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 wat