Preschool to Grade 4

PreS—Little Bear is resisting bedtime, while Mother Bear is allowing her cub to watch the sky turn "just one more" shade before insisting that they both retire to their cave. The youngster wants to climb "just one more" tree and catch "just one more" fish. Mother Bear is oh-so-patient because she knows that winter and hibernation lie ahead. Soft muted pastel colors grace the sky, and readers observe the changes from a brilliant blue of afternoon to an orangish glow of dusk to a blue-gray of early evening. Bringing to mind picture books of the 1940s, each page is flocked with a soft texture for the two bears as well as other critters, such as badgers or bunnies in the background meadow. Yet the high gloss of the paper contributes to a modern artistic look, and Mother Bear's piercing, shiny black eyes protect her loved one as she snuggles up with him for their long winter's nap. An additional tale for libraries needing more bedtime stories.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 1—Little Rabbit likes to say "moo," because rabbits don't have a big noise. The little creature also likes to say "baa," "oink," "hee-haw," and "quack," and gets the other young farm animals to join the refrain until a surprise ending reveals the bunny's favorite sound. The illustrations are large, uncluttered, simple, and bold, made of black lines and computer air-brushed color. While Little Rabbit is not as cute as Allen's Baby Owl in I'm Not Cute! (Boxer, 2005), its facial expressions create an endearing character. With its large print and natural repetition, this cumulative tale will be useful for building early literacy skills. Pair it with Denise Fleming's The Cow Who Clucked (Holt, 2006) and Jules Feiffer's Bark, George (HarperCollins, 1999) for a rousing farmyard group session featuring animals that have the wrong voice.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 1–4—A distinguished author's use of birds and human flight as metaphors for love's transcendence over grief and death takes a new form in this comic piece of magical realism. Lizzie and her widowed dad live in a city along the river Tyne in the north of England. From the first page it is clear that Lizzie is playing parent to her father's irresponsible child. Both are reacting to the recent death of Lizzie's mother. While the girl works hard at school, Dad remains in his room, unshaven and undressed. Finding purpose in the recently announced Great Human Bird Competition ("the first one to fly over the river Tyne wins a thousand pounds"), he secretly constructs a pair of wings from bird feathers and starts to consume bugs and worms. Sensible Auntie Doreen, as solid as her dumplings, calls him "daft." But when she tries to take Lizzie away from him, the child does her realistic best to make her father's dreams come true. Handsomely produced, the book is printed in varying size typefaces and enhanced by Dunbar's pencil, watercolor, and collage illustrations interspersed throughout the text. Casual yet evocative, they perfectly interpret Almond's broadly sketched characters. A fine read-aloud.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

Gr 3–5—After four years living in San Francisco, Alfredito and his parents plan their return visit to El Salvador and have a happy homecoming. Leaving his relatives after the visit is hard on Alfredito, but upon his return to California, he feels "a bit happy" because he has two places to call home. Neither the text nor the illustrations offer insight into the boy's age. In some pictures, he appears to be a preteen; in most scenes he looks and behaves more like a boy of about eight. Full pages of several paragraphs of dry text alternate with formal, realistic acrylic paintings. Both convey the joy of Alfredito's family reunion and delight in his home country, but the text reads more like informative prose than pleasurable fiction. Still, it may resonate with readers who also live far from people they love.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

PreS-Gr 2—In this compilation of advice, Barrett once again puts a humorous spin on otherwise mundane scenarios, juxtaposing seemingly serious wisdom with absurdity. In addition to the title admonition, warnings such as "Never go shopping for shoes with a centipede," "Never play double Dutch with a grasshopper," and "Never hold hands with a lobster" are fairly self-explanatory, while others rely more heavily on the artwork. Fortunately, Nickle cleverly illustrates each of these cautionary statements with careful acrylic images that will be appreciated by kids. As in Things That Are Most in the World (S & S, 1998), he takes Barrett's amusing phrases and paints them with details that expose the silliness. Statements like "Never go to the bank with a raccoon" become hilarious when combined with the looks on the faces of the animals involved. And "Never take a goat with you to the library" is sure to get a laugh at storytimes. After all of the negative warnings, the book concludes on a positive suggestion to "always go shopping with a pelican," tidily wrapping up the book.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN

Gr 1–4—A tale of leprechaun magic set in modern times. Shannon has been practicing hard for the Saint Patrick's Day step dance contest at the Irish-American Heritage Center, but she doesn't think she'll win because of her homemade dress and secondhand shoes. When she breaks a heel, she despairs, realizing that her parents cannot afford another pair of shoes. She remembers a family superstition and counts backward in Gaelic. To her amazement, a leprechaun—one who is almost six feet tall and garbed in a green suit and leather apron—materializes and offers to grant her three wishes. Liam fulfills her first request, for new dancing gear, by showing her how to take care of the things she already has and repairing the broken heel. He deals with her other wishes in equally roundabout ways, causing her to doubt his abilities, but, by contest time, Shannon has not only made a friend, but has also learned that passion and practice are much more important than appearances. Callahan's text is filled with amusing dialogue that keeps the story from becoming message-heavy. Kemly's vibrant pastels play up the surprise and humor of a very tall "wee man" and provide colorful backdrops for the action. A fresh choice for holiday programs or in communities where Irish dance is popular.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—Nikki, a young African American, her mother, and her teacher all have problems with their weight. When her teacher has a health scare due to her obesity, Nikki is motivated to change her habits. She sees Mrs. Patterson walking the perimeter of the schoolyard each day and decides to join her. When she doubts that her mother will buy the healthy foods that her teacher has started eating, the woman suggests that Nikki eat smaller portions and be more active. What is particularly inspiring about this book is the strength of this child and her ability to take control of her life, despite some resistance from her mom. Children will identify with Nikki; she is a realistically drawn character with a self-deprecating sense of humor, and she sneaks potato chips from her desk when she is sad. But when kids make fun of her, her friends step forward, a response widely recommended by many anti-bullying programs. This excellent book gives readers an example of a constructive response to a challenging social situation. Words are carefully chosen, never preachy. The watercolor illustrations add dimension and details to the text. A useful book on an important topic.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 2–4—Free-verse voices of five different third graders relate the last year of Pleasant Hill School before it is torn down. All of the children have their issues—Jonathan's family is temporarily homeless, Kayla's brother is in jail, Dawn feels fat—but the youngsters are bound by their love for their teacher, Miss D., and for their school. The poems relate both the larger issues and familiar day-to-day details: lessons, getting ready for a play, playground jealousies. Cheng is a skilled writer with an ability to relate a realistic child perspective that is deceptively simple. Here, unfortunately, her efforts are hampered by her own concept and art. The five voices are not distinct, making it difficult to trace any character arc, and the woodblock illustrations lack child appeal. The book design, while elegant, speaks to a much older audience—at least middle school, and most likely adults. These elements taken together completely undercut the appeal for the audience to which the words speak best. Except as a classroom read-aloud, it's hard to imagine this book leaving a library shelf.—Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA

PreS-K—In this cautionary tale, the great white shark introduced in Gilbert the Great (Sterling, 2005) and his friend Rita Remora are bored playing hide-and-seek in the shallow reefs—they already know all the good hiding spots. Despite his mother's firm warning to stay close by, the pair swim off the reef edge and dive for the depths. After all, Gilbert reassures himself, "white sharks are fearless." Their play is interrupted by a mild fright or two until Gilbert's mom comes down and sternly but lovingly admonishes the two for disobeying. The full-color cartoon illustrations wash across the pages and are drenched in the bright greens of a reef and the more monochromatic blues and grays of the deep ocean. Fuge uses a few deft strokes to capture the youngster's emotions in a way that perfectly mirrors a real child's responses. This low-key tale of disobedience and forgiveness may be most useful for libraries with young shark fans or parents looking for a book with a gentle lesson.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—The former sheriff of Dog City, introduced in Ten-Gallon Bart (Marshall Cavendish, 2006), realizes that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. In fact, he's bored. So when Buffalo Chip's Wild West Show comes to town, he decides to enter the bull-riding contest. The only problem? He has to wake the bull up first. Crummel slips into a Western dialect and setting immediately, making readers want to drawl as they read the story. Listeners will smile at Ten-Gallon Bart's effort to wake the bull, and will laugh out loud at the solution. The illustrations are rich with texture and pattern. Donohue's method of cutting and pasting paper makes the various characters pop out from the backgrounds. The art also lends movement to the scenes of Bart trying to ride the wild (and angry) bull. This story will keep kids cheering for Ten-Gallon Bart, especially when he bests the beast and goes back to retirement…for now.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 2—Young Madeleine and her loyal pup, Carl, are up to their same tricks in this charming addition to a whimsical series. Mom and Dad are busy preparing the summer cabin for company later in the evening, and they leave the pair in a hammock on the back porch. Immediately upon hearing Mom say, "You two have a good nap so you'll be ready to go see the fireworks tonight," Carl and his devoted sidekick decide to go exploring. It is here that the text stops, for the most part. Richly detailed and beautifully hued illustrations depict the duo's adventures: a canoe ride that includes a stop by a flowering lily pad; a romp through wild blackberry bushes where they come upon a highly protective mama skunk; a stop at the playground where Carl joins a baseball game, and more. They return to the hammock just in time to be "awakened" by Mom. Madeleine falls asleep in her father's arms during the vibrantly depicted fireworks show, leaving her parents to wonder why she was so tired after having had such a long nap. A strong, solid addition.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

PreS-Gr 1—When a little monkey loses his mother, a blundering butterfly swoops in to save the day. Monkey describes his mom as "bigger than me," so the butterfly takes him to an elephant. Then monkey describes his mother with a tail that curls around trees, and the butterfly takes him to a snake. With each new descriptor, the butterfly tries another outlandishly wrong animal until the exasperated monkey points out that none of the suggested mothers even looks like him. However, the butterfly has a very good reason for making such a mistake—her babies don't look like her. The bouncy rhyming couplets will charm children, and the butterfly's part can be sung to the tune of "Hush Little Baby." Bold cartoon illustrations on full spreads in bright jungle colors feature a host of expressive insects and creatures. Following a tradition of successful mother-identification stories such as P. D. Eastman's Are You My Mother? (Random, 1960) and Deborah Guarino's Is Your Mama a Llama? (Scholastic, 1989), this story will be entertaining for both groups and one-on-one sharing.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Gr 1–3—Penny, a period, and her friend Quentin, a question mark, are excited about the upcoming Punctuation Bee. Elsie, a brash and confident exclamation mark, points out that an exclamation mark has been victorious for the past three years, making Penny even more determined to win. Predictably, she takes the lead as the bell rings to end the competition. Savvy students of grammar will note logical flaws in the story. Connie the comma and Penny the period are awarded extra points for using their punctuation marks multiple times within a sentence, though other contestants could never receive more than one point. Penny's winning point is awarded erroneously; though she recites her sentence aloud, she is given a point for the written abbreviation of the word "Mister." While a few useful lessons can be found in the text, these examples are lost within the busy page design. Law's enthusiastically colorful, simplistic punctuation people do little to save Donohue's mediocre story. For a more compelling punctuation tale, try Jan Carr's Greedy Apostrophe (Holiday House, 2007).—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 3—A boy tells about a special day with his father, recounting their adventures from waking up in the morning until they arrive at Abuela and Abuelo's house in the evening. Most of the text is in English, with Papá speaking Spanish and the child restating his words in English or using his actions to convey his father's meaning. In addition, the endpapers have the Spanish words and their English translations arranged like graffiti on a blue background. The emotional heart of the story is brought to life in Gutierrez's luminous illustrations. Making pancakes, walking down a city street together, or splashing through puddles at the park may seem simple, but they are choreographed like a dance. Climbing a tree, looking at the sky, and drawing faces in the sand all take on mythic qualities. The playful surrealism of the artwork makes an ordinary day seem extraordinary. As the boy and his papá embrace, they are outlined with glowing colors, and their smiling faces mirror their love for one another. Their special bond will resonate with children and parents, wherever they live and whatever their language.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 2—This well-intentioned collection of aphorisms misses the mark if its intended audience is children. Some of the advice is in direct conflict with what they are usually told. "Talk to somebody new," as opposed to being cautious with strangers, and "Splash in puddles whenever possible," as opposed to not willfully splattering mud on oneself. Others are fairly obvious. There is also "Be a hero," which shows a child assisting a dawdling duckling across a pathway to catch up with its family—a surefire way to invite an attack by a protective mother duck. Other bits of advice are less than original ("Make music"; "Make wishes"), and some ("Be you") would be meaningless to the average child. Despite its naive cartoon illustrations, the book seems more like something an adult might purchase in a card store to give to another adult who is trying to connect with his or her "inner child." For an advice book that relates to a child's everyday experiences, stay with Amy Krouse Rosenthal's Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons (HarperCollins, 2006).—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 2–4—The perils of competition are at the heart of this quirky tale, which introduces Mr. McFig (and his daughter, Rosie) and Mr. McFly (and his son, Anton). What begins as a friendship between the next-door neighbors quickly escalates into a building frenzy as each man attempts to outdo the other. Through the years, the houses are topped off ever more peculiarly—with additions such as a bungee-jumping platform (McFly) and a rooftop tennis court (McFig). Meanwhile, Rosie and Anton, frustrated with their fathers' silly, myopic ambitions, fall in love. This does not deter their fathers, however, who continue their unending rivalry. Then one day, while finishing his fish-bone-and-garbage-can weather vane, McFig slips to his death ("splat!"); McFly, now having lost all motivation, soon dies of boredom. Anton and Rosie dismantle the towering appendages, reconfigure the houses into one cozy home, marry, and live happily ever after, giving credence to the subtitle. Drescher achieves balance to this outlandish story by swathing his pages in creamy aqua and rosy hues, and using his recognizable rough-line drawings to delineate the characters and buildings. The story's focus, of course, is the ever-growing construction: a middle-of-the-book spread is particularly eye-catching as it opens out in four directions, giving readers a chance to ferret out the oddities of the two architectural structures. For readers who enjoy the offbeat, this story is sure to generate a laugh.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS-Gr 1—This gentle, cumulative tale follows two children from the early planning stages of a tree house to its completion. On a winter's day, Jack and Jill scope out the ideal tree branch on which to build. By the next page, spring has arrived, and the kids have started construction. Their progress is mirrored by two robins who are piecing together their own abode. Step by step, the children add the floor, the roof (a brightly patterned quilt placed over rope), the light (a flashlight), the table, the treats, and the friends. At story's end, the robins, who have completed their nest, and other birds sing the youngsters to sleep as they camp out in the cozy construction. The story ends on a triumphant note: "Hooray for the treehouse that Jack and Jill built!" Color, spirit, and a sense of satisfaction fill the soft illustrations, which depict idyllic days spent in outdoor amusement. The large images lend themselves well to group sharing, and the text includes small rebus pictures of each added item, allowing listeners to chant along. This is a book to be relished by youngsters who dream of their own tree houses, or any other project achieved through hard work and enjoyed at leisure.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Kids will have a grand time poring over the pictures in Ehlert's latest offering. A variety of animals, from insects to birds to giant mammals, is represented in her trademark cut-paper collage style. The artist uses scissors, pinking shears, and a hole punch to transform brightly colored papers into squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, diamonds, half circles, ovals, hearts, and teardrops of different sizes, which she then fashions into a menagerie guaranteed to spark readers' imaginations. Each creature is coupled with a short, humorous poem that is sure to delight: "If her tail's raised/give a skunk room,/unless you like/pee-yoo perfume." And who can resist this ditty: "A cat/is a purr/wrapped up/in fur." Young children will enjoy identifying the animals while older kids will be inspired to grab some scissors and paper to create their own geometric zoo. Teachers can use this book to jump-start art and creative writing lessons, but kids will just like it because it's oodles of fun.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2—In this follow-up to Bebé Goes Shopping (Harcourt, 2006), Salerno joyfully blends 1950s advertising-style illustrations in vivid gouache and watercolors with colored inks and pencils. Elya rhymes through a day at the beach with bilingual Bebé and his "muy bonita Mamá." She cheerfully trails after the active boy as he plays, digs, picnics, chases a ball, and tries out a surfboard sand sculpture. At the end, the sweet toddler gives Mom a respite by napping under an umbrella. A 36-word glossary assists, though context clues keep things rolling. Elya's writing is as lively as her hero: "The rolling white olas are foamy and loud./Bebé waddles after them, right through the crowd./Mamá's coming, too; she remembered the lotion—/he squeals as his toes hit the icy-cold ocean." Not just for students of Spanish, this merry exploration provides wholesome fun for anyone who enjoys the beach, or mischievous babies. Add Brigitte Luciani's How Will We Get to the Beach? (North-South, 2000, available in Spanish or English) to enjoy a mother and son who have a tough time trying to reach the ocean with all their paraphernalia.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 3—Otis and Rae are headed into the woods for their first camping trip. Rae is enormously excited, and she can't wait to experience "NATURE." Otis is a bit hesitant and just wants to eat his sandwiches, skip the scary campfire stories, and go to bed in their tent. But it's Rae who falls asleep right away, leaving Otis thinking wild thoughts about the strange noises he hears. When he leaves the tent in search of his flashlight, he encounters a large, scary beast that grumbles loudly, and they run from one another. Otis returns to the tent to "rescue Rae" from the mysterious creature, but she can't believe her good luck—to be able to see a Grumbling Splunk—so the kids go in search of it. The text, much of which is in balloons, is hand lettered, generally easy to read, and shifts from all lowercase to all uppercase letters. The mixed-media illustrations in eye-popping colors move the story along quickly. Otis and Rae have tiny bodies and large marshmallow heads, while the splunk looks like an overstuffed orange bear. Most pages are broken up into two to four panels. This story is best shared one-on-one or in a small group setting.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

PreS-Gr 2—This fabulous story explains the origins of the Sandman. Tor is a tiny fellow who finds a dragon's scale. Taking it home to his workshop, he studies it and then starts to sharpen it. The dust that gathers makes him fall asleep. Once awake, it's a small leap for him to imagine how helpful this dust will be to all who suffer from sleeplessness, especially children. Fletcher's smoothly written story flows in a thoroughly plausible way and is beautifully served by Cowdrey's vibrant acrylic paintings. Especially intriguing are the wonderful little details, like Tor's mouse-drawn carriage made out of buttons. The old-fashioned look is refreshingly straightforward, free of irony and adult-oriented nostalgia. All in all, this is a compelling story with pictures that add drama, charm, and atmosphere.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—In a story reminiscent of William Steig's Amos and Boris (Farrar, 1971), a dinosaur emerges from his egg much later than his siblings and remains small. He is so tiny that the only safe place for him, away from crushing dinosaur feet, is atop a hill from which vantage point he spots a forlorn "Long Neck" in the distance. Unhappy because he is too small to do anything, the little guy wonders "how a dinosaur that big could possibly be sad." Bravery makes up for size, however, when his entire family becomes stuck in the mud. The little dinosaur risks a dangerous river crossing to bring the huge "Long Neck" to the rescue, and the two become fast friends. Foreman's mixed-media illustrations on full spreads feature some humorous dinosaur close-ups: mother tenderly fanning the wayward egg; father, so large his shape bleeds off the page, shouting, "Come on, egg! Do something!"; and dinosaur neighbors looming over the little one. Adults will enjoy their conflicting advice to the parents about how to hatch their egg. Children who are often left out of the fun because of their size will identify with this littlest dinosaur.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 3–5—A sophisticated, interactive alphabet tale in which even the letters break the expected pattern. Thirteen rhyming couplets spin the story of two siblings and their pet gazelle who sneak past their father, board a small boat, and follow a stream into a mysterious underworld to search for a treasure. Skillful narrative and visual storytelling combine to present a complex adventure that unravels through multilayered text and illustrations, challenging readers to ponder the numerous levels of plot. When the sister is tempted ashore by villains holding candy and captured, her brother follows in hot pursuit, rushing through a labyrinth realm filled with pirates, monsters, trolls, and other fearsome creatures. Youngsters can mull over questions about the nature of the treasure seeking (the cache turns out to be pretty unappealing) and why W precedes V in the alphabet sequence ("warnings" before "vile deeds"). The gothic illustrations, done in sepia tones and faded color washes, ensure that readers remain riveted throughout the story, since there are spine-chilling details at every turn. Images of objects beginning with the letter featured on the page add to the fun. This is the right book for those who find satisfaction and pleasure in creepy and sinister tales.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Gr 2–4—In this chapter book, four second graders from Mrs. Zookey's class find the after-school Chess Club exciting, challenging, and fun. At each meeting the students shout, "I love it I love it I love it!" Although the story includes issues such as competition and friendship—Richard and Patrick often butt heads—it will probably be most interesting to readers who already know the game. There is an abundance of chess talk, yet how to play is never explained. Humorous, full-page illustrations appear throughout. More demanding than most early chapter books, this is an additional purchase for older reluctant readers.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

PreS-K—Each day of the week, Abby dresses up to assume an exciting identity. The pup's equally imaginative mother welcomes these fancy flights, each time exclaiming, "Just what I need," and then makes use of the experiment of the day. When Abby is a pirate, she and mom "swab the decks." When she announces that she is a witch, they concoct a delicious brew called soup. On Sunday, when Abby is herself, her mother's response remains the same, with a cuddle for good measure. Glenn's descriptive text and use of onomatopoeia provide an ideal read-aloud. A "Yee-haw!" on the cowgirl page and three wishes when Abby's a genie will keep youngsters guessing what this engaging dog will try next. Hirao's collage and colored-pencil art, expressed on a variety of paper surfaces, alternates stark views as Abby introduces a costume, followed by busy scenes of her imagination and the real-life labors. A view of "rounding up livestock" (two escaped hamsters) is especially comic. Young listeners will take pleasure in finding Abby's lithe black cat, which appears in the larger scenes. There's something to please nearly everyone in this tale.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 1–3—A child narrates the story of how his very different parents grew up, met, and fell in love. Marriage isn't mentioned—the focus is on the mystery of love. Dad is presented as tidy and organized, and his pages are predominantly black and white. Mom, on the other hand, is messy and vivacious, and her pages are filled with brilliant colors. They literally run into each other rounding a corner one day and the rest, as they say, is history. The story describes their awkwardness at conversations, having butterflies in their stomachs, etc. ("Daddy's heart was beating so hard, it almost shook the table.") They open a shop together, combining their two personalities, and it is wildly successful. All the while, they wait for the funny feelings to go away. When they don't, the two realize they are in love. The child ponders how they can know, but her parents just smile knowingly. The illustrations successfully convey the two extremes of the characters and do so humorously and with gusto. There is great movement in the paintings and the transition from lonely individuals to happy twosome is conveyed. Adults should be prepared to tell their own courtship tales after sharing this book.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—This book has everything to attract kids and tickle their funny bones—pirates, smelly socks, and, best of all, undies! In rollicking rhyme, Harley tells of a "cruel and evil man" who sails the seven seas with his crew, stealing dirty socks to hang proudly on the ship's rigging. But Dirty Joe meets his match when he comes upon Stinky Annie and her all-female crew, buccaneers who specialize in pilfering and displaying undergarments: "Boxers big and boxers small, with stripes and polka dots,/And tighty-whities hung there too, like the ones your grandpa's got." After a battle fought with swords, toasters, tennis rackets, and whatever else comes to hand, the barefoot women prevail and, in a heartfelt and humorous moment, Joe and Annie discover that they are siblings. That doesn't stop Annie from taking Joe's drawers, leading to a last-page bemoaning of the fact that older sisters hold a lifelong upper hand. Davis's balloon-headed, goofy characters are just right for the tale. The chaotic full-color pictures are jam-packed with pirates and dirty laundry. The crews, dressed in a hilarious mishmash of styles, will have readers poring over the pages to spot amusing details. Even kids who aren't pirate fans will be wooed and wowed by this rib-tickling tale.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—Unaware that he's actually a "deadly poisonous snake," an orphaned rattler searches for companionship among the desert wildlife, to no avail. Finally, the affable snake is taken home by Pablo, a visually impaired prairie dog who thinks that Danny is a lizard. The truth comes out quickly enough, but not before a friendship—and a musical band—has been formed. The Hoppin' Jalapeños hit the road with Danny playing maracas (his tail, of course) and disguised under a big sombrero. He feels as though he finally fits in. Then one night, he becomes lost in the music, and his hat goes "a-flyin'" as he dances with "fangs a-gleamin' and tail a-rattlin'." His true identity revealed, Danny finds himself alone again, until his prairie dog pals are threatened by coyotes and he saves the day. Jackson's narrative has a Western twang that doesn't always ring true. Filled with dropped g's, numerous "y'all's," and the habit of using "them" instead of "the" ("them birds"), the folksy tone seems a bit put-on. However, the story's theme has universal appeal and the cinematic illustrations, which mix slick realism with cartoon exaggeration, are entertaining and will play well to a crowd. Constant shifts in viewpoint add drama, there's plenty of humor, and Danny's face is appropriately expressive. An adequate addition where friendship tales are needed.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—Bedtime is a surreal adventure for Julius, a monkey. In his dreams, "anything is possible." He can sport an elephant trunk or a potato body, visit a castle in the clouds or a frosted-cupcake village, or become a rock star in outer space. The text is a series of credulous exclamations: "WOW! I'm flying!" "Now I'm a GIANT BEAST set loose on an unsuspecting metropolis!" The digitally rendered illustrations are bright and bold. Julius's animal friends populate detailed scenes aboard pirate ships and in underground caverns. After a night of endless possibilities, Julius appears disappointed when he wakes up in the morning and leaves his dream world. The busy cartoons seem ill-matched for a good-night story and, like the text, tend to fall flat.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 2—Baby Brains is back and as funny as ever. Even as a newborn, he exceeded all of his parents' hopes and expectations for a clever child. In the first book he whizzed through medical school and outer space. This time around, he sticks close to home experimenting with his chemistry set and coming up with new inventions. Many of these projects, like the remote-controlled self-rocking cradle, are designed to make his parents' lives easier. Alas, they are still worn out. Mrs. Brains even falls asleep reading her son a bedtime story (Hamlet). The wunderkind is sure that science and technology hold the answer, so he works all night to build "RoboMom." She helps with household chores, but soon starts doing too much. She makes a series of hilarious mistakes such as washing Baby with the dishes and leaving him dangling from the clothesline to dry, as he cries "I want my mommy!" He is rescued just before RoboMom explodes. He then makes a miniature version to vacuum while his human parents take care of the important stuff. The ink and watercolor illustrations are filled with warmth and playful details. Kids will laugh at the absurdity while adults chuckle at the wit. This is a delightful addition to James's sensitive yet playful body of work.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 3–5—This book attempts to guide readers through the feelings associated with suicide. Max's father, who has been suffering from depression, ends his life. A first-person, overlong narrative details the course the boy takes through several stages of grief, focusing mostly on anger and acceptance. Kaulen uses inspirational Christian scriptures to advance Max's journey, and the child prays to Jesus for help to understand and forgive his dad. "Because God is so good to forgive us, I know I will one day see my dad again in Heaven." The crude colored-pencil drawings are so amateurish that they appear to have been done by a child. Used as a tool along with a book like Margo Requarth's After a Parent's Suicide (Healing Hearts, 2006), Max's story might serve counselors as a model for grieving children writing their own stories. Stronger selections to help open discussions about death and loss include Michael Rosen's Sad Book (Candlewick, 2005), Alan Durant's Always and Forever (Harcourt, 2004), and Lesléa Newman's The Best Cat in the World (Eerdmans, 2004).—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

Gr 2–4—Martin Bridge is back in an easy chapter book with two stories. In "Science Fair," he and his group struggle to complete their "saving our planet" project as they deal with a new member who relies on luck and finagles his way out of work. In the end, the slacker's name is drawn for the prize for hard work, but his teammates get an A++ for their efforts. In "Bicycle," Martin gets a longed-for new bike, only to have it stolen the first time he rides it. His parents are unable to afford another one, but Aunt Laverne suggests he try Bicycle Recycle, a shop that takes usable parts from old bikes to build new ones. Martin agrees to work at the shop in return for a recycled bike. This story is stronger and more engaging than the first. Appealing black-and-white illustrations of the children and their actions and interactions appear on most pages; those in the second story show pictures of different bicycles and bicycle repair that hold readers' attention. The tips that follow for keeping bikes safe are useful as well as interesting.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

K-Gr 3—Set in the early 1900s, this engaging picture book introduces George "Stormy" Kromer, who loves everything about being a railroad engineer—except that he just can't find the right hat for the job. He tries several different toppers to no avail: a derby blows away; a cowboy hat is too large; a pressman's folded-newspaper hat catches on fire; and a fireman's helmet is just too heavy. With each failure, his wife tries to offer a suggestion, but he brushes her off, until Ida finally puts her foot down: "Either listen to what I have to say, or stop complaining." Stormy describes all the features of his ideal headgear, and Ida, an accomplished seamstress, designs and sews it for him. Soon orders are coming in from all over the world and Stormy and Ida open a factory. An author's note tells more about the real couple and how they developed the cap that railroad workers still wear today. U'Ren's vibrant paintings capture the palette and motion of Midwestern landscapes and city scenes. The illustrations have an unforced multiculturalism (Stormy's cowboy friend is African American; a Chinese-American storekeeper stacks hats; and a painting of a modern-day railroad yard shows individuals of different ethnicities). With a snappy, high-interest story and connections to hats, history, trains, gender equality, and industrialism, this book is a gem for libraries and classrooms.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 2–4—Following a jousting contest, young Arthur (long before he is king) is shunted off by mocking Sir Kay: "Go along and rescue a princess or something." Once in the forest, the boy finds Guenevere, a girl with definite 21st-century sensibilities. After taunting him to best her by holding on to a "rabbit" (a rock), Guen wins the contest, to his dismay. But when suddenly confronted with the "biggest, ugliest, dirtiest man they'd ever seen," the children join forces. Between the two of them and a sword that magically arises out of a nearby lake, they outwit a band of thieves. When the time comes for Arthur and Guen to part, they promise never to forget one another. The Wizard Merlin, however, watching from the sidelines, knows that this friendship is happening before its destined time. He casts a spell removing their memories and sends them on their separate ways. The artwork is mostly effective: Oleynikov centers the action on the page with broad-brush illustrations, rich with warm yellows, vibrant greens, and rustic hues. The image of Merlin hovering is striking and the children exude energy, although the thieves' cartoonish faces somewhat diminish the overall effect. The plot, however, fails to gel, coming across as a patchwork of Arthurian characters and lore.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS-K—Franny is a sweet little girl who plans a picnic for her seven stuffed animals. The simple outing runs into trouble when the two smallest guests, Itty Bitty Kitty and Little Heddy, fall into a hole and can't get out. When Franny does a count to check on her friends, she realizes that the two are missing. The remaining toys and Franny use teamwork to carry out a successful search and rescue. The adventurers head home after this happy conclusion to their busy afternoon. Kruusval's pastel-shaded illustrations capture the story's charm. Young viewers will enjoy helping Franny to keep track of her (six furry and one feathered) friends through the book's uncluttered design. Each animal is drawn with a liveliness that will seem wholly believable to a young child engaged in imaginative play. An excellent addition.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

K-Gr 3—Lee's wordless picture book perfectly captures a child's day at the beach. Followed by a flock of seagulls, a girl runs delightedly to where waves break on the shore. She surveys the sea and together they begin a silent dance. She chases it as it recedes, runs from it as it surges, splashes in it when it calms, taunts it as it rises, and finally succumbs to it crashing down upon her and discovers what treasures the waves can bring. A panoramic trim size beautifully supports the expansiveness of the beach, and Lee uses the gutter to effectively represent the end of the shoreline—until the girl crosses that line. Loosely rendered charcoal and acrylic images curl and flow like water and reflect playfulness, especially in the facial and bodily expressions of the child and seagulls. The use of blue in an otherwise gray-toned world calls attention to the ocean, which rivals the girl as a main character in this story. Wave is best shared in small groups for the younger set, but also suited for solitary enjoyment by older children. A simple, well-crafted story of friendship.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

Gr 1–3—A Little Leaguer dreams of being a successful home-run hitter like Hank Aaron as he avidly follows Aaron's pursuit of Babe Ruth's record. Though his coach encourages him to just get on base, young Mark swings wildly and repeatedly lets his team down. After meeting Aaron at the ballpark following a game, Mark follows his hero's advice and learns to be a better team player. This well-intentioned picture-book tribute to Hank Aaron sports attractive acrylic spreads depicting games and indoor scenes and includes a credible amount of biographical detail. Overall, though, it is burdened by a didactic and all-too-familiar story line. Baseball fans will welcome any addition to the small number of books focused on Aaron, one of baseball's true heroes, but young readers seeking a full appreciation of his life and achievements would be better served by Peter Golenbock's Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way (Harcourt, 2001).—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 2–5—Unlike Morgy Makes His Move (Houghton, 1999), this sequel attempts to cram numerous underdeveloped story lines and characters into a 100-page text. Here, the soon-to-be fifth grader and aspiring trumpeter goes to summer music camp in Maine on a "promising beginner" scholarship. During a three-week period, the child deals with some mild bullying and homesickness, and worries about his skills in hockey and music. Plot elements include Morgy playing a solo in the junior orchestra, a beautiful teacher, mysterious Revolutionary War soldiers who may be ghosts, and the threat of the camp being bought for real-estate development. The side stories are confusing and detract from the main plot, and none of them come to a satisfactory conclusion. For the most part, the characters lack diversity, except for a composer who grew up in Iran. Placing all that aside, the protagonist is likable, there is plenty of action and humor, and the black-and-white illustrations are appealing. If your patrons are enjoying Morgy's earlier adventures, you might consider this one.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

PreS-Gr 2—The indefatigable pig is back for his third adventure. Benny and his younger brother are bored and decide to go to the forbidden mud hole. When the toddler is pushed into it, Benny's friend Klara comes to the rescue and comforts him. Benny feels jealous and decides to fall in, too. Now both boys are muddy and fear their mother's wrath. They try hiding among the pines until a rainstorm washes away the evidence of their guilt. As in Benny's Had Enough (1999) and Benny and the Binky (2002, both R & S), Lindgren shows a clear insight into sibling relations. The confederacy between the brothers balances their rivalry. Lindgren tells the story with spare text and understated humor, and the simple illustrations are packed with personality. It is amazing how much emotion Landström can express just through the characters' eyes.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS-Gr 2— Mr. Pusskins (S & S, 2006) and Emily are back, and life couldn't be better. Once a dour sourpuss, Mr. Pusskins is now a lovable, smiley cat, happy and secure in his affection for Emily—until the child comes home with a "fabulous surprise." Inside the cardboard box is a mischievous kitten who is intent on wreaking havoc and annoying Mr. Pusskins. In true "it's-so-unfair!" fashion, Emily cannot see that Little Whiskers is a little troublemaker. When she wrongfully accuses the older cat of playing the piano at an ungodly hour and banishes him to the cold backyard, it seems as if life couldn't get any worse. But a contrite Little Whiskers sets everything straight, and the three come together as a happy family. This second installment maintains all of the charm and humor of the first book. Readers unfamiliar with the prodigal Pusskins will lack the background knowledge to appreciate just how patient he is with the kitten but will find plenty to love about him all the same. The combination of bold colors, highly expressive characters, and slightly off-kilter illustrations will pull children in and keep them wanting more. Mr. Pusskins can take his place alongside Slinky Malinki, Jenny Linsky, and Samson the Church Cat as a fictional feline worthy of adoration.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS—The hapless mother in this bouncy rhyming tale just can't keep track of her silly baby: he gets switched with the chimpanzee at the zoo, with the dancing bear at the circus, with a lazy sow at the farm, and with a buffalo at the Wild West show. Then, when she finally gets the child home for a nap, all the animals follow. The flexible tot makes himself right at home in every new environment, swinging from the ropes with the monkeys, walking the tightrope, rolling in the mud, and twirling a lasso. Each time he greets Mom again, he adds a new phrase learned from his animal friends, for a cumulative festival of animal sounds that storytime listeners will love. Shepherd's bright, wildly cartoonlike oil paintings perfectly reflect the wackiness of the text. Pair this with Audrey Wood's Silly Sally (Harcourt, 1992) for a simply silly storytime.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS-Gr 2—What could possibly equal the McMullans' audacious garbage truck in I Stink! (2002) and the brazen backhoe in I'm Dirty! (2006, both HarperCollins) for unadulterated attitude? Why, a towering, tough-talking T. rex, of course, complete with "rip-'em-up CLAWS," "bite-'em-up FANGS," and "Bad breath." (And don't even think of making fun of its "baby arms.") This creature is really big, "6-tons-of-MUSCLE-on-the-hustle BIG," with a "BIG empty belly growling for GRUB." Despite the beast's bravado, however, its attempts at catching prey are repeatedly—and hilariously—foiled. The predator's state of mind moves from arrogance to despair on a wonderfully illustrated psychedelic spread awhirl with forest foliage and easy-to-spot edible critters that the frustrated T. rex can smell but can't find. As the great hunter lies on its back having a tantrum, a vertical fold-out page is lifted to reveal the reptile's even bigger mother, who provides a bit of "takeout" for her grateful child. Vibrant artwork done in bold shades of green, orange, and violet equal the swaggering text in tone, energy, and humor. Whether devoured during a boisterous storytime or consumed independently, children will eat this one up.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 1—In their latest adventure, Tiny, a barn-size dog, and his boy help Uncle John find his lost kittens. With a nose as big as a small boy's head, the pup is well suited for the job, and he does not disappoint. This picture book uses simple text to tell a predictable, uncomplicated story that will appeal to children. Illustrations are cartoonlike and cheery, providing visual clues for the more difficult vocabulary ("hayloft," "horseshoe," "grasshopper"). Tiny dominates the spreads with his exaggerated proportions and is sure to appeal to kids' fascination with friendly giants. A perky bluebird provides a clever counterpoint to the colossal canine. Children will enjoy identifying the farm animals and searching the pictures for the missing felines.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS—In the vein of Sam McBratney's Guess How Much I Love You (Candlewick, 1995) or even Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny (HarperCollins, 1942), this book allows parents to express how deeply they care for their children. Written in a series of rhyming verses, it features a mother raccoon who tells her son how much she loves him throughout a day spent mostly at the beach, such as "If I could,/I'd paint the flowers/to brighten all/your waking hours." While the narrative is addressed to the child, the rhyming scheme seems forced and the sentiments seem more geared to adults than to youngsters. The illustrations, too, celebrate the things that parents love most about their children, such as their natural curiosity about the world. Denise's illustrations show the mother raccoon and her toddler son going through their active day in terrific detail. Their love for one another is apparent in the details—the hand holding, the sweet smiles. Unfortunately, the warm illustrations are not enough to keep preschoolers involved in this story.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

Gr 2–5—After his father dies, Kojo quits school to help his mother collect firewood to sell, but there is little money or food. However, his small Ashanti village has elected to try microlending, a system where the village loans money to one family to buy something that will hopefully improve their lives; once it is paid back, another family borrows it, etc. When it is the boy's mother's turn, Kojo uses a few of the coins to buy a hen. The story then follows him as he grows and slowly but steadily builds the proceeds from that one hen into the largest poultry farm in West Africa. Throughout, the author shows how his success impacts the lives of everyone it touches, from the people whom Kojo is able to employ to the taxes he pays that will build roads and medical facilities. The story is based on the experiences of an actual Ashanti poultry farmer and could open diverse avenues of discussion, including how a community's mutual support and teamwork operate for the good of all. Fernandes's large acrylic paintings capture the warmth of the climate and include numerous details, such as splashes of kente cloth, that authenticate the setting. There are also many illustrations that spark the imagination, such as the one of a tree with Kojo's first hen at its roots, growing more hens as the tree grows, with eggs blossoming from the branches. This distinguished book will enhance many curriculum areas. Tololwa M. Mollel's My Rows and Piles of Coins (Clarion, 1999) is a good companion piece.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 2–4—Billy and Heidi are on their way to school when their old friend from Pirates Eat Porridge (Roaring Brook, 2007) pulls up in a big yellow school bus loaded with assorted sea creatures—and one pig dressed as a parrot. The pirate demands that the kids come with him to find his missing ship, the S.S. You Beauty, stolen by a villainous crew of monkey-crabs. They overtake the swiped schooner, but are seriously outnumbered by the criminal crabs. It's up to Billy and Heidi to figure out a way to get the ship back—preferably in time to get back to school. The frenetic action bounces breathlessly from one crazy event and weird setting to another, with little regard for logic or coherent plotting. The off-the-wall nonsensical dialogue is fun for a while, but quickly becomes overwhelming. Although transition readers may be attracted by the pirate theme and the wildly exaggerated black-and-white cartoon illustrations, this story is more silly than seaworthy.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 1–3—High in the Himalayas, Snow Leopard watches over a village in a remote valley. The animal is a Mergichan, a "pure and powerful being" that acts as a guardian spirit. After soldiers invade the village, she infiltrates their dreams with images that make them flee so peace can return. As the sacred cat ages, she chooses a young girl to learn her secrets. Eventually the Child completes her transformation into the next protecting Snow Leopard, and the old cat blends into the Milky Way. Lush watercolors of mountain landscapes fit well with the epic, mystical premise of the tale. However, striking illustrations of snow leopards and wintry panoramas don't provide a compelling enough reason for most libraries to add this odd tale to their collections.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

PreS-Gr 2—A serious girl learns to loosen up after meeting a dapper duck with a wacky wardrobe and a penchant for delivering deadpan retorts. She first sees him wearing socks, and then a tie, a cowboy hat, and the always-giggle-generating underwear. The seemingly coincidental meetings follow a pattern that children will appreciate. When straitlaced Emily questions Duck's attire, he is always ready with a succinct (and silly) reply that requires him to continue on his merry way. As the story progresses, his outfits and reasons become more outlandish, causing Emily to lighten up and ultimately find a way to make Duck himself laugh in return. Duck's retorts appear in bold font and encourage readers to build on their expression. White's colorful illustrations bring the story's humor to life. The cartoon style allows the creature's wackiness to shine while providing visual clues for those just beginning to read independently. A lighthearted lesson on the benefits of laughter, this is just plain fun. Duck will fly off the shelves with the same speed as Mo Willems's Pigeon.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Another delicious "Fancy Nancy" book. This time the little glamour girl has a problem. Her friend Bree is having an extra-special butterfly birthday party on the same day that Nancy's grandparents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The family party wins out and Nancy is "furious" ("Mad is way too plain for how I feel"). But things turn out unexpectedly well: she discovers that motels are fun, and that grandparents have elegant and extraordinary parties and an exciting surprise up their sleeves. Glasser's illustrations and O'Connor's text have created the quintessential girly girl in Nancy. The red-haired heroine is so full of joie de vivre (as she would say) as she dances through the book in her finery—bows, ribbons, butterflies, beads, flowers, and all—that little girls everywhere will happily enjoy this adventure.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 2—Bonnie and her younger sister, Sylvie, are back in another easy reader. In three short chapters, Sylvie meets Bonnie's ballet teacher, has a Not-Birthday with presents of ballet clothes, and has her first class. While Ormerod's Ballet Sisters: The Duckling and the Swan (Scholastic, 2007) focused on the girls' relationship, this one focuses on the dance, including several pages on what Sylvie learns on her first day in class. Yet, children still see the expected sibling interaction including Bonnie's annoyance, support, then pride in the younger child. In the end they dress up and dance together. The stories, narrated by Bonnie, are short and easy to follow. Borders of ribbons with bows at the corners encompass the watercolor illustrations and the text. Plenty of white space allows the full impact of the simple and effective pictures to come through. While it can stand alone, this book works best when paired with the first one.—Catherine Callegari, formerly at Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 2–5—A brief prologue introduces Nim, a self-reliant girl, and her father, Jack, who live on an otherwise uninhabited island. They are joined by Alexandra Rover, a shy adventure writer who travels there to answer Nim's emailed call for help and decides to stay. As this sequel to Nim's Island (Knopf, 2001) opens, Alex and Nim have a quarrel, and she impulsively decides to depart with the supply plane. Before a repentant Nim can tell her father the bad news, Selkie, her sea lion friend, is kidnapped and taken aboard a cruise ship belonging to Troppo Tourists, a company with which Nim and Jack have had several bad encounters. The girl, accompanied by Fred, a marine iguana, swims out and is taken aboard the ship by two employees who assume she is part of a group of snorkelers. There she discovers Selkie imprisoned in a room with other exotic animals that the company's leader plans to sell illegally. With the help of two friendly kids, she comes up with a scheme to rescue the captives. In the end, Nim, Alex, and a very worried Jack all meet up in New York City for a happy ending. The protagonist's upbeat, unflappable affability is convincing enough to carry her through all manner of far-fetched scenarios and coincidences, and readers will happily take the trip right along with her. The line illustrations scattered throughout the book mirror the appealingly breezy and friendly tone of the text.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—Palatini and Bowers have a winner in this hilarious story about an awkward subject. Gorgonzola the dinosaur isn't mean, he isn't scary, and he isn't fierce. But boy does he stink! He smells so "doggone awful" that no one can stand to be around him. The poor guy doesn't even realize his offense until a plucky bird finally tells him, "You could petrify a rock with that prehistoric aroma of yours." He was an orphaned egg and had to hatch himself; he never had a mother to tell him about soap, toothbrushes, or blowing his nose. Birdie decides to help and soon has her new friend spiffed up and ready to join the rest of civilization, "proud to be the first dinosaur declared 'ex-stink.'" The over-the-top illustrations of the grossed-out dinosaurs running in alarm from the steaming Gorgonzola will bring belly laughs to children and inspiration to the grown-ups who have to wrestle them into the bathtub or dentist's chair. Witty dialogue and an effective layout get the personal hygiene message across without being preachy or didactic. Gorgonzola has loads of child appeal and will be enjoyed for its humor and charm.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—"Today, our baby is not laughing," begins this slight story. Ma, Pa, Grandma, Grandpa, the dog, and the cat try, but none of them can make the child smile. Suddenly, "I came in." Predictably, "I" is an older sibling, the one who makes the baby laugh. The childlike pastel-outlined mixed-media illustrations feature a cast of characters with round heads, large round eyes, and shaggy hair. The women sport tiny, brightly colored bowlike lips, while the men have lines for mouths. Although the art is appealing enough, with plenty of white space and soft-edged characters, the seemingly random decision to dress Grandma as a fairy and Grandpa as a pirate is a bit strange. The text reads fairly smoothly, although some children may find the overuse of larger type for emphasis somewhat off-putting. Ultimately, the plot is so slight as to be almost nonexistent, the sudden change in point of view is jarring, and the story has been done many times before. For more successful treatments of ways to make a fussy baby smile, go with Phyllis Root's What Baby Wants (Candlewick, 1998), Frieda Wishinsky's Oonga Boonga (Dutton, 1999), or Cressida Cowell's What Shall We Do with the Boo-Hoo Baby? (Scholastic, 2000).—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-K—This is not a lull-your-child-to-bed picture book. On the contrary, it is something of a manual on how to tire out parents. Bertie is an engaging and lively hippo whose father tries, and tries again, to usher him toward sleep. The relationship between parent and son seems to be a cheerful imbalance of power, with Daddy making suggestions and Bertie making demands. "Now it's time for bed," says Daddy after a game of hide-and-seek. "Not yet,' says Bertie. 'First a story.'" After reading three, Daddy yawns. "'Off to bed now,' he says. "'Not yet,' says Bertie. 'First let's dance.'" Then, of course, Bertie wants a glass of water and to go to the potty, where he sits and looks through a pile of books. Guess who falls asleep first? The illustrations are sweet, funny, and colorful. Pfister uses the same floral design on walls, carpets, furniture, and Bertie's shorts, in different and pleasing color combinations. Children will enjoy this story, but beware of reading it aloud at bedtime; it could give youngsters some really fatiguing ideas. Bertie's last words to his snoozing father are, "Good night, Daddy…. Tomorrow we can play some more."—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 3—In this takeoff on Aesop's fable, city-dweller Jack can't wait to visit his cousin Adam in the 'burbs. Once there, the boys enjoy bicycling through the neighborhood, fishing, shopping, watching a movie, buying ice cream, and sleeping outside. But Jack begins to miss the city and is happy to get back home. Turn the book over and it's Adam's chance to visit Jack's apartment where the boys repeat the same adventures in the same order with the flavor and sounds of an urban environment thrown in. In the end, Adam decides that his favorite place is home as well. The author and illustrator do a great job of showing how a slightly different perspective still yields the same fun for the boys. The full-color, slightly flattened, retro cartoon illustrations "using gouache and at least 10 brushes" perfectly capture the changing scenes, and readers will agree that it's tough to decide which experience-city or suburb—is more fun.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-K—A tousled girl chants herself to sleep by summoning images of her loved and loving world. "Here's my house, my swing, my tree./Here's my window, my bed and me." James's acrylic and ink illustrations have the energy and swirl of a child's imagination, yet his combinations of lively colors are somehow soothing. The house and tree smile indulgently at the girl, their eyes following her like those of fond guardians. The cat smiles as the child shows readers her room with its yellow-flowered bedspread, round blue rug, and leaf-patterned walls. Porter carries listeners gently on a stream of melody and ends with an old New Mexican lullaby called "At the Gate of Heaven." She's prepared listeners for its arrival several pages earlier: "Here's my kitty, soft and dear./Here's my arm to hold her near./Is that Mommy's song I hear?" When the lullaby begins, viewers are transported to a sky filled with childlike angels. The music and words—in English and Spanish—are appended. Yellow Moon, Apple Moon affirms, empowers, and assures while singing youngsters into a charmed world called sleep.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 2—On Saturday a boy discovers his father's old Radio Flyer in the attic. As the week progresses, he thinks of flying and builds wings for the wagon, which break off when he tries to take off on a wooden ramp. His father is a continual presence—pulling him in the wagon, working beside him in the garage, running to see about him when he crashes, and, finally, sharing his flight of imagination. Subtle alliteration moves the story through the week, as in "Wednesday was wet./We had to wait." Full-color spreads are oversize and beautifully done in oil paints. Still, they scarcely contain Pullen's powerful images of a young boy working out his dream of flying. The boy's head is large, his face is expressive, and he bears an unmistakable resemblance to his dad. The final spread—father and son together in the Radio Flyer, their eyes closed, their arms outstretched, their bodies tilted as if in flight—is take-your-breath-away wonderful. This is a strong first purchase, affirming the bond between boys and their fathers as well as the power of imagination.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—This latest offering about the little wolf focuses on good sportsmanship. Sam loves to play games, but only if he wins. When his friend Ray wins too often, Sam sulks and refuses to talk to him, and when their soccer team is scheduled to play "the big kids," Sam decides to skip the game because he's afraid they'll lose. Instead, he visits his grandma, who reminds him how much he loves soccer. In the end, she drives him to the game, which results in a tie, and he realizes that he loves to play games, even if he doesn't win every time. The story's obvious message is hammered home, and the unrealistically tied game undercuts its effectiveness. Despite Sam's authentically childlike voice, the translated text is somewhat choppy. Nevertheless, the young wolf is a believable character dealing with issues many children face. The full-bleed, color-saturated oil illustrations reflect his moods, and the characters are appealingly drawn with dots for eyes and lines for mouths. Libraries where the earlier books are popular, or those looking for more titles on good sportsmanship, may want to add this one, but most can pass.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Jumpy Jack is a snail with buck teeth and a paralyzing fear of monsters. His friend Googily is a round, blue creature with sharp teeth, wild eyebrows, tentacle-like fingers, a bowler hat, and a kind heart. As they make their way home through a sunlit landscape, Jumpy Jack repeatedly stops and asks his friend to check for monsters before they proceed. Googily patiently complies, and there is much visual humor in the contrast between his large features looming up from behind windows and doors ("No monsters here! Or here!") and the snail's relieved response: "Phew!" This contrast also highlights the irrationality of Jumpy Jack's fears, and the power of a trusted friend to allay them. At the end of the day, the pals settle down to sleep, and it's Jack's turn to reassure Googily. The interplay between the two creates a wonderfully safe space for children to explore their fears. Youngsters will quickly pick up on the repetition, and the story may provide an opportunity for them to discuss their own "monsters." The text, which consists entirely of dialogue, employs a formal elevated tone that gently chides Jumpy Jack's childish fears, adding an element of dry humor. The illustrations are filled with whimsical details, from Googily's dapper wardrobe to the characters' matching dolls. The calm, slightly muted palette, along with the friendly expressiveness of the protagonists' faces, sends the subtle message that there is truly nothing here to fear.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

PreS-Gr 2—Bandit the cat is annoyed to discover that his bed, toys, and tuna are missing. He is doubly annoyed when he is placed in his carrier and put in the car. He thinks he is going to the vet. Then, because the journey is taking too long, he thinks he is going on vacation. When he arrives at an empty house, he is unimpressed ("Some vacation!") and promptly makes his way back across town to his favorite sunny spot in his house. Except it's not his house anymore. He has moved, which is "mews" to him. His owner finds him and takes him to his new house, where his bed, his toys, and a fresh bowl of tuna await him. At last, Bandit is home. By telling the story from the point of view of an extremely territorial pet, Rostoker-Gruber approaches the issue of moving in a fresh way. Bandit's experience and reaction will resonate with children who have moved themselves: the 'tude he exhibits, the resignation with which he says good-bye to all that is familiar, and the comfort he feels in finding favorite objects, even if they are in an unfamiliar place. Nguyen's mixed-media illustrations have an attractive Pop Art style, reminiscent of the comic-book and newsprint look of artist Roy Lichtenstein. While this title certainly will be useful in soothing the nerves of children preparing to move, it stands on its own as a funny, stylish book about a determined cat.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Snappy rhymes describe a plethora of dogs on the way to the canine park, their activities there, and their return home. This fun-to-read story is an ode to pups of all types, breeds, sizes, colors, personalities, etc., as exemplified by this couplet: "Thin dog, grin dog, gulping, lapping./Hairless, careless, digging, yapping." Each couplet gets a spread showing the dogs and their actions. Two verse-free pages feature 15 dogs engaged in various activities with accompanying onomatopoeia, for example, "pant, pant, pant," "sniff sniff sniff," "A-r-r-o-o-o-o-o," and "G-r-r-r-r." The colorful collages, made from papers hand-painted in watercolors, are reminiscent of a high school art project in the best possible way. They capture the essence of these animals and their behaviors. Great for storytime or anytime that calls for a book brimming with dogs.—Catherine Callegari, formerly at Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2—This offering takes readers back to the ethnically diverse, cooperative, child-led classroom depicted in Dragon Dancing (Viking, 2007). On a "gray drizzle day," indoor doings depend on the power of imagination. With themes for free play suggested by the real-life action outside the classroom's plate glass window, simple playthings—blocks, toys, dress-up bits—offer plenty of inspiration for open-ended activities, enhancing games the children make up themselves and encouraging invention and exploratory thinking. Chairs become seats on the yellow school bus, and kids become firefighters, clowns, dinosaurs, showmen, royalty, and even a family of bears. Schaefer's text offers invitations for readers/listeners to interact by supplying sound effects, identifying words for colors printed in appropriate hues, and guessing the roles kids will play when the page turns ("Riders….Firefighters….Dinos like us!"), while Morgan employs a calligrapher's touch to superimpose colorful fantasy-play figments of the kids' imaginations on their more commonplace classroom components. Who should buy this book? Teachers and librarians like us!—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Lonely at first and then perplexed by sounds coming from the other side of the fence, Mittens responds with scratching, meowing, and digging sounds of his own. Schaefer captures the kitten's confusion and determination to solve the mystery. "Ruff! Ruff! What's that, Mittens?" "Dig! Dig! What's that, Mittens?" The author uses rhythm and word repetition to appeal to new readers, who will giggle when they see what has been making such a ruckus. It's Max in all his huge doggy glory, depicted with an irresistible black nose, pink tongue, and plenty of folds for snuggling. With the gentle underlying message that new friends come in all sizes, this simple adventure joins earlier books about the playful striped kitten and is perfect for beginning-reader sections.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 2—When one friend with a big imagination is bored, the other friend better watch out! So it is with Alistair, an orange cat who comes up with an idea for a new and exciting project and enlists the help of Kip, a beagle with a less- adventurous spirit. Determined to see the world, Alistair decides that they will build a boat and set sail for "far and distant lands." The two work together, measuring, hammering, and gluing, and before long, their craft is completed. Somewhat nervous about the actual idea of disembarking, Kip jumps in at the last minute and joins Alistair on a journey that is anything but boring, as they row down a creek and eventually make their way into the open sea. When a giant wave capsizes their small vessel, they swim for an island, only to discover that it's actually a kindly whale that safely shepherds them home. After thanking the whale, Alistair begins speculating about what they'll do next as poor Kip's ears rise in alarm. The quick-paced story is told through both dialogue and simple narrative. Beautifully rendered watercolors in bright hues comically depict the self-confident cat and his smaller canine pal. This tale of two friends who have a whale of a time will delight children who often use the dreaded "b" (bored) word.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

K-Gr 3—A rhyming text looks at two friends who share good times. It begins with a list of interests they share, and the colorful cartoon illustrations delightfully capture them in their favorite activities—reading, playing Frisbee, eating pizza (both pick off the peppers). It's not until several pages into the book that Sarah's wheelchair is revealed. Then the narrator flashes back to the day her second-grade teacher suggested that she show the new girl around. "When I saw she was using a wheelchair, I froze.…/I stammered and stuttered./I might say the wrong thing, I thought-so I muttered. I wanted to get a good look at her chair,/but I felt like a jerk, so I tried not to stare." Children will identify with these feelings. The girls find something in common to begin a conversation—they are both "rock hounds." The rhyme moves quickly yet touches on many aspects of life for people in wheelchairs—the rude reactions, getting into bed, and children's normal activities. The artwork conveys the same positive fun as the text. The book's lesson is evident without being didactic; the story focuses on real friendship, not the disability. The narrator sums it up: "It's odd that the moment I met her I'm sure/I saw only the wheelchair…./but now I see Sarah first—and she's cool!" This is an excellent addition that will work for groups as well as individual reading.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS—This story is narrated from the perspective of a newborn: "On the day I was born Mother welcomed me into the world with tears of joy and read me my first book." Daddy reads to his baby bear as soon as they come home from the hospital. One after another and over time, various family members share books with the baby, pointing out what wonderful adventures can be found within the pages. The stories convey important messages about kindness and caring, dreaming and making wishes come true, friendship, the value of laughter, and more. After reading aloud, each relative urges the child to say his or her name, but it's no surprise that the child's first word is "book" (though the father still hopes that the second one will be "Daddy"). Pastel watercolor illustrations heighten the dreamy, sweet, and cheerful atmosphere of this heavily messaged tale. Parents and caregivers make the best audience for this story, which would be useful in literacy and wellness programs for young families and will find a place in parenting collections along with Rosemary Wells's Read to Your Bunny (Scholastic, 1998).—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 2–5—Shulevitz provides a note and early drawings to source this story based on his own childhood experience. A small boy and his parents flee Poland in 1939. They travel to Turkestan (modern-day Kazakhstan) where they live in one room in a house made of "clay, straw, and camel dung" with strangers. When the narrator's father returns from the bazaar with a huge map instead of bread to feed his starving family, his wife and son are furious. But the map turns out to provide food for his spirit as the youngster becomes fascinated by its every detail. Using his imagination, he can transport himself to all of the exotic-sounding places on it without ever leaving the dreary room in which it hangs. The folk-style illustrations, rendered in collage, watercolor, and ink, combined with the brief text, create a perfectly paced story. A page turn to discover where Father is going "one day" brings readers into a Russian bazaar with its crowds of colorful sellers and buyers, the scene closely resembling a drawing the illustrator made at age 10. Scenes framed in white depict the family boxed in by their desperate circumstances, first fleeing their war-torn country with its angry red-black sky, and then cramped in their small room in a distant land. The frames disappear as the boy imagines himself released from his confinement to travel his newly discovered world. This poignant story can spark discussion about the power of the imagination to provide comfort in times of dire need.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 3–5—Los Angeles, 1942, is the setting for this picture-book glimpse into the world of China City and its residents during World War II. Young Mei Ling Lee describes her life, her family's efforts to raise money for the United China Relief for displaced citizens in their native country, and the child's wistful remembrances of her Japanese friend, sent with her family to Manzanar. Mei Ling uses her wits in an attempt to raise the most money for the campaign and hopes to share her prize with her absent friend. Brightly hued watercolor illustrations place readers in the center of preparation for the local Moon Festival celebration and contrast with concluding black-and-white photographs of actual participants in events of the 1940s that bring the period to life. This book also includes an author's note that gives historical reflections on China City, the Manzanar War Relocation Center, and the United China Relief Campaign.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 2—According to the jacket flap, this story is set in "a turn-of-the-century city," but the location and, in fact, which century are not explicitly stated. A wandering pig is startled by a passing carriage and somehow ends up with Miss Prudence on his back. The two proceed to tear through the streets, careening into numerous people and things and taking a bit of something away with them with each encounter. In the style of a cumulative tale, the items are all listed with each new addition followed by the refrain, "but the pig ran on." Various references, such as the Barnum American Museum, which was on Broadway from 1841 until it burned in 1865, identify the locale as New York City. The roaming pigs, which were largely blamed for the cholera epidemic of 1849, were driven from the city at that time. Both of these facts would seem to indicate an early-19th-century setting. Details of the text and illustration are occasionally at odds with the time period, such as the bright red uniform worn by the police officer—NYPD uniforms have changed since their adoption in 1844, but they have always been blue. There are also pieces that are at odds with what would seem intended as a lighthearted romp. The pig runs past "a long line of immigrants with tired faces" and snatches an orphan when running past the Home of the Friendless. The illustrations frequently do not support the text, with the items supposedly grabbed by the pig or Miss Prudence missing from some of the pictures. Libraries can easily skip this tedious chase.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 1—With torn-paper collages in saturated color and just three words for every spread except the last, Steggall presents the life cycle of a car from its manufacture to its destruction and recycling, when the process begins anew. Large spreads show the car's assembly, delivery, purchase by a woman with two children, and how they use and maintain it until an accident requires that they call a tow truck and dispose of it. Cars crowd the endpapers, and a designer is busily at work on the title page. Sharp readers will notice that, like the vehicles in Steggall's On the Road (Kane/Miller, 2005), these autos have steering wheels on the right, license plates that look different, and travel on the left side of the road. As an added bonus, the youngsters who journey with this car through its brief life will also bump into delicious verbs such as "deliver," "tow," "strip," "crush," and "recycle."—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 1–3—Farmer Quantz encounters a dog in his vegetable garden and gives him a good rub behind the ears. When the pup bounds off, Quantz finds he has been left with a fine case of fleas and begins to itch wildly. Running down the road, he meets a woman with an uncle who will not stop talking, and they trade burdens. Off Quantz goes with the garrulous uncle until he meets a man carrying a huge chuck of Limburger cheese. Eager to get out from under his load, he accepts Quantz's offer of an exchange. And so it goes until the story comes full circle and Quantz ends up with the dog that, by this time, is sans fleas. Peppered with wonderful language, this noodle-head story makes for a lively and fun read-aloud. The mixed-media cartoon spreads, featuring elongated figures in exaggerated poses, perfectly match the comic tone of the tale.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 2–4—With tongue firmly in cheek, the dynamic Stevens sisters have crafted a multilayered story that looks at various situations in the life of an average dog. Through a series of letters to Mr. Mutt, a doggie version of Dear Abby, the text invites readers to learn about the tribulations of "Underplayed in Utah" or "Famished in Florida" and the encouragement they garner from their correspondences. Each letter has its own distinctive style depending on the complaint and the writer's personality but all end with a postscript that refers to the treatment or behavior of cats in the household. Mr. Mutt ends each reply with his own postscript that refers to the cat that shares his home. Here, the book rises to another level of humor with the inclusion of additional commentary from "The Queen," the supremely superior feline who keeps Mr. Mutt in his place. The tension between them builds throughout the letters until a physical confrontation occurs near the end of the story. Mr. Mutt's replies to the dogs in distress include many sketches of "illustrated tips" as well as a variety of graphs to substantiate the advice. While the story will find fans in the primary grades, its most appreciative audience will be among more sophisticated readers who will recognize the amount of effort that went into this creative venture. It's a great read just for fun, and teachers will find a wealth of ways to incorporate it into lessons on letter writing, newspapers, and presenting information through graphs.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

K-Gr 3—When a visit to the school nurse confirms that lice have invaded the pretty hair of "Absolutely Perfect" Ellie, the third grader is horrified—this type of thing doesn't happen to her, she reasons. Ellie and her mom head home to treat the problem, but during the long process Ellie gets so bored that she begins to read the paperwork the nurse gave them. Armed with the not-so-scary facts, she drafts a letter for other kids to reassure them that lice can happen to anyone, and that they are relatively easy to get rid of. When Ellie goes back to school, the nurse loves the letter and distributes copies of it. Stier has taken a difficult topic and turned it into a charming story that demystifies the fears and false information surrounding lice infestation. The writing is stylized yet not overdone and comes across simply without sounding didactic. Cartoon illustrations capture Ellie's emotions as she goes from feeling grossed out to upset, sullen, and, finally, elated to be free of the bugs. The letter is presented at the end of the book; it is hand-printed on sheets of notebook paper and illustrated, adding to the lighthearted approach to a topic that causes many children—and their parents—angst.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

PreS—Those snobby butterflies! Harriet the hedgehog stops on her way to her friend's house to watch them dancing and decides to join in. But she is summarily informed that "The butterfly dance is only for butterflies." It's a blow to the little creature's joyful nature, and by the time she meets up with Igor, another hedgehog, she feels very sad. He eventually cheers her up by dancing, and her other animal friends join them. And of course, the butterflies see them having so much fun that they can't help asking to join in. Church's collage illustrations are charming and vibrant, and children will love the depictions of the protagonist as she progresses through the story. Harriet is someone who goes against the rules in a gentle way, and readers will fall in love with her spirit.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 1—Grumpy Cat isn't really grumpy—he's just lonely. He wants to make friends but doesn't know how. When he meets a lost, playful kitten, he almost misses his chance to befriend her by walking away. The kitten's cheerfulness almost comes to naught, until a near accident causes Grumpy Cat to save her. From there the path of true friendship runs smooth. This is a simple, familiar story greatly enhanced by bold, colorful illustrations on large areas of white space. Teckentrup creates remarkably expressive characters with a few select colors and, in particular, use of white space within the eyes. The uncluttered layout keeps readers focused on the interaction between the two cats so that even when they are small creatures in a big world, they are the center of attention. This is a winningly attractive book that will have broad appeal. Join it with Judith Byron Schachner's The Grannyman (Dutton, 1999) and Sam Lloyd's Mr. Pusskins (S & S, 2006) to celebrate feline friendship.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 1–3—A story about an American-Japanese girl whose family lives in Japan with her father's mother, Baachan. Her maternal grandmother visits from Maine and Nanami serves as a translator for her two grandmothers. Baachan is curious about Maine, particularly about seaweed harvesting. The cold ocean waters along its shore seem like a perfect environment for seaweed, so Baachan is surprised that it is not a big crop there. Nanami and her grandmothers spend a day gathering wakame, a delicious seaweed harvested in the village. Thompson provides fascinating details about life in rural Japan and the process of collecting, preserving, and preparing wakame, including a few easy recipes. She smoothly draws cultural comparisons while adroitly addressing the women's different perspectives on their childhoods during World War II. Colorful illustrations strengthen the parallels with interesting details, although the human figures sometimes seem flat. Particularly lovely are the endpapers—watery, seaweed-green watercolors depicting different types of seaweed on cream paper. This unpretentious story provides many opportunities for further exploration and discussion: the obvious comparisons of two cultures; the meaning of family; war and forgiveness; ecology, particularly the expansion of food resources; and differences and similarities among coastal environments around the world. An excellent choice for most collections.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 1—With typical sibling rivalry, Rosie, a rodent, first plays with her baby sister and then gets tired of her and tries to give her away. Luckily, she takes the child to her sitter, a gentle adult male who takes Buttercup in without question and is later willing to trade her back for snack food—sun-dried dandelion puffs. Rosie's emotions are expressed through her activities and actions in a thoughtful and gentle way. No reprimands are given, and the sisters are happily reunited in a resolved relationship. The pretty watercolors are delicately displayed and have touches of ribbons and flowers. The white backgrounds make the colors and characters stand out. Children will want to hear this story more than once; it is a good choice for those who are faced with accepting a newcomer in the family.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

Gr 2–4—The first two paragraphs suggest that this book is an introduction to a lovely Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival: A full moon signifies unity and families gather to eat "moon cakes" as they "toast each other's good health, family togetherness, and wish peace for everyone." Then it morphs into a confusing, heartbreaking drama of well-off Chinese parents, a doctor and a bank official, who decide to immigrate to Canada to ensure a good education for their daughter. The child relates how she must leave her nanny, who has raised her since she was a baby. Poignantly, the nanny tells her, "I want you to remember that I will always be thinking of you." A lovely watercolor illustration shows her talking to the young girl as she points to the moon. Canada is not the paradise the adults envision; the father works in a muffin factory. The grandmother tells a sad legend about the "Moon Lady" in a distinct section of the book complete with its own unique Chinese paintings. Its theme of separation becomes real when the girl's mother returns alone to China to her high-status job: the little girl stares at a full moon and says, I miss Mama very much…. I wonder if she will ever come back to us." This story deals with adult themes that are not well articulated and lacks child appeal.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—In a jolly, rhyming text, this book describes various animal fathers, from a ponderous walrus ("Daddy/GIANT/Daddy/jiggle") to a soft-fleeced ram ("Bouncy/Daddy/happy/giggle"). Other critters include hummingbirds ("Daddy/busy"), gorillas ("Daddy/strong"), snails ("Daddy/slimy"), and snakes ("Daddy/long"). The vibrant, painterly illustrations, featuring fathers interacting with their offspring, are filled with action and color. Two spreads must be turned vertically for viewing, adding interest to the layout. The use of white backgrounds keeps the images large and clear. The simple text and warm-hued artwork create a feeling of security that will appeal to children.—Anne Parker, formerly at Milton Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—Scaredy Squirrel is frightened by everything associated with the beach—seagulls, sea monsters, jellyfish, etc. He decides to vacation alone, at home, and creates a beach environment with a bag of kitty litter, a plastic flamingo, a flashlight for sunlight, etc. Something is missing, though—the sound of the ocean. The squirrel then devises an elaborate plan to retrieve a seashell (unoccupied) from the real beach by mailing himself to the shore. He has such a good day there—amid the crowd of people—that he forgets his fears and decides to populate his personal beach with a crowd of garden gnomes. Children with fears of the unknown will relate to this tale. The simple story line explains Scaredy Squirrel's worries, plans, and activities in a humorous way. Digitally rendered illustrations in pastel, Floridian colors add amusing details. This is an excellent book to share one-on-one.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

PreS—Clinton Gregory's nights are filled with zany adventures. His companions in the fun-filled romps include a dragon named Gordon, a magic sea horse, two giants, one triceratops, a tiger with spots, a toad, and a ship full of pirates. Each evening brings another secret adventure. "On Friday night, Clinton Gregory and his friends danced under the moonlight." Everything is big in Whatley's colorful and fantastical spreads, which include details sure to appeal to children. The closing spread, suffused with midnight blue, finds a peaceful, sleeping Clinton snug beneath a blanket and surrounded by several of his adventurous stuffed animal pals. An entertaining addition to help wind down the day.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Two young brothers, nicknamed Bear and Squirrel, enjoy spending time with one another. They go on nature hikes, rake leaves, and sleep outside in tents. These simple pleasures highlight the siblings' closeness throughout the year: "In spring we bring out balls and bats./We look for frogs. We pet strange cats." Told in uncomplicated verse, one short line per page, this unassuming book captures the warmth and delight of being best friends. The rhyming is easy and predictable with only one instance in which the ending words do not work as a pair ("jokes"/"coats"). The childlike, unembellished watercolor and pencil illustrations fit the text perfectly, and the muted colors underscore the simplicity and joyful intimacy of the boys' relationship. This title would work best in small-group readings and one-on-one sharing.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 2–4—From the time children open the cover, everything about this oversize book speaks to the grand scale of steel and iron production circa 1935. Readers are drawn immediately into the heat and the grime of a steel town, from the tall trim size to the steely endpapers. The acrylic artwork creates an atmosphere of gloom with fiery furnaces and gray skies. Against this backdrop is the rhythmic, repetitious language detailing a day in the life of Steel Town. Starting with coal and ending with a "flaming river" of molten iron, the production of iron is lyrically described. The uses and purposes of iron round out the picture of steel while the workers go home and get ready for another day in the mills. Both informative and visually stunning, this beautifully written and powerfully illustrated picture book will make a perfect addition to any collection.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

PreS-Gr 1—These delightful lift-the-flap books will be lifesavers for families in which an adult travels for work. With engaging, child-friendly illustrations and simple, clear text, each story begins with a parent leaving on a business trip. "When Mommy goes away for a meeting, Lily and George try to be happy. But they are not." On the next three spreads, the children list the reasons why: "When Mommy is away, she can't help Lily and George get ready for bed" or "When Daddy is away, he can't give Lily and George a bath." Rather than wallow in sadness, however, they reveal something that the missing parent can do to be a part of their children's day (call, send email, etc.) under a large flap. Next, a two-page rebus succinctly illustrates either parent's itinerary, from taking a taxi, catching a plane, and going to a meeting to the reverse trip. Each book concludes with a warm welcome home. Both the format and topic automatically limit the audience, but these are great resources for the right families. The flaps are large (most are nearly the size of the page) and well constructed, making these titles reasonable choices for those libraries that invest in this format.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN

PreS-Gr 2—No doubt inspired by Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Random, 1990), this Curious George book speaks directly to readers with congratulations on accomplishments and encouragement to follow exciting new paths, despite inevitable setbacks. Zoehfeld's text provides positive thoughts best suited to graduates who are willing to equate themselves with the famous monkey. Rey's familiar drawings of the favorite hero are culled from past tales. Although some youngsters may relish pointing out from which stories the pictures come, the text is not geared at all to children: "You'll find the spot where you most want to land. Oh, what a place it will be! The thrill of discovery will be yours." The book is disappointing in its lack of originality.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 1—These small books give new meaning to "short and simple." Each page has a color photograph that illustrates the text—a sentence composed of a handful of words. One of the longer ones is, "A mountain is land that rises toward the sky." A few words are in bold and defined in a glossary. The books end with a full page of descriptive text highlighting a concept related to the landform, such as "Volcanic Islands." Two pages of facts offer a little more detail. The material is clear and the format appealing, but there isn't much information here.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

Gr 3–4—The star of this slim volume is not your common land snail, slipping along its slimy path in search of succulent salads. This is a fierce, speedy (for a snail) predator seeking smaller vegetarian snails and slugs to feed its voracious appetite. Campbell's terse, conversational text follows one such hunt on a damp spring day as a wolfsnail detects, tracks, and engulfs its prey, using its mustachio-style lip extensions as ultrasensory devices. Large, crisp photos record the activity, from the wolfsnail's morning awakening to start the hunt to the denouement of a return to rest. Two additional pages provide further fodder, including mating facts (and a small photo of these hermaphrodites caught in the act). Pair this title with Allan Fowler's more general A Snail's Pace (Children's Press, 1999; o.p.) for an interesting glimpse into a slow-motion world.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—Jack, an endearing boy with apple-red cheeks, sells his cow for a handful of beans and climbs the beanstalk. The giant's wife feeds him and hides him three times from her uncouth, ever-hungry husband ("Fee Fi Fo Fum, I smell a visitor, yum, yum, yum./Fish or fowl, cold or hot, We'll cook him up inside my pot"), and forgives him for taking the giant's possessions. Because the bones of this classic tale are right, Cech's enhancements feel right, too. The unappreciated wife takes the harp and follows Jack down the beanstalk. The giant, who is afraid of heights, bellows loudly but stays put. Jack's mother, a compassionate woman who would rather have her boy than the treasures, welcomes the giant's wife as her friend. Any noises in the clouds can be blamed on the bellowing giant, forced to live on dry crackers since his wife left. Mackenzie's watercolor illustrations are done in a folk style using a green and gold palette with touches of red. The giant, with his very small head and bleary eyes, contrasts nicely with the rosy cheerfulness of Jack and his mother. Perspective is used to advantage, showing the beanstalk disappearing in the clouds and then the insubstantial base when seen from the top. Pair this retelling with Raymond Briggs's Jim and the Beanstalk (Putnam, 1977) for an enormously satisfying storytime.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 2–5—This unbiased browsing encyclopedia covers a wide range of subjects under headings such as "Plants," "Animals," "People through Time," "Science," and "Space," with the suitability of the entries varying by age. Some, such as "Clothes," will be accessible to second and third graders, whereas others, for example "South America," may be more suitable for students who have already had some global studies. The visually rich work presents inset blocks of facts, vocabulary, related stories, questions, and ideas for crafts. The story boxes will assist in creating literature connections to topics (though some, such as a summary of "The Three Little Pigs" in the chapter on materials, will not appeal to the older end of the grade range). The vocabulary "notepads" throughout are helpful, but there is no comprehensive glossary or pronunciation guide. "Can You Find?" questions will engage younger readers. Web sites are listed as footers without titles or annotations, limiting their utility. The use of bright colors, small blocks of dark text, an adequately sized typeface, and numerous illustrations make the book easy to read, and a comprehensive index allows for the access of specific bits of information.—Sara Rofofsky Marcus, Yeshiva Har Torah, Little Neck, NY

Gr 1–4—Each evening, the birds on the island of Luzon gather in an abandoned hut on Mount Pinatubo, and their "good-night songs" waft down to Maynilad and let the villagers know that it is time to prepare for bed. One night, however, Tuko, an arrogant gecko, barges into the hut with his "ear-splitting," "TUK-O! TUKO!" His calls keep the feathered creatures awake night after night, making them too tired to sing and leaving the people confused about when to go to sleep. Every ploy the birds try to entice Tuko back to his swamp backfires until Haribon the eagle finally devises a successful plan. Climo's retelling, sprinkled with Filipino words defined within the text and in a glossary, is infused with humor. After the birds describe Tuko's singing as a "volcano," "earthquake," and "typhoon," he quips, "Wasn't I grand?" Watercolor illustrations depict a village with bamboo houses and people going about their daily lives of fishing, food preparation, and play. The expressions on the brightly colored birds' faces as their plans repeatedly go awry and the scene in which Tuko contentedly rubs his belly after the eagle serves him a wasp feast are priceless. Climo provides a lengthy note about this tale, which is a lively choice for storytime.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 2–5—Featuring more than breeds that are categorized as hunting, herding, working, or companion dogs, this attractive volume includes interesting and sometimes unusual facts about canines. The animals included cover a broad spectrum from well known and popular, such as the Labrador retriever and pug, to the less-familiar Canaan dog and Neapolitan mastiff. The painterly illustrations are often action-packed, showing, for example, Akitas in a confrontation with a bear, a dachshund down in a tunnel with a badger, and the Portuguese water dog working with fishermen. There is also a brief history of the origin of dogs and a succinct look at mixed breeds. Although there is not enough information for reports, this is a great browsing book. It gives an appreciation of the common traits and unique personalities and talents of "man's best friend," accompanied by high-quality illustrations, that readers will enjoy looking at again and again.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 3–6—Centaurs, Gryphons, and Harpies share the pages of this who's who of ancient Greek figures like Argus, the watchman with 100 eyes; the three-headed dog Cerberus; and Polyphemus, the Cyclops of Homer's Odyssey. Snippets of stories about Jason and Medea, Theseus and Ariadne, and other well-known characters will give readers tantalizing glimpses of the more intricate tales that await them. Although the title makes it clear that the book is about creatures of mythology, the section on Gryphons is slightly confusing in the way that it implies these half-lion, half-eagle beings did indeed exist in the natural world. Curlee's language is descriptive and lyrical. Combining formal, stylized images with touches of realism, the full-color acrylic paintings depict these characters with dramatic flair. Details mentioned in the text are often incorporated into the artwork, further enhancing the book's impact. This bestiary would be a good companion to Kate McMullan's "Myth-O-Mania" series, could pave the way for Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" books (both Hyperion), and whet appetites for further explorations of Greek mythology.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 1–3—This popular folk song, which is also the anthem of the United Farm Workers of America, celebrates the arrival of spring and the connectedness of humankind. Diaz's joyful pictures bring the words to life. Rendered in acrylic, colored pencil, and pencil, the vibrant, fanciful artwork features flying and floating people as well as giant-sized roosters, chickens, and birds. The stylized humans, with various skin tones and multicolored eyes, show unity and love through linking arms and large colorful hearts that adorn their clothing. Presented in Spanish and English, each line is illustrated on an expansive spread. Piano music and historical information about the song are included. Because only two verses are illustrated, the book seems short, but it's a visual delight that's sure to be frequently requested.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

K-Gr 3—Each psalm expresses feelings familiar to children: fear and uncertainty, comfort and contentment, amazement and gratitude. The sacred songs, paraphrased in simple, child-friendly language, celebrate the beautiful world, which is protected by God's all-encompassing love, and provide a sense of reassurance. Psalm 23 reads, "God is my shepherd./He leads me in the right/direction. And even if I have to/walk in a dark place,/I am not scared./I know nothing will hurt me/if I walk with God!" Organized in numerical order, the selections are printed in a large, readable font. The book ends on a joyous note with Psalm 150, "Hallelujah!" On each spread, the verse faces a full-page illustration. The magical paintings feature exotic settings, bold outlines, and rich hues. They are filled with images of children and the natural world. The final psalm is accompanied by a picture of three children dancing and playing musical instruments under a golden sky, which adeptly mirrors the celebratory tone of the collection.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

K-Gr 3—Flowers and her dog teams have run the Iditarod and made numerous other expeditions in Alaska. In this book, she tells the story of a particular sled dog, Douggie. Because of his independence and high spirits, she initially wondered if he would ever be able to work as part of a team. Only after three years of training did she consider him ready to make a 325-mile journey to the Magnetic North Pole. Douggie proved his worth, acting as lead dog on the difficult expedition, and even facing off with a polar bear. While the story will be of interest to dog lovers and dogsled enthusiasts, the narrative is not exciting enough to pull in general readers. The visually striking but calm illustrations never convey a sense of danger or real fear that the team will not succeed. In fact, although Douggie's energy is repeatedly referred to in the text, the majority of the illustrations depict him in a static manner. Van Zyle's vibrant acrylic paintings beautifully render the light and expanse of the Alaskan landscape but the dogs and people never come to life. Children will be intrigued by the route map, which shows how dogsleds travel between islands on the ice.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 2–4—Designed for students just beginning to use atlases, these books offer well-organized, easy-to-access information. All three open with a map of the Earth highlighting the specific continent in relation to the rest of the world. The spreads also include general information about maps including definitions of terms such as "equator," "Tropic of Cancer," and "Arctic Circle"; and descriptions of map features such as legends, compass roses, and scale. This information prepares readers as they explore the continents through sections about countries (though Greenland is not labeled on the map of North America), landforms, bodies of water, climate, plants, animals, people and customs, products, and transportation. Young readers are sure to like "Postcard Places," which features color photographs of the more amazing places on the relevant continent. Small photographs or colorful text boxes draw readers' attention to points of interest or fun facts. Maps and legends are simple, yet disseminate information clearly. These books will engage young researchers with a bit more ease than Wendy Vierow's "Atlas of the Seven Continents" series (Rosen).—Christine Lindsey, Lake Superior Primary School, Ashland, WI

Gr 2–4—These unremarkable books cover three types of dance. In Ballet and Tap, the focus is on technique with a small amount of information about their history and some professional performances. In Ballroom Dancing, the emphasis is on explaining the different dances such as the quickstep and rumba. There is enough clearly written information to provide an introduction and an adequate number of color photographs to support the explanations. It appears that no effort was made to include different ethnicities in the young amateurs in the photographs. In fact, except in Ballroom, in which boys appear as part of a dance couple, the children featured appear to all be Caucasian girls. There are a few photographs and some brief information featuring some ethnically diverse professional dancers. Many other resources provide the same basic information.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

PreS—The popular verse, included in numerous collections of nursery rhymes, gets the star treatment in this delightful picture book. Illustrated entirely with quilt patches festooned with buttons, the ditty bounces along in bursts of color. The title page introduces the first patch—a little girl in star-covered overalls against a sunny yellow swatch of material, framed by a black border edged in rickrack and sewn upon a solid-color fabric. Then, each number is sewn on a separate quilt square, following the pattern set on the first page. The fabric designs vary, with each page more dazzling than the previous ones. Children will enjoy counting the buttons sewn beside the numbers. The text following each pair of numerals is set against its own patch, and opposite that is a quilted picture of the girl acting out the verse. The last spread contains several pairs of hands adorned with buttons that match their corresponding numbers, 1 through 10. Youngsters who are just learning to count will enjoy poring over the cheerful pictures.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 2–5—This book intends to show children what yoga can help them to accomplish emotionally. The introduction gives simple and clear explanations of the practice, dealing with feelings, affirmations, and breathing. Eighteen spreads follow, each with a full-page color photograph of a child in a posture, a brief explanation of the pose, the associated feelings, and an affirmation. The pictures are clear and useful, as are the discussions of the emotions and the affirmations. Not enough explanation is given for some of the poses, however, and yoga done incorrectly can be ineffective at best. Proper alignment is not emphasized either in the text or in the illustrations; in tree pose, the child's foot is pressing directly on the knee, a common mistake that can cause injury. There are a number of good yoga books for children; one of the best because of its detail is Mary Kaye Chryssicas's I Love Yoga (DK, 2005). Humphrey's book would be helpful for dealing with emotions, but readers should turn elsewhere to learn the poses.—Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

K-Gr 5—In this photo-essay, the author, a high school student, chronicles her quest for a puppy, her family's decision to adopt one, and their trip to Aunt Mary's Doghouse—a nonprofit rescue agency—to find the right animal. The somewhat awkward text describes the excitement of meeting Dixie, the rough first night in her new home, going for walks, and cuddling on the sofa. The narrative points out that decisions about getting a pet should be carefully made, briefly mentions caretaking responsibilities, and highlights the plight of abandoned dogs. The book's strengths are the large, full-color, often full-page photos of the appealing pup and her new owner. The Web sites recommended for potential pet owners are regularly updated. Additional, where needed.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

PreS-Gr 1—This tender title about the bonding between baby and adult animals gets some punch from additional facts appended at the end. The body of the book has a brief rhyming text, notable for its precise and engaging verbs: "Giraffes/pucker up, sniff, and lick./Dolphins/whistle, clack, and click." Two manatees "caress against wrinkly skin." Human children and their elders kiss, rub noses, hug, and give roses. Large, heartwarming stock photos of animal families clearly illustrate each verse. A close-up of a baby alligator resting peacefully between its mother's jaws neatly breaks up the flow of mammals. The end matter includes a more detailed description of the relationship between each of the critters and its parents, and an indication of whether the species is threatened or endangered. In some cases slight anthropomorphism attributes "liking" and "enjoying" to the animals' behaviors, but the information seems carefully selected to be understandable and interesting to young children. Discussion questions (e.g., "How do you show your parents that you care?") and a chart of relevant numerical data on each animal round out the added material. Sizable enough for group sharing and also a comforting lap read, this is a book that will encourage children's curiosity.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

K-Gr 3—In ancient Mexico, a fisherman catches a green sea turtle in his net. The turtle is one of the seven sons of Opochtli, god of the sea, and will grant the fisherman a wish in exchange for his freedom. The fisherman's wife is dissatisfied with her husband's wish for a good catch and sends him back to wish for first wealth and then power. Unhappy with both, she wants to become a god. Paddling out into the black water of an angry sea, the fisherman calls out one final time to the turtle, who asks what the man wants for himself and grants it. He returns to his hut to find his wife a stone statue, like the other Aztec gods. Aviles uses acrylics and liquid watercolor, as well as motifs from Aztec art, in the brightly patterned illustrations. She changes the placid, blue-green sea in the opening pages to a truly frightful place at the end. Kimmel reminds readers that "the great turtle still swims in the sea" and asks what they might wish for. Pair this story with Margaret Read MacDonald's The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle (August House, 1997) or a version of the Grimm brothers' "The Fisherman and His Wife" for an interesting exploration of the same folktale in different cultures.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 2—This bright, lively, new interpretation of the classic children's song incorporates numbers, musical-instrument families, and a multiethnic group of adorable children who march along with the "old man" of the song. The dark-skinned, white-haired, mustachioed gent has a bit of the Pied Piper in his drum, using it to turn this song into a parade that takes the group all the way to a lunch of pizza and ice cream. With colorful acrylic and collage illustrations and varying fonts, each spread is alive with activity. The children are introduced with their own numbers that float near them on a small piece of paper as they play a different instrument, with each family identified in the back of the book. Of course, the dog of the chorus—along with his bone—appears on each spread as well. From time to time, the traditional lyrics are altered to follow the story line: "This old man, he played eight,/he played Knick Knack as we ate," and these small changes add to the fun of joining story and song. Even libraries that have the versions by Paul Zelinsky (Dutton, 2002) and Marissa Moss (Houghton, 1992; o.p.) will want this newest entry. With its inventive use of numbers, music, and collage illustrations, it's a worthy addition.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Gr 3–4—This book offers an interesting look at different types of mazes. Lankford explains why they might have been constructed and mentions the legends or history behind them. Among those included are "Greece: The Minotaur's Maze," "United Kingdom: Turf Mazes," "North America: Maize Mazes," "South Africa: Soekershof Mazes," and "France: Religious Labyrinths." A spread is devoted to each one, with a page of text facing a full-page, softly colored illustration that shows the maze, the landscape in which it is found, and children playing in or around it. This is a beautiful book that will pique readers' curiosity and leave them wanting to know more.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 1–3—Levinson offers a straightforward, simple introduction to rain forests and some of the flora and fauna found there. Most of the book deals with tropical forests and the characteristics of each of their four layers. Hearn clearly identifies the locales of her illustrations and labels the plants and animals depicted. A few pages highlight the temperate rain forest of North America. The book concludes with brief mention of the negative impacts on these woodlands. It's a solid choice for libraries in need of an additional resource about a subject covered in many recent titles, including Linda Tagliaferro's Explore the Tropical Rain Forest (Capstone, 2007), but readers who want details about particular plants, animals, or specific forests will need to consult other sources.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

K-Gr 3—Short poems and vibrant watercolor illustrations wed successfully in this bilingual book, giving birth to a sensory exploration of nature's colors. On each spread, whimsical poetic comparisons add multiple dimensions to the seemingly simple hues ("Yellow/rolls/through/the/sky/like/a/warm/gold/coin") and suggest that colors can encompass something broader than us ("Into a tiny seed/fits clover, fits a tree,/fits the whole jungle…/fits green"). Subtleties present in the author's native Spanish are occasionally lost in translation (for example, the alliterative wordplay of Vio un lago,/vio una flor,/vio el ocaso,/¡violeta! becomes "I saw a lake./I saw a flower./I saw the twilight./…Violet!"). Still, the essence of each poem remains intact. The colors are represented in beautiful paintings that contain both abstract depictions of nature as well as simple images of familiar outdoor things—birds, nests, leaves, flowers. Elegant details in the art and design further unify the poems and colors; a dynamic palette and other visual aids illustrate the passage of time, while an antelope (appearing first on the front cover, beckoning readers inside) functions as a familiar guide as it reappears throughout this first-rate collection.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 3–4—Macken's crisp text reveals burdocks sticking to a kid's socks and to a rabbit's fur, touch-me-not seeds exploding from their pods, and acorns being interred energetically by provident squirrels. A final segment explores several kinds of seed "containers" (pods, fruit, nutshells) and the varying shapes of a number of seeds (peach pits, corn kernels, peas), and explains the stages of growth from seed to flowering plant. All the while, in careful step, Paparone's bright, realistic acrylics present clear pictures of the featured seeds in their natural dispersals, from tumbleweeds rolling across a Western landscape to coconuts dropping into a tropical sea. Many of the double-page illustrations contain a circular "bubble" with close-ups of leaves, flowers, pods, etc. Team this inviting introduction with Ken Robbins's elegant Seeds (S & S, 2005) and/or Helene J. Jordan's simple How a Seed Grows (HarperTrophy, 1992), or perhaps Sam Godwin's even simpler A Seed in Need (Picture Window, 2004) for a seed-full good time.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 2–5—An eloquent tribute to two great men and their surprising alliance. Michelson explores the kinship between the African-American Baptist minister and a Polish-born rabbi who fled Nazi Germany to teach in America. Both men were raised by wise, loving parents and followed in their fathers' footsteps. Both of them also experienced hatred and prejudice close to home. Whether the signs said "Whites Only" or "No Jews Allowed," they were equally hurtful and inspired them to strive for peace and equal rights for all. The first half of the book offers a simple, concise, and beautifully written early biography of King; the latter describes Heschel's youth. His father instructed him to "Walk like a prince, not a peasant….You are as good as anybody," echoing the words of King's mother. He answered Dr. King's call and joined the 1965 March to Montgomery with 25,000 others. Colón's signature soft, colored pencil and watercolor illustrations capture the anger and passion of the times. This exemplary introduction to the Civil Rights Movement will appeal to a wide audience. Its message will inspire and unite readers from many backgrounds.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 2–4—An old English folktale (unsourced) creates a foundation for a new version of how or why each bird builds its nest differently. "Long ago, when the world was young, only the magpie knew how to build a nest." The other birds leave their eggs in unsafe places, and so they ask the magpie to teach them how to keep their babies safe. Each one then departs to build the nest that suits its needs, and the book ends with the intricate and sturdy nest home of the oriole. The author provides support for additional activities, information about each bird, "bird math" (problems based upon the number of broods and eggs for each species), bird care, and a "match the nest" activity. Illustrations show each bird in mixed media with watercolor and pen and ink details. Side panels give readers close-up views of each egg while the bird community—11 species from robin to whip-poor-will—exhibit their personalities and reveal their interest in building as they race across page frames to finish their nests. Additional activities and information on the birds featured make this book a good choice for children with high interest in the topic.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS-Gr 2—When Max decides to build a house beside the lake, "he needs a lot of help." This simple introduction takes readers through the major steps of the construction, from the architect's drawings to the completed house. In one or two sentences per page, the present-tense narrative neatly applies the personal viewpoint of the homeowner to each construction phase. Max observes the various groups of specialists, often expressing the choices he makes along the way. Deciding between brick, siding, stone, or stucco for his frame covering, Max states, "It's brick for me" as the workers spread mortar. Warmly rendered folk-art-style oil paintings show the house coming together over time. Varied perspectives focus on the people as much as on the work they do, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and specialization. Max's small and inquisitive dog appears in most scenes, tracking mud on new tiles, investigating a newly installed tub, and even joining Max as he helps the crew make the roof frame. A closing list of "the people who helped Max and what they do" provides brief further details about some of the workers mentioned in the text, as well as others who are shown but not named. With strong visual appeal and just enough detail, this title makes a nice companion to Byron Barton's Building a House (1981) and Elisha Cooper's Building (1999, both HarperCollins), as well as nonfiction titles like Cheryl Willis Hudson's Construction Zone (Candlewick, 2006).—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

K-Gr 3—Onyefulu delivers another photo-essay filled with vivid, colorful photographs, accompanied by brief, clear text about the land, people, and culture of her native Nigeria. The text is narrated by the author's son. "I can't wait to go to Nigeria in July. I have lots of cousins there and I'm going to play football with them and eat delicious food…." An outline map of the country shows the location of the cities/towns/villages that Ikenna will visit during the course of his trip. His first stop is Lagos and the boy describes all that he sees and does as it relates to each photograph. The next stop is Ikeja where he takes a swim in the pool and meets up with his aunt and cousins. While following him on the road to Onitsha, readers get a sense of the country's terrain, roads, bus transportation, and roadside market. In Onitsha, he meets his grandparents and more cousins, and photos and text feature children playing, going off to school, a Nigerian meal, and the rainy weather. Toward the end of his journey, he has the opportunity to attend the traditional Osun Festival in Oshogbo. At the end of his trip, Ikenna and his Nigerian family gather around for one final photograph. The clear images contain a wealth of detail and provide valuable visual insight into the people and culture.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 2–6—Young readers will want to rev up their reading with these books. Each title focuses on a single-horsepowered topic that's sure to be a hit with automobile aficionados. The first book covers the development of the ATV as a sport vehicle and its increase in usage as an emergency vehicle and a professional sport. Hot Rods explains what makes these vehicles different from sports cars and their features and functions. Finally, Poolos gives the history of monster trucks and discusses racing and various types and features. Bright, full-color photographs on every page will grab readers' attention. Bold headings on single topics; logical organization; and large font, straightforward, high-interest texts will appeal to beginning and hi/lo readers. These titles are not comprehensive enough for reports but they're accessible enough to pique interest.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 2–4—These 22 projects include a necklace, a bathtub toy, puppets, a pencil topper, a tape dispenser, and more. Brief facts about dinosaurs are matched with each craft. Each project has a list of materials needed and illustrations for the 3 to 15 steps. Ross's Crafts for Kids Who Are Wild about Dinosaurs (Millbrook, 1997) and Ting Morris and Neil Morris's Dinosaurs (Watts, 1993) are for older children and have more elaborate projects. A welcome addition for young dinosaur fans.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—While calling the 14 offerings in this thin collection "vile" is a bit of a stretch, the subjects are certainly unusual. Ranging from a man who keeps his beloved lima bean "in a velvet bag/and only took it out to brag" to an individual who stores sardines in his jeans ("And when some slipped down on the floor—/that man would just stuff in some more"), there's an eccentric story on every spread. While the content is entertaining, the opening lines do make the four-line verses easy to confuse with limericks: "There was a man who lived in Sydney/who found a large abandoned kidney./And at a loss of what to do,/he slowly stuffed it in his shoe." Each poem is paired with a witty cartoon on the facing page that brings its nonsense to life. These black-ink line drawings, done on white paper plates with a single note of color, pop from their bright circular borders. Add this to collections where farcical poetry is popular.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Gr 1–4—Salas offers a limerick, a cinquain, an acrostic, and 12 other short rhymed or free verse poems on themes astronomical. Accompanied by full-page or -spread photos reproduced with varying clarity, the poems treat such topics as Jupiter's Great Red Spot, a space shuttle takeoff, the Mars Rover, and the Pleiades. Taking a descriptive rather than a ruminative approach, the poet keeps her language simple enough for fledgling readers to tackle: "Saturn's/giant/Saturn's/gas/No solid/ground for/trees or grass/Saturn's/banded/Saturn/swings/A skirt of/circling/rocky rings." Closing with twin glossaries of space words and of poetic forms, plus a perfunctory, two-item "Read More" list, this versatile book will be useful for both science and language-arts units.—John Peters, New York Public Library

PreS-Gr 3—The Sills apply the successful approach of their "About…" animals series to introduce children to various environments. Like About Habitats: Deserts (Peachtree, 2007), Wetlands features full-page watercolor paintings that strikingly illustrate the factual information conveyed by a sentence or two on the facing pages. Animal and plant species included in the paintings are noted. The artwork is stunning, filled with realistic details and a beautiful balance of colors. The format would work well as a read-aloud choice to convey basic explanations about different types of wetlands (swamps, bogs, marshes, vernal pools) and their ecological importance. Independent readers or browsers could enjoy perusing the book themselves. Those seeking more detail will find additional facts related to each painting in the afterword. Report writers might also consider Jeanne Weaver's Wetlands Journey (National Geographic, 2007) or Carolyn Scrace's Life in the Wetlands (Children's Press, 2005).—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 3–5—An updated edition of Simon's 2003 title, this book presents a definition and etymology of the term, descriptions of tropical storms, the names of significant disasters, the formation and behavior of hurricanes, and the resulting storm surges. A passage on the Saffir-Simpson scale presents accounts and photos of the damage of the five categories. A closing section deals with forecasting, warnings, and precautions. The changes since the original include the addition of the Australian term for hurricanes; the replacement of a passage on Hurricane Andrew (1992) with coverage of Katrina (2005), with Andrew replacing Opal (1995) as an example of a Category 4 hurricane; deletion of a passage warning that New Orleans is potentially in danger of a serious hurricane; two replacement photos; and new cover art featuring the Smithsonian logo. This is a typical Simon effort, with readable text and excellent photos.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 1–4—Stone looks at the life of Stanton from childhood to her emergence as a pioneering leader of women's rights. The "strong-spirited, rule-breaking" girl asserted her independence by embracing physical and academic challenges and by questioning traditional viewpoints. This comes through in energetic, lucid prose that focuses on Elizabeth's ideas and feelings rather than on specific events. By consistently sticking to the subject's own experiences, without detours into historical details or even any dates, the author introduces a historical figure whom readers can relate to as a person. Excellent gouache and colored pencil illustrations, rendered in a lighthearted folk-art style, provide rich background for the brief text. They establish the time period through visual details and capture Stanton's spirit and the attitudes of those she encounters without overstatement. The book culminates with the event that propelled the woman into the national spotlight: her presentation at a convention in Seneca Falls, NY, in 1848, of the Declaration of Right and Sentiments, which included a call for women's voting rights. "Elizabeth had tossed a stone in the water and the ripples grew wider and wider and wider." An author's note briefly covers Stanton's subsequent accomplishments. Through words and pictures that work together and an emphasis on ideas and personality rather than factoids, this well-conceived introduction is just right for a young audience.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 2–5—Gather all of your chuckle-bellied trivia snatchers for a rollicking romp through the states. Talbott has created wisecrack-filled cartoons featuring birds in competition for the "United Tweets of America Pageant." Each avian contestant has one page to flaunt its stuff and introduce its state—unless you count the cardinal from Indiana that pecks through the back of his page to ruffle feathers in Illinois. The cartoons range from a scenic and graceful tree full of purple finches in a snowy village in Vermont to a manic pelican with a mouthful of loot in Louisiana. There's plenty to make children laugh: Annoyed by Delaware's Blue Hen Chicken on the facing page, Connecticut's American Robin sings, "Yankee Doodle went to town,/followed by a chicken,/if that bird won't shut his beak,/he's gonna get a lickin'." There's also plenty to amuse adults that may fly over children's heads: "Nevada produces the most gold of any state, but California already won the title of the Golden State, so Nevada settled for the silver. (The bronze went to Romania.)" Not to be confused with a reference book, this title does not provide the same type of information for each state. Each page dependably names the state bird and capital, shows a small shape map of the state, and gives its nickname. After that, it's a free-for-all. Ending with a fractured version of "America the Beautiful," it must be said, this book is a hoot.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 2–4—Mexican folk-art figures are the focus of this colorful alphabet book. Each page presents a small Oaxacan woodcarving of an animal done in a rainbow of colors. The only text is the animals' names in Spanish and in English. For example, "the Dolphin/el Delfín"; "the Elephant/el Elefante." The sculpted figures display personality and enough vibrant energy to leap off the pages. Unusual or rare creatures—a hybrid Zedonk, a unicorn, and imaginary "X" animal—appear as examples in whimsical colors and imaginative patterns. An attractive choice for folk-art study or libraries with large collections of artistic ABC books.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX