Preschool to Grade 4

K-Gr 3—The format into which this beloved fairy tale has been shaped has short blocks of text, meant to be read aloud by a parent sitting with a child, interspersed with single sentences or sentence fragments made up of one- or two-syllable words in a large font for youngsters to read. Since most of the text is intended to be read by an adult, there is a question as to whether or not the adaptation of Andersen's original work really needed to be so simplified, with little or none of the romantic atmosphere remaining. The illustrations are far more effective and evocative than the text (aside from the one that shows Thumbelina being flown over a modern city of high-rise structures). Gréban has preserved the delicate fairy-tale setting of the story while emphasizing its emotional transitions by the use of different qualities of light—the cold pale gray of the snowy winter, the warm brown of the cozy mouse dwelling, the light sifting through the soft green spring leaves of the tree where Thumbelina talks with the swallow. Still, the choppiness that results from trying to make this an interactive reading experience does not do Andersen's tale justice.—Marian Drabkin, formerly at Richmond Public Library, CA

K-Gr 4—This beautifully illustrated retelling of Andersen's classic tale has some minor changes in the text but overall maintains the integrity of the original; in fact, the retelling really seems unnecessary especially since there are no source notes and there are already many good translations of this story available. It is the mixed-media illustrations that will likely intrigue readers; the art combines painting with lace to achieve a textural and patterned appearance. A stunning spread shows a close-up of a goose with wings stretched wide that impressively depict distinct and realistic-looking feathers as it flies over a serene country landscape. Each page is suffused with color, predominantly bright shades of green, blue, and brown, and the bold font stands out clearly from the background. Small images are interspersed with the text—eggs cracking open, a dog rushing into the marsh, and a raven perched on a fence post. There are many other lovely visual interpretations available, including those by Jerry Pinkney (Morrow, 1999) and Robert Ingpen (Minedition, 2005).—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—Romeo the penguin and Lou the polar bear make a rocket ship out of snow. Then, as a shooting star goes by, it mysteriously and surprisingly takes off, eventually crash landing on "a weird new world" (readers will quickly identify the city setting). Assuming they are on another planet, the friends try to find a way home. During their search they encounter many familiar animals that aren't what they seem, including a penguin and polar bear (a man in a black suit walking a white dog), walruses (construction workers with mustaches), and fish (children in swimming gear). When a shark (a police officer) chases them onto a seagoing vessel, they take off in a new spaceship made of cardboard, and the two pals smile "all the way home." Anderson's acrylic paintings give life to the average-quality text. The big bold depictions of the characters have plenty of detail. Readers will easily see how Romeo and Lou mistake people for animals. Despite the lingering question (how did the first spaceship take off?), this fanciful adventure is a fun storytime choice.—Catherine Callegari, formerly at Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

K-Gr 2—This fractured version of the French fairy tale "Three May Peaches" is narrated by a gray-haired, busybody fairy with tabloid flair. Libby Gaborchik diagnoses the very sick Princess Vera as starved for love. The prescription is simple; the princess must eat three perfect peaches and then marry within the week. Eligible bachelors throughout the kingdom begin picking the fruit and heading for the castle. Gaborchik valiantly helps to waylay and weed out the most ill-mannered of the prospects, but she gives one guy-a poor, skinny fellow with a big heart-some extra help. One so naive and so simple certainly needs help getting past the king to win the princess's hand! The text is fun to read aloud, and Gaborchik's comical and slightly narcissistic personality brings a lot of punch to the story. ("A joke, darlings, a joke! Libby Gaborchik is just making a small joke. Laughing is good for your health. Trust me, I'm a fairy. I know these things.") The gouache and colored-pencil cartoon illustrations are also full of humor and capture the exaggerated energy of the story. Unfortunately, the original tale is not credited. Still, this is a fun purchase for libraries in which funny fairy tales are popular.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—When she learns that her friend can ride her bike without training wheels, Madison wants to get rid of hers. She finds the wobbliness of her two-wheeler scary and fears she will fall. Discouraged, she gives up. Her parents both remind her, "It takes time and hard work to learn anything new." Later her friend tells her that the baby birds they have been watching are learning to fly. Madison thinks about how hard that must be for the birds and decides that she will try again. Madison's parents are supportive without being overbearing. Mixed into the tale is her stuffed bluebird that in the last couple of pages moves on its own and talks. That seems mildly disconcerting when it has just been a toy until then. The expressive, pastel-colored watercolor illustrations complement the story well. Overall, this is a useful book for children who are attempting something new and difficult.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 3–5—Nervous, quiet, and excited Kate describes John Singer Sargent's visits to her home and his artistic endeavors in her English village. She is disappointed when the gruff artist drops her as a featured subject in his Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose in favor of some other children, but eventually becomes the subject of one of his portraits. The calm, mood-setting text captures elements of the more affluent lifestyles of the late 1800s. Brewster deftly develops Kate's personality, with strong emphasis on her feelings, while the painter remains a secondary character, with readers learning of his artistic technique through the child's observations. The illustrations come from a variety of sources and include mostly old, black-and-white photos (some of the real-life Kate Millet Adlard) and some recent color ones of Kate's home and of Victorian artifacts, plus many reproductions of Sargent's sketches and paintings. Soft, delicate cream-and-white borders frame the text and artwork; dark-green endpapers give the book a Victorian feel. The handsome cover reinforces Singer's interesting use of light. Libraries looking for art-related fiction should consider this carefully packaged work. Bear in mind, however, that as a picture book with lots of text, it may have a limited audience and will need to be booktalked.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 1—The cat from Bruel's Bad Kitty (Roaring Brook, 2005) plays an important supporting role to a puppy in this counting and alphabet book. When the feline doesn't want to play with the energetic pup, he opts to entertain himself with an assortment of toys. The curious little fellow explores one airplane, two balls, three cars, four dolls, etc. Each number corresponds with objects chosen to match the numerical order of the letters of the alphabet, all set within cartoon-style panels ablaze with color. As the cat keeps an eye on what the dog is up to, it sometimes unintentionally winds up as part of the action. When puppy wears out from counting through the alphabet and beds down for nap, his dream transports him on an alphabetical trip around the world. He plays baseball in Brazil, quoits in Qatar, and yodels in Yemen. Teachers will find many curricular uses for this lively, multifaceted romp.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-K—A mother voices a familiar message to her new arrival: that relatives and neighbors had expressed their love for the baby in a variety of ways before the birth. Grandmother planted a rosebush, grandfather brought a rocking chair, an aunt painted a mural in the nursery. In Barbour's stylized scenes, flowers, trees, and houses are depicted as bold shapes upon which a multitude of patterns have been painted. The decorative designs contrast with the background expanses of warm color in which dry brushstrokes provide texture. While the unspecified gender and Barbour's choice not to alter the mother's body during pregnancy make this story adaptable to a variety of situations, including adoption, it is questionable whether youngsters will really appreciate this title. The Cubist faces come across as rather stern, and the figures are static. The story lacks the humor of Robert Munsch's Love You Forever (Firefly, 1995), the tension and cultural interest of Barbara M. Joosse's Mama, Do You Love Me? (Chronicle, 1991), and the emotional range in Patricia McMahon and Conor Clarke McCarthy's Just Add One Chinese Sister (Boyds Mills, 2005). This title's greatest appeal may be to parents and grandparents.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—A little girl and her teddy bear wet their toes in the water, look up at the sky rather than fly in a plane, and sit on a stair because her small toy can't swim, says he can't fly, and doesn't like climbing. The girl reassures her companion that one day he will be a great big bear who won't be so afraid, and then the two of them will be able to do all those things. The story opts for rhyme over grammar: "Little bear and me/dipped our toes in the sea....Me and little bear sat on the stair," and the rhythm is a little clunky in places, but the large, colorful spreads with images of a child sharing all of her adventures with a beloved stuffed animal will feel familiar and comforting to young readers. A marginal purchase.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

PreS—These eight-inch-square books are well suited to their audience. In Bed, Burke's realistic illustrations in pastel colors neatly present a toddler's perspective of size. Round-faced Sophie loves her crib, but she manages to convince her doll and stuffed animals that the new, overwhelmingly big bed is perfect for everyone to be in together, and that the star pillow and banana blanket fit just fine, along with the new quilt. Let's Play encourages color-concept development and outcome prediction as Red Dog, Yellow Bird, and Blue Cat rush through playground fun. Baby briefly chronicles the high points of babyhood from having two teeth and eating mush to the "big boy" joys of running and jumping. Now that he has a little sister, the narrator shares his blanket, but still enjoys hugs. In both Niland titles, the spreads and close-up views of roly-poly toy pals or children will lure lap-sitters and small storytime groups with their bright colors.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 2–4—Through skillful storytelling, Carbone captures the heroics of a boy and his faithful hunting dog in search of freedom. The story begins in 1838 when James Smith leaves behind his life as a slave on Master Graham's farm in Virginia (now West Virginia). The boy does not originally plan to take Zeus because he's "always hungry" and too noisy—"more racket than a sack of pots and pans." However, the hound is persistent—a good thing since he saves James's life more than once. On the north bank of the Ohio River, a Quaker farmer finds the pair. James goes with him only when his dog is also welcomed. An author's note gives additional facts about James Smith and his flight to freedom, his life in Huron County, OH, and Canada. The realistic watercolors bring James to life and convey Zeus's devotion to his owner. The watercolor paintings beautifully evoke the sun-drenched cotton fields. Deep purples and rich, dark greens capture the moonlit night and contrast with James's light clothing. Hope and freedom are reflected in the brighter colors of the last pages. A vividly realized narrative, based on a true story.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 3 Up—Following on the heels of One Red Dot (2005) and Blue 2 (2006, both S & S), Carter presents another volume that is more like taking a walk through a modern-art gallery than perusing a traditional pop-up book. Each of the nine intricately designed abstract paper sculptures is a surprise and a delight: thinly cut blades of paper ("white grasses tip tap") fan out with a whoosh, shapes gracefully unfold, and circles dangle from threads, generating an energized sense of motion. The spreads challenge readers to find specific numbers of "Black Spots"; some are easy to locate, while others are quite imaginatively placed. Constructed from a few carefully chosen words, the brief text explodes from the pages in an echo of the artwork. Some of the phrases are straightforward ("Spontaneous forms entwine" is paired with a pop-up depicting various interconnected shapes), while others are a bit more elusive ("Blue Memphis arisin'" or "Fauve kaboom"). While the book's delicate format makes it a challenge to circulate, this eye-teaser is a mesmerizing choice for library displays and/or programs and art classrooms.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—A poor homeless girl, known only as "Scraps-and-Smells" or "Skin-and-Bones" or "Sweets-and-Treats," is barely tolerated by the townspeople. When a terrifying Ogre comes to the town gate demanding a bride, the frightened villagers quickly choose her as their offering. But this girl is not as dimwitted as she might seem, and she cleverly manages to get the best of both the foul Ogre and the ungrateful townspeople. The writing is vivid, incorporating some rhyming verse and some delicious vocabulary, making the story especially well suited for reading aloud. The descriptions are sometimes harsh and compelling: "…sometimes she would beg and sometimes she would starve…." Strong ink outlines add energy to the watercolor illustrations, aptly conveying the events of the dramatic text. Cole is a master at depicting the emotions of the characters, both animal and human. This engaging story and its resourceful heroine will appeal to many children.—Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

Gr 3–5—Medusa is picked on by the other children at Acropolis Academy. After all, having snakes for hair offers up many opportunities for taunts. When she and her friends are paired up with the three biggest bullies in the school for a chaperone-less overnight camping trip up Mt. Olympus, it's her biggest nightmare. However, she and her pals prove their strength of character as they help out one another and then rescue the bullies. The story is engaging, and Medusa is a sympathetic character. However, readers who aren't familiar with the mythology might miss some of the humor, such as Mino the Minotaur constantly getting lost in his own home. Some liberties are taken with Medusa's character. She's a Gorgon but her parents have forbidden her to turn anyone to stone. She does, however, turn a tree into stone to create a stable bridge. The troublemakers are rather one-dimensional and it is odd to see Perseus and Theseus portrayed as whining bullies. Still, the story is fun and the black-and-white line drawings, many full-page, are expressive and humorous. Medusa's friend Chiron may be half horse, but the human half carries a backpack, has messy hair, and wears glasses. Cerberus, Medusa's three-headed pup, is appealing even when scaring the bullies. Offer Medusa Jones to mythology fans who aren't quite ready for Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series (Hyperion/Miramax).—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

PreS-Gr 2—Extraordinary paper collages accompany a high-spirited romp at the pond that involves everyone but "six silent turtles [that] sit still as stones." Strong, predictable rhymes bounce across the pages: "Wood ducks glide./Water striders slide./Salamanders dash./Tadpoles splash." Unusual, lively words extend vocabulary: "Wriggle! Waggle! Scuttle! Skim!/On every reed and stone and limb!" The creatures hustle along until a strong wind surprises everyone and helps the log the turtles are on speed away. "Notes from Frog Song Pond" shows a photo of the author's tree house from which she observes critters and lists names of animals in the book and additional information about some of them. Children will also enjoy the "Printing Textures" page, which has directions and examples of creative textures, including bubble wrap and a broccoli flower. This is an engaging book for young children, but it could also inspire older readers to play with language and use vivid word pictures to add life to writing.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 1–4—Part one introduces Doc, a teddy bear who has spent a satisfying career comforting children at a hospital. When the dayroom is renovated, the much-worn bear is thrown away. Fortunately, workers save him from the jaws of the garbage truck, hanging him on the front grille as an ornament. When the truck arrives at the rubbish dump, Doc meets several other emotionally wounded toys making a new life together. In part two, Doc and his companions encounter a stuffed rabbit that has been mistakenly thrown out during a move and conspire to deliver him back to his boy. Endearing pen-and-ink spot illustrations and occasional full-color, full-page paintings accompany the somewhat lengthy text. The story has a gentle humor that evokes a timeless feel, but lacks the depth of another recent Velveteen Rabbit read-alike, Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Candlewick, 2006). While Fellowes's book is appropriate in subject matter for younger children, some of the vocabulary is a bit challenging (e.g., "…he received the first intimations of mortality"), and American readers may be confused by British references. In addition, the adventures end too abruptly. Despite these criticisms, Doc's story will appeal to those with a fondness for old-fashioned storybooks.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 1—Each page of these two guessing books begins with a hint. In the first, "It's the shape of a cracker and this window, and all sorts of stamps." The words "What's the shape?" appear on a full-page gatefold. When opened, a large, brightly colored pop-up is revealed. The objects in both books will be familiar to most children. Young listeners can call out the shapes and colors, vehicle types, and sounds. In small groups or one-on-one, they can walk around the room identifying other objects of that shape. Older children will enjoy handling the books, exploring how the shape is folded into a page smaller than itself. This could lead into an origami or bookbinding program. The books' major fans will be young children who will want to touch each page and call out answers. Like any tactile book, these treasures won't last long, so preschool teachers and librarians may want second copies for group use only.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS—When her dog, cat, and mother "get fatter and fatter," a child "didn't know what was the matter," until she investigates for herself. After each mother gives birth, the youngster counts the new arrivals. Graham's ink and watercolor cartoons are colorful and clearly depict what pregnancy looks like for young readers, but adults may find some of the illustrations in this lift-the-flap book a bit strange and off-putting. Overall, Kes Gray's Baby on Board (S & S, 2004) is a better fit for parents wanting a book on this subject.—Kristen Frey, Rocky River Public Library, OH

Gr 2–4—Imagine the outcome if Dr. Seuss, Dav Pilkey, and Lane Smith were locked in a room until they came up with a book for beginning or reluctant readers. These nine rhyming stories have action galore, plenty of dialogue, and ample pen-and-ink illustrations, all wrapped up in humor. From the cat that is indeed flattened by a bat-wielding rat, to Unlucky Lou who lands in the prickle bush, to the evil bee, the rhymes keep coming. Denton's artwork seems slapdash, but perfectly parallels the zany humor. Few books of this length sport so much white space, large type, and spot art. Even young people who are struggling to get the hang of reading may happily handle all 176 crazy pages.—Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE

Gr 2–4—Little Skink loves her beautiful blue tail, but when a crow pecks at it, she snaps it off, thus saving her life. After her dramatic escape, she envisions herself with the tails of the other animals, but only one is right—her own. This tale has some funny moments, as well as information. Klein's playful watercolors are vibrant and depict a lively forested world. The book could be used in a unit on woodland animals, and the reproducible nature activities in the back make it attractive to teachers.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS—These board books express the same clever sweetness readers have come to expect from Harper. Written to mimic a recipe, each begins with a list of ingredients. For bedtime, necessary items include "1 tired Baby Bundt," "1 cup plus one teaspoon firmly packed kisses," and "1 blankie, well loved." Bathtime requires "1 sticky Baby Bundt," "¼ cup (good quality) bubble bath," "1 family of rubber ducks," etc. Step-by-step instructions explain how to achieve a sleepy or clean baby. In playful, expressive watercolor-and-ink illustrations, an adoring older sister and Baby Bundt act out the sentence on each page. Their mother occasionally reaches into a frame to assist them, but the children are always the center of the action. The writing is clear and simple, just like a good recipe. Though the truest fans will be toddlers, older children who care for younger siblings and friends will also enjoy these titles, and all family members will relate to the delight of simple tasks with a baby.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS—A small creature (cat?) in pajamas (with a nightcap over each pointed ear) cozies down in bed with his stuffed animals—a bear, rhino, elephant, shark, and—most important of all—his favorite book. When he snoozes a little, he wakes to find it has disappeared. After imagining different horrifying scenarios, which involve his plush animals turned real ("Maybe a BEAR ate it!"; "Maybe a STEGOSAURUS stomped on it!"), he starts to search and finally finds the book under his bed. "You know what? I LOVE my book!" he says, snuggling down among his toys to read. The minimal text is perfectly matched with wonderfully expressive cartoon illustrations that mirror the youngster's emotions as he conjures up each possible disaster. Exactly right for preschool storytime or toddler bedtime, this story will tickle the funny bones of both readers and their audiences.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS-Gr 2—Woolbur is his own sheep. He doesn't follow the herd, he doesn't shear his wool in the spring, and he weaves his forelock into a flamboyant bouffant hairdo. And whenever his Maa and Paa point out to him that he is different, Woolbur's answer is, "I know....Isn't it great?" It's great for free-spirited Woolbur and his in-tune Grandpaa, but not for his concerned parents, who are picking themselves bald with worry. When they finally insist that their son must act more like the other sheep, Woolbur turns conformity on its head by teaching all of the others to act like him. Now Maa and Paa's concern is how they can identify their child from all the other eccentrics. Woolbur is a testament to individuality, although the conversion of the other sheep diminishes the message a bit. Still, it's nice to see a story in which being different is not a struggle but a happy choice made in the spirit of fun. Harper's amusing illustrations contribute to that fun with subtle details like Grandpaa's yin and yang bed linen and a copy of Right Brained Lambs on a lamp table beside a frazzled Maa. There is plenty to mull over, making this a good supplemental selection.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS—This celebration of toilet training breaks down early but insists on chugging along to a confusing end. When an engineer-capped toddler in a diaper and T-shirt feels as if he has to go, he heads for the bathroom, where he imagines himself and his suddenly huge toy animals climbing aboard a Little-Engine-That-Could-type conveyance (a potty is attached to the locomotive). From "Diaper Drop" to "Undie Junction," the child is encouraged to persist despite setbacks ("…leaks happen and you can get all wet" shows an elephant and giraffe seeking shelter under umbrellas). Two attached cars each contain a seated animal with underwear around its ankles, and the engine holds a giant roll of toilet tissue that flaps in the wind as they travel roller-coaster style along the tracks. The text assures readers, "when you're really ready, the Potty Train will blow its whistle," and the next spread declares, "Chugga, chugga, poooo-pooooooo!" and shows the wide-eyed boy barely keeping his seat as the cars bound into the air. This is made worse with the odd promise that "Soon, you'll even ride through the night." Anderson's acrylic cartoons maintain energy and fancy in pleasingly simple fashion, but can not salvage the text.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 2—A fresh story for fans of all things princess, by the author of Amazing Grace (Dial, 1991). Two girls from Grace's class will be chosen to appear in the town parade as princesses. While researching the fairy-tale frills of royal attire, Grace realizes that she doesn't know what a princess does besides look pretty and wear beautiful clothing. She asks her teacher and discovers fascinating, true, long-ago warrior princesses like Amina, who lived in Zaria (now Nigeria), and Pin-Yang of China. She and her classmates convince their teacher to reconsider the school's float, which ultimately allows all of the children to represent different types of princes and princesses. Hoffman's crisp storytelling encourages further reading of the tales Grace encounters, and the author again uses the lightest touch to provide a lesson. The paintings combine flowing realism with traces of anime during the girl's reading. The multiethnic cast and variety of composition make every page worth extended viewing.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 3—Second-grader Diane has some difficulties with a new student from Argentina due to their lack of a common language, until the girls realize that they can communicate through their drawings. The story subtly explains how miscommunication and misunderstandings can happen on both sides, without being didactic. The watercolor pictures are realistic, offering varied facial expressions and lots of diversity in the classroom, and the pictures correlate well with the text. This title would be appropriate for use in a group setting or for individual or one-on-one reading. The story is similar to Mary Hoffman's The Color of Home (Penguin, 2002) and Aliki's Marianthe's Story: Painted Words/Spoken Memories (Greenwillow, 1998). An additional purchase for libraries looking for more titles about new ESL students.—Natasha Forrester, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 1–3—In Secret Club, Tamsin Reilly meets three girls on her first day in a new school. Ivy and Nina are immediately friendly, but Casey seems upset and Tamsin thinks she doesn't like her. One afternoon, she notices that all three girls have matching anklets with the letters "SS" dangling from them and learns that they have a club called "Secret Sisters." All ends happily when she is accepted by the group and becomes a member. In the second book, Gemma is excited to be on a gymnastics team in spite of the hard work. After an embarrassing vault attempt, she accidentally kicks her coach in the face, giving him a bloody nose. Later, she finds herself doing extra strength training while her teammates finish their workout with some stretching, and she feels that she is being punished. Soon, she discovers that she is getting stronger, and it is showing in her routines. Both books are simple in language and story structure, making them accessible to young readers who are making their first foray into chapter books and good choices for reluctant readers. The girls are of no specific age or grade, which helps make the books seem relevant for a wider audience, but it doesn't leave them with much character development or personality. Oswald's cartoon illustrations represent scenes from the stories and include small dialogue balloons. Mediocre series fare.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV

Gr 1–4—A modern boy tells how he trips in the woods and finds himself in a cave during the Stone Age. Om introduces him to her family and way of life, in spite of the fact that they don't understand one another's language. Many small drawings in ink and watercolor show how they made tools, used fire to cook their food, and hunted reindeer. These people have a surprisingly modern appearance, and the boy seems at home playing his air guitar at a celebration. Om shows him a cave, the walls of which are covered with lifelike animal paintings. A spread with the single word "Wow!" is just right. Evading a cave bear, the boy falls into a hole and returns to his own time. Years later, he becomes an archaeologist and searches for signs of Om's people. A time line and author's note give the historical basis of the story, and endpapers show different animals as they might have appeared in cave paintings. Show children the beautiful reproductions in Patricia Lauber's Painters of the Caves (National Geographic, 1998), and read this book along with Rafe Martin's Will's Mammoth (Putnam, l989) for a storytime of awe and wonder.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 3—This title is part of a series created to provide a forum for discussion on ways that children can develop character. Sarah discovers that being a good citizen involves more than just not breaking any laws; it also applies to her day-to-day life. When a severe snowstorm hits her community, she does her part by checking on an elderly friend, shoveling and clearing branches, and assisting neighbors in other ways. Although she does not have time to play her new computer game, she learns how rewarding it can be to help those in need. This seemingly simple story can be used to initiate discussions on how youngsters have been helpful or could be good citizens in their own homes, neighborhoods, and schools. Filled with bright indoor and outdoor scenes, the artwork adds detail and keeps the tone light. Libraries with a need for updated materials that speak to responsible behavior should consider purchasing this book.—Judy Chichinski, Skyline Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

PreS-Gr 3—It's a beautiful September morning, and Patrick awakens when the dim sunlight hits his pillow. He gets out of bed and reaches for his "cozy housecoat" and binoculars. His sister awakens and decides to join him as he waits to see loons on the lake. Grandma hears the screen door open and joins the children. Gradually, each member of the family joins Patrick but then moves back into the cottage to prepare breakfast. There is a lot of activity near the lake—chipmunks play, a woodpecker looks for insects, a beaver smacks its tail on the water—but there are no loons in sight. Soon, only Patrick is on the porch while the others are inside enjoying "Dad's delicious pancakes." His patient persistence is rewarded, however, when a group of loons flies into view and lands on the lake. Satisfied, Patrick wanders inside to be with the rest of his family. This gentle story is illustrated with warm, muted watercolors that are evocative of unhurried and carefree mornings on a lake in the country. The serene setting, Patrick's quiet determination, and the support of his family all add up to a loving and tender glimpse into a family tradition. This book would be perfect to read before the mad rush of the day begins or to help settle an energetic group of children.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 1–2—The doctor and friends are sailing toward Africa to return Circus Crocodile to his mother when a giant wave washes their ship away, marooning them on a beach. When the island's king discovers that the animals talk, he locks them away, but Polynesia the parrot saves the day by swooping in with the keys. The group takes off into the jungle with the king in hot pursuit, and with the help of some monkeys, finds Circus Crocodile's mother. Magical Cure takes up the story with the island's animal king, the lion, begging the doctor to help his ailing son. Doctor Dolittle and his friends look for cures within the jungle, but just when Dolittle has lost hope, the ship reappears with his medicine on board. The cub is cured, but the group is split when Polynesia and Chee-Chee decide to stay in the jungle while the rest make their way home. With their easy writing style and simple vocabulary, these books are perfect for beginning readers. Pencil-and-watercolor illustrations grace each page and will draw in reluctant readers wanting a glimpse of Doctor Dolittle's funny friends.—Erika Qualls, Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL

Gr 2–5—McDonald does an excellent job of developing characters who reflect the 1970s, and keeping the action moving. In Changes, fifth-grader Julie has a new friend, who is deaf, and she runs for school president. In the second title, she takes a baby owl to a wildlife rescue center where she encounters bald eaglets and learns that these birds are an endangered species. In Journey, Julie joins her cousins on a wagon train in Pennsylvania, re-creating the pioneer journey in a Bicentennial celebration and collecting signatures to present to President Ford. Each book has occasional full-page paintings as well as spot art. Back matter includes historical facts and photographs pertaining to the events mentioned, such as DDT, inclusion for disabled people, and presidential elections. These books will hold students' interest.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

Gr 2–5—Julie's parents have recently divorced and the girl and her sister have moved into an apartment with their mom across town in San Francisco. She starts fourth grade at a new school and visits her father on the weekends. In Meet Julie, she learns that the coach is less than thrilled about a girl trying out for the basketball team. Julie hopes that a petition and hard work will get her on the team. In Julie Tells Her Story, the protagonist has to interview her family for a school project, and she worries that she won't be able to talk about the worst thing that happened—the divorce. In Happy New Year, the holidays arrive, and she wonders if her family will get along well enough for the Chinese New Year celebration with her friend Ivy Ling's family. Each book shows how difficult change can be. Following the traditional "American Girl" style with short chapters and a "looking back" section at the end, the stories are easy to read, have likable characters, and feature situations many kids will relate to. The full-color illustrations and memorabilia in the end sections enhance the realistic feel. Fans of the series will empathize with Julie's desire to create a new family dynamic.—Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

K-Gr 2—One snowy morning in Chicago, Rosy is reluctant to leave her warm bed. Her mother coaxes her to the kitchen by telling her a story about her own childhood in Belarus, where the winters were much longer and colder. Mama describes how her mother made spring come by concocting special blintzes for breakfast one day. At the end, Rosy and Mama settle down to make blintzes too, hoping, perhaps, that they will chase winter away as grandmother once did in Minsk. Illustrated with busy, colorful folklike illustrations resembling traditional Slavonic art, the book concludes with a recipe for blintzes. Although not a necessary purchase, children will appreciate this winning look at a different culture.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 2—Hockey hero Clancy Cooke is a whiz on the ice as well as a hit with the girls in town. After he helps the Hogtown Maple Buds secure a play-off spot for the Stanley Cup, he gets his chance to score the winning goal. But alas, when the chips are down, the hotshot fails to deliver. The tale ends with the now elderly Clancy still at the rink, driving the Zamboni. The text is disjointed and rhymes are often awkward. The muted cartoon illustrations have a flat, retro look. The accompanying four-minute DVD tells the same story but is much more attractive and appealing due to the more vibrant color palette and hockey commentator Bob Cole's narration. This book will appeal only to the most die-hard hockey fans.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

K-Gr 2—Alice wants a doll for her birthday, but what her mother gives her is something else entirely. "It's alive. It tells stories. It will stay with you all your life." Alice takes "him" to the park in a doll stroller, telling her friends that "he" is very fragile, and hides "his" real nature from them. Eventually, they discover that "he" is a book and, predictably, that "he" will tell stories to anyone who will listen. This would be an ordinary bit of didacticism if it were not for the illustrations. Done in warm colors in oils, acrylics, and colored pencils, they are in a style that is both mannerist and surreal, with children and doll strollers that look rather like some of the supernatural creatures in Hieronymus Bosch's paintings. Younger readers—and some older ones—may well find the illustrations more evocative of Halloween and goblin doings than of anything so ordinary as children playing with dolls and books.—Marian Drabkin, formerly at Richmond Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—Bagel the dog has lost his lucky hat. When Becky the cat suggests he jog his memory by going back over his day, she finds herself caught in a frustratingly outlandish storytelling experience. The pup recounts floating down a stream with laughing fishes, soaring through the air with a flock of birds, launching into space in a huge robot suit, and befriending aliens from planet Zorgonogon 14. Becky refuses to buy any of it—there isn't even a stream nearby. Earth tones temper the wacky computer-generated cartoon illustrations. Like Bagel's story, each page overflows with extravagant details. The hat turns up in the end, just in time to thwart Becky's stern but misinformed lecture. A silly adventure for larger collections.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Little Chérie is the prettiest kitten in the litter, and the favorite of Mr. and Mrs. Smith's only daughter, Evan. But Little Chérie is always in trouble. One day, when Mrs. Smith sends her to the corner, the frisky pet finds a secret stairway that leads to "Little Friends Kindercare," where she meets a baby panda, giraffe, and monkey, among others. The animals have never seen a kitten before, and as they play with her they mimic Little Chérie's bad behavior. When she finds her way back to her house, she remembers how naughty the animals were and tempers her own actions, much to the delight of her human family. This saccharine story makes little sense. Children will immediately recognize what the unconcerned Momma Cat already knows—Little Chérie is simply a kitten and acts like one. How can attacking shoelaces or knocking over a water bowl count for being naughty? Heaven forbid the Smiths should ever encounter Rotten Ralph. The fantasy sequence where Little Chérie meets the other animals is disjointed and heavy-handed. Graham's pictures, painted in light shades and bathed in a soft glow, are too pretty for the story. Considering the exclamation points liberally sprinkled throughout the text (every naughty act is capped with that ubiquitous punctuation mark), this title reads like a vanity project from a famous author.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-K—Nancy, the spirited preschooler with a distinctive sense of style, wants a pet. The posh puppy she has her eye on is a papillon, just like the one that belongs to her neighbor, Mrs. DeVine. Her parents try unsuccessfully to persuade her to consider a sturdier breed. Then she puppysits for the pooch and discovers that this delicate little creature isn't very well suited for a family pet. Fortunately, a trip to the local animal shelter proves just the thing, where Nancy finds the aptly named Frenchy, a lovable, medium-sized, curly-haired dog. Glasser's bright, energetic illustrations perfectly convey the child's lively personality and panache. Nancy's expressive gestures and poses will be readily understood by children and recognized by sympathetic adults. The entertaining story and exuberant illustrations combine for a book with loads of child appeal.—Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

PreS-K—Peter Pepper is hosting a show for the neighborhood youngsters to display their pets' unusual talents. In somewhat predictable singsong verse, each spread introduces a child and an animal. Marianne Platt's calico cat loves to sing while standing on a ball of string. Priscilla Bruno's Pekingese is the "star of the flying trapeze." At the end of a parade of performing creatures, readers are asked to choose a winner. The wide-eyed children and well-dressed creatures in the acrylic paintings evoke a sense of cartoon zaniness. Preschoolers will appreciate the silly rhymes and exuberant expressions even if adults are rolling their eyes by the third contestant.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 1–4—Pearce's original fairy tale, first published in 1971, has been reissued with new illustrations. The descriptive narrative tells how Jack, the younger of two brothers, goes into the forest against his brother's wishes to investigate a nocturnal cry for help. He saves one of the fabled "green people" and is rewarded with a gold ring that he must place upon the paw of a newborn female squirrel. The creature, when full grown, takes on a human form and becomes Jack's wife. When his jealous brother, learning that he is happily married and prospering, reports him as a thief and has him jailed, Jack's squirrel wife finds a way to set him free and ensure their continued happiness. Using colored pencil, acrylic ink, and watercolor, Anderson has painstakingly created enchanted sylvan and town settings that carry out the fairy-tale theme of the story. Into each scene he has placed primitive-style people and tiny woodland animals. The illustrations have a textured, layered look and vary in size, some covering a full page or spread, while others are smaller, and encircled by twining, flowering vines. Children who like stories about wee folk and magic will enjoy this classic British tale.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 1–3—When Davey enters his new classroom, he needs to orient himself by walking around, mapping his environment by touch. After taking his seat, he says to the boy next to him, who narrates the story, "It's awfully quiet. Is everybody staring? I'm blind, I'm not an alien!" Other students offer to do things for Davey, but he always replies, "Thanks, but no thanks." When the kids play kickball, however, he misses the pitches and knocks someone down while running. Soon he is no longer invited to participate. The children then figure out a way for Davey to play ball by listening for cues from his team, and he learns that he can benefit from the help his friends offer. Lyon's engaging pencil-and-watercolor illustrations invite readers into this picture book. The story provides excellent insight into the world of a child with visual impairment who has learned many coping skills but continues to meet new challenges.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

K-Gr 2—It's New Year's Day, and Shanté's Grandma is "weak in the knees" from cooking "chitlins, baked ham,/macaroni and cheese,/Greens and hot corn bread,/but no black-eyed peas!" If the family doesn't eat "cowpeas," it means a year of bad luck, so Shanté goes out into the neighborhood in search of "blackeyes." She visits a Chinese woman, a Scottish grocer, a Mexican restaurant owner, and a Hindu family. In turn, each neighbor explains his or her culture's differing New Year's practices with an oversimplification that leans toward ethnic stereotypes. The book tries to do too much, taking the focus off Shanté and her family. The illustrations, done in candylike colors, are unappealing. On the plus side, the lighthearted rhyme presents various cultural food customs associated with the holiday. A look at New Year's traditions around the world and a recipe for Hoppin' John are appended.—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

K-Gr 4—Pinto pairs two objects with obvious similarities and poses the question, "How are [these items] alike?" When the page is turned, however, the answer is anything but obvious. For example, "How are a cupcake and an ice-cream cone alike?" is answered by, "They both don't scuba dive." The book would work best read aloud to a group of children who might first make the usual connections and then begin to do their own outside-the-box thinking. The gouache, watercolor, and ink illustrations have clean but soft lines, a slightly retro look, and charming flashes of humor—a spoon and a fork cavort in tutus and an ice skate and a sled sport berets and play jazz. Pinto's last question, "How are you and I alike?" is left open-ended and could inspire children to make their own unusual comparisons and illustrate them as well. This is a fine choice with numerous creative possibilities that will extend its use beyond a single reading.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 1—Portis follows up on her successful Not a Box (HarperCollins, 2007) with equally pleasing results. Young listeners will be treated to the imaginative world of a charmingly minimalist pig who appears to be holding an ordinary stick. Following each admonition, "Hey, be careful with that stick," the youngster insists on the following spread that "it's not a stick." Its true nature is then dramatically revealed through clever illustrations. Morphing from a fishing pole to a drum major's baton, a paintbrush, a barbell, a horse, a spear, and finally to a sword, this "Not-a-stick" is clearly a powerful key to other worlds. Portis's simple color palette and playful drawings with never a line out of place represent the best in children's illustration. Perfect for sharing aloud, Not a Stick will inspire youngsters to look for the magic in ordinary objects.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—"Just five more minutes play," begs a boy when his father says it is time for bed. The following spreads each depict a different father-son stuffed-animal pair. The toy child narrates in rhyme what the two do together: "My daddy is a snail,/and I'm a snail by birth./We're never in a hurry—/we have all the time on Earth." On the last spread, father and son settle down, with heavy eyes and surrounded by several of the animals, because "Dad, you need some REST!" The stylized, textured illustrations fill the spreads and burst with color and shapes. Various borders surround them, creating a sense of unity for each appealing picture. This simple story would be good to share at bedtime and conveys the feeling of bonding between father and son.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

K-Gr 2—Another successful title by this prolific mother/daughter team. This time the children in Mrs. Madoff's class are going to celebrate President's Day by putting on an assembly program. Some of the students construct a papier-mâché model of Mount Rushmore while others dress as various presidents and deliver brief but informative speeches about them. The text is engaging and includes flashes of humor. At the conclusion of the play, the children hold a mock election and the qualities of a good leader are neatly summed up: "I wrote Pablo's name because he's smart and never mean." Back matter includes a few facts about each of the Rushmore presidents. Rockwell's clean, uncluttered illustrations are bright and bold and depict children engaged in the learning process and thoroughly enjoying it. An excellent introduction to the holiday for younger grades and a first purchase for most collections.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 2—Oscar the cat loves his boy, his home, and his food (both the "stinky" and the "crunchy" kinds), but he also loves to leap. One night, feeling wild, he leaps from a tree, to the top of the garage, and finally up to the moon. There he encounters mooncats that play with him and distract him from the faraway calls of his owner. When Oscar grows hungry, they invite him to drink the thick cream left by the cow that jumps over the moon. Before he can taste it, though, the cow appears and stops him, explaining that if he drinks it, he will change into a mooncat. Alarmed, Oscar leaps onto her back, returning to Earth and his boy. The mixed-media illustrations, done in acrylics, plasticine, collage, and computer graphics, are the star of this space voyage, portraying the lunar landscape in eerie, whimsical detail. The meandering text may not hold the attention of the youngest listeners, but the charming story will probably please most cat lovers, and the message of homecoming is a reassuring one. A fun, offbeat addition to bedtime story collections.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, GA

PreS-Gr 1—Scieszka teamed up with Shannon, Long, and Gordon to create a vibrant locale inhabited by personified vehicles. In this rollicking escapade, best pals Jack Truck and Dump Truck Dan are in the mood for smashing and crashing. They search for other friends to join in, including Cement Mixer Melvin, Monster Truck Max, and Grater Kat, but they are all too busy working. Although they interrupt their friends' tasks, Jack and Dan's smashing and crashing ultimately helps each truck get the job done. Throughout the story, the comrades continually flee from a menacing shadow. It turns out to be Wrecking Crane Rosie, who demands that they follow her; Jack and Dan are surprised to discover she needs their help to smash and crash a building. Told in brief catchy language, the story zooms along with plenty of pizzazz and action. Children will want to jump in and repeat the "Smash! Crash!" refrain. The winning full-color digital artwork adds plenty of personality to the characters and perfectly suits the text. A foldout page illustrates Rosie's imposing height, and endpapers introduce the cast. Entertaining as a group read-aloud or one-on-one selection, this book is sure to be a hit with truck lovers. Be on the lookout for more "Trucktown" adventures.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 2–4—In Oklahoma in the late 1880s and '90s, would-be settlers were offered free land if they staked a claim on a designated day and agreed to farm it for five years, after which they owned it outright. Narrated by young Moses, this story follows a black family from Baltimore who risk everything and suffer many tribulations in order to get to the Oklahoma territory line. When the older members of the family are incapacitated for various reasons, it falls to Moses to retrieve the family's fortunes and race to stake the claim with his grandfather's handkerchief tied to a pole. This history of a unique and interesting part of the settling of the West is illustrated in beautiful paintings of warm, soft browns, yellows, and blues that complement the narrative, together creating a fascinating look at the past. It's a handsome, oversize volume that is certainly worthy of consideration by most collections to enhance a unit on Western history and an understanding of an important facet of African-American history, as well.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 2—When a grumpy chocolate maker, on a whim, makes a batch of chocolate mice with crunchy pink-sugar tails, his cat begins to distribute them throughout the village. One taste of the treat, and the other shopkeepers run to the chocolaterie, where they create chocolate masterpieces. Soon, the shop is the center of the village, tempting locals and tourists alike with its fantastic treats. While this book is not as strong as Stainton and Mortimer's The Lighthouse Cat (2004), Santa's Snow Cat (2001), and I Love Cats (2007, all HarperCollins), it is an attractive confection, thanks to Mortimer's exquisite illustrations. However, the suggestion that the chocolate mice are somehow magic is never clearly explained. Also, the warning at the end that too much of a good thing can be bad for you seems strange in light of the fact that the village was originally suffering from a severe lack of indulgence and had become stilted as a result. A brief history of chocolate is appended but does nothing to serve the story and is beyond the intended audience of the book. But, like so much that we see in shop windows, The Chocolate Cat is beautiful to look at, and that might be enough for some.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—These titles revolve around the students in Miss K's class and their struggle to develop life skills. In the first book, Rachel and Jessie are annoyed that Latasha is constantly cutting to the front of the line. They finally confront her and she reminds them that they sometimes jump the line when one is saving a place for the other, and in the end everyone realizes how these actions make kids feel. In Helping Sophia, classmates learn how to push Sophia's wheelchair while her helper is away. In Show Some Respect, Jack doesn't want to pick up his trash because he thinks it's the janitor's job. Isaiah explains that they all have to do their fair share and be responsible. Jack learns his lesson when he discovers that the janitor keeps the gym clean so the students can play basketball. This title is the least successful because of its unrealistic conversations between the boys. Each story ends with a glossary, questions to consider, and a list of simple classroom rules. Colorful illustrations depict a multicultural classroom. While the stories are not very stimulating, they do a decent job of imparting lessons on character development.—Alison Grant, Ruby S. Thomas Elementary School, Las Vegas, NV

K-Gr 1—With flowing color, as vibrant as the cloth it describes, Córdova's illustrations pay a tribute to the traditional Mexican shawl. Each page follows a young girl as she describes daily activities from the creative to the practical, utilizing a rebozo as a wardrobe accessory over her shoulders and through her hair. The pages feature the imaginative games of a child: as a tunnel between chairs, a superhero's cape, a slide for a bed, or a cradle for baby brother. Pictures of family life frame simple rhythmic text, and rich bands of jewel-toned acrylics highlight and demonstrate both the versatility of the shawl and the warm family relationships. The book includes a short history of the garment and cultural traditions.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS-Gr 1—While Farmer Gray is away, Blue Goose, Red Hen, Yellow Chick, and White Duck set out to paint their colorless barnyard. Reminiscent of Ellen Stoll Walsh's Mouse Paint (Harcourt, 1989), the animals begin by working alone, then pair up to fill in the white spaces for purple doors, orange shutters, and green grass. That evening, when the grinning farmer returns, all that's left to do is for Blue Goose to paint everything a dreamy nighttime blue—except the moon, of course. Done in brush pen, watercolor pencils, gouache, and ink, Tafuri's realistic illustrations evoke a calming pastoral setting. The critters are depicted in textured hues, making them stand out among the newly painted backdrops. This quiet celebration of team spirit and color concepts is no pioneer, but its oversize scenes, straightforward narrative, and endearing characters are ideal for storytime sharing.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 2–4—Superdog, an established children's book figure in France, makes his American debut in this deceptively simple book that introduces children to profound philosophical questions. Green Butterfly alights on Superdog's nose, notices that the white pup is tied to a post, and proceeds to flutter about, flaunting his own freedom. But wise Superdog is not to be bothered; he uses his imagination and a little optimism to find flexibility in his fetters, demonstrating to the naive insect the concept of mind over matter. Evocative design sets this book apart. For example, minimal text and a subdued, mostly mauve palette draw attention to Superdog's red choker and the white butterfly's wings in spring green. While children might overlook specific symbolic elements, they will innately understand that there is more to Superdog than meets the eye and delight in uncovering the meaning in this small gem.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

PreS-K—The author of the beloved "Little Quack" series (S & S) presents a perfect-for-spring story about a tiny bird with a big new life. All of the farm animals observe "the littlest little chick" and presume that she won't be as tall, as loud, as fast, or as savvy as Mama Hen's other just-hatched offspring. But the wee little chick proves them wrong and shows that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Thompson's simple, rhythmic text moves the action along at a brisk, even pace. Butler's bright acrylic and pencil illustrations artistically portray the story's springtime mood and warmhearted tone. The creatures are depicted with soft-edged lines, vibrant textures, and expressive features. This lovely book will complement lessons and storytimes on such concepts as size, proportion, and self-esteem.—Kristen Frey, Rocky River Public Library, OH

K-Gr 3—Children will anticipate that something goofy is coming by a glance at the cover art: a duck in a soup pot balancing a lid on his head. Urbanovic has created a funny story in which Max's friends mistakenly believe that he is in the soup pot. Their attempts to save him ruin his meticulously prepared soup ("'AHHHHH! It's his head!' said Bebe. 'Silly! It's only a potato!' Brody replied. 'EYEBALLS! His eyeballs!' said Bebe. 'Guys, it's only tiny onions!' said Brody"), but reinforce the value of friendship. The softly outlined watercolor illustrations feature a loose style that gives freshness and energy to each scene. Children will laugh out loud at the antics in this story, which blends so cohesively with the large pictures.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 1—Duck and his pals each receive a red rose and a piece of paper with a red heart on it, but no signature. When it turns out that their new neighbor, Mole, was the anonymous sender looking for new friends, the group spends a delightful day together. The illustrations have just a suggestion of background in shading and lines, with the whimsically drawn creatures in brightly colored accessories taking the forefront. Duck always wears his white hat with green stripes and earflaps; Toad looks dapper in his vest, white shirt, and bowtie; Otter wears a fetching long red scarf; and Hedgehog's personality comes through in his facial expressions. A companion to Duck's Tale (North-South, 2007), the story and illustrations are reminiscent of Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" books (HarperCollins) in their sweet simplicity.—Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library, IL

K-Gr 3—Readers are enlisted by "Fingers McGraw," mouse and notorious thief, to help him escape the law after he steals some cheese. Their job is to be on the lookout for an elephant, Detective Jumbo Wayne Jr., who is hot on his trail. Youngsters follow Fingers, who rides a yellow scooter, as he journeys through, under, and over the city to avoid his pursuer, having close calls and meeting various enemies along the way. The mixed-media illustrations greatly enhance the story. Brightly painted characters are set against gritty photographic backdrops, creating spreads that look like a merger between an animated cartoon and film noir. Endpapers featuring newspaper articles about the mouse and his antics set the scene and add to the humor. While there are some references that will go over the heads of children ("You know how to whistle, don't you? Just put your lips together and blow!"), the sheer energy and playfulness that are packed into every page will surely delight kids.—Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library, IL

K-Gr 3—Young science fiction fans will enjoy this wordless picture book about a boy's adventure in outer space, told in comic-strip-like panels. Ben spies a green-swirled planet through his telescope and decides, after his mom has tucked him in, to take his two white rabbits there. He leaves her a note, packs his pets and toy monkey, and rides his bike to a rocket ship. He and the bunnies visit several planets, gathering one of the unusual inhabitants from each to join them on their trip. However, by the time Ben returns to his ship after visiting the fourth planet, he finds it completely overrun with white rabbits. Luckily, the last planet contains masses of giant carrots—a true bunny paradise. After bidding farewell to all of his long-eared companions, he delivers his cosmic friends to their respective planets and returns home to his waiting mom. Black-edged panels in varying sizes frame digitally colored pictures. The aliens are imaginative but not scary. There is no explanation for why the bunnies multiply, but that is probably just as well. This book will encourage pre-readers to develop their narrative skills and perhaps imagine their own otherworldly encounters.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS—To the contagious rhythm of the text, Baby and his extended family members be-bop and hip-hop, and generally make jazzy music. "Brother's hands tap./Sister's hands snap./Itty-bitty Baby's hands/CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!" Meanwhile, the youngster is passed from arm to arm, bouncing and bopping, smiling and waving, until-worn out-he allows himself to be tucked into his crib. Against stark white pages, Christie's paintings in sepia/ochre tones highlighted with brighter shades of green, blue, violet, and red add to the happy, hoppin' scene. The stylized African Americans with happy, expressive faces, outlined in free-form black line, dance and sway across the pages along with the words (in large and supersize font). Read aloud with a strong emphasis on the beat and a little body movement, too, this lively poetic piece will charm many a little person and provide a joyful musical experience for readers, as well.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—In this fanciful book, a girl enters her bedroom and imagines that she is a princess, with a play castle for a kingdom and toys dressed up in royal garb as her court. The rhyming text describes her world, praising the king and queen, her teddy-bear knight, and her helpful maids-in-waiting, before pointing out, "She's almost perfect,/but it's true—/sometimes she's cross/or mad or blue./She's really just like me and you—/as normal as can be." Throughout, a refrain queries, "who could/this princess be,/the lovely, faithful/Princess Me?" On the final page, readers are provided with an answer that invites them right into the story: "Of course, my love,/It's Princess You!" The rhythmic language makes this book a good choice for one-on-one sharing. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations are packed with whimsical details, as the girl's stuffed-animal subjects drum, joust, protect the realm, serve tea, and perform all other manner of courtly duties. The book has an eye-catching cover, as the princess's pink dress is enhanced with silver sparkles. An additional purchase for libraries serving pretend princesses.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—This book is based on the BBC TV show Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies, which is now on PBS. Karla the zebra, Max the elephant, and Bo the cheetah are bored sitting in the hot savanna sun and fantasize about how much fun they will have when their beloved Mama Mirabelle returns. They hope that she will take them on imaginary trips to exotic places to visit a variety of animals. And best of all, they could have "MOVIE TIME!" When Mama finally arrives and asks them what they would like to do, the children say, "Absolutely nothing" because they are content simply to sit in the shade with her. Although the bright panoramic illustrations combined with nature photography are pleasing to look at, the story is a disappointment. Much more interesting is the accompanying DVD, which contains an episode of the TV show (along with a commercial for National Geographic for Kids Magazine). Unless readers are familiar with the program, they won't understand the reference to movie time or why Mama Mirabelle is so admired. This is a rare instance when one should skip the book and stick with the movie.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 2–5—In this "companion to the Julie books," set in San Francisco in the 1970s, the spotlight is on 10-year-old Ivy Ling, who is trying to find her way in a time of change. Julie moved away with her mother after her parents' divorce and, while she visits frequently, it is not the same as having a best friend since kindergarten right next door. Mrs. Ling is in law school, Ivy's father has taken a second job, her 12-year-old brother seems to do everything right, and Ivy feels the weight of every mistake she makes. The writing is accessible and appealing, and color illustrations are scattered throughout. Readers will be able to relate to but won't be overwhelmed by this story of making difficult decisions—Ivy needs to choose between her gymnastics tournament and attending a reunion of the Lings. Family interactions are warm and reassuring. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers will enjoy meeting this member of the "American Girl" crew. Back matter has a brief but interesting look into the history of Chinese Americans.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1—Simple sentences, one or two per spread, describe how some Chinese people enjoy greeting the early morning in a park: "Someone is resting by the lotus pond. Someone is cycling.... Some are doing tai chi. Others like sword dancing." The artist focuses on depicting actions and movements—a couple playing badminton or two people playing chess—and does not individualize the faces, which are all represented as simple circles with small features and blush-tinged skin. Soft earth-toned shades of light tan, green, and brown represent the outdoor settings but are punctuated by the red, purple, orange, and yellow clothing that the people wear. The last page opens up into an oversize illustration that depicts the array of activities; some of the earlier pictures are repeated in miniature. Children will enjoy perusing this straightforward and serene book.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 1–3—Like Patricia Polacco's Thank You, Mr. Faulkner (Philomel, 1998), this is a book about a teacher who makes a difference in a child's life by recognizing that being good at academics is not the only kind of talent. Dudley struggles in school, but Ms. McCaw is willing to explain things to him again and again. She is patient, nurturing, and smart. When she struggles to draw a profile on the board, however, and gives up, Dudley invites her to take his seat while he shows her and the class how to do it. The teacher doesn't learn instantly, and Dudley patiently demonstrates again and again. Finally Ms. McCaw cancels the math test and declares the rest of the day devoted to art. Because the text is simple and straightforward, the book is a good choice to read aloud, especially with a marker and whiteboard nearby. The pen and watercolor illustrations are expressive and full of energy. With only a few details, Zemach captures the feel of the classroom. A lively choice for any collection.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS-Gr 2—These books support the social-studies curriculum, but the scope is limited and the writing is dry. They offer a series of two-page chapters: a full-page color photograph opposite one or two simple sentences. A world map indicates the particular continent and pinpoints the location within it of each home or family. The name of the country is in a box below the map. In the first title, families in Guatemala, the U.S., New Zealand, China, and a few other countries are shown celebrating a birthday, sharing a meal, having fun together, and more. The book ends by asking readers, "How does your family have fun?" Homes follows a similar pattern, with pictures of huts, stilt houses, apartment buildings, etc.; it closes with the question, "What's your home like?" Both titles would be appropriate for introducing and beginning discussions on similarities among cultures, but readers will have to go elsewhere for more depth.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 3–5—The first book includes a fascinating history of the dance, a section on training and performing, and a chapter about several famous ballerinas. Doctor follows Saida Hamdani, a California pediatrician, through her routine. The book includes biographical material and statements about what the physician looks for when she examines a patient. Photography and Chef are the strongest titles. Both provide a ringside view of real people performing their jobs and introduce several types of professionals. All four books have lively texts, sidebars, and attractive full-color photographs. Purchase where career books are in demand.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

Gr 3–5—Adler presents biographical sketches of several individuals and the defining actions or events in their lives as they relate to the roles they played during the Civil Rights Movement. The information is brief, ranging from four to seven short paragraphs, thus giving more of a snapshot of the person and/or incident rather than facts. Fannie Lou Hamer, Lyndon Baines Johnson, James Meredith, and Earl Warren are among those included. The format is attractive, with the easy-to-read text facing a full-page illustration. Farnsworth's oil paintings complement the simple presentations by featuring a large portrait of each individual, with one or more smaller pictures of a significant moment superimposed on it. A poignant, sad touch is the addition of a single painted red rose on the pages featuring the heroes who were murdered because of their stand against segregation and inequality. The chronology corresponds sequentially with the information in the book, beginning in Baton Rouge with the African-American boycott of the city's segregated public buses and ending in 1968 with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A detailed list of sources and selected bibliography follow. An engaging introduction to people and events of the era.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3—This brief verse offers alternating snapshots of qualities and nurturing bestowed, and hopes shared, by a birth mother and her adopted child's mother, "who never knew each other," but are pivotal in the life of a lithe and lively Chinese girl. "One became your guiding star; the other became your sun" accompanies an illustration of the child swinging on a star toward her adoptive mother. In another picture, the Chinese mother is depicted blowing bubbles in which her daughter is shown enjoying life—playing with a hula hoop, riding a scooter, and sharing a book with her adoptive mother. Elsewhere the two women are featured with their forms blending together, one contemplating her pregnant body with a smile, the other lovingly embracing her daughter. Masse's soothing paintings, predominantly in blues and greens, are exceptional, and infuse this lyrical poem with a sweet tenderness. While it is particularly relevant to adoptive children from China and their families, the story has resonance for anyone involved in an adoption. The Chinese version of the text is provided, as are source notes about the mission of the charity Mothers' Bridge of Love. Debbie Blackington's Mama's Wish/Daughter's Wish (Pebbleton, 2004) has a similar theme but a longer text, and does not include the birth mother's viewpoint. This would be a wonderful addition to most libraries, and is an essential purchase for those with a demand for adoption titles.—Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA

Gr 2–4—Clear, conversational text introduces young readers to a brook and its flora and fauna. Filled with advice on how to explore safely and responsibly and to learn more about this habitat, the text encourages budding naturalists to observe and to sketch what they see. Drawing techniques are detailed in the text and in the pencil and watercolor illustrations. The natural world comes to life through realistic, colorful artwork. A delightful addition for most collections.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

PreS-Gr 2—Dazzling color photos will attract even the most reluctant readers. Each book begins with a glossary and a labeled diagram of the featured creature. What follows is a series of questions, one per spread, about where the animal lives, what it eats, etc. There is also a diagram of its life cycle. Each page has wonderfully illustrative photographs; some are graphic, such as a python choking its prey or a frog eating a dragonfly. All are clear shots of the animal in its habitat. Bredeson has done an excellent job of relating content in these science books that are ideal for beginning readers.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 3–6—Leading the pack of paper engineers, as usual, in the sheer number of flaps, pop-ups, and moving parts that he packs into each spread, Crowther follows up the equally bulging Trains (Candlewick, 2006) with a history of flight, from the ancient Chinese invention of the kite to the X-43A scramjet that NASA still has under development. Along with dozens of small, simplified but clean-lined portraits of renowned aircraft, many of which "fly" along die-cut slots, he includes a pop-up modern air terminal, a large two-sided globe on which famous firsts are traced, and a particularly well-designed 747 cockpit with moving control levers. Most of the abbreviated text is presented in one- or two-sentence captions, but enough is hidden beneath flaps or placed on slide-out panels to reward lingering over each spread. A treat for hands-on readers and, as long as the spreads are opened slowly, sturdy enough to survive repeated use.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 3–5—This fascinating book is likely to capture readers' imaginations. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's quote, "Well-behaved women rarely make history," is invoked by the author in her introduction and perfectly sums up the tone of this romp through women's history. Ten brief biographies, covering 14 different individuals, are included. The events took place around the turn of the 20th century or shortly after; some of the women are well known, while others are more obscure. For instance, kids might be familiar with Sonora Webster Brown, thanks to the Disney film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. However, Mademoiselle D'Zizi, who jumped over six elephants on a bike in 1899, may be a new name to them. The whimsical, full-color illustrations have a classic, old-time feel, which suits the subject matter well. Cummins describes the daredevil acts so well that children will feel as if they've watched archival films of them. The time line is exceptional because it lists not only the stunts of each woman in the book, but also other amazing accomplishments by women of the day, such as Genevra Mudge, the first woman to drive a car in America, in 1898. The source notes are thorough and interesting in and of themselves. Put this book on display—the cover illustration of Zazel being shot from a cannon will dare browsers to take a peek inside.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 3–5—Although the series name suggests that the books cover a particular time period, only Roosevelt comes close to matching that description. The authors describe a significant event in United States history by using a famous American as a springboard. Each book opens with a brief biography. The rest of the text focuses on the event itself. The individual's life is woven into the history wherever appropriate but only in historical terms. Lincoln is mentioned when he writes the Emancipation Proclamation, when he wins re-election, and when he is assassinated. Washington and Roosevelt receive similar treatments. The books are attractive, with a photo or reproduction on every page, and captions add context and further information. Unfortunately, the writing is dry. Also, the large type and one paragraph of text per page suggest a young audience, but the topics are more appropriate for older children. The closest the books come to describing everyday life is on a final page called "If You Grew Up Long Ago," where readers will find a list of miscellaneous facts about technology, toys, and transportation during that period.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 1–4—This lyrical nonfiction picture book emphasizes the special relationship between the monarch and its host plant, the milkweed. Readers see the last phase of the butterfly's northward migration; the milkweed-dependent cycle of egg, chrysalis, and caterpillar; and the beginnings of the new journey south. Progression of the milkweed's growth cycle is interwoven with that of the monarch. Scientific information is offered in a poetic way that conveys a sense of awe at the wonders of nature, infusing feeling into the facts without anthropomorphizing. The gentle illustrations with soft colors and a grainy focus create a sense of quiet inevitability. The narrative remains butterfly-centric throughout, with no human observers wanted or needed. An author's note provides additional information but retains the sense of wonder, daring readers to dream as it explains that "Although we have learned a lot about Monarch and Milkweed, many mysteries remain for future scientists to explore." A lovely choice for natural-science curricula or for simple enjoyment.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 2–4—These books focus on their subjects' accomplishments rather than on their personal lives. Nicely illustrated with photos, paintings, engravings, and facsimiles, they are just right for emerging chapter-book readers. The vocabulary is easy, and the sentence structure is simple and a little clipped. The words from the glossary appear within the text in regular type, not bold. The Web sites mentioned are all high quality. Each book also has a spread entitled "How to Write an A+ Report" that lists seven steps, from choosing a topic to submitting the final product. Useful titles for reports requiring information about accomplishments, and interesting pleasure reading.—Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, NJ

PreS-Gr 3—Youngsters will be drawn in by the brilliant painted pictures showing coral reefs around the world. Teeming with life, the illustrations are accompanied by labels and definitions and punctuated with bits of information. Colorful maps, cutaways, cross-sections, and inset pictures are also included. Some artistic license is taken as far as the specific groupings of plants and animals appearing in various reef settings, but the author notes this in the front of the book. Gibbons includes the most important facts such as where different types of reefs are located, the flora and fauna that live there, how reefs propagate, and the dangers they face. Students looking to answer specific questions will be able to use the section headings effectively. Clearly and concisely written, this book will be enjoyed by both report writers and those who are simply interested in these fascinating underwater communities.—Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL

K-Gr 3—These simply written introductions offer some basic facts about two species remarkable for their gargantuan size-the Goliath tarantula can reach more than 11 inches in length, while the whale shark can grow to more than 40 feet and weigh up to 30 tons. Both titles are arranged in double-page sections, each of which is geared to a different topic. In most, a half-page of text, comprised of two to four short sentences, is paired with a sharp color close-up of the featured animal. In several sections, an additional small photo accompanies the text, usually highlighting a key anatomical feature. Each title describes a few of the chief physical and/or behavioral characteristics, habitat, diet, and lifespan, and the birth of young. Also included are sidebars, a simplified world map colored to indicate geographical range, and a one-page appendix describing a few other oversize species. The best part of both books is the photography; it is of excellent quality. In Whale Shark, a full-body shot shows one of the leviathans placidly swimming next to some divers dwarfed by comparison. However, the texts, although clearly written, are bland and the amount of information they offer is slight. Most of the same material is covered in more detail in general introductions, such as Alice B. McGinty's The Tarantula (Rosen, 2002) and Time for Kids' Sharks! (HarperCollins, 2005).—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

K-Gr 2—These basic titles introduce shapes through line drawings, full-color photographs, and one or two simple sentence descriptions. Each volume begins with a two-page labeled illustration of the shape. The photographs are "taped" to graph paper and show objects that will be familiar to most children, e.g., a straw, traffic cones, blocks. Each book ends with a springboard activity to find shapes in everyday surroundings. A three-step lesson in drawing the shapes rounds out the presentations. Average fare, where more books on the topic are needed.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

K-Gr 3—Knut is a German polar bear born in captivity. His story is told in simple language and accompanied by adorable, engaging close-ups of him and his primary handler, a zookeeper named Thomas Dörflein. Originally one of two cubs born to a befuddled mother, Knut alone survived, and he began to thrive under his human surrogates' loving care. Predictably, it's the color pictures of the cuddly cub that really sell this sterling title; Knut is, naturally, very photogenic. Readers who are too young to appreciate the light nonfiction narrative can approach this book purely as a photo-essay and still take a great deal away from it. The authors make quick work of the sensational, incendiary statement that launched Knut into the spotlight-that he should have been left to die. Instead they use his words to open an important dialogue and share information about Knut's natural habitat and how to preserve it. Consider this well-written, well-documented title an essential addition to every collection.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

Gr 1–3—These biographies for newly independent readers focus on each subject's contribution to making the world a better place. King's struggle for equality, Jefferson's fight for freedom, Kennedy's establishment of the Peace Corps and insistence on good citizenship, and Mother Teresa's charity work are all discussed. The writing, offered in large font, is clear without being stilted. Softly colored illustrations fill many of the pages and are of average quality. Acceptable additions to most libraries.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–5—Each book describes a distinct habitat and includes 10 chapters with information on climate, location, plants, animals, people, conservation, and a page of relevant facts and figures. The texts are concise and accessible. Clear, colorful photographs show the landscape and the varied plants and wildlife in each area. Insets with fast facts answer such questions as "Why are they called 'Savannas'?" and "Rain Forest Adaptations" offer additional details. These titles are more informative and challenging than the "Rookie Reader" series and are on about the same level as the "True Books" (both Children's Press). These timely books provide high-quality material on ecology and conservation.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

Gr 1–6—Traditional American values come across loud and clear in this annotated collection of quotations by Ben Franklin, one of one of the country's most recognized and influential thinkers. Each spread presents a single quote in large pastel font centered on abundant white space. A short explanatory paragraph appears below, noting basic details of Franklin's life and his views on the world. A black-and-white woodcut reminiscent of early printing processes accompanies each quote. Though clearly illustrative of each principle, these images are sometimes marred by distorted faces and disproportioned limbs—perhaps a symptom of the medium. However, the thick matte paper and traditional type styles combine into a generally attractive work. A brief biography of Franklin is appended along with a note that references the origin of the quotes in his Poor Richard's Almanack. A useful addition to history units.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 3–6—This series offers leveled nonfiction on topics of high interest. The format is bright and busy with a concentric circle pattern repeated throughout. Illustrations are a combination of photographs, drawings, and, in Gladiator and Knight, period reproductions. Picture captions and page-by-page glossaries are printed on bright color backgrounds, and the texts are easy to follow. Animal Spies is similar in scope to other titles that focus on animal predators, including examples of how different animals use their senses to capture prey, find food, and avoid capture. Gladiator and Knight include history, training, legends, and nice tie-ins to modern-day gladiators and knights. These books have briefer texts than most other books on similar topics, making them accessible and appealing to reluctant readers.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

Gr 3–5—These brief biographies begin with each woman's childhood, college life, and meeting her husband. From there they delve into their professional and personal lives, such as Barbara Bush's time as a young wife and mother, Laura Bush's career as a teacher and librarian, and Clinton's law career. The author then describes the role each woman played in her husband's political life, including campaigning and promoting her own issues, such as literacy and health care. Each text attempts to be balanced and includes difficult periods in these women's lives, from Clinton's Whitewater scandal and her husband's impeachment trial, to public opposition to the current war in Iraq, to Barbara Bush's "old-fashioned image." Unfortunately, the writing is extremely fragmented and poorly worded. Many sentences begin with "so," "and," or "but," and some are just phrases. Also, there are some sweeping generalizations. When referring to Laura Bush, the author comments, "It is no wonder that Americans love this calm, determined First Lady." Color photos appear on every page. These books have been so oversimplified as to render them unacceptable for most collections.—Kristen Oravec, Stephen S. Wise Elementary School, Los Angeles

Gr 2–4—In these large-type books, each spread has at least one color reproduction or a period image. The detailed captions often include the date of the painting, information on its style, and background on the subject, and are always useful. Unfortunately, the books offer nothing new. The reading level and subjects are similar to "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists" (Children's Press), though these books are slightly less appealing. Mis's text is crowded on the page, making it look dauntingly dense. Some of the words in the glossary seem unnecessary. For example, in Rembrandt, "expensive" is listed directly below "chiaroscuro." Stick with the Children's Press books.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

Gr 2–5—This anthology presents eight fluid retellings of folktales from different Indian states. It includes "Hanuman's Adventures," part of the "Ramayana," in which the monkey god Hanuman helps Prince Rama find his wife, as well as a retelling of the tale of Damayanti and Nala, a love story from the Sanskrit epic, the "Mahabharata." Several folktales center on girls—some need to find a passable husband; others are kidnapped or mistreated by a stepmother. An introduction offers a brief overview of the country's history, from Indus Valley civilization to the Mughal dynasties, concluding with a paragraph about modern India. Each folktale is preceded by a note with facts about the state from which it originated, including explanations of festivals or terms that appear in the text. Illustrations and page borders support the texts perfectly as the folk-style paintings reflect colors of rural life. Attention to detail is given by including the typical tie-dye fabrics for the stories set in Rajasthan and Gujarat as well as the Dravidian temple architecture for the one set in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Source notes are included. The collection provides a good introduction to Indian folklore and could be enjoyed as a read-aloud by younger children, while students in the intermediate grades can enjoy them independently.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School Library, New Delhi, India

Gr 1–3—Paterson introduces her retelling with the simple statement, "This is the story of light coming into the world." Beginning with the angel's visit to Mary and her baby's birth in Bethlehem, the story concentrates on the years Jesus and his disciples travel "through the towns and countryside, telling everyone about God's kingdom." When they go to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, he is arrested and crucified, bringing darkness to the Earth. After Jesus rises from the dead, the light returns and "still shines through everyone who, like Jesus, lives the good news of God's loving kingdom." Paterson's eloquent narrative is accompanied by lush portraits painted in subtle earth tones that evoke the ancient atmosphere of biblical society. The illustrations glow with a light of their own. The picture of Mary and Joseph adoring the newborn baby is especially poignant. The author beautifully illuminates the themes of love, faith, and goodness in this retelling, which may be paired with Martine Blanc-Rerat's more extensive All About Jesus: The Life and Teachings of Jesus in the Bible's Own Words (Loyola, 2000).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 1–4—This oversize collection contains 80 brief tales, grouped by continent. Some are widely known: there's an Anansi and a Brer Rabbit tale, "Three Billy Goats Gruff," and "Nail Soup." Pirotta's straightforward retellings offer plenty of read-aloud choices: "The Silver Goose" (from Italy), "Big Brother, Little Brother" (from South Korea), and "The Kiwi's Gift" (from New Zealand) are especially memorable. Some selections feel truncated, and most would have benefited from an introduction or more context. Source notes are not included. The book sports an attractive design, with a colorful world map on the endpapers and lively cartoon illustrations throughout. Overall, this speedy world tour through folktales lacks depth and perspective. Nonetheless, it should appeal to teachers, who will appreciate its myriad read-aloud options.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

K-Gr 3—The instructions of French poet Jacques Prévert on how to paint the portrait of a bird are expertly translated and perfectly illustrated. The opening pages wordlessly depict a boy being awakened by the singing of a small, blue bird on his windowsill. After he sets up his easel and canvas, he follows the poem's directives: "First paint a cage with an open door" and then, with his canvas, the boy trails the bird outside to the forest. The instructions continue: "Wait till the bird enters the cage. Then gently close the door with your brush. Then, erase the cage, one bar at a time…" adding a tree, leaves, sunshine, flowers, bees, and butterflies. If the bird begins to sing, sign your name in the corner of the picture and bring it home with you. The book concludes with wordless pages of the boy mounting his painting next to his bed and falling asleep. As the bird flies off the canvas and out the window, the poem closes with, "Tomorrow you can paint another one." Gerstein's animated, whimsical, entertaining illustrations delightfully complement the spare, simple text and help readers understand that the creation of a work of art takes patience, determination, and perseverance.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 2—These confusing, oversimplified early chapter books have weak rhyming texts: "Morning ends at twelve o'clock./It's time to eat our lunch./Peanut butter sandwiches/are really good to munch" (Day). Additional explanations will be needed, and some information is excluded. For example, in Months, children are informed that "Four months last for 30 days./Most months last for 31," with no mention of February. The "Words to Know" section (omitted from Hour) and index in each title include words that seem somewhat random. Despite bright, full-page photos, these books have limited appeal.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

K-Gr 2—These simply written overviews have large, bold, easy-to-read texts that highlight child-friendly aspects of the topics. Much of Caves, for example, is devoted to animal life. Stalactites and stalagmites are described as "icicles" and "lumpy towers…made by dripping water." Rainbows uses the most specialized vocabulary of the three books when it compares a raindrop to a prism. The color photos are generally clear and appropriate, although some are too small to be effective. These are serviceable introductions, but if you already have the comparable titles in the "Rookie Read-about Science" series (Children's Press), you can skip them.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

PreS-Gr 2—These books have simple sentences, limited text, large print, and ample white space. Beginning readers, however, may need help with some multisyllabic vocabulary words, such as "stethoscope" and "temperature." Subjects are covered in age-appropriate depth, but the writing is just average. While attractive, full-page color photos complement the texts and feature people of various ethnicities, some reinforce gender stereotypes: most of the EMTs are men, and all of the librarians are women. The final pages include a pictorial vocabulary review and "Challenge Words." Libraries needing additional easy career books may want to consider these titles, and early childhood teachers might find them useful for community-helper units.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

Gr 3–6—While the idea of a nonfiction "Choose Your Own Adventure" book sounds intriguing, the end result is a dry combination of brief historical facts with uneven fictionalized dialogue. Because this book can't decide whether it wants to be fiction or nonfiction, a certain spark is lost, and with it all the excitement of the topic. The format is attractive—historical photographs and drawings are generously spread throughout pages that are tinged yellow to look like aged parchment—but Rhoda Blumberg's The Great American Gold Rush (S & S, 1989) is far more informative and exciting.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2–4—This somewhat fictionalized profile introduces readers to Caltech planet hunter Michael E. Brown, who is followed from messy childhood experiments with mud craters in his backyard to his revolutionary discovery of Eris, Sedna, and other transplutonian members of our solar system. Leaving room in the corners for fact boxes about each newly found object, Francis casts him in the cartoon illustrations as a smiling, wide-eyed lad (later man) in casual dress, working (alone, seemingly) with telescopes and PCs in his years-long search, standing nervously to witness the official vote that redefined "planet" in 2006 ("Mike smiled. Astronomers had fixed a mistake. Science had progressed!"), then on the closing pages posing with children who just might go on to make astronomical discoveries of their own. Though there is no indication that Rusch ever actually spoke with her subject, this biography covers new ground for young readers and, packaged with a peel-off miniposter of the "new" solar system, makes an inspiring, energizing addition to any collection.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 1–5—A rich and varied portrait of the African-American experience presented in an alphabet format. The words selected range from the generic, such as cowboys, politics, and quilts, to specific events and people, such as the March on Washington, the Great Migration, the Little Rock Nine, and Malcolm X. A rhyming couplet highlights the significance of the chosen term. For example, "Poetry, paintings, photography…the stage!/Hit songs at the top of the chart;/H is for Harlem Renaissance,/a great birth of culture and art." Lewis's powerful watercolor illustrations depict the essence of the topic. This is an inspirational look at the contributions, experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

K-Gr 3—Anti-revisionists take note: Any talk of beating, soiling, or other unpleasantness has been expunged from this collection of nursery rhymes (in which the Old Lady in the Shoe "kissed them all sweetly and put them to bed"). Contracted, often single-stanza versions of old favorites are offered, along with some lesser-known ditties. Most are in the public domain, but in some instances, an author is cited (one notable omission is an attribution to Kate Greenaway, who wrote "The Cats Have Come to Tea," here titled "The Cat Tea Party"). Focus instead on Sanderson's finely wrought and highly detailed oil paintings, in which fairies ride on downy ducklings, Little Bo Peep's sheep hide in plain sight, and multicultural humans, gnomes, fairies, and trolls inhabit the landscape. Although they may not work well with groups, these are the sorts of pictures that kids can pore over, perhaps with a favorite grown-up. An introduction, aimed at adults, explains Sanderson's process.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

K-Gr 3—The author of Trout, Trout, Trout! (2004) and Ant, Ant, Ant! (2005, both NorthWord), both illustrated by Trip Park, turns her attention to our feathered friends in this frenetic outing. Sayre presents a rhyming roll call of 63 birds native to North, Central, and South America. Winged wonders with names such as chachalaca, timberdoodle, bufflehead, and scissor-tailed flycatcher pose for pictures alongside more commonly known fowl such as the bald eagle, pigeon, stork, and yellow-bellied sapsucker. The various species are briefly introduced in an appended section. The text is upbeat and catchy, and kids will have a grand time tapping out the rhythm as the bird names are read aloud. However, Locke's exaggerated illustrations are bizarre for a work of nonfiction. The inhabitants of this over-the-top aviary sport bold colors, popping eyes, and even goggles, all of which contribute to the frantic fun, but mouths with oversize human teeth and wagging tongues are downright creepy. This lively book is ruined by pictures that try too hard to be funny.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 3–6—Compared to Meghan McCarthy's City Hawk: The Story of Pale Male (S & S) and Jeanette Winter's The Tale of Pale Male: A True Story (Harcourt, both 2007), this book about the first red-tailed hawk to take up residence in New York City's Central Park since its construction in 1857 is more suitable for older readers. Schulman supplies many details missing from the earlier versions, resulting in a more accurate and leisurely story. For example, children who rightly were puzzled about how apartment-building owners were able to destroy and remove Pale Male's nest will learn that they took advantage of newly relaxed rules under the Migratory Bird Treaty. So's illustrations play up the conflict between the upscale building's residents, annoyed with the mess of nesting birds and their garbage, and the growing number of New Yorkers who rallied to force them to allow the birds to nest again. The artist's evocative watercolor and colored pencil pictures perfectly capture the power and grace of the majestic raptors. From the eye-catching endpapers, showing exactly what birders see when they spot a red-tailed hawk in the sky, to the energetic city scenes, readers experience New Yorkers' excitement about Pale Male and his various mates and their offspring and understand why his story has captured the interest of so many people.—Ellen Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 3–5—Lucid, large-print texts cover the basics, briefly describing the featured invertebrates' general anatomy, major physical and behavioral characteristics, some differences between important groups, habitats, life cycles, methods of locating and feeding upon hosts (or prey, in the case of worm leeches), natural enemies, etc. The books also mention the ways the animals harm or benefit humankind—as disease vectors or medicinal tools (respectively, the two types of insects and leeches). Each spread has a full-page, clear color photo. Also included are several good close-ups of the featured parasites, a microphotograph of each of the insects, and, in Fleas and Mosquitoes, from three to five photos of common, small (mostly cute) animal hosts—cats, dogs, a squirrel, birds, etc. The latter illustrations are only marginally relevant and function more as decorations. While all three titles are clearly written, the brevity of the texts limits the amount of detail offered; however, other books currently available on these animals are limited in scope. For instance, Ron Knapp's Bloodsuckers (Enslow, 1996), which includes short sections on all three of the featured parasites, focuses primarily on their feeding habits and relationship to humans. Steve Parker's Nematodes, Leeches & Other Worms (Compass Point, 2006) includes a short but cogent section on some of the characteristics and the life cycles of leeches. Despite the sometimes inadequate illustrations (more photos of the parasites would be helpful), Somervill's workmanlike introductions will serve as stopgaps until more detailed works on these animals are available.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 3–6—These adventures abound with historical facts as readers decide which way the story will progress. In Pirates, options include joining the dreaded Blackbeard or being marooned on a desert island. In Titanic, however, no matter which route is chosen, the ship still sinks, though in some cases "you" are saved, whereas in others, you die. The language used throughout each book will be clear to readers as young as third grade, but even sixth graders will be taken in by the interactive format. Pirates is peppered with myriad color drawings; Titanic displays mostly period photographs. In both texts, a final chapter, outside the interactive section, offers further historical details.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–5—These books take a lighter approach than most presidential biographies. The cartoon cover of George Bush shows a young George W. resting his feet on the president's desk. He asks: "Hey, Dad. Being president looks like fun. Do you think I could try it sometime?" Captioned photos intermingled with humorous art complement the clear, concise texts that follow the subjects from birth through their administrations. These titles are not as comprehensive as those in the "Encyclopedia of Presidents" series (Children's Press), but they contain enough information for brief reports, and the large print surrounded by white space will keep reluctant readers from feeling intimidated. Attractive additions to any library.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

Gr 2–5—This picture-book account of the explorer's life and accomplishments begins when the 13-year-old orphan signed on as cabin boy on the Katie Hines. After his captain died, no one would hire a black crewman, so he became a stock boy in a store where a chance meeting with Robert Peary changed the course of his life. Henson was hired as his assistant and together they made seven trips to the Arctic between the years 1891 and 1909. The book reveals the extreme hardships they faced: frigid cold, frozen waters, frostbite, harsh winds, and lack of food or funds. The capable assistant would save Peary's life twice, befriend the Inuit and learn their language, and intuitively lead the team to their destination when faulty instruments had failed them. Using sparse, poetic language, Weatherford tells Henson's story in the first person, beginning each page of text in a similar manner. The form effectively captures the subject's determination: "I did not start as cabin boy, climb the ranks to able-bodied seaman, sail to five continents, and learn trades and foreign tongues to be shunned by white crews." An author's note provides more biographical information. The mostly full-spread pastel illustrations use a palette of white, gray, pale blue, and brown to show the vast, icy landscape. Powerful words and images make this an excellent choice for units on explorers or African Americans.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 2–5—Winter and Roca offer a rousing tribute to Ali's spirit, determination, and strength of will in this picture-book biography. With strong, declarative language laced with religious phrases, it portrays Ali as "a kind of prophet—larger than life, larger than just a sports hero." Briefly limning the champions who preceded him—Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, and Sonny Liston—the author announces Ali's arrival with theatrical bombast: "And the heavens opened up,/and there appeared a great man/descending on a cloud, jump-roping/into the Kingdom of Boxing." Ali proved triumphant in the boxing ring and forged a bold path: "TALKING and TALKING and TALKING and TALKING." Ali spoke out against racism; refused to fight in the Vietnam War; and boxed, danced, and talked his way to his greatest fight, 1974's "Rumble in the Jungle" versus George Foreman. Winter's highly charged prose is well matched by Roca's eye-catching oil paintings, which vividly capture Ali's proud, defiant character and detail the racism he encountered and the hero worship he inspired. This is not a comprehensive biography, but it does a fine job of introducing readers to Ali's life and legacy.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA