Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 1–4—This story is centered around Girgian, a Muslim celebration observed mostly in the Arabian Gulf states during the middle of the month of Ramadan. When Noor, who lives in Kuwait, sees the almost-full moon rise, she knows it's time to prepare for the festival. The family makes candy from honey, sugar, and nuts to share with the children in the neighborhood, wrapping it with cellophane and colorful bows. Then the siblings decorate canvas bags with bright colors, hoping to fill them with treats on the following evening. Noor spends the next day reading the Koran and praying while she fasts but wishes the time would go more quickly. Finally, the sun sets, and the streets are filled with youngsters singing, carrying fanouses (Ramadan lanterns), and knocking on doors to collect candy. Afterward, Noor and her grandfather deliver a food basket for the poor to the mosque. The story underlines the gift of sharing during a month dedicated to self-improvement and community welfare. Shimmering with moonlit hues, the attractive illustrations are done in a style that reflects one of many Muslim cultures. A helpful author's note and glossary are appended. An excellent choice for units on diversity and multiculturalism.—Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH

K-Gr 2—"Once there was a pencil, a lonely little pencil, and nothing else." One day the pencil begins to draw. Before long it has created a world populated with rather cranky individuals, pets, and talking objects that make demands for names, food, companions, etc., and then begin to complain about everything they have received. The pencil tries to be accommodating and creates a paintbrush that adds color, to no avail. It draws an eraser to remove the offending items, which runs amok and erases everything. The pencil then comes up with a clever solution to prevent itself from being eliminated by the out-of-control eraser, and this time creates a more orderly world. This quirky story will appeal to children who have a slightly offbeat sense of humor, and it could easily be paired with Henrik Drescher's equally quirky Simon's Book (McAdam/Cage, 2006). Ingman's acrylic cartoon illustrations use a rich color palette and supply numerous details that complement the story. Not an essential purchase, but fun.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 1–3—Allard has concocted a zany tale about a chicken who dreams of a life far from Mr. Brown's rural Tennessee henhouse. To her delight, a chicken fairy godmother turns up and Starlight's life, with each new wish, changes dramatically. Convertibles, airplanes, a trip to Milan, and appearances at fashion shows are suddenly everyday occurrences. However, when her godmother takes a vacation cruise around the world and her nephew takes over, things take a very different turn. Now, with each egg Starlight lays, odd objects (clocks, eggbeaters, and pianos) hatch, and, ever intrepid, she turns her bounty into a permanent yard sale. The tale could well have ended here but Allard gives it another wacky, albeit somewhat puzzling, turn. The final page finds Starlight further flummoxed—she has laid a yacht! But whether her bewilderment is due to the huge boat suddenly launched into her yard or to the chicken fairy godmother peering from a porthole will be up to individual readers to decide. Or perhaps it hints at the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for!" Regardless, some children will undoubtedly get a chuckle over Starlight's crazy escapades. Booth uses fluid watercolors to give depth to his pictures but it is his straggly, New Yorker-style lines that aptly define the characters and inject the comedy. For a more cohesive animal-as-star story, treat children to Robert Kinerk's Clorinda (S & S, 2003), a tale of a cow who dreams of being a ballet dancer.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

Gr 1–2—These early chapter books begin and end in the time-out chair. In Friends, Roscoe's first-grade class is getting ready for open house. It's supposed to involve a performance of singing bumblebees followed by dessert. However, add one hyper, trouble-finding boy (Roscoe) with a tube of Super-Mega-Gonzo Glue and too many bright ideas and you've got a recipe for disaster. In Sweater, Roscoe trades an itchy sweater that his grandmother made him for his neighbor's dog so he can enter the animal in a pet show. The protagonist always means well and the adults can usually see a big heart behind his antics—after they've calmed down a bit. Both stories are fun reads with simple and amusing cartoon illustrations. Good choices for children transitioning from beginning readers to chapter books.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

K-Gr 3—A pod of dolphins swims joyfully toward the beach, leaping as it follows a school of fish, and then stopping to rest on the sandbar. The tide recedes, the dolphins are stranded, and volunteer rescuers work through the night keeping the animals wet and safe until they are able to return to sea. Arnosky focuses the story on a young dolphin swimming with its mother and a young boy who is part of the rescue group, drawing readers into the drama. The paintings are luminous, with daytime scenes in vivid colors and nighttime scenes dramatically lit with lanterns and flashlights. This is a simple and powerful nature anecdote that speculates why sea mammals beach. Children will be moved by the frightened animals and by the compassionate work of the rescuers (these situations in life don't often end as happily as this book does). Arnosky has once again produced an artistic and accessible science story.—Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

Gr 1–3—Arnosky takes his nature storytelling one step further, adding music to the mix. This book takes a direct look at different animals and what they eat. It works well as a picture book, telling readers that if they were wild raccoons, or crocodiles, or great white sharks, they would "gobble up" crawdads, or ducklings, or fishes. The catchy song sung by the author on the accompanying CD adds the element of fun that's advertised. In recognizable, true-to-life acrylic illustrations that fill the spreads, the raccoon ambles into the forest, and a large crocodile opens its huge jaws to swallow up hapless little ducklings. The message, of course, is that this is what we must all do to survive. "We eat the food we have, and then—we have to hunt for food again!" With or without the music, this book will be sure to join Arnosky's others as favorites with youngsters eager to read about animals and with the storytime crowd as well.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—The locale here, the South American rain forest, refreshes the familiar story of a loud, hyperactive frog who boasts to other denizens about eating a huge fly, then queries them on their preferred diet. The setting balances the frog's comedy with information about toucans, coatis, capybaras, and jaguars, the last of whom observes our lucky hero's jumping talents. Endnotes with a paragraph on each animal reinforce the book's educational component. Terry's shiny, verdant rain forest capably offsets myriad greens with shadows of lavender, an electric-blue beetle, and wine-red berries. The spreads swirl with movement and beckon forward via fluid lines. The Frog with the Big Mouth brims with personality as he suspends from a tiny vine or leaps from a tree branch. This is an inventive version of a long-favored tale.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 3—Bateman offers up a workmanlike parallel between a turkey on a journey to save himself from a Thanksgiving feast and the Pilgrims of yore who created the tradition he seeks to avoid. Gus has grown up on a farm with all the amenities and has a penchant for dressing up. After hearing from his barnyard friends that turkeys "don't make it to January," he packs his things and follows the flocks of birds migrating south. Turkeys are good eating everywhere though, and life is dangerous until he meets an accommodating parcel of penguins at the South Pole and discovers that this journey to safety has made him a pilgrim. Though the concept has potential, Gus's story unfolds with the straightforwardness of a school composition; even the page design, with its tired Comic Sans font, doesn't make the most of the material. Sasaki's cartoon paintings have the same pedestrian feel as the narrative. For this holiday, read Eve Bunting's A Turkey for Thanksgiving (Clarion, 1991) or Mary Jane Auch's Beauty and the Beaks (Holiday House, 2007) instead.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

K-Gr 3—Eliza Prattlebottom's mother (an opera singer) and father (a board member) have little time to spend with her. "Oh, I wish that an elephant would come and take me away!" Eliza thinks as she blows out all eight candles on her birthday cake. Her wish brings Cousin Floyd, an elephant who whisks her to the jungle on his back at "four times the speed of wind." Only Eliza's neighbor, 97-year-old Adelle, out pulling her elderly dog, Potato, in his wagon, sees Floyd. Recalling her own delightful childhood adventure with the elephants, she finds her way back to the jungle by following her memories. Then, reverting to a younger version of herself, she talks Eliza into going home to "friends you haven't met and a life that you must not wish away." Juan's brightly colored acrylic and crayon illustrations with their red-orange and strawberry pink backgrounds are as eccentric as the story itself: a monocle-wearing bulldog; wispy dream characters from the past floating like cloud shapes in a pink sky; pop-eyed bugs amid oversize mushrooms; and flowers in a tendril-filled forest. The story's weakness lies in its conclusion. One might wonder why an eight-year-old in the midst of an exciting dream fantasy would heed another child's instructions to give it up and go home. Perhaps the whole adventure is only a dream, after all? Berger leaves it to readers to decide.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 1—Following Over in the Ocean (2004) and Over in the Jungle (2007, both Dawn), this latest spin on the familiar "Over in the Meadow" rhyme takes readers on another adventure. Each page highlights a different animal, including a polar bear and her cub, an Arctic hare and her leverets, and a wolf and his pups. The last verse tells of 10 "surprise" animals hiding in the previous pages and invites children to go back to the beginning for a closer read. An author's note gives more information about the Arctic tundra and explains that while most of the details in the book are factual, the number of babies each animal would have according to the rhyme is not accurate. Spreads feature chunky cut-paper collages in a cool palette. An artist's note explains the process for creating the illustrations. Other interesting back matter includes tips for extended activities and notes for the traditional "Over in the Meadow" tune with the altered Arctic lyrics. This book serves as a useful introduction to the area.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—These easy-to-read books have an appealing format, large print, and charming color illustrations. However, the texts are poor. In Auntie Susan, an adult acts silly and her niece copies her dress and behavior. A typical sentence is, "She has lines on her face, but I don't think she's old." Forget the suggestion of age, what about those contractions? Young readers need to see "she is" not "she's." The second title has numerous pictures of a cute bear dressed in overalls and covered in honey, and ends abruptly with ants running after him. Where the text reads, "Runny honey in Bear's jaws," children don't really see bear's jaws; the illustration depicts honey dripping down the side of the honey jar and from the bear's mouth. These titles are a pass.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

K-Gr 1—A simple tale of friendship between two children who are as different as night and day. Where Pearl is loud and boisterous, Charlie is quiet and thoughtful. When Pearl forgets her mittens on a cold day, Charlie helps to keep her hands warm. Conversely, when Charlie is feeling down, Pearl cheers him up. Clearly the audience can see that these children admire the opposing personality traits that they find in one another. Blabey's painterly illustrations, rendered in acrylics and mixed media on board, allow readers to see the texture of the canvas in the characters' faces, clothes, and even in the scenery. The sometimes curving text adds levity to Pearl's exuberant moments. Use this offering as a supplement for friendship-themed storytimes.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–4—A nameless little boy braves the first day of school in this crisply illustrated picture book. The text is a series of idioms that take him through the day, from waking up "on the wrong side of the bed," to having a "long face" at lunch, to being "happy as a puppy with two tails" when he finally comes home to his dog. The illustrations interpret each idiom literally, often to comic effect: "we'd be in a real pickle if we missed the bus" is accompanied by a pickle-as-bus picture, while meeting the "Big Cheese" shows a principal wearing a dress made of Swiss cheese. Bloch's graphic style incorporates photographs of objects into pen-and-ink drawings, and the copious use of white space keeps the focus squarely on the words and their visual interpretations. Wallace Edwards's Monkey Business (Kids Can, 2004) covers similar territory, but with a much more elaborate illustration style that goes more for humor than understanding. Here, Bloch's simple though imaginative pictures and clean visual style invite discussion of the deeper meanings of these oft-used phrases, making this an ideal book for the classroom or for one-on-one sharing.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 3—Abigail (the Great One) and Jake (the Pain) are back. The theme for this book is traveling, whether it is as close as the local mall, showcasing the Pain's attempt to walk down the up escalator, or as far as the Florida Everglades, where the Great One tries to keep from being bitten by alligators by wearing her leather cowboy boots. An emergency room trip to get a pussy willow removed from the Pain's nose will make readers laugh out loud. The nine short stories beautifully capture the experiences of siblings who love one another but who don't always get along. Their long-suffering cat, Fluzzy, gets his own chapter at the end. Stevenson's drawings perfectly complement the tales. Blume has delivered another funny story collection about two memorable characters.—Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

K-Gr 3—It's the first day of spring and Jazmin, dressed in red and twirling her baton, is all set to lead the neighborhood parade. She flings the door open and encounters a big problem: the weather. Wind and thunder are followed by rain: "Slap! Rain poured down in buckets." Thus begins Jazmin's tale of disappointment and frustration as she waits for the storm to stop. "Mud Puddler…Cloud Crasher…Parade Wrecker," she complains as the rain roars, crashes, and bellows. Mounting frustration leads Jazmin to step outside and shake her fists at the rain and stomp her feet. But frustration gives way to fun as she kicks and chases the rain down the sidewalk: "I am Jazmin, the Rain Stomper!" Other youngsters come outside to watch; they urge her on, laughing and clapping. By the time Jazmin has finished, the sun has come out and the cheering children end up having their parade after all. "And so it was that Jazmin, the Rain Stomper…outstomped the rain." Velasquez's large oils impart a sense of the girl's disappointment as well as the feel of a driving rain and eventual pleasure. Large letters in white, black, or red and in different sizes emphasize the sounds and rhythm of the rain and thunder ("BOOM walla BOOM BOOM!"; "clink, clink WHOOSH!"). A delightful read-aloud that deals with making the best of a disappointing situation.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 2–4—Miss Bindley takes the class pets home for a long weekend and develops an eerie, extraordinary craving. Following the traditional cumulative rhyme, all of them disappear in a round of Fear Factor-inspired eating—a flea, spider, fish, rat, Jake the Snake, and, as students cry in horror, "She's got our Lizzie!"—the class lizard. Miss Bindley, in turn, grows less appealing with the turn of each page. Hair becomes flyaway and frizzy, her cozy robe falls into a frumpy sack, and her face turns-well, a bilious green. Gammell's lively artwork is a colorful combination of watercolor, colored pencils, pastel, and crayon framed by a mix of font sizes and colors. Assisted by conversational responses from Miss Bindley's students, who are spying on her, the tale progresses as tails disappear until the unlikely becomes the outrageous—"I know an old teacher who swallowed a child…." Would she really try that? The horrifying notion is entertained, but to the relief of readers, is tossed aside in this unusual offering.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 3—This bilingual story introduces readers to an important artifact in Navajo culture, the metate, or grinding stone. Cinnibah, a motherless girl, accidentally breaks her heirloom metate while her father is away and sets off alone in search of someone who can fix it. On her daylong journey, she encounters a moccasin maker, a pottery maker, and finally a stonecutter, all of whom help her by using their skills. In addition to making new friends, Cinnibah learns about the sacredness of the stone and retires her old one according to custom. Navajo words are carefully woven into the English text. Though the dialogue is somewhat stilted, the descriptive text is often richly poetic: "Ravens played their flutes and wrens blew kisses and whistled among the trees." The rural setting through which she travels seems almost timeless. Warm, impressionistic pastel and oil illustrations skillfully capture the desert landscape. Overall, this is a satisfying story depicting an important event in the life of a Navajo girl.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K—The pug of the title not only juggles but, when fame overtakes him, his arrogant antics broaden to include a wide range of predictable doggie misbehaviors. When he drives the community to distraction, a young girl calls a town meeting and proposes getting rid of the offending pup. Predictably the dog, suddenly sheepish and repentant, promises to change. His reformation is short-lived as he is soon pooping on the rug again. This is not a real story but rather a rhyming verse that does not always scan (beware when reading aloud). The book is illustrated with bright, bold-lined cartoons in primary colors amid plentiful white space. There are hundreds of picture books about dogs so any new entry into this crowded field must compete. For more engagingly fractious Fidos, try Alice Provensen's A Day in the Life of Murphy (S & S, 2003) or Mark Teague's Dear Mrs. Larue: Letters from Obedience School (Scholastic, 2002).—Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

K-Gr 3—With a small kingdom of well-behaved farmers and their sheep, Queen Sophie is bored, so she enrolls in a correspondence course from the Royal College of Beauty. Because each of the 12 lessons must be practiced on 50 different people, the queen orders everyone to the castle daily for haircuts, curls, shaves, coloring, and manicures. All through the summer, Sophie beautifies her long-suffering subjects and their flocks. Then one morning these stylish folks—with their even more stylish sheep—protest that they have no time for their proper work. When the devastated Sophie apologizes, her subjects admit they have liked some of the things she has done. She finishes her beauty course and turns the castle into Queen Sophie's Hair Palace. Far and wide she is known as the Queen of Style, not so much for her handsome subjects as for their multicolored, poodle-trimmed, bedazzling sheep. Oil paints over acrylics make these bright, playful pictures pop, and the cartoon style highlights the absurdities of Queen Sophie's ministrations. Readers are invited to find the rabbit, cat, and Tyrannosaurus rex hidden in each picture. This is a story that can be enjoyed on many levels time and time again.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 3–5—In this novel, Nadie is caught up in feelings and social situations that will seem real to kids her age. Ever since she entered the upper elementary school in fourth grade, it seems as though the rules have changed: boys and girls can't be friends—at least in public. Nadie and Nick have been neighbors and best friends forever, but now they have to hide their relationship to avoid being teased. On top of that, new girl Summer comes on the scene and causes more tension between the genders as she becomes the class clown's nemesis as well as Nadie's pal. But Summer's antics and competition with Owen can be trouble, and Nadie's guilt by association causes a chain of troublesome events that make her yearn for the way things used to be. Readers will empathize with the protagonist and may see themselves in her as she struggles with peer relationships. Refreshingly, Nadie develops her own "rules" that include being mature enough to stick to and form her own friendships in the end, bringing together her entire classroom. Adults include an inspiring teacher and a supportive, at-home father.—Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

Gr 2–4—Bunting addresses the complicated relations in Northern Ireland. Narrated by Allison, a Catholic, the story effectively captures the child's trepidation and confusion, particularly as she has learned that a favorite uncle has committed violent acts. A Protestant girl's act of kindness during her frightening walk to school leads her to conclude, "I think we could be friends…. If the grownups would let us." The book does an excellent job of presenting the situation from a child's perspective without demonizing either side, but adults sharing it must be prepared for the inevitable questions as to why such tensions exist, as no background or history is presented in either the story itself or the author's note. Dooling's oil-on-canvas illustrations are realistic enough to resemble stills from documentary footage. Little on this situation is available for children, but do be prepared for those questions.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 1—"You're late. Tick! Tock! You must have forgotten to set your clock!" Rhythm and rhyme follow a tardy Mr. Bungles as he races to be on time. From end pages that trace his route to brightly colored angles of each page, this book shouts MOTION and encourages listeners to fill in the rhyme with each turn of the page. Readers will find it might take more than just hopping in a car to travel even a short distance. Mr. Bungles's car won't start—he runs for a train. He misses the train and tries for a bus; it's too crowded. He runs for a van, but the van heads in the wrong direction, and Bungles finally returns via hot-air balloon and unicycle. As his name hints, the errant teacher can't seem to do anything right. Cartoon characters in scenes of collage and mixed media follow Mr. Bungles's efforts to watch the clock and avoid breaking his own rule, "Never, ever, ever be late for school!" A colorful selection for all libraries, this book is also a visually stimulating choice for teachers presenting time and transportation or inspiration for young students as the school year resumes.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 2—Artie is a happy little lion, and he's supposed to hunt rabbits. Julie is a happy little rabbit, and she's supposed to avoid lions. Their tedious stories are told simultaneously, on pages that have been cut in half. "Artie's story" fills the top portion of the book, with "Julie's story" below. Each animal dutifully submits to its parent's training until finally, after many grueling lessons, both are ready to set out for the grasslands alone. But they stop at the jellyberry patch instead, where they are caught in a storm and seek shelter in the same dark cave. The two sworn enemies spend the rest of their day playing together, and then go home. Chen's illustrations are winsome enough and feature a cool palette, smiling critters, and variegated landscapes. But the format doesn't work well: the pages stubbornly flop shut and get mixed up, and it's a struggle even for adult hands to keep them in order. If nothing else, this pitched battle keeps readers busy and interested, because the story doesn't.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 1—Eager to get out into the freshly fallen snow with her cat, Holly heads for the door in her slippers. Mom playfully reminds her that she needs to wear her red boots, and the child hunts throughout the house for them. A toy car and Mexican hat fit Holly's needs (the car will keep her slippers off the ground and the hat will prevent snow from falling on her feet). But Mom is insistent on boots so the youngster looks high and low for hints of red until she discovers them under the stairs. Rushing outside, she finds that the snow has already melted. In a satisfying conclusion, Holly's mom shows her the fun that boots and puddles can create. The bright, childlike art uses multiple perspectives and bold swatches of color to portray the freckled preschooler, her patient mom, and the chaotic house search. Youngsters who tend to take their time with any task and like the "search" as much as the "find" will giggle at Holly's antics, and older readers will appreciate the inventiveness of her search.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1—Ping Pong wants to fly, and he jumps off anything he can climb to try to make his dream come true. His attempts at flying cause problems in the barnyard, and the other animals meet to decide what to do about the pig. Instead of punishing their bouncy friend, they give him a trampoline so that he can jump to his heart's content. He is so pleased with his new gift and their kindness that he uses his trampoline to undo all the messes he has made. This book is similar in style to Church's Little Apple Goat (Eerdmans, 2007). The story is simple and short, with only a few lines per spread, and it is set in a friendly, informal font that flows from page to page. The pictures are colorful and expressive. The animals are done with an economy of line, but have obvious personality. The well-worn theme of following a dream is complemented with a stronger theme of friendship and returning a kindness for a kindness. (However, adults may want to mention that it is not a good idea to jump out of a tree onto a trampoline.) Overall, this is a pleasant story with potential as a read-aloud.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

K-Gr 3—Every full moon in the Northern Piney Woods, the animals gather to hear Maynard Moose tell his Mother Moose Tales in "old Moose Speech." The glossary begins with a tongue-in-cheek "Parental Warning" about "moose grammar, spelling, and usage, all of which have been known to scrumble up the human brain!" Poor little moose wanders away and falls asleep in a nest with five ducky eggs. "Boy, I hope the other ones will turn out better" is Mommy Ducky's reaction when she sees him. The story line echoes Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling" as the "uglified ducky" tries his best to waddle, quack, and swim, with humorous results. Predictably, all ends well, and Maynard Moose closes his story with a twist on the usual moral: If you don't fit into your "fambly…that does not mean you are uglified…. It just means you have not found out what you really are yet." Stimson's colorful illustrations are a riot, featuring stylized shapes, funny expressions, and animated scenes. A CD of the story performed hilariously by Claflin is delightful. This fresh, lively story is laugh-out-loud funny.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 2—In 1892, Ari is selected to engineer the first train between Jaffa and Jerusalem. Filled with pride, he boasts to his friends and neglects to say goodbye to them before he sets off. As the train stops to collect the necessary items to celebrate the Jewish New Year—apples, honey, round challah, and shofars—he is reminded of the true meaning of the holiday. He promises to do teshuvah—"to do better"—when he returns to Jaffa by apologizing for his insensitive behavior. Cheerful illustrations depict the sights and scenes of Israel with nostalgia and charm as mustachioed Ari and his red train pass through the land. An author's note provides additional information about the history of the first steam train in Israel, along with an archival photo. Libraries looking to expand their Jewish holiday bookshelf will want to add this delightful title, which will also appeal to train-loving children.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 8—With entirely black pages and a bold white text, this is not your typical color book. Meant to be experienced with the fingers instead of the eyes, this extraordinary book allows sighted readers to experience colors the way blind people do: through the other senses. The text, in both print and Braille, presents colors through touch (yellow is "as soft as a baby chick's feathers"), taste (red "as sweet as watermelon"), smell ("green smells like grass that's just been cut"), and sound (brown "crunches…like fall leaves"). Faría's distinctive illustrations present black shapes embossed on a black background for readers to feel instead of see. One page even describes a rainbow. A guide to the Braille alphabet appears at the end of the book. Fascinating, beautifully designed, and possessing broad child appeal, this book belongs on the shelves of every school or public library committed to promoting disability awareness and accessibility. A feast for the fingers.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS-Gr 1—In this installment in the series, the mouse and her friends spend a rainy day at a natural history museum. On each spread, the familiar characters describe what they find in each exhibit. Cousins's flat-color gouache illustrations outlined in heavy black are friendly and familiar for young children and the explanations of what one might find in a museum can spark interest. A few terms, such as "marvel," "vintage," and "exhibit," will have to be explained to the youngest listeners.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

PreS-Gr 2—The remains of a Thanksgiving dinner are irresistible to a little mouse, who creeps out of his hole to help himself to one small pea. But soon, greed gets the better of him and before he knows it, he has taken one of every leftover tidbit, including the gravy boat and platter of turkey. Before he makes it safely back home, however, the cat spies him and pounces, knocking everything on the floor. The mouse escapes just in time, while the cat gets the blame, and to his delight he finds one "teensy-tiny, round and toothsome, green and luscious pea" for which he exclaims: "Give thanks! One is a feast for me!" Whimsical, large-scale illustrations drawn in acrylics, pastels, and colored pencils are a perfect complement to the story. Plenty of action and humor as well as a thoroughly satisfying ending make this a wonderful holiday read-aloud.—Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—In Quinito's Neighborhood (Children's Book Press, 2005), an appealing youngster took readers on a tour of his community. Now he returns to introduce children to opposites as he experiences them with his family. Quinito is the middle child in a family full of extremes: his older brother runs "fast/rápido," whereas his baby sister runs "slowly/despacio"; his Papi is "neat/ordenado," but his brother is "very messy/muy desordenado." Quinito admits that he is a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but mostly, "I'm just me, Quinito/yo soy yo. Soy Quinito." Ramírez's stunning illustrations are characterized by the use of thick, splotchy paint on textured canvas, expressionistic lines, and vividly colored figures outlined in black. Numerous action words make this book a great read-aloud for children learning opposites or for those studying familiar opposite words in a second language. Simple vocabulary and clear and consistent text placement also render this title appropriate for newly independent readers. A bilingual glossary of opposite words is appended to ensure that nothing gets lost in the translation.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 1–3—A girl finds a phoenix feather and decides that drawing the creature might help her to acquire its magical powers. Although Feng Huang works hard, her picture makes the other children laugh because it resembles an owl or a bat more than a phoenix. Pitying her, the Queen Phoenix swoops down to Earth and allows the child to spend a day drawing her. Although Feng Huang's renditions improve greatly, she still cannot capture the mythical beast's spirit. The Queen Phoenix again intervenes, giving the child a list of the bird's powers so that she can learn about each one. Through her diligence, she meets several gorgeous creatures that each embody a virtue—wisdom, clear sight, equality, generosity, and right judgment. Afterward, Feng Huang draws a glorious phoenix that gives her and her friends a ride through the heavens. The powers are relatively abstract, and as Feng Huang understands the opposing forces at work in each one—generosity and greed, wisdom and ignorance—she "draws away" the negative aspect. Brilliant splashes of color and imaginative details bring Demi's vision of this mythical creature to life. What doesn't come alive is the story, which seems little more than a vehicle for the paintings. In addition, no sources for the author's understanding of the phoenix in Chinese mythology are given, and adult readers, who surely will be needed to facilitate a child's understanding of the abstractions, will be left wondering if this phoenix represents traditional Chinese wisdom or Demi's imaginative re-creation of the creature.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Nonie, a young African-American girl, sits at the breakfast table with her parents and a wailing baby, sulking: "'Not gonna eat my mush. Not gonna eat it!' I say. 'Squishy, yucky, yellow stuff—mush is baby food.'" She puts on her shiny black shoes, and, with her chin poked out, stomps off to live with Grandma (next door), where there's no mushy mush or bawling babies, and where "Grandma attends when I'm talkin'." Nonie feels better as she and Grandma go to church, but when Daddy passes the collection plate, he faces a still-frowning daughter. Later, at the church picnic, her mood lightens and she allows her dad to give her a paddleboat ride. Pointing out animals, he says, "Ducklings stick with their families…. Lots to learn from ducks." By day's end, Nonie has decided to return home and is greeted by her baby brother's great big smile and Momma's warm welcome. The story is told in two to four short sentences per page. The spare text deftly conveys Nonie's reactions and emotions, which are clearly reflected in Tadgell's realistic, folksy watercolors sweeping across double pages. Ultimately, this gentle story addresses the universal frustration older siblings often face at having a new baby in the family.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 1—When Baby Dragon's mother must leave him alone overnight, she warms his face, tickles his tail, and tells him she will return in the morning. He must wait by the red fern near the river for her, and he does. He does not play with Frog or go away with Weasel, but he becomes sadder and sadder as he waits. When Crocodile offers to take Baby Dragon to his mother, he climbs on Crocodile's back. The wind sings to him in his mother's voice, and he escapes the reptile's trickery by jumping onto a log. Then step by weary step he follows the riverbank through moonlight and starlight back to the familiar red fern. His mother finds him there in the morning. As he curls up with her and warms her face with his breath, she assures him that she will always come back. Hillenbrand's illustrations, done with ink, colored pencil, finger paint, gouache, and collage, and digitally manipulated, bring to life Baby Dragon's misty tropical forest where water buffaloes wander and storks splash in the river. The crocodile's heavy-lidded, yellow eyes and large jaws contrast sharply with the gentle faces of the dragons. Young children—especially those who have been sad and lonely in their parents' absence—will find comfort in this lovely, reassuring tale.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—With decidedly old-fashioned text and illustrations, this story could be seen as a kind of twist on "The Three Little Kittens." These felines live in a snug stone house with "Knitty Kitty," whose needles are never idle. "Clickety-click./Tickety-tick." She has made a hat for one of them, mittens for another, and a scarf for the third. But, because they are kittens, they decide to use their gifts on an enormous snowman. Then, when it's "bedtime for kittens everywhere," the youngsters have nothing to keep them warm and cozy. Or do they? The full-bleed illustrations in acrylic and ink portray an idyllic cottage in a snow-covered countryside. Inside the warmth is made evident with soft golds, browns, and touches of soft color here and there. A slight but endearing story that, with its repetitions and sound words, is perfect for bedtime reading.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—Thing-Thing is a unique stuffed animal, "not quite a bunny rabbit, but not quite a dog either, nor a bear or cat for that matter." The critter is purchased as a birthday gift for spoiled little Archibald Crimp, but the huffy boy rejects the new toy and throws it out of the window of the hotel where he and his parents are staying. As Thing-Thing flies into the air, it confides that it had hoped to be given "to a child who would love it, and talk to it, and make it tea parties...and take it to bed." Much of the story involves Thing-Thing's six-storey descent: for each floor, there's a vignette in which someone notices the stuffed animal flying past. In the end, Thing-Thing's dreams finally come true (it lands in a baby carriage and instantly soothes a fussy infant). This lighthearted tale is entertaining and humorous. With a lengthy text and action-packed full-bleed illustrations, the pages seem to be filled to their edges with story. Debon successfully depicts Thing-Thing as a subtle blend of several typical stuffed animals. It is a cuddly friend that children will appreciate meeting.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

K-Gr 3—This droll fable tells how stylish ants once needed many pairs of beautiful shoes for their busy lives and favorite dance. Because the Tick-Toe-Hip-Clog-Tock-Hop requires a pair of ants to make 36 hundred steps, the cobbler ant works around the clock and becomes very rich. When he accidentally bites his foot, he decides he is working too hard and leaves town. Unable to buy new shoes or have their old ones repaired, the fashionable ants despair. One evening, Red Ant arrives at the party without shoes—or clothes—and dances gracefully. Soon all of the ants discard their shoes. Since then, all of these tiny creatures walk barefoot. Smartly dressed ants with large heads and expressive eyes are set against stark white backgrounds. Their elegant clothes are reminiscent of Russian fashion at the turn of the last century. Rich colors and interesting details are lavished on both shoes and clothes. No comment is made about the ants giving up their clothes as well as their shoes; however, smiling faces indicate they are pleased to be rid of both. Pair this book with Tony Ross's Centipede's One Hundred Shoes (Holt, 2003) to spark a discussion about wants and needs.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 2—Fred is a reluctant sleeper who prefers playing with his teddy bear to putting his head to the pillow. Once he's under the covers, his imagination runs wild and he frets, "Could there be something under my bed?" Readers paying close attention to detail will notice his teddy falling to the floor. As Fred's worries take shape, he wonders, "Is it fat? Or is it thin?/Does it have a very big grin?/Does it have long nails?/Could it have two tails?" The pithy rhyming verse is complemented by atmospheric black-and-white mixed-media illustrations. The boy has a small body topped by a large round head, and pinpoint eyes and comma-shaped eyebrows peer through oversize glasses that obscure most of his face, giving him a deer-in-the-headlights look that accentuates his emotions. Splashes of red highlight the hairy fantasy creature that grows in proportion to his anxiety. Summoning his inner strength, the youngster finally looks under the bed, finding that "Hey, it's only Ted!" His relief is short-lived as he continues to speculate: "What's that noise? What's that sound?/Is there something on the ground?" With its up-in-the-air ending and shiver-inducing illustrations, this book probably won't totally alleviate monster fears, but it will be enjoyed by fans of spooky tales.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 2—"Good morning, Isabella," says a mother to her daughter. "My name is not Isabella!" says the child. She is Sally, the "greatest, toughest astronaut who ever was!" At breakfast she becomes Annie the sharpshooter, and then Rosa on the bus ride to school. When she gets home that afternoon, she is Marie, the scientist; then Elizabeth, the doctor; Mommy, the greatest mother; and, finally, Isabella again. She falls asleep thinking about who she will become tomorrow. Throughout the day, the mother good-humoredly encourages her daughter's flights of imagination. The repetitive text, while somewhat contrived, serves to drive home the message that girls can do and be anything they want. The inclusion of motherhood in the list of worthwhile occupations is refreshing. The colorful mixed-media artwork reinforces the fanciful, upbeat tone of the book. An appendix gives more information on the lives and careers of all the women alluded to, and a list of works consulted presents opportunities for further research. Use this story to ignite young readers' interest in women's history.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

K-Gr 2—Hank, the polite and friendly snake from Stanley Mows the Lawn (Chronicle, 2005), reappears in a simple tale of what lifts the spirit and touches the heart. As Stanley, his human friend, bemoans the fact that his yard is flat and boring and Hank wishes he could touch the clouds, both head off on their own, motivated to find inspiration by traveling to the city. A coffee shop, a library, a park, three street musicians, and a flower shop later, Hank excitedly discovers an art gallery with a sculpture to lift both his body and his spirits. His return home brings the realization that true friends sometimes share the same dreams and insights. Frazier's crisp graphics draw the eye to varied perspectives with bold splashes of color and sharply defined silhouettes and shadings. An "inspired" addition for all libraries.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 2–4—A Hmong boy learns about his grandfather's life in Laos and his escape to the United States as they share memories illustrated on the elderly man's story cloth. Grandfather has Alzheimer's disease and is beginning to forget common things. Chersheng's fear and exasperation are evident, as are the family's great respect and consideration for their aging relative. The English and Hmong texts face paintings that express the many moods of the characters. Endpapers and the back cover feature numerous geometric patterns that are common in Hmong handicrafts. A full spread shows the story cloth for easy reference and closer examination for details. Background information on Alzheimer's disease and the Hmong refugees and their story cloths will be appreciated by adults preparing to read the story or older children seeking information on both of these topics. A strong family story about difficult social issues relevant to today's society.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

PreS-Gr 1—These early readers vary in quality. In Leo's New Pet, a little boy's new hamster gets loose before he is given a name. A peanut trail leads him back to his cage, so Leo calls him "Peanut." An appealing story and large, attractive illustrations make this title the best of the bunch. In Crabby Gabby, a little girl has a fit every time someone in the family asks her to help out. To teach her a lesson, they get "crabby" when she asks them to play a game with her. The idea works. "Gabby's not crabby anymore," and she happily pitches in around the house. This is a worthwhile lesson, although problems are not usually resolved so easily. The illustrations add some humor, but send a mixed message. Gabby's parents have big smiles on their faces in two of the tantrum scenes, making it appear as though there is nothing objectionable about her behavior. The third title is a tale about a dog whose shaggy fur covers his eyes. It grows and grows until he is taken to a hairdresser for a "crop top." Children may like the story, but the artwork is amateurish; the characters look stiff and are awkwardly drawn.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

PreS-Gr 2—While Jack is painting at the beach, a spaceship lands nearby. A friendly alien emerges and asks the boy to clarify the vocabulary used to describe the undersea world. For example, Flash asks, "COW in the sea./COW in the field./Does a sea cow say moo/And eat grass for its meal?" Jack explains that a sea cow "chirps and…clicks/And whistles instead/And grazes on sea plants/In shallow sea beds." Flash is also curious about a slew of other words used above and below sea level, including "school," "horse," and "star." Comical collages of a cow with scuba gear, fish with clown hair, and oysters tucked into a cozy bed will make readers giggle at these seemingly familiar words. Jack further clarifies the terms with his more accurate watercolor paintings of underwater creatures, describing their habits and habitat in singsong verse. Like the exuberant alien, curious kids will get a fun and informative introduction to ocean life. This accessible tale will provide an excellent foundation for preschool ocean-themed units while generating discussion and creative wordplay in early elementary classes.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 3—While grocery shopping with her dad, a rambunctious young girl can't hold back a sneeze that sets off a chain reaction: "That sneeze was fantastic. It made my Dad jump,/And his jump gave the woman beside him a bump/And she went, 'Aaarrrggghhh!' and swung around in alarm,/And her bag hit a woman, who jogged a man's arm." The sneeze is given a spread with the offender in the left-hand corner and a large-print "Ah-Ah-Chooooooo!!!" dominating the pages and surrounded by flying broccoli, cans of pet food, fruit, and even a dog. After Dad is blamed and his daughter confesses, the formerly angry shoppers work together to restore order. The cartoon mixed-media illustrations depict a lively hubbub amid plenty of color in the spilled ketchup, jars of pickles, etc., and various styles of dress on the diverse mix of people. Funny and warmhearted, this story will be enjoyed one-on-one and handy in classrooms where fingers are pointed: "Accidents happen,/it's always a shame,/But when push comes to shove,/there's no one to blame."—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

K-Gr 1—These four forgettable picture books are set in an imaginary "friendly little place on the prairie." Any resemblance to Garrison Keillor country ends there. Unlike Lake Wobegon or numerous books with rural settings, these volumes lack genuine humor or warmth and are peopled with simple stereotypes. Erkocak's rounded illustrations portray rural yokels complete with feed caps, and every title features a similarly predictable plot. Young Fawn Braun longs for big-city lights, and a friend of hers creates a fake city. Louie the Layabout is a giant lazybones who just needs to find the right role. Farmer Cap is the village simpleton. What appears to be a Native American boy greedily swallows the sun in Henry Shortbull. With a bountiful crop of good farm books to choose from, such as Karen Wallace's Scarlette Beane (Dial, 2000) and Jerdine Nolen's Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm (HarperCollins, 1994), pass on this batch.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

PreS-K—Henkes cleverly begins his story on the front jacket. Against a backdrop of red leaves and drifting snowflakes, a large and endearing molasses-colored bear, defined by sturdy dark brown lines, strides across the page. His journey continues through the opening spreads: it is obvious that this creature knows exactly where he is heading. By the time the story actually begins, Old Bear has found his den and lies sound asleep, oblivious to the swirl of winter around him. Dreams comfort him: once more a cub and surrounded by the colors of spring, he naps in a giant pink crocus. His dreams turn to summer where a daisy sun shines in the sky, leaves appear as butterflies, and clouds rain tasty blueberries. Old Bear dreams on through the seasons. Then, one day he awakens, stretches, and heads out into the real world where he is met with flowering trees, butterflies and tulips, and a glistening lake. Now, Old Bear is part of the wonder. As he did in Kitten's First Full Moon, Henkes has created a thoroughly delightful character filled with curiosity and sweetness and placed him in a simple tale that unfolds with a natural, rhythmical pace. And to fill out his cyclical story, the artist provides autumnal front endpapers and contrasting vernal back endpapers. Opportunities to introduce the seasons, colors, and animal hibernation abound. Old Bear will enrapture young listeners for years to come.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

Gr 1–4—As this heartwarming picture book opens, Ma's headed out to work the night shift and narrator Jack notes, "lately it seems like she's got nothin' left over, not even for us kids." His older sister, Maybelle, has watched the harvest in their neighbor Mr. Kenney's fields, and, that night, she leads Jack and their younger brother, Eddie, to glean the potatoes left behind. The siblings bundle up in layers of clothing, tuck Eddie into their red wagon, and head out into the cold autumn night. Spurred on by thoughts of a tater feast, they toil in the moonlight and trudge home only to find that they've harvested mostly stones. An angry Ma forces them to confess to Mr. Kenney the next day, but he laughs aside their apology, noting that they've done him a favor by removing the stones from his fields. The children go home and tell Ma, she cooks a fry-up with a sweet smile, and Jack realizes that her love is big enough to "turn even three little spuds like us into something mighty fine." This beautifully crafted picture book features panoramic landscapes and intimate pictures. Watson's pencil, ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations, warmly rendered in earth tones, capture the small figures trudging along under a huge full moon, and detail the care the older children lavish on their younger brother. This sweetly understated affirmation of hard work and honesty, neighborliness and family love, will resonate with a wide audience.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

K-Gr 3—It's 1910, and Ben and his parents have just moved from their ranch in the West to New York City, "where they'd heard the work and the pay were the best." The lonely child, who still dreams of becoming a cowboy, misses his home and feels like an outsider in his crowded Hell's Kitchen neighborhood where the kids bully and tease him. Then he hears about the Tenth Avenue Cowboys, whose job is to gallop their horses alongside train tracks embedded in the cobblestone streets to warn people of an approaching locomotive. Striking up a friendship with these men and their horses, Ben finally begins to feel as though the city is truly his home. The lively narrative and realistic single- and double-page paintings provide a glimpse into life in early-20th-century New York City and highlight an interesting part of its past. This book could be used to expand studies of American history, cowboys, and cross-country migration. Ben's story will also speak to youngsters who have experienced change or felt like outsiders.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3—When Sara Ann brings home three little kittens, her enthusiastic dog, Katie, is beside herself with joy. Unfortunately, the tail-wagging pooch shows her affection through leaps, bounds, and howls that scare the newcomers and earn her repeated reprimands from the child. The next day, things go from bad to worse as Katie eats the food intended for kittens. Overcome with sadness, she slinks off to her bed, falls asleep, and wakes up to find the felines curled up on top of her. Luckily, she has learned her lesson, and despite her frantically quivering body and wagging tale, she stays still and the kittens are not afraid. Himmelman's charming watercolor-and-ink illustrations depict a character sure to earn the affection of young readers. Katie's expressive movements make both her excitement and her dismay palpable and adorable. Youngsters will root for the pup as she tries to figure out how to make this new friendship work. Pair this with other stories of unlikely dog-cat friendships such as Lyn Rossiter McFarland's Widget (Farrar, 2001) or Marie Hall Ets's classic Play with Me (Puffin, 1976).—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—Nanuk, a baby polar bear, wishes he could fly like the seagulls soaring through the sky. Instead, he must walk beside his mother, searching for food. It's so scarce that they are forced to go to the human settlement. When they get into a grocery store, he can see that they've hit pay dirt. The next thing the cub knows, he is inside a cage, his mother sleeping beside him. Another bear in an adjoining cage tells Nanuk not to worry, that they were tranquilized and sent to Polar Bear Jail to wait for the sea to freeze over, and that soon they will be flown home. Nanuk is buckled into the backseat of the plane; finally, he is flying. Two pages at the end explain the plight of the polar bear in the Hudson Bay area. The gouache paintings convey the coldness and open expanse of the Canadian north. However, Nanuk and his mother are depicted as cute and cuddly cartoon characters, and the anthropomorphism weakens the message of the story. Children will be better served by nonfiction titles about polar bears.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 3—Hopkinson has created a lively, participatory tale that will surely stand out among the many titles published to honor the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. With a conspiratorial wink at the audience, an omniscient narrator invites readers to watch seven-year-old Abe and his real-life friend Austin Gollaher succumb to the "dare you" lure of a roaring creek and a perilous crossing on a fallen log (an author's note details the genesis of the story). Imagine where we as a nation might be if unsung-hero Austin hadn't been there to rescue impetuous Abraham from his tumble into those tumultuous waters. In dialogic asides and exclamations, the author addresses the illustrator and brings him (or, rather, his pencil-wielding hand) onstage to collaborate and correct, and also speaks to readers, inviting involvement and evoking response. Hendrix's illustrations have a naive and rustic flavor that's in perfect harmony with the gravelly, homespun narrator's voice (keen-eyed readers will find a rendering of the storyteller in the endpaper art). Energetic spreads give a big, broad, horizontal view of the green Kentucky valley setting with its rambling curves, rolling mountains, and rushing waters, and a very effective impression of how long that creek-crossing must have seemed…maybe. "For that's the thing about history," Hopkinson says, "if you weren't there, you can't know for sure." What you can know for sure is that this is a book you should add to your shelves.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

K-Gr 2—"The quiet. It is almost like music." With the delicacy of snow falling silently on treetops and musical notes passing across the page, close friends Houndsley (a wise dog who happens to play the cello) and Catina (a childlike perfectionist cat who plays the clarinet) find their performance plans interrupted by a snowstorm. While Catina always worries about that which cannot be done, and Houndsley always finds a positive solution to every situation, the realities of a winter storm lead the friends to use their imaginations and create an "island" in Houndsley's house, enjoying a day of reading and writing poetry, games, and shared dreams. Soft watercolors and a pastel palette reveal the cozy clutter of Houndsley's home, and white snow-washed scenes of snowmen add gentle, whimsical humor to a day of restricted activities inspired by the weather. This small book provides a seamless visualization of the perfect conclusion to a snowy day.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS-Gr 1—A picture book with a rhyming text, bright colors, and plenty of action. It presents officers of both genders and various ethnicities on the job—as head of a team or crew, a detective, or a patrolman preventing crime. It also introduces canine assistants, patrolmen on horseback, and officers assisting with traffic control. The cartoon art was digitally rendered. This brief, introductory look at law enforcement makes a fine companion to the author and illustrator's Firefighters: Speeding! Spraying! Saving! (Marshall Cavendish, 2007).—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Pre-S—Gr 2-Following the recipe for their well-received Class Two at the Zoo (Carolrhoda, 2007), Jarman and Chapman cook up another field-trip fiasco, this one full of high jinks on the high seas. As soon as Class Three boards its boat, a pirate ship appears on the horizon, but the students are too busy untangling an octopus "tied up in knots" to notice. Before long, goggle-eyed pirates with appropriately icky names like Fish Breath Frank and Booger Nose overtake and board the ship, wreaking havoc as they manhandle children, force Lenny to walk the plank, and threaten death to all if Captain Keith doesn't take them straight to Treasure Island. Meanwhile, their teacher is busy receiving amorous overtures from one of the buccaneers. By story's end, Octopus has repaid the children's kindness by recruiting his big brother to help him vanquish the bad guys, the teacher is engaged to Pirate Pip, and Class Three is happily unearthing some buried treasure. The bright, Caribbean-colored pastel cartoons are a standout, redeeming a somewhat choppy and nonsensical rhyming text. Intrepid youngsters will thrill to the pirates' slapstick antics and will appreciate the amusing visual details, such as a seagull "plop, plop, plopping" on a sea lion's head. Use this for a swashbuckling storytime.—Amy Rowland, Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

K-Gr 3—A shy girl confronts her fear of the many individuals who make her uncomfortable; for example: the school lunch woman who demands that each child take just one milk, the punked-out skateboarder with a loud boom box, and the school principal whose imposing figure looms large in the hallway. On one page, the child is depicted in a situation with the person who makes her apprehensive (such as the school nurse who is "a little bit scary"); but the flip of a page shows the youngster using her imagination, recasting the individual in a homey or less-threatening environment. She begins using the expression, "But I bet…" to imagine the nurse making music with his children, the principal dancing with her boyfriend, and the skateboarder who "kisses his cat on the head and scratches her neck until she purrs…." This could be a terrific book to begin a discussion about identity and forming opinions about others. It also offers students a way to feel empowered as they meet the demands of widening their world. Although most of the cartoonlike illustrations are lovely, one is an unfortunate disappointment: it depicts a black male with exaggerated facial features. Since proper racial representation is critical for children, the picture sadly mars this offering.—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

PreS—Playful babies "spin," "bounce," and "hop" across the pages of this winsome counting book. The jaunty rhyme adds to the fun and anticipation: "5 jiggly babies wriggle their toes. Along comes another…." On the following page a sidebar reveals that the new friend "…wiggles her nose!" This youngster then joins in as "6 hungry babies sip and chew." Katz's gouache, colored-pencil, and collage illustrations feature her signature roundheaded characters. The backgrounds artfully combine complementary colors and patterns. After the multicultural chums splash in the tub and put on their pj's, they fall asleep in 10 cozy beds. A good choice for storytimes.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 2—A capricious bear named Mae befriends a sensible rabbit named Wally, and this unlikely pair shares an idyllic cottage in the woods. Wally doesn't like what he considers to be Mae's poor habits: sleeping late, eating his homemade carrot cake, and, worst of all, not washing the windows. He has had enough when Mae throws a party. To Wally's surprise, he enjoys the festivities and cannot stay mad at Mae. He decides he likes to have fun, but only once in a while, and after chores have been completed. At the same time, Mae discovers how rewarding it can be to help a friend, even if it involves cleaning. Wally's pages always include timing devices like clocks and stopwatches. His slippers also match his bedsheet, showing how meticulous he is. Mae is sometimes shown with a flower. Both of the animals are depicted with tenderness. The colors are bright and many of the scenes show one or both of the characters in full action.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

Gr 2–4—The new crescent appears, marking the first day of the month of Ramadan. Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, is confused because "it's only the seventeenth." Her mother explains that the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. At sunset, the family enjoys a special dinner. The following week, her family prepares food to be distributed at a mosque. One night, Yasmeen sees that the moon is full, and realizes that the observance is half over. Other events include a family barbecue and a celebration of the "Night of the Moon" at the community center, where stalls sell clothes, jewelry, toys, snacks, and gifts. Then Ramadan is over, and the next day is Eid. Yasmeen awakes to her brother's greeting of "Eid mubarak," and the children receive gifts of money. Paschkis's beautiful paintings incorporate Islamic tile art, adding to an authentic sense of the culture. Suitable both for independent reading and reading aloud, this book also serves as an excellent resource for teachers and librarians.—Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 1—Little Britches heads out to the rodeo where she hopes to do well in calf roping. Along the way, however, she meets seven rattlesnakes, each of whom she appeases by handing over a piece of her fancy cowgirl attire. A twist of fate returns the duds and she wins at the rodeo. Set in the Texas desert, the illustrations are rendered in muted browns, golds, reds, and blues. Little Britches looks like a spunky preschooler with determination written all over her postures and face. The colorful snakes look wily and ridiculous when dressed in her duds. A fun read-aloud.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

Gr 2–4—A rollicking, laugh-out-loud look at fourth grade through the eyes of two lifelong pals. The boys figure that this year, since they are the oldest kids at East Millcreek Elementary, they'll rule the school, but nothing seems to work out as planned. First, Raymond ends up having the creepiest teacher ever, then Graham accidentally shaves off his own eyebrow. After auditions for the school play, Raymond, who covets the role of Scrooge, gets a small part with a silly line about plum pudding. Faced with more ups and downs—and one hilarious situation after another—the boys begin to wonder if fourth grade will turn out to be a total disaster. Narrated by Raymond, this story is filled with nonstop action and kid-friendly humor. Done in an exaggerated cartoon style, Curtis's occasional black-and-white illustrations perfectly suit the tone of the text. Fans of Dav Pilkey's "Captain Underpants" series (Scholastic) or Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Abrams, 2007) are in for big fun involving prunes, false teeth, misplaced first kisses, and two true-blue friends.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

PreS-K—Biggie Bear's soccer-playing friends appear at his doorstep with a size XXL shirt, begging him to join them, since Brown Dog has fleas and can't play. Biggie is a jazz fan who collects stamps, but his lack of experience on the field takes a backseat to the fact that he looks good in the team color. Despite his athletic shortcomings, the score is tied until the bear bends over to grasp a rare stamp on the ground and heads the ball into the net for the winning goal. Biggie returns to the field after that, but always as an enthusiastic fan. Kolar's soccer story is just rollicking enough for listeners, despite the stereotypical minor characters—Smelly Smell Skunk, Scared Rabbit, Twirly Squirrel, etc. The large format facilitates sharing the book with groups. Digital cartoons of rounded figures with exaggerated features are brightly hued and presented in detailed scenes that are balanced with less complex spreads. This simple tale that encourages trying things out of one's comfort zone will capture prospective players too young or wiggly for longer reads like Jonathan London's Froggy Plays Soccer (Viking, 1999).—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 3—Four bored children visit a man selling watermelon slices from his truck, dig into them, and soon begin slurping and spitting, leading the way for the rest of the town to follow suit. When the mayor appears and it seems the game is off, she surprises everyone and ups the ante—by throwing pies! The rhyming verse is easy to read aloud, and Manders's cartoon depictions of the townspeople provide just the right sense of fun. Though this silly story depends a little too heavily on one repetitive action to move the plot along, it can be used to supplement summer-story collections. Pair it with Kathi Appelt's Watermelon Day (Holt, 1996) and Lisa Moser's Watermelon Wishes (Clarion, 2006) for a juicy hot-weather treat.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 2—Four pirates make teddy bears walk the plank, plunder children's birthday parties, and steal the governor's toy boats. The last act causes a judge to withhold freedom unless they do one good deed by sundown. Their interpretations (tidying up the bank by sweeping money into their sacks, taking babies' candy so their teeth won't rot) lead to escalating trouble, until they accidentally commit a good deed. The quartet receive heroes' farewells as they depart into the sunset on their pink ship. Avril's bright cartoons of stock characters add to the humor. A silly and upbeat tale starring ever-popular pirates.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 1—Spark is a dragon who's afraid of fire. To help overcome his fear of blowing flames, he decides to become a volunteer fireman. The other firefighters put him through a rigorous training, including push-ups, sit-ups, a lot of reading about fire injuries, school demonstrations, and learning how to use the equipment. Then he is ready to go on real jobs. Gradually he becomes brave, and then a hero when he uses his special dragon attributes to lead animals out of a burning barn. Now over his fear, Spark leaves the fire department and begins to explore traditional dragon duties like protecting treasure, returning to his old job every once in a while to teach recruits. Simply told with bright cartoon pictures and a dragon to hold interest, the slight story teaches fire safety in an appealing way. It also contains a subtle lesson on facing and overcoming one's fears.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS-Gr 1—Yoon approaches the first day of kindergarten with trepidation. Her fears are realized when her short hair and trousers cause the other kids to mistake her for a boy. The next day, she declares her gender identity by wearing a girlie headband with long, fake curls attached. She soon comes to realize, however, that the boys and girls accept her for who she is, not how she looks. The spare text has the slightly off-kilter feel of a work in translation. The foreign flavor is further established through the delicately detailed color illustrations, with their all-Asian cast, Korean signage, and practices like wearing slippers instead of shoes in the classroom. However, the story of initial insecurity at school followed by the joy of acceptance is universal. While Yoon finds being mistaken for a boy upsetting, it should be noted that the boys and girls in her class participate equally in jumping rope, dancing, and playground fun. The story places no value judgment on gender, merely using it as a device through which Yoon learns to accept herself more fully. A pleasant story that might also trigger some interesting classroom discussions about gender, appearance, and friendship.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 2—Rufus, a spunky fox in suspenders, rudely startles his friend Babette, a lamb, by roaring "like…a lion." She gets "mad…as a hornet" and chases him, and he eventually leads her to her surprise birthday party. Leedy relates this narrative entirely through similes. Her illustrations emphasize the comparisons as each protagonist is amusingly transformed from one object into another. Children may participate by guessing the upcoming change at each page turn. Apart from the main narrative, animal spectators offer up alternative descriptions of events as they unfold. Leedy includes an explanation of this figure of speech and an invitation for readers to create their own similes. Her vivid illustrations, filled with movement and wide-eyed creatures, will entertain readers. A pleasing addition to any collection.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 1—The first half of this rhyming picture book follows a group of gnarly monsters as they hop on various construction machines, working to build a "frightfully fine" haunted house. Break time reveals these rough-and-ready beasts are children when monster mom brings lunch, reads a story, and puts them down for a nap, complete with "blankies." Awake once more, the builders install a lawn, sidewalks, and a road in time for a monster family to move in. The India-ink drawings colored digitally in neon-bright hues exude a jazzy, busy look that brings to life the chaos that results when monsters and machines meet. Each pop-eyed character (three boys and one girl) is a different color and has a unique look—hair, horns, ears, and eyes—for readers to delight in. The endpapers sport almost two dozen monstrous machines to drool over.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—In Marveltown, the style and aesthetics of the 1950s meet awe-inspiring inventions for a retro look at the future. In this city created by inventors, "man-made wonders" are everywhere: a giant disk of farmland can be flipped over in December to reveal a playground and rotated again come spring, there's a mechanical-animal zoo, and citizens can go rocket-jumping by moonlight. Every Saturday, kids are allowed inside the Invent-o-Drome, and they've already created a Rocket Chair; a radio-controlled Ripple Rug for tripping bullies; Hypno-Goggles, a clean-bedroom hologram for fooling parents, and more. Meanwhile, the adults have been busy building electrohydraulic robots to construct a Skyway held up by invisible ion rays. When an errant mouse chomps an important wire at Robot Central Command, the machines run amok and begin to demolish the town. As the adults flee for their lives in a scene reminiscent of a Godzilla movie, the Marveltown kids fight back using their inventions to destroy the marauding robots. The boldly colored, nostalgic-looking illustrations depict the action with detail, vitality, and humor and will easily grab readers' attention. The creative fun of a world filled with cool inventions shines through and will get kids thinking of their own innovations.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2—Baron von Baddie is an evil genius who creates rampaging robots and chaos wherever he goes. Luckily, Captain Kapow arrives regularly on the scene to apprehend his nemesis, jail him, and wait for the Baron's inevitable escape so the two can repeat the process again. One day the Baron accidentally succeeds in freezing the Captain solid and begins a life of uninterrupted crime—building new robots, changing the days of the week around, and eating a mountain of doughnuts. It only takes a couple of weeks, though, before the mad scientist realizes that his life has turned boring and he misses the Captain. After he creates a heat ray to unfreeze the superhero, the duo happily goes back to their good guy/bad guy routines. The mixed-media collages have a goofy retro-cartoonish panache that pairs well with the tongue-in-cheek text. The pages abound with heroic action, and the artist ably depicts the square-jawed, muscled Captain and diminutive gloved and lab-coated Baron. An insouciant romp with broad appeal.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 3—Employing the trademark goofy humor and kid-friendly illustrations that make his books popular with young audiences, McNaughton revisits outer space. Dad, a children's book author and illustrator (whose characters look an awful lot like those from McNaughton's oeuvre), receives a copy of his newest title in the mail from the publisher. He immediately hands it over to his family for review, nervously leaving to walk the dog rather than watch their response. Readers then open to a copy of his book, a paperback volume literally pasted onto a page of the framing story. This book-within-a-book tells a silly rhyming space adventure of a man (who looks a lot like Dad) and his dog (who strongly resembles the family pet) as they encounter and interact with extraterrestrial beings. Not only do they find adventure among the aliens, but they also find love. The family's response to this publication includes a comic twist that will be appreciated by children. Shared in a group setting or one-on-one, this engaging selection is certain to be enjoyed for the colorful cartoon illustrations and the imaginative story.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN

PreS-Gr 2—When Pack rat comes home with a cart full of stuff—a locket, a book, an umbrella, a pinecone, and many more random items—his mother admonishes him to sort it all out and put it away. Packy does just that, cleverly sorting things with like characteristics such as where they're found, their color, shape, etc. Children who like to collect may be inspired to bring some order to their own assortments. The illustrations are brightly colored, large, and very clear. Careful readers will notice a subplot in the pictures and find satisfaction in seeing its resolution on the final page. In addition, the rhyming text prompts them to guess the word that defines each collection. Back matter has activities to extend the experience. Most collections would benefit from this simple entry into the world of mathematics.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—A dawdling kitten and her patient mother take part in a daily ritual that will be familiar to parents and children: "Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, are you waking up?/Not yet Mother, I'm a sleepy buttercup." The two continue their back-and-forth exchange as Kitty Cat dilly-dallies and Mother urges her through each step of the morning routine and gets her off to school. Martin uses the repetitive formula that worked so well in Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do you See? (1983) and, more recently, Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? (2007, both Holt), but this time the cumulative questions actually advance a narrative. Kitty Cat is the star of her own show, romping across the pages, knowing that she will eventually get to where she needs to be. There is never a sense of urgency on Mother's part, either, which makes the final line "Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, now we have to go!/Okay, Mother, I'm sorry I'm so slow" seem like an unexpected chastisement. The accompanying picture of mother and daughter sharing a warm hug helps to defuse the negativity. Bryant's illustrations, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, are playful, light, and absolutely adorable. This book is perfect for sharing one-on-one, preferably while snuggling.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

K-Gr 1—Matthew's parents are taking him camping for the first time. It will also be a new experience for his stuffed bunny, Tall Rabbit, who has lots of concerns. Mom and Dad patiently answer all of his questions, voiced by Matthew, as they pack the car, drive to the lake, and set up their tent. Although the adventure of sleeping in the woods can be scary, watching the fireflies glimmer like little night-lights and snuggling in the tent with Tall Rabbit and the family dog put Matthew at ease. The subtle expressions on Tall Rabbit's face mirror Matthew's feelings. The text is rather earnest and the dog's antics supply the only humor in the story. An additional purchase for first-time campers who may have similar worries.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Using the ever-popular action rhyme "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" as a model, Miller teaches young listeners how to be thoughtful library users. Arriving quietly, using shelf markers, page-turning and book handling, using the five-finger rule, and remembering to return the borrowed book are all clearly explained through the rhyming story of a class of bear cubs becoming library users for the first time. Children will quickly pick up the story motions and learn the catchy refrain: "We're going on a book hunt./We're going to a find a good one./We know how./Not too easy,/Not too hard,/But just right." Westcott's illustrations are chock-full of humorous detail that children will enjoy poring over. The library's woodland setting abounds with a variety of animal characters, each of whom finds an appropriate book for its size and species. "Just right" sums ups this addition to library-etiquette titles perfectly.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 1–3—Señor Calavera, a dapper skeleton wearing a fedora and striped tie, receives an invitation to Grandma Beetle's birthday party. Zelmiro the Ghost reminds him that he needs to take a present and suggests that "the best present to give a friend is the thing she would love the most." The silent Señor Calavera collects gifts alphabetically, including an accordion (una acordeón) to make music for her, a jaguar to protect her (un jaguar), and 15 more years to add to her life (quince años). As these thoughtful gifts fill his bicycle basket to overflowing, the shimmering ghost encourages him to keep looking. When the skeleton loses control of his bike on the very hill where Zelmiro was buried, all the beautiful gifts are ruined. Grandma Beetle is blowing out her candles when the Señor finally arrives with the perfect tribute—Grandpa Zelmiro, who is a ghost no longer. Luminous, jewel-tone spreads chronicle the collection of gifts and pay homage to a rich Mexican culture. A comic book (una historieta) cleverly recalls Señor Calavera's first meeting with Grandma Beetle in Just a Minute (Chronicle, 2003). The floating, semitransparent form of Zelmiro the Ghost becomes the solidly human form of Grandpa Zelmiro, who lovingly embraces his wife. Part ghost story and part alphabet book, this trickster tale transcends both. Librarians will want to share it for the beautiful language, the spirited artwork, and the rightness of the ending.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 3—Lin, a young Chinese girl, receives a baby dragon for a gift. The two of them play together until they accidentally break a vase. Lin's father is so angry that he insists the little creature be caged. The dragon escapes, and Lin goes to look for it. With the help of an old woman, a witch, she finds it living with the other dragons in the clouds, and grown up. The dragon returns Lin to her home, and her father agrees that they can visit often. Though the story is thin, the book is clever. Its purpose is to introduce the Chinese language, and it succeeds admirably. Each page contains one or more Chinese characters, which appear not only at the bottom with the English translation, but also superimposed on the drawings. In this way, Niemann emphasizes the connection between the lines of the character and the object it represents. The stylized illustrations are jaunty and appealing, and the use of red, a color representing good fortune in China, visually unifies the tale from beginning to end. Playful and humorous in his approach, Niemann includes some of the icons of Chinese culture, past and present-dragons, the Great Wall, Ping-Pong, and the ever-present giant cranes that are building modern China. Now that Mandarin is becoming a popular language choice in forward-looking communities, this title is sure to please.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

PreS-Gr 1—A dream fantasy in which a boy and a girl plant a "hat seed." Overnight, the seed bears magical fruit: a large white bear with a blue hat. From this hat, the bear proceeds to extract monkeys and porpoises as well as sea and firmament into which he carries the drowsing children. Finally cuddling them and tucking them in once again, the dream bear and monkeys drift back into the night. The slight, wordless story is a showcase for Nyeu's art. Executed in silkscreen with water-based ink, the bold palette of warm golden oranges and cool blues, assertive line, and handsome design are strikingly confident. There are a few visual holes in the story, but on the whole, this debut is worth a second look, even if it is not an essential purchase.—Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

K-Gr 3—This title addresses apiphobia—the fear of bees—and is about as subtle as a bee sting. Without much introduction, a boy and a bee alternately discuss, in verse, whether children should be frightened by bees, or whether perhaps it's the bees that should be afraid of humans. Facts about the insects—pollen, life in the hive, etc.—are juxtaposed with the boy's mother's suggestions on how to avoid the creatures. In the end, the bee shows the child how wonderful it is to become friends and understand one another instead of being afraid: "Remember the lesson…. Life starts where fear ends." The illustrations make this book. An artist's note explains that rough-textured watercolor paper is painted and then each object cut out and arranged at different heights and angles to create shadows, and then photographed. The results are extraordinary. Too bad the text doesn't come close. The inside covers contain a collection of bee riddles and humorously named bees, which is probably the best textual element. It would be nice to recommend this title to bee phobics but it's just a little too treacly to succeed.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

PreS-Gr 2—Molly's dad lives "a whole plane ride away." Lacking knowledge about his interests and livelihood, she invents grand tales when other fathers visit her school to share their talents. When her mother goes on a trip, he arrives to care for her. His boisterous personality, spicy cooking, and silly nicknames overwhelm her at first, and her anxiety about getting to school on time and in one piece (on his bicycle) is palpable. The tension is alleviated by the enthusiastic approval of her classmates as they respond to his songs and stories. Her supportive teacher points out that father and daughter are "two peas in a pod." Ormerod's text displays her characteristic sensitivity to the emotional mood swings of youngsters, and Thompson's dynamic mixed-media compositions underscore the affective elements. Endpapers portray Molly using face paints, a mirror, and a photograph of her parent to understand how they are alike; thick black eyebrows and a mustache are part of the fun. Colors are introduced and linked to the characters as well. The intense Molly is clad in bright red, while her nurturing daddy wears an oversize yellow-green shirt that remains with Molly after he leaves. Loose, breezy lines and the frequent use of smudges (charcoal?) on animate and inanimate objects create the perfect degree of visual untidiness to match the protagonists' lively lives. The story is warm and tender, and oh so satisfying as the two adapt and snuggle and love one another.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

K-Gr 2—This fourth title in the series that began with The Kissing Hand (Tanglewood, 2007) drips with the same cloying sentimentality that characterized the others. Chester Raccoon, his younger brother, and a friend tell Mrs. Raccoon that they want to stay home from school because they are being bullied. When they describe the various nasty things the badger does, Mother Raccoon walks them to school, then leaves them there to face another day of torment. When they return and recite another litany of abuse—"Even Owl Teacher couldn't get him to behave"—she calls all the animals together and shares a didactic tale about a forest where the creatures treasure smooth yellow stones, but then one day happen upon a unique blue one that is sharp and pointy. Working together, they chip away at the sharp points until the blue stone is just like the yellow ones. The next day, the animals go outside for recess together, confront the bully, and then ask him to play. He "squeals in delight" at the offer. Simplistic solutions of this nature do little to assist youngsters who must deal with genuine bullies whose pattern of behavior is rarely altered by the offer of a game of catch. Gibson's illustrations, although occasionally leaning toward the precious, are bright and attractive, and the faces of the animals are quite expressive. The story will have an audience where the other books are popular, but better choices to discuss bullying abound, including Alexis O'Neill's The Recess Queen (Scholastic, 2002) and Trudy Ludwig's My Secret Bully (Tricycle, 2005).—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 3—A mouse, bluebird, squirrel, fox, and deer are all enjoying blackberries until Bear stops by for his share of the fruit. All scatter in fear, except the bluebird, who swoops in and takes the last berry right off the bear's paw. The rhyming text and repetition make this an enjoyable read-aloud: "Squirrel skips into the brambles thick./That snacking squirrel gives a great big lick./Slurp! Mmm-mm!/Tweet! Mmm-mm!/Squeak! Mmm-mm!" The illustrations give the fairly realistic animals great facial expressions that work perfectly with the text. The surprise they show when the bear arrives is a comic delight. An especially nice touch is the berry stains on all the faces—except poor Bear's. The last four pages, "For Creative Minds," offer information on blackberries, the food chain, native and nonnative plants, how plants and animals help each other, and a smoothie recipe. This section is for a variety of ages and can easily be modified to fit a specific grade level.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

K-Gr 2—Poydar once again tells a school story with a recognizable predicament. Delighted with her jazzy new pack on wheels and thrilled that she can finally put it to good use, Violet accepts her first homework assignment as though it were an offering from on high. But after insisting that her entire household accommodate her need for quiet, she is horrified to discover that the homework sheet is not in any of the compartments of her zippy pack. She proceeds to tell her mother that her work has been completed, but this lie escalates into others the following day. The girl's teacher gently extricates her from the unmanageable situation and turns it into a teachable moment about the value of telling the truth. Poydar's charming illustrations are bright and upbeat, and the repetition of certain sounds—"zip," "snap," "stick," "click"—will make this a catchy read-aloud. For discussions about honesty, combine this story with Patricia C. McKissack's The Honest-to-Goodness Truth (S & S, 2000).—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 2–4—Snack-glutton slackers Fred and Anthony, two pals with a penchant for stumbling into the Netherworld, are back. Despite their plan to spend the summer watching horror movies and gorging on Chex Mix and Pez, they are sent to Camp Plenty Wampum, a bedbug-infested sham of a camp run by two thuggish con artists and haunted by a mummy and a sheet-shorting ghost. While canoeing on the lake, the boys find themselves once again falling into the Netherworld, where they encounter the aptly named Heinie Goblins (yes, they are drawn with bare bottoms) who seem sweet but soon cause big problems. A madcap melee ensues, with more creatures joining the fray. Characters are drawn with a sharp, manic line that complements the slapstick tone. This is a graphic novel/chapter book hybrid where cartoon art and speech bubbles outweigh the text and easy laughs pepper the plot. Fred and Anthony are far from being the heirs apparent to Captain Underpants, but they'll do in a pinch for a read-alike suggestion.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2–4—In this story set in Trinidad, Ricki accidentally snaps a rosebud off his grandfather's bush and is afraid to tell the truth. Grandpa assumes that their new neighbors from India stole it. He shows Ricki a photograph of Ricki's great-grandparents who emigrated from India more than a century earlier and explains how "them people who only now come from India" are not "real Indian." When Ricki comments that the newcomers don't have it any easier, Grandpa changes the subject. In the spirit of Divali, Grandpa presents a rose to the woman but tells her to keep her children away from his flowers. When she denies any involvement, Ricki finally confesses. In the satisfying resolution, the neighbors send sweets decorated with rose petals, Grandpa calls them "good neighbors," and Ricki's worries dissipate. This appealing, multilayered story will provoke discussion about resentments between different generations of immigrants. Readers will relate to Ricki's inner conflict as he procrastinates over telling the truth. Akib's impressionistic pastel paintings portray the tropical setting and Ricki's feelings of guilt. Several outdoor scenes are depicted from an upward angle, effectively expressing a child's perspective. An author's note explains the Divali festival, gives a short history of Trinidadian Indians, and notes that Trinidadians have their own dialect, which is authentically captured in the dialogue. Pair this title with Armin Greder's The Island (Allen & Unwin, 2007) for a lesson on xenophobia and prejudice.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School Library, New Delhi, India

Gr-2–4—This ambitious picture book tells the story of a cat living in Kyoto with her master. Curious to discover her name's meaning, Wabi Sabi travels across Japan, seeking advice and explanation from a variety of sources. In an introductory note, readers learn that the name comes from a concept centered on finding beauty through simplicity. As the feline discovers that she is ordinary yet wonderful, she comes to understand the meaning of her name. It is a complex idea, and the cat's journey is an effective way of presenting it to elementary school readers. The book reads from top to bottom, like a scroll, and contains a haiku and line of Japanese verse on each spread. Young's beautiful collages have an almost 3-D effect and perfectly complement the spiritual, lyrical text. While the story of Wabi Sabi's journey will hold some appeal for younger children, this is a book to be savored and contemplated and will be most appreciated by children old enough to grasp its subtle meaning. Translations are provided for the Japanese text as well as notes on haiku and the history of wabi sabi to place the whole lovely package in context.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—This new take on the Indian fable about the blind man and the elephant features an unlikely but appealing combination of animals. Turtle, Bat, Octopus, Bird, and Goat, asleep in their hammock, are disturbed one night by a noise. Each in turn investigates: Turtle finds a foot like his, except "super big," Bat thinks she finds a "superduper wing," Octopus discovers a tentacle similar to his, but longer, and so on. Finally they realize that it is only Elephant. With simple wording, Rinck injects personality into each animal and van der Linden's images interact well with the text. His stark black backgrounds spotlight expressively imagined animals that appear in psychedelic colors and patterns reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. The large art makes the book an ideal read-aloud; after several re-readings, children are sure to join in on the "superduper" responses of the characters. A silly but clever twist at the story's close provides a "what happens next?" discussion opportunity.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS-Gr 2—King Grumpy, a stately bulldog, never smiles. Neither do his wife or his sons—Princes Grumpy the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth. Hence, all of the residents of Grumpy Land (which looks suspiciously like a topsy-turvy version of Victorian London) have forgotten how to smile. The gloomy land is depicted in somber tones of eggplant and mustard, and long indigo shadows. Upon the birth of Prince Grumpy the Sixth, then, the townspeople are dismayed to see a strange expression on his face. Doctors examine him to no avail, and the terrible news spreads throughout the land. Then it gets worse: the strange expression appears on the king's face, and then on the queen's and the princes'. Before long, everyone is wearing it, and they must admit that it looks "well, rather nice!" The color palette brightens to include lighter grays, reds, and jaunty greens. Prince Grumpy the Sixth is soon known as Prince Smiley. The story ends with a twist, as he marries and has a son, who is born with a grumpy face. Luckily, that terrible expression turns out to be caused by gas. Rowe's signature illustrations are packed with fantastically dignified animals straight out of Lewis Carroll. They have the static quality of formal portraiture, combined with the sophistication of New Yorker cartoons. The wryly decorous tone of the narrative draws readers into this silly story, and combines with the irresistible illustrations to weave a perfectly ridiculous tale.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

K-Gr 3—Rylant retells the familiar Grimm tale with an emphasis on the courage and character of its young protagonists. She opens by noting that while guardian spirits may protect small children, "Hansel and Gretel" is the story "of children who find the courage to protect themselves." She focuses on the family dynamics: the weakness of their father, the cruel machinations of the bitter stepmother, and the effect on the children. The language is forceful and direct throughout: the siblings learn that wickedness takes many forms, and that a smile often masks evil intentions. After escaping the witch, the children are helped on their way home by a large swan, and Rylant surmises that perhaps guardian spirits finally intervene "when small children have already been so brave." Complementing this retelling, Corace's pen-and-ink artwork features neutral hues and sober-faced children. The book has an old-fashioned, handcrafted look with illustrations and text carefully placed on each page. There are many fine versions of this tale, including Rika Lesser and Paul O. Zelinsky's version (Dutton, 1999), but libraries will want to add this distinctive retelling for Rylant's strong-minded voice and Corace's attractive art.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2—A boy who is terrified of monsters has the situation exacerbated by his older siblings: "My brothers knew my weakness well./Every time they got the chance,/They'd think of ways to make me scream,/and laugh when I would wet my pants." When the three go trick-or-treating, the older kids leave the boy behind in the woods when he stops to tie his shoe. He finds himself on Monster Street, meets some monster children, and joins them at a monster party, where the scary costumes are human masks. He wins first prize and the friendship of the monsters, who return with him to terrorize his brothers: "They snatched away my goody bag and plunged their hands inside/But when they saw what I'd brought back/they screamed and wet their pants and cried." The message here would not seem to be about conquering fears, as touted on the book jacket, but rather if you are being bullied, get some bigger bullies to take revenge for you. The rhyme flows well for the most part, but at other times is awkward and leaden. Faulkner's watercolors feature a gruesome cast of cartoonish ghouls and are entertaining, but even collections in need of more Halloween fare can consider this title an additional choice.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 2—Adapting and combining "Hickory, Dickory, Dock," "Eeny Meeny Miney Mo," and "I Love Little Pussy," Schoenherr crafts a wild romp featuring a paper-parasol-equipped mouse leading a cat on a merry chase. On sprawling spreads, the two main characters loom large against a minimalist white background. The insouciant rodent uses its parasol as a tease, a weapon, and a parachute until the cat manages to snag it for its own toy. The mouse then employs a ball of yarn to distract and ultimately lasso the cat's paw to retrieve the prize, and the two friends cavort and nuzzle in the conclusion. The dynamic and realistic ink and acrylic illustrations feature a stop-action energy and changing perspectives that make the characters appear to actually move across the pages. This bright, funny book conveys the joy of play and a welcome friendship between two traditional antagonists.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—This is the fourth in a series of titles about a lively, curious dog and his human family. In this wordless book, Jack watches as the little girl sets up a tea party for her dolls. When the pup realizes that she is serving popcorn, he becomes more and more of a nuisance until his attention is caught by a chipmunk. The chase is on, with the girl abandoning her tea party and pitching in, but the outcome isn't what readers expect. Schories does a masterful job of creating a clear plot that children will be able to follow despite the absence of text clues. The illustrations are warm, friendly, and full of movement. The action begins on the endpapers and continues to hold readers' attention all the way through the chase. While there is one clear course of action throughout, there are also many small details in the pictures that make the book fun for repeat readings. Jack is a lovable companion both to the rough-and-tumble girl and to readers.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 2—The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe gets her own book in this expanded version of the familiar nursery rhyme. The harried mother, fed up with her cramped living quarters, packs up her six children, the family cow, and other pets, and they set off to find a roomier abode. Although they are small enough to fall out of a hole in a shirt pocket and are dwarfed by a field rat, they have no luck until a kind giant (actually a little girl) allows them to live in her dollhouse. The folksy illustrations follow the tiny family of freckled redheads as they wander gamely along clotheslines, through mud puddles, and past oversize bluebells in search of the perfect home. Told in rhyming couplets, the story holds no big surprises, but is a pleasant enough read.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-K—Some things can be inside other things. This book opens, "A barn can have…a horse in it. And a house can have a 'me' in it." And on it goes, as a yellow-haired child in a lavender smock romps through her day. "A car can have a grandma in it." When Grandma arrives, she continues the game, and every now and then a silly combination comes up. "Can a tree have a cow in it?" Meanwhile, Dad drives away. And the game continues. He returns with Mom and a "wiggle" in a blanket—the family has a new baby. And still the wordplay goes on until bedtime when there's a story with a barn in it and inside the barn there is, once again, a horse. The exuberant pastel illustrations, with a mix of indoor and outdoor scenes and plenty of white space, are outlined in thin black lines. This is a charming concept book that also serves as a story for young children experiencing a new sibling.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 1–3—These mildly entertaining stories feature Eddie the elephant and a monkey named Milo, who reside on the African savanna. In each title, the friends must solve a problem, such as helping an ant colony fix up a dilapidated anthill, cleaning up a polluted watering hole, or finding bananas to satisfy Milo's craving. In solving these dilemmas, they impart valuable lessons about friendship and caring for the Earth. The overly long narratives are heavy on dialogue and move along at a reasonable pace. Unremarkable cartoon artwork mirrors the action in the texts but does little to enhance the stories. Children are unlikely to fall in love with the characters or to clamor for more of their adventures.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

PreS-K—Sometimes parents are too preoccupied to help their children get a snack—even in prehistoric times. When a young cave boy tells his parents, "Me hungry!" all he gets in response is a loud, "Me busy!" What's a Stone Age boy to do? He hunts, of course. But a rabbit eludes him, a porcupine is too sharp, and a tiger is too mean to tangle with. A hungry mammoth is the perfect catch—the new friends find food together. Tankard's bold, thick black lines, done in ink and digital media, outline the youngster and his many choices for a snack, allowing the characters to jump off the monochromatic pages. Minimal but effective text perfectly complements the expressive prehistoric family. This energetic story comes full circle with a humorous punch line that will make all children with busy parents laugh out loud.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1—Louis, a quaintly drawn fox, moves to a new home and soon discovers a monster under his bed. He is quite prepared to be scared until he finds that the creature is both timid and lonely. He invites the hulking, one-eyed fuzz ball to snuggle under the covers and introduces him to the rest of the family the next morning. After breakfast, they venture to the playground, and Louis must give his green buddy a pep talk about making friends. Their plan to be brave and smile pays off when an affable goose introduces herself and asks them to play. Louis and his companion return home to find a finished bedroom with two beds awaiting them. Unfortunately, a jumping contest with a monster proves more than the ceiling can handle. This meandering story will reassure children who are experiencing a move or facing nighttime fears. Though Barbara Jean Hicks's Jitterbug Jam (Farrar, 2005) tells the boy-meets-monster tale with more style, Taylor's gentle watercolors of smiling woodland creatures will appeal to a less sophisticated (and more easily frightened) audience. A supplemental purchase.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—This is an attractive book with possibilities for productive discussion if presented by a sensitive and intuitive adult. The text consists of a simple sentence per spread, with "hope" in large font and a color that correlates to a color in the photograph, an effective technique for tying the two together. This is followed by a philosophical definition with a key word or two in bold type. Some of the definitions may prove confusing to children—"Hope is sad tears flowing, making room for joy"—if encountered in isolation, but could enlarge their understanding if an opportunity for reflection were provided. A clear and vivid color photograph accompanies each spread. An author's note explains Thompson's impetus and motivation, but, more importantly, the circumstances experienced by some of the subjects, such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Tsunami. This is a useful book for children who have endured or are learning about some of the disasters that have rocked the world recently.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 3–4—Toshi Maruki's Hiroshima no Pika (HarperCollins, 1982) and Eleanor Coerr's Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (Putnam, 2002) are outstanding examples of books that try to describe the horrors and inhumanity of war in ways that children would understand. On a lesser scale of strength, this picture book takes a tragedy experienced by a four-year-old and makes it a universal story about being alone and afraid. When her village in Vietnam is bombed, Kim remembers her mother's dying words, "I will always be with you." She holds to them when she is struck on the head by a gun; when she is found, hungry and almost blind, by friendly soldiers; and when she is taken to an orphanage where she is cared for and loved. The pencil and watercolor illustrations are admirably suited to the text: Kim's expressions, the gray lines of marching soldiers, and the devastated land do more to deglorify warfare than any amount of adult preaching, just as the sight of her softly weeping in her bed and being reassured by the orphanage house mistress conveys her longing for her mother better than words would. This is a good book to use in classroom discussions of war, of what happens to the children, or, more specifically, of the Vietnam War and how it was that so many Vietnamese came to the United States.—Marian Drabkin, formerly at Richmond Public Library, CA

PreS—Nacho is a slender white dog with black ears, and he's here to celebrate birthdays. "Your birthday's here! It's your special day. Time to celebrate, the Nacho way!" Children follow the rhyming text as the pup and his friends enjoy a birthday bath and song, a hot dog, a party, a dance—and a parade in brand-new pants. Of course, there are candles, a cake, and decorations as well. The book ends with the wish: "One last thing that's coming your way…lots of love on your special day!" With bold bright colors, flaps to lift, textures to feel, and glittery accents, there is a lot here for little hands to explore.—DeAnn Okamura, San Mateo County Library, CA

K-Gr 2—Evocative writing and outstanding watercolors meld in this dream fantasy. After setting the scene on a sweltering summer night on a sleeping porch, Wallace lifts both young Brando and readers into cool night flight. With guidance from a Maine coon cat visiting from its War of 1812-era grave, the boy and his feline friend fly from Saturn's rings to sculptured icebergs. Readers tag along for a toe dip in the cold ocean, then a taste of ice. When melting icebergs cause tidal danger, Dad helps Brando awake enough to watch Graveyard Cat do a trademark "jaunty pirouette," then disappear into the dust. Wallace's writing shines with phrases like "shadows shimmied in the grass" and "the ocean swelled, sporting smart white caps." The majority of the illustrations are powerful spreads featuring scenes such as leaping right whale pods, as well as more serene views with nimble details of the porch's antler chandelier and a moonstruck wall of windows. These features keep The Sleeping Porch from being just another sleep fantasy.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 2—The big calico cat with an even bigger ego is back. Watt attempts to feature him in a fairy tale, but as readers of Chester (Kids Can, 2007) will anticipate, he is not interested. He whips out his red marker and makes the story his own-until Watt decides to replace him altogether. The author holds a casting call and tries to carry on with a replacement for Chester. Of course, the feisty feline will not let that happen, and for a moment readers may think that he has come out on top. Chester wants to be the star of the story, but as the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for!" The little gray mouse that was featured in the original book also returns. Chester has a great range of expressions that work along with the red-marker text to develop a lovable character. The use of color and font to indicate the speakers and the mix of various illustration styles add definition to the story-within-the-story, and the pages are full of activity. Readers will discover new details with each viewing. This is an original and fun tale for sharing one-on-one and in small groups.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

PreS-Gr 1—Becky borrows with abandon from her kindergarten classmates and not only forgets to return the items, but also forgets to whom they belong. After a bad dream in which her friends come to collect their things en masse, the child sets up a redistribution center and all ends well. This story conveys a typical childhood dilemma in simple prose accompanied by charming illustrations done in bright pastel watercolors and pencil. They share the off-perspective of a child's drawing and are scattered with homey clutter and recognizable toys. A few pages have awkward text placement and, in a couple of instances, the rhythm and repetition of language falter. While some friends have names that are alliterative with their borrowed item—a tiger from Timmy, a clown from Claudia—others do not. Ethan lends a pair of skates, for example, and Barbara shares a "construction kit" that looks like a box of blocks. Readers can overlook these weaknesses though. Just the right length for storytime sharing, Becky has enough sweet appeal for self-selected reading, too.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 1—This likable character and his animal friends are back in one of their best outings since Bear Snores On (S & S, 2002). While walking in the woods, Bear gets lost, and the other critters begin to worry about him. They form a search party, find their friend, and return to the lair to cuddle up and fall asleep, and finally, "the bear feels safe." Wilson's rhyming text moves along at a steady clip, with only the smallest missteps in meter, and the repeated refrain begs for audience participation. Chapman's acrylic illustrations perfectly mesh realism with emotional expression; the characters show their concern for Bear, whose fear is almost palpable. The combination of full-bleed spreads, single-page paintings, and smaller insets keeps the story flowing and encourages page turns. Bear's cozy den, painted in warm oranges and browns, contrasts effectively with the outdoor scenes, done in blacks, blues, and grays. The reassuring story is simple, but speaks to children's fears and the safety they find with the people who care about them, creating a comforting and accessible forum for discussion. With its large, richly colored illustrations, this book will work equally well one-on-one or in storytime, and listeners are sure to request repeated readings.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-Gr 1—This book invokes themes of family and home in an Arctic setting. A young penguin loves to play and explore but is constantly warned by her doting parents not to wander far. Every night they sing a song reminding her that "our home is...in our pebbly nest by the stormy sea,/where Mama and Papa and Pip makes three." (The grammatical error is unfortunate.) One day, inevitably, Pip wanders off and becomes lost. She asks the different animals that she encounters, "Where is home?" But for each creature, home is a different place. Alone and frightened in the frozen wilderness, Pip sings the song that Mama and Papa taught her, and, like a talisman, it brings them together for a joyful reunion ("Since we're together, home is right here!"). Well-structured text, genuine emotions, and beautiful full-bleed illustrations in a palette that ranges from cool whites and blues to warm pinks, corals, and tans combine to produce a wonderful story of a loving family separated and then reunited. Pair this tale with reassuring stories such as Harry Horse's Little Rabbit Lost (Peachtree, 2002), Janell Cannon's Stellaluna (Harcourt, 1993), and Martin Waddell's Owl Babies (Candlewick, 1992).—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Gr 2–4—In this simple, satisfying chapter book, fourth-grader Shu-Li, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, is adjusting to her life in Vancouver. She helps in her parents' restaurant and is embarrassed when her mother speaks English incorrectly in front of the popular girls from school. Shu-Li finally feels as if she's found the friend she's been waiting for when Tamara joins the class and the girls work on a project together. Then money disappears from the classroom and a rumor spreads that Tamara is the thief, leaving Shu-Li to decide whom she believes. Black-and-white pencil illustrations display a multicultural cast. Though Canadian elements might be slightly confusing for American children, this friendship book has an amiable tone, readable dialogue, and a believable plot that addresses the difficulty of fitting into a new community.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3—In this wordless picture book, an unhappy child sits at a table holding a fork over a plate of food. She obviously isn't excited about her supper and is sent to her room. After she goes to sleep, her stuffed bear awakens her and takes her on a walk. They meet up with some wild animals and play until finally the bear falls asleep and the girl lies down close to him. The next morning, she looks at her stuffed bear still sprawled on his back, and then walks downstairs and hugs her mom. Yum's evocative linocut illustrations offer ample context for a child to imagine what the little girl is feeling, and how her mood changes over the course of the night. White, pink, and yellow tones blend and contrast in her face to sometimes resemble a mask. Not all children will fully appreciate the indistinct look of the pictures; however, their sweet poignancy is palpable. Many adults will view this book as a useful tool to encourage children to explore and cope effectively with feelings of anger as they compose their own explanations for the series of events so vividly represented in this eloquent book.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 2–4—Encountering three little pigs, a hungry wolf is unable to persuade Alan, Gordon, or Blake to let him into their houses. Seeking greener pastures, he sneaks up on Barry, a lonely shepherd in "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," but luckily his wisecracking sheep know how to handle wolves. Rhonda, otherwise known as Little Red Riding Hood, may be willing to discuss fashion with the wolf in the woods but soon realizes that "being well dressed doesn't excuse rude behavior" to her Granny. The animal barely escapes, clad only in Granny's fluffy white rug. As "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing," he has another unsuccessful try at Barry's resourceful flock. He gets his clothes back just in time to reenact "The Wolf and the Seven Little Goslings," all of whom are named and loaded with personality. This hilarious romp ends with the very hungry wolf noticing a sign to Farmer McGregor's garden and contemplating a vegetarian lifestyle. Illustrated with softly colored pen-and-ink drawings, these five stories meld seamlessly together. The text is full of puns, alliteration, and occasional rhymes. Contemporary sensibilities, such as Rhonda's fixation on fashion and the counseling style of Barry's sheep, are priceless additions. The oversize format and the graphic-novel style make this retelling perfect for independent reading as well as for group sharing.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 2–5—Starting with an anecdote in which 10-year-old Belva Lockwood tried to "move a mountain," this picture-book biography introduces the woman who ran for president more than a century ago. That mountain-moving determination emerges as the recurring theme of her public life as she obtained a law degree, fought for equal rights, and ultimately became the first woman to receive certified votes during her 1884 presidential campaign. The book focuses largely on that presidential run, though many of Lockwood's other accomplishments are mentioned, such as arguing a case before the Supreme Court and her trendsetting use of an early version of a tricycle. A closing author's note and a time line fill in more details. The narrative generally provides just enough information to convey Lockwood's achievements and the challenges she faced. Though groundbreaking, her candidacy inspired opposition and ridicule, not just from men, but from women and even other suffragists. Quotes from Lockwood and others enliven the text. Her letter to President Grant regarding the denial of her law school diploma, for example, neatly demonstrates her polite but forceful personality. Handsome illustrations clearly set the time and place, and Lockwood's fortitude comes through in her posture and facial expressions. She is an appealing historical figure, and, with little available about her for younger readers, this is an especially timely and useful biography.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 1–3—Looking to educate young readers about the plight of our environment, Barraclough focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials instead of throwing them away. She encourages children to respect the world in which they live by offering them simple and useful tips that they can incorporate into their daily lives. For example, children are encouraged to "leave only footprints" when visiting a park or having a picnic and to take their garbage with them. Other topics include saving energy, water, and the benefits of using natural materials whenever possible. While there is some slight overlap among the books, it isn't enough to warrant choosing one over another. All four feature clear, concise information that is simple to read and understand, alternating between giving simple facts and dispersing helpful hints and suggestions. The full-color photographs are crisp and attractive. Fonts in various sizes, symbols, and the use of color guide readers through the texts. The books will be useful not only for entry-level school reports, but also for those readers interested in saving the planet.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 1–4—Report writers and browsers will appreciate these books. The titles have almost identical chapter headings, such as "The People," "Food," and "Holidays." Potentially unfamiliar words are in bold print, with a brief description in the text and a slightly expanded one in the glossary. The captioned, color photographs have a balanced gender representation. Maps, fast facts, and recipes round out excellent offerings. Entering the books' ISBNs in a search box on the publisher's Web site retrieves preselected links to additional high-quality information. These titles present data in an easy-to-read format that is just right.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

Gr 3–5—These books explain how the available materials as well as climate, environment, religion, and jobs have traditionally shaped the way people dress. Bingham explains that the clothes in Mexico originated in the cultural backgrounds of the diverse inhabitants, and range from those worn by Mayan ancestors to Spanish charro outfits. Elgin describes how the French take pride in showing their heritage on holidays and holy days. In United States, the spread on "Native American Clothes and Folk Costumes" offers a generic description of Native dress and a paragraph on the Amish. Gogerly explains that Americans use clothes for self-expression, show more skin than people in other countries do, and wear lots of jewelry. The full-color photos help highlight the text although the one of Mexican cowboys shows one of them holding a Bud Light, and the Amish boy in United States is wearing a buttoned-down shirt even though the text states that buttons are usually banned in that culture. These books are full of generalizations and don't have much information.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 1–3—The primary focus is on physical characteristics in this simply written introduction. On most of the spreads, short, large-print paragraphs describe key body parts, such as claws, fangs, eyes, and palps, and how they function; the remainder outline hunting techniques, defense mechanisms, diet, and life cycle. Complementing the text is a large, usually full-page, sharp, color close-up of a representative species (captions identify the majority by common names); a smaller, circular blow-up also appears above the text and, in most cases, highlights the body parts discussed. Other shots include newly hatched spiderlings, a tarantula with fresh prey, and photos of the spiders' life cycle. The text is well-organized and clearly written; the few scientific terms employed are defined in simple terms in an opening glossary. Alice B. McGinty's The Tarantula (Rosen, 2002) offers more detail on anatomy, behavior, and habitats, but is for a higher grade level. Bredeson's excellent illustrations and lucid text provide valuable insights into the nature of these hairy, and unjustly feared, spiders.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 1–3—Using a question-and-answer format, these titles offer brief, unsystematic but unusually specific information on a variety of astronomical topics. In Astronauts, fledgling readers will discover not only some of the sorts of work that is done in space, but also what's on the menu, how space travelers sleep and, of course, how one uses the potty in zero-g. The tour in Solar System begins with the sun, ends out in the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud, and in between touches on the eight planets' compositions, relative sizes, and selected moons, along with glimpses of asteroids and comets. Most of the illustrations are color photos, and each volume closes with an abbreviated list of job titles (answering the question "Who studies the solar system?" in Solar System) as well as several print and Web resources. Less- able readers in particular will be drawn to the short passages of text and simply laid out pages.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 2–4—The concept of research is charmingly introduced in this rhyming alphabet book. Children familiar with L Is for Library (Upstart, 2006) will recognize the orange tabby Cal D. Cat, who has returned for a second adventure in the stacks. The rhyme begins with the arrival of a teacher announcing, "A is for assignment./We've got research to do./B is for books./Some are old;/some brand new." As the story progresses, readers learn that the class's project on cats requires a variety of resources (books, online, journals, librarian) for it to be a success. In addition to learning the importance of these steps, they will enjoy Cal D. Cat's humorous thought-bubble observations scattered throughout. The attractive illustrations show engaged students selecting and reading material, working at the computer, and pausing to play with the frisky feline. Adults will appreciate the lesson plan that comes with the book.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

K-Gr 3—This poetry picture book about patterns in nature has some spreads on which rhymes sing and artwork thrills—and others that disappoint. The peacock page delights readers with a Jenkins collage at his feathery best and these clever lines: "If you should meet a peacock pair,/the male's the one with all the flair./The female, who is rather plain,/is dazzled by his patterned train." In the spread about symmetry in moths' wing patterns, the insects' furry bodies seem to pop from the paper, but the text's attempt to rhyme "eyes" with "side" and "spring" with "wings" doesn't measure up. A clever spiral poem on the topshell snail is accompanied by a surprisingly flat and listless illustration. Awkward scanning in the rhymes throughout will make the book especially hard to read aloud without practice. Jarring in a book that is scientific in tone despite its poetic format is the statement that sea stars "grow back an arm/if they get into scrapes,/for they take such great pride/in their bright, starry shapes." One or two simple facts about the habits of each animal are included in the end matter. For an excellent poetic book about nature by this duo, try Birdsongs (S & S, 2007).—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 1–3—In an inexcusably superficial update of the 2005 edition, Gibbons revises her text minimally and leaves the art untouched. Along with leaving her mention of the 2004 Mars Exploration Rover Mission still illustrated only with a view of a '70s-era Viking Lander, she lets Pluto continue to sail along the peripheries of the planetary maps—in an incorrect orbit to boot—and gives it an entire spread. Furthermore, though she properly notes that Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet, Ceres, which was upgraded at the same time to the same status, gets nary a mention. Despite some intriguing facts ("On Venus, a day is longer than a year, and a year is shorter than a day") and that familiar, instantly recognizable look, this outing has less to offer fledgling readers than such other recent tours as Seymour Simon's Our Solar System (HarperCollins, 2007).—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 2–5—Goldstone builds on the topics introduced in Great Estimations (Holt, 2006) and also discusses how to estimate length, weight, area, and volume. He does an exceptional job of breaking down the process of so that even early elementary students can comprehend it. The author also effectively introduces different methods of estimation, including the "box and count" technique and clump counting. The vivid, eye-catching photographs are the highlight of the book. Each page or spread features a simple question in large, bold text, followed by a short explanation of how to achieve the answer. Hint boxes appear on almost every page. Speech bubbles emanate from critters throughout the book, adding a humorous touch. An author's note provides information on how adults use estimations as a part of their everyday lives. With an appealing layout that lends itself equally well to browsing or curriculum support, this lively book would be an excellent addition.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 2–5—This handsome book introduces one of the first leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Reverend Thurman inspired Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote more than 20 books, and was the first African American to travel to India to meet with Mahatma Gandhi. Born in 1900 in Daytona, FL, he lived with his grandmother and sisters while his widowed mother cleaned and cooked for others. In 1914, the one public school for Negroes in town stopped at the seventh grade, making high school virtually impossible. Nevertheless, Thurman was the best student in the school, and the principal offered to prepare the ambitious boy for the rigorous eighth-grade examination. He passed the exam with a perfect score, earning a full scholarship to the Negro high school in Jacksonville, almost 100 miles away. Thurman graduated first in his class; he attended Morehouse College and was one of only a handful of Negroes to attend Rochester Theological Seminary. The format features a page of text facing an illustration that sometimes extends onto the opposite page. Reds, blues, and yellows pop against brown wood desks or whitewashed walls in vivid, realistic oil paintings. The author drew from Thurman's memoir and papers to create this accessible, engaging biography.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

K-Gr 2—Children will delight in hearing this tale of the spider's comeuppance. After Anansi invites Turtle to a party just to play a trick on him, Turtle exacts his revenge. Almost every page, illustrated in acrylic ink and colored pencils, has some comical element. Laughs abound from the twisted path on the party map invitation that Anansi initially sends to Turtle and then later when Turtle sends a similar one back, to the hilarious costumes that Turtle tries on before he makes his choice of what to wear. Crocodile and Hippo loom large on the page underwater as they try to guess the mystery animal party game. Stevens has captured additional humor in the animals' droll facial features. Children will ask for repeated readings as they pause over the details in the artwork.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 3–4—When Hong, nine, goes on digs with his paleontologist parents, it is his sharper eyes that detect just the fossils being sought—and complete ones at that. Digs are accomplished in record time, everything is hauled off to the museum with a minimum of effort, and the child is the envy of his friends (who are occasionally along for the ride). These are pleasant little books for budding paleontologists to daydream over, and they do provide some basic information about the fossils found (even if they oversimplify the finding/excavating processes). The simple semi-realistic color illustrations fill every other page, with smaller ones assisting in the mini activities included. A list of further readings (some quite superior to these titles) and an ABDO Web site are also provided. (A carp: Henry Osborne's middle name was Fairfield, not Field.)—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 1–4—Fans of The Wizard of Oz will find plenty of enchantment in this thoughtful, brightly illustrated narrative. From his childhood at his parents' estate, with its "rosebushes in glimmering-jewel colors," to his various careers as journalist, playwright, chicken expert, window dresser (including his creative display of hardware fashioned into a tin man), store owner, newspaper editor, and family storyteller, Krull magically interweaves the origins of Baum's characters and themes that would appear in his "modern American fairy tales." The "Oz" books were his only true success, but they did not result in a fairy-tale ending for the Baum family. With sympathy for her subject, Krull tactfully notes Baum's lack of aptitude for business affairs and his eventual declaration of bankruptcy. Hawkes's merry paintings of the author and his characters invoke the magic of Oz within the great author's real-world setting. The Road to Oz will provide students with an inspiring introduction to Baum's life.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 3–4—These books describe land features, provide a brief history, and offer facts about the featured countries. Chapter subtitles in the form of questions such as "When would you eat candy skulls?" (Mexico) and "Why is Brazil sizzling in January?" encourage reader exploration. Information about area, language, population, and type of government is found in the endnotes. Lists of books with copyrights from 1999 to 2006 and of Web sites and places to visit are appended. Most glossary words include a pronunciation. Page layout is appealing, with a variety of bright, clear, captioned color photos. These titles will entertain as they educate young children.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

K-Gr 3—Simple prose introduces two animals, a cat and a dog, that survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and, after four months of wandering, were rescued by the Best Friends Animal Society. The narrative is obviously part supposition as the original owners were never found, despite efforts to locate them. Since both pets had bobbed tails, a shelter volunteer named them Bob Cat and Bobbi, hence the book's title. It was soon discovered that Bob Cat was blind, making his survival even more amazing and underscoring the idea that the two critters relied on one another during their ordeal. The terrifying event is told about in a matter-of-fact way, with the text concentrating on the "feel good" aspect of the two Bobbies. The gouache illustrations, done in soft pastel shades, present realistic glimpses of the devastated city that serve as a backdrop for the animals' struggles. An afterword includes a photo and additional information. An excellent introduction to Katrina for young children, this touching animal tale memorializes a modern catastrophe and pays tribute to the many volunteers who traveled to New Orleans to help.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 2–4—Splitting this immense continent in two makes sense as there are tremendous contrasts. Southwest ranges from the Arctic regions of Russia to the subtropics of India with the deserts of the Middle East between. Far East begins in China and continues south through the islands of Indonesia. An introductory spread in each book locates the region on a world map and provides basic geographic and map-skills information. The next spread identifies countries and includes images of their flags, lists of national foods, and other miscellaneous information. The remaining sections each include a map of the region on one page with accompanying information facing it, and cover "Landforms," "Bodies of Water," "Climate," "Plants," "Animals," "Population," "Transportation," "Growing and Making" (sections that discuss agriculture, crafts, and industry), "People and Customs," and "Postcard Places." A final essay highlights a location or area of interest, e.g., "Journey Up Mount Everest" or "Sailing Around the Pacific Islands." Bright background colors and short introductory paragraphs make the pages lively. Additional information is included in contrasting call-out boxes, tables, and captioned color photos, though the superimposition of extras on the landform maps sometimes makes reading them more difficult. Still, these are useful additions.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 1–5—Like Virginia Hamilton's The People Could Fly (Knopf, 2004), this folktale tells the story of slaves who magically slip off the bonds of oppression by simply soaring "way up and over everything." As related by a slave named Jane's great-great granddaughter, it is the tale of five dignified and taciturn new slaves who are taken to a Georgia cotton plantation in 1842. The Africans are given "American" names, but one young man whispers to Jane, "Edet, Edet" as though introducing himself. After a day's brutal work, the newcomers disappear from the eating-time crowd. Dogs are brought out to trail them, and Jane creeps along behind. At the top of a hill, she sees the Africans holding hands, chanting, and whirling in a circle, then stepping into the air, while master and overseer try in vain to stop them. In a dramatic final scene, Edet turns and proudly shouts his African name before flying off "beyond the clouds." Though warned by her master never to share what she has witnessed, Jane, of course, does share. As explained in an afterword, this is a retelling of a "flying story" that has been passed down in the author's family for generations. Written in colloquial language, the tale is enhanced by a spare yet elegant design and delicate folk-art-like watercolor illustrations. Inspiring and informative.—Amy Rowland, Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

Gr 1–5—In this highly appropriate pairing of folk art and sayings, Moses explains many common idioms. A colorful definition (e.g., "Kick the bucket means: A sassy way of saying someone died"), a sample sentence, and one of Moses's old-fashioned Americana-style oil paintings accompany each phrase. The lesson is kept lighthearted through examples that play upon the literal meanings of each phrase, often to comedic effect. Cats and dogs literally rain down from the sky upon rosy-cheeked ladies with parasols and opera gloves. A brass-buttoned captain and his crew are left "high and dry" when a whale lifts their boat out of the water, and a toad marries his mate, "warts and all." One somewhat thorny image is the depiction of a shirtless African American surrounded by clothed white people. The delicate details of the illustrations will be best appreciated by independent readers. Old-timey souls, folk-art students, and new Americans seeking to understand our many interesting phrases will appreciate Moses's contribution to the collective American heritage.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 3–5—Books and writing are the focal points of these biographies about popular authors. Based on interviews and full of quotes, the texts are interesting and conversational throughout. The authors talk about how childhood experiences shaped their writing styles, and plenty of mention is given to specific titles and book characters, which will satisfy fans. Bruce Coville describes the swamp behind his childhood home, which now features as a setting in Aliens Ate My Homework (S & S, 1993). Jack Gantos explains that "I wanted to write a book about a cat…I did not have one, so I thought I better get one." He ended up with "a vicious man-eating cat" that became the inspiration for Rotten Ralph. Colorful covers, family photos, and a font size that's not too intimidating all contribute to the books' appeal. These titles bridge the gap between the "Rookie Biographies" author series (Children's Press) and the "Library of Author Biographies" series (Rosen). Suitable for reports or for pleasure reading, they are solid additions.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

Gr 1–4—Tad and Willie, the mischievous sons of President Abraham Lincoln, scampered around the White House surprising and irritating almost everyone. Their pranks, however, delighted their father, who was faced with the grim realities of the Civil War. After an introductory few pages that will help children understand the historical context, Rabin strings several stories together. One time the boys rigged all the service bells in the attic to ring at once, causing both chaos and concern: "Servants rushed up and down the stairs, wondering who had called them," and Lincoln's secretaries feared a national crisis. Another time, they interrupted a serious war-planning meeting with a general, bouncing on their father's knees, pulling his nose and creating such a commotion that the frustrated general finally said, "Mr. President, can't you do something about those rascals?!" to which Lincoln replied, "Let the children have a good time." Rabin includes the story of the pardoning of Jack, the children's doll that, dressed like a flashy Zouave soldier, committed many military infractions. An extensive author's note explains that the incident was drawn from Tad Lincoln's Father, written by Julia Taft, a family friend who often served as the boys' nanny. Fictionalized dialogue throughout is believable. A large part of the appeal of this book can be credited to Ibatoulline's masterful illustrations. Evocative and detailed, they fill the pages with visual information and emotion. Readers will be intrigued by the antics of these famous children.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 3–6—Rex returns with a sophisticated and stylish sequel to his sidesplitting Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich (Harcourt, 2006). From a stream of consciousness that seems to have retained and remixed an assemblage of horror movies, literature classes, comic strips, and observations of the human condition, the narrative flows despite multiple mediums and frequent interruptions. Children who have seen the 1935 Bride of Frankenstein will get the most out of the framing story, told initially in sequential panels and featuring the conically coiffed mate-to-be in a lively exchange with her mother over marrying someone with green skin and the looming wedding expenses coming just hours after the girl's funeral. Interspersed with the marital plot are blog posts from the Headless Horseman (exhibiting photographs of his decomposing head and the sensible canned substitute) and glimpses into Edgar Allan Poe's study, rendered in shadowy charcoals. These scenes are hilarious for students in the know. Rex channels the tortured poet's meter, internal rhyme scheme, and alliteration throughout his parody during which Poe struggles for the right choice in a crossword puzzle involving the wife of a "veep": "But what the devil is a veep?" he weeps, as lo, the clock strikes four. Quoth the raven, 'Tipper Gore.'" Godzilla haikus, a Peanuts-inspired Dracula Junior, endpapers that give the raven the last word-there's something here for the kid in everyone. This gifted artist, whose clever wordplay reveals a wonderfully warped sense of comedy, has whipped up another winner.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 1–4—These broad introductions present information about history, current events, culture, education, work, topography, and plants and animals. Difficulties facing each of these countries, such as governmental upheaval and food shortages, are mentioned but not dwelled upon. The vibrant color photographs truly represent the spirit of the locations. Appendixes include fast facts about the country, its national song, a folktale, and a few words in the native language with the English translation and pronunciation. Related Web links are current and child friendly, but limited. While these books do not provide enough material for in-depth reports, they are accurate, up-to-date, and attractive.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

K-Gr 2—Although their topics are both important and necessary, these titles will have limited appeal. Most of the first book deals with substances that are not necessarily harmful—over-the-counter and prescribed medications, vaccines, inhalers, and insulin shots. The other substances discussed are household chemicals, alcohol, and cigarettes. Exercise discusses the importance of movement and what happens to your body during physical activity. It suggests pastimes such as bicycle riding and swimming. The text is at times condescending. The section titled "Is dancing just for girls?" has a picture of three girls covered in mud, with one holding a soccer ball. The caption reads, "Girls can play soccer, too." This is a poor choice of sport to highlight since girls have been playing it for many years. In both books, the staged color photos do not add to the texts. Better choices are Patricia J. Murphy's Avoiding Drugs (Lerner, 2005), Mari C. Schuh's Being Active (Capstone, 2006), and Mary Ann Fraser's I.Q. Gets Fit (Walker, 2007).—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

K-Gr 3—An extreme close-up color photo of a section of a plant, animal, or other natural object set in a circle on a black background challenges readers to guess its identity. Turning the page reveals a large photo of the item in its natural setting, accompanied by two paragraphs of descriptive and informative text. The final spread features a panoramic view of a desert or garden, but the views don't include the plants and animals identified earlier. The format will work well one-on-one and allow group participation in guessing the subject of each photo, but the books' value lies more in encouraging close observation of the natural world than in introducing a particular ecosystem. Consequently, these titles could serve as read-aloud choices before outdoor exploration in any locale.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 3–5—This brief overview interprets a complex topic in a manner that will be understandable to children. Unfortunately, the book's format will not draw them in. The illustrations consist of sketches done in black, white, and shades of blue. No maps, photographs, or reproductions of documents are included. Although sources are listed, the text includes quotations without attribution. Judith St. George's The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence (Philomel, 2005) and Sam Fink's The Declaration of Independence: The Words That Made America (Scholastic, 2002) are both more creative and have a great deal of visual appeal. For a solid basic introduction, consider Michael Burgan's The Declaration of Independence (Compass Point, 2000).—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 2–4—What child—or adult—is not intrigued by a mobile: moving, swaying, changing in light and space as it intrigues and delights. Calder's name is nearly synonymous with these creations, and Stone and Kulikov spin out a fast-moving tale that is in keeping with their high-energy subject. From childhood, Sandy produced an array of objects for friends and family from found materials. As an adult, when hired to draw pictures of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, he took the project one step further, bringing the circus to life with bits of wire, cork, buttons, yarns, and string. Eventually, his creations filled five suitcases, and the performances included chariot races; bucking broncos; and high-wire acts that flipped, leaped, and danced in the air. Audiences loved it. Stone depicts Calder as a man utterly involved in his work, and Kulikov strengthens the premise using two differing styles of illustration—often on the same page. He portrays Calder in a Gulliver-like mode: stepping between New York and Paris in giant strides, forming his wire characters with hands that dominate an entire spread, and sprawling happily across the floor as part of the circus performance. These depictions, in full robust colors, often show Calder in childlike poses, interacting with the wire animals, oblivious to an artist muse who floats above him. In contrast, gray-shaded drawings with bold black lines sometimes crowd into the page, seemingly portraying the working "stuff" of Calder's bursting imagination: a jumbled mixture of tools and ideas that formed his extraordinary artistic creations.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

Gr 3–5—This picture-book biography follows the life of Soichiro Honda, born in 1906, from his beginnings as a boy working in his father's smith shop to his international success as a manufacturer. Weston's writing is clear and accessible, even to those who might not know any automotive lingo. The book reads like a story, with fictionalization of Honda's thoughts and dialogue and emphasis on his persistence and ingenuity. Yamasaki's acrylic illustrations dominate each page. At first glance they seem representational, but on closer inspection readers will find little men climbing on the engine parts and pieces of machinery swirling up into the air like dust, miniature cars going around a globe and down Honda's arm, and figures on tiny motorcycles on mountains as a backdrop to modern, colorfully clad men and women riding on the road. Yamasaki's creative composition makes the pictures interesting and dynamic. There has been very little published about Honda for children. This story takes a step toward filling that gap.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

K-Gr 3—Although there was a difference in their life spans of about 25 years, Clementine Hunter (1886/1887–1988) and Grandma Moses (1860–1961) had much in common. Neither had any formal art training, both started painting in midlife, both used a folk-art style derived from their individual roots, and both lived long and fruitful lives finding personal passion in their art. Hunter, who today enjoys a modest reputation and whose work is sold in galleries and hung in museums, never received the acclamation that Moses achieved. Whitehead and Evans present an effective vehicle to introduce children to the work of this remarkable Southern black woman. Whitehead's lyrical text speaks of Hunter's perseverance and talent as well as of the simplicity, love of nature, and caring of friends and family that informed her work. Evans bolsters Whitehead's words with bold mixed-media illustrations that portray Hunter in hard times and in good. He often focuses on her hands and face, bringing strength and vitality to the pictures. In one especially poignant image, he depicts the artist standing alone before her pictures at an exhibition after hours: she was forbidden to enter the gallery with other visitors because of her race. Pair this picture-book biography with one about Grandma Moses, perhaps Alexandra Wallner's Grandma Moses (Holiday House, 2004) or W. Nikola-Lisa's The Year with Grandma Moses (Holt, 2000), to present inspiring stories of two outstanding American women artists. Eleven small reproductions of Hunter's works are appended.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

Gr 2–4—This delightful picture book describes the monthlong Muslim observance of Ramadan by a modern family. It begins, "We wait for the moon./We watch for the moon./We watch for the Ramadan moon." The images of the waxing, full, and waning moon progress along with the spare, lyrical text. Practices such as fasting, speaking kind words, giving to the poor, decorating with bright lights, and praying all take place, "under the moon, under the Ramadan moon." Williams uses soft, luminous pastels in richly textured, detailed spreads. People have warm, generous smiles, and women in hijaab give tender hugs and talk on a cell phone. Moonlight and firelight add to the congeniality. The repetitive line "under the moon…" also makes this an excellent resource for teachers and librarians for choral reading and discussion.—Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH