Sign and Sing Along" series (Child's Play, 2005), which uses cartoon art to better effect, or Debbie Slier's photographically illustrated Animal Signsand Word Signs (both Gallaudet Univ., 1995), these books do feature correct ASL signs, which cannot be said of many baby sign books.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 3–6—As in Color Me a Rhyme (2000) and Count Me a Rhyme (2006, both Boyds Mills), Yolen's delightful word pictures are paired to great effect with Stemple's impressive color photographs. "Triangle" is conceptualized through a close-up shot of an alligator, with the text's wordplay focusing on its "dangerous/And dagger-ous" tooth. The author artfully manages to paint an image or a feeling in just a few lines of terse verse, as in "Square": "A shadow square/Upon a frond/Resides beside/A quiet pond./Since nature rarely/Seeds a square,/We must make do/With what is there." Each poem is printed on a colorful background of the appropriate shape, superimposed atop a beautifully composed two-page photo. Various words describing each form have been scattered across the spread: "Wave" is accompanied by "eddy," "undulant," "billow," "surge," and "roller." There's much to consider in each image, and language-arts teachers will relish this book's ability to jump-start student creativity. It should also appeal to readers who will appreciate its thoughtful approach to nature.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CAPreviously (Ahlberg)