Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-K–The shenanigans from the comic strip "Dog Eat Doug" continue in Anderson's first book for children. Baby Sophie and her dog spend the entire story raising havoc and avoiding Mom until they finally fall asleep wrapped in sheets on the bedroom floor. Their adventures include racing up and down the stairs, hiding in a closet and under the couch, making messes, climbing the drapes and clock, playing in the clean laundry, and splashing in the sink. This riot of activity is accompanied by a rhyming text that sometimes misses its mark but is always full of energy. Children are bound to chime in on the refrain: "No time for/nighty night,/sleepy, sleeps." The bold and colorful illustrations are full of unique perspectives, and the text is placed in and around them in such a way as to nearly be a part of the art. The facial expressions of Doug and Sophie are quite amusing. This is a fun and quirky bedtime story.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2—The boy narrating this expertly rhymed story is reluctant to give up the throne of being an only child. He tells his new sibling, "I was the star,/the prize,/the king…. But you have ruined/everything." Donning his gold crown (reminiscent of Max in Maurice Sendak's classic Where the Wild Things Are), he watches with growing frustration as the cherubic infant is coddled by his parents and grandparents and takes over his possessions. When the baby gnaws on his catcher's mitt, big brother finally breaks down and has a tantrum. But instead of punishing him with a time-out, Mama patiently explains that the baby can't do much now, but the boy has grown so much and can do many things. He proudly lists all the chores he can do, which garners appropriate praise from his family. Reassured that he is still loved, the boy decides "...maybe I can share my throne." McPhail's charming illustrations perfectly capture the narrator's mood in his facial expressions and body language. Ashman's verses, lettered in a child-friendly font that varies in size, are perfect for reading aloud. In the crowded field of new-baby books, this one's a keeper. Pair it with Kevin Henkes's Julius, the Baby of the World (HarperCollins, 1990) for a sibling-themed storytime.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 1–3—Every year, Hillary and Suzanne become "summertime friends" and explore the wonders of Castine, ME. This particular summer is marked by the decision of a pair of mallards to nest in the Johnsons' rowboat. Austin's quiet, realistic pencil drawings accompany her account of ducks and girls enjoying a Maine summer: "With seven ducklings to care about, the month of August was a lot of fun. Hillary and Suzanne watched them closely and could even tell them apart from the way they behaved." Summers in Maine are magic, as Robert McCloskey's books illustrate more than 50 years after their first publication, but this one remains a dry, static tale for all its proximity to the coast. Those not lucky enough to be in Maine in June, July, or August may want to reread One Morning in Maine (1952) or Time of Wonder (1957) and savor the specialness. And for those who long for mallards, revisit McCloskey's Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their eight offspring in Make Way for Ducklings (1941, all Viking).—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

Gr 1–3—A zany story line spins out a tale of escalating behaviors at Benjamin Dizzie Elementary that begins with a single lie: "'I got tripped!' [Polly] cried as she stumbled into the classroom. 'I was minding my own business…just thinking about my book report—my extra long book report—when out of nowhere, there he was!'" One thing leads to the next, as child after child is tripped by The Tripper, bringing attention to themselves and, in some cases, providing a convenient excuse for missing candy or having a day off school. But clever Dr. Dizzie, the school's founder, who "combed his hair with a fork and his best friend was a monkey," is on to their tricks. The watercolor illustrations feature hilarious expressions, unique perspectives, and distinctive use of color to separate each child's story from the background scene. Kids will enjoy finding visual clues to help them figure out what is going on.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 2–3—Ivy and Bean, "BFFs," are back in a new adventure. Bean is upset when her parents decide that Nancy, her 11-year-old sister, will be her babysitter for the afternoon, so she flags down Ivy with a T-shirt with SOS on it from her bedroom window. Together they find a way to get into the attic without Nancy finding out, but get locked in. All ends well with Ivy and Bean blackmailing Nancy to keep quiet about her trying their mother's makeup. Bean is a typical little sister with a big imagination. The story line and antics of the characters resemble Sara Pennypacker's "Clementine" series (Hyperion). The frequent black-and-white Chinese ink illustrations capture the mood and carefree attitude of the story well. Early chapter-book readers will enjoy this installment in this lighthearted series.—Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

PreS-K—The hapless owner of 10 energetic dogs is rudely awakened at dawn by their barking. When they are told to lie down or sit, they do not obey. Instead, they run helter-skelter outdoors, with their pajama-clad owner chasing them and clutching empty leashes all the way to Central Bark. The dogs wreak havoc at the Perfect Pooch Obedience School and cavort through the grass, dumping the trash, climbing the slide, and making a mess of everything. Further disaster ensues when the pups poop. The trainer quits, the Pup Tech 5000 comes rolling along to clean up, and the dogs are put in a pen. However, they are not ready to bow to defeat. They leap and dig their way out and run back home, followed by their still-pajama-clad owner still clutching the leashes. The dogs collapse on the couch and rest up, as they "Cannot wait to go again!" The minimal rhyming text is paired with Catrow's exuberant, comic, pencil and watercolor illustrations. The frenetic, goofy-looking dogs of various sizes and breeds romping through the park are sure to bring smiles to young faces.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—A wonderful twist on an age-old rhyme. This book actually focuses on the building of the house, and the many hands (or paws) that it takes to make it. You see, while Jack the homeowner (a human) takes credit for its construction, it is actually Max, a hardworking general contractor dog, and a number of other skilled canine laborers, who do all the work. So at the end of the story, it's easy to understand why Max gets a little upset at Jack resting on his laurels at the finished site. What he does to Jack results in a laugh-out-loud moment and a neat flip of the ongoing power struggle between builder and owner. Wohnoutka's full-page acrylic paintings are large scale, but are also full of small details for readers to enjoy. The vehicles that drive up to the site delivering materials and excavating are rugged and tough, appealing to the construction enthusiasts, but the soaring house is the centerpiece of the story, and Max's care in building it is obvious. This beguiling book will be a hit both at storytimes and in circulating collections, for those who really want to know how Jack's house got built.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 2—When Harry gets stomach flu, he is admitted to the hospital, examined, and given an IV and a range of tests. The procedures are explained in straightforward language simple enough for young children to understand. Illustrations, done in soft colors and cross-hatching, show the details of his experiences as well as the comforting presence of parents; the boy's mother remains at his side throughout the stay. An endnote explains the critical role that family can play in preparing a child for hospitalization. This reassuring story is a good choice for public libraries.—Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—The human capacity for volition and fear of the unknown is central to this tale. A lone yellow leaf clings to a giant oak tree and watches the unfolding drama of winter's approach, refusing to let go of his branch. A "riot of fiery leaves" swirls to the ground, apples grow "musky" and pumpkins ripen, geese fly south, and eventually snow flurries fill the air, but still the leaf holds fast. Finally, he spies a small scarlet leaf attached high above that invites him to let go. Together, they soar away and join in a dance with the wind. In Berger's eye-catching collage illustrations, pieced background papers in shades of yellow, green, blue, and beige show off stylized forms of naked tree branches, leaves, and sun created by clipping and pasting (sometimes tiny) segments of various papers—faded, lined ledger, and graph paper; colored and printed magazine pages—and adding touches of paint. It seems the message to be inferred from this slight anthropomorphic tale is that feelings of indecision can be overcome by heeding the encouragement of another. Some parents may be inclined to disagree.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, Ohio

PreS-Gr 2—The duo who created Shoeless Joe and Black Betsy (2002) and The Shot Heard 'Round the World (S & S, 2005) offer another sports story. Every Thanksgiving, Ethan's relatives arrive and, through mud, cold, or fog, they play a wild game of football. Ethan and the neighborhood kids watch the action and long for the day when they can join in. The year that they are finally old enough to play, nine-year-old Ethan leaps out of bed and into his uniform, only to discover that a blizzard has closed roads and the family won't be coming. The disappointed boy gathers his friends and they trudge to the school football field, now covered in snow. In the "ah-ha" moment of the tale, they realize that they have enough kids to play themselves, and the wild and joyous snow-filled game that ensues carries on the tradition of the Turkey Bowl. As Ethan catches a final touchdown pass, he realizes that his relatives have indeed made the trip and are cheering him on from the sidelines. Payne's muted, full-color illustrations capture the disappointment and joy the characters experience and feature plenty of gridiron action. Perfect for reading aloud at holiday time, this lively story will resonate year-round with sports fans.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 1–3—As in Tiger's Story (Boxer Bks., 2007), this lovely book subtly introduces general facts about the subject animal through a simple tale of its first few years. Mother elephant stands over her large baby, sheltering her with tree-trunk-size legs as the youngster takes its first wobbly steps. Then the little one learns how to use her trunk to drink water and to eat grass. When in danger, she is protected by the herd. As time progresses, another calf is born into the extended family, and it is Elephant's turn to protect the new arrival from the farmer's noisy machinery, leading it back to the safety of its elders. The large text is well placed on the warm, sun-drenched paintings that show the elephants and other animals in the lush green pastures and dry yellow grasses of the African savanna. Children are sure to enjoy finding the duck that appears on almost every spread. An author's note elaborates on the few facts mentioned, giving children a good introduction to the world's largest land mammal.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

Gr 3–4—Ida May returns in this sequel to My Last Best Friend (Harcourt, 2007). Her developing friendship with Stacey Merriweather and growing animosity toward Jenna Drews continue, but not without some bumps and insights along the way. Stacey and Ida discover an old mermaid night-light in Ida's attic. They decide that the lamp is magic, with the power to carry out good and bad wishes, and form a two-member Secret Mermaid Club. The mermaid has a pleasant smile until plugged in—then she exhibits a frightening grimace that makes Ida state, "her evil, glowing grin makes me pee my pants." Various family situations are well represented and lend credence to the characters' behaviors. Ida comes from a solid, two-parent family; Stacey's folks are divorced, and she lives with her mother, while her brother lives with their father; and Jenna's dad has recently lost his job, sending her family into a tailspin. Fourth-grade jealousies, problems, misbehavior, and consequences will be familiar to elementary school girls, who will enjoy this entry as much as the original.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-K—A young girl explains how she and her mother reconcile after they argue in this simplistic description of angry situations. "This is me. And this is Mommy. We talk about many things, especially when we have been angry at each other and then make up." Riley goes on to list scenarios in which animals or objects clash: "When two dogs are angry at each other…they flatten their ears and growl" or "When two raisins are angry at each other…they hide in separate cookies and refuse to talk." Each example is illustrated with a bold-colored drawing paired with a picture showing Riley and her mother coming into conflict. The ending is too pat ("It is OK to disagree about something. But…we don't have to fight because of it"), the writing is poor, and the plot is difficult to follow. This book will have little impact on children struggling to control their feelings. Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Scholastic, 1999) does a much better job of handling this topic.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

Gr 2–4—Bad Kitty and Poor Puppy are back. This time they are featured in a funny, heavily illustrated "how-to" chapter book that is reminiscent of Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise's "Regarding the…" titles (Harcourt). The instructions for getting the feline into the water include begging, cajoling, and reverse psychology. The text includes clippings from the Daily Nooz, "Uncle Murray's Fun Facts," a "Quick Quiz," a glossary of cat sounds ("fft!"), and two notes from the editor to the author about what is "unprintable." The resistant cat makes a valiant effort to avoid the procedure but finally—"YEOWR!," "HISSS!"—she is bathed. The pup gets his turn in an epilogue, but without any drama. Bruel's zany illustrations incorporate numerous perspectives that heighten the humor.—Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—Princess Peepers has always been secure in who she is, and is especially fond of her collection of fabulous eyeglasses. That is until she enters the Royal Academy for Perfect Princesses. The other royals make fun of her specs, causing her to pack them all away so she can be like everyone else. This leads to all sorts of mistakes: she misidentifies spaghetti as mud and string, the kitchen as the dungeon, animals as people, and a visiting prince as a horse. Luckily, a happy ending is in store for the hapless young woman as she and Prince Peerless, who is not wearing his glasses either, soon see that they are made for each other. Mourning's graphite and digital/collage illustrations combine figures in traditional costumes from different eras with lush backgrounds. The palette of pinks keeps the emphasis on sweet, even when some of the characters are not. Princess Peepers will circulate well and bring laughs during storytimes.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

Gr 1–6—Carter takes paper engineering to new creative heights in this fourth in a pop-up series that combines imagination-stirring visuals with open-ended texts and seek-and-find elements. Here, readers look for a yellow square incorporated into illustrations in primary colors that burst with clever innovations and visual effects. The shape appears in various hiding spots: on a tab that spins around "Uncle Theo's trapeze" (a bar raised into the air by two triangular supports), within a paper swirl that lifts—slinky like—into a tall spiral and then (amazingly) recoils back to a flat page, and as part of a giant 3-D "Doodle on white" sculpture. A removable square with a cut-out middle can be peered through to make yellow strips look like yellow boxes. "Square tubes bloom" as card-stock stalks blossom up from a blue background, each displaying a delicate flower, evoking the solidity and fluidity of coral. The pop-ups incorporate interesting materials—yarn, red netting (think vegetable packaging), and a translucent waxy paper that allows readers to view shapes through "the fog of art"—possibly inspiring collages or sculptures made from found objects. This book will fuel creative thought, initiate discussion about artistic perception, and elicit plain old "wows" from kids.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—In this book, adapted from a script from the television show Charlie and Lola, the siblings prepare for the arrival of the school guinea pig, Bert. Despite the fact that Lola knows less about guinea pigs and their care then her friends do, she is picked to take the animal home. She has determined that Bert is a girl because of his long pretty hair. Everyone assures her that she is wrong, but Lola is proven correct when, after a brief disappearance, Bert reemerges with a brand-new family. Readers already familiar with these children will be pleased to reacquaint themselves with sensible, steady Charlie and the always-playful, always-curious Lola. The illustrations are based on the animation from the television program, and they maintain Child's fun and energetic use of collage. The art fills almost every space without ever seeming cluttered, either by words or images. A spread in which Lola looks for her friends among the high grass of "Peruuuuuu!" serves to impart information (some guinea pigs come from Peru) while illustrating her constant energy and precociousness. This is not a pet-care book, but readers will learn plenty about guinea pigs. This entry in what is now a very popular series will please its fans.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-K—Jackson loves his soft, worn, fuzzy blanket and takes it everywhere he goes. His parents think it's time to wash it and put it away, but the child won't hear of it. Then he finds a tiny white kitten in the snow. He wraps it up in his blanket and takes it home. Jackson bathes and feeds the kitten and makes a bed for it using his blanket. The streamlined text and realistic watercolor illustrations come together to show how a boy grows up just a bit when the time is right. A great addition to most collections.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—First published as a poem in Highlights magazine (1999), this bouncy text honors fathers who tell bedtime stories. When a young boy can't sleep, the bedtime train is called in, along with an engineer who looks suspiciously like Dad. Accompanied by some penguin friends, they travel down the street, through a wild forest, over Alligator Lake, past a pack of dinosaurs, and into ice and snow, where they become lost, until the youngster takes charge and returns them home. With heavy Sendak influence, the pen-and-watercolor artwork uses a soft warm palette, rounded lines, and unusual proportions and details to keep everything dreamy. Unfortunately, the crowded illustrations don't enhance the text as much as they make it more nebulous and confusing. Consider this only for larger picture-book collections.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Little Baby Mummy does not want to go to bed. Demanding one more game of "Hide and Shriek," he runs outside to conceal himself in the graveyard, but Mama Mummy doesn't join him. Like the young bird in P. D. Eastman's Are You My Mother? (Random, 1960), he sets off to find her, heading into "the deep, dark woods, the spookery woods" and encountering several creepy creatures: "Clank clink clank/Woo boo woo/Clank clink cloo/'Mama Mummy, is that you?'/But out of the woods clanked—/Bones!" This skeleton, as well as a blob and a vampire—all making their nighttime preparations—greet the mummy and tell him to go to bed. The only time the youngster is truly frightened—by a mouse—his mother is there to comfort him, take him home, and tuck him into bed. The gouache paintings depict the action with humor, and the eerie details and nighttime hues create just the right mood. Well-placed page turns add a bit of suspense. A reassuring offering for youngsters who want just a touch of the shivers.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

PreS-Gr 2—Throughout the trials and errors of growing up, children are bound to hear some big words from the adults around them—words that are big in size and in meaning. In rhyming verse, Curtis explains some of these important terms and just when young listeners might encounter them. "If you need some time/to just be alone,/for doing weird dancing,/to sit still as stone,/if someone is there/and you need to pee,/then say loud and clear, 'Hey, I need PRIVACY!'" Through the course of an average day, the spunky multicultural siblings depicted in Cornell's childlike watercolors encounter many other concepts, including "consequence," "cooperate," "appropriate," "patience," "family," "respect," and "love." Each word is highlighted in hand lettering by the illustrator. Some of the verses are awkwardly worded in order to complete the rhyme, but the author's fans are unlikely to care. More notably, Curtis once again demonstrates her trademark sensibility for childhood's simultaneously awkward and silly moments while focusing on the positive values learned from these experiences. Cornell keeps the tone ever lighthearted with her charmingly busy illustrations. This is a solid addition to any picture-book collection and a must-have where the author has a strong following.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 3—A lively teacher and her energetic students step out of the classroom and into the jungle for an adventure. A twist on the traditional "Going on a Bear Hunt" and similar to David Axtell's We're Going on a Lion Hunt (Holt, 2000), Cuyler's rollicking adaptation stands on it own. On their quest for a lion, the kids slog through mud, climb up trees, splish-splash through a river, and so on. Different species of animals watch as the children make their way to a cave inhabited by a furry, cold-nosed lion with sharp teeth. Printed in color, the action words are set apart from the black text, which is placed within the double-page illustrations. Mathieu's colored-pencil and watercolor artwork bounces off the spreads. He gives the characters individual facial expressions, which convey their changing moods. The illustrations in Axtell's Lion Hunt are more realistic and star two African girls. Both versions could be used in combination for compare and contrast lessons.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

K-Gr 2— De Brunhoff's cast of characters tours the USA, photographically documented by Zephir, the monkey. Babar's family spends a lot of time with their friends in New York City, visiting familiar places like Times Square, FAO Schwarz, and Central Park. Cornelius is impressed by the city's diversity, which, young Pom explains, means that here, "We don't look weird." Heading west, they are amazed by the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, and enjoy other stops including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Along the way, they make wry observations about how Americans talk ("No problem," "Have a good day") and behave (optimistically, high-spirited), concluding that "Anything you say about the USA may be true, and the opposite may be true, too, because it is such a big country…." The illustrations were done using watercolor cutouts placed on digital photographs, creating an unusual but appealing effect. While the prose is clear and simple, the itinerary is at times confusing, as the entourage jumps from coast to coast. An appendix identifies the sites by page number, although the pages of the book itself are not numbered. No matter, Babar fans will welcome the family's latest outing.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 3–6—Kenny's father brings home a fearsome description of an enormous creature: "...one of them flying things that eats pretty maidens and burns castles to the ground." Instead of being frightened, Kenny, a curious and well-read rabbit, wants to meet the beast. His father, not too bright in some ways but quite sensible in others, is sure Kenny can handle it, but Kenny's no-nonsense mother insists, "Dishes and homework first." What follows is a delightful riff on Kenneth Grahame's classic The Reluctant Dragon, starring a dragon named Grahame that can delicately torch crème brûlée with the flames from his left nostril and has no interest in killing anyone. Before long, rumors and fear create a mob mentality among the local townspeople, and Kenny has to come up with a plan to prevent the retired dragon slayer (George, of course) from killing Grahame. This is a fun story with substance. At one point, Kenny wonders, "How can they want someone killed they don't even know?... How can George just blindly do whatever the king says?" The civilizing influence of literature is another theme that has relevance for today's readers. Lively pencil sketches add to the charm. The author's reputation will enhance the popularity of this solid fantasy.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 3–5—This second book in the series has the same charm and crossover appeal as Dragonsdale (Scholastic, 2007). Breena and Cara are best friends, but now Cara is riding dragons better than any other competitor. Breena doesn't mean to be jealous, but her dreams of being part of the guard flight are fast disappearing as she and her dragon struggle to regain their Trustbond after an accident. The rift in the girls' relationship is compounded by another girl's gossip and lies. When Breena takes her dragon off into the wilderness and doesn't return, it is only Cara who can solve the mystery of what has happened to her. Drake has taken horseback riding and all of its appeal and married it with fantasy and dragons. The setting is well developed and interesting, filled with wonders such as a merboy and his underwater flock of ramlike capricorns. The secondary characters also help bring the story to life. The writing is light and easy, and the black-and-white drawings add to the action.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 1–3—In this sequel to Dodsworth in New York (Houghton, 2007), Dodsworth and his mischievous duck visit the French capital, exploring street cafés, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. Though Dodsworth has cautioned the duck, "You can't cause any trouble here," his companion gets into one escapade after another, from escaping the hotel to ring the bells at Notre Dame to folding all of their money into paper airplanes to fly off the Eiffel Tower. Egan's cartoon-style ink and watercolor illustrations enhance the comedy. Kids are sure to enjoy the zany humor and identify with the duck's playful nature. Some French words ("beret," "debonair," "magnifique," "bonjour," "monsieur") are an interesting addition to this easy reader while others are easily understood through the illustrations and context. A few are harder to decipher. Though their inclusion may prove challenging for some students, more sophisticated readers will likely be undeterred. At the end of the story, Dodsworth and the duck are seen floating off in a hot-air balloon toward England.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 2–4—"I am Willy," proclaims a spacesuit-clad rabbit as he steps out of his carrot-shaped ship and into Hercules Smith's backyard. "Willy?" asks Hercules. "Willy happy to meet you," is the reply, and the first in an overabundance of groan-inducing jokes. The other half of the hyper and sappy Wuv Bunnies is Gwaad, as in "Gwadd to meet you!" They are determined to help Hercules save the Earth from enemy Funny Bunnies. Big Bad Bunny (B3), the Funny Bunny leader, puts his invasion in motion by planning to turn Hercules's classmates into carrots. He is ultimately thwarted by the boy's well-timed caramel throw into B3's mouthful of braces. Additional attempts at quirkiness, such as having one chapter written in the Wuv Bunny language "prin1Xtsh" and another solely composed of "HAs!" come off as filler. The use of footnotes as glib asides, the standard cartoon artwork, and even the sense of awareness and revelry at how bad the jokes are show that there is nothing new here.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1–5—An urban African-American boy transcends the loss of loved ones with help from a caring elderly mentor and from the sustaining ability to create art. Bird looks back and remembers his once-admired older brother Marcus's slow descent into drug addiction, expulsion from the family home, and ultimate death—a death that ostensibly led to the decline and death of his beloved grandfather as well. Wise Uncle Son picks up where Granddad leaves off and becomes the steadying and inspiring influence in Bird's life as he learns not only the hard lesson that, "You can't fix a broken soul," but also to look to the future with confidence. Despite the plainspoken, accessible language, the author's flashback structure may not be as successful with this audience as a more linear story arc. The illustrations, rendered with a delicate touch in watercolor, gouache, charcoal, and pen, emphasize the textual theme of resilience in adversity, even while Marcus's appearances are often shrouded in a palette of grays. Bird's own pencil drawings of city life and the repetition of Marcus's symbolic bright cap add interest and meaning to the visual narrative. From a first-time author and illustrator comes a sad truth of contemporary life successfully leavened with hopeful optimism.—Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

K-Gr 2—Mole, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Hedgehog return for another cozy story. Mole has not heard from Rabbit for a while, so he decides to visit her. Since it's been raining for days, he decides to tunnel underground to her home. Along the way, he encounters Squirrel and Hedgehog, who follow the intrepid digger beneath the earth in order to stay dry. Meanwhile, Rabbit is at home with a cold and is also missing her pals. Just as she is hoping that someone would drop in to see her, Mole and the others burrow through the ceiling and do exactly that. When they realize that she is feeling poorly, Squirrel brings her some nuts and Hedgehog fetches some dry leaves to refresh her bed. But what does Mole bring? Why, he brought Rabbit's friends, which is the best gift of all. Although the story's outcome may be obvious to adults, children will enjoy this simple tale of friendship. Cabban's cuddly animals drawn in a palette of soft, autumn watercolors reinforce the warm and fuzzy feeling of Emmett's story. A pleasant selection for fall storytimes and a good choice for beginning readers.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-K—Neophyte trick-or-treaters might be just a tad nervous about the things that go boo in the night, but this story should go a long way toward alleviating their discomfort. Two nervous rabbits meet on Halloween night. "One bunny quivers./One bunny shivers./One big door./One hissing cat./Two small bunnies/tap,/tap,/tap." Mack's illustrations are a delicious contrast of dark backgrounds, spooky shapes, and bright fuzzy rabbits in their costumes. The theme is that what's frightening for an individual is bearable "and even fun" when you have a companion. The vivid color contrasts and direct, face-your-fears story are reminiscent of Susan L. Roth's Night-Time Numbers (Barefoot, 1999).—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 1–4—Much surface and little substance mark this collaboration from Gosline and Bossi—but oh, what a beautiful surface it is. As the rhyming text extols the virtues of trees and describes the planting and growth of a group of seeds, the jewel-toned illustrations of the natural world immediately draw the eye. The elevated language tends more to poetry than sense: "Warm wishes sowed the greening land/and flocking birds rejoiced the stand/and sang a story that uplifts,/the tale of ten trees' simple gifts." The text then introduces these trees, each chosen to represent a particular characteristic (seemingly at random, for the afterword describing the various species gives no hint as to why they were assigned their titles). The blue spruce represents tolerance, the yellow poplar stands for love, and so on. A listing of state trees is appended. With a slightly New Agey premise, this handsomely illustrated book is more inspirational than educational and may find a home in Arbor Day celebrations and in Sunday school classrooms.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 2—Poignantly told and visually rich, this narrative flies high. When a pigeon breaks its wing, no one notices except Will. Sporting a bright red jacket, starkly contrasted against his drab surroundings, he and his parents take the injured creature into their home. Clean lines and effective panels showcase its steady recovery, readily receiving encouragement from the family along the way. Graham's succinct text masterfully reveals the bird's resilience. "A loose feather can't be put back/but a broken wing can sometimes heal." Pen, watercolor, and chalk illustrations add depth to this tender tale as the injured bird wistfully watches a flock of flyers outside Will's window. Exemplary use of color and perspective denote shifting moods, and thin lines enhance the vulnerability of this boy and his bird. Gently expressed and honestly delivered, this quiet, yet powerful story provides young readers with an affirming conclusion.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayatteville, NC

PreS-Gr 1—One might expect a book with this title to be a rhyming text or counting story, but this offering is neither. Instead, it tells of a group of firefighters who receive a call just as they are sitting down to dinner. They dutifully grab their gear, climb onto the truck, and speed through traffic to reach their destination. After they save the family and cat, they return to the firehouse, have dinner, and go to bed. The pictures mirror the text, with cartoon bubbles that indicate dialogue, while the action is narrated by a single sentence per page and occasional sound effects. The book's size, typeset, and simple pictures are reminiscent of Lois Lenski's The Little Fire Engine (Random, 2000). Although it is nice to see an old-fashioned-style book with a multicultural cast and a female firefighter, the inclusion of the word "little" in the title seems somewhat condescending and precious. An additional purchase.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 4—A tiny mouse and his gigantic fears collide in this humorous creation. This handbook dramatically states, "A fear faced is a fear defeated," and encourages the fainthearted to conquer their fright through writing, drawing, and collage. Spare text and delightful illustrations chronicle this nervous rodent's journey. From ablutophobia, the fear of bathing, to sciaphobia, the fear of shadows, the striking mixed-media art captures the humorous adventures of the white mouse and his red pencil. The pictures emphasize shadow and light, pitting the winsome rodent against some of the scariest and most exotic phobias. Unusual elements abound through a hodgepodge of folded maps and newspaper clippings; varied perspectives and dominant figures feature a cameo by the Three Blind Mice and a dramatic retelling of "Hickory Dickory Dock." With nuanced facial expressions, the mouse scurries through each textured spread against warm cream-colored backgrounds; his actualization reveals a delightful conclusion. Through one-on-one sharing or personal perusal, readers will clamor to relive this small hero's adventures.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayatteville, NC

Gr 1–3—From the touching cover illustration to the playful depictions of Dakota on the endpapers, this empathetic tale of a puppy-mill dog will resonate with animal lovers. Dakota is almost hairless and has sore feet from standing on the wire flooring of her cage. A volunteer, Emma, fosters her and eventually finds her a loving home. Dakota's future owner, a girl who is sick and has lost her hair, at first rejects the pup because she considers her ugly, but she later bonds with the animal. This part of the story is not completely convincing. However, the illustrations of the dog enjoying her first bath and comfortable bed are wonderful. Lane also captures the pet's vulnerability as she learns to walk and to enjoy companionship. The atrocious conditions and tragic lives of these creatures are briefly and accurately described. This sensitive portrayal will educate young readers through its poignant story and the brief facts provided at the end about helping such dogs.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

PreS-Gr 2—It has not snowed in Anna's village for many years. People still own shovels and sleds, but year after year they go unused. Anna's mother tells her daughter stories of winters past, and the girl longs to experience them for herself. As Christmas approaches, she gets out an old sled and wishes for snow so hard that the wishes float up into the air and turn into snowflakes. Originally published in Switzerland, this simple but charming picture book has been skillfully translated. The narrative is smooth and short enough to read aloud, and the acrylic and gouache illustrations are equally appealing. The palette switches between bright Christmas colors, especially around Anna, and the gray winter colors of the town. Rave is skilled at drawing distinctive faces with just a few simple lines. Even passers-by in a crowd have personality. The snowflakes are interesting, too, as no two are alike. For some reason, those on the cover are all exactly alike. Despite this small shortcoming, the book is a welcome choice for libraries looking for new seasonal material.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 1–3—With dreamlike images and believable text, this picture book takes readers into an imaginative world and encourages them to reminisce about their favorite toys and make-believe adventures. The story opens as a young boy plays with a dollhouse and its accompanying figures—a baker, a soldier, and an airplane man. They talk to him and take him on fantastic pretend journeys. Time passes, and the dolls are mostly forgotten, but when Charles and his sister must clean up their playroom for a new brother, they are reminded of the time when they would hear the toys' voices and they wonder why, as they grew up, the voices stopped. Ultimately, Charles rescues these favorite items from the trash can, and the final page shows his baby brother playing with them. Depicting realistic-looking characters and just a touch of fantasy, Nolan's watercolor and colored pencil illustrations are descriptive and comforting.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Gr 2–5—A simple and heartfelt paean to the Pack Horse Librarians of the 1930s who were part of a WPA program founded to take books to remote areas. Cal and his family live high in the Appalachian hills. He's proud to be a hard worker and scorns his sister, who'd read all day if allowed. When a stranger appears on horseback to deliver books, Cal wants nothing to do with her until one winter evening when she braves the snowy mountain to deliver her goods. Her courage and strong will make him realize that her job must be very important, so he asks his sister to teach him to read. Henson's free-verse narrative is peppered with colloquialisms and authentic-sounding language that might be tricky for some readers, but lend immediacy and atmosphere to the story. Done in pale browns and greens, Small's signature ink-and-watercolor illustrations depict an austere mountain home and the hardscrabble lives of family members who have little to spare. Cal's expressions of resentment and anger, and then his acceptance and enjoyment of reading, are shown with simple yet effective lines. Pair this poignant book with Kathi Appelt and Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer's Down Cut Shin Creek (HarperCollins, 2001) for an excellent unit on these dedicated women and for a great discussion starter on the importance of books.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 2–4—In this installment in the beginning-chapter-book series, Rita does not earn a place on her friends' swimming team, the Sharks. Instead, she is a Dolphin, which disappoints her so much that she considers quitting the sport. Then she realizes that her younger sister, Tia, also faces a challenge: riding a two-wheel bicycle. Tia's mastering of the skill serves as an inspiration for Rita, who is able to bounce back. Although there is not a great deal of character development, this optional purchase has some appeal.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

K-Gr 3—Fanny, who wears eyeglasses, a headband, a tutu, leggings, and sneakers, is no ordinary girl. More than anything, she wants a high-fashion Connie doll. However, her mother does not like the way the doll looks, so Fanny is unlikely to get one. She attempts to resolve this situation by making her own rag doll, which she loves well enough until her friends make fun of it. Fanny persists by bringing it on a playdate. The Connie dolls are dressed as nurses while Annabelle is the surgeon operating on the sick stuffed animals. When the rag doll's proud owner gets home, she makes Annabelle something that every girl needs—her own doll. The soft watercolor illustrations show this protagonist to be an independent thinker as well as a talented seamstress. Sometimes not following the crowd can have unexpectedly wonderful results.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 2—Tomi Ungerer's Crictor the snake tied up the robber until police arrived. William Kotzwinkle's Walter the Farting Dog grossed out the robber. In this book, Growl, a small purple, toothy monster, scares the robber with her mighty sound and saves the day. Growl lives in a big castle at the end of an otherwise ordinary street. She growls all the time. It's just what she does. One day she lets out an extra loud growl, just as her neighbors are having afternoon tea. They are appropriately startled, tables and chairs are upset, and their tea is ruined. They call the police. Growl is forbidden to growl. She becomes listless and depressed. She cries all day. Late one night she sees a robber creeping across their yard. She lets out an ear-shattering roar that sends him fleeing. When the neighbors realize what she's done, they apologize and invite the little monster to tea. The cartoon illustrations done in gouache are outlined in black. The volume and intensity of each growl is shown by the size and the placement of the word. While the pages are colorful and the text is always easily visible, this title is not a necessary purchase.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 1–2—In this skewed extension of the nursery rhyme, Humpty is a climbing enthusiast who gives up his hobby after a "great fall." His doctor admonishes him to be more careful: "for Pete's sake, you're an egg!" Depressed, Humpty sits around the house in his underwear until he unexpectedly finds himself in a position to rescue one of the king's horses from a mountain ledge. Successful and invigorated, he resumes his favorite activity, but with less risk-a postscript informs readers that he now uses safety equipment. Horowitz combines short sentences with Mother Goose rhyme patterns and includes not only characters from Humpty's story, but also others that children should know well: the Dish and the Spoon, the little laughing dog, Miss Muffett's spider. The cartoon art is funny but uneven—while Humpty's expressions nicely evoke the poor egg's mood, the backgrounds look a little slapdash. The result is a lightweight but charming addition to the popular subgenre of "fractured" nursery stories and fairy tales.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

Gr 1–3—Jenkins continues the adventures of Lumphy, Stingray, and Plastic, which began in Toys Go Out (Random, 2006). This charming fantasy about friendship explores their feelings and fears. The Girl who owns them is growing up and they are worried that she is leaving them behind. Telling the story from the point of view of the toys helps children to view these concerns in a nonthreatening light. In six new escapades, the toys learn to stick together and help solve their predicaments. Each new adventure builds anticipation and apprehension as the toys struggle for a satisfactory conclusion. Humor-laced language creates visual images as well as unusual sounds (e.g., "rumpa, lumpa"). Zelinsky's cleverly detailed black-and-white illustrations are amusing and add to the overall pleasure in the book. Beginning chapter-book readers will enjoy the pace of each episode. Toy Dance Party also makes a great read-aloud.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS-Gr 2—The endearing preschooler from The Hello, Goodbye Window (Hyperion, 2005) is back in all of her precociousness as her grandparents try to navigate the world of her moods. Their granddaughter seems to actually be two little girls in one. Sourpuss is bratty and contrary while Sweetie Pie is cooperative, sweet, and cuddly. But her grandparents never know which one they'll be seeing next. She can go down for a nap as Sweetie Pie and wake up as her alter ego. Raschka's abstract, vibrant artwork sets up the differences between these two personalities. Sourpuss is all angles and rigid lines, and the use of a far-off perspective distances readers from this contentious child. Conversely, Sweetie Pie is all curves and softness and immensely huggable. What is particularly satisfying is that despite knowing she can be good or bad, the protagonist is sure in her knowledge that her grandparents love her. Her story will resonate with young children who see themselves in the character. The last page is priceless: Nanna and Poppy sitting across from each other in comfy chairs, holding hands, exhausted. Somehow it is clear that they will be there for whoever wakes up in the morning.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

PreS-Gr 2—This love letter on the lives and antics of little old ladies is a sweet but ultimately incomplete portrait of women in their prime. It starts with, "If you think little old ladies just sit around all day feeding the ducks in the park, you are quite mistaken," and finishes with, "Little old ladies can tell us so much. We only need to listen." But listen to what? While the book shows the women having fun, readers never get to share in the wonderful tales waiting for their attention. The end result is a random assortment of unconnected comments. This is a shame, because the colored-pencil illustrations are delightful, showing a group of little old ladies relishing all the good things in life, like secret admirers, a fine wine by the side of the pool, and each other. Hopefully, some readers will be inspired to find their own little old ladies and ask for a tale or two.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 1–4—This book begins with a letter to readers: "I'm warning you. If you turn the page, you are going to see some terrible things." What follows are a dozen situations that range from unpleasant to downright awful, the stuff of nightmares for children everywhere. Realistic, double-page watercolor illustrations use a clever first-person perspective to render readers the victims of horrors such as a cheek-pinching lady, an over-the-top birthday clown, and a hairy-moled lunch lady who doesn't understand that less is more when it comes to "Industrial Strength" gravy. Another scene shows hands gripping tightly to a too-high diving board, the swimming pool looking tiny below, while a voice puts on the peer pressure, "Come on already…JUMP!" Minimal text and detailed artwork combine to convey a macabre humor that is bound to ensnare even the most hesitant of readers.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

K-Gr 4—Kimmel weaves common folk elements with traditions from the Jewish holiday. Two brothers set up their sukkot. The stingy, rich brother has a beautiful one but begrudges food to strangers. The poor, kind brother's humble sukkah is open to all. The biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the mysterious guests who curse the unwelcoming host and bless the hospitable one. All ends well as the kind brother gains the riches he deserves, while the mean one learns his lesson. Readers will enjoy the sensory frisson as each sukkah transforms into the rotted shell or glittering bower that represents its inner atmosphere. Universal themes of hospitality and justice make the story emotionally satisfying. Krenina's dark, rich paintings support the folktale flavor of the original story. This entertaining tale conveys important values that are applicable year-round and in every tradition.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 2–4—This illustrated chapter book follows the adventures of John Robinson and his expanding family. To escape a vicious feline, the mice leave their home in search of a safer, cat-free environment. Eventually they arrive at a house inhabited by a boy who owns several fancy pet mice. The Robinsons make their home at Number 16 Simple Street and eventually befriend the other mice, as well as one of the "giants," a boy named Bill Black. King-Smith does not shy away from topics such as death and the fact that animals, such as mice, reproduce. Bruel's lively, detailed black-and-white cartoon art appears throughout, adding to the book's humor and charm. A delightful addition for newly independent readers.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—Minerva the Boston terrier (or, in this case, terror) is back. Having declared herself a monster at the start of the story, she makes a fearsome paper-plate mask and takes on a new persona. As a monster, Minerva says, she doesn't have to help with chores, eat green beans, or wear pajamas (the latter due to her thick monster fur). Although being a monster is liberating, it is also isolating: monsters don't play games, eat peanut butter cookies, or get tucked into bed. As in Nobody Notices Minerva (Sterling, 2007), the patience of her parents steers the rambunctious child toward making a decision that resolves the situation satisfactorily for all. Children will appreciate that Minerva is allowed her monster personality and then welcomed so readily back. The gouache and colored-pencil illustrations are crisp, bright, and full of mischief, much like Minerva herself. This book will be a hit with readers who already know the protagonist and a treat for those meeting her for the first time.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Raizy is on her way home with a beautiful bouquet of daisies that she purchased in honor of Shavuot. She invites Naomi, a new classmate, to spend the holiday with her family and gives the girl two of her flowers. Raizy also invites elderly Mrs. Schwartz, who had planned to be alone, and gives her two daisies. Then the child offers to help a neighbor with her twin babies so that she can enjoy the worship service in the synagogue. When she finally arrives home, her bouquet is much smaller. However, her grandmother reminds her that because of all of the mitzvos (good deeds) she performed, "It's half as big as it started out, but it's twice as beautiful." An author's note points out that both Ashkenazic and Sephardic characters are featured in the story, each using a slightly different holiday greeting. A detailed endnote provides additional information about the holiday, and a glossary of Hebrew and Yiddish terms is appended. The color illustrations are stiff and flat. While picture books about this holiday are scarce, the obvious, didactic message and plodding plot will limit the book's appeal to those within the observant Jewish community. Barbara Diamond Goldin's A Mountain of Blintzes (Harcourt, 2001) is a more appealing and accessible story for Shavuot.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS—This visually arresting, easy picture book is a surprisingly powerful masterpiece of design. Laid out entirely on electric orange pages, the two-color scheme hearkens back to a bygone era in children's book publishing. Far from being dated or dull, though, Kohara's elegant achievement retains an oh-so-contemporary flair thanks to savvy layout techniques. The story is delightfully simple: a little witch moves into a haunted house, and, fortunately for her, she knows exactly what to do with a house full of ghosts. First she traps them, then she washes them, and finally she repurposes them as useful items, such as curtains, table linens, and bedding. The story ends happily, with smiling ghosts performing new jobs all over her house. The ghosts have the opacity of used dryer sheets and trick the eye into thinking there are two textures on the page; this unique optical illusion is so convincing that readers may find themselves compelled to reach out and touch them. The dense orange that saturates each page casts the whole book in a rich, warm twilight. Toddlers and preschoolers are sure to enjoy this engaging read. With its subzero fear factor, fun narrative, and artful illustrations, it's a surefire Halloween hit.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

Gr 1–4—Shima is an origami master who lives in the mountains of Japan with only his folded-paper creations for company. A warbler is building its nest in a tree in his yard and watches him at his work. For three nights, while the master is asleep, the little bird flies to his desk and folds a figure in the manner he has observed—each figure amazing the man with its simplicity and beauty. When a hiding Shima discovers the warbler at his desk, he decides to capture it in order to watch its skills firsthand, but the bird has another kind of lesson to teach him. Lachenmeyer's spare text and Sogabe's colorful cut paper and watercolor illustrations are the perfect vehicles for this short moralistic tale. Man, bird, house, and origami creations—the main elements of the story—are outlined in black. Square and rectangular patterns are repeated in the simple Japanese house and in its slatted outdoor walkway; in its screens, windows, and furniture; and in the bird's cage and the table on which it sits. While most pages hold full- or double-page illustrations, three images that show Shima catching and caging the bird and the final picture indicating his offering of friendship are enclosed in red-bordered boxes. A solid choice for discussing the importance of respecting each living creature's own space.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 3–5—The protagonists of Layton's picture books Oscar and Arabella (Hodder, 2003) and Hot Hot Hot (Candlewick, 2004) return, this time in a beginning-chapter-book format. The woolly mammoths are summoned to start school at the Mammoth Academy. Despite its name, all varieties of Ice Age animals attend, and Oscar soon finds a good friend in Fox. Arabella, unfortunately, remains a minor character. Fox says one day in gym that he's heard from a warthog that if you don't bathe for two months, your fur begins to clean itself, and he has decided not to wash anymore. Soon he stinks so badly that the other animals (except for Oscar) keep their distance. But when Fox and Oscar discover a cave filled with terrifying, club-wielding humans who plan to capture and consume the students and teachers, only Fox's odor—and Oscar's invention of the first skateboard—help them warn the school in time. Most of the pages are comprised more of Layton's scribbly-style cartoon drawings than text, and in some, such as those of the humans' "Cave Skool," the text becomes part of the illustrations. This silly, loose, witty tale will appeal to fans of the Pleistocene everywhere.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

K-Gr 3—In rhyming verse, Lendroth offers a hymn to the men who sailed from New England as part of the China trade in the 19th century, spinning the tale of a young girl left with her mother and baby brother while her father goes to sea: "Oh, ocean wide, ocean deep,/will you rock Papa to sleep?/He sailed tonight on the evening tide-/please keep him safe, oh, ocean wide." The tone is a quiet one of waiting while a year of ordinary events passes, but the family's love shines through: "Mama takes my hand and claps it tight-/her lullaby holds back the night." Allén's gorgeous, full-color paintings perfectly re-create the Cape Cod setting and convey the characters' emotions. Pair this offering with other picture books recounting New England life, like Donald Hall's Ox-Cart Man (Viking, 1979), and with poems such as John Masefield's "Sea-Fever," found in many collections including Caroline Kennedy's excellent A Family of Poems (Hyperion, 2005), for a lyrical celebration of times gone by.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

K-Gr 2—This solid addition to the series features a party at Jamie's house where "All the first graders came." Multicultural classmates are dressed in ghost, robot, and elevator costumes and have mixed responses to the Haunted House with a spider web, plastic spider, and bowl full of "goopy worms…in Jell-O." The simple text and familiar theme supports emerging readers and rewards them with a satisfying plot twist and surprise. Gordon's vibrantly colored illustrations give plenty of visual clues for decoding the text and treats of wonderful costumes and party decorations, and add suspense with background shading. Beginning readers will also enjoy Paulette Bourgeois' Franklin's Pumpkin (Kids Can, 2005), Lisa Thiesing's A Dark and Noisy Night (Dutton, 2005), and Hans Wilhelm's I'm Not Scared! (Scholastic, 2005).—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 3–5—A mysterious package addressed to Grandma Palmer's grandfather arrives at the Palmer home while they are on vacation. Kate's doll, Annabelle, and her sister's doll, Tiffany Funcraft, deduce that the package contains the Doll family's missing baby. They open the package to find that Matilda is indeed Annabelle's lost sister. But how do they keep the family from sending her back? Since the package is not addressed to the Palmers, they might not open it, and the baby will be lost forever. Annabelle decides the only solution is to run away with her new sibling to save her from this fate. Annabelle, her brother Bobby, Tiffany, and her brother Bailey join the adventure and find themselves lost in the woods and then trapped in a toy store. The adventure takes a dangerous and mysterious turn when dolls begin to disappear from the store each night. The story opens with Selznick's 12-page illustrated, wordless prologue, and his art moves the story along throughout the book. This fun, magical entry in the series is just as engaging as the previous books.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Youngsters will enjoy accompanying Little Critter and his class on a trip to the firehouse. The endearing creature comes dressed in his fire boots and jacket and helps Fireman Joe test his hose. The class watches Fireman Joe check and climb the fire truck's ladder, and they listen to his safety tips. Emerging readers will appreciate the simple sentences, short words, and repetition, and they will love being pulled into Mayer's brightly colored illustrations in thoughtfully composed single pages and spreads. Put this on display with Lisa Desimini's Dot the Fire Dog (Scholastic, 2001), Wong Herbert Yee's Fireman Small (Houghton, 1994), and Monica Wellington's Firefighter Frank (Dutton, 2002) to celebrate Fire Safety Week.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—When Beaver's river dries up, he begins building a home on a different one. Pig and Elephant already live on its bank and are wary of strangers. Even after introductions and brief conversation, they deem Beaver to be an intruder. Both Pig and Elephant are immediately remorseful when he leaves, but they are convinced that they'll feel better soon. When they don't, they go off in search of him and invite him back to the neighborhood, and all build a house together. It's never clear why Pig and Elephant are so unwelcoming in the first place, and there's no apparent reason for their sudden turnaround. One minute they're rude; the next minute they're sorry. Bright pinks and yellows predominate in the watercolor illustrations outlined in thin black lines. Unfortunately, the story doesn't hold water.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—Twelve children gather together to celebrate Corkscrew the pig's birthday, but they have trouble deciding what games to play. Every time they form teams and begin an activity that will work for all 12 youngsters, Corkscrew and another guest, a lively parrot, interrupt, throwing off the even sides and taking over the action. The final game, Ultimate Frisbee, needs two groups of seven players, so the animals are accepted as teammates and the party ends on a happy note. The endearing creatures add humor and interest to a rather mundane story that seems contrived to use multiplication in the forming of the teams. The inclusion of simple math problems (1 x 12 = 12; 2 x 6 = 12; etc.) doesn't add to the text. While the birthday party theme and the pets may attract readers, the most appealing part of the book is the charming watercolors that show an engaging cast of neighborhood children, messy party decorations, the pig dressed up in bows, and the parrot causing chaos.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

Gr 2–4—When Sarah has to give a school report on a country, she's stumped as to which one to choose. She's disappointed that she isn't from or hasn't visited anywhere else. What can she do to make her report special? She finally chooses England so at least she can dress up like a queen and wear a sparkly crown. Then Sarah is invited to a sleepover at her friend's apartment. Mercedes has recently come from Mexico, and everything in her home reflects her native land. All of a sudden, wearing a sparkly crown doesn't seem so important. Sarah chooses Mexico for her country and knows exactly what to do to make her report extra special. This early chapter book is the fourth about Sarah but can easily stand alone. The illustrations are mostly of the characters, but the backgrounds are wonderful for comparing and contrasting the girls' apartments. The story is a great example of friendship and learning new things.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Gr 2–3—This slight story makes some heavy-handed points about overcoming racism and adversity. It begins with two young patients of different races who have been forced to share a hospital room. Skippy has cancer and Connor has diabetes, and they both want another roommate. They are awakened from naps by Batboy Ray, who whisks them back in time to meet Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson. The athletes spout truisms about getting along with others, being a team player, and never giving up. The boys also encounter a teenaged Roberto Clemente; Negron's real-life mentor, George Steinbrenner; and Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang. Soon the boys are the best of friends. This unoriginal tale clumsily uses two of baseball's greatest heroes to hammer home its obvious points; the weak story sinks under the weight of its overbearing message.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

PreS-K—"Where did I come from?" Henry asks. His parents answer his question with a series of playful stories. Adults will grin at the many references to common birth mythologies, such as a cabbage-patch baby, a wooden child come to life, and a mail delivery with no return address marked "handle with care." Whimsical pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor accents and a lovely minimalist design complement simple, poetic text. Regrettably, the facts are never quite revealed. Instead of giving him a frank answer, Henry's father tells him, "Your mother and I both dreamt you. And then you came true." This, accompanied by a small illustration of Henry's parents sleeping in bed, is the only suggestion of truth in this otherwise charming book. While this final segment may be suggestive of the underlying biology, it fails as a conclusion no matter how you see it. Children unfamiliar with the concept of sex may take the father's answer at face value, more savvy children may wonder why it's never explained outright, and adults who read it may wonder at the implication that innocent curiosity about one's origins shouldn't be rewarded with an honest answer.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2—Mike and Conrad do everything together—until a new kid arrives in their classroom. Victor, a self-involved braggart who excels at sports, captivates Conrad's attention, leaving Mike feeling left out. At recess, Victor declares himself captain for a kickball game and picks only the biggest kids, cruelly telling Conrad he's too small to help the team win. Mike, the other captain, feels bad and chooses Conrad. Ultimately, Conrad apologizes and the boys make up. This tale about the vagaries of young friendship is predictable and a bit slick, and the characters are too lightly drawn for readers to become fully engaged in the story. The brightly colored illustrations move the action along and provide funny details. The cafeteria menu board advertises delicacies like "Chocolate Glazed Carrots" "Humble Pie," and "Broccoli Ice Cream." Kevin Henkes's A Weekend with Wendell (HarperCollins, 1986), Isabella Hatkoff's Owen & Mzee (Scholastic, 2006), and George Shannon's Rabbit's Gift (Harcourt, 2007) are all stronger titles on the topic.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 1–3—Willow's grandmother tells the story of the 12 animals for whom the years in the Chinese calendar are named, unfortunately omitting Cat's role. When the child's cat, Mao, scratches Nai Nai and she pushes the animal off her lap, Willow and Mao become angry and head upstairs. Mao becomes Cat and tells how the Jade Emperor once invited 13 animals to a race. Dragon flies with Rabbit and Rooster on his back. Rat and his friend Cat sit on Ox as he and the other animals plunge into the river. Rat pushes Cat, who never learned to swim, into the water. By clawing his way onto a jutting rock, Cat watches as Rat jumps ashore ahead of Ox and wins. After Mao explains why the Year of the Rat comes first and why Cat and Rat are enemies, the little girl and her Nai Nai make up their disagreement. So's bright watercolor paintings bring the human characters to life against a pure white background, while traditional Chinese motifs and a subdued palette set the animals in the race apart. More pages are given to Willow, Mao, and Nai Nai than to the actual Chinese legend, and this tale-within-a-tale framework may be confusing to young readers. A simpler retelling is Dawn Casey's The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac (Barefoot, 2006). Nevertheless, youngsters will enjoy listening to this story and seeing the beautiful watercolor illustrations.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 1–3—A child speculates on the role of babies in the world. She gets right to the point on page one as she asks, "Why don't…babies work?" The rest of the story involves her research conducted on her baby brother, as well as on the babies she meets on her travels. She finds them to be lazy little loafers who enjoy snacking and lying around. All the while, kids her age are struggling to make their beds, study for tests, and solve math problems. How do the babies get away with it? As the youngster heads off to school, leaving her little brother and mom in the park, she decides that the reason is obvious. Orlean's reserved wit will be best appreciated by observant, inquisitive kids who harbor the slightest bit of cynicism in their little souls. Karas's gouache and acrylic cartoons reinforce the notion that babies are not silly and cute, but rather happy and lazy. This is a good one-on-one read for any youngster who has wondered why the baby doesn't have to go to school.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 1–3—Readers may predict trouble when Mrs. Rogers asks Amelia Bedelia for an umbrella because, "They say it is going to rain cats and dogs." Then the maid hears a "MEOW" while watching a cat-shaped cloud, and a tiger-striped kitten jumps out of the garden. As always, Amelia Bedelia is bewildered by idioms, and she frustrates people with her own word choices. Fluent readers will chuckle at these misunderstandings, and will be delighted with the suspense and plotting. They may also pick up a bit of information about pet care. The generous trim size is wider than that in most early readers, allowing many sentences to be printed without line breaks. Sweat's cheerful and expressive watercolor and black-pen illustrations extend the story. Another winning addition.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 3—Houdini the caterpillar entertains a class of students with his amazing acts, including the vanishing leaf, the high-wire stick crawl, and his skin-shedding growth. With his flair for showmanship, he revels in his audience's appreciation. When new acts show up—a turtle, spider, and plant—and draw his crowds of children away, Houdini spices up his performances to make them even more dramatic. Alas, even this does not bring back the masses. Then one evening, inspired by posters depicting the stages of a caterpillar's life on the classroom wall, he attempts "his most daring act ever." His place in the spotlight is regained as his audience waits in anticipation for two weeks as he holds his pose without food or water and finally escapes his chrysalis and emerges as a butterfly—"Ta-Da!" Pedersen's ink and watercolor cartoons are detailed without being fussy. Houdini's facial expressions demonstrate both the highs and lows of being a performer. Meanwhile, his captivated audience is shown drawing him, wearing homemade caterpillar antennae, imitating his chrysalis stage, and watching Houdini adoringly. The particulars of a caterpillar's life cycle are covered in detail in the author's note. This fun and informative story has a place in classrooms everywhere.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2—If you think you can't jam another twist on a classic tale into your collection, think again. Three pesky porcine protagonists are so bad that their mother kicks them out of the house. They are so lazy that they merely pile up sticks and straw for houses and one takes over a henhouse. The wolf is portrayed as a helpful handyman who offers to shore up their shoddy construction but is rebuffed each time. Rendered homeless by straw-eating cows, nesting birds who need sticks, and a pecking rooster who reclaims the henhouse, the homeless pigs get ready to head for the kindly wolf's abode. When he hears the pigs on the roof, he prepares a "big pot of boiling…soup" and invites them in. The tale ends with everyone living together happily ever after. The full-color cartoon illustrations capture the pigs' bad behavior and comeuppance with a goofy exuberance. The font size shrinks and enlarges to mirror the action and the text works as a fun read-aloud as well as a read-alone.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 3–6—Color and movement are vibrant components in this extraordinary book about Rosa Parks's efforts to take down Jim Crow. Text and illustration work in perfect sync. Andrea Pinkney chose the rhythm of the blues as cadence for the guitar-strumming hound-dog narrator: "This story begins with shoes./This story is all for true./This story walks. And walks. And walks./To the blues." In riveting poetic style, the author relates how Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus in Montgomery, AL, on December 1, 1955; her defiance brought about the boycott that changed this nation. The evocative text is bolstered by Brian Pinkney's perceptive vision: he portrays a swirling black mass, colored ink on clay board, to simulate a menacing bird—Jim Crow—that "pecks, pecks, pecks" its determination to undermine the movement. Jim Crow hovers menacingly over the bus and whirls above the beleaguered walkers, but the ever-present dog keeps belting out inspiring words, swinging his tune out over the people. Against electric blues and greens diffused with streaks of black line, Pinkney's artwork rivets the eye with the red of Parks's coat, the yellow of the city bus, and the sunrise red that signals the Supreme Court ruling to end segregation. Children unfamiliar with the historic events of the period will find the tale uplifting and memorable, and for librarians, teachers, and parents, this story will read aloud well, mesmerizing listeners.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA