Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 1–4—"It's hard work being a kid," what with school, and sports, and music lessons, and babysitting, and… and…. So Brian heads to Florida where he takes up residence at the Happy Sunset Retirement Community. The swimming pool, tennis courts, ball games, golf, and long afternoon naps convince the boy that he "should have retired years ago." But living in a retirement community also means listening to endless accounts of Tex's hip replacement surgery; yoga and knitting classes; and weekly medical check-ups. When he recalls his former triumphs at school and play, Brian decides to return home to the joy of his family and friends. Agee's signature cartoon illustrations, executed in pastel watercolors, greatly add to the fun. Brian's retiree friends sport sunglasses, flowered dresses and shirts, pink sneakers, a cane, and sagging chins. There are vignettes of Brian tangled in knitting, enduring "Friday-night swing dancing," and gagging on "prune juice smoothies." Children who have been pressured by school and extracurricular activities will identify with the protagonist and listen with relish to this tongue-in-cheek tale of his rebellion. But be warned. This story is so laugh-out-loud funny that you may have difficulty getting through it the first time. Another Agee triumph!—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 1–3—Big-Top star India, an elephant, plays the mouth organ in the evening show. When the circus begins to lose money, the ringmaster hires "Oswaldo the Magnificent," a stern rhinoceros in leopard pants, to teach the animals new tricks. He makes India "do things an elephant really shouldn't do," such as crossing the tightrope on a unicycle. She is not happy with this new assignment, and after she incidentally interrupts the show with a loud toot on her mouth organ, she runs away from the arena to sulk. Oswaldo is impressed by her speed and suggests that she perform her act on roller skates. At the end, India is the showstopper again. Argent's soft watercolor and colored pencil illustrations underline the animals' emotions and portray their respective facial expressions while their circus undergoes a rapid period of change. Whimsical detail, like a poodle with hair rollers or Oswaldo's leather-and-stud bracelet, adds to the characterization. India's experience is told in simple language, and children will relate to the theme of being forced to adapt to new realities. An additional purchase.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School Library, New Delhi, India

K-Gr 2—In this easy reader, Buzz asks permission to take Fly Guy on their family vacation, and Mom says, "He's too little…. He might get lost." But the illustration shows Dad closing the trunk with the pet inside, so Fly Guy accompanies them to the beach, art museum, and amusement park. Short chapters state the day's itinerary: "They drove to the beach." Activity is depicted in wonderful wordless illustrations, such as Fly Guy riding a wave in a clam shell, kissing a Mona Lisa look-alike at the museum, and helping to lead the way home. Arnold masterfully infuses funny, expressive cartoon illustrations with actions that further the plot, minimizing the burden of decoding for emerging readers and maximizing their ability to engage in a fun and satisfying story.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 3–5—In this addition to the series, Alex, scientific genius and creator of the world's first cardboard-box spaceship, has hit a developmental snag. His partner in crime, Zoe, tells him that, due to the theory of relativity, any interplanetary space travel will return them to Earth 50 years older than their friends and relatives. Alex decides to create a time machine to compensate, but gives up after he accidentally transforms his pesky younger brother into a baby. A cliff-hanger ending indicates that a fourth volume is planned. The plot-driven story contains a solid base of scientific fact that will please children who like astronomy or science fiction. While there is not much character development, Alex's accounts of his antagonistic relationship with his younger brother will resonate with many readers. The story is presented in a straightforward manner, but the vocabulary and subject matter are more challenging than similar books of this length, suggesting that this title will find its audience with older, reluctant readers. Asch's occasional black-and-white drawings break up the text. Try selling this one to fans of Jon Sciezka's "Time Warp Trio" (HarperCollins) or Dan Greenburg's "Weird Planet" series (Random).—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

PreS—This dreamy bedtime book doesn't have a single unnecessary word. Alice bounces on her bed, wide awake and making demands. She will only sleep in a room in which everything is blue. Mama brings in flowers, a cup of tea, and an extra quilt. Each time, the child queries the not-blueness, but Mama whispers "Smell." "Taste." "Touch." And when the light finally clicks off, the moonlight streams in, and in its light, everything is blue, and Alice is…fast asleep. Tusa's illustrations, done in ink, watercolor, and gouache, show a child progressing from Pippi Longstocking-like energy, through acceptance, drowsiness, and finally sleep. Their soft colors and simple lines are perfectly suited to the simplicity of the language. This lovely book works well as a one-on-one bedtime read, but it would also be the perfect final selection for a pajama storytime.—Marian Drabkin, formerly at Richmond Public Library, CA

K-Gr 4—Isabel wants to buy a doll that costs 10 dollars, but she only has 50 cents. She looks around for a way to earn the money and settles on washing cars. At the hardware store, she discovers that the necessary soap and "shammies" will cost five dollars. She asks five friends to each give her a dollar, promising that she'll soon return it plus a little more, and uses the money to buy the supplies. Isabel is a hard worker and her business takes off. At the end of the day, she has 20 dollars. Keeping half for herself, she pays each friend two dollars. Everybody wins: Isabel earns enough for the doll and her investors make a profit doing nothing at all. It's American capitalism at work! The cartoon illustrations look rather 1950s-ish, featuring characters with long, skinny limbs and large, round faces. The pictures are colorful and help simplify this rather wordy book about a complicated topic. An author's note explains stock-market basics. This is a good primer for budding entrepreneurs.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 1—Sally the duck has ordered some purple socks. When they arrive, they are much too small, but a note states that the garments will grow to the size ordered. After "some airing," the socks fit perfectly, but then they keep expanding. As they get bigger, she uses them for a hat-and-scarf set, then curtains, then as blankets. Before long, Sally has purple carpeting throughout her house. Eventually, the purple socks ooze out the windows and doors and into the street where they block traffic. Sally hauls them into her backyard, constructs a large tent, and invites her neighbors to a circus. All goes well until it starts to rain, causing the purple blobs to shrink back to socks that are just Sally's size. The illustrations are done in flat yellow, white, green, and purple gouache paint, outlined in brushed black ink. Sally's head and beak area is all white with tiny dot eyes, making her appear a bit ghostly. Children may be amused as the situation gets more and more out of hand, and this book could be used as part of a clothing-themed storytime. An additional purchase.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 3—This picture book is based on the characters in Kenneth Grahame's beloved The Wind in the Willows. In this story, Begin tells how, as children, Badger meets Toad when Badger's mother comes to Toad Hall as a nursemaid. At first, Toad is reluctant to share his toys and feels threatened by the newcomer. Then he accidentally breaks Badger's favorite toy, and he feels sorry about being so selfish. The tale, though sweet, is predictable and the moral is heavy-handed. It has none of the easy humor and descriptive beauty of Grahame's original language. A preface explains that the story is from one of Ratty's journals. Begin's illustrations are full of interesting detail, action, and color. Each page is nicely formatted, and the book is printed on good quality, cream-colored paper. Fans of the artist's work in The Wind in the Willows (Chronicle, 2002) will recognize her humorous painterly style. Devotees of that book may welcome this picture-book prequel. For others, it is of secondary interest.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS-K—Five adorable ducks spend a day at the beach. They are always on the go, and Berry uses one or two short snappy sentences per page to describe the action to reinforce the frenetic movement. "Ducks hit the shoreline. Ducks dive in./Five little ducklings bob and spin." The fun is everywhere as these diminutive ducks, portrayed in little round splotches of color, radiate personality. The layout of pictures and lively, rhyming text complement the story perfectly. The dramatic pause after all five become submerged by a wave is underscored by a page with no text—only waves, represented by a tumultuous background of aqua decorated by watercolor swirls and five tiny ducks flailing about. All, of course, is well as they gurgle up to the top and repair to the beach for lunch. The day ends with a session of kite flying, a game of tag and leapfrog, then one last dunk before the sun sets. Then it's off to home—a wash of warm pinks—for a good night's sleep. This seasonal companion to the equally charming Duck Skates (Holt, 2005) is sure to be a hit.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—Welcomed by an enthusiastic librarian, students on a field trip are introduced to many books and genres: "Picture books, chapter books, books that pop up,/nonfiction and fairy tales, too./You may look by yourselves./Take some books from the shelves./Then check out the best book for you." An illustration of the librarian sharing a book faces a picture of kids imagining themselves in a scene from it. For example, the one on space exploration inspires children to imagine themselves in a rocket ship; one about entomology shows them thinking about collecting and studying bugs in the wild. Computer-generated illustrations have clean lines and numerous details that stand out in a 3-D effect. Characters are round-faced and distinctive. Rhyming is effective and natural, and the rhythm, while occasionally forced, moves the story along at a pleasant, steady pace. This will be a teacher/librarian favorite, joining this team's The Best Place to Read (2003) and The Best Time to Read (2005, both Random) and providing many opportunities for discussion.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS—Bear is back and this time he is a postal worker. The day begins as he packs his sack with letters and packages. He walks through town stopping for deliveries at the florist and the baker, the corner newsstand and the library. He goes house to house, stopping for a break at the café, and then goes to the school, a nearby farm, and the hospital. After a long day, Bear relaxes in front of a fire. Bright, appealing illustrations in paint, ink, pencil, and crayon clearly illustrate his busy day. The activity of daily life is quite apparent with colorful flowers in the florist shop window and mouthwatering bread and pastries in the bakery window. This is a useful selection to celebrate community helpers and a delightful title to share in preschool storytime.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 1–3—In the third easy chapter book about the Pain (first-grader Jake) and the Great One (third-grader Abigail), Blume relates several common childhood concerns. Each chapter begins with an illustration to let readers know which sibling is narrating. The Great One tells about her brother losing a tooth and her phase of wanting to be known as Violet Rose. Jake explains what happened the day he was a waiter when the first graders opened the "Breakfast Club" in their classroom and about the time a student took her dog to school and it ran off with Jake's stuffed elephant. The two siblings squabble but it is normal, harmless teasing, and when the chips are down they band together, as in the chapter about their run-in with the school bully. The family cat, Fluzzy, ends the book with a brief chapter of how he also would like a new name. Stevenson's trademark ink sketches add interest and humor to the stories. No new ground is broken here, but the topics are those to which early-elementary graders can relate.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—In a village high in the hills of Thailand, the people make umbrellas decorated with flowers and butterflies. Finally allowed to paint one, young Noot quickly demonstrates her talent to copy her mother's example, but when she's left on her own, she fills her umbrellas with fanciful elephants having fun and "being silly" instead of the expected designs. Her parents remind her that they earn their income by selling the traditional flower-and-butterfly umbrellas, and she knows that she must follow her mother's directions. But late at night, Noot continues to depict elephants on doll-size umbrellas, proudly arranging them on the windowsill. When the King arrives to choose this year's Umbrella Queen, the woman who has created the most beautiful design, he notices the miniatures and bestows the title upon Noot, because she "paints from her heart." Yoo's orange, green, and black colored linoleum prints wonderfully establish the tone for the story, which is related through gracefully told text. The delicately detailed images convey the characters' expressions as well as the loveliness of their creations. Narrative and artwork combine to tell a universal tale about individuality and following your heart to develop your talent.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

K-Gr 2—Mark asks to stay up for just five minutes more. Mom acquiesces, but when the time is up, he still isn't tired. The excuses he gives as he begs for extra time get more and more fantastical: five minutes to say goodnight to his pets, five to knit a scarf for his giraffe, five to go to the moon and tuck it in for the night. The boy finally falls asleep and when his alarm goes off the next morning, he's looking for "just five more minutes" sleep. In the second book, city girl Jessica goes to visit her aunt and uncle in Texas. She's afraid of horses until she meets a shy pony named Peanut. The horse and girl bond as each helps the other overcome a fear of trying new things. Both stories are part of a series in which the lengthier text is placed on the left-hand pages for adults to read and the simpler text, intended for a child, is on the right. The degree of difficulty on the child's pages is just right for the target audience—Five Minutes is level one and Pony is level two. Both books have colorful, if undistinguished, illustrations and are good additions to easy-reader shelves.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

PreS-Gr 1—Life in a birdcage is good for Little Red Bird. Food, water, and reading material are always in ample supply. One day, she notices an interesting sight through the window and decides to venture out through the open cage door. She arrives in the park that had been beckoning to her and sees many wonderful new things—flowers, a fountain, a bench, and sticky trash. But when she spies her old home from afar, she begins to miss the comforts of her cage and must decide whether to return. Her story ends unresolved. "Should she stay?/Should she go?/She just didn't know…/I wonder what YOU would do?" Bruel relates this "grass-is-always-greener" tale in rhythmic verse that could use a little extra sparkle. The colorful watercolors show an eye for comic-book-style story progression, but the bird herself lacks the stroke of visual personality necessary to keep young audiences coming back. Despite the rough spots, Bruel's narrative invites discussion and could be considered as an additional purchase.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 1–3—This book begins on an odd note, as Tyrone Brown proclaims: "I'm a professional student and class clown." A primary-grade audience will be clueless as to what "professional student" means, and adults will be puzzled as to how a child can fall into that category. Tyrone explains that he enjoys science and math, but that books are "so last year" and that "the library is a boring place" with "stinky pages." He sits with his back to his teacher and colors on his shoe as she reads. Disappointed that the class is listening to the story instead of being awed by his "spaceship" (a paper airplane), Tyrone decides to listen, for a change. He not only discovers that he likes stories, but also that the characters emerge from the books. When Miss Libro reads about a pig, it pops off the page, and the children fall in love with it. However, after she finishes reading the book, the porker vanishes, and the children find all of the characters in the library. Tyrone's abrupt conversion is unlikely, as is his equally sudden ability to indulge in flights of fancy. Brunkus's bright and cheerful watercolor art features a multiethnic cast with expressive faces and energetic body language. Celebrity authorship and intriguing art will draw children to this entry, but for stories that combine fantasy with more logical plot development, stay with Carmen Deedy's The Library Dragon (Peachtree, 1994) or David McPhail's Edward and the Pirates (Little, Brown, 1997).—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 3–5—At first, nine-year-old Allie Finkle seems rather unlikable. She's hard on her best friend (who is very quick to tears) and acts bratty when her parents tell her the family will be moving. And even though she's promised a kitten, and prefers her new school and the more engaging friend she'll have next door once they move, she's determined to sabotage the event. However, the girl's worries are nuanced and age-appropriate. By the book's end Allie does show a more caring side, even though her methods are not always appreciated by the adults around her. Chapters all begin with one of Allie's rules ("Don't Stick a Spatula Down Your Best Friend's Throat," or "When You Finally Figure Out What the Right Thing to Do Is, You Have to Do It, Even If You Don't Want To") that, while amusing, may quickly become tiresome for some readers. With good intentions and reckless results, Allie will appeal to children who enjoyed reading about Ramona, Amber Brown, Junie B., and the other feisty girls found in beginning chapter books. This novel proves that the master of young adult popular fare is able to adapt her breezy style for a younger audience.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

PreS—Little Otter speeds through his day at breakneck pace, from the moment he wakes up and rouses his sleepy family to his spine-tingling sunset escape from a hungry cougar. In between, he eludes a falling tree, an eagle, a snapping turtle, and an angry fisherman. After each escape, he tells himself that "he's a big otter now," and swims away with typical preschooler bravado. His close call with the cougar leaves him shaken, however, and he retreats to the safety and comfort of the den. As he accepts some parental snuggles, he admits that "He needs his family—/no matter how big he grows." Alliteration and onomatopoeic phrases ("whippidy, slippiddy," "swishily swashily") combine to give a sense of the hustle and bustle of Little Otter's day. Sketchy watercolor drawings with multiple perspectives lend a feeling of constant movement, while the recurring image of a yellow butterfly ties the story together. As Little Otter falls asleep, he dreams of being carried away by a swarm of them, demonstrating that he is bold even in his sleep. Though a few of the illustrations are unclear, and the book is a bit too long to maintain its breathless pace, Little Otter is a likable hero with familiar childlike traits. Additionally, there is just enough information about otters to whet readers' appetite for further research.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

PreS—This simple, wordless book has instant appeal despite its misleading title. Each spread features two photographs: a picture of an animal faces a human baby in a similar pose. One spread has a baby lying on its stomach with its knees bent out opposite an image of a frog. Another page has a baby with its eyes closed, mouth open, and tongue sticking out, and the facing page depicts a yawning lion. Each photo is centered on a pastel-colored background. The matches are incredibly effective, and the photos are both crisp and attractive, whether in color or in black and white. While not all of the animals are "babies" (the frog clearly is not, and some of the others are questionable), all are appealing and work well with their human counterparts. Youngsters love to look at pictures of animals and of other babies, so this title is sure to please, even though the animals are not all immediately identifiable. Conceptually interesting, this lovely board book will enhance toddler collections.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-Gr 1—This is the gentle story of the Moonchild, who views Earth from his telescope and yearns to go there. One night, he slips out and zooms through space to visit the colorful orb. At first, he is puzzled because everything is dark and shadowy. But then Moonchild meets Eliza, who helps him to discover and paint the colors they witness as the sun rises. The language of the story is comforting in its simplicity and repetitive nature. The illustrations are soft, round, and appealing, but like the writing, they are understated. Though this is understandable at the beginning when everything is gray-toned, it becomes unimpressive as the children verbally delight in the bright colors coming to life around them. The resulting lush rooftop garden appears overwhelmed by the dark skyscrapers surrounding it and its colors aren't as vivid as those in the paintings that Eliza and the Moonchild create. The concept is an inspired one; although it falls a few shades short of perfection, this book has potential as a soothing bedtime read.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

PreS-Gr 2—This companion to The Milkman (Dutton, 2005) follows the Benson family after they move to an apple farm on the bay. As the parents and children rush to pack their truck with produce for the farmer's market, they neglect to feed their cow. In their hurry, they drive off without closing the gate. As they set up their booth, they become aware of a disturbance among the other stalls. Their hungry cow has followed them and is wreaking havoc. After feeding her some apples, helping other sellers clean up the mess, and packing up, the Bensons' day is tagged a success. Once again, Cordsen's taut writing has a rolling rhyming scheme that does not miss a beat. Paired with Jones's charming vintage-style illustrations, the story transports readers to a simple time in a bucolic place. One might expect to find Sal gathering blueberries down the road. Choose this as an appealing read-aloud for farm or apple themes.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 2—A rainstorm disrupts a group of children. Some scatter, some stay and play. It's fun until the lightning and thunder begin. Then the remaining kids make a run for dad's car. The rest of the storm is waited out at home. The text is written in rhythmic two-line rhymes: "See the breeze/toss the trees./Plip, plop./Drip, drop." Though there's not much of a story here, the illustrations make the rainstorm an event. Steptoe's cut-paper collages are filled with texture and motion. Facial features rendered in paint show the joy that the youngsters feel when the cool rain starts coming down and their relief at being indoors, warm and dry. These African-American kids exuberantly jump, splash, run, and puddle-stomp all around the playground. The pictures are so lively that they may inspire readers to try this simple pastime.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 2–4—Third-grader Fran is so determined to be the boss of the playground that she cheats at tetherball, shoves to advance in line, and finds that no one wants to play with her at recess. She's a match for mean Jean in Alexis O'Neill's The Recess Queen (Scholastic, 2002) but, with above-average reading skills, Fran breaks the stereotype of a dumb bully. She brings home gold stars on the days she behaves, her parents gently and patiently coach her on impulse control, and her teacher is also more patient than one might expect. Readers may relate to rude behavior that occurs beyond the sight of school staff. More importantly, they may be inspired by Fran's determination to cultivate self-control in response to negative comments from peers and teachers as she strives to maintain her lead role in the class play. Readers will also enjoy the parallel plot of Fran and her father taking their Newfoundland puppy to obedience classes, and Fran's joy about the dog's progress. A light tone, clear writing, action, vivid descriptions, and realistic school and family scenarios earn this book a place on library shelves. Björkman's expressive black-and-white illustrations appear on many pages, sustaining the mood and giving young chapter-book readers a text break. Offer this story along with Elizabeth Starr Hill's Bird Boy (Farrar, 1999) and Carolyn Marsden's The Gold Threaded Dress (Candlewick, 2002) for a broad view of behavior.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 3—In a primordial swamp, "One little polliwog swirled in the soup,/bouncing off bubbles—/Bloop./Bloop./Bloop." From that point, the author follows the development of one intrepid tadpole: "somewhere inside him deep in his core,/there slumbered an inner tyrannosaur." The rhyming text is image-rich, informational, and fun to read aloud: "Gone are the dinosaurs. Gone are the stompers,/the rippers, the roarers, the bone-crunching chompers./Gone are the dinosaurs, swept away…./But hoppers and croakers are here to stay." Cyrus's oversize artwork conveys information spectacularly, beginning with a dramatic wrap-around cover and continuing with interesting perspectives of dinosaurs and the prehistoric environment. Created in scratchboard and then colored digitally, the illustrations are luminous and striking. In "A Note from the Author," Cyrus gives additional background about frog fossils, their evolutionary development, and the impact of climate change on their survival. This is an exciting blend of science and literature that children will appreciate.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 3—Tiddler is a tiny fish with a propensity for tall tales. Habitually late for school, he offers a different excuse each day. He's been riding a seahorse, got trapped in a treasure chest, was captured by a squid, etc. The other students discount his stories, but Little Johnny Dory loves them and passes them on to his grandmother, who tells a crab, who tells a plaice, and so on. When Tiddler's daydreaming lands him far from home, it is the retracing of the trail of his own stories that leads him back again. The rhyme scheme here isn't precise, but it is reader-friendly, and invites participation: "'Sorry I'm late, Miss. I set off really early,/but on the way to school I was captured by a squid./I wriggled and I struggled till a turtle came and rescued me.'/'Oh no he didn't.' 'OH YES HE DID.'" The title here is a bit misleading as Tiddler doesn't tell his tales to mislead anyone deliberately, as in the original fable. Instead, he resembles Dr. Seuss's Marco from And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street (Random, 1989), whose imagination is similarly bursting at the seams. The colorful, detailed illustrations feature an endearing cast of undersea denizens with the text woven through on clean white space. This would be an engaging book to share when stories have an underwater theme or when discussing how tales proliferate.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 3—In this prehistoric setting, waterweed-eating duckbill dinosaurs live on one side of a river, and a "mean Tyrannosaurus with his grim and grisly bride" live on the other. "What a shame that bridges aren't invented yet," the Tyrannosauruses say. But then a duckbill egg accidentally lands in the T. rex nest via an egg-snatching Compsognathus. The hatchling is dubbed Tyrannosaurus Drip by his sisters because he prefers to eat plants and sings "Down with hunting! Down with war!" instead of singing "Up with hunting! Up with war!" Just as Drip discovers his true family, lightning strikes and, lo and behold, a tree bridge forms across the river. Hilarity ensues as the rather dense Tyrannosauruses attempt to cross. The dinosaurs are rendered in an Art Deco-influenced style, and the lines roll off the tongue like the rhymes of Dr. Seuss. Children will enjoy the repetitive lilt, and adults will appreciate how naturally it reads. Expressive characters enhance the humor, and the limited palette helps emphasize just how different the creatures' worlds are. An enjoyable group read-aloud.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

K-Gr 3—Young Jake creates havoc at the rodeo by accidentally opening the gates on the livestock pens. A herd of heifers, chickens, horses, pigs, etc., then take over the show area. There are "calves on carousels, rabbits on roller coasters, pigs on paddleboats!" Jake rectifies his mistake by disguising himself as a rattlesnake and scares the animals back into their pens, saving the day for the "FFA and 4-H folks" who were hoping to win scholarships. Although the topic of this tall tale is rather unique, the text and illustrations are pedestrian. Jake's Texas rattler getup is pretty unbelievable: he wraps himself in a burlap sack and uses a baby rattle on his tail (the pictures do not make clear how it is attached). Most libraries can skip this one.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1-4—As in Hot Day on Abbott Avenue (Clarion, 2004), English explores the intricacies of childhood friendship, capturing the dialogue and experiences with near-perfect tone. Nikki is a budding writer, and Deja wants to be a decorator; the two third graders are best friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, when a new girl moves to their street, this friendship begins to unravel. Antonia isn't very friendly, so in retaliation, Nikki and Deja form an exclusive drill team club and vow to keep her out. When it comes to light that Nikki has no rhythm, the girls' insecurities come to a head, fueled by Antonia's manipulations. Eventually, Nikki and Deja realize how much they miss each other and make up. Nikki and Deja are still learning how to navigate complex relationships, alternating between codependence, jealousy, and stubbornness. And like most youngsters when faced with new emotional experiences, they don't always behave in the best manner possible. The story balances all this angst with humor: a scene in which the girls discover that their teacher actually—gasp!—shops at the same grocery store is priceless. Freeman's black-and-white illustrations depict a multicultural cast. Put this into readers' hands and they'll most likely see the ups and downs of their own friendships reflected.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

K-Gr 4—A story based on the actions of Mary Ann Goodnight, a pioneer who made great strides in saving the buffalo from extinction in the late 1800s. Molly's first-person narrative offers alliterative descriptions of the sounds made by animals native to her West Texas home, including the "huff-huff" of buffalo breath and the thunder of their pounding feet. Soon, this everyday music is replaced by the noise of gunfire, as hunters slaughter the creatures for profit. When a cowhand brings her two orphan calves, Molly nurtures them and many more, developing the first captive buffalo herd. She even sends several yearlings to Yellowstone National Park to help reestablish their herd. The story ends with Molly wistfully hoping that the buffalo and their music will return to the plains. Fern's lyrical text and Castillo's folk-style artwork beautifully capture the era and events. Done in warm, earthy hues, the mixed-media illustrations depict a rugged landscape of grays and browns speckled with touches of color-wildflowers or bright blooms on a tree. Outlined in thick black lines, the characters shimmer with vitality and Molly's affection for her fuzzy-coated orphans is tenderly depicted. Buffalo Music is perfectly suited to a young audience, clearly conveying the magnitude of the decimation and the importance of conservation efforts.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

Gr 2–5—This Civil War story about Private J.A. Joel and 20 other Jewish soldiers in the 23rd Ohio Regiment is based on an article written by Joel and published in the Jewish Messenger in 1866. The third-person narration is presented in eight short, easy-to-read chapters. Bored and homesick while guarding a railroad line in West Virginia, the soldiers secure their commander's permission to commemorate Passover. They pay a sutler (traveling merchant) to ship matzah to them and obtain ingredients for the traditional meal. They find an egg for the Seder plate and use carrottops in place of parsley, a brick for charoset, a weed for bitter herbs, and hard cider for wine. Seated around a white-clothed table, they sing the Four Questions, tell the Passover story, and join together in song. Fireside's concluding note discusses her decision "to include some former slaves to share in this celebration." Matzah ball soup is placed on the menu, providing a humorous subplot and a connection to contemporary readers. Costello's vibrant paintings blend realistic and abstract styles, filling the spreads with color. Readers will need some background on the Civil War and Passover to navigate this story, making this book most useful in collections that support Jewish studies.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 3—Ruby Louise Hawthorn, a prim little girl living on a "perfectly perfect" street, climbs her fence to retrieve an errant ball and meets eccentric Miss Wysterious, who grows teacups, eggbeaters, shoes, and other unusual items in her garden. The woman shows Ruby how to plant candy-actually, she doesn't tell her, she barks, just as she also snarls, grumbles, bellows, snaps, chuckles, and only once in the book, says. At any rate, the candy grows profusely, and Ruby knows "just what to do" with her crop of peppermint blossoms and lollipops. The cartoon illustrations show her changing from a super-neat pony-tailed child wearing a little blue dress with puffed sleeves and a Peter Pan collar to a normally untidy child in jeans and sneakers and a T-shirt, tending her garden. Ruby and Miss Wysterious are drawn in what appears to be pen-and-ink with precise outlines and set against a background that is green, almost junglelike, slightly blurry, a mysterious garden where anything could happen. The story is very slight and does not live up to its Mary Poppins-ish promise; children will be delighted with the idea of being able to plant jellybeans and grow a candy crop, but there is no suspense, and it is unlikely that anyone will want to know what happens next.—Marian Drabkin, formerly at Richmond Public Library, CA

PreS-K—All of the baby animals are preparing for sleep. Each spread features a realistic painting of a different family: deer, lions, ducks, foxes, penguins, and more. The realism brings readers closer to the bedtime rituals of the wild, while the gentle rhymes temper the scene: "Wrapped up in love,/little bear feels so snug./Cuddled goodnight/in a big mommy-hug." Not all of the youngsters are so eager to comply, and children may see bits of themselves reflected back from the imagery. The text is simple and occasionally overly sweet. With all the terrific bedtime titles available, this an additional purchase.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 1—A book that is stronger in concept than in execution. The endpapers let readers know from the outset that the action in this book takes place inside a dictionary. The first page boasts a definition of an aardvark, thus introducing the main character. Alfred is an aardvark but he does not eat ants. In fact, his pet is an ant that he calls Itty Bitty. While Mama is away, he and Itty Bitty dig down through the dictionary to visit the zoo. Along the way, they encounter a woodpecker that threatens to eat Itty Bitty. Mama comes along at just the right moment and saves the day. Back they go to their aardvark tunnel in time for bed. It's not an alphabet book per se and it is not a credible adventure, and thus the story falls flat. Children who know the alphabet will recognize that the bird that appears is a woodpecker because of where the characters are in the dictionary. Other youngsters will have to wait for the page turn to find it identified. The same is true of the ending, when they board a zeppelin with Mr. Zebra to head back home. While they make it home safe and sound, the ending leaves readers wanting more. A remarkable illustrator, George's work here is a disappointment as well.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 2–5—"The Ant and the Grasshopper" is Aesop's moralistic story about working hard in order to reap rewards. In this version, Grasshopper finds himself shut out of a share of the harvest once again and decides to sue the Ants. After all, he serenaded them as they worked all summer long and it was the rhythm of his music that helped them stay on task and bring in a significant harvest. The Ants never actually asked him to play, though, did they? Lawyers take the case and the fable's focus shifts from the value of hard work to the important place that art holds in our lives. The book is reminiscent of Toni and Slade Morrison's Who's Got Game? The Ant or the Grasshopper? (S & S, 2007), and both titles lend themselves to a serious debate about the value of art. Pairing the two, given their different endings, would enrich the discussion greatly. This version would make a powerful reader's theater for students to role-play following discussion. Raschka's watercolors keep this story solidly in the realm of fable while Giovanni's words make it somewhat more realistic. This version of the story would work well across the elementary grades because of its length and the sophistication of theme.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

PreS—In this calm, reassuring picture book, a toddler stays with an older woman, presumably his grandmother, while his mother cares for a variety of farm critters. The rhyming text queries each animal mother, "When will you come back?" and the creature answers by assuring her offspring that she will return as soon as her work is done. "When will you come back,/Mama cow, mama cow?/After I graze beneath the bough/Where grass grows green, mooo, mooo!/I'll come back, come back to you." The story ends with the boy's mother returning after completing her chores and giving him a hug. Goembel's soft, realistic illustrations reinforce the gentle mood of the text. In the tradition of Kate Banks's Close Your Eyes (Farrar, 2002) and Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny (HarperCollins, 1942), this book about a mother's boundless love makes a good choice for sharing at bedtime, or for soothing young listeners who have faced a particularly challenging day.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

PreS-Gr 1—New siblings will easily relate to the angst that baby Harry causes for his older brother. "Before Harry, nobody grabbed my gorilla and chewed on its nose. Yesterday, Harry did…. Before Harry, nobody but ME sat on Grandma's lap. Yesterday, Harry did." To restore order to his once peaceful household, the boy suggests a variety of solutions. "Flush Harry down the toilet!... Stick Harry in the zoo!... Mail Harry to the moon!" One morning the house is strangely quiet, and the older sibling worries that his parents have actually sent helpless Harry to outer space. Climbing in his laundry basket spaceship, he achieves a daring rescue and even lets Harry sit on his lap for the ride home. Emberley's strong visual punch lines bring the humor to life, and the older boy's expressions clearly get his feelings across. Young listeners are sure to giggle at the various predicaments that Harry's brother envisions for him. Mail Harry to the Moon will have broad appeal for those with or without a new baby in the family.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—The four fowl from Big Chickens (Dutton, 2005) agree that they should always stay home where it's safe "except…we've always wanted to see the farmhouse." As the hens venture out, time and again, they mistake other buildings and equipment for their destination and end up scurrying back to their coop. They almost give up, but then decide that chickens can be loud and dirty and wild. With determination, they make a pell-mell, treacherous dash through the field and arrive, at last, in front of the farmhouse. In a surprise ending, readers see the farmhouse right next to the chicken coop as the birds wonder, "Did someone move our coop?" Each traveling catastrophe is met with clever rhyming vocabulary and the repetition of phrases, all of which move the story forward with just enough predictability to engage young listeners and beginning readers. The dangers of the farm are expressed in the highly emotional reactions of the cartoon chickens and their exaggerated actions. Line, color, and placement all contrast the alternating chaos of exploring the farm with the safety of resting in the coop. A witty addition that is sure to elicit giggles from readers.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

Gr 2–4—Emma Dilemma's third adventure opens with Annie the Nanny's return from a visit to Ireland. Once again, soccer and ferrets figure largely in a convoluted plotline that involves deceiving Mom (with Annie's assistance), adding more animals to the chaotic household, attempts to wrest glory on the soccer field from teammate Katie, airline-pilot Daddy's anxiety about an impending strike, newspaper interviews, wheeling and dealing to remove Mom from her position as chaperone for Emma's traveling soccer team and replace her with the more cooperative Annie, and, lastly, a strike by the five Dilemma children. The story doesn't ring true. Any parents who employed a nanny who aided and abetted the children in deceiving them would be more likely to fire her than to smile indulgently. Chaperones for traveling soccer teams do not inject players with epinephrine (imagine the lawsuits), and journalists do not tend to interview nannies for travel features. Young readers are sure to find the antics of Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, or Clarice Bean more appealing than Emma's selfish shenanigans.—Jane Barrer, PS/IS 111 Adolph S. Ochs School, New York City

Gr 1–4—Mixed-media collage illustrations, prominently featuring oversize, digitally altered photographs of human heads, reflect Garmann's anxious thoughts in his last summer before he begins school. Signs of autumn abound in nature and in his elderly aunts' annual visit. The six-year-old side of Garmann thinks his aunts are shrinking and soon may not be able to see over the grass, naively offers one aunt his skateboard when she says that soon she will need a walker, and worries because he has not lost his first tooth. The tooth seems more urgent as he compares himself to the twins next door and notices his aunts' dentures, also shown as part of the photo collages in which size, proportion, and color draw the eye into the youngster's imagination. The introspective boy wonders about life's transitions and asks the aunts about aging and their possible fears of dying. He also asks his violinist father and his serene-looking mother, "What are you scared of?" In the end, Garmann sees that everyone feels fear and yet goes on living. He says good-bye to the aunts, organizes his school bag one last time, checks his teeth, counts the hours until school—and accepts his anxious feelings. With its literary tone and distinctive illustrative style, this unusual picture book is for larger collections.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

K-Gr 3—Calpurnia has a Block Mess Monster in her room that doesn't want to be put away. Her mom who, oddly enough, can't see it, encourages her to clean up. And that's the little girl's problem. "Just say POOF!" advises Mom. But no amount of poofing makes Block Mess disappear. And no amount of cajoling on Mom's part convinces Calpurnia that Block Mess doesn't exist. But just when she's about to lose her patience, Mom comes up with a brilliant idea that resolves the issue. Watercolor cartoons brilliantly capture the humor and exasperation of this parent-child tug-of-war. Calpurnia, always in a different getup (including an Indian outfit) repeatedly tries to discourage Mom's attempts to clean the room. Droll vignettes depict the child in various guises trying to "poof" away the dreaded monster, while Mom's oversize hand reaching to clear away clutter and a close-up of her blazing eyes and downturned mouth cause Calpurnia to quip, "Oh great. Now there are two monsters." There are many picture-book stories that urge youngsters to clean their room, but this perfect pairing of text and illustrations is irresistible.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

K-Gr 2—In this eloquent and beautifully illustrated book, Matt finds himself in yet another new home. Surrounded by an uninspiring landscape and lacking friends, he begins to poke at the mud outside his house. He quickly notices in his marks the beginning of a landscape. Bit by bit, a miniature world unfolds before Matt and readers, assisted by the timid offerings of neighborhood children. When a rainstorm threatens to flood the newly created "Mattland," helping hands appear to route the current safely away. Petricic's understated watercolors are an essential counterpart to Hutchins and Herbert's mature narrative, revealing the promise of new friendships before Matt himself realizes that he is no longer alone. The closing spread of his reflection in "Turtle Lake," surrounded by other children, is a standout. The illustrator skillfully leads readers from gray, nondescript images to a detailed world brimming with color. Children may require the helpful commentary of an adult to fully appreciate this tale, but Mattland has much to offer those who find themselves in a new place, and to creative souls needing inspiration.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—The zookeepers are busy getting ready for Zoo Day. They are cleaning cages and bathing and feeding the animals. Some of the creatures, like recalcitrant children, are ill-behaved. The llamas are spitting, the giraffes are slurping. "While out in the dirt, naughty elephants rolled,/not listening at all to what they'd been told./They frolicked in mud to cool down from the sun./Their trunks became sprinklers and soaked everyone." Finally, the sun goes down and the workers go home. The next morning, the animals and their babies prepare themselves for the crowds of children arriving on yellow buses. This silly, slight story ends abruptly with the zookeepers standing at the gates while the children enter the zoo. Large color cartoon illustrations support the text. Back matter has a fill-in matching activity, some "animal fun facts," and a writing exercise about zookeepers. A secondary purchase at best.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS—The adorable tot from Isadora's Peekaboo Morning (Putnam, 2002) is back in this getting-ready-for-bed story. As in the previous book, the child exclaims in big, bold letters, "Peekaboo! I see…," leading readers to turn the page to find the person or object of the game. Bright pictures, done with pastels, add to the fun as the child spies grandparents, parents, pets, a rubber duck, "my blankie," and finally, from atop the bed, "you!" Youngsters will enjoy searching for visual clues as they play along with the familiar toddler activity.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 2—Julie's favorite story is Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague, and her fondest wish is to have a pony of her own. The child convinces her farm-dwelling parents to take her to Chincoteague Island for Pony Penning Day so that she can bid in the auction. Unfortunately, she is continually outbid and realizes that the money she's earned won't be enough. Then one pony is returned and several people in the crowd pitch in to make her dream come true. This story is based on an incident that Jeffers witnessed when she went to this auction. The lovely illustrations capture Julie's love of horses, the beauty of the ponies, and the excitement of the roundup by the "saltwater cowboys" of the volunteer fire department.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Following the successful format of Mama, Do You Love Me? (1991) and Papa, Do You Love Me? (2005, both Chronicle), Joose and Lavallee once again blend universal family love with details of a specific culture. This time, a Hawaiian grandmother tells her granddaughter how beautiful and beloved she is. Lyrical text captures the lush landscapes and unique traditions of the island setting. Vibrant, stylized watercolor illustrations provide details and warmth. Traditional words like Tutu (grandma) and modern terms like talk-story (an informal conversation) are defined in clear terms. Illustrated instructions on how to make a sea turtle from string follow the glossary. This book will be a popular read-aloud or read-alone. A sweet story and lovely art.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 1–4—Children sometimes get teased when they begin to wear eyeglasses, but Jenny Sue has an additional problem: strabismus, described in an author's note as a condition when one eye (or both eyes) "misaligns and turns in, out, up, or down." While the youngster views her travelin' eye as a means for seeing the world in a special way, a caring teacher suggests that she visit an ophthalmologist. The doctor's quick diagnosis results in what Jenny Sue sees as a very ugly eye patch. Her mother, however, comes to the rescue with patches of brightly colored materials and quirky designs. Soon, Jenny Sue is the envy of her school. When she graduates from the patch but must still wear glasses, she and her mother fashion imaginative frames that delight the girl's friends. In telling her story, Kostecki-Shaw utilizes the whole page, placing different sizes of text among images that vary from large to small, from vivid to diffused (visualizing Jenny Sue's eye problem). Use of acrylics, crayon, pencil, collage, and tissue paper creates colorful, imaginative illustrations. The jacket features Jenny Sue's wide grin below gaily decorated specs that sport a perky butterfly, setting the tone for this upbeat story. Children with a "difference" of some kind will be reassured by Jenny Sue's take on her special situation.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

K-Gr 4—This charming book is visually enticing and just plain fun to read. In simple, gentle "This Is the House That Jack Built" verse, a grandson affectionately delineates all of the tasks that his grandfather, the town beeman, performs as he cares for his hives. The child assists him, adding a nice intergenerational touch. The text conveys facts, but at the same time captures a larger understanding of and appreciation for nature: "Here is the queen bee,/who does her job well,/and lays tiny eggs/in a six-sided cell. 'She's the heart of the hive,'/says the Beeman." The acrylic illustrations are done in predominantly muted, pastel shades with occasional touches of bright colors. The slightly skewed perspectives keep readers' eyes traveling across the spreads. This is a newly illustrated version of an older title (National Geographic, 2002), with eight pages of additional information appended. This is a priority purchase for most collections as it works for beginning report writers and those with general interest, and also reads aloud well. It opens with a poem by Aileen Fisher, connecting an older poet to a new generation.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 4—The detail and rich colors of Schuett's paintings lend an appropriately realistic tone to this tale of two girls, a lighthouse keeper's daughters, who outwit British sailors during the War of 1812. Although fictionalized, Krensky's account is based on Rebecca and Abigail Bates, teenage sisters who later attained local fame for their successful ploy. Alone at the Scituate light, they are able to convince an approaching enemy vessel that there is danger on shore by suggesting the presence of marching soldiers. By hiding in the woods and playing "Yankee Doodle" on their fife and drum, they trick the British into retreating. With its wartime background, brisk plot, and crisp sentences, this original and suspenseful hero tale will engage independent readers and also captivate the storytime crowd. Use it with Emily Arnold McCully's The Battle for St. Michaels (HarperCollins, 2002) and Susan Bartoletti's The Flag Maker (Houghton, 2004) or with Peter Roop's Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (Carolrhoda, 1985) or Deborah Hopkinson's Birdie's Lighthouse (S & S,1997).—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

K-Gr 2—Emily has a tiger living inside her. Whenever she gets angry or frustrated, it comes out and does lots of damage. Her parents' helpless reaction to all of her tiger tantrums is always the same: "Oh, Emily, what are we going to do with you?" After she wrecks the house, spoils a birthday party, and sends a plate full of food sailing through the air, Emily's granny pops in for a visit and shares her secret: she has a tiger inside her, too. It seems that Granny's tiger knows how to control herself, and likes to be happy instead of mad. Emily likes the sound of that, and gets right to work adjusting her tiger's attitude. She restrains herself on the playground, eats all her carrots, and voluntarily gets ready for bed. Later that night, Granny Tiger and Emily Tiger slip out and magically bound all over the neighborhood, in perfect harmony with everything. This effort at whimsy-with-a-message is something of a lame, confusing idea built around a weak metaphor. Most of Latimer's images are capably rendered in acrylics and incorporate collage, but the collage elements are arbitrary and inconsistent, adding little to the presentation. There are better stories available about children who act out: Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry (Scholastic, 1999) springs to mind.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 2—Imagine a world without numbers. Madly trying to replace them, but to no avail, two-dimensional, wide-eyed, nattily dressed animals cavort on brightly colored pages, conversing in rhyme about how pervasive and needed numbers are. Adding, subtracting, scoring games-neither winners nor losers can be chosen in sporting matches and elections. Money has no value, and the questions and confusions about postage, addresses, calendars, time, age, library-book due dates, telephone numbers, computers, calculators, heights, and weights grow. The story concludes with the culprit revealing himself—a numbers thief, armed with a vacuum, sucking up all of the numerals in his attempt to make the longest number to reach infinity. The animals celebrate once the numbers have been returned. Yet, the library books are overdue, and the judge offers a punishment that will seem illogical to readers. Still, children will enjoy locating the hidden numbers and brainstorming the countless ways numbers are important in their world.—Marian Creamer, Children's Literature Alive, Portland, OR

K-Gr 3—Martin is teased by bully Adrian because he has a small zizi (penis). In fact, all of the boys tease him after someone opens the changing room door at the swimming pool just as he is removing his wet swimming trunks. To add insult to the situation, Adrian tells Martin that he'll never be able to pee very far, and that the winner of a urinating contest will become the boyfriend of the girl Martin likes. Wacky illustrations in a brownish-gray hue accompany this quirky tale. In fact, one large unappealing picture of the bully with his scowling bulbous eyes is downright grotesque and frightening. In the end, the good guy gets the girl, "Because love/isn't a question of a zizi/—large or small." The entire story smacks of adult jokes and sensibilities. It is difficult to imagine the audience for this book.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

K-Gr 3—This tale about the beloved Froggy will not disappoint devoted fans. School is over and it is time for him to go to Camp Run-A-Muck. After two false starts, he arrives and is happy to find that its leader is his long-suffering principal, Mr. Mugwort. Froggy is uncomfortable because he doesn't know anyone, but he soon makes friends and enters into the fun. Children will be delighted when he accidentally dumps eggs on Mr. Mugwort's head and later shoots him with a suction-cup arrow. As always, London's text is succinct, snappy, and full of fun sound effects. Remkiewcz's watercolor illustrations are humorous and action packed. This is a great book for youngsters who may be worried about attending overnight camp for the first time, or for anyone who just loves Froggy.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS-Gr 1—Several residents of Colonial Williamsburg do their best to find out what is ailing Garrick the Gardener's horse. In a rhyming text, the characters are introduced and briefly described in terms of how they try to help the animal. The blacksmith checks its shoes, the milliner sews a blanket, the apothecary makes a special brew, etc. Through it all, the town crier acts as narrator, summing up the action. A glossary goes into more detail about the jobs, items, and places found in this colonial settlement. The watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations depict all of the participants as cheerful cuddly animals who talk and dress as people. The two horses in the story, however, do not talk and do not have clothes. That lack of consistency probably will not bother the intended audience, nor will the conclusion that Lancer needs a friend and will be happier pulling the gardener's cart if Mary the mare comes along, too. This book would make a nice introduction to Williamsburg for very young visitors.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 2–4—When Bailey comes to Hoover Elementary, Maya is picked to be her Welcome Buddy. At first, Maya likes having a new, lively friend, but at a sleepover, Bailey is cruel to another girl. Later, she overhears a conversation on the playground and broadcasts confidential information. Finally, after listening to Maya's parents fight, she spreads the rumor that they're getting a divorce, causing Maya to seek the school counselor's help. Ms. Bloom defines Bailey's actions as "trouble talk…. Spreading rumors, saying hurtful things, and sharing information that isn't hers to share are examples of the kind of talk that leads to nothing but trouble." She gives Maya tips on how to not get involved and to choose instead "kids who make you feel safe." As the story ends, Bailey works to remedy her conduct. Given the prevalence of these behaviors, young readers will readily identify with Maya's dilemma and appreciate the straightforward text. Colorful and expressive mixed-media art depicts a refreshing and realistic multicultural schoolyard. A foreword, geared toward adults, gives insight into this type of bullying, discussing the need to connect with others in constructive rather than destructive ways. Appended are an author's note with further tips for addressing the problem, discussion questions, and additional resources. This picture book would be well used by school counselors or social workers to interface with a child who's exhibiting or harmed by "trouble talk."—Martha Topol, Traverse Heights Elementary School, MI

Gr 2–4—Dan and his friends call themselves the Scrubs. They know they aren't among the school's top athletes, but they try hard, have fun, and "go for it, no matter what." Dan, however, is beginning to think he has outgrown his friends' mindset. He spends extra time training and worries more about winning than enjoying himself. He even starts hanging around with superjock Biff, the Scrubs' arch nemesis. When the gang begins rock climbing instruction, Dan is determined to be the best-no matter who gets in his way. But is he willing to trade friendship for championship? Like the previous installments, which began with Willy the Scrub (Darby Creek, 2004), this short, breezy chapter book emphasizes good sportsmanship and individuality. The Scrubs are a cohesive, supportive group who encourage one another, cheering effort as well as achievement. The dialogue is lively and realistic, with lots of humorous banter, and there's plenty of action. The large type, sports theme, and amusing cartoon vignettes make this an attractive choice with special appeal to reluctant readers, especially boys.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

K-Gr 2—Fox is hungry, and so begins his elaborate plan for a delicious dinner. He convinces Goose that she has no ears. She asks her friends for theirs, and even asks Fox for his, but to no avail. Then, out of the blue, Goose hears the siren song of Peacock announcing, "Ears for sale! Get your ears from Peacock's shop!" She fails to notice the bird's pointy snout, sharp teeth, and red tail as she follows him inside. Too late, Goose realizes she can hear, so she must have ears. Then, just as Fox reveals his dinner plans, Goose's sharp-eyed friends come to the rescue. This enjoyable story has just the right mixture of humor, friendship, and suspense. The text is aptly accompanied by Edgson's soft color illustrations; good detail and great expressions bring the characters to life. This delightful, if slightly familiar, tale is well written, perfectly illustrated, and a joy to read aloud. But it does beg the question, where are Goose's ears?—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2—The duo that created Someday (S & S, 2006), a picture book celebrating a mother's affection and hopes for her daughter, now presents the reflections of a father about his young son. Once again, there is ample white space around the charming pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. The artwork bursts with energy as the boy engages in all sorts of activities, such as playing with a truck, romping with the dog, and browsing through books. The straightforward text, written from the dad's perspective, recounts the simple things that are important to his child: "Little boy, so much depends on…a puddle to jump,/sand to dump,/truck down the hall,/pencil lines that mark how tall." A repeated refrain shows the youngster finding numerous fun uses for his "big cardboard box." This title may also resonate most with adults, though it has more child appeal than Someday.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

Gr 2–4—In this fictionalized picture-book account of an incident from Mackall's childhood, it is 1961 and Dandi's dreams center on baseball. She roots for her local pro team, the Kansas City A's, and she's a solid player who can get on base when it counts. She's bitterly frustrated when the boys ban her from their pick-up games because she's a girl. Then she hears about an essay-writing contest that the A's are holding; the winner will get to be batboy. Although the rules state "for boys only," Dandi enters and wins, only to be disqualified. Instead, the A's send her a consolation prize, a bat. She announces to the boys that she's batting, hits the ball out of sight, and walks away, purposely leaving the bat behind. She stops rooting for the A's, her passion for writing and baseball unabated, and her spirit strong and undaunted. Mackall seamlessly weaves a good deal of baseball trivia and slang into her tale, and Graef's folksy paintings add detail and character. Dandi is an engaging and sympathetic heroine, and her story will resonate with many readers.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

K-Gr 3—Joseph describes his friendship with Jamal, a boy whose family immigrated to the United States from Somalia. He discusses their similarities-they both like to play superheroes and basketball and they sometimes get in trouble at school for talking too much—as well as their differences. Jamal's family reads the Koran, while Joseph's has a Bible; Joseph is intrigued when Jamal's mother serves pasta with bananas. The text is written in a breathless style with lots of dashes and exclamation marks to capture the casual speech of a child. Topics mentioned are of interest to young readers, such as food, smells (their mothers use different spices), games, etc. The lively, brightly colored collages consist of original photographs of the main characters and stock photos of food or objects with thickly painted outlines and accents added. Both text and pictures project an energetic, friendly tone, with the exception of one page that shows several men holding guns. Joseph says, "Jamal's mom and dad were born in Somalia, in Africa—but a lot of fighting started and people were getting killed. It was very dangerous, so they had to escape. They came here because there's no fighting." A useful title for discussing friendship or the reasons for emigrating.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 3–5—Esmerelda Swishback McCarther has spent most of her seven years living in four different countries on four different continents with her military family. Arriving back in the United States, she and her brother begin school in a suburb of Washington, DC. Unfortunately, her father must leave for a tour of duty—100 days and 99 nights. Saddened and fearful for him, Esme gives him the precious remnant square from her "blankie" to take with him. While he is away, she struggles to remain dutiful and strong, traits that her family values. Madison authentically portrays the stresses experienced not only at home but also in the classrooms of children whose loved ones are away at war. When Esme and her friend Martina spearhead a project to help the troops by collecting scrap metal, the entire community becomes involved and the news reaches her father, who proclaims Esme a hero. This is a light yet realistic novel about a reality well known to many American families. All branches of the armed forces are featured in some capacity although Esme's father is a sergeant in the Army.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Mansfield has written a short, loving reminiscence of Christopher Hogwood, a well-loved pig adopted and raised by him and his wife, naturalist writer Sy Montgomery. The Good, Good Pig (Ballantine, 2006) details their life with Christopher from a tiny runt carried home in a shoebox to the huge (700-plus pounds) hog whose loving personality deeply touched their lives and the lives of their hens, their neighbors, friends, and even strangers. In this story, the huge hog lets himself out of his comfortable pen and goes on a spring jaunt, enjoying some lettuce in a neighbor's garden; rooting a winding trench through a lovely green lawn with his flat nose; then scaring away the backhoe operator with his congratulatory bellowing. Finally, bribed with an apple, he allows the town policeman to lead him home. Moser's realistic double-page watercolors introduce youngsters to an endearing, bright-eyed pig whose obvious enjoyment of the small pleasures of life in his rural village is contagious and childlike in its naïveté and sincerity-possibly the reason that Moser has placed himself in the role of policeman. Mansfield's story provides insight into realistic porcine character and behavior in a most enjoyable format.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 3–6—Sir Lancelot as a lighthearted, comic figure? Mais oui! Although he is the envy of every man and the object of desire for every woman, he's more concerned about keeping his armor shiny and taking naps than anything else. He's witty and clever and deftly defeats all challengers. With aplomb, Sir Lancelot even handles being shot in the bum with an arrow. Ultimately, he gets so weary from being confronted and chased that he decides to become a hermit. Guinevere's honor needs saving, however, and Lancelot returns. Illustrations, many full page, are scattered throughout. Not for the Arthurian purist, this easy-to-read tale will delight nonetheless. The book's brevity and humor make it accessible to reluctant readers, and it is a fantastic read-aloud.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

PreS-Gr 1—Billy and his best friend, a small stuffed rabbit, experience their first night with a babysitter while Mama goes to her pottery class. She explains why Billy cannot go with her as she gives him his bath, and her friend Lucy takes over the bedtime routine of singing a good-night song and tucking him in. But Rabbit is restless and Billy can't fall asleep. Lucy reassuringly calms his fears and tells him that his mother will be able to find her way home. The gentle watercolor pictures perfectly match the story of the teddy bearish youngster and his Mama-bear-type babysitter. This warm and fuzzy book is a good choice for soothing a child's separation anxiety.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Right from the glittery cover showing animal ballerinas dancing, it will be hard for young readers to resist this book. Emily the dog dances everywhere, always wears pink, and has high expectations for her first dance class. Unfortunately, her fellow classmates (a pig, cat, and rabbit) would rather play soccer, paint, or watch shyly than work on their "Oh, Little Bug!" dance. With her hopes for new friends and a wonderful princess costume dashed, Emily and her mother seek consolation at the local candy shop. At the next dance class, the pup shares small bags of jellybeans with Nicole, Anna, and Bitsy. She reminds her equally discouraged fellow dancers that, just as the first letters of their names spell out "bean," each jellybean's different flavor still goes well with the others. The dancing Jellybeans decide to make their routine special, and each one uses her talent to teach a performance-related skill to the others. With cute bug costumes and a new sense of camaraderie, the Jellybeans have a winning recital and celebrate with a trip to the store for their favorite candy. Expressive cartoon animals in pastel colors dance and stumble across the pages in an endearing fashion, working out their problems and appreciating each other's uniqueness. Despite a layout best suited for independent reading, the characters and ballet school setting also hold wide appeal for young listeners.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

K-Gr 2—When a postcard arrives announcing Uncle Bernie's imminent visit, Mom smiles, Dad grins, and the baby stares, wide-eyed. But big brother is clearly suspicious. Why isn't his uncle in the family photo albums? This line of inquiry is accompanied by mental pictures: Dracula poised to strike, a bank robber sneaking away with the loot, a technomonster that shows his fearsome teeth, etc. In the next scene, someone is knocking as the door splays, bursting at the frame. Uncle Bernie is indeed very large, very hairy, and has very big feet. Hilarious illustrations include a spread of feet, legs, and protruding tummy—plus the back of the boy's head, looking ever so tiny. The two pages are really a three-page foldout; readers finally get to see Uncle Bernie's head and torso. From where the narrator is standing, the view is downright mountainous, and the boy delves into research on "Bigfoots." The homey artwork is filled with delightful touches such as the way the youngster pictures his future self when his dad tells him that he'll probably get hairier, too, when he's older. The lesson here is that "There are a lot of people in the world and all of them have something a little different about them too," and the author adds a ton of fun by way of leavening the message. O'Connor is a sardonic, imaginative, and exuberant illustrator, and though the story stops in its tracks at the boy's uncharacteristic insight, it is only for a moment.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-K—Bouncy text and simple rhyming couplets take readers through a day in the life of a little girl and her pet as they play in the mud, enjoy a car ride, get in the way of the cat, go for a walk, and finally cuddle up together in bed. "New puppy,/young puppy,/soft puppy,/small./Grow, puppy,/run, puppy,/chase, puppy,/ball." Children will delight in the expressive, brightly colored gouache and pencil spreads of a smiling, round-faced youngster with large, oval animal-print glasses and her pup. Perfect pacing and large, uncluttered pictures make for a delightful read-aloud. While simple picture books about new puppies may seem to be everywhere, this one is sure to bound off the shelves.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—On Dylan's fifth birthday, he and his mother celebrate an annual ritual on Cape Cod. Yawning, they steal out to the beach while a few stars are still twinkling and wait at the shore for a swift, precious peek at sunrise—"A flash. A wink. A baby sun." This is a quiet story, peacefully illustrated with Catalanotto's watercolors (always tranquil, sometimes surprising in perspective and beauty). Paratore's languag