Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 2–5—A boy in an unnamed Asian setting wishes for a new bicycle, but his family cannot afford one. He tries everything from magic wishes to riding double on a friend's bike, but finally reconciles himself to keeping his old clunker. He paints it a different color and feels as if he has a new bike. Deep emotion flows beneath this simple text: longing, frustration, joy, resourcefulness. The story feels personal, like a memory or slice of the author's life, and the child's first-person narration does not detract from the almost adult sophistication of the telling. The book has the feel of a graphic novel. The sketchy cartoon illustrations done on heavy textured stock are full of movement and changes in perspective, and they carry much of the storytelling and humor. This is a beautifully understated, often amusing meditation on being resilient, appreciating what you have, and still sustaining hope for something better.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 3—"WARNING: This book contains obnoxious children. Read at your own risk!" or so declares the cover of this alphabetical catalog of bad behaviors. But only truly prudish parents are advised to explore no further, for Ashman and Carpenter have collaborated to truly hilarious effect. Alliterative rhymes relate the dastardly deeds: "Coco came to camp:/Cracked a compass, smacked a lamp/…Called the counselor a cow./Coco's cab is coming now." In the spirit of Hilaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales for Children (Harcourt, 2002), though illustrated in a flamboyant collage style that couldn't be further from Edward Gorey's precise, monochromatic drawings, most of the children depicted here find themselves in unfortunate situations as a result of their foibles. Carpenter's scribbled marker and watercolor depictions set the perfect tone for these creatively overexuberant children. Blustering Buster's attempt to fly with wings made out of first-place ribbons is just one standout among many. Mom's legs flailing from a grocery cart as Mischievous Martin plows into a tower of watermelons is another. Reluctant readers, parents of reluctant readers, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh will be drawn to this book.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—While playing in the tub, Gus pokes his head underwater and discovers that he can breathe comfortably there. It seems that he is no longer a boy in a tub at all, but a fish in a lively pond filled with wonders. Tallec's depiction of this underwater world is breathtaking; he seamlessly integrates photographs of reeds, water lilies, frogs, and ducks with his original artwork. Each page has depth, light, color, and density. Eventually, Gus's mother calls him from the tub, which forces him back to reality. An illustrated glossary expands on the text.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS—Tag is a good and gentle dog, but baby Elisa likes him more as a handy object to squeeze, tackle, and pull on his tale. Despite the constant monitoring and cautions by her parents, babe and pup are continually at odds—and Tag is miserable. When Elisa confiscates his special bone-shaped toy, the conflict results in a howling crisis. Then, just as the two finally make peace, Elisa spots a new target: a brown-striped cat that, up until now, has successfully escaped her attention. Elisa, it seems, still has much to learn. Baek uses pale backgrounds, devoid of detail, focusing the simple action front and center. He captures the nuances of both dog and baby with expressive faces and postures, expanding on the humor in the situations. His chosen colors of mostly blues, reds, grays, and tans harmonize with the story. Audience, however, is in question: too complicated for babies, too basic for those a bit older, this title may find its best home as a cautionary tale for parents coping with both pets and babies in the same household.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS-K—Mimi, a quirky little pig, dotes on her toy Bunny and her "roly-poly" pet, a plump, green bug. One sad morning, Frank disappears. Mimi's mother reassures her with a brisk "Frank will turn up later." She takes Mimi and Bunny to "library school" to listen to stories, sing, and dance, and then to the park. Throughout her busy day, Mimi periodically remembers her missing friend. At home, she blows bubbles to cheer herself up, eats dinner, and gets ready for bed. When she climbs under the covers, Frank turns up, just as Mommy predicted. Written in staccato declarative sentences, the narrative lacks emotion. One passage, describing Mimi's activities at the library—Here's what else she's supposed to do: wear underpants!"—shows her bare bottom with a curly little tail sticking up; it may seem out of place to some readers. However, the delightful multimedia illustrations, featuring three-dimensional-looking relief characters created from colorful fabrics, stuffing, and decorative materials, add charm and appeal to the story. Mimi, with her expressive round face, purple cape, and glittering tiara, is adorable. Ezra Jack Keats's My Dog Is Lost (Viking, 1999) and Rosemary Wells's McDuff Comes Home (Hyperion, 1997) are more compelling stories about lost pets.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 1–3—This beginning reader features a suburban monkey family of four. Two brothers, Max and Pete, want a dog. Although their parents caution them that "a dog is a lot of work," the kids insist they are good workers. After researching the subject, the family makes a trip to the animal shelter, where they settle on Fudge. Both boys take on their new responsibility with enthusiasm until Pete becomes distracted by his friends. Soon, Fudge considers Max, who feeds, brushes, walks, and plays with her, her sole master. The older boy is chagrined and starts to perform his share of the chores again. The story, divided into four chapters, includes a sprinkling of fun facts about dogs and emphasizes important lessons about responsibility, loyalty, and cooperation. Muted pastel illustrations show the brothers and their new pet. Although the easy-to-read story and art are pleasant, Lori Ries's Aggie and Ben (Charlesbridge, 2006) has more expressive illustrations and humor.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 2–5—Done in a style reminiscent of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Abrams, 2007), this sequel to Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel (Bloomsbury, 2007) is a humorous and realistic look at moving. At school and in the neighborhood, Ellie faces many experiences typical to relocation. She gets excited about her first invite, only to end up watching her new friend play a handheld game; at school her classmates secretly play "new kid bingo," waiting for her to mess up or cry. Her story is told through a notebook, which is a combination of handwritten text and line drawings. The pictures, comic frames, and dialogue balloons serve to further the story. Reluctant and struggling readers and young fans of graphic novels are sure to find this title appealing. The book also includes an illustrated interview with the author, tips and directions for keeping a "sketch journal," and a teacher's guide to Have Pen, Will Travel.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

PreS—"I put some gas in my car. Glug! Gurgle! Glug! It makes my car go very far. Zoom! Vroom! Zoom!" The little red car travels uphill, downhill, and through the town until "Sputter! Sputter! Sput!" its tank is empty. Apparently unfazed by the astronomical price of gas, the young driver fills up the tank and "Zoom! Vroom! Zoom!" heads right out of town. Staake's vibrant, computer-generated geometric art perfectly complements the playfulness of the simple, rhyming text. Certain to be a favorite among toddler vehicle enthusiasts, this book will be a wonderful addition to transportation-themed storytimes.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 2–3—In a market glutted with fairy-tale retellings, one might feel justified in saying, "Absolutely no more Cinderella variations!" However, this accessible early reader about a kindhearted mutt with sorrowful eyes, her wicked stepfamily, and a princess who wants a dog more than anything else in the world is sweet, thoughtfully written, and appealing in its readability. Boelts avoids obvious arch doggy-puns in favor of a story that reveals the universal longing for companionship and compassion over material wealth and extra-fluffy tails. Wu's color illustrations complement the text with gentle humor.—Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 3–5—Fifty years after his first adventure in A Bear Called Paddington, this beloved and well-lauded character returns in a charming new chapter book. Reassuringly, things haven't changed much at 32 Windsor Gardens in the 30 years since the last episode: Paddington, a bear "not short of ideas," is still the apple of the Brown family's eye; the darling of their no-nonsense housekeeper, Mrs. Bird; and the bun-and-cocoa-sharing companion of kindly antiques-dealer Mr. Gruber. Beginning with a chapter in which Paddington's trademark shopping basket on wheels goes missing and his visit to the police station goes awry, continuing with several amusing interludes involving the Browns' crotchety next-door neighbor, and culminating with a surprise visit from long-lost Uncle Pastuzo, this volume retains the gentle humor of the earlier installments. Wordplay, misunderstandings, and double meanings abound, all proffered with perfect British wit and comic pacing. Alley's delightful pen-and-ink drawings reflect the spirit of Peggy Fortnum's familiar illustrations while coming across as fresh and original. As delectable as a marmalade sandwich served with a flourish from beneath a bear's hat, this is a must-have for Paddington fans.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 1–3—Mr. Reilly's class is learning some important new skills. Their teacher has posted a "Who's Lost a Tooth?" calendar on which students are encouraged to record the date, time, and place where the event occurs. Most of the kids add entries, and Lucy begins to feel as if she will never lose a tooth. Of course, she does eventually get to put those important second-grade skills to the test. Appealing watercolor artwork appears on every spread and features a diverse group of children and a likable and fun-loving Mr. Reilly. This is a good transitional reader that may inspire children to keep a log of their own.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 1–3—Mrs. Miller's 23 incoming first graders—plus the principal, bus driver, and the teacher herself—tell readers what they look forward to on the first day of school. The animal characters have snapshots taken, enjoy riding the bus and having new school supplies, can't wait to play sports, and are encouraged by grandparents, parents, and older siblings. Only two youngsters are fearful or worried about what the day will bring. The adults are upbeat and express their hopes for a great new school year. The quirky watercolor cartoons are humorous and expressive, differentiating the characters and adding fun details. The alphabetic sequence of animals calls to mind Joseph Slate's Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten (Dutton, 1996), but Off to First Grade lets the characters offer much more detailed ruminations about their first-day expectations.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

K-Gr 3—All of the students in Miss Hawthorn's art class draw trees that are alike, except for Willow, a rosy-cheeked little girl who paints what she sees when she closes her eyes. When the rigid, unimaginative teacher tells her that blue apples do not exist, Willow brings her one the next day. "Horrid little girl," Miss Hawthorn says. Yet at Christmas the only gift Miss Hawthorn receives is from Willow. The child presents her with her beloved art book, which begins a transformation in the dour, unhappy woman. Miss Hawthorn begins to doodle and then to paint. Pictures are everywhere. When the children come back to school in January, they discover an inspired teacher in paint-smeared jeans and smock who invites them to help her change their room into a work of art. Soft-toned watercolors contrast colorful, autumn trees with the all-the-same green ones, show snow-covered trees that "broke when they could not bend," and finally present the willow tree in the art room, which is a tribute to Willow. Expressive faces show wonderment and joy as teacher and students discover—as Willow has—the intense power of imagination. This book can be read alone or read aloud and is a solid choice for elementary collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 2—When Miss Goose informs the children that the library will have to close because it is in need of repair, Raccoon and his friends spring into action. The first thing they do is check out books (How to Lay a Perfect Roof and Library Painting for Beginners), read them, and accomplish the necessary tasks. However, their problems are far from over. Now the library needs operating money and it has to be moved. Each time, the children turn first to books to guide them toward a solution, until at last the spruced-up library sits cozily in a meadow. The reasons this library is so important to everyone, from toddlers to senior citizens, are woven nicely into the plot. Bunting's style has a graceful simplicity, descriptive enough to be evocative without overwhelming: "On rainy days, we stay cozily inside. On sunny days, we lie in the shade of a big whispering oak tree and read." Smith's watercolor and acrylic illustrations are charming and should have most children longing to enter the buttercup-yellow library with the grass-green door. An excellent vehicle for discussing the importance of libraries, books, reading, and teamwork, this one is a winner.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 2—Henry, a young mouse, is the star of show and tell, courtesy of his fantastic stories. As he tells his classmates about the snowman as big as a house, the neighbor's pet dinosaur, and the alien that landed in his yard, readers see not only the listeners' rapt and amazed expressions, but also the subjects of Henry's tales, which have come to life in large bubbles emanating from his head. When dawning skepticism leads one of the students to accuse Henry of fibbing, the teacher suggests that he use his prodigious imagination to write stories—with the important assurance that it's OK not to know how to spell all the words, along with an invitation to include illustrations. Henry's stories really take off: fire-breathing dragons, breathtaking mountaintops, rockets to the moon; but at sharing time, he tells the class about his family's trip to the cheese store. "Now that Henry was using all his imagination to write stories…show and tell was really boring." He wants to wow his classmates, but he doesn't want to be a fibber. Happily, he comes up with the perfect solution—he reads his stories aloud. With its picture-perfect plot and vibrant illustrations, this book is a joy to read.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 2—A tongue-in-cheek look at the proper care of pets. Tootsie, a disgruntled red cat, is arching her back and glowering at the little girl who is cheerfully threatening to spray her with a hose. On succeeding pages, readers meet a number of animals under siege by naughty preschoolers. The text consists of brief, alliterative entreaties to mend their ways—"Don't madden Mutley, or disturb Dixie." Halfway through the book, the tide turns and the children begin to model good behavior. In response to prompts from the narrator—"Mutley's here for you to dote on/Will you put his new blue coat on?"—they learn how to treat the pets kindly and appropriately. Though this is technically a lesson book, the didacticism is so exaggerated that it becomes quite funny. The narrator's voice calls to mind an exasperated but patient English nanny. The illustrations are droll and stylized, featuring expressive cartoon animals on fields of bright color or flamboyant Art Nouveau patterns. The children's faces reinforce the idea that naïveté, rather than cruelty, motivates their misbehavior. Some of the vocabulary is a bit elevated for the target audience, but the pictures will help readers decode the unfamiliar words.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

PreS-Gr 2—It is Croc's birthday, so Melrose the dog borrows a boat and sets out to catch a fine fish for his pal. But he gets swept up in a terrible storm at sea. Not to worry; Croc comes gallantly to his rescue, and the two dear friends get to enjoy a happy birthday after all. This simple story, set in a European seaside village, celebrates two caring individuals who think only of one another. Its gentle, affectionate message and expressive illustrations are a wonderful, reassuring way to lull any child into a peaceful sleep in which all is right with the world.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 4—Duck and his comical cohorts return in another zany tale. Farmer Brown plans a Statue of Liberty maze for the annual Corn Maze Festival, enlisting (by bribe and threat) the reluctant help of his animal friends to see the project through. Before long, the chickens are constructing a fence, the cows are painting the barn, and Duck—curmudgeon extraordinaire—is furiously hammering out a ticket booth. As Farmer Brown busily sketches, measures, and mows by day, Duck keeps equally busy, sneaking into the cornfield every night armed with night-vision goggles, glow-in-the-dark ruler, and hedge clippers. Although the animals' various endeavors don't turn out as expected (the disasters are humorously depicted in the artwork), an undaunted Farmer Brown eagerly boards a hot-air balloon for an aerial view of his masterpiece during the opening ceremony. Along for the ride, a smug Duck is able to witness the man's priceless reaction to the nighttime design changes, which readers can view on a two-page fold-up. Once again, Cronin and Lewin get everything right, from the perfectly paced deadpan narrative, to the amusing characterizations, to the vibrant brush and watercolor cartoons that play off and extend the text's humor. Throughout the tale, the farm mice, who are taking a meteorology correspondence course, present weather-prediction charts that reflect the mood of the plot, gradually building from partly sunny skies to stormy climax. Fans will not be disappointed.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1—In this swampy tale set "'neath the fat gold moon," a boy describes what he repeatedly hears: "Splish splash, rumba-rumba, bim bam BOOM!" With shaking hands and a pounding heart, he races through the "sludgy slime" with the mysterious creature at his heels before taking refuge in the branches of a willow tree. The boy's siblings come to retrieve him, followed by two cousins, but all end up high in the tree out of reach of the monster. Then just within arm's grasp of their dreaded adversary, the boy's mother calls for everyone to return; she understands all too well a kid's playful imagination and orders everyone, including "the monster," to get home and take a bath before bed. Lively, colorful cartoon characters set in inky black or deep blue moonlit scenes and offset by crisp, white pages add energy and suspense to the story. The repetitive chorus, a simple rhyming story line that will draw readers in, and the perennial appeal of books that are just "scary" enough make this title an appropriate addition.—Marian Creamer, Children's Literature Alive, Portland, OR

K-Gr 1—Worrier Jessica reappears in an anxiety-filled story about learning to read. As in Stop, Drop, and Roll (2001) and 100th Day Worries (2000, both S & S), the first grader is filled with dread because of an upcoming Reading Theater day at school. She elicits the help of her busy family members in practicing and is even more alarmed when she finds out that parental attendance and costume wearing are part of the event. This third title in the series does a serviceable job of portraying a young student struggling with the trials of being a beginning reader. The message of "practice makes perfect" and the encouragement of her teacher and family can serve to motivate children. Howard's cartoon illustrations add to the humor and exaggerate Jessica's expressions of angst, anguish, and ultimate achievement.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

PreS-K—Bunnies exhibiting human behaviors demonstrate how feeling "sad" or "mad" can lead to bad behavior. They may grab, hit, kick, slurp, scream, shout, burp, or fight. The same youngsters replace their rude actions with positive ones. "Good bunnies try/to do what's right./They use their words./They NEVER bite." They say please, do not tease, follow rules, and give hugs. Dewdney's straightforward text, written in short sentences and rhyme, flows well. Full-color artwork effectively captures the facial expressions, conveys the bunnies' changing emotions, and re-creates the activity described in the text. This simple story would be useful to teachers and parents wanting to explore appropriate and inappropriate behavior.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 2–4—In this installment, the porcine protagonist outrages the Lincoln sisters when she sneaks through their hedge and eats their newly planted pansies. Eugenia Lincoln calls animal control, and Officer Francine Poulet shows up determined to "think like a pig" and catch the culprit. Chaos ensues, and the porker escapes to enjoy another day of buttered toast. Fans of the series will welcome this addition to Mercy's adventures and be amused by the hyperbolic quality of Van Dusen's color illustrations.—Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 2–4—Phineas (Big Mac) MacGuire is interested in all things science—volcanoes, slime molds, bugs—but his current focus is space, and he wants more than anything to attend Space Camp. While his parents balk at the price, his mom agrees that he can go if he can win a scholarship, or earn the money himself. There aren't many well-paid jobs for fourth graders, but Mac signs up as a dog walker for Lemon Drop, the slobberiest Labrador retriever in existence. After observing the pup's "output," Mac and his friends Ben and Aretha decide to film a documentary on the properties of dog slobber, recording the quality and quantity produced by various breeds. Mac plans to make valuable scientific spit discoveries, Ben intends to become a famous film director, and, of course, they all hope to make big money selling the finished product. Mac's third adventure is a refreshingly upbeat story, with a strong emphasis on cooperation. Mac and his friends are a cohesive team, relying on each other's skills and talents to make their project a success. Adults, while mostly peripheral to the action, are also shown in a positive light. The dialogue is light and humorous, particularly Mac's first-person comments on dogs, parents, science, and life in general. There is a high "e-e-e-e-w-w-w!" factor to the detailed descriptions of the slobber project, which may make adults with weak stomachs cringe, but kids will find the whole thing delightfully disgusting.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

K-Gr 2—This is a sweet and earnest story about the author's younger brother, who struggles to name his "it" and begin the road to fulfillment in life. The Dungy family puts its faith in God and encourages the boys to do so too. When a toothache brings Linden to the dentist's office, he finds the excitement he's been looking for and ends up becoming a dentist himself. Dungy is a natural storyteller, and readers will buy into this warm family despite some disconnected narrative elements and a tired plot. Bates is skilled at creating charming characters, and her watercolor paintings evoke a vibrant family life. Dungy's name will be familiar to Pro Football fans.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-K—A young girl laments that her wiggly tooth will not fall out soon enough to enable her to collect tooth fairy money to buy a birthday gift for Papá. The rhyming story includes a mix of Spanish words within the English-language context—"I needed that tooth out/today, not mañana./But yanking? Too painful./I tried a manzana." The cheerful illustrations rendered in oil using a palette with shades of orange and rust show a delightful extended family willing to help the child with her problem. Traditional foods such as avocados, tamales, and tortillas decorate the birthday table as the congenial family gathers to celebrate. Young children will be able to relate to the simple, yet realistic, conclusion to the tale. A basic glossary, with pronunciation guide, precedes the text. This will be a welcome addition for both bilingual children and those who are looking to expand and reinforce their basic Spanish vocabulary.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 2—This title celebrates all that is a little bit spooky on this fun holiday. Ann Estelle is dressed as a fairy queen and her friend Michael is a pirate. She does not want to admit that she is a little frightened about trick-or-treating even with her dad along. However, she eventually realizes that Michael, too, is scared, and that they can be brave together. Engelbreit has a comforting way of writing—the sentences are descriptive, but with many familiar words, and they are not too long for beginning readers. The illustrations are bright and cheery and capture the excitement that most children feel at the prospect of trick-or-treating. The bottom border on each page is filled with all of the familiar symbols of Halloween that children love.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

K-Gr 3—Set in the early 20th century, this tale about the circus has multiple layers. Benny and Sam are ecstatic when the circus train comes to Willow Grove, arriving at the rail yard where fancy wagons, wooden planks, and giant rolls of canvas are unloaded. As the tents are set up, a roustabout spots the boys watching and invites them to help. They are happy to lug water and carry boards and thrilled to each earn a nickel and a ticket to see the Big Top show. When Sam can't find his ticket and realizes that the circus monkey has snatched it, Benny kindly sacrifices his much-desired candy apple to get it back, and the boys are able to enjoy the performance. An author's note sets the stage by describing how these shows used to travel from town to town bringing animals, performers, workers, and supplies—"everything needed to construct a tent city entirely dependent upon itself." Gordon's vibrant illustrations depict the historical element while also conveying the dynamic relationship between the two friends. An inviting slice of Americana.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

PreS-Gr 2—After peering at her mother through a hairdresser's window, a Korean girl is inspired to open an imaginary salon of her own. While the woman is being primped and pampered at "Jang Hair," Minji's first customer is the unsuspecting family dog. She tries out different styles on her reluctant client, including a purple pom-pom headband, before deciding on a color treatment. She carefully prepares an ice-cream mixture and slathers it on the pooch, advising, "'You have to be patient; beauty takes time.'" Crayons improvise as hair rollers and watercolors add "a little more color." The minimal text relays Minji's professional patter: "We're almost done….Just the finishing touches….What do you think?" Eun-hee's clever side-by-side illustrations show the parallel beauty routines in both salons. When Minji's mother returns home, she responds to the paint-splattered mess with good humor. A stylish look at make-believe play.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 3—Young Luke Pennybaker realizes that life is unfair after receiving one too many "no's" from his dad. In response, he decides to run for president. With his dog as running mate and campaign promises that address homework, sleeping late, and the right to a messy room, his candidacy quickly takes off. The "Birthday Party" candidate beats his Democratic and Republican rivals in a landslide. When he moves into the White House, which has been painted orange in response to Luke's persuasiveness, President Pennybaker soon learns that even free ice cream and presents won't please every one of his constituents. He promptly resigns, leaving the leadership of the nation to his dog. Deadpan narration allows the absurdity of the premise to carry the day, with plenty of help from the illustrations. Goode's breezy watercolors set just the right tone. Luke looks amusingly earnest and always very much a regular kid. Other characters are equally expressive, without being too exaggerated. Old-fashioned phones, televisions, and other implements set the action in an earlier era, neatly adjusted to include rich ethnic diversity and a female presidential candidate. The humor is deftly understated, both visually and verbally, making this an amusing and appealing send-up of politics and children's chores.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

PreS—Ducky invites Piggy to play a new game (peekaboo) with her, but the porker's pacifier keeps getting in the way. When he giggles, it falls out of his mouth. When he drops his extra pacifier on the ground and starts to cry, Ducky tells him, "You're missing all the fun." With some encouragement, he leaves his beloved comfort object on the table. At the end of the day, Ducky asks Piggy if he had fun: "'Yes, I did!' Piggy shouts. 'No more pacifier for Piggy!'" The concise text is accessible, and Williams's softly rounded figures on stark white backgrounds are sweet and appealing. The animals, though simply drawn, have expressive faces, and their sorrows and joys are plain to see. However, parents may wonder why these toddlers seem to have no caregivers watching out for them. Children and adults grappling with phasing out pacifiers may also question the speed and apparent ease with which Piggy surrenders his. Nevertheless, the simple text and engaging illustrations will attract the intended audience and should at least serve as a conversation starter for adults looking for ways to broach this sticky subject. Libraries where Ford and Williams's No More Diapers for Ducky! (2006) and No More Bottles for Bunny! (2007, both Boxer Bks.) are popular will want to make a place for this gentle offering.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

K-Gr 2—Hare loves bears and wants to catch one. He gets a copy of The Best Book of Bear Hunting and starts following the necessary steps. Bring a friend ("Choose one that looks much fatter than you!"), gather the right equipment, and begin trailing the bear. Watch for footprints and listen for sounds. Hare's friend Rumbly Rabbit questions the wisdom of the entire endeavor, but the two follow the instructions word for word. After a while they come face to face with a cub that growls, "I'm hungry!" That's bad news for rabbits, but suddenly the bear's mama calls him for dinner and he runs home. The two rabbits turn to the last page of the book, which informs them that bears love to eat rabbits. That causes them to scamper on home themselves. The pictures are large and clear. The rabbits look soft and cuddly, as do the bears. The background is lush and green, and the woods are full of blooming flowers. It's all very cheerful, but it's never clear why Hare has such a fixation on catching a bear. Despite the endearing illustrations, this book is not a first purchase.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 3–5—Eager to avoid the procrastination problems that occurred in Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little (Random, 2007), this resourceful protagonist has promised her mother that she'll finish her holiday thank-you notes by the day after Christmas. Part of the rush is due to the fact that she and her twin, Mark, have been invited to visit their father in California and to attend a Big New Year's Eve Star-Studded Hollywood Bash. Moxy is a year older, but not necessarily wiser, than in the first book, and finds plenty of activities to distract her from her task. As time grows short, she concocts a wild plan to get the notes done on time—one involving her stepfather's brand-new copy machine and a can of gold spray paint. Understandably, disaster ensues, and Moxy must face the consequences, as well as handle some disappointing news. Through it all, the spunky heroine perseveres and even gains a new appreciation for her mother. This sequel continues in the same unusual format as the first book: humorous chapter titles, some chapters with little or no text, and photographs (purportedly taken by Mark). The short chapters, which jump from topic to topic just like Moxy's thoughts, help establish the frenetic mood. Give this to students who are fans of the first book (though it stands on its own) or those who enjoy stories of spirited girls like Sara Pennypacker's Clementine (Hyperion).—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

K-Gr 4—This lovely picture book effectively blends a poignant story about losing a beloved relative with a lucid description of Día de Muertos, a Mexican celebration observed during the first two days of November in which families honor and remember deceased loved ones. As Lupita and her Tío Urbano welcome the return of the monarchs in the fall, he reminds her that she should be careful not to hurt the butterflies because they represent the souls of dead relatives but also emphasizes that she should not be afraid of them. This year, Tío Urbano is an invalid who can only sit and watch while the rest of the family prepares for Día de Muertos: building an arch of flowers, setting up an altar with photos of deceased relatives, preparing foods. When her uncle dies a few days before the holiday, Lupita is devastated but finds comfort in this special celebration. Lovely, bright-hued colored-pencil illustrations depict fluttering butterflies in pastoral landscapes, a marketplace filled with colorful wares, a poignant scene with Lupita by the bedside of her comatose uncle, and families gathered together in a cheerfully decorated graveyard. Spanish words are integrated into the text and a glossary (inexplicably, only one word includes a pronunciation guide) is provided along with a brief explanation of the holiday.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—This endearing tale traces the activities of a young turtle through a 24-hour period. His father reads a bedtime story about penguins, and Little Turtle takes it all in, the transformation beginning in his dreams. The next morning, he puts his grandfather's black jacket over his head and waddles off to school, book in tow. His friends are delighted. The teacher, who clearly understands the value of a teachable moment, encourages the class of critters to pass balls to each other using just their feet (as penguins do with their eggs) and to slip down the slide on their bellies (again imitating their role models). The fantasy continues through the youngster's evening routines—until his dad opens a volume on monkeys. Cheerful watercolors and expressive line art imbue the matter-of-fact narrative with personality. Gorbachev's compositions range from cameos isolated against expansive white backgrounds to detailed dream sequences bleeding off spreads. This nurturing tale celebrates the inspiration and information found in books, the invention bubbling up from a child who is read to, and the quality of learning that is possible when a teacher seizes the moment. From the cover art mimicking a tuxedo to the penguin facts at the conclusion, the design and content are one.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 3–5—Told from the perspective of young Michio, a master swordsmith's apprentice, The Perfect Sword is a moral tale about the virtues that make a person worthy of something perfect. After Michio and his Sensei create the perfect sword (or, at least, as close to perfect as can exist), they interview many samurai, warriors, and nobles who want to possess it. But many are too selfish, or too privileged, or too cruel; it is only when they meet a samurai who is kind and selfless and dedicated to bettering himself that they find the proper owner. Goto inserts his readers directly into late-1500s Japan, giving them a feel for the culture and history. His vibrant oil paintings are detailed enough to keep readers poring over them, but large enough for group sharing. Some pages have no text, starting with the endpapers that show Michio getting ready for the day, and later setting the scene at the workshop or showing a martial arts move step-by-step across a full spread. Notes on the tradition of sword making and a glossary help readers to learn more about the world in which the story is set. This book is sure to attract browsers with its excellent illustrations and hold readers with its simple story, beautifully told.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

PreS-Gr 3—The ruggedly handsome action figure introduced in Traction Man Is Here! (Knopf, 2005) has returned, accompanied by his faithful pet, Scrubbing Brush. In high-energy, mixed-media panels and full-bleed spreads, the hero and his sidekick ascend a compost heap and pass through the "ring of Mystic Shrooms," directed by a Yoda-like potato: "Bow low you must." On their return to civilization, Scrubbing Brush is sucked into the muddy quagmire near the backyard pond. While the dynamic duo's owner is resting, his father does what well-meaning parents do—replaces the filthy brush with the shiny new plastic Turbodog. Soon enough boy and man tire of the flashing wannabe pet. Hearing cries from the "Underworld of the [Trash] Bin," Traction Man dons his Astro-Suit and arms himself with a spray bottle of SuperStrong Germo. After a successful mission and a good, long soak, all of the characters share a candlelit campfire, complete with marshmallows, courtesy of Dad. Grey is clearly in tune with the fun to be had with an alter ego and a pile of dirt, a mountain of laundry, and the "Grand Sofa Canyon." Her inventive scenes celebrate the joy in equipping a doll for adventure and re-envisioning the everyday. The perspectives shift in order to give readers a bird's-eye view of the boy and the terrain of his yard or close-ups of the imagined world. Brimming with tongue-in-cheek humor, delicious language, and ideas sure to propel viewers to their toy boxes, Grey proves that one doesn't need batteries to have a rollicking good time.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 2–3—With a twin brother, Jack, as well as other siblings, and an assortment of toys that live in her special Toy House, eight-year-old Cleo always has someone to pal around with and something to do. When Jack decides to climb the toy house, causing it to fall over, one of the toys hits Cleo in the head, landing her in the hospital for stitches. This new experience in young Cleo's life is a memorable one, and it's made more impressionable by her loving family. Comical family situations are reminiscent of Eleanor Estes's Moffats (although this book is not as long), and Cleo is comparable to Sally Warner's Emma. Playful ink illustrations and large font make it a natural choice for those readers bounding into the world of beginning chapter books. Cleo will appeal to kids who've enjoyed Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones, Susan Beth Pfeffer's Sara Kate, or Sheila Greenwald's Rosy Cole.—Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

PreS-Gr 1—In this companion to When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Scholastic, 1999), Harris's wisdom and sense of humor regarding early childhood behavior complement Bang's depictions of a little boy's strong emotions. Vivid colors, scanned and digitally manipulated paper cutouts and photographs, and fonts of varied sizes portray the tension between a preoccupied mother and her bored youngster. Leo rolls tomatoes in the house until they burst, drops string beans into the fish bowl, and squeezes toothpaste all over the toilet, collecting maternal "no's" as he goes. Ultimately pushed off the page by a fiery, life-size negation, the boy enters his bedroom, declares it a no-rule zone, and takes out his frustration by coloring a frowning mommy on his wall. The confrontation builds as she ignores his dictate, and Leo utters the fateful phrase. The tiny boy in the next spread is a picture of remorse and regret. The denouement offers a realistic and loving dialogue that should be required reading in parenting and anger-management classes. Mom takes a deep breath, eventually gets a grip, and together they talk about when it is and isn't acceptable to verbalize this four-letter word. Children will delight in the realism of the collage elements (cloud-covered sheets, shaggy stuffed animals, exploding broccoli spears) and relate to the intensity of the scenes in which Leo struggles with his rage and lack of power. It may dawn on parents that sometimes playing is better than getting another thing done.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 1–3—Two beginning chapter books with lively story lines and brightly colored cartoon illustrations. In the first book, the Flying Fur Balls hire Pete, a small but talented feline, for their acro-cat act. His skill and daring help draw enthusiastic crowds until his tail catches on fire when he is blown out of a cannon. Amazingly, he removes his cat suit and reveals that he is really a mouse. The audience boos and threatens to eat him. His fellow Fur Balls protect Pete and admonish the crowd. Ultimately, he gets a new costume and performs under a new cat alias. In the second title, Princess Mina's request for a pet is denied because of mess, smell, and unwanted fur. Mina finds this illogical as her teenage sister sits "slumped…in the middle of a pile of magazines and half-empty mugs." Mina sends a text message to her fairy godmother, and soon the castle is full of animals. She asks for a spell "to take away the pets" but the responding spell "to take away the pests" transforms the attitudes of the adults, and turns her sister into a frog. Treat readers to these fun-filled selections.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—This lively story meets nighttime fears head-on with the right mix of silliness and reassurance. Tucked into bed with Teddy by his side, a young boy closes his eyes and thinks about tomorrow's adventures until…there's a "bump" in the closet. Billy tries to be brave, but ends up under the bed. A "blue, bumping, bouncing, bellowing monster" appears and playfully grabs the teddy bear, but quickly returns it when the boy bursts into tears. Billy's fears are calmed, and the two become friends. Back in bed, Billy hears another "bump," but it's only the dog and he's definitely not afraid, "No-siree, Bob!" The acrylic-on-wood illustrations create the perfect mood for this appealing bedtime story. When the lights go out, the artwork glows in eerie moonlit blues. Objects have rounded edges and give comfort in the other-world quality of night. The placement of large and small illustrations enhances the text and accentuates the antics of the energetic boy and his new friend. Billy's Elvis-like hair, huge eyes, and expressive mouth make him a character to love. Children will find humor in the contrast between his courageous intentions and cowering actions. An excellent addition to nightstands and library shelves.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS-Gr 2—In the traditional tale of "The Magic Porridge Pot," a kind old woman teaches a young girl the magic words to utter to start and stop an enchanted pot providing food. Hendry's story is more or less the same, but the magic is not explained. Mrs. Mungo receives a pasta-making machine for her birthday and is thrilled at the prospect of making noodles. Her children prefer burgers and fries, but their mom perseveres. While they are at school, she starts up her gift, predicting, "I'll soon have oodles of noodles." It is then that the contraption suddenly begins its nonstop production. Noodles wrap around the woman's body, fill the house, and slither down the streets, all the way to the children's school. Somehow, they sense that their mother needs them and they run home just in time to find her "totally noodled." Ben, inexplicably, knows that a magic phrase will stop the machine and comes up with the right one. Massini's eye-catching full-spread illustrations are reminiscent of art in the 1960s and are somewhat humorous. However, some children may find a few of the pictures of the machine a bit menacing. All in all, by not informing readers/listeners of the magical background, the story feels as though something is missing. A recent, more complete version of the tale can be found in Hugh Lupton's The Story Tree (Barefoot, 2001).—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 1–3—In this old-fashioned tale, two lonely souls set out on a heartfelt quest to find a true friend. A chipper little dog with crooked ears, who is "a perfectly nice fellow," travels from town to town looking for "a porch with a soft light" and hoping one day to belong to someone. At the same time, "a wisp of a girl" named Lia spends her Sundays on her bicycle, delivering her parents' baked goods throughout the town. She pedals up high hills past other children playing outside and tells herself stories to offset her sense of isolation. "The stories were like friends on her long ride to town." On a stormy day, both Lia and the dog are caught in a drenching rain. The pup runs and runs while the girl pedals and pedals through the bad weather, each racing toward the edge of town where Lia's parents wait on their softly lit porch. Lia and the little dog rush inside where they find bread and cake and warm towels. So begins a lasting friendship. The pencil and watercolor illustrations, featuring a palette of golden earth tones, echo the gentle sentiment of the narrative. Lia in her blue dress, pinafore, and jaunty cap and the bright-eyed little dog evoke tender sympathy. Pair this sweet title with Jill Newsome's Night Walk (Clarion, 2002).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

PreS-Gr 1—What is it about the "Angelina" books that children find so satisfying? In addition to illustrations full of charming details discovered over many readings and a generous appearance of pink tutus and ballet slippers, it's probably this character's spunk and persistence. In this story, while chugging along on her grandparents' canal boat, the mouseling is determined to "think up a special dance." At first, her grandparents gently remind her that all paws are needed "on deck," then sternly suggest that sailors are too busy to dance, and so it goes until Angelina tumbles into a can of oil and ruins her costume. As in the previous books, there is a lesson to learn, and supportive adults are reassuringly present to help guide the resourceful mouse as she arrives at a solution to her problem. If fans of this ballerina frequent your picture book section, be sure to buy more than one copy.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—Tim and his mom are waiting at the train station for the arrival of his father, who lives in another town. They eat hot dogs, go to the movies, and visit the local pizzeria, and Tim proudly announces to everyone within earshot that this is his dad. As the special day draws to a close, Tim and his father go to the library, where they cuddle on a couch and read. Back at the station, Dad takes Tim aboard the train to look around, announcing to the passengers, "this is Tim. He is my son. He is the best son anyone could have." Then they say goodbye. As the boy and his mom watch the train depart, Tim knows that his father will be back. While this book succeeds in showing youngsters that even though parents may live apart, they still love their children, it leaves readers with a sad feeling. The colored-pencil illustrations, contained in tidy rectangles or squares, are rather dark and the overall effect is quite somber. An additional purchase where stories about divorce are needed.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—In this comical story, a likable rabbit has a humorous encounter with a pair of red underpants. Rabbit's not sure how to wear the mysterious garment and tries it on as a hat. He offers the hat in turn to eight different animals until a donkey straightforwardly inquires why the rabbit is wearing underpants on his head. Rabbit tries to wear the red apparel properly but finds that his tail gets in the way. Opening endpapers usher in the outdoor setting while the closing ones illustrate the forest animals wearing clothing in a fun variety of ways. Rooftops and boats in the early illustrations place the story somewhere in Asia. The cartoon-style artwork and the text, consisting primarily of dialogue, work well together. Most of the artwork is encased in black outline with text printed both inside and outside the borders. This entertaining picture book stimulates a bit of creative thinking and problem solving. It would be best used one-on-one since details in the illustrations are small. Pair this selection with Shiego Watanabe's How Do I Put It On? (Philomel, 1980).—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 2—A little boy whose imagination is bigger than his bath-time ritual has a sailing adventure on the high seas without ever leaving his home. Every night, Captain Gulliver Snip takes a trip "in his wonderful clipper ship/that his mother called the bathtub." This catchy phrase becomes a refrain for the rhyming text. On each spread, a full-bleed painting on the verso depicts the boy's pretend activities, contrasting with a smaller, more-realistic-looking, bordered image on the right that shows him playing in the tub. Readers follow the captain through harrowing escapades as he braves a surging wave (falls out of an overflowing tub), floats toward land in his packing trunk (leaves the bathroom and rides downstairs on a suitcase), and climbs a coconut tree (a floor lamp). The resulting crash summons his mother, and reality sets in as she asks, "'Gulliver Snip, did you make this mess?'/And Snip, feeling sorry, with a sigh, said, 'Yes.'" The illustrations, done in acrylic and pastel, colorfully and creatively delineate both the real and imaginary worlds. Children will find the red-headed Gulliver a creative soul who can turn a nighttime routine into a swashbuckling tale, making this book a fun choice for bedtime sharing.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

K-Gr 4—New York wakes up in the middle of the night and shouts, "Hey, everyone—let's have a talent show!" The other states jump right in to prepare and perform their acts. Illustrations and layouts are similar to those in The Scrambled States of America Holt, 1998), with cartoon characters shaped like state maps dancing and prancing on stick legs and wisecracking all over the pages. There's plenty to giggle at: Texas trying to skate under Missouri's Gateway Arch, Pennsylvania playing a "peppy tune" on the Liberty Bell, and California checking in with his agent. Because there are 50 characters, the action can become confusing. It's easy enough to figure out that the "New States on the Block" boy band is made up of states that begin with the word "new," but not as clear why North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, and Louisiana are members of the Montanettes, a singing group with Vegas-style feathers. There are references to the previous book, so it's helpful to remember that Mississippi and Nevada have fallen in love. Where it is popular, this one will also have fans. It is clever, lightly educational, and hip, but with a slightly weaker premise, it is just a bit more…scrambled.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 2–5—Mishmash is the appropriate name for this assemblage of wacky characters who look like amoebas on steroids and have outlandish names. Add unimaginative dialogue and a meandering story line and you end up with this book. Readers are introduced to Og and his wife Ut, both multilegged gombrizils, and Tumblerum Wollycobble, the slobbadunk, a one-eyed blob that is both male and female. Ut cures Tumblerum's chronic indigestion and the genial slobbadunk helps Og and Ut hatch their egg. What follows is a story about friendship and family but the overuse of made-up words weakens the presentation. Fans of the prolific author and talented illustrator might be interested in this offering, but they'll need a high tolerance for nonsense to embrace it.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

K-Gr 3—This charming story has the same tone and spirit as the previous books about this character, Shall I Knit You a Hat? (2004), Why Do You Cry? (2006, both Holt), and Imagine Harry (Harcourt, 2007). Little Rabbit gets a school assignment to prepare a report, and when he goes to sleep that night, his anxieties about choosing a topic lead his imagination to create a mysterious dream creature that carries him away. His mother explains that it was a nightmare, but he interprets the word as "night mare." The next evening, the "horrible horse" returns, jumping and bucking until Little Rabbit finally falls off. Distracted from choosing a topic, he attempts to scare the night mare off with signs and then a trap, but eventually finds that he must face it. When he does so, he sleeps well and is able to present his report about the night mare to the class. This engaging tale about a child's imagination and his strategies to confront his fears is told with gentle humor. The bright-hued acrylic artwork depicts colorful classroom scenes, comforting moments with Mother Rabbit, and Little Rabbit's dream world (the night mare is created out of a pillow and blanket). Readers will be reassured by the final image of the protagonist sleeping soundly. This book will stimulate discussions about facing fears and the stories that our minds create when we sleep.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Gr 1–5—A blue stone begins its journey after lying in a forest for thousands of years. When people see it, they marvel at its beauty, split it into two, and take half away. It is carved into a large elephant, and even though people love the sculpture, the stone remembers its home, its heart breaks, and it crumbles into many pieces. Throughout the rest of the book, the stone is continually rediscovered and re-created into different, smaller artworks, its beauty hidden by coats of paint. Each time, its heart breaks, until it is nothing but specks of dust that float away, finally settling back in the original forest next to its other half. Similar in tone to Liao's The Sound of Colors (Little, Brown, 2005), this moody, atmospheric picture book explores complex themes of sadness and loss. The deep gem tones of the watercolor illustrations depict a mysterious, lonely world and effectively portray nighttime scenes. The book approaches the threshold of melancholia, but never quite topples over the brink. Instead, it is a quiet examination of time and space, heartbreak and woe, and, ultimately, a contemplation of heart and self. When shared with students, this sophisticated work could lead to discussions about creativity, the heroic quest to find one's way back home, the changes that occur on the journey of self-discovery, and the need to find one's place in the world.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

K-Gr 2—In Ljungkvist's third "Follow the Line" story, readers are again led on a journey, and, this time, the twists and turns take them around the globe. Children first meet the line on the cover where it sets the stage to travel from Kenya to Greenland, the Sahara Desert, the Amazon Rainforest, and other places before going into outer space. On each spread, readers are given a wide range of facts about the location. This book will delight children as they follow the line and gather information about Sri Lanka where "Sea turtles can live to be over 80 years old" to the Russian taiga with its "Evergreens shaped like cones, so snow can easily slide off their branches." While this picture book lacks a traditional storytelling format, it will likely delight children who are in awe of its graphic venture around the world.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Gr 2–4—Second-grader Alvin Ho is determined to make friends, even though he is afraid of any number of things and can't talk—at all—in school. Episodic chapters feature events at home, at school, and in his Concord, MA, neighborhood. Everyday adventures include being left stranded by his siblings during stretching exercises that leave him upside down in a tree, being sent alone to the scary piano teacher's house, and deciding whether or not to hang out with the classroom bully. Although Look resists providing a tidy ending, readers will be sure that Alvin is on the right road when he surprises even himself by suddenly speaking to his psychotherapist. And they won't have to understand the Shakespearean curses that come out of his mouth to know that this time he has a good reason to be afraid. Whether they are fearful or brave, kids will smile at Alvin's scrapes and empathize with his concerns. Aspects of his Chinese-American background are seamlessly integrated into the story and add richness. The book is chock-full of well-placed illustrations. Martin Bridge, make room for Alvin Ho.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

K-Gr 2—Eric absolutely will not go in the water. Instead, he stays on the pool sidelines, sweltering, with his giraffe float firmly around his waist. When his younger sister takes the plunge, Eric fumes. But rather than showing her that he can do it, too, he pesters her from the safety of the pool deck. Toward summer's end, he finally decides it's time to put his toe in the water, and he goes "from being the boy who wouldn't swim to being the boy who wouldn't get out of the pool"—even after the weather turns. Perfectly bookended with endpapers featuring the lifeguard sitting in his chair at the beginning of the season and then poised in the same position but wearing winter gear at the end, this fear-of-swimming tale is ideal for kids who are afraid to take that first step. While there is no reason given for Eric's change of heart, readers who share his phobia will just be glad he did it. Hot summer yellows and cool watery blues abound in the gouache illustrations, which are filled with action and humor. This tale is just the thing for librarians interested in showcasing summer stories.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 1–3—A boy and his mother experience the magic of the northern lights with their neighbors. At first, the dark colors and mysterious tone of the first-person narrator seem foreboding as the mother hurries home from her evening job and orders her son to put on his outdoor clothes. Although she assures him that nothing is wrong, he and the other children who have been rushed into the building's parking lot to sit atop their cars are confused until they look up to view the night sky. The panoramic painting of the purple and green bursts of color against a star-studded sky is breathtaking. The boy describes what he sees: "Sometimes the color oozes from one part of the sky to the other. The lights twist like colored ropes. They flicker like colored flames." His mother takes advantage of this beautiful moment to whisper that she will always be on his side, even if they disagree on things. The art is done in a dark palette, and the text appears to one side on a white background that sharply contrasts with the illustrations. There are few, if any, picture books about the aurora borealis. This one fills that gap nicely.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 4—This little volume contains more than 50 short stories, each told in only one to three pages. An introduction explains that it was put together by a "Collector of Stories," and the title derives from the hushing of the crowd so that only one voice—that of the storyteller—can be heard. It is an impressive gathering of tales from all over the world. Many are familiar, such as "The Belling of the Cat," "The Good Samaritan," and "The Elephant and the Blind Men." Each one has been retold by McBratney, and they all take on an Aesop-fable quality with often humorous endings. A few of the morals might go over younger children's heads', but even so the selections could be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a book that can be dipped in and out of and would make for a good bedtime read-aloud. Each story contains a spare line drawing done in basic shapes and lines to depict animals, people, and objects; they add little to the text. This is not a particularly impressive volume, but it is worth having since it gathers together so many traditional tales concisely and in one place.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—The French youngsters introduced in Adèle & Simon (Farrar, 2006) return in this early-20th-century adventure with their Aunt Cécile. This book follows the same format and look as its predecessor, complete with McClintock's signature pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, off-white paper, vintage font, and endpaper maps following the siblings' travel route. As the children pack for their train trip across America, Adèle reminds Simon to try not to lose anything, while Aunt Cécile reassures them that she has labeled all of his belongings with his name and her address. This is a necessary precaution, because as soon as they arrive at the train station, Simon's journal goes missing. And in typical fashion, he continues to lose an item at each of their destinations, from San Francisco's Chinatown to Washington, DC. Fans of Where's Waldo? will enjoy searching for Simon's lost items amid all of the action-filled scenes, while adults will appreciate the great detail and line work. Readers of all ages will delight in the variety of facial and bodily expressions found in both the main and background characters. Also, while the colors remain muted, they are ever so slightly brighter than those in Adèle & Simon, creating a more open and airy feel to the scenes. Like the first book, McClintock includes endnotes detailing each location that the children visit. This is a feast for the eyes and a wonderful way to incorporate geographic information into a child's frame of knowledge.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

PreS-Gr 1—A nameless narrator is sleeping over at her grandmother's house, and she's almost certain that there's a huge monster in her room. But Granny has a solution for every "what if," the penultimate one being that her "large but good-hearted dragon" can "go invisible" and protect the little girl from any monster. The humorous dialogue, while unremarkable, is effective and likely to appeal to children. The real star here, though, is the artwork. The monster is distinctly monstrous without being overly scary. Moore uses saturated colors and includes full-bleed spreads, single-page pictures, spot art, and insets. In one of the most effective illustrations, Granny and the little girl appear in an inset on a spread of the dragon while the grandmother describes the creature. A couple of wordless spreads speak for themselves. McCourt and Moore imbue the book with their trademark humor. Libraries with fans of their earlier work, and those in need of reassuring monster-banishing stories, may want to add this title.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 2–4—Anabel is a seamstress in Old Italy who dreams of making a dress worthy of a princess. Isabella Caramella Gorgonzola is a princess who gives the girl one week to make her a dress worthy of the Butterfly Ball. Locked in the tower sewing room, Anabel finds the finest silk, chiffon, and crepe as well as gold scissors, thread that is clear as glass, and a silver thimble. Unfortunately, she also shares the room with a Hinky-Pink that pinches her at night, steals her covers, and makes sleep impossible. When Anabel is "chill as a fish and can't sew a stitch," the nursemaid advises her to make the Hinky-Pink a bed of its own. After many unsuccessful attempts, Anabel fashions a tiny bed from her silver thimble, and the Hinky-Pink hums happily. Having slept "the sleep of a princess without a pea," she sews the perfect dress in a single day. Illustrations are done in watercolor and ink and feature a warm palette of rose, peach, and gold tones. Actual landmarks are used to make Firenze come alive, while Italian words and phrases are scattered throughout, sometimes placed in speech bubbles. McDonald's flawless storytelling melds with Floca's joyous art, bringing new life to Margery Bailey's "The Bed Just So" from Whistle for Good Fortune (Little, Brown, 1948). Girls who love princess stories will adore this lively tale.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 3—McDonnell has composed another quiet gem. Literally. The sole sounds are birdsong, weeping, and snoring; the only words appear on signs: "South" and "Walk." The season is fall, and the chorus comes from a flock perched in a nearly bare tree. In the next instant, the birds lift off, and, as the pages turn, the last leaf drops, bonking a slumbering bird on the head at the base of the tree. Anyone who has every experienced the thought of being abandoned or feeling lost will relate to the utterly convincing panic conveyed in the artist's expressive watercolors and emotive lines as it dawns on this tiny creature that he has been left behind. Yet, he is not alone. Enter Mooch, the feline protagonist from the artist's comic strip "Mutts." He offers a hand, leading and carrying his young charge through rural and urban landscapes, until the birds are joyfully reunited. McDonnell's comfort with unfilled expanses, his beautifully balanced compositions, and the nature of his brushwork evoke the feel of traditional Chinese art. Tan recycled paper provides warmth in keeping with this tender, compact story. While it will be enjoyed universally, be sure to place it where nonreaders will find it, and remember it when asked for a Good Samaritan story. Its subtle sweetness is a rare and wonderful thing.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 2–4—Couched in the story of a fictional Greek warrior returning from a victorious battle in 479 BC, this look at ancient life will be a welcome addition to elementary units on Greece and the Olympics. Agathon boards a ship headed for home and is taken under the wing of the merchant Lykon, who sees potential in the strong, young warrior. Eventually, Agathon marries Lykon's daughter and later competes in the Olympics. Information about home, work, and warrior life in Greece is presented in three formats: a paragraph featuring the story, handwritten details among the watercolor and pencil illustrations, and related facts in a bar at the bottom. Readers will enjoy poring over the details; teachers will appreciate the handy contents page, glossary, and map. Well researched and easy to understand, this book will provide information for reports and entertainment for those with an interest in the subject.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

PreS-Gr 1—Soft pastel shades and long shadows indicate that the day is ending, as a mother and son hail a taxi to go home. As they drive through darkening streets, the city slows down around them. One by one, the vehicles they pass—a red pumper truck, a dump truck, a delivery van, a police car, an ice-cream truck, and finally the taxi itself-finish the day's work, reach their final destinations, and park for the night: "Off goes its engine./Click./Off go its lights./Good night…good night." It's also time for the boy to settle down, turn off his light, and go to sleep, clutching his toy truck. The simple rhyming text induces listeners to relax and become sleepy. The busy, realistic illustrations are visually entertaining and yet calming. Vehicles, pets, and people all wear slight smiles as if they are looking forward to winding down after a long day.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 3—Engineered to fit tidily into the early elementary curriculum and complete with a "For Creative Minds" section of lesson plans and activities for a follow-up, this gentle tale of a lost baby platypus will find a comfortable niche in classrooms. Misled by the creature's mismatched characteristics, several Aussie critters try to fit him into their own specific lifestyles. For example, Brushtail Possum notes that the youngster has fur and claws and postulates that he belongs in a tree. Unfortunately, none of the suggested habitats is correct, leading to one disaster ("kersplat!") after another. Finally, a serendipitous discovery of aquatic skills results in a mother-and-child reunion. Gentle messages abound, and all is gas and gaiters at the finish, with the constantly jeering Blue-Tongued Skink getting his comeuppance. The softly appealing illustrations follow the simple action, with the animals sporting a couple of anthropomorphic touches (Old Bandicoot wears glasses and uses a cane, for example) but definitely adding eye appeal to this tale of a baby's trials and tribulations. Not as smoothly designed as the author's The Rainforest Grew all Around (Sylvan Dell, 2007), Kersplatypus will provide a springboard for discussions on friendship and bullying.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS—Moore's quiet tale shows that there are many ways to say "good night," as various young animals, with the help of a loving parent, get ready for bed: "How do you say good night, my pup?/How do you say good night?/With a stretch and a yawn,/close my eyes until dawn./That's how I say good night." As they settle down for the evening, a pig listens to a lullaby, a lamb gets a cuddle, and a kitten enjoys milk and cookies. In the final few pages, a human mother and daughter lovingly perform their own nocturnal ritual. There is not much action, but the calming story and repetitive, rhyming text is just right for bedtime sharing. The double-page illustrations are painterly in style, with curving lines and deep-hued tones. The animals wear colorful pajamas and have expressive facial features. Because there is nothing out of the ordinary here, this is an additional purchase.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 3–6—When warthogs have their third litter, the sows cast out their first litter. That's how Mogo, the runt of his litter, finds himself on his own. Using what he has learned from his mother, from his older brothers' missteps, and from a helpful baboon who is also alone, he carves out a life as he matures and finds a potential mate. While the author builds on a strong natural-history base, she also explores her characters' emotions, hopes, and fears. This tempers the potentially frightening wild world of the African savanna's hungry cheetahs, wild dogs, and lions, who hunt to ensure their own survival in a harsh environment. The book's high read-aloud potential stems from Mogo's appeal as an unlikely hero who thrives when he finds friendship and loving companions. Realistic black and gray-tone watercolor illustrations that range in size from small vignettes to full page grace every chapter, introduce unfamiliar animals, and interpret the action.—Ellen G. Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 2—Oelschlager presents a story that veers from the traditional stories about adoption. The rhyming text features a Chinese girl asking her older, blond sister to read the label on a broom she's using. Her sister reads, "made in China," then jeers at her sibling—"'It's just like you'/my big sister said,/'You're Made in China./It's stamped right on your head.'" The child seeks out their father to deny the truth of her sister's put-down, and his reply is reassuring and poetic as he tells her how much she is loved. This title addresses many themes: sibling rivalry, multiracial families, and facing taunts about ethnicity-even from a family member. It is heartening to read the emphatic reassurance offered to a daughter who has been wounded and is worried about being different. Although the older sibling is not explicitly reprimanded in the text, the pictures imply that reconciliation takes place. Blackwood has employed a blend of linoleum cuts outlined in black and computer coloring techniques to craft stunning illustrations. Ethnic features are realistic and enhance the simple text, depicting the birth mother as well as the adoptive family. The endpapers feature more than a dozen photos of Chinese adoptees of various ages. This title will be of special interest to families of Chinese adoptees, but could also serve as a springboard for discussing racial slurs and insensitivity for a much wider audience.—Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA

PreS-K—After a boy pesters his mother for a pet, she throws up her hands in defeat, marches to the store, and buys him a guppy. The boy is not enthusiastic about it, but after doing some research on the Internet, he decides that it's a cool pet after all. His change of heart might have been more convincing had some of that cool information been shared with readers, who have watched him daydream about llamas and elephants and parrots, yet ultimately settle for a small fish. The message of face-value acceptance is as forced as the rhyming text ("From my guppy I learned/Something important and true/You can love any pet/If he's special to you"). The fact that the mother, who clearly wants nothing to do with the animal, purchases it without any input from her son does little to prepare her child for the responsibility of taking care of an animal. The illustrations, a layering of mediums including line dra