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