Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 1–2—Detective Bones is back in his sixth beginning-reader mystery. He loves writing the letter "J" (his first name is Jeffrey) and he hates math tests. While taking one, he struggles through what may be termed a numerical panic attack and just writes down numbers. His exam, however, is missing, and his teacher asks him to take it again. Putting on his detective hat, Bones eventually solves the puzzle of how it disappeared and opts to retake the test now that he can think clearly about addition. Expressive color cartoon illustrations on each spread support the easy text. Bones's many fans will enjoy watching him put his detective skills to work once again, and newcomers will also be caught up in the case.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 3—A story about two very different slugs. Sally is a superstar Type A personality. "She's sensational at sports. She's sleek, slim and simply stunning." Dave, on the other hand, is "just a common fat slug." While Sally overachieves in one alliterative activity after another, Dave prefers more passive enjoyments such as sleeping and sunbathing. Unsurprisingly, Sally looks down on him and admonishes him to get off his "slimy slug bottom and do something special." Her comments leave him in a sulk, but he soon proves his worth by cleverly saving her from the beak of a deadly sparrow. This Australian import is just quirky enough to establish its message of tolerance and appreciation of differences without drawing too much attention to the moral. Arena's digitally produced illustrations have a simple charm and a subtle sense of humor that will have readers smiling at the first glimpse of Sally's cupid's bow lips and Dave's hovering sunglasses. This book will appeal to a wide audience of young listeners, new readers, language-arts teachers, parents, counselors, and fans of oddball tales.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—Stella, a newly adopted pound pooch, tells all in 29 poems, humorously describing her life. Readers get her opinions on topics from humans to Hollywood. She endures boring food and dress-up, but delights in the dog park and treats. "I am, of course,/a grateful sort,/who doesn't like to quibble./But, really, friend,/do you intend/to feed me only kibble?" Ashman aptly captures life with a pup, balancing the sweet (lap naps) with the sour (shedding). The final selection, "At Your Service," sums up why dog lovers exist. Meisel's realistic acrylic, gouache, and pencil illustrations are filled with a variety of people and pups. "Water!" shows a priceless view of bath refusal and "The Bow-Wow Boutique" abounds in festive details. This collection of rhymes is ideal for family read-alouds.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 1–2—Coping with a bully while remaining true to oneself is the message of this tale. Kylie Bell is little, or, as she puts it, "the not-so-tallest one in first grade." Her family's motto has always been, "Brave and smart and big at heart." Meanie Rusty Jacks seems to tower over his classmates and picks on smaller students on the playground. Though Kylie is intimidated, she musters her courage and invites him to join her reading circle. Once Rusty no longer feels isolated, his scowl disappears and a more pleasant side of his nature emerges. The text has a definite Southwestern flair and uses words such as "oil gusher," "spooked horse," "cactus jelly," and "cowpokes." Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations in blue, gold, and rust show a spindly legged, pigtailed girl and her booted and bandana-ed nemesis. Purchase where additional books on bullying are needed.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—The pup who was featured in Stanley's Party (2003) and Stanley's Wild Ride (2006, both Kids Can) is back. Here, readers follow Alice, Nutsy, Gassy Jack, and Stanley—a gang of ever-hungry dogs. Wandering from a picnic hosted by their stingy owners, the quartet end up aboard a red rowboat that rushes them to "the end of Outside." They finally find the expected "fence" (the side of a huge ship) and are treated to steak and sausages by the rescuing sailors. Bailey's humor, sometimes subtle and other times overt, comes through on every page, never failing to ignore the gags available with doggy drool and canine impulsivity. Slavin's splendid acrylic paintings on gessoed paper teem with detail and texture that give a 3-D effect, as in the foggy scene with the lower torso of a rescuer dropping down from the enormous ship toward the rowboat rocking in waves that threaten wee Nutsy's life. Three "arfs" (that's cheers in dog talk) for this sensory-rich adventure.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 2–4—In this companion to Bauer's The Blue Ghost (Random, 2005), fourth-grader Jenna and a friend find a doll at Miss Tate's garage sale that would be a perfect birthday present for Jenna's little sister. However, there is something about its eyes that makes the girls uneasy, and they're suspicious when Miss Tate gives it to them for free. Jenna's cat furiously spits and strikes at the wrapped gift, and in the middle of the night, Jenna is wakened by rustling and crying sounds. When she gives the doll to her sister, Quinn refuses to keep it, saying "she's full." The easy-to-follow plot involves the ghost of a child who died from scarlet fever years earlier and has a happy ending. Ferguson's expressive, humorously spooky pencil illustrations accompany the text. Readers moving into chapter books will find this eerily entertaining.—Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

PreS-Gr 1—When Ted bumps his knee and there's no doctor around to help, the young bear takes up the medical profession himself. He prescribes crutches for mumps ("'Those are my cheeks,' said Mrs. Johnson") and a full-body cast for his grumpy principal's gingivitis. Finally, a minor playground injury allows Ted to shine, and emergency personnel (including librarians balancing books on their heads) give praise. However, the next day, the smell of burnt toast means he's ready for a new career. Beaty's simple sentences and light humor work well, but terms like "house call" and "measles" are likely to be foreign to today's youngsters. Lemaitre's bright backgrounds and varied compositions, from vignette clusters to close-ups, keep interest. The roly-poly bear and his varied animal classmates are simply drawn and outlined in black, giving solidity to the pleasingly minimalist scenes. Pair this with your favorite version of The Lady with the Alligator Purse when celebrating community helpers. Clean and sweet, it's hard to resist a book that prescribes, "Take two cookies. You'll feel better in the morning."—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 1—A young boy awakens with a question: "Mom, where does God live?" and the pair spend the day exploring the universality of God. Bergren uses metaphors from nature to show how God can be both small (and personal) and large enough to be a presence throughout the world. Bryant's subdued watercolor illustrations of rosy-nosed, slightly disheveled characters suit Bergren's quiet musings. Each comparison—a snowflake and snow-coved mountains, a seed becoming a tree, a drop of rain and the deepest ocean—appears on a spread that shows the mother, son, and a puppy in that environment. This could confuse readers, since some depict real-life situations and others are obviously products of the characters' imaginations. Though there is nothing new here, the author's careful word choices add rhythm and lift the story beyond its well-trod theme. Match this with Nancy White Carlstrom's Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? (Eerdmans, 1993) to answer big questions with grace.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 1—Big Bad Bunny is fierce, with long sharp claws and pointy yellow teeth. Nothing can stop her-not a rushing stream, a mucky swamp, not even "thick, tangly bushes…. Big Bad Bunny can go anywhere." Glimpses of this fearsome creature alternate with scenes of Mama Mouse putting her babies to bed. When she discovers that one is missing, she goes off in search of her little one. She, too, crosses through the stream, the swamp, and the bushes, for "Mama Mouse will go anywhere for Baby Boo-Boo." Then she hears a howling: Big Bad Bunny has finally been stopped by a steep hill and the realization that she's lost. Mama Mouse is thrilled to find Baby Boo-Boo, even as the youngster shouts that she's not a baby, she's Big Bad Bunny. Mama plays along and they walk home hand-in-hand. Readers can now see that Big Bad Bunny is a mouse in a bunny costume. The illustrations, set against creamy pages, are done in gouache and acrylic with pencil. Karas uses exaggerated features and bright background colors to make the close-ups of Big Bad Bunny quite menacing. But as the book progresses, her scariness erodes until she's back at home in her mouse bed. This is a perfect choice for children who have felt big and bad one minute, and in need of their mothers the next.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—This is a spare story about Chloe, a young guinea pig who is jealous of her Uncle Bobby's new friend, Jamie; however, that obscures the other main theme, which is that her favorite uncle is going to marry him. Everything happens too abruptly. Readers and Chloe meet him for the first time on the day that Bobby announces, "We're getting married." It seems likely that a special niece would have already met the man her uncle loves enough to wed. Michael Willhoite's Daddy's Wedding (Alyson Wonderland, 1996) introduces same-sex marriage adroitly when a little boy asks one obvious question, "Can men get married to each other?" The boy is reassured with an affirmative response. Chloe neither asks nor gets a direct answer; instead, her mother tells her that people who love each other "want to be married." The watercolor-and-graphite illustrations are sweet and tender. One scene shows Chloe, Uncle Bobby, and Jamie sitting on the floor roasting marshmallows at a fireplace. While the cover shows the two males dressed in formal clothing, the use of animal characters and a name common for both males and females may confuse and delay some children's comprehension. The themes of jealousy and gay relationships are introduced naturally in Pija Lindenbaum's Mini Mia and Her Darling Uncle (Farrar, 2007).—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

K-Gr 2—Mouse is alone on an island since the departure of the lighthouse keeper and his wife, but he enjoys wading in the tide pools, watching whales, and the visits of gulls and sea lions. He gnaws at salty orange peels that wash ashore and sleeps in the sun, but he just can't understand why he feels empty. Danger arrives from the sea one afternoon as a fishing boat sinks and the emergency rescue leaves a "head" still in the water. Mouse puts his swimming skills to practice and miraculously pulls a surprising companion out of the ocean: "'Meow!' the creature said." Illustrations in rich hues depict the seaside home of a cartoon-inspired mouse and detail his cozy life, down to a beach umbrella and chair. An empty place at his sardine-can table emphasizes the missing element in his solitary life. Mouse's rescued guest, sometimes awkwardly drawn, seems more human than feline. Readers may even wonder whether his actions will continue to be benevolent, as Cat's watchful, glowing yellow eyes seem always to follow his new friend. Still, while at first he states his case simply: "I am Cat. Cat eats mouse," he tells Mouse of his own emptiness and says, "I would never eat you." Mouse realizes that he didn't know what was missing from his life until it was found. Children may note the unusual alliance of this pair and recognize the rewards of friendship. A general purchase for most libraries.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 2—The littlest llama just wants to play, but none of the grown-ups has the time, not even his mama, and his sisters aren't interested. Couplets of rhyming verse tell his story and also outline the behavior of the species: bathing in the dust, neck-wrestling, spitting when irritated. As the little llama becomes dejected and frustrated with his family, he wanders away from home, looking for the friendship he covets, until he encounters a group of children playing ball: "Then—fierce and orange and round like the sun—/a monster bounced after him. Run, llama, run!" Tired, he returns to the flock to find a newborn cousin who asks him to play. "Mañana," he responds. With a list on the copyright page of commonly found animals in the South American high country, this small book encourages children to find other creatures in the watercolor-and-ink illustrations. While the earth-toned palette lacks excitement and almost hides the animals in their surroundings, the cartoon faces of the llamas are animated and engaging. The result is a simple tale that introduces the Andean Highlands to animal lovers and younger readers.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 3–5—Much of the tension in this charming, witty chapter book centers around the question of whether Josh's pet hen, Semolina, really does talk. After all, she talks to Josh and to Josh alone. This wouldn't be such a problem if Semolina didn't have such important information to impart concerning a fox who has formed a gang to extort protection money (in the form of eggs) from the hens in the number three shed—dozens of eggs a day. This is a loss the Miller family can ill afford, what with Elizabeth confined to the hospital for three months awaiting the birth of a new baby. As Tucker tells his son, "Your mom and I are not good layers, and that's the truth of it." Then there's the added complication that cranky, opinionated Semolina has developed a taste for Grandma's home brew and refuses to divulge what she knows unless she's paid off in "brown water." Tucker is as unable to believe in a tippling hen as a loquacious one and disconcertingly seems to suspect Josh of sampling the liquor. Grandma just plain dislikes the hen. It all comes to a head when Semolina is attacked and carried off by the fox. Family and friends rally round and Josh is able to appreciate how loved and supported he has been all along. Elliott's personality-laden pencil illustrations extend readers' sense of Cowley's characters. The image of Tucker, scratching his head as he tries to negotiate the tricky emotional ground between sympathy for Josh and respect for prickly Grandma, speaks volumes. Original, well-crafted, and touching, Cowley's story begs to be read aloud—over and over again.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—This is one cool daddy who deserves the name, a bass-playing rodent who looks sharp in his crimson threads and black beret. At night, Cool Daddy Rat heads out with his violet instrument case to fill the city with his jazz riffs and scat lyrics. He discovers a stowaway in his case ("peeky squeaky who dat"), his son Ace, who follows him around, making the scene in New York and ultimately belting out his own scat, much to his daddy's delight. What drives this book is the swingin' beat of the text, which jumps and jives and begs to be read aloud. The clever words enhance the rhythm and present the city at its cool best ("rode a train 'neath/the rain drains/click clickety rat tat/got to scat for a fat cat/witty kitty shoo bat"), while the loosely drawn pencil-and-watercolor illustrations have a cartoonlike quality that adds energy and exuberance to the whole. The artwork pops with the same humor and zing as the text, creating a colorful backdrop that evokes the romance of the city night. Pair this with Chris Raschka's Charlie Parker Played Be Bop (Scholastic, 1992) for an excellent introduction to the improvisational nature of jazz.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1–3—Magdalena and her grandmother share a love of the sea turtles that nest on the beach of their island home. Each year, they watch them dig their nests and lay their eggs, protecting them from predators until the hatchlings return to the sea. They await the return of the grown hatchlings the following year to lay their eggs and continue the cycle. But this year, Magdalena learns that her grandmother is dying and won't be with her when the sea turtles return. After the woman passes away, the heartbroken child cannot face the creatures alone. She changes her mind when she hears the screech of a hungry seagull, looking for the hatchlings as they make their way to the sea. When Magdalena runs to rescue the baby turtles, she feels her beloved grandmother all around her. Postier's bright acrylic illustrations create a tropical-island vibrancy, and the close-up perspectives involve readers in the story. Combining lush art with a touching text, this book provides a gentle introduction to a discussion of grief and loss.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

K-Gr 4—Wolves have received a lot of revisionist press of late. Emily Gravett pits the beast's essential nature against the kinder, gentler proclivities of today's parents in Wolves (S & S, 2006). Judy Sierra imagines a senior village resident undergoing etiquette lessons before attending a storybook tea in Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf (Knopf, 2007). Delessert's allegory features a large, lean, hungry villain that "came from far away, so nobody understood a word of what he said." Claws dangle from his mouth as he munches; paws decorate his furry hat. Individual species attempt to thwart his feeding frenzies to no avail. It is only when they band together to implement the plan devised by two clever cats involving three succulent pigs and straw, wood, and bricks that the animals achieve success. Surreal watercolor and colored-pencil scenes are rendered in the artist's signature earthy tones against white backgrounds. Touches of fiery orange and yellow are all the more noticeable when found in the sky as time passes, on the wolf's mouth and eyes as he devours his prey, and flaming from his fur when he is propelled from the chimney at story's end. Delessert's direct, sophisticated language and unnerving close-ups of the "marauding" felines and their predator are not for the faint of heart, but the message—that the powerless can reverse their fortunes if they unite and use their wits—will resonate with many readers. Suggest this title to those who enjoy a walk on the wild side.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—A rhythmic, rhyming text introduces a fish with a mouth that turns down at the corners and a correspondingly gloomy attitude. One by one, his ocean-dwelling friends try to cheer him up, but he resists their efforts with a pessimistic, yet snappy refrain: "I'm a pout-pout fish/With a pout-pout face,/So I spread the dreary-wearies/All over the place." Finally, a mysterious female fish approaches and silently plants a kiss "upon his pout." He is instantly struck by the epiphany that he is actually a "kiss-kiss fish/With a kiss-kiss face/For spreading cheery-cheeries/All over the place!" and demonstrates his newfound outlook by smooching his friends. Though the bouncy rhythm is appealing, many of the rhymes are forced, and the poetry doesn't always scan. On the positive side, the cartoon illustrations of undersea life are bright and clean and the protagonist's exaggerated expressions are entertaining. The layout is attractive, and the three-panel sequences showing the fish moping around during the refrain are especially well done.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, MD

PreS—This warm, honest tribute to a child's love for a caring adult is almost flawless in its execution. Dodd's minimalist illustrations feature big, simple shapes with thick black outlines and blocks of complementary contrasting colors. The first spread appears on what normally qualify as endpapers. "When I grow up, I want to be…," says baby bear. Over the remaining pages the cub outlines the traits that he has acquired from the loving big bear that raises him. The sentiment comes across in just a few easy words at a time: "clever and funny," "wild and free," "big and strong." A sweet, soothing selection for bedtime sharing.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 2—This over-the-top, silly story about "a beautiful dog princess" who searches for "her very own Prince Charming" serves as an odd framework to showcase some puppies that are photographed with a wide-angle lens to emphasize their heads and features. This particular style of animal photography first appeared in Japan on postcards but now also adorns calendars and sparked a line of games and the creation of plush replicas. A canine Queen Mother throws a royal ball and many princesses dressed up with tiaras, bows, and wings attend. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding with a fairy godmother results in only one prince coming. At first, some of the princesses get "their tails all in knots" as they argue over who saw the prince first. "Come on, girls! Don't get into a catfight!" Fortunately, the "girls" decide that they much prefer to be with one another, and, after sending the prince away "to go fetch," have a slumber party. This book, filled with pink pillows and ribbons and jewels galore, may please some princesses and tickle the funny bones of some adults who enjoy the girl-power message; however, it is hardly a first purchase.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-K—This story about a day in the life of an orange striped cat is told mainly through the pictures. In the first of seven episodes, the feline gets away from a threatening dog by climbing a tree. Subsequently, Cat deals with a mouse, a sprinkler, a bird, a bike, a carton of milk, and a warm mat. Each vignette concludes with, "Thank goodness for that!" The pen-and-ink and gouache illustrations feature surroundings in yellows and browns, which make for a warm overall feeling. The scruffy cat has oversize green eyes and races and chases through the scenes, taking readers along for the ride. Cat lovers will enjoy this one.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 1—In this follow-up to The Bunnies' Picnic (Hyperion, 2007), the eight rabbit siblings madly prepare for a visit to their family. Rhyming couplets—"We are not taking these or those—/Just who put in this garden hose?"—show the ambitious overpacking and the inevitable unpacking by the bunnies. The lively illustrations clearly highlight the action and add clever details. Patterns abound, as the rabbits are dressed in colorful stripes and plaids, polka dots and flowery hats. Children will laugh at the antics, and those familiar with travel will commiserate when the youngsters can't take everything and start getting tired and cranky as they hop along the country roads. The final spread—swimming and having fun with oodles of cousins—proves that it was all worth the trip.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

Gr 1–4—"Something, someone was just here./Now there's barely a trace of it…." Again and again, readers catch glimpses of elusive animals, long-gone dinosaurs, children about to be called inside for dinner, and the invisible wind "that/can only be seen/in/its/traces." The mood of quiet exploration is supported by Kuskin's mixed-media collage scenes that take readers from a pond to a woods to a beach to a garden. Meditative children will find the idea intriguing, while action lovers may become bored by a pattern that repeats without building. The colorful spreads are delicately attractive, but the creature in question is often difficult to see, especially the turtle on the beach that gets somewhat lost in the book's gutter. Pitch this title to your more contemplative readers and poetry lovers.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 2—Pilar is overjoyed with her birthday gifts: a pair of pink ballet slippers and a puppy that, she hopes, will be her new dancing partner. Yet despite the spirit of music and celebration that permeates the lives of the girl and her family, the dog will not dance. Paco has fallen in love with the moon, and only Pilar's musical uncle and a dose of magic can cure his ailment. The digitally rendered artwork portrays characters with round, cartoonlike faces and a Latino neighborhood infused with tropical color. Flowers and foliage are found everywhere—in the verdant backyard, in bright clothing patterns, and in the interior decor. Angular lines and bold hues continually draw the eye to the white moon. Unfortunately, clunky pacing makes the text seem long, and the nature of the dog's adoration for the moon is unclear, as it seems to waver between maternal and romantic love. Moreover, the magical elements of the story are disappointingly underdeveloped. Strong Latino characters and lush art can't make up for the weak plotting.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

PreS-K—Gary's concise text conveys an important life lesson about the need to balance fun, responsibility, and respect for others. As two siblings wake up, dress, and spend a day at school, they learn that sometimes they get what they want, but sometimes they don't. The examples are carefully tailored to speak to young readers: "Sometimes your friends want to do what you're doing. Sometimes they want to do something else," "Sometimes it's your turn. Sometimes you have to wait," or "Sometimes you get to make a mess. Sometimes you have to clean up." Appealing illustrations depict each scenario and keep the tone light. Background scenery, props, and adult characters are portrayed in black lines and white and gray shades, while the children are fully fleshed out with a variety of skin tones and bright-hued clothing. Whether the youngsters are glowing with happiness or scowling in frustration, their emotions are clearly portrayed. This story uses a simple approach to tackle big issues such as relationships with peers, acceptable social behaviors, and dealing with disappointment. A good choice for storytime, classroom use, and parent-child sharing.—Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA

Gr 3–5—This is the perfect story to impress upon young researchers the value of accuracy and the enjoyment of fact-finding. Jason, 10, has to do a report on Alexander Fleming. Stumbling upon conflicting stories on the Internet about a possible connection between Fleming and Winston Churchill, he is encouraged to dig deeper and find out the truth. Educators will especially appreciate Jason's teacher's encouragement to start with books such as encyclopedias and biographies before going online for basic facts. This is an entertaining lesson on research skills with a subtle message about not always trusting what one finds on the Web. Giblin offers a three-page listing of tips for doing research and provides the sources for his information in the book. An essential early chapter book, with spot art and full-page, black-and-white illustrations, to tie into or introduce research projects and to encourage the art of investigation.—Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

Gr 1–4—Two Pura Belpré Honor Award winners have created a moving portrait of New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, a woman whose work has inspired generations of young people in the communities she served. It's 1929, and Hildamar, who arrived in northern Manhattan only a few months before, misses the warmth and holiday celebrations of Puerto Rico. At school, she meets Pura Belpré, who tells her class stories in Spanish and English, explains that the library belongs to everyone, and invites them to visit during winter vacation. Hildamar comes to hear Ms. Belpré's tales, see her puppets, and make wishes as she blows out the storyteller's candle. When she announces plans for a Three Kings' Day fiesta, the members of northern Manhattan's El Barrio help prepare for the event and discover at the library the comfort of their own language and memories of Puerto Rico. On January 6, 1930, the holiday is observed with sweets, music, and a play about a Spanish cockroach named Martina. The well-written text is presented in both Spanish and English. The illustrations were created with layers of oil washes and collage. Tantalizing bits of the New York Times from that date are embedded in the artwork, giving hints of the larger world—steamship arrivals, theater reviews, and even an account of Three Kings' Day in San Juan. Sepia tones evoke the time period and the setting. A lovely offering about the role of librarians in the lives of children.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—A delightful and energetic story, illustrated in muted reds, soft browns, and pale grays. A child, dressed in rumpled red tights, a gray skirt, and a red-and-white striped T-shirt, plays with her long-limbed stuffed monkey. The repetitive refrain, "Monkey and me,/Monkey and me,/Monkey and me,/We went to see,/We went to see some…" is accompanied by the little girl and her toy imitating five different animals that appear on the following spread. She waddles like a penguin, hops like a kangaroo, hangs upside down like a bat, lumbers along like an elephant, and swings like a monkey, before finally wearing down. The text's buoyancy and changes in font size enhance the visual appeal. Monkey's body language and facial expressions, reminiscent of Pippo in Helen Oxenbury's "Tom and Pippo" stories (S & S), add humor to the sweet tale of a ????child using her imagination in active play. This charming and engaging book will have children repeating the words and anticipating the animals to come. Perfect for one-on-one sharing or with storytime groups.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—Unpredictable, this story is a bit like a submerged crocodile; you never know what it might do next. The rhyme opens with an illustration of a red-headed boy, flanked by a cat and a dog, looking out the back of a yellow cab ("It really is a pity/that you had to leave the city/Because of all the horrifying critters"). Among the pests are "Roaches in your omelets/Pigeons dropping bomblets/Wild poodles stalking you in gangs." The child goes to an island where there are "birds and butterfly/Breezes flutter by…," and finds himself in a hammock where crocodiles are everywhere and about to stage, what initially appears to be, a coup. The zany illustrations—done in mixed-media, soft-palette watercolors with pen and ink—use plenty of white space and add humor and charm to the perfect-pitch verses. The crocs are the storybook kind and will win readers over. Who can resist "A crocodile chef with a wok/Crocodile teens/In sagging jeans/crocodile fireman, crocodile cop?" A superb read-aloud.—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

PreS—Little Frog and his mom live by a pond and are perfectly happy. When his mother asks him if he'd like a brother or sister, he says, "No. We're just fine as we are." Then Little Frog notices "strange little things" swimming in the pond that soon become lots and lots of tiny frog babies. Soon he is overrun by dozens and dozens of smaller, leaping, noisy siblings. Little Frog can't get away from them and they drive him crazy. But his wise mom points out that it's because they look up to him and want to be like him. Finally, when Frog puts his foot down and demands order, he discovers that it's not so bad to be the object of such unabated adoration. So even though they may be a really big family now, Frog realizes that they are just fine as they are. The watercolor illustrations perfectly capture both his worry as little tadpoles surround him and his pleasure as he adjusts to his new life. Preschoolers familiar with the difficulties of adjusting to a new baby in the house will empathize with Little Frog's plight and cheer him on as he adjusts to his new role of big brother.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—It's a rainy day and the roads are muddy and slushy with melting snow. When a bright yellow school bus loaded with children becomes stranded, the driver phones for help. A vibrantly red tow truck and its mustached driver make their way through the slippery streets to come to the rescue: "Splishy-splashy/wet HOORAY!/Our hero for a rainy day.../is RED TRUCK!" At times the language sounds forced, as when "mud" rhymes with "could," but Red Truck's determination and the story's pacing are undeniably fun. The lighthearted paintings convey movement through the diagonal lines of the truck climbing uphill and the slant of falling raindrops. The vehicles and characters are depicted in bold primary colors that sparkle against the gray winter backdrops. Both the pictures and the large-font text reinforce the urgency of Red Truck's mission. Attention to detail, such as the children's drawings on foggy bus windows, is an added delight. With plenty of rhymes and onomatopoeia, just a sentence or two per page, and bright illustrations, this book is appropriate for beginning readers or for sharing aloud with young truck fans.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

Gr 1–6—Twenty heartbeats is the time it takes for a favored horse to run to his wealthy master when he whistles. The beast is so beloved that the man commissions a portrait from an artist known for lifelike renderings. Gold is exchanged, but years go by, with the patron growing ever more impatient. Angry, he goes to Homan's house and demands his painting. He becomes further enraged when he sees the painter wielding his brushes on a blank piece of paper. It is not until the visitor storms deeper into the studio that he sees images scattered everywhere—years of attempts to get to the perfection that the owner finally unrolls in the form of a traditional Chinese painting. Based on a literary anecdote, the story, like its subject, contains only what is essential. Haseley's minimalist text leaves plenty of room for Young's marvelous collages to set the scene and develop the characters. Rice paper of varying hues functions at one point as a pale scrim, covering the horse when he appears in a vision, and later as a dark backdrop for an evening shrouded in mystery. Young's imposing, nearly horizontal figures at the climax create tension, whereas his softer, more impressionistic landscapes earlier on suggest suspended time. Readers who enjoy transcendent themes or the exploration of the thin veil between art and reality will also want to try Young's The Lost Horse (Harcourt, 1998), coauthored by Tracey Adams, and Margaret Leaf's Eyes of the Dragon (HarperCollins, 1987). Timeless wisdom to challenge today's kids.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—From "Princess Alice./First to the palace" to "Princess Zaire./Finally there," 26 enthusiastic young royals head to a castle where they have been invited to meet the prince. Each page sports a princess, one for each letter of the alphabet, introduced with a brief rhyming verse and a vibrant cartoon illustration. Adding to the fun is the fact that the prince and all of the other supporting characters are frogs. Horowitz has a light, witty touch, and the text is rich with puns. The words and the pictures play off one another perfectly, encouraging children to pore over each humorously detailed portrait. For example, "Princess Flo./Waiting to go," shows a girl, arms crossed and scowling, sitting in a broken-down carriage, while a perplexed-looking frog, garbed in a mechanic's outfit, stares at a wrench and another holds an instruction sheet ("How to Fix a Wheel"). Princess Nell ("What is that smell?") looks embarrassed after emitting several small pink gas clouds ("toot"), while two frogs, a monk and a knight, react to the odor. When all of the guests finally arrive, the prince isn't sure what he's gotten himself into: "Put 'em all together/and what do you get?/A royal pain in the alphabet!" Packed with child appeal, this offering is appropriate for sharing aloud or for independent perusal.—Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Mama's going to have a baby and Little Rabbit's ecstatic because he thinks that he'll finally have a playmate. He's eager to be the best big brother ever and to share his knowledge and toys with the newcomer. When his mother gives birth to triplets, his excitement triples. He's a bit discomfited when his attempts at feeding, entertaining, and teaching games don't work as planned. He soon begins to resent his siblings and is jealous because his parents pay so much attention to them. Feeling ignored and unloved, he crawls under his bed to sulk and the babies, missing him, begin to cry. When nothing and no one can comfort them, Little Rabbit takes over and again shares his time and toys. The sweet pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are filled in with myriad intricately drawn details of the bunny family and their cozy home. With everything outlined in black ink and filled in soft hues, the pictures are replete with humorous vignettes and charming, active, diaper-clad babies. A delightful addition.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-K—In this sixth book in the series, the black Labrador retriever entertains the idea of getting a job as she watches her family leave for school and work. She imagines herself as a school bus driver, teacher, zookeeper, lifeguard, archaeologist, paleontologist, ballplayer, president, hip-hop star, biologist, rescue dog, farmer, and chef, resulting in many humorous scenarios, all of which are depicted from her point of view, of course. Sally is seen driving a bus, which is full of dogs. The beachgoers are all canines. Washing dishes in the chef fantasy is dog-style—licking the plates clean. When Sally's family members return home at the end of the day, she realizes that she already has the best job in the world—taking care of them. The woodcut and colored-pencil illustrations are crisp and uncluttered. Sally is the main focus with few background distractions. If this pup is popular in your library, you'll need this title.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—As in La La Rose (2004) and I Am Pangoo the Penguin (2006, both Philomel), Ichikawa again sends her toys on an escapade in her adopted city. When Cosmos, a wooden plane, tells his friend Woggy, a stuffed dog, that he yearns to leave their playroom and go Somewhere, the two set off for an adventure high above the rooftops of Paris. Perched jauntily astride Cosmos, Woggy rides his friend as they sail through the sky, play loop-the-loop with birds, and get tossed about by the stormy cloud monster on their way to the White Dome on the hilltop, where they are rewarded by a spectacular rainbow. Adults may recognize the friends' goal as the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and the distant structure under the rainbow as the Eiffel Tower. Ichikawa's watercolor illustrations propel Cosmos and Woggy across full spreads that entice children to turn the page. The beautifully drawn aerial views contribute to the excitement and sense of awe as the travelers view the famed city from on high. This soaring selection will spark the imaginations of young readers who also yearn to go Somewhere.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 3—Thea enthusiastically begins her science project by planting an odd purple bean in her yard. In a few days, the soil around it turns purple and bubbly, and the seed starts growing. As its roots and vines engulf her house, the child is curious, her parents are furious, and the experts (a botanist, a zoologist, and a banker, among others) are humorously clueless. Young readers, however, won't be, quickly recognizing the golden egg, singing harp, gold coins, and giant footprints at the base of the vine. The story is told almost entirely through letters to the scientists, and alert readers will enjoy the transition of Thea's moods as reflected in her closings: from "Excitedly" and "Eagerly" to "Confusedly" and "Desperately." Pedersen's energetic, full-page watercolor illustrations capture the hilarious consequences of Thea's growing crisis as the mysterious plant blocks the sun and causes havoc. The conclusion is entirely visual and will confirm readers' suspicions that the story of Jack and the Beanstalk is being played out in Thea's front yard, even if no adult believes it. This is a funny story that kids will love, and teachers may find useful to include in fairy-tale or letter-writing units.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 2—Surprised but unfazed to find an airplane in his closet, a boy flies it to the moon, runs out of gas, meets a similarly stranded Martian, and makes a new friend. The charm of this story is how completely it maintains a childlike perspective. The boy is putting a full-size rowboat away when he finds the airplane: "He didn't remember leaving it in there, but he thought he'd take it out for a go right away." This approach continues in the watercolor, graphite, and collage artwork. Figures consist of circle heads, box bodies, and stick legs; the backgrounds are flat colors with a few scribbled-in clouds or puffs of exhaust. Humorous details abound. Before his initial flight, the boy systematically dresses in jacket, scarf, helmet, goggles, and gloves, then does a few stretches to prepare fully. After meeting the Martian, he parachutes home for supplies but gets distracted by his favorite television show. The Martian waits, impatiently checking his wristwatch. Eventually, the boy returns to the moon via a rope, both vehicles are repaired, and the travelers prepare to depart, wondering if they will ever meet again. The last page provides hope of keeping in touch when the boy receives an unusual transmitter in the mail. The message that friends are friends whether they are near or far comes through in a warm, amusing manner.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

K-Gr 3—Dumpling is a dog with no sense of smell and, consequently, no dog friends. When her people move to the country, she finds a big backyard, a sunny meadow, and ("Oh, my goodness!") a skunk that promptly sprays her. Her humans give her multiple baths, take her to the lake to roll in the sand, and buy tangerines and tomato juice. Though the boy warns her not to play with the "yucky, stinky skunk," she disobeys and is sprayed again. "She couldn't smell anything, so she didn't care." Dumpling and the skunk become the best of friends, sharing kibbles and watching the last of the sunset through the trees. Her kind, long-suffering people hold their noses, roll their eyes, and buy lots of tomato juice. In this tale that is reminiscent of those leisurely stories from another era, Jenkins uses a lot of detail and repetition. Pratt's sunlit illustrations are done in oils and portray a white dog with an elongated nose and a furiously wagging black tail who complements the black-and-white skunk. Children will instantly relate to the pup's skunk encounters and share stories of their own. Important themes of loneliness, tolerance, friendship, and family emerge from this funny story. It will enrich any storytime and linger long in the minds of young readers and listeners.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—This outsider's tale begins when Mama Duck accidentally chomps down a rubber band while snacking in the field. When it comes time to hatch her new brood, the very last duckling, named Five, bursts out of his shell with a resounding, "Bing-boing!" He's got a rubber leg. Other than a little catty and trite disapproval from a handful of barnyard busybodies, it seems that Five's rubbery appendage brings him mostly advantages. He can jump high to reach juicy berries and tie up a troublemaking pig's snout. But the special duckling really has his day when he confronts a menacing fox that comes to the farm. The bland plot weakens with improbability when, after his family has paddled to safety, Five manages to scare off this formidable, sharp-toothed foe with a mere smack on the nose, albeit with great force and the ever-helpful element of surprise. In the end, readers are left wanting more from this new feathered friend. The acrylic-and-ink illustrations fail to create a compelling or even endearing character in Five, who most often wears a blank, startled expression.—Lauren Anduri, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—Pirate Pete is back, still wearing his hat with the cheerfully smiling skull-and-crossbones. In Pirate Pete's Giant Adventure (Abrams, 2006), he was granted his wish of a ship to sail on the high seas. Now he and his faithful parrot are off to Rascal Island in search of a crew, and he's looking for buccaneers who can fire a cannon; have peg legs; love treasure; and are stanky, cranky, and stubborn. "But most of all, ye gots to talk like a pirate!" Four rascals answer Pirate Pete's call and seem to be just what he is looking for but, one by one, they are eliminated because they speak in an exceedingly unpiratelike fashion, using words that include "sultry," "irritable," "misappropriated," and "valor." In the end, it's his parrot who talks the best pirate talk and off they go, still looking for the perfect crew. Fun-to-read pirate-speak is paired with oil illustrations that perfectly capture the look and attitude of this bunch of scallywags. Chock-full of fun rhymes and expressive illustrations, this book is sure to please children.—Catherine Callegari, formerly at Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 1–4—Using actual events involving a stray dog who found a home and career at the Albany, NY, Post Office in the late 1880s as her inspiration, Kerby gives children a fictionalized glimpse at a charming and capable canine. Readers will be captivated by Owney's journey from hungry and homeless to beloved guardian of the mail trains. The author does an excellent job of introducing readers to the late-19th century and the system used by the postal service to send mail both nationally and internationally via horse-pulled wagons, trains, and steamships. Children will be astounded at the number of tags on Owney's harness, demarking the stops he makes along the route. They will also find it interesting that the real-life Owney is preserved through taxidermy at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in Washington, DC. Barasch's ink and watercolor illustrations complement the narrative with period details. A pair of sepia-toned photographs at the end of the book adds to the authenticity of the tale. It is sure to develop a loyal following among lovers of dog stories.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS-Gr 1—A mom, dad, girl, and baby travel to Paris, where everyone says bonjour. As they explore the sights, they are cheerfully greeted again and again: "From shores./In stores./On guided tours./Everybody bonjours!" Short bursts of rhyming text lead up to the title refrain. The naive, mixed-media illustrations show the family visiting the Eiffel Tower, a café, the zoo, and an open-air market. The scenery is filled with abstract splashes of bright watercolors set against white backdrops, and the girl, wearing a red dress with a white heart on it, stands out on each page. Her smile and eager posture indicate her enjoyment. The endpapers feature labeled drawings of the settings shown throughout the book. At the beginning, Monsieur LeMousie shares the meaning and phonetic pronunciation of bonjour and merci. The mouse then appears in every picture, including the one of the airplane that takes the family back to waiting grandparents in a country where everybody "hellos." This book provides a clever introduction to a foreign culture as seen through a child's eyes.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

K-Gr 2—A family leaves an unspecified "old country" to make their way in America. The clothing and automobile styles appear to root the story in the 1930s or 1940s, although the exact time period is not specified. In their new home, the father questions his decision to uproot his family. A chance discovery of returnable bottles on the street starts him on a new career as a junk man. His sons and daughter help him collect glass, metal, paper, rags, and other trash, and the family gradually builds a profitable business. Although sweet, the story is oversimplified. The home they leave looks clean and prosperous. The family members wear nice clothing and shoes; the house has furniture, books, and paintings. Their stated reason for leaving is economic, but the father cannot teach in America since he does not speak English. Religious or political persecution is not mentioned. The illustrations are done in a warm, glowing style that amplifies the family's love and closeness. In this idealized setting, being the junk man's daughter doesn't appear to be so bad, even when wealthier classmates make fun of her. The story does have value, however, for teaching economic lessons. The family begins by collecting on foot; soon they are able to buy a wagon, then later a used truck. As they invest their profits, they are able to make their company grow exponentially. Nostalgically evocative, this title might be useful for immigration or economic units.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

K-Gr 3—Florence is trying to sleep—she really is!—but there are a million unavoidable interruptions. First, she needs Mom to kiss her toy monkey, Arnold, goodnight. Then, he needs a lullaby. Then, Florence is thirsty and Arnold wants to hear a monkey story; then Florence has to draw, number, and cut out a bunch of sheep to count…but, eventually, Mom comes up with a soothing solution, and almost everyone falls asleep. This wonderful lapsit is punctuated throughout with Florence's predictable refrain, "We're trying to sleep, we really are," which children will find easy to anticipate and repeat without getting too keyed up about it. A text-intensive epilogue, "Tips on Falling to Sleep," is clearly directed at grown-ups baffled by their own little night owls. (Florence delivers the tips herself and directs them to children, but no naps, no soda, no showers, regular bedtime, and relaxing routine are definitely hints for adults.) She concludes by suggesting a "Dream Scrapbook" filled with drawings. Granström's cartoons do an unremarkable job of illustrating the story, and that's fine; this book is carried far more by Florence's creative attempts to stall than by the artwork.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 2—Rather than using a traditional song related to Noah's ark, such as "One More River," Lloyd-Jones chooses to modify a sing-along favorite for her picture book. Old MacNoah builds an ark to rescue the animals on his farm. They enter with "moos," "oinks," and "quacks" before the "splish! splash!" of rain begins. During the voyage, the barnyard animals, plus a few exotic relatives such as monkeys and giraffes, must eat ("burp! slurp!") and poop ("poo! poo!"), which will delight the sing-along crowd. For the most part, Lloyd-Jones's new verses for the familiar tune fit well, although "an Oopsie-Daisy! here and an Oopsie-Daisy! there" is a bit challenging. Newton's bright, energetic illustrations contribute to the fun.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 3–6—As this book opens, Ruby and her older brother, Griffith, are on a steamboat on the Ohio River in 1899, reading a mysterious letter from their uncle. "Beware the Chancellor. He mustn't learn of the baseball." The children and their seven-year-old brother, Graham, are on the road with the Travelin' Nine, a baseball team made up of Rough Riders touring the country to raise money. The next stop is an exhibition game in Louisville, KY. The siblings have a baseball from their deceased father; when they hold it at the same time, horses appear on the field, but only the kids and the team can see them. It turns out that these horses are past Kentucky Derby winners and their help enables the team to win the game. The story uses baseball terminology freely, with definitions in the margins; there's also quite a bit of historical detail about Louisville and the Kentucky Derby that may interest some readers. Energetic illustrations—including spreads and full-page drawings—add to the story. The novel is written in the old-fashioned serial format, to the point that it's hard for readers to understand what's going on if they've missed the first installment. Baseball fans will love the book, but make sure to have the first one handy.—Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX

PreS-Gr 1—Life would be sweeter if everyone had a neighbor like Albert. He strolls through the community with his trusty toolbox in hand, alert to all sorts of repair opportunities, from rusty hinges, loose shingles, and fussy motors to leaky faucets and broken crockery. His generosity and skill are much appreciated, so when poor Albert is laid up with a cold, his neighbors waste no time making use of all of the items he's fixed to return the favor. This is a simple story that celebrates the virtue of good neighbors and shared kindnesses, made all the more charming by the folk-inspired illustrations that use cheery colors and bold patterns to convey a sense of warmth and community. Albert himself is a picture of amiability with his fluffy white beard, jaunty red baseball cap, and overalls—just the sort of avuncular man who earns the trust and admiration of those around him. An added delight is the wonderful white-on-black endpapers featuring just about every kind of tool and gadget that might be found in Albert's toolbox. A welcome dose of old-fashioned neighborliness.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K—When Hen overhears a conversation between Pig and Cow, she can't wait to tell her friends. But she gets it all confused as she passes it on to Duck, and he muddles it even more as he passes it on to Goose, who tangles the tale again when passing it on to Turkey. So by the time Turkey returns to Hen, there's a very different story from the one she started. "Hen! Hen! You're lazy, fat, and ate all the corn." Poor Hen is outraged and as she and her friends untangle the tale, they discover the real news from Cow. "My baby calf was born!" Preschoolers will chuckle at the silliness surrounding this game of telephone, even if the joke becomes a bit strained when Cow's real news becomes jumbled again, even though all four friends are standing together. The inventive paper collage and mixed-media illustrations show the characters that inhabit this child-friendly story. Perspectives vary on the different animals to create a sense of moving about the farmyard from page to page. This seems like the perfect toddler book, were it not for the choice of the word "gossip," seemingly a difficult word for preschoolers to understand. It's only used twice: in the title and on the first page. But it's enough to put a damper on an otherwise delightful book.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

K-Gr 1—A first-grade class takes a field trip to a museum and learns about Doctor King. Large font and phrase repetition build fluency and word recognition. Appealing cartoon illustrations in a soothing palette enhance the text. Many are on full spreads, with students envisioning their dreams as they put them down on paper. This book is a good choice for teachers looking to illustrate the "I have a dream…" concept via fiction rather than nonfiction.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

PreS—A boy runs off, abandoning his locomotive outdoors. In his room, three toy pups sit on his bed. With a turn of the page, the dogs zip into action: two of them climb into an airplane while the third boards a helicopter. After takeoff, they go zooming around the house over a just-waking-up dad, through a busy breakfast-time kitchen, around a stack of dishes in the sink, and out the kitchen window to the backyard where the train is stranded. The helicopter pilot lowers a hook and airlifts the locomotive and its occupants back to the child's bedroom. Everyone lands safely and the pups resume their original places. On the last page, the boy and his sister gaze at the bed wondering how the train got there. The bold, rich oil paintings are filled with activity and interesting perspectives. The simple rhyming text vividly describes the rescue mission: "Watch out for the/mountaintop!/Curving, swerving,/sudden drop./Flick the switches,/pull back up./Zipping, zooming…/Pilot Pups!" This book would be a great read-aloud in preschool storytime not only because of the lively illustrations and amusing story, but also for its descriptive vocabulary.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 1–4—While her parents work around the house, Amelia decides to entertain herself by writing, directing, and starring in her own movie. With younger brother as her designated assistant, she sets about the tasks of filmmaking: script, sets, lights, and makeup. The movie, Abra-ca-dabra, appears in comic-strip form and shows Amelia using a magic wand to change animals into other animals—until Drew unexpectedly swings onto the set as Super Kid and steals the show. After some discussion, the siblings agree to revise the script and refilm the ending, depicted again in comic-strip panels. Together they create a soundtrack, edit, and premiere the show for their family. Both the appealing cartoon illustrations in digital ink and oil pastel and the limited number of rhymed phrases per page make this a good choice for beginning and reluctant readers. The children's cooperation in creating the project, along with the appended glossary of movie-making terms, may inspire some young filmmakers to use household equipment to produce their own imaginative dramas.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

K-Gr 2—When Mom asks who is hungry, each family member, including the dog, enters the kitchen. The meal consists of beans, cheese, chile, tortillas, and a salad, and each dish is shown by itself on a white background. Everyone gathers around the table and expresses gratitude for such abundance. The colorful, average-quality illustrations depict the warmth and contentment of this family, and the simple text gives readers an opportunity to begin learning the basics of both languages.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 3—This guessing-game picture book has dragons, fairy tales, pizza, and transportation—all ingredients that kids will enjoy. BeBop the dragon loves to cook, and his friend Spike loves to go fast, so they are the perfect partners for a pizza-delivery business in fairy-tale land. As the orders come in, readers can guess which fairy-tale character is calling ("I would like a GIANT pizza, with a topping of magic beans"). BeBop whips up special orders, riffing on a different traditional nursery rhyme each time he tosses the dough ("Pat-cake, pat-cake, Pizza man…," "Pizza porridge hot…"), then Spike sets out for delivery in a hot-air balloon, a rocket ship, roller skates, and other unusual means of transport. Finally, in their largest order yet, BeBop and Spike prepare a three-tier wedding cake pizza to be delivered to Sleeping Beauty's castle. With colorful, cartoon illustrations and an interactive text that begs to be read aloud, this book was made to order for storytime.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 3—"Everyone keeps asking me,/When you get older, what will you be?" laments the young protagonist in this story. At first he has no idea, but as he gives it thought, his plans become more and more grandiose. He will wake the sun, conduct concerts on the ocean floor, aid the police, stop all wars, feed the hungry, and "stamp out" natural disasters. His world will be populated only by kind, caring people. In short, he will perform such miracles that he will become like God—that is, when he learns to read and write. The illustrations in this generously oversize book are almost all spreads and executed in Chinese ink on rice paper. The flat figures, boldly outlined, appear on dark grounds. Big black blots cover the endpapers and reemerge throughout the story to depict uncertainty, chaos, or world evils. The rhymed text usually epitomizes language that would be within the scope of the child narrator: "What about the bad guys?/I'd help the police." At times, however, it exhibits a sophistication beyond the boy's years, e.g., "I'll meet everyone on Earth,/and ask about their dreams./Because life is more,/much more than it seems." Children are often asked by their elders about their future plans. This book might spark some discussion on the topic.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 1–5—Giant panda Stillwater introduces Addy, Michael, and Karl, first encountered in Zen Shorts (Scholastic, 2005), to his young nephew, Koo. After playing together, he suggests that they make soup for ailing Miss Whitaker. The children initially protest because she shouts at them whenever they pass her house, but they comply. Even when they deliver the soup, tidy her house, and draw her pictures, the old woman doesn't soften substantially. Stillwater, who is insightful enough to recognize harshness as a sign of Miss Whitaker's loneliness and fear, encourages Michael to approach her for help preparing for a spelling bee. It turns out she was a talented English teacher and when he follows her advice, he wins a ribbon. Much more is going on here than Stillwater's quiet message that there is more to people than outward appearances. Koo speaks in loosely structured haiku, and as explained in his author's note, this affords Muth an opportunity to engage in wordplay. Miss Whitaker's change of heart is foreshadowed in a close-up of her examining Karl's painting after she had previously dismissed the children's efforts. All of the characters are "tied" together in the Zen wisdom they have attained and symbolically in the red ties they wear to celebrate Michael's spelling success. From the lovely large watercolor illustrations that include Stillwater and Koo doing Tai Chi on the endpapers, to the lesson presented without sentimentality, this is a rich and wonderful offering.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 3–4—Rana and her family are going to India over the Christmas holiday, and Susan has been asked to care for the pets, refill the bird feeders, and water the plants. During the family's absence, the cat ends up in the drier, the goldfish is almost lost to the kitty, and Susan's friend breaks his arm trying to untangle Christmas lights from the antlers of a deer in Rana's backyard. Overall, though, Susan does a fine job and learns that sometimes doing your best is all that matters. An effective secondary story involves a class assignment about international travel, which may spark an interest in time zones or maps of the world. This early chapter book is similar in format to Nagda and Roth's Tarantula Power! (Holiday House, 2007) and features returning characters. Full-page and spot illustrations are scattered throughout. An appealing and humorous tale.—Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

K-Gr 3—Katie lives in a multicultural neighborhood that celebrates every holiday on the calendar. When she finds her new neighbor decorating her trees and bushes with pieces of yarn one day in March, she is puzzled. "It's First Robin Day," replies Mrs. Muddle, "so I'm welcoming the birds back. The yarn is for their nests." In the following months, Mrs. Muddle invites the local children to help her commemorate the "First Shower of April," "Earthworm Appreciation Day," "the Birthday of the Inventor of the Roller Skate," and other made-up commemorations. Before the year is out, everyone on Maple Street has embraced her fanciful festivities. Now it's Katie's turn to invent a new celebration. With the help of the entire community, she declares the second Tuesday after the first full moon after the summer solstice as Mrs. Muddle Day—the biggest and best celebration of all. Yezerski's colorful pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations perfectly match Nielsen's cheery text. Children of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds are depicted in this wonderful story of friendship and fellowship. It will make a great read-aloud any time of year and encourage children to create their own special occasions.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 2—While these new readers are adequate, they do not offer the high energy that bounces off every page in the original Fancy Nancy (HarperCollins, 2006). Of the two titles, Museum has the stronger text. Here, Nancy's teacher saves the day when the child overeats and gets sick on a class field trip. The story in Boy from Paris is slight, and the logic is problematic. Nancy, who loves anything French, assumes that a new classmate is from France until she later learns that he moved from Paris, TX. The precocious heroine comments that the boy "already speaks English," but wouldn't she notice that he doesn't have a French accent? The interior illustrations, modeled on the art of Robin Preiss Glasser (who drew the cover) but rendered by Enik, lack the spark and momentum that characterize Glasser's work. Additionally, the reading level printed on the covers (Level 1) does not seem appropriate. With new vocabulary such as "perplexed" and "gorgeous," and with six to eight sentences on some pages, these books seem to be Level 2. Strengths include a large font size, ample white space, and an appealing main character. Large libraries with strong early-reader sections may want to order the museum title.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

K-Gr 2—Annie is an active, excitable young attention seeker. Simon is her unflappable teenage brother who sets aside his books and guitar to share adventures with her. He's patient to a fault, untangling her messes and gently humoring her endless chatter and questions. There's never any doubt that he loves his little sister, and the watercolor illustrations support his feelings. The two are seen snuggling on a towel after Annie causes their canoe to tip over, and he carries her home after they watch shooting stars in the park, her head on his shoulder. Annie's frenetic pace is right on for a young child, but the something special here is Simon. How many big brothers would make it rain with a garden hose so a little sister could use her umbrella? With four short chapters and colorful illustrations on every page, this book should appeal to fairly competent beginning readers.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

PreS—Two appealing concept books. In Baby Happy Baby Sad, the familiar diaper-clad youngster moves through opposing emotions on each spread, happy while holding a balloon, but sad when it flies away; happy running naked, but sad bundled in a snowsuit. In No No Yes Yes, the child encounters familiar toddler activities both the right way ("Yes Yes," which shows baby eating a banana and the dog eating from its bowl) and the wrong way ("No No," showing baby sampling the dog food). The delightful and amusing acrylic illustrations tell the story in both titles. Baby's activities will be familiar to toddlers, who can actually "read" the pictures and chime in themselves. The concepts ring as clear as a bell even for the youngest of listeners.—Richelle Roth, Wilmington Public Library, OH

K-Gr 3—A newly illustrated edition of a 1972 title. A bear is engaged in painting a picture when two gentlemen arrive and announce, "Bears can't paint pictures." They have no satisfactory explanation for their opinion, and the bear continues with his work, firm in his conviction that "a bear can do anything he likes." The men then disparage the picture, calling it silly because they can't tell what the abstract painting represents. But to the bear, it is all the things he loves: a honey tree, a cold stream, a log filled with leaves, a field of flowers. The men don't see any of those things, but, according to the bear, they don't have to. It is his painting. Johnson's signature geometrically shaped figures are rendered in different shades of gray on pale gray ground. The only color appears in the bear's painting and paint jars and, as he progresses with his work, splotches of color appear outside the picture and on his scarf. The two featureless gentlemen are opposites: one tall and thin and sporting glasses, a top hat, bow tie, gloves, spats, and cane; the other short and squat, wearing a bowler hat and cape. Children whose creative efforts have been thwarted will especially empathize with this paw-on-hip, nose-in-the-air bear who exudes confidence. The reasons for the two men gradually disappearing into his picture should spark lively discussion. Peter Catalanotto's Emily's Art (S & S, 2001) is the story of another misunderstood young artist.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-K—In somewhat forced rhyming text—"Ccrrrack!/A coconut hit him on the head./Enough, thought the elephant,/And he fled"—Ravishankar relates the story of a young elephant that is separated from his mother during a storm and carried along with some stampeding water buffalo, eventually becoming a useful and valued member of the herd. In the end, when he meets a group of welcoming elephants, he unrealistically chooses to remain with his water buffalo friends. The attractive, digitally created artwork, in black and periwinkle on cream, has the appearance of block prints. Text formatting varies greatly. On some spreads, storm or animal sounds, printed in a variety of sizes from large to immense, are successfully and strikingly incorporated into the illustration. On many others, the short, straight lines of awkwardly placed oversize text pull the eye away from the artwork. The narrative of this Indian import and the formatting of the text are no match for Pieper's well-conceived and well-executed pictures.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 1–3—About to determine a successor, an old king instructs each of his three daughters to do something that will make him proud. Several years earlier, their mother had asked each of the princesses to choose one of her possessions before she died. Now, the kingdom stands in a dire state of disrepair. The oldest princess took a pair of elegant and magical shoes. She builds a tower and decides that since she is the smartest, she should rule the kingdom. The middle sister chose a mirror and decides that since she is the most beautiful one, she should rule the kingdom. The youngest sister, having a low opinion of herself, took a wooden box containing things that her mother had collected, such as an apple-pip and raindrops. Serenity plants the pip and waters it with the raindrops. After a lot of hard work by the princess and her friend Joseph, the kingdom is restored to its former state and she is chosen as its new ruler. This well-written book has elegant painterly illustrations and encourages young readers to consider the true value of things and people's actions. A good selection for storyhours or for independent reading.—Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2—"My Mom's got alien blobs inside her. They're called cancer." The bright, bouncing voice of the young narrator takes readers through his mother's cancer year, from her first chemotherapy treatment to the day her hair comes back and "all the alien blobs have gone away." A parent's sudden transformation in appearance can be a very big issue to children; it's not surprising that the focus in this book is on Mom's hair loss and the wacky wig that she and her son pick out to hide it. Quick moving, positive, and funny at times, this story might well serve to introduce a child to the impending treatment. The expressionistic illustrations are also sprightly but do depict a hospital scene, Mom hooked up to a chemo port, and a tired woman on the couch. Children wondering why a classmate's mother is sick or showing up at school bald and suddenly skinny might also find this book reassuring. Noticeably absent is any mention of the fears and tears that the grown-ups face and that children usually pick up on. All is neatly resolved in the end when the doctor says Mom is cured and her son gets to keep the wonderful, wacky Punk Wig.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

K-Gr 2—Eli Treebuckle is a tinkerer, a "fix-it" boy whose father is away at war. He never has "sweet dreams," and his nightmares keep him awake working on fantastical inventions. One sleepless night, an avuncular, W.C. Fields-faced Mr. Moon drops by and invites Eli to come fix the Moonpowder Factory, the source of pleasant dreams. The floating factory is filled with retro robots and huge machinery. Eli, with the help of Mr. Moon and Giz the robot, gets into and under the machines until he discovers the empty dream tank that is causing his problems. The only fix entails Eli finding a box with the last pinch of moonpowder and dreaming sweet dreams to refill the tank. A harrowing visit to Mother Nature's closet, heaped willy-nilly with containers full of weather, produces the box. But an exhausted Eli doesn't need the powder as he slips into sleep and sweet dreams, awakening in his own bed and to a joyous reunion with his father. Steeped in dreamy sepia tones suffused with golden light and brightened by unexpected patches of electric blue, the illustrations are lush and painterly. Using spreads combined with comic-style panels, Rocco creates a hint of a graphic novel for the youngest readers. This original fantasy melds high adventure with a retro 1940s look in a long narrative perfect for older preschoolers and early elementary children. Readers will linger over the pictures and cheer for the businesslike but heroic Eli, who discovers that sometimes things can just fix themselves.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-K—Using colorful inks and traditional Japanese woodblock printing, Rockwell follows a boy through his day as he enjoys all the activities associated with preschool. From playtime to music, snack, art, and even yoga, the colorful monoprints convey the youngster's emotions as he experiences each activity and interacts with his classmates. This book may be shared individually or with a group; the detail and realistic depiction of the preschool experience will help to calm some newcomers' trepidations about attending school for the first time.—G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—A young penguin loves water—to bathe, drink, and splash in—but he does not want to learn to swim in the ocean. When his class takes a trip for their first lessons, Sergio has his floaties, mask, and snorkel but still fears to take the plunge. With the supportive encouragement of his friends, the little creature finally makes the leap and, in the satisfying conclusion, finds that he quite enjoys himself. Beginning with the stylized goldfish on the endpapers, the simple woodblock and digital art is stunningly rendered in bright orange, stark white, and cool aquamarine. Rodriquez uses bold graphics, lines, and angles to create a sense of play and space that draws in readers. The text is great fun for storytimes or for reading alone. Kids will take to this visually pleasing tale like ducks…er, penguins, to water.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1—This attempt to poke fun at one of the most familiar childhood complaints is framed by endpapers clearly aimed at earning grown-up chuckles—they show a pseudo-lawsuit drawn up by the firm of "Fullglass and Milk, P.C." and filed in the "Circuit Court of Fairness." The text consists of questions about particular pieces of bad luck or perceived slights that range from the division of cookies to a child who must wear glasses. "Why does she get brand-new shoes?/"Why does my team always lose?" The joke is stretched, although thinly, to include complaints from animals, inanimate objects, monsters, and planets. The structure and rhythm of the text falter from time to time, but the cartoon illustrations give the narrative a lively yet simple look with lots of emotion—mostly indignation and sadness—captured in just a few lines. This book will be well received by those who know the inherent injustices of childhood all too well, and the repeated refrain will invite participation in groups and one-on-one sharing.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Rosenthal successfully continues her twisted take on traditional childhood dilemmas that she began in Little Pea (Chronicle, 2005). Little Hoot is a happy owl except at bedtime. All of his woodland friends get to go to bed early, but he does not. "Why do I always have to stay up and play? It's not fair!" Little Hoot tries to convince his parents to let him retire early, only to be forced to play for one more hour. According to his father, he must stay up late if he wants to grow up to be a wise owl. His mother tells him, "Ten more minutes of playing, Mister. And please don't ask me again." Little Hoot flies straight to bed ignoring his parents' offers of bedtime stories and glasses of water. Detailed ink and watercolor illustrations are uncluttered and placed on plenty of white space. Text and art convey parental love, filial annoyance, and everything in between. This fun reversal of traditional bedtime woes is sure to be enjoyed by many children.—Catherine Callegari, formerly at Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 2–6—Ali describes how he loves soccer; "loud, parent-rattling music"; and calligraphy—forming the elegant Arabic letters, pen "gliding and sweeping, leaping, dancing to the silent music in my head." His "secret hero" is Yakut, a renowned 13th-century calligrapher, and Ali tells how, when Mongols invaded Baghdad in 1258, the man fled to a high tower to shut out the violence by creating beauty, writing "glistening letters of rhythm and grace." Similarly, the boy sought solace from the missiles and bombs that fell on the city in 2003 by practicing calligraphy in his room. Since then, "one war has become another," and he continues to write, contemplating how some words, like "HARB—war," flow easily from the pen, while others, like "SALAM—peace," are more difficult to perfect. Jewel-toned illustrations done in pencil and charcoal and then computer enhanced accompany the lyrical text. Ali and his family are depicted with warmth and personality, and their interactions add intimacy to the story. Elaborately detailed designs appear throughout-intricate tile arrangements, delicate floral motifs, colorfully patterned clothing, even a backdrop that incorporates subtle images of warfare (army vehicles, helicopters, etc). Graceful lines of calligraphy flow across and are incorporated into the artwork. In addition to engendering appreciation for this art form, Rumford's book sheds light on life in war-torn Iraq and builds empathy for those caught in the crossfire.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—Liza loves her crayons, but she has a bit of a one-track mind where color is concerned. She classifies the whole world according to the shades she finds in her crayon bucket. When she runs out of paper, she takes the next logical step and colors on the wall, prompting her mother to take away her drawing tools for the rest of the day. The situation looks bleak (and literally gray, in the illustrations), until Liza goes for a walk and discovers the colors of the natural world. Mud, leaves, bricks, and petals become her new media as she assembles life-size collages wherever she goes. It comes as no surprise when she declares at bedtime: "I think I can go one more day with no crayons." There is no shortage of picture books that celebrate artistic creativity, but this one has an interesting twist. So much of childhood art is commoditized and children spend so much time inside that the invitation to look to nature for both inspiration and materials is a refreshing one. This title could also serve as an introduction to modern art (Liza inadvertently creates a Jackson Pollack mud puddle at one point) or be paired with Barbara Cooney's Miss Rumphius (Viking, 1982) for an artsy Earth Day celebration.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, MD

PreS—"Puppy loves the farmyard,/Puppy loves the rain," but it has just stopped falling, and all the animals on the farm have begun to enjoy the day, too. "Pony loves to stretch her legs/In the summer sun." An Easter-egg palette of pastels on a pale yellow background effectively renders the creatures more like nursery toys than farm animals. On the final spread, they peer through Baby's bedroom window as he sleeps, almost as if they have taken on the role of their stuffed equivalents. Unfortunately, the theme of discovering joy in life's small pleasures is undermined by forced rhymes and an overall syrupy tone, exacerbated by the persistent use of diminutive titles (e.g., "Piggy," "Mousey," etc.). And while phrases such as "Happy little lovey-doveys" may adequately soothe young children, eye-rolling is a possible side effect for adults who are sharing the book.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

PreS-K—On the cover of this picture book, a red-faced redhead clutches a bag of candies while looking around in wide-eyed panic. In this deceptively simple ink-and-watercolor illustration, Savadier has captured the essence of a child's reluctance to share: If I give you some, I'm afraid I won't have enough for me; I'm afraid you'll take it all; I'm afraid you won't give it back. Minimal words and pictures complement one another so well that each page or spread tells its own story. As Sheila's family discusses what she won't share—"not her bunny, or her ball"—the curly-haired toddler seems to expand as she angrily protects her toy rabbit from a crying baby or as she stretches herself across the top of an immense beach ball. When Sheila doesn't share, her awareness narrows to herself and her possessions; she shows fear, anger, and an aggressive defense of her turf. But she smiles and relaxes when she is able to give—cheerfully distributing bits of dry cereal to her sister, green beans to the family terrier, and, in two especially cozy drawings, a hug and a kiss to her grandmother. It's Nana who shows her grandchild that not sharing is hurtful and that sharing gives Sheila a different and happier kind of power. This is a funny, non-preachy look at a toddler's wrestling match with her survival instincts.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS—Dog and Bear are back in another book preschoolers will love. In the first story, Dog is angry at Bear and prepares to run away. Next, Dog makes a birthday cake for Bear, but then eats it himself. The last tale shows a demanding Dog and a weary Bear, followed by a sweet reversal and a gently happy conclusion. Using the briefest of texts paired with her simple paintings, Seeger brings out the subtlety that relationships between the very young can have. She also has a talent for focusing on the things kids care about most-for instance, how it feels when someone is bossy or how it feels to want something so badly you can't bear to share it. Her artwork, with bold colors and heavy lines, adds personality and interest. All in all, a great book for group or individual sharing.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—A mysterious extraterrestrial vehicle lands in the pasture, and the sheep are off on their seventh adventure. "Sheep snoop. Sheep explore./Sheep climb through the spaceship door." One green alien, who bears a marked resemblance to the sheep, has remained onboard and watches as they suit up and blast off. With Earth in the distance, two sheep float outside and check for damage. Later, when they tinker with the main controls, "Sheep panic. Sheep guess./Which button should they press?" Thankfully, the alien stuns them and brings the ship safely back to Earth. Other aliens, aware of the situation, help carry them off the spaceship and leave them sleeping peacefully under pink blankets. The sheep awaken as the spaceship blasts off once more. Apple's softly shaded, colored-pencil drawings capture the expressive faces of the five sheep, and Shaw's crisp rhyming text chronicles their misadventures with economy and good humor. Beginning readers can sound out the short, simple sentences as they look for the hidden alien and wonder when he will intervene. Sheep in a Jeep (Houghton, 1986) won the hearts of children more than 20 years ago, and this adventure will win new fans for the series.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—In the sentimental tradition of Margery Williams's Velveteen Rabbit and Don Freeman's Corduroy (Viking, 1968), Shields offers a story about a child's affection for a stuffed toy. A bear, given to a young girl as a gift, believes that his name is "Do Not Touch" (he had been sitting next to a sign with this message in the shop). He has soft white fur, a little red hat, and a "magic key" on his chest that, when turned, plays a song. Proud of his "finery," he is indeed untouchable, but the girl doesn't understand and plays with him anyway. Over time, he becomes worn and dirty. The bear is sad about his appearance, but the old pink rabbit on the top shelf explains that it is "better to be loved than admired." When the bear is lost in a department store, he realizes that he misses the girl. The tale unfolds in a straightforward manner and comes to the predictable conclusion that love is what you feel on the inside. The oil paint illustrations are stronger than the time-worn sentiment. The pages are filled with soft, painterly depictions of the characters and glow with cuddly warmth. Though there is nothing new here, libraries in need of more tales about beloved stuffed animals can consider this as an additional purchase.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 2—Five pinecones fall into a brook and follow the stream to new homes along the route to the river. The text, translated from German, retains an awkwardly foreign flavor, and the anthropomorphism of the pinecones seems forced. Too much focus is placed on their emotions rather than on the ecosystems through which they pass or on the process of seed dissemination. The detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures of gentle landscapes are charming but do not always support the action of the text, and the pinecones themselves are small and hard to see. The fate of the first four remains untold, and the final pinecone's transformation into a seedling is coyly implied rather than explained. This one is too precious to support science lessons and too quiet to capture the attention of most independent readers.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 2—The adventures of Cowgirl Kate and her horse continue in this fourth installment in the popular series. A storm hits while they are riding through the pasture, scaring Cocoa, although, once they reach safety, he claims that he was "just racing the wind." As the rain continues, Cocoa pretends to be sick in an effort to get Kate's attention. He then refuses to wear a rain sheet when he goes outside and ends up soaked. Cowgirl Kate remains the voice of reason to the animal's antics throughout the story. Lewin's colorful cartoon illustrations enhance the fast-paced action and perfectly capture the characters' many expressions and their close relationship. This delightful tale is certain to appeal to young readers, especially girls who may dream of having a horse of their own.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—After two children hurry inside to escape the rain, they gaze outdoors and wait for the end of the storm. Stewart elaborates on how various animals react to rain in different habitats: a forest, a field, a wetland, and a desert. The examples are clearly presented and interesting (e.g., squirrels use their bushy tails like umbrellas, hawks puff up feathers to keep warm). Bergum's well-rendered watercolors will facilitate group sharing. The page design of large panels separated by vertical white spaces adds visual interest. Unfortunately, the paintings of the children aren't as appealing as those of the animals in their environments. Still, the book would be a good choice for rainy-day sharing or to introduce a weather unit featuring such nonfiction classics as Franklyn Branley's Down Comes the Rain (HarperCollins, 1997).—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

PreS-Gr 1—Inspired by traditional cumulative poetry, Swanson weaves a soothing song that is as luminescent and soulful as the gorgeous illustrations that accompany her words. A journey both humble and epic begins with a key to a house. "Here is the key to the house./In the house burns a light./In that light rests a bed…." In the bedroom of the house, a girl reads a book in which a bird "breathes a song…all about the starry dark." Swanson's poem then takes readers on a flight across the night sky to the realm of the moon and sun, then back along the path to the key that marked the beginning of the journey. Krommes's folk-style black-and-white etchings with touches of yellow-orange make the world of the poem an enchanted place. Patches of light and shadow give shape to the darkness, while smiling celestial bodies populate the potentially lonely night with their friendly warmth. This picture book will make a strong impression on listeners making their first acquaintance with literature. It is a masterpiece that has all the hallmarks of a classic that will be loved for generations to come.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 3—A girl plants and nurtures a sunflower seed, enjoying each stage of its cycle from growth to bloom to seeding to remembrance. She addresses the sunflower directly: "Hello, little seed,/striped gray seed./Do you really know everything/about sunflowers?" Her one-sided conversation illuminates the everyday miracle packed inside the tiny seed ("…you do the real work/down in the dark") and evokes the lush garden setting ("The whole world wants to be golden/like you, sunflower,/to rest in the cool air/at sunset,/listening to cricket songs." The lyrical free verse is enhanced by Chodos-Irvine's colorful linocuts. The blocky yet realistic prints fit the mood perfectly and bring subtle layers of interpretation to the words, as when tiny sunlike fireflies are added to the dusk scene in which the flower is "thinking about the sun/even when it has gone away." Younger children will enjoy the concrete imagery while older readers will appreciate the effortlessly evoked themes of seasons, life cycle, and the miracles of nature. Portions of the text were previously published in the poetry collection Getting Used to the Dark (DK, 1997), but this picture-book presentation stands firmly on its own feet.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 1–4—This early chapter book tells how Kate Larkin broke her arm last summer, how she healed, and what she learned. The narrative and facts about bones are successfully melded. Though the protagonist does not have the presence of Judy Moody or Junie B. Jones, her voice is believable as an eight-year-old who is passionate about a topic. The format is appealing: large type, short chapters, and black-and-white illustrations generously dispersed throughout. A few quick experiments are appended. This is a solid choice for newly independent readers or for science-minded children looking for some fiction.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Matilda Rose is a cow who loves to smooch, but suddenly, on the day her father is due to return home from a "Moo York" trip, she fears that she has lost all of her kisses. She frantically peers inside cereal boxes, beneath her bed, and up and down grocery store aisles. Although she can't describe what they look like, she knows how they feel ("soft like Mommy's sweet-dreams-kiss"), taste ("yummy like a chocolaty candy-kiss"), and sound ("slurpy, sloppy" like a baby's "slobber-kiss"). When she hears Daddy's "booming voice" at the airport—"Matilda Rose, where's my big smoocheroo?"—she "feels something deep inside her heart" and discovers where her kisses come from. Bland's striking black-and-white pencil illustrations have splashes of watercolor highlighting the wide-eyed cow's polka-dotted tights as she searches high and low. While the story is a bit cloying, Matilda Rose has a whimsical charm.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 3—This reassuring bilingual tale describes how the sun, Jóhonaa'éí, awakens various things in the morning: a sage bush, some animals, and a human family. The soothing refrain, "Contented to know his job is done, Jóhonaa'éí goes on…," invites an audience to echo the reader. Amusingly, the refrain changes slightly when the coyote ignores the sun and just closes his eyes again, then the refrain begins, "Contented to know he tried,…." Finally, the sun taps on the door of a hogan until a family emerges to offer prayers to the "morning spirits" and thank Jóhonaa'éí for bringing them a new day. The award-winning Navajo illustrator, known for his mixture of art styles, plays with perspective and relational size: one page has an oversize sage bush in the foreground while the mesa behind it reflects a mixture of light and dark brown tones as the sun slowly reappears in a darkened sky. The animal characters range from realistic to cartoonlike renditions, and children will likely delight in the humorous depictions of mice and rabbits. Thick black lines create outlines that are filled with bold colors; narrow black lines expressively convey human features. Curiously, the first spread of the hogan shows smoke coming out of the chimney, the second does not, but the third picture again shows it. Stories about roosters awakening everyone abound; this one provides a gentle and quiet alternative that also honors a Native American culture.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—Captioned with a Boynton-esque rhyme—"Striped Iguanas climb,/Spotted Jaguars pounce,/Playful baby Kangaroos—/bounce, bounce, bounce!"—this A-to-Z menagerie of frisky, dot-eyed cartoon animals sports an array of special features, including moving parts, flaps, holes, foldouts, and a large pop-up alphabet poster in a rear pocket. Many of the animals also come with textured surfaces, from areas of shiny foil on the Parrotfish and sticky tentacles on the Octopus to a mop of fluff atop the Yak's head. As the poster is designed to be removed, and some of the push-tab action is powered by rubber bands, this won't have a long shelf life—but it's supercharged with child appeal and offers an irresistible invitation to touch, rub, lift, and pore over every crowded, colorful spread.—John Peters, New York Public Library

K-Gr 2—This beginning reader captures perfectly the excitement and anxiety of a typical childhood occurrence. One day at lunch, Amanda Pig discovers her tooth is loose. First, she shows it to everyone. Then she wiggles it to distraction during class. When Oliver tells her it will hurt and bleed, she refuses to let their father pull it out. Finally, she stops paying attention to it, and the tooth falls out on its own and is lost. Oliver helps her find it and she is able to put it under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. In the morning, she finds money and a note and discovers that she has another loose tooth. The illustrations are fun, showing a very pink Amanda Pig with bows around her ears wiggling her tooth while jumping rope and drawing it in art class. Of course, the final pictures show a triumphant gap-toothed smile. A great addition to the series.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Gr 2–4—In this early chapter book, Mom instructs Daisy Dawson to stop dawdling on her way to school as she has been tardy too often. However, en route to Nettlegreen Elementary, she becomes acquainted with a lovely butterfly that flutters against her cheek and, soon after, develops the ability to talk with the clever animals in the meadow. Daisy's romp, complete with a few close scrapes, involves her joining forces with a squirrel and a horse in an attempt to rescue a dog from a kennel. Sprightly illustrations in a variety of shapes appear throughout. First in a series, this charmer, long on whimsy and adventure, is sure to appeal to newly independent and reluctant readers.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

PreS-K—As red, white, and blue Mr. Choo-choo chugs from a city to the sea, he answers questions about his load, what he sees, and where he's going. Wickberg uses rhyme and repetition to entrance listeners. Mimicking the cadence of rail travel, the patterned text describes the voyage: "I pass cow-cow-cows/On the plains-plains-plains./Across the lake-lake-lake/I see other trains." From clanging bells to tunnels, the verses capture train-lovers' favorite details, including radical movement over slopes and a canyon-spanning bridge. Heo's collages and oil paintings are chock-full of friendly facets that will keep children coming back. Done in a primitive style, the artwork sports a striped coal car, a robot toy, a billboard of a fish, and a lamb rolling in the meadow. Despite the happy ending at the seashore (with a dog enjoying a boogie board), readers will be anxious to climb back on Mr. Choo-Choo for another energetic ride. Sometimes it seems there can't be enough train books to fill requests. Luckily, this one is worth the trip.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 2—Colin is the smallest mouse in his family. While his siblings cavort outside—"They were big enough to look after themselves"—he is told to sit quietly in bed. His overprotective mother reluctantly allows her baby to go out into the big wide world, but only if he is securely wrapped in a cotton covering. The safety plan backfires when Cottonball Colin is mistaken for a snowball and tossed into the river. After being pecked at by a duck and chased by a fox, he returns home emboldened and eager for more adventures. Ross's charming watercolors show the coddled and swaddled mouse surrounded by jars of ointment, blankets, and hot-water bottles. Children will relate to Colin's steps toward independence.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS—In this picture book with a tried-and-true theme, a chick repeatedly asks his mother whether she loves him. Her answer is reassuring even when he makes a funny face, jumps in a mud puddle, or loses a race. Then, when his happy chirping gets louder and louder and her pleas for quiet go ignored, she shouts at him, and Chick runs away. When she finds him, she tells him that although he sometimes makes her mad, and sometimes sad, her love remains steadfast. And when she makes a funny face, Chick returns the sentiments. Luminous watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the tender, sometimes taut, interplay between mother and child. Their expressions are priceless, particularly Little Chick's exuberance when he knows he is loved and his sadness when his mother yells at him. Children will respond to this read-aloud.—Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—A cumulative text enumerates the sounds family members encounter as they make their way to church. The final line of each rhymed stanza repeats the refrain, "And make a joyful noise to the Lord!" The narrative describes the "tweets," "strums," and "taps" and encourages readers to chime in, ending with giving thanks for "this great, noisy day." Bates uses sepia-toned watercolor and pencil to reflect the action in each stanza, with the bird that started it all appearing on each page. Visible pencil lines beneath the art work well to convey movement, but, in combination with the washed-out tones, give the pages a first-draft look. The artist makes interesting use of stylized music staffs and handwritten onomatopoetic words throughout the text and on the endpapers to show that all noise can be music to God, but those, too, add to the unfinished feel of the illustrations. The rhyming stanzas need some practice to get right during read-alouds, but they're worth the effort; using different emphasis changes the rhyme from Sunday-school sweetness to a bouncy preschool rap. The overall result is uneven, though, and weaker than its predecessors, Give Thanks to the Lord and I Will Rejoice (both Zonderkidz, 2007).—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 1—Hannah Duck lives contentedly with Gigi the parakeet and KameKame the turtle, but dreads her Sunday walks alone to the park. Afterward Gigi and KameKame pepper her with questions about the outside, and when she finally admits that the walks frighten her, Gigi offers to go along, giving Hannah the courage to amble through the gate and make new friends. Charming woodcut illustrations are the highlight of this offering, showcasing Yamamura's substantial talent as a visual artist. Bold black outlines and a sunny palette create an atmosphere that is warm and promising. However, the story is contrived and even illogical. If Hannah is so afraid of her walks, why does she go? And if Gigi is so curious about the outside, why didn't she accompany her friend in the first place? Initially it looks like the bird is confined to her cage, yet she's able to come and go at will. An additional choice, at best.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—Fans of Belinda the Ballerina (2003), Belinda in Paris (2005), and Belinda and the Glass Slipper (2006, all Viking) will enjoy the girl's backstory. Readers meet Belinda as a baby with huge feet and learn of her trials jumping rope, buying shoes, and playing hopscotch. On the positive side, her big feet allow her to reach a cookie jar on a high shelf and ski without skis. The plot revolves around a school talent show in which Belinda is pushed into being a clown. Terribly unhappy about performing, and peeking at another student practicing her ballet routine, she longs to dance as well. She enchants the talent-show audience by being true to herself and breaking out of being a clown and transforming into a ballerina. The illustrations depict a younger Belinda than in the other books but with otherwise the same look and feel. A solid story with a positive message about underdogs and self-confidence.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

Gr 3–5—These oversize volumes begin with book jackets that reverse to become large posters. The texts are set in a good-size font, placed in blocks around the pages, and are accompanied by excellent color photographs. Each book contains numerous three- or four-page foldouts. Fire Engines and Heavy Equipment do a better job of captioning with additional information than the other two titles. Many of the photos are enlarged to the actual size of the object being depicted and are so labeled. Fighter Planes and Submarines appear to be accurate, but the text in Fire Engines implies that one cannot become a firefighter without attending the National Fire Academy. While one photo and its caption indicate that there are volunteers, no mention is made of them in the text. Heavy Equipment has some errors in the chapter about farm equipment. At least three captions are incorrect; the combine shown in a four-page foldout is called a tractor. The impression is given that this same "tractor" is quite new, but it is very likely that it is approximately 25 years old, and is not apt to contain all the modern conveniences that are listed in the caption. The text describes the combine as "one machine that is able to do all the elements of farming in a single step." While it does do all the harvesting steps, it by no means eliminates the need for other farm equipment. These titles will be immensely popular; just keep in mind that the large gatefolds will receive a lot of abuse.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 1–3—These series entries are touted by the publisher as being "high-interest, high-energy," but they are poorly organized, and Pets offers almost no practical advice for animal care (though such information is provided in Birds). Chapter titles indicate the kind of pet featured—cute, cold-blooded, or "other"—but transitions between animals within the chapters are awkward. Adelman describes frogs as just sitting around "waiting for food to wander by. But they make those froggy sounds and they are ugly in a cool way." Birds is less colloquial. The books' layout, while including clear, crisp photographs, is almost as random as the texts. Inconsistent use of icons (such as a lightbulb for an important fact or an arrow for glossary words) gives a haphazard, unfinished impression. The slight further-reading lists feature current books, but the only online resource mentioned in either is the publisher's site, which presents up-to-date links.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 2–4—These books introduce a variety of dwellings and settings. Basic facts about building materials, weather, the environment, etc., are presented, but the style of writing does nothing to bring the information to life. Unfamiliar words are in bold type in the texts and defined briefly in the glossaries, without pronunciation guides. Two-page chapters include occasional sidebars. Each spread has two large, captioned color photos. City Homes discusses apartment buildings, townhouses, and shanty towns; Island Homes has pictures of Tokyo, Manhattan, and a house on the Pacific island of Satawal. Back matter includes world maps that identify the countries discussed, a few discussion questions, and an activity (e.g., in Homes on the Move, instructions for building an igloo from clay). In some instances these books might provide a few facts to support a social-studies curriculum dealing with shelters, but they are additional.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 2–4—Enthusiastic, warm introductions to the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership. Information about common breeds and varieties is included, along with bright color photos. Rabbits discusses the Netherland dwarf, Jersey wooly, American fuzzy lop, and so on. Fishes covers betas, mollies, tetras, etc. Turtles describes red-eared sliders, cooters, and spotted turtles, among others. Dogs explores the advantages of choosing either a puppy or an adult animal as a pet. Cats highlights the Main Coon, Manx, Sphynx, and other felines. The care of each animal is outlined, with advice and warnings about when to ask an adult or a veterinarian for assistance. The answer to whether the pet in question is right for the reader is well considered with the pros and cons, emphasizing sacrifices of time and effort that will be rewarded by companionship or other satisfactions. What needs to be done to prepare a home or yard is discussed, as is where to buy the pet, potential problems, and good questions to ask the seller. Straightforward discussions of what the animals eat and how to keep them healthy and their environments clean are included. The books open with material on some famous animals and mythology, which distracts from their purpose, but they are clearly written and are the most thorough, honest introductions to owning a pet for this audience.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

K-Gr 1—The full-color action photography is the strength of these books. Unfortunately, the weak texts give very little actual information. "Lots of people like to ride snowboards. Some grown-ups ride snowboards. Lots of kids and teenagers ride snowboards, too. People who ride snowboards are called snowboarders." "Rock climbers climb slowly. They reach up carefully. They climb higher and higher. At last they reach the top!" This information is not exactly enlightening, even for first graders. The brief glossaries (four terms each) are equally poor, with words such as "partner" and "tricks." Many better series on these subjects already exist, including "Kids' Guides" (The Child's World), "Extreme Sports" (National Geographic), and "X-treme Outdoors" (Children's Press). Stick with them, even if the reading level is a bit higher.—Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI

Gr 3–5—More than 100 years ago, a small boy tumbled down the stairs and was picked up by Harry Houdini in what became a historic moment. "Gee, that was some buster the kid took!" The backstage baby was soon performing with his vaudeville parents and grew up to become a famous movie producer and performer. Keaton tells of his childhood fascination with movies. His father's disapproval of them led teenage Keaton to run away to New York, where he fell into company with moviemaker Fatty Arbuckle. Though the text runs below the variously grouped picture frames in fairly standard picture-book fashion, Brighton's cartoon drawings shaded in umber and gray tones have a graphic look quite appropriate to the comic subject. The account ends with a brief look at the elaborate stage falls typical of Keaton's movie humor, and a full-page author's note gives added information on his career. A few recommended films are appended; they should nicely extend the introduction to this larger-than-life performer who is likely to be little known to today's children.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 1–4—The CATegorical cats are back. A professorial feline opens this offbeat lecture with a definition of adverbs and a color-coded guide to the types found throughout the book. Readers are then drawn into another of Cleary's signature rhyming narratives, which tumbles across each page verbally and visually. "Adverbs sometimes tell us where, like these are here and those are there. Often they will tell us when, like this is now and that was then." Every adverb is highlighted in a bright font. Knob-nosed felines done in a rainbow of colors mime numerous examples of actions that can be performed with adverbial panache. Yellow eyes peer from within a dark cloak for "Eerily, he stared ahead," and a tutu-wearing kitty tumbles over for "she's a totally terrible dancer." While the rhythm will be bouncing in listeners' heads when the lesson is over, the singsong nature of the rhyme itself may distract some students from the information being presented. Libraries that own Dearly, Nearly, Insincerely (Carolrhoda, 2003) may consider this title an additional purchase.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-K—This "nine-month guide for parents and kids to share" has a playful tone, a few unique features, and some serious shortcomings. Readers follow the progress of a fetus through life-size drawings and a calendar by which they can count down the days until the infant arrives. Factoids alternate between cute, complex, and confusing (what does "almost as big as a pumpkin" or "the size of a carton of milk" mean?). For adults who prefer to skirt the topics of sex and anatomy, this book will be easier to tolerate than Heidi Murkoff's What to Expect When Mommy's Having a Baby (HarperCollins, 2000) or Dori Hillestad Butler's My Mom's Having a Baby! (Albert Whitman, 2005). However, those books contain a healthy dose of joy and warmth along with the facts and invite children to participate in the growth of their families. There's no similar invitation in this strangely impersonal offering. It seems as though the infant has taken the sibling's place already, which is just what this type of book strives to avoid. The cries of "Hip-hip-hooray" and "Welcome, Baby!" at the book's end have a hollow ring-and worse, the author presents a mini-lecture about being careful with the new baby, being quiet when it sleeps, and being aware that it will cry a lot. This is not sounding like a whole lot of fun. While some of the facts are intriguing, and many of the illustrations are simultaneously playful and instructive, the tone and overall message here are not reassuring.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 2–5—Three easy-to-read titles with texts in both English and Spanish. Basic career facts about each driver are presented opposite crisp, full-color photos of the men, their racing cars and trucks, pit-crew members, and action shots. Words in boldface are defined in the short glossaries. A tiny (two title) list of further reading, with different books in each language, is also provided. Unfortunately, a publisher's note on an Internet link to "regularly updated" Web sites is effectively buried below the LC cataloging data. Otherwise, this is an agreeable trio of titles for reluctant readers and ESL students.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—Doner celebrates the work of Chryssee Perry Martin, dubbed "Mama Orphanage" for her work as an honorary warden of the Kenya Wildlife Service. Most of the book features a rhymed account of a food-collecting journey Mama O takes along the busy, dusty African roads. She passes numerous villagers and stops at a store, market, and school to pick up donations. When she returns to the animal orphanage, volunteers distribute food and care for the creatures. Among the book's strengths are the depiction of a vibrant, modern country where water buffalo share the roads with taxi/vans, and people of various races work to care for wildlife. However, because most of the marker and pencil illustrations present Mama O's viewpoint of the trip, it takes a while to realize what the woman is doing and why. Four pages of explanatory text and photos at the end of the book provide welcome information about Martin and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. Looking at this section first would enhance a read-aloud presentation. For the most part, the rhymed text flows smoothly, but the incorporation of Swahili words and prose snippets of conversation may trip up unsuspecting oral readers. Although the book deals with an interesting topic, the curious method of presentation limits its usefulness.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 1–5—An excellent picture-book biography. Although Wells is well known for her efforts to end the horrific practice of lynching, here defined as "execution outside the law," the text maintains a child-appropriate approach. Wells's anger and frustration are expressed but the crimes are not described. Background notes go into more detail and outline the journalist's advocacy work for equal rights for blacks and women. Alcorn's outstanding illustrations give readers a sense of the woman. She is depicted as well dressed and elegant, an image borne out by the photographs at the end of the book. Flat, watercolor-tinted drawings of expressionistic scenes sometimes float, sometimes sprawl, across the pages in a boldly flowing manner. The perspective is constantly shifting, even among the elements on a single page. While most of the human figures are rounded, white people who are abusing blacks are shown as caricatured shapes full of sharp lines and angles. Sometimes a large white hand pushes down a black person, again emphasizing a lack of humanity. A noose is incorporated into one illustration but there are no pictures of people being hanged. Alcorn's inventive, imaginative artwork softens the violence without minimizing it. Through words and pictures, the book conveys the story of a woman who exhibited admirable fortitude and bravery.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 1–3—These books open with clear, basic descriptions of the landscapes and then move on to discuss their formation, where they can be found, and their features; they also describe plants and wildlife (in Prairies) and contribution to the water cycle (in Glaciers). The two sentences per page provide sufficient information for young readers while not overwhelming them. Stunning full-color photographs clearly show relevant locations and some of their wildlife and human activity. The books contain tables of contents, but the chapters are not labeled. The reading level here is lower than in the "Earthforms" series and higher than in the "Earth Features" series (both Capstone). Libraries seeking to supplement a geography collection should consider these titles.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 2–4—Some fascinating, if dangerous, snakes are the focus of these straightforward introductions. In each one, a large-print text covers the basics, first identifying the family to which the reptiles belong and then briefly describing their outstanding physical characteristics, behavior, habitats, and diets. Each title also profiles two or three species, describing some distinctive characteristics and outlining the level of danger they pose to humans. A full-page, sharp color close-up of one or more representative species appears opposite each page of text. All three titles are lucid and objective, notwithstanding the hyperbolic series title. Boas describes more species and gives more detail on physical and behavioral characteristics than Carmen Bredeson's Boa Constrictors up Close (Enslow, 2006), which focuses primarily on major body parts. Rattlesnakes has a greater emphasis on individual species and a more accessible text than Jim Arnosky's All about Rattlesnakes (Scholastic, 1997), which is illustrated with watercolor paintings and has more information on senses and hibernation. They are good companion volumes. Fiedler's books are reliable resources for beginning reports.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

K-Gr 5—This fable is beautifully retold in simple verse, bringing a timeless message to young readers. A man walks along a winding road and is thrown in the middle of a contest between the Sun and the Wind over who can get him to take off his coat. The magical setting and the conflict between the two elements is brought out well in the highly fanciful, painterly illustrations. The Wind, depicted as an angry green-eyed face with bushy eyebrows, tries to blow the coat off the man, but all the huffing and puffing only prompts him to clutch the garment tighter. Then the Sun comes out, also round-faced, but with a gentle smile and rainbow-colored eyes, and warms the surroundings slowly so that the man slips off his jacket and sits down under a tree. The Wind asks, "How did you FORCE him to take off his coat?" Wisely the Sun replies, "Through gentleness I won my way." A spread at the end shows the man playing the flute and tumbling down a rainbow, evoking the happiness and transformation caused by the Sun's gentle approach, with the flummoxed Wind looking down on the scene.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School Library, New Delhi, India

K-Gr 4—This addition to Gibbons's long list of publications is typical, with a slightly oversize format; sketchbook-style illustrations; and a simple, readable text. It covers such topics as physical characteristics, locomotion, hunting techniques, and eating habits. Mating, while mentioned, is not depicted, nor is the actual birth of viviparous species. Strangely, while the animals are described as "cold-blooded" on the jacket flap, it is not mentioned in the text, though readers are told that "Snakes can regulate their body temperatures by moving to warmer or cooler areas." The illustrations depict a colorful array of creatures against their bright-hued grass, desert, and water habitats. Additional factoids are appended. Not as simple as the easy-reader style of Jennifer Dussling's Slinky, Scaly Snakes (DK, 1998) or Sarah L. Thomson's Amazing Snakes! (HarperCollins, 2006), or as demanding as Laurence Pringle's elegant Snakes! (Boyds Mills, 2004) or Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's handsome Slinky, Scaly, Slithery Snakes (Walker, 2000), Gibbons's offering will be enjoyed by young researchers and budding herpetologists.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 2–3—Set against full-bleed illustrations, an astronomer's explanation of how suns and solar systems form from dust should effectively turn young readers toward a more cosmic outlook. Grady discusses in turn the formation of the Sun, the planets, comets ("dirty snowballs") and asteroids, meteors, the Earth ("a ball of squashed stardust"), and the Moon. She concludes by noting that a sun's death frees up dust for the next stellar generation, then closes with a glossary that adds some additional astronomical information. DeLeiris's paintings range from impressionistic scenes of swirling dust clouds and stellar explosions to a group portrait of specimen meteorites. The writing helps to compensate for the rather stodgy art, and in company with April Pulley Sayre's The Stars Beneath Your Bed: The Surprising Story of Dust (HarperCollins, 2005) will fit neatly into primary-level introductions to astronomy.—John Peters, New York Public Library

PreS—Greene has adapted a nursery song first published in 1895 in a collection edited by the Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould, who deserves credit for preserving traditional English folk music. However, the impetus for transforming this song into a picture book seems unclear. Mother and child wander through an idyllic landscape inhabited by fairies. The tiny creatures ride on leaf chariots pulled by butterflies, float on leafy boats, and embroider flower petals. The refrain, "And it's O! sweet, sweet! and a lullaby," exemplifies the cloying nature of the text and the pastel illustrations. Nostalgic adults who idealize babyhood might appreciate the Victorian sensibility, but the child appeal seems minimal. Original music by Paul Alan Levi provides a pleasant tune that could soothe tiny listeners too tired or fussy for reading. With so many books of lullabies available, it is hard to imagine any libraries needing this one unless they include specialized collections of English folk songs.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

PreS-Gr 2—These three titles were designed to support national science standards related to changing seasons. Each one is vividly illustrated with large, excellent-quality photographs that complement the simple two to three lines of text on each spread. Apple Harvest has irresistible images, some larger than life, and lightly explores growing, picking, and eating this fruit. Scarecrows showcases whimsical creations: "Scarecrows look like people. They wear shirts and pants stuffed with yellow straw." Animals features engaging images of a bear, squirrels, bees, and other animals affected by the changing season. Animals features engaging images of bear, squirrels, bees and other animals affected by the changing season. Each book has a glossary, table of contents, and index, plus suggestions for further reading and Web sites, providing emerging readers an introduction to these valuable tools. Kids will be drawn to these books because of their strong visual appeal.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 1–4—Each title in this introductory series has four chapters that describe the tribe's history and culture, way of life, beliefs, present status, and future outlook. Colorful modern photographs appear throughout, as do paintings, photos, and maps. Each volume includes a simple craft or activity (basket weaving, war bonnet, soapstone carving) as well as a Native recipe (berry jam, fruit leather, fish soup). Both Chumash and Inuit include a page of basic words in the Native language. These texts are slightly more complex than those in the "True Books" series (Children's Press) and compare very closely to the "First Reports" series (Compass Point). Each book has a helpful, easy-to-read graphical time line. Clear writing and attractive layouts make these books accessible and appealing choices.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2–3—These four introductions to heavenly bodies offer readers a basic, accurate understanding of their respective topics. Asteroids discusses the origins of, and differences among, three commonly confused objects. Dwarf Planets updates older views of the solar system by focusing on the recently reclassified Ceres, Pluto, and Eris. Kuiper Belt examines the little-known region out of which most comets come, and, in Milky Way, Howard looks beyond our home galaxy at black holes and galaxy types in general. Occasionally, difficult concepts aren't adequately explained—in Milky Way, for instance: "A black hole is not really a hole. It is an area of space with very strong gravity." Overall, though, the author presents the broad picture clearly, with a minimum of verbal or visual boilerplate, and every spread of each volume contains at least one labeled, captioned, and relevant color photo or artist's conception. All merit consideration as alternatives or companions to relevant titles in the "First Facts: The Solar System" (Capstone) and "True Books: Space" (Children's Press) series.—John Peters, New York Public Library

K-Gr 2—This colorful picture book introduces the life cycle of a butterfly through text based on a traditional children's song. Arabella Miller discovers the transformation of her caterpillar as page by page, munch by munch, "He ate and ate and grew and grew,/for that's what caterpillars do." An entrancing blend of brightly hued paper collage and casual pencil swirls illustrates the child with her tiny houseguest as she redoubles her efforts to persuade Caterpillar to stay. Variations of verse with the rhyming sounds "Miller" and "—pillar" create a familiar refrain. Arabella Miller follows her caterpillar with wonder through each stage, until the butterfly flits away across a full spread. Two pages of back matter retell the four-stage cycle, introducing scientific terms (chrysalis, metamorphosis). This lilting, rhythmic, patterned story has personal poetic expression and information. A first choice.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 4—Through an engaging bilingual narrative and lovely, full-color photos, Zhang Yue gives readers a tour of her hometown, beautiful and historic Beijing. She starts the day with a visit to her grandmother in a hutong, or neighborhood, in the old part of the city. Along the way she introduces the sights and shops in a voice that is natural and interesting, inviting readers to experience all of the little details that make Beijing unique. The photographs wonderfully capture the splendor of the major monuments as well as the fascinating bustle of the outdoor markets. An attractive addition to nonfiction collections.—Lauren Anduri, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 2–5—Each volume features more than 30 commonly used but curious-sounding phrases. Following an introductory definition of the term "idiom," watercolor cartoons of googly-eyed children suggest the most apparent meaning of each phrase. Coupled with each picture is a short narrative that illustrates the phrase's true meaning in context. The idiom's meaning is then stated plainly in enlarged colorful type. While these books will not provide historical insight to those curious about the origins of English idioms, ESL students will find them useful in understanding a wide variety of the language's colloquialisms. While "ants in your pants," "let your hair down," and most other phrases are likely to be encountered in everyday conversation, some phrases may strike even fluent English speakers as obscure (e.g., "loaded for bear," "sitting in a catbird seat"). In spite of the subtitle, not all of the phrases in You Let the Cat Out of the Bag! are animal related. Each title includes a table of contents that lists the idioms within. Slightly more informative than Catherine Snodgrass's Super Silly Sayings That Are over Your Head (Starfish, 2004) and Laura Hambleton and Sedat Turhan's Monkey Business: Fun with Idioms (Milet, 2007), these accessible titles will be useful in most collections.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 2–4—Each of these brief biographies begins with a pivotal event in the subject's life and stresses what students can learn from her accomplishments. Amelia Earhart documents the pilot's education, training, and famous flights, including the one on which she disappeared. Elizabeth Blackwell became a doctor to help support her family, going on to start a clinic for the poor and open her own medical school. After Helen Keller lost her hearing and sight, her teacher Annie Sullivan opened her world to language, and Keller went on to help others with physical challenges. Anne Frank is an overview of the Frank family's flight to the Netherlands and their life in hiding, ending with Anne's death at Bergen-Belsen and the discovery of her diary. The large typeface and plentiful illustrations make these titles ideal for students who have just graduated to chapter books. However, illustration quality varies; a few maps are so blurry that they are hard to read. In addition, it is difficult to adequately explain issues like the Holocaust in books written at this level. Josephine Poole's Anne Frank (Knopf, 2005) provides a more thorough explanation. Purchase these where easy biographies, or those with a focus on character education, are in demand.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 1–4—This sprightly, clever collection centers on facts found in various editions of the "Guinness Book of Records." Two poems share the first page: "The Kookiest Hat" and "The Shortest Street." The facing page shows a man with an elongated arm holding a fried egg over his head sunny side up as he walks down Elgin Street, which is only 17 feet long. "The Largest Mantle of Bees" is about a man who is covered with more than 340,000 bees; his caricatured eyes and mouth peek through a mass of insects. Another man kissed 10,504 people in 8 hours; he is shown wearing a blue turban, with flames rising up from his puckered lips. The droll, distinct illustrations created using acrylic paint and colored pencils capture perfectly the humor and vigor of the text. This attractive book is saturated with color and will charm children who understand its adroit wordplay. The hyperbolic title hints of the boasts within, like "The Most Cobras Kissed Consecutively" or "The Longest Time a Human Remained Standing," and the colorful visual interpretations will entice browsers.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 2–4—Each of these graphically pleasing titles has instructions for 14 projects, among them a folder, drum, and hang-glider (Cardboard) and a tray, turtle, and clown (Cloth). A materials list is provided for each item, with general supplies and recyclables sufficient for most crafts. The simple directions are adequately spaced on the page and accompanied by step-by-step color photos. These books will be popular additions to most collections.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 1–3—A creative, eye-catching illustrated cover will attract kids to this book, and the large print; softly colored, childlike drawings; and simple sentences are sure to keep them interested in pursuing art on their own. A "self-portrait" shows how position, figure, clothing, facial expressions, and hair are combined to create a lively piece of artwork. Materials needed are clearly labeled and accompanied by sharp color photos or neat sketches. In three easy steps, children can see how to use lines and shapes to draw faces, features, expressions, a figure drawing, or an astronaut. A trio of acrobats illustrates the concept of movement in art. Especially interesting is learning how to achieve various textures in a drawing (bumpy, rough, wrinkled, etc.). This title is sure to please beginning artists.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 1–3—This book presents brightly colored, framed examples and ink cartoons to invite young readers to make prints. Simple stamp prints fill the pages, as well as relief, intaglio, and block prints, with examples of patterns and symmetry. The author begins focusing on insects, but adds notes, suggestions, and a materials list for parents and teachers to introduce other natural subjects. A child-friendly format introduces the prints: each art project entails only three easy-to-follow steps, and embellishments add creativity and instruction ("try filling your leaf with tiny dark green dots of paint so your ladybugs have lots of aphids to count!"). A final project combines all of the earlier suggestions in a monoprint. Creating art with prints may not be an original idea, but Luxbacher presents bold, eye-catching examples in an easy-to-understand, entertaining manner. Effortless fun with simple household materials and admirable results.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 3—In this retelling of a Swedish folktale, a Traveller wants to get out of the snowy woods and looks for a cottage to spend the night. A burly, scowling woman takes him in but tells him that she has nothing in the house to eat—so he offers to make Nail Soup. Dropping a rusty nail into a pot of boiling water, he thinks of ingredient after ingredient that would make the soup better. "But…what one has to do without,/It's no use thinking more about." Each time the woman finds just the flour, beef, potatoes, or herb needed—and so it becomes like the soup the King and Queen eat. By sharing food and telling stories, they make the evening magical. Not only does the woman make up the spare bed for him, but she also gives him a gold coin as he walks away into the green forest the next morning. Maddern uses a storyteller's cadence, and words flow beautifully, begging to be read aloud. The artwork is done in watercolors with a jewel-tone palette and features strange perspectives with rooms in the cottage that are castle-size and floors that tilt crazily. The fanciful pictures hint at magic, transforming the Traveller and the woman into royalty, Nail Soup into a tasty meal, and winter into summer. Pair this with Marcia Brown's classic Stone Soup (S & S, 1947) and consider whose hearts were softened and whose heads were merely tricked.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 2–4—Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This simple story focuses on her conservation efforts, with little mention of her personal life and political struggles. Maathai studied biology in the United States in the early 1960s. When she returned to the newly independent Kenya five years later, she noticed that her country's natural resources were disappearing rapidly and that the people were growing poorer. She devised a strategy to reverse the desertification of Kenya by teaching women how to collect tree seeds and plant and nurture them. Since 1977, 30 million trees have been planted and her conservation lessons have moved across Africa and the world. The delicately detailed illustrations suit the equally low-key writing style. They effectively show the natural beauty of the landscape and convey the scope of the problems associated with deforestation. The artist is equally adept at portraying Wangari as she moves about the countryside and spreads her message among the people. This tale of civic responsibility, personal initiative, and conservation of natural resources is a timely one although it raises as many questions as it answers. An author's note provides a bit more background on Maathai's efforts. Add this to collections in need of easy materials on Kenya, conservation, or women leaders.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 2–4—In Mexico and the United States, Cinco de Mayo honors the Mexican army that defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Otto uses a first-person plural voice to describe the events of the day, "We celebrate with music and dance." "We have parades." "We hit the piñata." This approach is often distracting as there is no apparent narrator with whom children can relate. End matter includes directions on how to dance La Raspa, facts about Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and various activities that are held throughout the U.S. to commemorate this day. Also included is a recipe for a burrito and a map of the U.S. with states highlighted that were discussed. Vivid, full-color photographs, many full page, show people celebrating and proudly displaying the Mexican flag, and the captions, written in third person, provide additional information. Amanda Doering's Cinco de Mayo (Capstone, 2005) contains similar information for young readers.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 3–5—In 1964, Smith became the first woman from a major political party to run for President of the United States, and her career in politics featured other highlights as well. Clear, well-paced writing traces her eventful 97 years chronologically with two or three paragraphs of text per spread. Opposite each page of text, McPhail's warm pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations feature Smith prominently and provide appealing visual references to the various stages of her life. Plourde touches on Smith's commitment to the military and to space exploration, her courage in speaking out against McCarthyism, and her lifelong dedication to her work and values. Readers don't learn of her political party until close to the end, and there is not much background regarding her presidential bid, but that fits the scope of this biography for younger readers. Each page of text ends with a laudatory sentence highlighting one of her many roles: "What a leader she was—one who dared to speak the truth." Time lines along the bottom of each spread offer brief notes on related topics. A life expectancy time line, for example, provides perspective on the early deaths of Margaret's brothers, and a Cold War chronology complements the description of her famous "Declaration of Conscience" speech. A solid addition to biography shelves.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 2–4—Using cutesy cartoon drawings and clear, nicely chosen, color photographs, this guide provides an appealing introduction to the world of ponies. Each spread highlights a topic such as markings, breeds, senses, handling, first riding lesson, and famous ponies. The children in the photos are well matched with the ponies. A glossary of horse-related terms is included as well as a number of recommended Internet sites. They include the commercial Web site for the Sugar Cubes ponies depicted in the cartoons throughout. Although these animals will no doubt appeal to some young readers, they are a totally unnecessary commercial addition to this otherwise well-organized and concise resource.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 3–6—Using the works of famous abstract artists, Raimondo invites readers to discover this genre. Her tone is lively and inquisitive as she challenges children to use their imaginations and visual skills as they examine such masterpieces as Picasso's Weeping Woman and Léger's The City, and view children's projects that illustrate similar styles. The activities encourage the investigation of shapes, colors, and patterns, as well as personal creativity. Instructions are clear and thorough and include a list of the supplies needed. A brief biography of each of the artists is appended. The color photos and reproductions are well chosen and the vivid layout will draw readers to the featured works and projects, and should help cultivate some aspiring artists.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

K-Gr 3—A seemingly impossible premise, "Trout are made of trees," is at the heart of this explanation of the life cycle of a trout. A boy and girl, one white, one black, are exploring the stream and its inhabitants with their parents. In clear sentences, young readers follow autumn leaves as they fall from a tree into the water, are softened by algae and eaten by other creatures, which are then consumed by the trout. A more detailed explanation is included at the end of the book. Attractive collage illustrations in natural colors fill the spreads and help to explain the text. This unique introduction to how changes in nature create the food web illustrates how the whole world is interconnected.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

K-Gr 3—This early introduction to basic etiquette features simple text and equally simple illustrations. Accompanied by Landry's straightforward depictions of the child and her friends, all isolated against a featureless white background, the authors introduce readers to a handful of polite terms. The premise is that knowing (and using) them makes it easy to get along with everyone. As Emily wends her way forward through the book, her words generate all manner of results. "Please" and "thank you" compel Jerome to hold a door for her; variations on "hello" and "good-bye" bring smiles all around; "excuse me" allows the grown-ups to forgive her for burping at dinner. The clear message is plainly conveyed. A "Note to Parents" acknowledges that the finer points of etiquette are lost on young children, but reminds adults that it is important to set the stage early in order to raise respectful, conscientious children. Consider this a serviceable addition to most collections.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 3—These attractive titles will pique the interest of children and encourage them to seek out more information on the plants, animals, and habitats featured in the photographs. They are set up like a guessing game, allowing for interaction whether shared one-on-one or with groups. Each entry opens with a white page with large black type that asks viewers to "Look very closely. What do you see?" The facing page is black with what seems like a hole to peep through to the next spread (though it is really just a section of the photograph that follows). Readers are given a couple of possibilities to start them guessing on what image might be depicted, and, when the page is turned, an enlarged close-up is in full view, along with a few interesting facts about the plant or animal. The books can be used in a storytime or to introduce a study of the sea or the forest. The photographs depict some plants and animals that may not be familiar to children, depending on where they live.—Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

K-Gr 4—If you were an attractive and concise introduction to parts of speech, you might be a title in this series. Through a repeating refrain of "If you were," each volume defines its topic, refines the definition further, and provides numerous examples that will be easily recognizable to lower elementary listeners. "If you were alliteration, you could create tongue twisters…. She sells seashells by the seashore." "If you were onomatopoeia, you would need to be an attentive listener…. You could imitate the sounds you hear indoors. You could CLANG like a pot or POP like corn." Short text segments and colorful textured paintings carry students gently through these linguistic introductions. Both titles close with an easy activity to build a deeper understanding of the topic. Primary definitions are easy to find in large, colorful print on the title page. Solid purchases for classrooms and libraries.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 2–5—Eggs of many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures and produced by a variety of animals are introduced in short blocks of text and realistic paintings. Singer opens the discussion with a small poem and then explains how eggs serve as the means of reproduction for those creatures that don't "give birth to live babies." A few pages feature larger pictures of an animal with its eggs or nest, while most include smaller examples in varied arrangements across the page. The book is visually attractive, with full-color gouache paintings on every page, offering a bit more explanation of the same topics that were beautifully presented in Diana Aston's An Egg Is Quiet (Chronicle, 2006). Nests are mentioned, though the inclusion of a page on the hives and nests of wasps and bees is a bit confusing. The topic and presentation are appealing for general readers and the information is useful for life-science units.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 3—In this Chinese version of "Puss in Boots," a young man is called King Pom because he owns a grand pomegranate tree. When a fox is caught stealing its fruit, he strikes a bargain. The fox arranges for King Pom to be rescued from the river and presented to the Emperor as a rich man, unfortunately attacked by robbers. The Emperor likes the young man and thinks he'd be a good catch for his daughter, but the suspicious Prime Minister accompanies King Pom back home to see his palace. The fox runs ahead, persuading herdsmen with camels and grooms with magnificent horses to say they belong to King Pom. The fox then tricks a fierce ogre who lives in a splendid palace into changing shapes—first into a tiger and then into a green bug, which the fox squashes. The Prime Minister believes the palace is King Pom's, so all ends well for the young man, the princess, and the fox. Souhami's bright, uncluttered collages are made of Ingres papers adorned with watercolor, ink, and pencil and lightly positioned on creamy backgrounds. The collage of the ogre as a fierce tiger is stunning and fairly leaps off the page. The spareness of the text matches the simplicity of the artwork, and, like all good fairy tales, it begs to be read aloud. Compare this variant to Charles Perrault's Puss in Boots with Fred Marcellino's elegant artwork (Farrar, 1990). This is a solid choice for fairy-tale collections and a boon to storytimes.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 1–4—This picture-book account of the nearly 200-year history of the Texas Rangers begins in 1823, when Governor Stephen Austin formed a band of volunteers, soldiers without uniforms, to defend early Texians. The bulk of the book covers the 1800s, when the Rangers fought Indian tribes; participated in the war against Mexico; and defended settlers from bank robbers, cattle rustlers, and horse thieves. Brief biographical vignettes introduce individuals such as John Coffee Hays, who gave Colt revolvers to his men, making the pistol a lasting symbol; William A. A. "Big Foot" Wallace, who was captured and imprisoned by the Mexican cavalry; and John B. Armstrong, who tracked down the notorious outlaw John Wesley Hardin. The violent and somewhat reckless history is downplayed for young readers. There is a brief section on modern Rangers, with the recent inclusion of African Americans and women to the ranks, and the intense competition involved in joining up. Munro's colorful illustrations provide a look at the lawmen, depict the action and locales, and portray the changing times. They're sure to entice youngsters and keep them turning the pages.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3–6—It's hard to beat this title for a clear, accurate, and appealing survey. Illustrations are key to this subject, and the range of crisp photos is excellent. From large landscapes like the surface of Mars and a sunset view of the Taj Mahal to close-ups of the Carmen Lúcia ruby and the pebbles in a piece of breccia, each image is carefully placed to add meaning. Beginning with the definitions of rocks and minerals, the well-organized text goes on to describe igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and gemstones, explaining how each one is identified and used and where it is found on Earth. A spread at the end introduces a geologist who tells about her work and gives advice to aspiring scientists. Internet links throughout the text send readers to multimedia pages on the Smithsonian's site that correspond to topics addressed. Additional links in the "More to See and Read" section include Harvard's Mineralogical Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. Although it is not clear what makes these rocks and minerals "extreme," they are certainly eye-catching. This is not the first or only book of its type, but the quality of text and illustrations makes it a standout.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

PreS-Gr 2—Stockdale uses simple rhymes and clear, colorful acrylic artwork to introduce the fascinating underwater world of fishes. From small sardines to the huge whale shark, inhabitants of oceans and rivers swim across the pages, including the endpapers. The animals are clearly depicted with clean lines, bright hues, and a variety of details and textures. A spread at the end identifies the creatures portrayed and supplies a few facts, including where the species live. Report writers will need to consult additional books, such as those included in the list of resources, for more information. However, this introduction will pique children's curiosity and should find a home in most libraries. It's a fine read-aloud choice to stimulate conversation about the topic, perhaps in tandem with an aquarium visit.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 2–4—In these updates of the old "New True" series, the graphics take center stage. These books have more color, more eye appeal, more "pop" than older approaches to these often-studied topics. Unfortunately, they have more style than substance. Of the two, Supreme Court is more focused and therefore more effective in providing information. It answers the questions students will have, and includes some entertaining trivia. Presidency takes a more scattered approach. An explanation of the system of checks and balances is greatly simplified. A few examples are listed but no attempt is made to show the full effect that each branch of government has on the others. In discussing the executive branch, the author says, "The departments and agencies of this branch do many things." She then cites the CIA, Peace Corps, and Department of Labor, perhaps to illustrate the great variety of responsibilities within that branch, but does not offer a chart or diagram showing all of the cabinet posts and their purposes. As a result, children may be left confused as to how the presidency is related to the other areas. The back covers promise "surprising, TRUE facts that will shock and amaze you!" While these titles provide visually appealing, basic introductions to the topics, few readers will be shocked or amazed. Muriel L. Dubois's The U.S. Presidency (Capstone, 2003) takes a more straightforward approach to supplying facts.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 3–6—"Before John was a jazz giant,/he/was/all/ears." He heard "hambones knocking" in a pot on the stove, steam engines, tap dancers, preachers, sobs, cheers, and birdsongs. And he heard music—his father's ukelele, the family Victrola, church hymns, the community band, jitterbug music, and big bands playing on the radio, "blue notes crooning his name." So he picked up the saxophone and poured all the sounds he'd heard into music all his own. Weatherford's evocative poem traces Coltrane's influences simply and stunningly, her redolent voice as smooth and vivid as jazz itself. Qualls's double-page, full-bleed illustrations combine acrylic, collage, and pencil in surrealist renderings of young Coltrane soaking up the sounds surrounding him. A muted palette of rich hues suggests the smoky jazz moods he would create, the sounds dreamily dancing through the air amid streaming ribbons of music. A full-page biography of Coltrane concludes the volume, along with a list of recommended listening and further reading, making this picture book appealing to all ages studying jazz or African American history. Pair it with recordings of Coltrane for added appeal to a wide audience.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS