Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-Gr 2—Alexander tells about his life with his two-year-old brother, who is not yet verbal and who won't play with him. Benjamin also exhibits strange behaviors. Then he is diagnosed with autism. When two teachers come to the house to help him with his language and social skills, Alexander is jealous of the extra attention his brother receives. As time passes, Benjamin begins to develop some language and is now able to play with Alexander, who is no longer embarrassed to have friends over. Realistic illustrations depict the characters and their emotions. The story's message is obvious and direct, as well as somewhat unrealistic considering that not all youngsters will make the progress shown by Benjamin. Still, the book may be useful as an introduction for young children who have a sibling with this condition.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 2–4—Bandanna Bear and Tuxedo Teddy want to vacation together, but the cousins have different ideas about what to do. The country bear wants to hike and explore and sleep under the stars. Tuxedo likes to shop, visit museums, and stay in luxury hotels. At first they take turns being in charge, with Bandanna leading them to Mount Rushmore and Old Faithful, and Tuxedo opting for Chicago and New Orleans. Soon, each bear becomes fed up with the other's idea of a good time. When they go their separate ways, however, they discover that they miss one another's company. They reunite, and the tour ends with lunch at the White House, where the president appoints Bandanna Head Ranger of National Parks and Tuxedo Honorary Historian of American Cities. Using "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse" as inspiration for this cultural exploration is a fun and clever idea, yet the book forgets its purpose. The wordy text focuses on the bears' complaints rather than the diversity of our heritage. The text also gives a skewed sense of America's size as travel between destinations is impossibly quick. The illustrations have a folk-art flavor rich in color and precise details, with adorable dressed-up bears, but they are stiff and often lacking in depth. Readers are likely to become bored long before these travelers are through with their holiday.—Martha Topol, Traverse Heights Elementary School, MI

PreS-Gr 1—"Eeny, meeny, miney, moe!/Who ate all the cookie dough?" a kangaroo asks various animal friends as she searches for the culprit. Each creature denies the theft and joins Kanga in the hunt. Monkey seems the likely suspect until the critters lead Kanga and readers to a lift-up flap that reveals her pouched joey licking a spoon. The stylized gouache illustrations place the characters against white backdrops decorated with abstract patterns that suggest flowers and trees. The animals are large and painted with a light, humorous touch. This book's repetition and rhymes—reminiscent of the question-and-answer rhythm of Bill Martin, Jr.'s Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Holt, 1983)—make it a good choice for beginning readers and for chant-along storytimes.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 1–4—This is a quirky story in which an old woman who lives alone at the edge of a dark, scary wood is protected by her pet frog. The creature easily handles any danger by swallowing each potential evildoer whole. The first villain to meet his fate is Greedy Goblin, followed by Smelly Troll, and finally Giant Hungry Ogre. As each bad guy nears Mrs. Collywobbles's house, he recites a rhyme themed around his distinct characteristics. "Nickerty-noo, nickerty-noo,/if I get a chance,/I'll steal from you," sings Greedy Goblin. The tale ends with a wicked twist. The narration and illustrations are joined tightly together. The text describes the scene in the pictures, pointing out specific things to notice. "Look! There is little Mrs. Collywobbles, hiding in her bathroom." The pen-and-ink and Macintosh artwork statically captures the "action" and creatively portrays each character. As he gobbles each villain, the frog sits passively with the feet, tail, and clothes of his victim hanging out of his mouth. Bright, flat colors contrast sharply against the white background. Stylized flowers and leaves give the pictures a 1960s look. The odd deadpan humor will not appeal to every child, but older readers and literature students will appreciate the irony of this almost fairy tale.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS—Most books about a child's first bed focus on a youngster's resistance to change or a new baby that needs the crib. Bergstein's book takes a natural approach by comparing a boy's growth to how different animals mature. In simple terms, each sequence describes how three animals are born, carried by their parents, take their first steps, and sleep in their own cozy small places and shows how a child parallels the experience. As the animals get bigger, each one graduates to a larger sleeping area, just as the boy is now able to do. The absence of the anxiety, whining, or excuses common to books of this ilk is refreshing. Rather, moving to a big bed is simply explained as the next step in the process of growing up. Soft pictures of birds, a sea turtle, a kangaroo, a koala bear, a dog, and a horse precede pictures of the youngster and his parents. The final spread, bathed in shades of blue, features several of the creatures asleep in their resting places as the boy and his teddy bear, shown through a window, are safe in their own bed. This sweet book provides a gentle, matter-of-fact introduction to a sometimes-difficult transition, and should be a first purchase for most picture-book collections.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 2—When the unnamed protagonist refuses to wear clothes because he doesn't like them, his parents spend the rest of the story trying to convince him why he needs them. Unpleasant but hilarious scenarios ensue describing what would happen if he went nude—no pockets for stuff, freezing in winter, the pain of stealing second base, etc. After considering all the arguments, the boy decides that if he must wear something, then he'll choose his own outfit, and off he goes dressed as a superhero, cape and all. This fun-to-read story is written in rhyming couplets. "If you went to school naked when the sun's overhead,/you would get a sunburn and turn very RED!/You might be confused with a big red tomato,/stewed in a pot with a russet potato!" The illustrations aptly depict each consequence, and the characters' expressions bring them to life. The pictures have a vaguely 1950s cartoon sensibility both in style and color choice, which works well with the text. This one's great for storytime or one-on-one sharing. Just be prepared for gales of laughter.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 3—A tale of separation anxiety, kangaroo-style. In a twist on Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny (HarperCollins, 1942), Mama Kangaroo, who "loves her little Jo-Jo a lot, lot, lot," tries to coax him out of her pouch. She shows him the beautiful things around them, like a bird and a cloud in the sky, and asks, "Wouldn't you like to be a floating cloud?" Jo-Jo has no interest—he wants to stay warm and protected in her pocket. She eases him out little by little, however, and places him gently onto the ground so that the two can bound off together to explore the world. It's okay now, because Jo-Jo knows that Mama "will always hold his heart in her pocket." The gentle, well-crafted text is sweet, but not overly so. The watercolor illustrations have a soft palette dominated by yellowish tans and light blues, and expressively portray a wise and loving mother with her shy, slightly fearful child.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Pres-Gr 1—At spring's arrival, Frog heads home to the pond, but stops to frolic with his pals Badger, Hedgehog, Rabbit, and Mouse. He borrows Mouse's lantern as dark approaches, is startled by the black "Pond Monster" (his shadow) that appears in the reeds, and flees in terror. Each friend takes a turn accompanying Frog back, each viewing her/his own version of the monster. When the first four see Mouse's shadow rise across the bank as she approaches, they realize their error and Frog finally splashes in. Preschoolers who fear the dark will relate to Frog's feelings, and will surmise the joke early on. Chapman's lush swamp paintings make perfect frames for the rounded animal stars. The refrain, "Woo-woo! the wind blew in the trees. Squeak-squeak! went the lanterns. 'Wait for me!' cried Mouse" provides interactive storytelling opportunities. Though the story is not particularly original in concept, the book's pace and large scenes will engage young listeners, and it could encourage active experimentation with shadows.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS—Carluccio tracks the ambient sounds in a baby's world from morning to night. Beginning "When the sun comes up, the birds start to sing," the rhyming text follows the youngster through his day. Vibrant painted-paper collages are sprinkled with labels identifying the sounds in each setting. For example, "tweet, tweet" is next to the bird outside the window; "swish, swish" appears as the child swings in the park; and "clank, clank" by the cement mixer on the street. Striped and polka-dotted buildings, sidewalks patterned with scraps of newspaper, and a taxi roof cut from what looks like a phone book all combine to make a stimulating, noisy environment for this simple story. Endpapers are filled with childlike drawings of things that create sound (cat, bee, fish, bells, bird, car, phone, tea kettle, etc.), providing another opportunity for toddlers to identify. This book is a fine choice for a lap-sit or a bedtime story.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 1–3—"One spring day, when the willow trees had turned green and the wind was softly blowing, a golden creature hatched, unnoticed, from a thousand-year-old egg." As he begins to explore the world, he encounters numerous animals, all of whom see themselves in him, and they name him Jin Jin. He has scales like the fish, claws like the eagle, emerald eyes like the hare, etc. He is advised to find Old Turtle and Crane, who will be able to help him solve the mystery of his true identity. On his journey, he meets many more animals, and also begins to find clues in the form of Chinese characters that guide him on his way. Finally, Jin Jin discovers not only who he is, but also why he is special. The place of dragons in Chinese culture is explained in an author's note, and there is additional information about Chinese characters. The writing is clear, at times lyrical, and nicely paced. The illustrations, done in Chinese watercolors, feature soft, peaceful greens that allow the golden Jin Jin, with his comical, expressive face, to take center stage. Dragons and dragon lore are always popular subjects, and this title will be appreciated by children longing for more.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 2—Mouse parents Mildred and Sam send their children off to Mrs. Sunnyseed's class, where they experience show-and-tell, take a field trip, and learn about planets. The topics are presented in three short chapters, and the soft-hued illustrations are appealing. However, the story is tinged with worry. Though Sam reminds his wife that "It is not that far," Mildred frets each time her children embark on a new adventure. Collicott plays up the fear factor by employing a peculiar device. Repeatedly, the mice children share a single dream in which they must confront threatening animals, such as an oversize moth, an enormous frog, and sky kittens, which put an end to imagined journey. Instead of focusing on children adjusting to school, this is a hovering-parent tale.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 3—For weeks the burning sun has been beating down on a small village in Kenya. No one is gathering firewood and no one is milking the cows. The water well has dried up and the crops are perishing. One evening, Lila overhears her grandfather tell a story about a man who climbed to the top of a mountain and told the sky the saddest things he could think of. The sky began to cry and the much-needed rain fell. The next morning, she sets out to find a mountain and talk to the sky. The rain starts falling soon after she pours her heart out, and "each raindrop felt like one of her mama's kisses." Lila and her grandfather keep the secret of how it came to rain to themselves. This quiet story offers inspiration and hope. Readers will sigh with relief to see the rain and will cheer with the villagers as they celebrate. The illustrations are quite lovely. A huge orange sun in a brilliant blue sky dominates most pages. The prominence of the brown baked earth intensifies the unwanted result of the lack of rain. Villagers and animals alike are stick thin. This story will work well both as a read-aloud and for sharing one-on-one.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

PreS-Gr 2—These kid-friendly stories illustrate symptoms and describe appropriate medical treatment for common childhood ailments. In the first title, Katie, a bear, is sneezing and sniffling and cannot practice for the ice-skating show. In Fever, little Peeper, a frog, is excited about the special picnic, but is not allowed to attend because he has a fever. Finally, Sadie, a giraffe, is preparing to go to the school fair but develops a sore throat. In each book, the protagonist's mother consults Dr. Hippo, a pediatrician. The bright, colorful illustrations depict comfortable home settings. Though the stories are formulaic and idealize doctor-patient relationships, they clearly describe the conditions and offer kids and caregivers suitable medical advice. A pamphlet for parents is included on the inside back cover.—Kristen Frey, Rocky River Public Library, OH

K-Gr 2—Mrs. Millie loves to play with words. On a field trip to Philadelphia, she amuses her students by substituting words with similar sounds to get new meanings. For instance, the kids are asked to wear their name "badgers" rather than badges. One field trip rule is to hold "hens" with your buddy. She takes the youngsters to see the Liberty "Bull" and, at Betsy Ross's "mouse," they see a flag with "thirteen starfish—one starfish for each colony." The students respond by calling her silly, over and over again. This is a one-joke book that quickly becomes stale. Broad cartoon illustrations show a cow in the classroom ("Cow are you today?") or chickens on the bus ("We don't want any lost chickens!"). Mrs. Millie with her frizzy red head, dressed in red, white, and blue stars and stripes, and her animated students make one happy group. This book fails in its attempt to combine the attributes of Amelia Bedelia and Ms. Frizzle. Nothing is left to readers' imagination and there's little educational value.—Martha Topol, Traverse Heights Elementary School, MI

Gr 1–4—Jim Mulholland is a young man ready to see the world as a cabin boy on the Titanic. He comes from a family with maritime roots; he understands the traditions of life on the sea, as well as its superstitions. When he is charged with taking care of the ship cat while the vessel runs through its trials and prepares for its maiden voyage, Jim takes his job seriously. And when the cat gives birth to four kittens, he becomes extra vigilant. He cannot believe how lucky he is to be working on such a beautiful new ship. But while the Titanic is docked at Southampton, Jim spots the cat removing her kittens one by one. Concerned that she has forgotten one, he takes it to her and consequently misses the sailing. His duffle bag, his dreams—gone. Six days later, he learns just how lucky he is. An author's note details how Crisp researched this true story about a ship cat and the boy she saved. Papp's fresh-faced Jim and winsome kittens provide a sense of optimism as they await the great adventure that will never be. The picture-book format works well for this brief episode in the disaster. Reluctant readers will be able to read this amazing tale on their own, while listeners with a taste for longer read-alouds will enjoy hearing it.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 3–6—Five pond geese trade security for the exhilaration of freedom to lead a lost one-eyed heron to the migration gathering in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Foolhardy Skylar has some vague memories of his first migration when he was grounded and left behind during a storm. He leads opinionated Roosevelt, stalwart Esther, pudgy Loomis, and anxious little Weedle through several adventures and scrapes to their goal. Liwska's shaded black-and-white pencil renderings work with the text to give readers a strong sense of place. Realistic geese behaviors and touches of humor keep pace with strong themes (facing fears and learning through experience). Grounded in nature, like Donna Jo Napoli's Ugly (Hyperion, 2006), Skylar also includes a fatal scene with a hunter. The writing is strong, though a few wobbly phrases such as "The sun opened the horizon like an invitation" and geese descending from the sky "as if delivered of it" may need some clarification. With its evocative descriptions and some challenging vocabulary, this book makes a great read-aloud.—Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA

PreS-K—Ready to go to sleep, a multi-legged, long-tailed monster heads upstairs and into a bedroom only to hurt itself on toy blocks left on the floor. Grossed out by stinky socks and shoes, a juice-stained sheet, and general untidiness, the creature decides to "Clean, clean,/I'll make the room so neat," while the room's young occupant snoozes in the bed. In the morning, the child awakens ("Ring,/ring,/it's time to start the day") and happily discovers his visitor ("Giggle,/giggle!/'A monster's come to stay./Let's play!'"). The watercolor illustrations at times show only part of the creature as its head or other body parts extend off the page. Its numerous arms allow it to accomplish many tasks at once, an enviable feature. The font varies, emphasizing action words in larger boldface letters ("Stuff,/stuff…") and the rest of the line is a smaller size ("the/clothes/into/the/drawers"). Rhyming, repetitive text and whimsical images whirl on the pages, making this a fun read-aloud.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—At the annual Elephant Islands Carnival, Ella reluctantly lends her treasured red hat to her friend Belinda, who loses it on the Ferris wheel. As the hat floats into the sea, Ella borrows Mr. Pelican's rowboat and sets off despite the rainy weather. Caught in a storm, she is washed ashore on an unfamiliar island. Luckily, Ella is welcomed by a friendly family who invite her in for lunch. Their fisherman father coincidentally has found Ella's lucky hat. When the storm passes, Ella safely returns home. After enduring a gentle scolding from Mr. Pelican and her mother, she promises never to take a boat out in stormy weather again. The next day, she sets off in Mr. Pelican's boat to bring a freshly baked pineapple pie to the family who came to her aid. Whimsical, fanciful, and refreshingly old-fashioned art is the hallmark of this series. While this adorable and independent little elephant's latest adventure is a bit far-fetched, fans of Ella the Elegant Elephant (2004), Ella Takes the Cake (2005), and Ella Sets the Stage (2006, all Scholastic) will enjoy setting sail with her.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 1–5—One snowy night in ancient China, a poor boy named Ping becomes lost while searching for firewood. A friendly innkeeper offers him shelter and food, while a great magician, also staying at the inn, entertains him. When he hears the boy express longing for wealth, power, and fame, the kindly man offers him a pillow that will grant his wishes. Sleeping on the pillow, which is decorated with the Taoist yang/yin symbol, Ping dreams of a long life. He commands an army, becomes prime minister, loses everything only to regain it once more, then watches his sons and grandsons repeat the cycle. In the end, "Money was like a flash of lightning in a summer cloud, power was like a flickering lamp, and fame lasted no longer than a bubble in a stream." Ping wakes to find his circumstances the same as they were, but his heart at peace. Demi sets her characteristic tightly drawn, flat-colored figures inside golden circles. Showing the fortunes of Ping's dream descendants, she fills the circles with repeating figures, decoratively visualizing an endless cycle of existence. A detailed note identifies the source for her story. The lesson Ping learns is central to Taoist and Buddhist thinking, so the book would pair nicely with Jon J. Muth's Zen Shorts (Scholastic, 2005) and Ed Young's Night Visitors (Philomel, 1995) where an introduction to East Asian thought is part of the elementary curriculum. However, adults may appreciate the book's message more than children.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

PreS-K—On Sunday morning, a mischievous young dragon makes trouble for his mother and is sent to quiet time. Felix decides to deprive Mama of his special embraces (the "soft snuggle," the "super squeeze," and the "monster mash") and makes "No Hug" signs to place all over the house. As the day progresses, his mother trades "slobbery baby hugs" with his sister, while Felix keeps looking at the calendar and cutting the number of days with no hugs ("actually, I meant…Friday") until he arrives at bedtime, and admits that he can't go any longer. Mama agrees and is the recipient of a "super, special, gigantic monster mash"—and then one more cuddle for each day of the week. The last page shows Felix surreptitiously putting a sign displaying the word "hug" with a red "X" through it on his sister's crib. The soft-edged paintings show a lovable green dragon and humorously depict his antics. Many small details make this a book that perhaps would be most fully enjoyed one-on-one, but it could also be used for a dragon or days-of-the-week storytime. Featuring a believably childlike protagonist, a cozy parent-child relationship, and a satisfying resolution, it is a delightfully warmhearted choice for most collections.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS-Gr 2—Doyle and Rinaldi briefly describe, in simple text and handsome artwork, the springtime birth of a foal and his first year of growth, culminating on a fine morning a year later when his young owner slips a bridle over his head and leads him quietly around the field for the first time. The stunning double-page oil paintings cover every inch of space, showing farm fields, barn stall, and paddock as well as the human and equine characters. Several illustrations are so realistic that they appear to be painted-over photographs. Like Cow (S & S, 2002), Horse is a beautifully rendered, loving introduction to a familiar animal.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

K-Gr 3—With fluid pen-and-wash artwork and lively text, the author/illustrator of Liberty! (2002) and The Flyers (2003, both Farrar) celebrates the centenary of the Model T Ford. Opening endpapers depict this old-timer along with a multitude of cars beloved throughout the 20th century. As the story begins, narrator Eliza enumerates her grandfather's talent with anything wheeled, from prams to skateboards, as well as his cherished long-term project, fixing up a Model T. Several years, and three more grandchildren later, the job is finally done, and Grandpa packs the kids aboard Tin Lizzie for a road trip. As they encounter escalating traffic and the resulting pollution, the family launches into an ecologically sensitive discussion of alternatives to current transportation. The kids brainstorm solutions, encouraging readers to consider their own ideas. Drummond's spirited illustrations neatly depict vehicles both old and new, presenting a colorful fleet of cars, buses, RVs, and trucks. An afterword presents an illustrated capsule biography of Henry Ford and reiterates the author's points. The closing endpapers get serious with bubbles highlighting automobile-related problems (including traffic deaths) and possible solutions. This book makes a useful introduction for environmental units, as well as fun browsing fare for young car enthusiasts. For Model T fans, pair it with Peter Spier's title of the same name (Doubleday, 1975).—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 1—Constantly teased for being "teeny tiny" and "teensy-weensy," Tiny is excluded from all of the other dinosaurs' games. He feels sorry for himself, until he is befriended by a small bird named Archie. When the two discover Tyro the Tyrannosaurus rex trapped on shaky ground, it is Tiny who is able to rescue him. All of the dinosaurs now want to be his friend, the teasing ceases, and his Mom declares: "You may be small…but you've got a big heart." Playful pastel illustrations depict expressive, fun-loving dinosaurs in a fanciful prehistoric setting, but there is nothing unusual or original in this predictable plot. It's a shame that Tiny has to prove his courage and usefulness before the other dinosaurs will accept him. And, it isn't until they want to become friends with him that Tiny comes to accept himself. Nonetheless, children will relate to the familiar message, especially if they have ever felt left out.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 2—Quite accidentally, Gideon, a grub, briefly experiences the exhilarating, free-flying life that awaits him as a butterfly. This first taste of freedom—a thrilling though somewhat scary descent to earth while perched on a falling leaf—fills him with a single purpose. He dreams of flying and "would figure out this…thing if it was the last thing this little grub would ever do." Retiring to a reed in a meadow where he builds a cabin, Gideon devotes himself to trying to solve the mystery of flight. But, ultimately, nature intervenes, and he emerges from his chrysalis to find that he has wings. Reassuringly, the midnight-blue illustrations make way for the "gray-green and growing grasses" of a springtime morning. Splashes of vibrant color adorn both the final pages and the endpapers, showing the magnificence of caterpillars transformed into soaring butterflies. As a metaphor for maximizing human potential, however, the book falls short as readers will not be convinced that Gideon's dreams and ambitions have anything to do with his growth and change. More dazzling titles on the topic of metamorphosis include Lois Ehlert's Waiting for Wings (Harcourt, 2001) and Anne Rockwell's Becoming Butterflies (Walker, 2002).—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 1—These titles feature characters who struggle with self-esteem and acceptance. Predictably, the animal's "flaw" is pointed out (often unkindly) by others, he or she feels bad, and then a twist in the plot turns the problem into an asset. Arnie, for example, keeps disturbing a burrow of mice with his sticky tongue, but is redeemed when one of their babies falls into a tiny hole and he is the only one who can rescue it. Opie is ridiculed for the stinky smell he sometimes emits, but it is his odor that ends up saving him and several nose-holding rabbits from a wolf. The books are written in choppy, sometimes confusing prose, with errors as glaring as the repeated reference to the anteater's "nose" disturbing the mice, when it is actually his sticky tongue that is the problem. Most incongruous is the fact that the illustrator seems not to have read the text carefully, resulting in a snake described in the text as "brown" being depicted as bright green. The illustrations are reminiscent of clip art, with a limited color palette, generic facial expressions, and an overall lack of any distinctive style. The back page of each volume lists "questions to answer," most of which are close-ended and do little to encourage discussion. The idea that self-esteem depends on the approval of others is the misguided message of these poorly executed books.—Amy Rowland, Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

PreS-K—Martha's the middle mouse in her family. Older sister Clara is big and sensible. Brother Ben is a "cutesy-wootsy little baby." But when Martha does something good, all she hears is, "Well done, Martha." She is just there, feeling unnoticed, so she runs away to the far end of the garden where she meets Frog. After Martha tells him her woes, he tries to convince her that middle things are special and important. The examples he uses to illustrate his point are ripples in a pond, seeds in the centers of sunflowers, nectar in the centers of blossoms, peas in a pod, and a juicy slice of watermelon. That turns Martha's thinking around and, when Clara and Ben come looking for her, she happily returns to the fold. The watercolor and ink illustrations fill every square inch and are so exuberant that they jump off the page. The facial expressions and poses of the characters are expressive and entertaining, and the nature scenes are lush and beautiful. The large size and joyous nature of this book will make it a storytime favorite.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 3—This sequel to Buster (Holt, 2003) surpasses that book. When Brown Shoes takes a weekend trip, his dog is sent to Cowboy Camp at Sagebrush Kennels. Grieving over his separation from all that is familiar, Buster is surprised and thrilled to learn that cowboy camp is dog heaven. The pups are too busy to be sad or homesick; they create paw paintings, herd balls into pens, play "buckaroo ball," gather sticks for the campfire, and sing along as Red Boots strums his guitar. Fleming's cleverly themed camp/kennel will appeal to both dog lovers and buckaroos. The tale is filled with "Cowpoke Words" (with a glossary on the back cover) and amusing Western touches (dogs have bandannas tied around their necks upon arrival). From nights in the bunkhouse to meals at the chuck wagon, every page will make readers smile. The artist's signature pulp-painting illustrations are perfect: they're full of sun-baked colors and dry, sandy textures with personality on every dog's face. The story is ideal preparation for children anticipating a first sleepover away from home or a first summer camp venture.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 2—A simple story about loneliness and the power of friendliness. Spare charcoal, pastel, and colored pencil drawings illustrate first a lonely dog, then a sad little boy as they longingly watch and finally join an exuberant group of children playing ball. Lots of white space and thoughtful page layout emphasize the emotions being conveyed, as does the judicious use of color and detail. The dog serves as the best role model in the book, being outgoing ("Can I play too?") and inviting the little boy to join the fun. The closing message: "When someone's feeling left out, low, it doesn't take much to say…hello!" is a valuable one for all ages. Though the endpapers exuberantly display the word "hello" in many different languages, the group of children depicted is homogenous. In spite of that weakness, this book would be especially useful for discussions about bullying, empathy, and character education.—Amy Rowland, Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

K-Gr 2—What could be better than having a sister to share everything with? Having a mermaid sister! Fed up with her annoying little brother and longing for a more amenable sibling, Shelly comes up with a plan. While on a trip to the beach, she writes a note advertising for a sister, slips it into a bottle, and tosses it into the ocean. Before long a mermaid swims up and accepts the position. Coral moves in with Shelly (which presents certain problems) and their time together is full of fun (playing dress up and painting toenails/fins) and even their first fight (followed by making up). All good things must end, though, and Coral eventually returns to the sea, but she has a plan for keeping in touch. Filled with peach and turquoise hues, the acrylic paintings sing of summer by the sea. The scenes are depicted with warmth and gentle humor and the text keeps the tone light. A somewhat frivolous read, this book may tickle fans of Fancy Nancy or sisters with problematic little brothers.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

PreS-Gr 1—These engaging books use vibrant photographs and simple clues related to recognizable characteristics to help readers identify a variety of familiar insects and animals. Readers lift the flap and the answer unfolds in a larger-than-life photograph. Bugs includes a ladybug, a bee, a grasshopper, a dragonfly, a caterpillar, and a butterfly. Pets features a cat, a dog, a bunny, a goldfish, a hamster, and a bird. Young readers will feel successful when they correctly identify the creatures. However, the format will limit the lifespan of these books.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

PreS-Gr 2—The Mermaid Parade, a summer solstice ritual to open the beach season at Coney Island, started in 1983 as the revival of an older festival. Greenberg paints detailed—and accurate—layouts of the neighborhood, complete with shops, arcades, the F train to Coney Island, Astroland, and diverse people decked out in their sea-creature finery. She lavishes each joyful spread with upbeat colors and patterns. Skies echo the changing blue tints of the ocean. The minimal story line—a young girl narrates as she marches in the parade with her parents—functions like a tour guide, calling attention to the sights. The wealth of detail turns the pages into a Where's Waldo game: adults and children might challenge each other to locate the three main characters in an amusement-park panorama, or to count the number of pirates dancing on the Boardwalk. This is a fine way to keep the warm sun, sand, and celebration around all year.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 2–4—Bella, introduced in Bella Balistica and the African Safari (Milet, 2007), is once again united with her animal twin, the Quetzal bird, through the magic in a pendant once owned by her Guatemalan birth mother. The bird takes her to Ghana, where she helps some children with the cacao harvest and learns how they prepare the seeds used to make chocolate. While the work is difficult, the children's family receives Fair Trade money that pays living and school expenses. When Bella returns to London to enjoy her birthday celebration, complete with chocolate cake, she resolves to send chocolate to the Ghanaian children, who have never experienced its taste. Boldly outlined, the pictures depict Ghanaians, most in Western clothing, hard at work cheerfully harvesting fancifully colored cacao pods. Thatched huts; two women, one carrying a basket on her head and the other a baby on her back; and lush vegetation give readers a sense of life in a remote West African village. Although this story, sprinkled with British expressions, is a rather heavy-handed endorsement for Fair Trade products, it does offer some facts about chocolate and cacao harvesting.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 2—In jazzy rhyming couplets, a young boy describes an unusual sight: "I was strollin' on home through the woods the other night,/When I saw something a-flashin'—it was shinin' mighty bright!/It was blinkin' and a-winkin' near the bottom of a tree,/So I scurried on over just to see what I could see." A delightful illustration shows the narrator peering in through a small door at an exuberant insect gala where imaginatively conceived bugs crowd the dance floor. Jaunty rhymes detail the event and its various attendees, including a colony of Ants who shake "…their behinds/Like they had people in their pants," a fanciful Humbug who "drummed with a stick" in each of his six hands, and a trumpet-blowing Termite who "…played a TAT-a-TAT-a-TOOT,/While the Ladybug was groovin' on her tiny little flute." Vibrant hues and frenetic energy suffuse the artwork, and the close-up images of the featured musicians are charmingly detailed. This antic tale will be fun to read aloud; just practice the pacing. Children will gleefully chime in with the onomatopoeic sounds ("Froppit! Froppit!," "Weedle? Weedle?," "Freega. Freega.") and the repeated refrain: "The Bugtown Boogie, shakin' up the woods tonight." Pair this with Joyce Maxner's Nicholas Cricket (HarperCollins, 1989) and David Kirk's Miss Spider's Tea Party (Scholastic, 1994) for a bug-themed romp.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—Written in rhyme with playful language, this picture-book fantasy with rollicking artwork makes a fun read. A whistle blows. Children, adults, and animals board a locomotive for an imaginative ride to Dreamland. The train's inventive cars and lively, abstract cartoonlike passengers zig zag, make loopy loops, and clickety-clack across the bouncy railroad tracks, passing through "Wiggletown," "Giggletown," "Yawwwwwn," "Groggy Grove," and "Snuggle Cove." The energetic train gradually slows as dozing passengers arrive in Dreamland. Watercolor and marker artwork with accents of graph-paper shapes convey the tale's changing moods. This entertaining bedtime story is a worthy choice for most collections.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Ben's classroom goes to the dogs when a pup named Riff is introduced as the new teacher. The curriculum for the day includes scratching, sniffing, tail wagging, digging, panting, and growling. Then the principal shows up and asks about the children's day. Colorful full-page illustrations add to the doggone good fun. The placement of the illustrations and text lets readers' eyes scamper across the page. Particularly well done are the stacked faces that show a group of children and create depth in the flatly colored artwork. Basic text is large and simple to read. Additional words and sentences appear in conversation balloons scattered throughout the pictures. While children will enjoy reading this title alone, storytime participants will eagerly join in the activities and beg for repeated readings.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2–4—Five kids with distinct personalities—Henry, Goose, Rocky, Rita, and Jazz—are the stars of this new series. Basketball Bats focuses on Henry, who rounds up his friends to play basketball against some bullies. Unfortunately, he becomes a ball hog, but he can count on his friends to remind him that they need to work together. The lesson, of course, is that there is no "I" in "team." In Goof-Off Goalie, Goose must focus so that he can convince the soccer coach that he's the best choice for goalie. His friends help him train for the big game, and he learns that, if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. It's no surprise that both Henry and Goose win their respective games in the end. McCauley's illustrations have a childlike quality, giving the impression that the characters themselves doodled in their school notebooks. These titles are ideal for easy chapter-book readers who aren't quite ready for Matt Christopher or Mike Lupica. The series will likely develop a following among sports lovers. However, the question remains: Will any of the characters in the sequels actually lose a game?—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1—Boris is a cat without a home. Mostly, he is content, but once in a while he wishes for a nice soft spot for a catnap. One day he finds a perfect cardboard box and makes himself comfortable. Unfortunately, the box is being sent to Lady Snootlethorpe, who is waiting for a teapot, not a cat. When she sees Boris, she sends him on, and the box ends up at the North Pole and many other places. Each time, no one wants a small hungry cat in need of a cozy place to sleep. Finally, Boris gets lucky. He is sent to a pleasantly surprised Grandma Flapjack, who isn't expecting a delivery but who has always wanted a cat, and he settles down for a little nap on "the world's most comfy pillow." The fun illustrations spill over the pages in imaginative and colorful collages of all sorts of materials and designs, creating a feast for the eyes. Children will love following Boris's adventures and picking out all the details of his trips.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS-Gr 1—In this sequel to Silly Suzy Goose (Candlewick, 2006), Suzy Goose again finds herself feeling dissatisfied with her life. The incessant honking of her fellow geese sends her flip-flopping to the woods to find a quiet respite. "But Suzy Goose was not alone." Soon she is unwittingly pursued by a fox, a wolf, and a bear—tiptoeing, creeping, and padding behind her, until the hoot of a noisy owl startles away the predators, ruining their dinner plans. Visually stimulating mixed-media illustrations, including textured paints and paper collage, evoke those fundamental emotions often found in stories involving the fabled "woods"—intense red signals danger while predominant blacks and grays represent fear and unawareness. Suzy Goose's stalkers act unnaturally as animals (e.g., the bear hunts other large predators), but they function perfectly as symbols for a spectrum of childhood apprehensions. Despite its mildly scary content, this book is amusing, relatively short, and overall suitable for younger children. Nonetheless, it should probably be read well before bedtime.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—Airplanes soar off the pages in this introduction to flying machines. Descriptive, rhyming text is succinct, straightforward, and instructive. Planes of different sizes, with different engines and with different purposes, glide, turn, dive, and race within the artwork. While there are many picture books about airplanes, this one's illustrations set it apart. Halsey and Addy's intermixing of etchings, drawings, and clip art results in changing settings for each plane. Most pages are spreads that run horizontally; a couple of them are printed vertically. Details such as a pirate plane, a bunny crop duster, an outline of the Statue of Liberty, and Santa invite closer inspection. This title is a fine selection for one-on-one sharing, especially with aircraft fanatics.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS—A spirited African-American toddler makes his way through a busy day, fraught with messes and mischief. On each page, there is a peaceful, everyday tableau with a one- or two-word description—"Diaper," "Kitty cat," "Ice cream," etc. When the page is turned, the opposite side reveals the word, "uh-oh," and the illustration reflects the result of some mishap. The child has taken all the wipes out of the box, the cat has run up a tree, and the ice-cream cone has fallen to the ground. The final "uh-oh" comes when Grandpa reads the boy a bedtime story and ends up falling asleep himself. The very simple language, along with the repetition of the universal toddler distress signal, "uh-oh," will entice its target audience. However, one illustration is difficult to decipher as it's unclear whether the problem is that the child has thrown the toys out of the bathtub, or climbed out alone. Still, this is a fairly appealing addition to the "toddler-on-the-move" genre.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

K-Gr 2—Quiet, reflective Andy Shane continues his determination to stand up to his boisterous, exuberant friend Dolores. As he heads to school, Granny Webb gives him a scarab necklace for his African-country assignment. When he announces that he has chosen Egypt, Dolores, wearing elaborate, self-made Egyptian accessories, proclaims herself "Queen of Egypt" and tells Andy that he can't have it. She builds a pyramid out of pineapple chunks despite his preference for pineapple on his pizza, and, at T-ball, she distracts him and the entire outfield with an Egyptian dance in the stands, causing him to miss a catch and lose the game. The next day, Dolores shows her support during class presentations and they agree to be partners on their assignment. Andy's sensitivity and personal growth are deftly and humorously conveyed in Jacobson's text. Readers new to the series may wonder about Andy's relationship to Granny Webb, but that does not diminish this engaging and satisfying entry that can stand alone. Carter's pencil and black watercolor wash illustrations depict a cast of expressive Caucasian characters, and while the gray tones are somber, they perfectly reflect Andy's contemplative nature.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—A child leaves her favorite toy at the doctor's office and ponders its fate should they fail to be reunited "RIGHT NOW!" On each spread, Jesset's speculation about the beloved stuffed animal's current state is matched with Korthues's Tim Burton-esque illustrations rendered in vibrant colors, often muted to depict the nighttime setting. The simple, rhythmic prose recalls a small child's inner dialogue or storytelling voice, but the tenor of the book is set by the slightly creepy, stylized pencil drawings that accompany it. "Mommy says I should sleep with another toy tonight"; readers look at the toys to choose from and see among them a cockeyed, heavy-lidded owl and a bear with a self-satisfied smile. When the child imagines the garbage truck devouring Loopy, readers see the bunny's ears hanging from the truck's mechanical jaws. On a nearby rooftop, a man in a stovepipe hat sits on a chimney. Stark streets and surreal inhabitants, like birds on strings, make appearances as Loopy's owner's imagination takes over the night. What a relief when the doorbell rings, the doctor returns Loopy, and "Everything is all right now." Originally published in Switzerland, this enjoyable story's distinctly foreign flavor may be offered as a contrast to Mo Willems's very American Knuffle Bunny Too (Hyperion, 2007), which features a similar nighttime bunny recognizance mission.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS—These board books all begin with the fill-in sentences, "Let's get ready for…! Take off pajamas and choose…." The pages that follow show articles of clothing children might wear during the given season, such as "jeans" in autumn and "rain boots" in spring; the closing sentence states, "Now we're ready for…!" (summer, etc.). Joyful youngsters are depicted on the covers and in the final pages. As in Jocelyn's Mayfly (Tundra, 2004), the folksy collage illustrations clearly show different textures against patterned backgrounds. Children will be familiar with the items of clothing, and the colors and backgrounds reflect the seasons. These books are sedate companions to Kit Allen's Swimsuit, Galoshes, Longjohns, and Sweater (all Houghton, 2003).—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS-Gr 2—Twin giants are born on a mountaintop and named (E)Normus and (There's a)Lottavim by their proud parents. The boys are identical and enjoy the same things (except that one is a vegetarian). They race up and down mountains, roll boulders, and sing off-key at the top of their lungs. On the same day, at age 20, they decide that the time has come to seek wives. Pursuing two giantesses is no easy task, and the brothers find slim pickings. After a search over seven mountains, a few proposals, and a couple cases of mistaken identity, the two find the perfect mates. Delightful illustrations in ink, watercolor, colored pencil, and digital collage are engaging and add much to the somewhat convoluted story. This is an early romance chapter-book for newly independent readers, made more appealing by its artwork.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-K—An African-American child and her classmates make their way through a day at school. Full of enthusiasm and smiles, Keisha Ann accomplishes all of her activities with élan, as the rhyming text asks a series of "Who can..." questions and reiterates, "Keisha Ann can!" The poetry is catchy and upbeat: "Who can count her coins/and count again in case she's wrong?/Who can play marimba/as she sings the sweetest song?" Gouache paintings done in a striking, childlike style are filled with motion and color. The characters, who represent a variety of cultural backgrounds, are outlined in darker lines and set against brightly hued backgrounds. The images are clear and crisp, making the book ideal for sharing aloud. The story ends on a positive, all-inclusive note: "Who can learn,/and work,/and play,/and make her dreams/come true?/Keisha Ann can/do these things,/and YOU can do them, too!" Although there are many positive picture books about school, this one is special because its heroine is shown ready to tackle anything with grace and confidence.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1–3—Riley is the only one in his group of friends who is constantly being bitten by mosquitoes, and he sets out to discover why. After a lot of research as well as some experimentation, Riley solves the mystery. It turns out that mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of Limburger cheese, which resembles the odor of his stinky sneakers. Clear and simple sentences, colorful realistic illustrations, and diverse characters all contribute to this appealing easy reader. Sidebars full of mosquito facts clutter up the layout, but are worth it because of the amount of interesting information they contain. Riley's activities serve as a great model of the research process as well as the scientific method. He visits the library and uses books, he goes online, and he has an interview with a "bug expert" at the local college, and then he tests out his ideas before coming to a conclusion. The facts are delivered with humor, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read. "Think Like a Scientist" activities round out this appealing title.—Amy Rowland, Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

PreS—Barefoot, tiara-sporting Beatrice is bored. Her mother, too busy to play Princess Yolanda, tells her to go outside. When Bea protests that "there's nothing to play," her mother tells her to use her imagination. In the garden, Beatrice meets a talking dog who wastes no time in getting her into loads of messy fun. "Let's do something we're not supposed to do," he suggests, and they do—digging a hole for a fort, dragging pillows into it, eating between meals, and trampling the daisies. Meanwhile, Bea's mother remains oblivious, responding to periodic updates with, "That's nice." When she finally walks outside to greet the damage with sputtering disbelief, Bea blames it all on Bingo—who is, of course, invisible. The pup is still real enough to inspire Bea to smooth things over, though. She presents her mother with a daisy chain, and she and Bingo are then left alone to clean up their mess—right after they chase that squirrel. Bingo is an appealing embodiment of the unpredictability of a child's imagination on a hot summer day in a not-too-distant past. Though he leads Bea into trouble, he also gives her the tools to amuse herself, and ultimately inspires a sweet gesture of reconciliation.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

Gr 2–5—These stories have easy-to-read texts and colorful, expressive illustrations on every page. In Ghost Town, Max is apprehensive about meeting a ghost when his class takes a trip to an abandoned mining town. The students visit the bank, general store, boarded-up mine, and old house. With effective use of foreshadowing and suspense, he and Sara encounter an apparent presence, and Max's confidence increases when he discovers the "ghost's" true identity, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Fact boxes about the gold rush and patterns of community development are included, as are simple questions and activities. In Bay School, Bailey creates a secret blog, "Ruler of the School," to inspire change at her elementary school. She and her friend Joel open the blog on each workstation prior to computer class to bring it to everyone's attention. Bailey suggests to her growing readership that spray paint art "should replace those boring hallway posters" and "cheerleaders love my idea to change our mascot from a bull dog to a basset hound." Her suggestion that students weigh their backpacks and wear a sign with the weight on their backs draws mass student involvement and leads to praise from the principal and new lockers from the PTA—unrealistic developments in contemporary schools. Facts about communication are provided on some pages, from talking, writing, and emailing to the sharing of ideas. Unfortunately, there is no mention of Internet safety or cyberbullying.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—In this wordless picture book, illustrations done in watercolor, gouache, and ink present the fanciful story of a child's train trip. A girl and her parents board a subway that travels aboveground through a cityscape and then plunges into a tunnel. When the train again emerges into the light, the window suddenly reveals a view of a green countryside with houses and a windmill in the distance. A man wearing striped pants and holding a straw hat brings the train to a halt with a long, bannerlike flag. The child disembarks and is welcomed by a group of miniature people. They lead her to a tree where a plane and its presumed pilot are entangled. With help from a little person, the youngster rescues both the plane and pilot. Waving good-bye, she returns to the train and eventually disembarks with her parents at their urban home. The pilot and a friend fly to her building, giving the girl a gift to commemorate her adventure. The plot of the narrative illustrations is easy to follow. The artwork varies in size from six panels per page to full spreads. The characters' facial features are kept to a minimum, but the placement of dot eyes, dot noses, and line mouths clearly presents their emotions. Lehman's simple fantasy offers a positive lesson on helping others that will stretch readers' imaginations.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 3—In this story about how children should treat their elders, grandparents and grandchildren representing all kinds of animal species play together, enjoy snacks, take trips, tell stories, snuggle, and share secrets. Lloyd-Jones's text is both charming and tongue-in-cheek as she explains the rules for a variety of youngster/oldster interactions: "It's important to let your grandpa have some of your ice cream, and let him build you big sand castles like when he was a boy"; or, "You need to teach your grandma football, let her score touchdowns, and then shout, 'Good job, Grandma!'" Emberley's enchanting illustrations mirror each character's personality: a monkey grandfather, wearing a hoop earring and pushed-up spectacles, sits on a lounge chair and reads to a lap full of squirming grandbabies; a large bear is hugged by a circle of smiling cubs; and a pig grandmother sits on a couch with two piglets and a bucket of popcorn. The joys, frivolities, and frustrations that are part of the intergenerational dynamic as well as the special bond that exists nowhere else are all delightfully conveyed with deadpan humor in both text and art.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

K-Gr 4—Based on diary and journal entries of 19th-century settlers, this story depicts one family's journey by covered wagon from Missouri to California in 1859. Lily Rose continually wonders why people say, "We're going to see the Elephant," when they head west. Working with her grandmother and mother, the girl stitches her experiences into a quilt representing their adventures. The family crosses mountain ranges, copes with harsh weather, and even welcomes a new baby girl into their fold. They come across gold miners, camp out with an Apache chief, and meet kind Pima (Akimel O'otham) people before reaching their destination. The story concludes with a celebration and quilting bee on the one-year anniversary of their arrival. As they sew, Lily Rose sees the Elephant as a metaphor for their journey, and observant readers will see an elephant shape in the final illustration of the completed quilt. Told in a conversational style, this book works best when describing the girl's family and their fears and feelings; the text isn't as effective when detailing their encounter with the Pima, whose beautiful painted faces are simplistically described as "BO-dacious." The folk-art illustrations, which resemble woodcuts, are appropriate for the setting. An author's note provides information on the primary sources.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

Gr 2–5—Nine-year-old Minneapolis resident Julia Gillian leads a comfortable urban life surrounded by caring parents and helpful neighbors. Her parents permit her to be on her own and take a nine-square-block walk for one hour with her devoted dog, Bigfoot. Each day, within these parameters, Julia Gillian explores her world. A pattern of repeated conversations, moods, and outcomes gives the child sufficient information to analyze the behavior of her neighbors, her dog, her parents, and herself. Her list of accomplishments includes making papier-mâché animal masks and knowing how other people feel. When her parents insist that she finish reading a book about a boy and an old dog, she is sure it will have an unhappy ending and goes to great lengths to avoid it. Her neighbor tells her about her own demons and says that, "Sometimes the only way out is through," and Julia's self-absorption starts to recede as she discovers that she is not alone in being afraid. The illustrations of Julia Gillian's masks and supersize St. Bernard add a whimsical note to the book. Julia Gillian isn't the perky, smart-mouthed heroine one finds in many contemporary books. Instead, she is acutely conscious of achieving a new maturity that allows her to question authority and to assert herself-not bad for a nine-year-old.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—Maisie Moo loves her dog, playing drums, sleeping late, and hearing her father's sound-effects-filled stories. Her favorite color is "magenta polka dots." She does NOT care for being called "an angel." ("I am always an angel in the Venice Christmas concert. I would rather play the drums or be the donkey"). She also dislikes sweeping the family's gift shop. Maisie's imaginary friend, Invisible Lucy, agrees with her on every matter: the dog is "as lazy as a pillow" and growls at garden gnomes; the earth in the morning is "as red as toffee apples." A handful of Aussie phrases might need to be explained: "fairy floss," "the Royal Show," "kookaburras," "He is a bit of a dill." The primitive cartoons are as wild as Maisie. An energetic mix of acrylics on canvas and paper is balanced with watercolors, ink, and pencil. The book has hand lettering and is awash in smeary colors, with some figures in black and white. Lauren Child's fans will appreciate McKimmie's style. This unique portrait's sole flaw is its stylized font, which is difficult to read and will not invite independent readers. Nevertheless, children will agree with the narrator of this richly told tale, who says her life is "a little bit wonderful."—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 2—Like Cheech the School Bus Driver (HarperCollins, 2007), this self-indulgent story suffers from forced humor, a predictable plot, and Ramírez's clichéd caricatures. It's as if the Magic School Bus were forced to land on Nickelodeon's "Dora the Explorer" set and take on its formulaic design conventions, while deleting all substance. Picture perpetually amazed eyes widening above ever-rosy cheeks in bodies perched against pixilated backgrounds. This time, the Cheecharrones want to compete in a boat race, their only hope being the conversion of Cheech's vehicle into a "sailbus." Little of note happens during the race or at the climax. For a genuinely entertaining ride, stick with the exploits of Ms. Frizzle in Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen's still-popular series (Scholastic).—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

K-Gr 3—An enigmatic offering. The Lord of Flight, a sort-of hummingbird/human/insect hybrid, plays God when he blows the gift of flight into the wings of the dormant butterflies that line the walls of the mountain hall in which he lives. Kaito, a poppetlike child whose dearest wish is to see her own butterflies aloft again, carries them on the three-day journey up the Mountain of Dreams to see if the Lord of Flight will grant her desire. But when she reaches her destination, she finds that she is too late—her insects have died. The Lord of Flight comforts her by saying that, while even he cannot revive them, they have "danced upon the breath of heaven and have gladdened the hearts of all who saw them." He explains that though their wings are stilled when they die, "Flight is eternal." His words inspire Kaito and she crafts a gossamer kite that will continually provide her the gift of flight, even during winter. Chapman uses pens, pigment, and stamps to create illustrations with repeated elements and rendered in pleasing complementary shades of crimson, cerulean, and yellow. Featuring the foreshadowing of Kaito's own someday-death and her perilous perching on stalagmite-like crags, they are charming and disturbing at once. Combined with the heavily symbolic text, they make for a message that flies above the heads of its audience.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

PreS-K—There are many picture books about the first day of school, and this one, though pleasant enough, adds nothing new to the topic. The story follows a variety of generic children from different ethnic and family backgrounds as they wake up and get ready for the big day. Some are eager while others are apprehensive. Finally, the students and parents assemble in "an enormous room" surrounded by caring teachers and staff and wish one another a "Happy School Year." The text is simple and the pacing is a little slow. Milord spends eight pages before she even announces that it is the first day of school. The book mentions some common concerns, but they magically float away when the principal delivers her welcome. DePalma's simple acrylic cartoon illustrations match the tepid, nonthreatening tone of the text. Pastel colors and smiley faces abound. This book might help soothe an individual child who is apprehensive about the first day of school, but it does not have enough story or humor to hold the attention of a group. Try Katie Davis's Kindergarten Rocks (Harcourt, 2005) for a good read-aloud.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS-K—As Abuelita tucks her three bouncy grandchildren into bed, she calms them by reminding them of the many small animals that also sleep when darkness falls: "Shh, shh, the squirrels are sleeping." Spreads containing unremarkable watercolor illustrations and a choppy text jump back and forth between the progressively drowsy youngsters and various snoozing creatures. Kids may relate to the portrayal of familiar critters and perhaps be lulled to sleep by Abuelita's steady "Shh," but overall, the book's comforting elements cannot compensate for their haphazard presentation. For better bilingual stories with a bedtime theme, try Sandra Cisneros's Hairs/Pelitos (Random, 1997), Nancy Elizabeth Wallace's Rabbit's Bedtime (Houghton, 1999), or Ginger Foglesong Guy's Siesta (HarperCollins, 2005).—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

PreS—A noted Pop artist tries his hand at a children's book with decidedly mixed results. The slight story centers on a dog so big that he straddles the globe and is friendless because no one can actually see him. A little girl finally notices him, climbs up onto his face, and sings to him, and they become friends. "No matter how alone you are, there is always someone, somewhere, waiting to meet you. Just look and you will find them!" The artist uses many close-ups of both the dog and the girl to convey the immensity of the creature and the girl's reaction to him. The book is much more a showcase of one man's distinctive style than a coherent or interesting story. It will appeal primarily to Nara's fans or to libraries with large picture-book art collections.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—In this slice-of-life picture book, a contemporary Cree boy accompanies his grandmother on a trip to pick rosehips. The simple text, written in both Cree and English, shows the child mirroring his grandmother's every move ("Kôhkom walks. I walk") until the end when "Kôhkom sits" and the boy instead plays with his slingshot ("Not me!"). Unfortunately, the narrative is so understated that children may not know what is happening without adult assistance. Textured acrylic paintings, done in rich earth tones, give a sense of the bond between the two, and portray the sanctity of the natural environment. While not an essential purchase, this title does offer a sensitive, respectful portrayal of contemporary Native Americans. Unfortunately, there is no pronunciation guide for the Cree text. David Bouchard's poem, Nokum Is My Teacher (Red Deer, 2007) also features the relationship between a grandmother and grandchild and includes a Cree-English audio recording.—Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1—Every night, Billy tosses and turns in bed and kicks off the covers. His mama warns him that "the Belly Button Beastie is going to come and take your belly button right...out...of your...BELLY." Although the child is not afraid, young readers/listeners may find this prospect alarming. Furthermore, when the Beastie does appear, it is indeed quite beastly, portrayed in garish green and blue with a gaping mouth. The next morning, Billy drinks milk and the liquid gushes out of the hole in his abdomen. In the bathtub, soapy water pours in and soap bubbles float out. School friends plug the hole with bubblegum, string, tape, etc., but nothing works until someone suggests trying chocolate (the same brown color as Billy). That night, he tricks the monster into trading his belly button for the good-smelling chocolate substitute. After the boy searches through the Beastie's bag full of belly buttons to find his own, the switch is made. From then on, the creature pursues candy instead of belly buttons. The simple cartoon illustrations include several images that are disturbing and somewhat bizarre. Judy Sierra's Tasty Baby Belly Buttons (Knopf, 1999) and Olga Loya's "The Belly Button Monster," from More Ready-to-Tell Tales from Around the World (August House, 2000), are better versions of this story.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 2–4—Written in a whimsical style that borders on poetry, this second book about seafaring twins tells of preparations for the Bullfrog to go to sea. The children are always underfoot and have the run of the houseboat as their parents prepare to depart. The text is a bit confusing. For example, one passage reads, "Dad didn't want anyone to know he was a parrot. That's why he brought Waggles when he came home…instead of a pirate named Jezebel." The story involves children overboard, adventures with a seal, and fueling up the vessel. Readers have to contend with odd letter substitutions like "botormike," "tortle," and "neagle"; there are exclamations of "illy-ally-o"; and there's ship talk. Frequent black-and-white illustrations add to the zaniness of the fast-paced story. The book packs so much energy that readers will be panting when they finish. Additional.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

K-Gr 3—This follow-up to Mañana Iguana (2004) and Fiesta Fiasco (2007, both Holiday House) features the same four friends. When Iguana stubs her toe on a stone, she is unable to make a pan of her famous cactus-butter dulces (candies). Everyone has suggestions, but it is Culebra (snake) who finds the cure. He tells Tortuga (turtle) and Conejo (rabbit) to tie a rope to Iguana's tale and attach "un rolling pin," "dos kettles," "tres skillets," and so on, all the way up to "diez spoons." As the lizard walks around, the resulting clatter soon causes her to forget about her injury, and the friends work together to make the sweets. This slapstick tale seamlessly incorporates Spanish counting words as well as animal names. At the end, the animals are shown enjoying the treats, for which a no-cook recipe is appended, along with a glossary and pronunciations. The bright, cheerful cartoons, done in vibrant Southwestern hues, are set against white backgrounds. The characters' faces are expressive and their actions humorously exaggerated. Which will young listeners remember more, the "uno, dos, tres" or the "PLINK, PLANK, PLANG, BLATTER, BLITTER, BLING" of the kitchen utensils? Whichever it is, they will have fun with this book, and perhaps those Spanish names will stick.—Marian Drabkin, formerly at Richmond Public Library, CA

Gr 2–4—Irrepressible and delightful Clementine is back. She is enjoying third grade—she is in sync with her teacher, Mr. D'Matz, and is rarely sent to speak with Principal Rice, a major accomplishment in her school life. Then Mr. D'Matz is selected as one of three finalists for an Adventures for Teachers archaeological dig in Egypt and leaves for a week to meet with the committee. Clementine is distraught to learn that if chosen as the winner, he will be gone for the rest of the school year. When the substitute arrives, Clementine learns that she has to follow completely different rules. The next week is not an easy one for the child as she adjusts to Mrs. Nagel, worries about losing Mr. D'Matz, copes with her everyday life as an impulsive eight-year-old, and frets about the letter she is supposed to write to the prize committee about her teacher. Through it all, she shines with a vibrant spirit that can never be completely extinguished, even when she is feeling down. Frazee's pen-and-ink drawings perfectly capture Clementine's personality and her world.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

PreS-K—Poor Four, the runt of the owl clutch, is the last to hatch and may never catch up with his siblings. But when a storm threatens his family's willow tree home, he is finally able to fly. Four's story of perseverance and hope is told in warm, rhythmic prose and supported by lush pastel drawings of fluffy, wide-eyed owlets and dense forest backgrounds. Although Pitcher shows some of the owlet's day-to-day frustrations (like being crushed in the nest or being last to find a worm), readers never fear for him—he never worries himself. When the storm comes and his siblings flee, there's little doubt that he will fly or find a safe warm place to wait it out. Despite the predictability, young children will find Four's story reassuring.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 1—Reiss and Catrow team up again for another humorous picture book. Edward, a "frightful boy," will not share any toys with his younger sister. When she touches something, he cries, "IT'S MINE. MINE. MINE!" Overcome by greed, he gets stuck in his tangle of toys and misses the opportunity for homemade fudge. Claire, not one to hold grudges, helps free her brother and shares her chocolate. After Edward apologizes profusely, the siblings spend the day playing happily. The rhyming text is pleasant but flawed. Edward's dramatic character shift is hard to believe, and one wonders why he doesn't shout "help" when his mother is nearby. Catrow's colorful, amusing illustrations are the highlight here. With every viewing, readers see additional delightful details, such as a blow-up Frankenstein doll drinking tea from a dainty cup and a cat whose stripes match the easy chair. The varying perspectives of the children and the toys add to the fun. Edward's sour, grumpy expressions are exaggerated and comical; children learning to share will belly laugh even as they see a reflection of themselves. Overall, this would be a good addition to early childhood collections.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

K-Gr 4—This unusual picture book is a tribute to a real metal sculptor, Mitch Levin, a friend of the author. Devon, a young African-American boy, loves to watch "Metal Man" create art out of junk in his city workshop. When he envisions a house in a shining star, the sculptor helps him to bring his idea into reality. Beautifully understated, the story is about the capacity of art to empower the artist and to affect how others see the world. The poetic text is visceral—readers experience the sounds, vibrations, textures, and heat of the metal shop. "'Whatcha makin', Metal Man? I say./He don't answer. He never does./'Whaddya see?' That's all he says." The cartoon illustrations, in rusty browns and shiny blues, depict the metal man as tall, strong, gentle, and wise, a larger-than-life hero. He encourages Devon to embrace his own vision, but also protects him from the da