Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-Gr 1—A toy wolf tries to dispel the "big and bad" myth by showing how good he is. Each spread features a short sentence about the qualities that make him so. While not really cuddly, the little wolf is friendly and smiling. The illustrations are key here, as they extend the spare story and make it come alive. Executed in pen and watercolor in a modern cartoon style, with plenty of white space around them, the tiny pictures give readers plenty to pore over. The book and the artwork are too small to share with a group, and, even one-on-one, children will have to look closely to appreciate the fine details. This title serves as a good showcase for Andres's art, and could make a sweet read-aloud for an inquisitive child.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 2–4—K-10 is cute, friendly, independent, and, as his Mom told him, "one step above all the other canines." But after too many owners and unwanted trips to the animal shelter, K-10 just wants to live free. Unfortunately, a big hunk of meat on the ground proves too much for a hungry dog to pass up, so once again he finds himself with a rope around his neck, being shuttled back to the pound, and this time getting adopted doesn't turn out to be so easy. Told in first person, the humorous, action-packed novel follows K-10 and some newfound friends through numerous escapes, misadventures, and setbacks, and wraps up with a tidy and satisfying conclusion. With a winning cover and fast pace, it's sure to please dog-loving kids.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3—Despite the sounds of the other children at play, Gus manages to doze off while sitting against a tree during recess. Soon he is dreaming that he is a big, old tree with bark striped red, yellow, and orange just like the sweater he wears. He feels the wind, watches the forest creatures, enjoys a moonlit night, and experiences refreshing drops of rain. Back in the schoolyard, Gus awakens to the call of his friends, who are now wearing raincoats and carrying umbrellas. This story glories in the joys of nature and being in the forest. A glossary contains tree-related words that are found in capital letters throughout the text. The illustrations are a blend of paintings and photographs. As Gus begins to dream, the artwork turns into a surreal mix of textures, perspectives, and colors. Their dreamlike quality complements the text nicely.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2—The smallest bunny, Noah, is tired of being squished by his many brothers and sisters in his family's burrow. He crawls from under his siblings and into the night where Albatross tells him of the frozen land of the North Star. Upon hearing of the lack of rabbits there, Noah hops onto the bird's back and they fly there. A surprise burst of wind knocks Noah off the bird and into the snow. Alone at last, Noah joyfully plays and explores his surroundings. He later awakes cold, alone, and longing for home. Albatross soon has him back in the cozy burrow nestled contentedly with his brothers and sisters. Chapman once again renders charming animals delightfully that are equally expressive and realistic. This sweet story is sure to please.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

PreS-Gr 1—Alvina, whose mother is black and father is white, has two grannies who love her dearly: Granny Vero, born on Trinidad, and Granny Rose, born in Yorkshire. The child enjoys spending time with them, especially listening to their stories of their childhoods. While the grannies have completely different personalities, they have one thing in common—a love of dance and music—brass bands in Granny Rose's case, and calypso and steel drums in Granny Vero's. For their 10th wedding anniversary, Alvina's parents decide to take a holiday trip and a conflict arises over who will look after the girl in their absence. It is decided that both grannies can stay at Alvina's home, but they don't agree on anything and everyone is miserable. Ultimately, their granddaughter comes up with the perfect solution. Chamberlain's humorous cartoons are full of bright, vivid colors and often spill across two pages. This simple offering, similar in tone and subject matter to Emily Arnold McCully's Grandmas Trick-or-Treat (2001), The Grandma Mix-Up (1988), and Grandmas at Bat (1993, all HarperCollins), is a little didactic, but fun nonetheless. Children will understand the rivalry between the grannies and empathize with Alvina's dilemma.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Reminiscent of the bustle of Richard Scarry's "Busytown" (S & S), this oversize German import is divided into four sections, one for each season. At the start of each section a full page highlights several different community members, such as Pedro, who "loves to sing and play his guitar," and a cat. "Cassie travels all through the town. Can you find her in each picture?" The cartoon picture puzzle echoes Martin Handford's "Waldo" series (Candlewick). Each season is represented by seven spreads that feature cross-sections of buildings and a wealth of detail across the surrounding landscape. Viewers follow characters along their everyday activities from page to page throughout the year as the community and its members undergo changes. The illustrations are charming, and the thorough details guarantee joyful exploration.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

Gr 2–4—Class 3 is the "problem group" of St. Barnabas School, but when Miss Wisdom takes over, things are never the same. A "paranormal operative" (the term "witch" is outdated, she insists), Ms. Wiz and Herbert, her pet rat, promise "no unpleasant spells—unless they're deserved." In Trouble, Ms. Wiz brings her magical touch to classroom life, including art drawings that become real and multiplication drills with a barn owl that "makes a guano" at each wrong answer. In Stitches, young Jack goes in for an operation, but the stuffy hospital staff isn't prepared for "Dr. Wisdom." Suddenly stethoscopes begin picking up disco music, injection needles bend, and lab mice are running through the halls. Unlike the characters in Harry Allard's "Miss Nelson" series (Houghton), who poke gentle fun at rigid authority, Blacker's adult power figures don't come off especially well here. The befuddled head teacher picks his nose in assembly, the school inspector loses his pants when Herbert runs into his underwear, and two intrusive teachers get their noses glued to the classroom window. Ross's angular black-and-white drawings complement the sometimes wacky plotlines. These short, off-the-wall stories will appeal to both transitional and reluctant readers.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

K-Gr 2—While Bear and Mrs. Bear sleep peacefully in their bed on a stormy night, Baby Bear, followed by Little Bear, and then Young Bear, awakens them, each believing that there is a monster outside. Bear admonishes, "There's no such thing as monsters…. What a scaredy-bear you are." However, it is he who continues to lie awake while his family calmly slumbers. When there is a knock at the door, a frightened Bear answers and discovers that the "monster" is a moose looking for shelter. The pages of this charming tale are enhanced by warm colors that resemble firelight. Young children, especially those who fear the strange noises that night often brings, will be comforted by the fact that adults can be frightened, too.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS—Spreads showing Goodnight Moon's great green room introduce and conclude this counting book. Images from the original work allow readers to count "One quiet old lady whispering hush," "Two little kittens," "Three little bears sitting on chairs" and so forth, up to "Ten toy houses," and then jump to "One hundred stars." Hurd's original artwork is reused, rearranged, and, in some cases, multiplied, such as the five black telephones floating against a white background. Unfortunately, the gentle poetic lilt that touched so many hearts does not appear in this work. Though young children often enjoy and embrace the familiar, this spin-off relies wholly on Hurd's iconic artwork but offers no homage to the original spirit of the book. Molly Bang's Ten, Nine, Eight (HarperCollins, 1983) and Karen Katz's Counting Kisses (S & S, 2001) are just two of the countless counting books that work better. Stick with the original Goodnight Moon.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

PreS-Gr 1—As Valentine's Day approaches, Henry, a mouse, and his animal classmates notice a beautifully wrapped, heart-shaped package on their teacher's desk, and they wonder if Mr. McCarthy has a girlfriend. The students spy on him as he talks to the playground monitor at recess, gets an extra tuna melt from the cafeteria lady, and lunches with the French teacher. They decide that their teacher has many girlfriends. Told with mounting suspense, this mystery has a delightful and satisfying conclusion. Brightly colored comic illustrations portray the excitement at school as the special day approaches.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary, Laramie, WY

PreS-Gr 2—Esme's grandfather promises that she can have an animal from the country auction, and she picks Trudy, a small goat that, unlike the other animals, isn't too big, too smelly, or too feathery. It isn't long before her talent for weather forecasting is discovered, and soon the whole town gathers around her barn to find out when snow will next fall. Only this time, Trudy's behavior predicts an event of a different nature—a baby goat. Cole's acrylic paintings are rounded and soft. They juxtapose muted, earth-toned colors of the environment with the bright, primary colors of man-made objects such as cars, clothing, and the red barn in which Trudy resides. The steady pace of the text combined with its loosely repetitive structure creates a calm, reassuring mood, making the book an excellent bedtime read. This warm story provides a subtle way for children to learn to appreciate animals as well as the cycle of seasons and life.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

K-Gr 4—This engaging chapter book from Australia tells of the humorous exploits of Snake and Lizard. They meet, quarrel, become friends, and then quarrel again; their delightful antics touchingly reveal the normal travails of an active friendship. The short chapters also impart bits of wisdom: it is good to share, and friends can like different things. In one particularly funny vignette, Snake is eating a frog when Lizard, who thinks that Snake is choking, slaps her on the back, and, of course, allows the frog to escape. Another entertaining story describes how the two friends each set up a business, and then trade the same dime back and forth buying corn cakes and cactus juice from one another. The charming illustrations are suffused with warm desert colors, and the evocative landscapes enhance the brief adventures. One endearing picture shows the red, black, and white striped snake and tan-colored lizard lying facing one another, their features expressively genial, as they "talked and talked as though they'd known each other for years." Lovely bookmaking includes small pictures interspersed with the large, bold font, some to the side of a decorative letter that begins the text of a chapter. A creamy white page with only a tiny picture of a primary story element precedes each chapter, and many of the creatures that inhabit the stories appear on the inside front and back cover pages. A great read-aloud.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 2–4—In this sequel to Kissimmee Pete, Cracker Cow Hunter (Pelican, 2005), Pete, accompanied by his purple horse, Blaze; his cow, Green Bean; and his dog, Mud, defends the valley residents against a Florida hurricane's raging winds that cause the cow's spots to fly and houses to collapse. In typical tall-tale fashion, Pete rides giant alligators through the monstrous waves; he inhales the water and shoots the spray to the valley—10 miles away—causing the formation of Lake Istokpoga. With a final crack from his cow whip, he reigns in the hurricane's destructive forces, returning it to the sea. A concluding, unsourced list of facts describes Florida's history and terrain, highlighting the Kissimmee River's wandering journey from Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee. Outlandish spreads complement the imaginative text; swirling lines and varied colors aptly depict the storm's spiraling power.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

PreS-Gr 1—As a child prepares for bed with his teddy in tow, a rhyming text enumerates the toy's well-loved status: "Old bear,/many mends./We are still/best friends." When they face scary shadows looming on the wall in the darkened bedroom, the boy joyously declares that he's not afraid of the dark because he's with his special bear. A drowsy youngster then snuggles up to his pal and goes to sleep. The short and simple text clearly tells the story, but the illustrations are the book's focus. Each spread allows readers to get up close and personal with the characters. Dodd uses a nice mixture of color and detail that clearly shows the boy's emotions and the bear's static, benevolent expression. The big, easy-to-see pictures make this a good storytime pick.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

K-Gr 2—Mrs Muffly has always been known for her eccentricity. Lately, however, she has been acting even more peculiar, leaving everyone to assume that she has a monster living with her. On Monday, she purchases a "big pile of sugar"; Tuesday, "27 dozen eggs"; Wednesday, "58 packs of butter"; Thursday, "41 sacks of flour"; and Friday, "464 jars of jam." The unseen narrators assume that all of these items are for her pet monster ("sugar to sweeten him up…eggs to style his hair," etc.) and end up surprised by her winning entry in the Giant Cake Competition with no monster in sight. Still, there is the assumption that someone must have helped her. The mixed-media depictions of industrious Mrs Muffly in her red-striped muffler and the hilarious antics of her blue, pointy-eared monster are certain to entertain children. A recipe for a "not-quite-so-monster-sized cake" follows the story.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2—Bald-headed Max and his porcine pal, Pinky, are back in another funny escapade. Determined to give the barn a new look, they paint the building and, unwittingly, their clothing, brick red, while various animals offer snide remarks ("You missed a spot"). The next morning, the friends are shocked to discover that the barn is pink, and spend the day repainting. They try to remain awake that night to catch the perpetrator, but end up snoozing, and the next day, the barn has black stripes. When a search fails to turn up anything, the pair concocts an elaborate (and hilarious) alarm scheme involving a duck, string, a bowling ball, and more. That night, the warning system awakens Max, but Pinky is nowhere to be seen. Max's trip to the barn reveals his friend's whereabouts as well as the identity of the clandestine culprit. The pen-and-ink cartoons digitally painted in saturated colors are filled with visual jokes and pair well with the brief text. Readers will enjoy watching this duo solve their mystery, and those familiar with Best Buds (Knopf, 2007) will understand the inspiration for the barn's final design (marshmallows). A fun read.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Slightly offbeat, slick computerized illustrations give this paean to parental love an unusual and effective new twist. The rhyming text, clearly intended to be a dialogue between a variety of children and their caregivers, is concise and to the point: "do you love me?/always, dear./do you need me?/ever near." It continues in this vein, ending with: "hug me, hold me./snug and tight./snuzzle closer./kiss good night." With no more than two sentences per page, some of them fragments, the text is easily accessible to the youngest listeners, as well as beginning readers. The artwork, done in bright primary colors on solid backgrounds, depicts close-ups of the faces of large-nosed, round-eyed, mouthless Q-Bertesque creatures. The surprisingly appealing characters, which resemble everything from bears to rabbits to elephants, are portrayed touching noses on most spreads. The reassuring language, soothing rhythm, and charming characters will hold young listeners' attention and likely have a soporific effect at bedtime. A refreshing addition for libraries looking for something a little bit different to spice up their picture-book collections.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS—With an ungainly layout, stumbling meter, and missing transitions, this attempt at a gentle bedtime poem misses the mark. The second-person rhyming text weaves a dream story about child and teddy bear becoming grizzlies, playing through the night, and then turning back into their former selves in time to awaken to a new day. Despite the occasional evocative turn of phrase, there are such dubious constructions as, "The moon's/a saucer full of cream,/you think/as you begin to dream." Poor choices for line breaks, strange punctuation, and the use of a font in which periods and commas are nearly indistinguishable compounds the awkwardness of the text. The illustrations, a combination of monotype, drypoint etching, and watercolor, fare no better. While certain images are lovely and arresting, the child, whose face looks unformed, is more creepy than appealing. Additionally, in some scenes the bears look distinctly cut out, which, rather than giving the pictures depth, simply serves to make them look cobbled together and unfinished. In most of the nature scenes, the animals look realistic, but in certain places the bears have a cartoonish feel, which is jarring against the dreamlike quality of the text and other pictures.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-K—An inviting exploration of the wonders of nighttime, originally published in 1962. Text and images bring out the positive: night is a time to make wishes on stars, find the Big Dipper, and enjoy a bright moon. Darkness, the author and artist remind readers, also plays a part in holidays from fireworks on the 4th of July, to "spooky Halloween make-believe," to caroling at Christmas time. The book closes on a quiet note as animals, birds, and fish go to sleep, and a youngster, with Teddy Bear close by, tucks into bed. Thin, sketchlike black line drawings, awash in sumptuous jewel-toned colors, work in tandem with this soothing tale sure to diminish night frights for youngsters concerned about the dark.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

K-Gr 2—In these beginning readers, a fictional story is told across the top of the page and colored text boxes with facts are placed near the bottom. In Autumn, Owen and Emma discover the effects of weather on a tree in their neighborhood park. Old Oak, who is able to communicate with the children, appears as an animate object with pleasant facial features on her trunk and two armlike branches at her sides. A solitary leaf is afraid to let go until the friends come up with a creative solution. In the spring and summer stories, the children interact with Old Oak's resident, Rachel the robin. Winter takes Emma and Owen to the park with extra scarves, mittens, and hats for Old Oak, who appreciates their kindness but explains that cold does not bother her. All four books end with a list of activities, a simple glossary, and a Web connection to Facthound. The colorful and cheery illustrations and simply written texts will appeal to students who are testing their independence as readers.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

K-Gr 3—Even the zombies are lovable in Evans's charming Halloween-themed rendition of "Stone Soup." The skeletal Finnigin, a macabre but friendly feasting traveler, is known far and wide for his ravenous appetite. When he comes upon a beautiful barren land, he is sure that a wonderful Halloween feast awaits him. But a flying witch catches sight of him and warns the beast, the zombies, and the mummy of his approach. They all quickly pack away their prized stewed eyeballs and bat wings and turn Finnigin away when he comes calling. Undeterred, he cleverly begins to brew a soup with his magic bone, and, one by one, each creature emerges to investigate. Seasoned with sprightly, luminescent watercolors and the perfect dose of gross-out factor, this tale has all the right ingredients for a hearty storytime. Early elementary audiences will especially appreciate the spread that points out all the gloriously awful additions to the yellow-green soup—spider eggs, dried mouse droppings, toenail clippings, dandelions, and other assorted items fit for creatures of the night. Bone Soup is a welcome addition to the holiday repertoire, as well as a pleasurable read for students completing comparative folktale assignments.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 3–5—A pun-filled mystery that places nursery-rhyme characters, both familiar and lesser known, into a modern New York City setting. Humpty Dumpty, Jr., is called on to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Patty Cake from her bakery. The story bounces a bit in the beginning and clues feel kind of random. Also, characters are given topical treatment; they lack the depth of those in better-developed chapter books. The story becomes more engaging and fluid toward the end. A showdown in an amusement park with Humpty Dumpty, Jr., Gangster "Johnny" Cakes, and a three-headed cake dragon will hold readers' attention. Illustrations on almost every spread give the story a comic-book feel that should appeal to reluctant readers. Closer to Kirk Scroggs's "Wiley & Grampa's Creature Features" series (Little, Brown) than Michael Buckley's "Sisters Grimm" books (Abrams), this is an additional purchase.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

PreS-Gr 2—Another celebrity-authored book about manners. Princess-obsessed Ruby receives a card inviting her to have tea on Sunday with the Queen. As she rushes to tell everyone about her forthcoming engagement, family members, teachers, and friends remind her to adhere to various social graces such as saying "please" and "thank you," not interrupting, and chewing with her mouth closed. The story is simple and clever, and not at all didactic. Glasser paints Ruby as an impetuous, rosy-cheeked girl with a creative imagination and lots of charm. The playful drawings depict an excited Ruby shouting and pushing to tell everyone her news while imagining herself as a proper young lady wearing frilly gowns in elaborately drawn palace settings. Even the lettering for "The Queen" becomes increasingly ornate as Ruby's anticipation grows. She's not disappointed when her hostess turns out to be Grandma. This book will fill a need for girls who can't get enough books about princesses in pink.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS—"There was one little baby/who was born far away./And another who was born/on the very next day./And both of these babies,/as everyone knows,/had ten little fingers/and ten little toes." So opens this nearly perfect picture book. Fox's simple text lists a variety of pairs of babies, all with the refrain listing the requisite number of digits, and finally ending with the narrator's baby, who is "truly divine" and has fingers, toes, "and three little kisses/on the tip of its nose." Oxenbury's signature multicultural babies people the pages, gathering together and increasing by twos as each pair is introduced. They are distinctive in dress and personality and appear on primarily white backgrounds. The single misstep appears in the picture of the baby who was "born on the ice." The child, who looks to be from Northern Asia or perhaps an Inuit, stands next to a penguin. However, this minor jarring placement does not detract enough from the otherwise ideal marriage of text and artwork to prevent the book from being a first purchase. Whether shared one-on-one or in storytimes, where the large trim size and big, clear images will carry perfectly, this selection is sure to be a hit.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 2–3—Thorfinn's parents don't believe in love; his father's sole interest is power and his mother's, money. Meanwhile, the King of the Golden Mountains has invited the bachelors of the land to determine which of his three daughters brings power, riches, or love to the marriage. The one who guesses correctly will have his choice of a bride and the way of life she embodies. Without delay, Thorfinn's greedy parents send their son to try his luck, hoping for him to win wealth or power. Thorfinn's jester, who journeys with him, helps him solve the mystery of the three princesses. But when Thorfinn chooses the princess of love, she denies him and, anticlimactically, runs off with the jester. This story had much potential, but it suffers from poor execution and an unsatisfying ending. Watercolor illustrations with an old-fashioned fairy-tale feel are detailed and handsome, but often fail to represent key plot elements and emotions in the story. Long-winded text with awkward placement makes the book needlessly difficult to read, even for an adult.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2—Grandad phones at 2 p.m., sings happy birthday to himself, and then announces, "I'll see you at six o'clock for my birthday party." Mum is horrified; the date has completely slipped her mind. But with a lot of help from her kids, capable Eddie and mischievous toddler Lily, she plans the meal, assembles the ingredients (even gathering eggs from their backyard chickens), cooks a festive dinner, and finally sits down by the fire with close to a dozen folks for spaghetti, salad, baked apples, homemade bread, and birthday cake. Garland cleverly weaves some playful patterns into the smoothly written story. For instance, Mum is interrupted several times—a neighbor to be helped, a baby to admire. In each case, "That took some time. But Eddie knew what to do." And Lily's antics, shown through the very appealing watercolors, are another constant thread. The accessible pictures convey an atmosphere of warmth and cheerful dishevelment. Readers will find recipes for the special dinner at the end of the book; the steps are clearly described, and the dishes look nutritious and tasty. While not a must-buy for every collection, this is a fun book that may inspire "from scratch" cooking for family celebrations.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 2–4—Alexandrea has just moved from small-town Georgia to New York City's Harlem where her mother hopes to launch a costume-making business. The nine-year-old feels like she's in another world, except that Mama is still forcing her to take ballet, even though Alex dreams of becoming a speed skater like her idol Phoebe Fitz. The first day of class is made even worse, since her mother forces her to wear a wild creation—a tutu resembling a "pink puff pastry." When Alex is randomly assigned the coveted role of Sugar Plum Fairy in the school's summer performance, she is terrified and shunned by the other dancers. Practice doesn't help, and she seriously considers giving up the part. However, after seeing Phoebe Fitz on television talking about the importance of ballet, Alex determines to try her best. She enlists the help of other students, and as the girls progress with the dance moves, so do their friendships. Alex's voice is full of wit and determination. This fun easy chapter book develops at a good pace and creates a bit of tension and anticipation as readers follow Alex's efforts. Themes of self-confidence and the potential to achieve whatever you set your mind to are neatly woven into the story. Occasional spot art shows Alex and her new friends.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV

K-Gr 3—Harrington follows Roberto, a character who appears a number of times in Ezra Jack Keats's picture books, on his way home from school. His older brother was supposed to have picked him up, and they were going to play basketball, but Miguel never shows up and Roberto is forced to walk the streets alone. When he passes the courts and sees Miguel playing a game of hoops with the bigger kids, Roberto is understandably furious. Back in their room, he slams and stomps until he wears himself out and falls fast asleep. After a wonderful dream in which he flies over the courts and snatches the ball away, Roberto is awakened by an apologetic Miguel, who takes him out to play. Keats was one of the first to feature children of color in picture books, and this homage is a reminder of what we owe to his artistic vision. Despite being derivative, the illustrations hold their own and evocatively emulate Keats's bright, colorful work. This story of two brothers who forgive each other's flaws is worth adding to most collections.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

PreS-Gr 2—This question-and-answer picture book invites readers to guess which animal is nearby based on tracks in the snow. Three children follow their dog, Willy, out for a run on a winter's day; the action takes place inside a frame of sticks on each page, with a close-up view of the tracks in the borders. The children encounter the prints of a cat, turkey, fox, raccoon, rabbit, deer, moose, bear, and skunk. This last animal has an unfortunate encounter with Willy, leading to a humorous ending. Though the overall concept and visual palette are similar to Lindsay Barrett George's In the Snow (HarperCollins, 1995), the focus here is entirely on tracks instead of various signs of animal life. Hayes's watercolors evoke the frosty air of a winter wood, and Hodgkins's simple, repetitive text allows readers to be a part of the story. With multiple curriculum connections and a style perfect for group sharing, this book is ideal for classrooms or storytimes.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 2–3—Even after counting mosquitoes and spiders, young Fink, a bat, is unable to fall asleep, so his family members take turns telling him stories. His brother Fang starts out with a scary story about Swamp Owl, who likes to eat bats and chants, "Bats with sprinkles./Bats on toast./Bats are what/I love the most!" Older brother Batrick contributes an adventure tale about a screwball pirate captain who calls his crew "scurvy navels" and gives zany commands such as "Hoist the decks!" and "Swab the sails!" Finally sister Batsy relates a love story about a bat princess who becomes disenchanted with her prince. Not surprisingly, none of these does the trick for Fink. Luckily Mom arrives home and knows just the right story to tell-a bedtime story. Though her tale is a little anticlimactic, the narrative as a whole feels satisfying. The pages of the bat family's stories are framed with borders to help readers distinguish them from the main story line. Gallagher-Cole's illustrations add humorous details; for example, the Swamp Owl's cookbook collection includes Better Caves and Gardens and the Batty Cracker Cookbook. With no more than 15 lines per page and illustrations on every spread, the story is ideal for students who have just graduated to chapter books. Charming and full of humor, this is sure to be a favorite, especially with those who enjoy funny animal fantasies such as Katie Speck's Maybelle in the Soup (Holt, 2007).—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 2–4—An unnamed British man takes his rambunctious dog to America to find her long-lost grandfather. Roo claims that he was in movies and later belonged to a cowboy, so the man arranges to visit Hollywood and a place called Cowboy Town in hopes of finding the pooch. Instead, as his letters home to his grandchild relate, the trip is a string of disasters. First Roo misbehaves on the plane, and then the travelers discover that the Greyhound bus tour they booked is actually a ride on a bus full of greyhounds on their way to a race. Nevertheless, the two continue their search at sites such as Rabbit World (an amusement park) and the Grand Canyon. Roo's antics escalate at each stop, culminating with her being named sheriff of One Horse Town. Humorous black-and-white line drawings add dimension to the characters the pair meet along the way. A map helps readers follow the journey, though not all of the sites mentioned in the story are included. While adults may tire of the Old West stereotypes, young chapter-book readers are unlikely to notice.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 1—Alfie attends Parkside Nursery School, which is next door to the Big School. He and his friend Bernard admire the older boys, and Ian stands out as a leader on the playground. However, he never takes notice of the younger children. On Saturday at the garden shop, however, Ian begins to cry when his mum leaves him at the play area, and Alfie is there to soothe him. The boys' mothers soon pick their children up and ultimately become friendly. When Ian and Bernard visit Alfie, the big boy plays quietly with Alfie's little sister, Annie Rose. Alfie and Bernard think that lining up dolls is babyish, but then all of the children play a rough-and-tumble game outdoors. Hughes's protagonist remains an extremely likable and highly recognizable character. The realistic line and color illustrations are filled with activity and expression; augmenting characterization, they combine with an understated text to provide a gentle commentary on daily life. A British setting provides the backdrop for this universal story of family, childhood experiences, friendship, and fears.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 1–3—First-grader Montgomery Gerald Morris, hero of Mostly Monty (Candlewick, 2007), has returned. In this title, he inherits a large collection of old magazines from his neighbor (and must dispose of them), plays the part of a tree in the class play, attends a friend's birthday party, and joins a karate class. Monty, who is shy, smart, and responsible, faces situations that young readers are sure to identify with. He makes progress in overcoming typical fears, like performing in front of a crowd, by the end of the story. Though his asthma, which he struggled with in the first book, is mostly under control, it still plays a factor in many of his decisions, such as what sports he can play or which friends' houses he can visit. With a large font size and frequent illustrations, this title is ideal for new chapter-book readers, especially those who are fans of Hurwitz's previous books or who won't be put off by reading about a child who may be younger than themselves.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 1–3—Urso Brunov, the "Little Father of All Bears," is "mighty in battle/strong as an elephant/fierce as a lion/and wise as the wisest old owl of the forests." Tiny in stature but formidable in spirit, he and his bugle are called by the Silvery Moon Lady and led by Old Uncle Wind to aid two missing polar bears, threatened by ravenous wolves. Using his instrument to separate these attackers, Brunov promises to protect the royal bear siblings by guiding them home to the Land of Rainbow Lights. Relying on his friends, the boars, the deer, and the king of the whales, the lost bears safely return to their magical ice palace. Meeting their leader, the White Emperor Balanco, Brunov is rewarded with festivities. This fanciful sequel to The Tale of Urso Brunov (Philomel, 2003) features nondescript watercolor illustrations, though they are enhanced by cool colors, capturing the icy setting. Descriptive language develops Brunov's character; however, the lengthy narrative, featuring numerous brief appearances by minor characters, may prevent this selection from reaching a wide audience.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

PreS-Gr 2—When Ollie sees the first flakes fall, he and his siblings scamper off to roll and dig in the snow-covered field. All of a sudden a large dog approaches and barks at them. Frightened, the three puppies run off, and Ollie runs so far that he gets lost. An owl perched in a tree advises him to follow his tracks home, but cautions that he needs to hurry before the falling snow covers them. When he reaches the edge of the woods, the pup slides down an icy slope, encounters fox cubs, and soon realizes that he is unsure of how to proceed. Cold, hungry, and tired, he lies down under a bush. About to close his eyes, Ollie hears his mom call his name. Home safe and sound, he falls fast asleep. Soft-focus illustrations lend a quiet, dreamy, wintry quality to the attractive spreads. The puppies are appealing with wide-spaced eyes and large black noses. Children will empathize with the dog's ordeal and be reassured by Ollie's family's determination to find him.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS—Berkeley Barn Owl loves to dance. On the night of the Leave the Nest Fall Fest, the eve before the fledglings go off to find their own homes, she wows the crowd with her wing flapping and talon tapping. When morning comes, the little owl is hesitant to leave her parents' nest, but off she flies with her brother and sister, each of them looking for, and finding, a perfect place to live. In Howells's digitally designed illustrations, set against stark white pages, the owlets are black line cartoon drawings filled in with several shades of brown, their pale faces the distinctive heart shape of their species. The pale yellow of the smiling round moon, soft greens in trees and grass, and one pink pig represent the only other colors. Natural details in the story accurately portray the habits of barn owls, which usually lay three to six eggs, roost in tree hollows (as do Berkeley's parents) or in barn lofts (Berkeley's new home) by day, and fledge their young for 50 to 55 days, teaching them hunting skills before they fly off to independence. Johnson has created a sweet, somewhat instructional story with lilting text that lends itself to being read aloud.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-K—Joosse provides a fresh take on the traditional bedtime story in this tribute to the power of make-believe and the comfort of dreams. Three little girls pretend to be three majestic beasts as they cavort in a moonlit backyard. At bedtime, the magic of the night garden follows them into the house. As a whale, one child is "whooshing and splashing" in the bath, another is a bear slipping on her soft bearskin pajamas, and the third is a dog pulling a sled across snowy sheets. As they drift off to sleep, they assume their imaginary forms and pretend play blends seamlessly into dream vision. The prose is graceful but restrained, giving the story a hushed mystery. The acrylic and pastel illustrations, in a muted palette of greens and blues sprinkled with cozy gold accents, reinforce this tone. On some spreads, the imaginary world takes over, a familiar bedroom dissolving into a starry night sky, or a bathtub overflowing the page to become the churning sea. Other pages anchor the story to the real world, such as the arresting picture of the girls howling their open-mouthed resistance to bedtime. In the Night Garden would provide a wonderful female counterpoint to Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are in a storytime on imagination.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

PreS-Gr 2—From the heart-shaped die-cut on its pale pink cover to the frilly protagonist with her cuddly bunny companion, this book is squarely aimed at a female audience. Young Harriet pontificates on various aspects of love: "My best way to say I love you is with a parade"; "You can love someone and also feel jealous"; and "Your heart is not shaped like a valentine—it's more like a pluffy cloud." She concludes that her lecture is "NOT the end about LOVE," conceding that the topic is too large to be so easily defined. Charming ink-and-watercolor cartoons set against off-white backdrops show the girl playing with her bunny, interacting with other children, and facing numerous situations and conflicts that can be improved with a bit of affection. Harriet's enthusiastic and energetic monologue may seem a bit too earnestly cute to adults, but youngsters will probably eat it up with a spoon. The book is an obvious tie-in for Valentine's Day, and could also work as a year-round conversation starter on defining emotions.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 1–3—The pigs on the farm think that all of the other animals are "ignoramuses"—until they meet the clever duck Damaris, educated by her sheepdog friend. When the pigs escape due to the machinations of the duck and dog and are trapped by Mr. Crook, who is about to sell them to market, the duck rescues them and gains the respect of the pigs as well as the farmer and his wife. The expressive black-and-white cartoons, which appear on almost every page, add some humor. Names such as Mrs. O'Bese and Mrs. Stout are good for a chuckle as well, but some of the vocabulary, such as "squelching" and "pontificating," might be beyond the easy-chapter-book audience. Fans of the author might want to pick this up, but it's far from King-Smith's best work.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

PreS-K—A note to parents explains that this book is a guessing game in which animals and birds are drawn in the shapes of letters and children are encouraged to identify them. Each page presents one critter, set against a bright backdrop, with a pull-out panel that reveals the letter represented along with the name of that particular animal. The color combinations are eye-catching and the images are appealing, as legs and various body parts are imaginatively arranged to mimic capital letters. A cat curls gracefully to form a "C," a jellyfish's tendrils drape down to make a "J," and a yak's yellow horns extend into a "Y." This is a clever way to help children learn the alphabet and reinforce pre-reading skills.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—Based on the sing-along favorite "The Wheels on the Bus," this railroad version features lots of train-related sights and sounds vivified with colorfully detailed pop-up artwork. The pages burst with activity as passengers interact, conductors and engineers do their jobs, and bystanders wave at passing cars. Listeners can chant along with train wheels that go "clackety-clack," crossing gates that go "ding ding ding," and loved ones at the station who say "Welcome home!" Aglow in warm robin's-egg hues, Egielski's illustrations are filled with cartoon characters and interesting scenery. Ranging from a train interior to a cityscape to mountain tunnels, the pop-ups are impressive and made of sturdy enough stuff to withstand the enthusiastic perusal of the intended audience. A fun choice for group sharing and hands-on browsing.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 5—After finding only "nasty, scary, and greedy" wolves in his entire collection of books about these animals, Wolf sits down to write a story about a "NICE wolf." Mr. Nice Wolf wants nothing more than to be friends with the creature whose footprints in the snow he follows into the forest. However, the bunny, frog, and squirrel he meets along the way flee as quickly as they can. When he meets the animal he's been seeking, the story deepens and author Wolf falls into the ambivalent waters of appetite and intention, vision and artistic creation. Matsuoka's softly colored mixed-media illustrations buoy readers between Wolf and his tale throughout: at the edges of various pages, there are glimpses of Wolf's paws, pencils and pens, writing desk, and research material. Similarly, the arrangement of the text mimics the winding path of footprints Mr. Nice Wolf follows, creating a quiet visual continuity from beginning to end. Listeners will enjoy this story for its suspense and good humor, while older readers will find much to explore in the implications of Wolf's artistic adventure.—Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD

K-Gr 3—After her ballet class, a girl waits on a deserted stage, listening to Madame Rosa's music box play melodies from The Sleeping Beauty. The Lilac Fairy appears in a stream of lavender light and takes Ella Bella into the ballet, flying from scene to scene, watching yet being part of the story. The shadowy theater becomes bright, and Mayhew's illustrations become more dramatic. When Princess Aurora pricks her finger on the spindle and falls asleep, the Lilac Fairy casts a spell so that everyone sleeps for a hundred years. Time magically passes, and they visit another kingdom to find a prince, who awakens the princess with a kiss. After the royal wedding, the music ends and Ella Bella is alone on the stage once more. Madame Rosa finds her and promises that the music box will play a different tune next time. This light and lovely book will hold little girls in its thrall. Add Tchaikovsky's music to set the stage for a lively read-aloud.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-K—Beyond the soothing titular refrain repeated throughout, troubles cripple this ode to bedtime ritual. Without strict stylistic technique, the verse is unnecessarily redundant, and cumbersome phrases such as "And as you dream inside your sleep" will trip up readers. Adults will surely have to explain the lines "Your dreams will be arriving soon./They'll float to you/in sleep's balloon./They'll be here when I snuff the wick,/you'd better close your eyelids quick." The book's design clearly favors Tillman's richly hued digital and mixed-media composite paintings over the text. Though fans of Tillman's On the Night You Were Born (Feiwel & Friends, 2006) will likely gravitate to this title, general readers will do better to look to other books for their evening routine.—Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD

K-Gr 2—Shawn Sheep's favorite soccer star is Paul Peacock, known for his strutting and trash-talking attitude on the field. Playing in his own soccer game before the league finals, Shawn starts to act as if he believed he were "the Best." He is so distracted after he makes a goal that he not only lets a ball fly past him, but also gets thrown out of the game for arguing with the referee. Shawn's coach decides that he won't be allowed to play in the finals. Later, when Shawn sees his hero act like a jerk in the restaurant and walk away without an apology, he learns his lesson. Davis's colorful illustrations show especially expressive facial features on each player—from excessive pride to outrage to celebratory joy in winning. The final pages give brief descriptions of soccer positions and ball handling. The didacticism probably won't bother young readers who can relate to the examples of good vs. poor sportsmanship on and off the field. There are many soccer picture books available, but most show a player who is a beginner or not that talented overcoming the lack of skills. This one features a braggart who learns the importance of friendship and civility. Teachers, coaches, and parents might be the biggest fans of this title.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

K-Gr 3—"'Twas Halloween night, and all through the house/Every creature was stirring, including the mouse." With text echoing the classic Christmas poem, the opening spread features a brightly lit mansion and pulls even the most reluctant readers into this holiday story. Out come bats, spiders, witches, ogres, ghosts, and banshees, all excitedly preparing a spectacular buffet for young trick-or-treaters. Their work backfires, however, when the children peek into the spooky house: "But what they saw on that shadowy night/Made each little trickster shiver with fright!" Murray's smooth rhyming text combines well with Dorman's vibrant and extraordinarily detailed digital art, with surprises on every page. This is an energetic romp with a satisfying conclusion that will be a fun read-aloud for wide-eyed children anxiously awaiting the holiday.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 2—An affectionate, ginger-haired girl pursues an expressive, ginger-furred cat through the hallways, stairwells, and rooftop of an apartment building. She coaxes the shy feline over to her, only to scare it away by holding it too close. The animal flees, pursued by the dogged child. There is a rapprochement, and then another misunderstanding when the cat gives a playful bite. In the end, both cat and girl let down their guard, and the story ends with them cuddling as the feline purrs ("I hear your motor"). This picture book, originally published in two colors and out of print for many years, has been reissued with Kellogg's full-color, mixed-media illustrations. Color is used quite effectively, foreshadowing the eventual union of the girl and her pet by giving them matching plumage. The settings also echo the emotions of the protagonists, alternating between dark, gloomy hallways and sunny rooftops and porches. The text, which consists exclusively of the child's dialogue, is both fresh and timeless. It accurately captures the nuances of this duo's evolving relationship. It's a quiet book, but the universality of the topic gives it plenty of kid appeal.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

PreS-Gr 2—This story begins with a girl, a cat that originally appeared in Numeroff's If You Give a Pig a Party (HarperCollins, 2005), and a cupcake. The cat asks for some sprinkles, and naturally, they spill on the floor. Cleaning them up makes the cat hot, so he asks for a bathing suit, and hijinks ensue. The resulting series of events leads the protagonist and the cat to the beach, into a boat, through an amusement park, and eventually back to the sprinkles and another cupcake. The familiar madcap illustrations contrast a gleefully mischievous gray cat with a bemused blond girl. The tone is wry, and the story features the zany childhood logic of the earlier titles by this creative team. The concept is beginning to wear thin, but the book will be popular among fans of the series.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

PreS—A board book aimed at many mothers' seemingly insoluble plight-how to part the baby from the pacifier. The book starts out with eight babies, all of whom have pacifiers plugged in their mouths. But one by one they take out their "pacies" to do all sorts of fun things they couldn't do otherwise, especially since they seem to be at a birthday party. As each one is removed, it magically disappears, thanks to cleverly placed cutouts on the page, and the child is able to smile, laugh, sing, and even blow out candles on the birthday cake. Finally, on the last page, all are laughing, smiling and, most of all, pacie-free. The illustrations portray round-faced tykes, each sporting a heart-shaped mouth when they are with pacifier and, as they lose them, begin to take on some personality: standing, holding toys, singing, etc. Beyond the basic premise, however, there's nowhere to go.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

PreS—Chicken, Pig, and Cow live in a barn constructed of Popsicle sticks. The toy barn would be just right if the child who built it had not neglected to include a door and roof. Most days, this does not matter because the toys are taken outside. However, one day the animals wait and wait but Girl doesn't come. Working together, two of the clay animals successfully escape while Cow stays behind. She is not alone for long, because huge Dog, who often rains drool down into the roofless barn, has other plans. In the end the three toy animals make a friend and their barn gets a door. The simple text and expressive watercolors, set on a white background, are perfect for sharing with a group. This charming look at what toys and pets are up to when children aren't around is a solid choice for young animal lovers.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

Gr 3–6—In this follow-up to Attack of the Growling Eyeballs (S & S, 2008), sixth-grader Daniel Funk must create a diorama for history class. He and his friend Vu decide to make an Egyptian tomb complete with mummy. Later, Daniel and his twin, Pablo, who is the size of a toe, decide that if they wrap Pablo up in toilet paper, he would make a more realistic mummy than one of his LEGO® people. Of course, the project does not go smoothly and in the process Daniel shrinks several times, always at the worst moment, and for reasons that they have yet to figure out. Was it the cinnamon he ate or the chemicals he ran through? Obviously, it's a mystery to be solved in future adventures. The writing is fast paced, with some of it really funny and other times more on the order of fourth-grade bathroom humor. One joke that is repeated too often has to do with confusion over the word "diorama," thought to be "diarrhea." Daniel does win the diorama contest, not because his entry is better, but because Pablo plays a somewhat mean trick on his competition. Readers are led to believe that this is justified because the other boy is a bully. One or two pen-and-ink illustrations appear in each chapter. Additional.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-K—This is a deceptively simple color and counting book that turns into a lesson on bullying. Whenever they meet, Blue is picked on by Red: "Red is HOT. Blue is NOT." The other colors like Blue but are intimidated by the bluster so they say nothing, and soon Red is bossing everyone around. But then One comes. It is funny and brave and confronts Red: "If someone is mean and picks on me, I, for One, stand up and say, No." All the other colors follow One's lead and become numbers too. Yellow is two, Green, three, etc. Red begins to feel left out and tries to bully Blue, but Blue ignores him and changes to Six: "Red can be really HOT,' he says, but Blue can be super COOL.'" The rest of the numbers stick up for Blue, but offer Red the opportunity to join in the counting, and all ends well. The book is well designed with bright colored circles and numbers on stark white pages accompanied by black print. The text is very simple but meaningful, and the moral is subtly told. Red is not ostracized but included in the game, and the essential point of one person making a difference is emphasized by the ending: "Sometimes it just takes One." This is an offering with great potential for use with the very young in a variety of ways.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS-Gr 2—The well-meaning dog whose good intentions often go awry is back in another wacky story. His mistress has invited a new neighbor to tea. When Bobo is asked to carry in the laundry from the line, he decides to wear the clothes and is accidentally mistaken by his mistress for her guest. The household's observant cat detects the misrepresentation, and Bobo ultimately shares the last muffin (cut into four pieces) when the real new neighbor arrives. The cartoon illustrations are rendered in acrylics that allow for a variety of detail in the humans' clothes, from an orange-and-wine-striped scarf to a pink-and green-checked jacket. A fun read-aloud for a group.—Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—Parr's smiley-faced people are back in this ode to unconditional love. The die-cut cover, revealing a child with arms open wide framed in a heart, sets a cheery tone. Each spread describes a situation and its opposite, such as "I love you when you are scared. I love you when you are brave." As in his previous books, the author/illustrator employs a palette of primary colors outlined in black for his depictions of diverse people and objects. The drawings look like something a child could do, and will likely inspire kids to pick up markers and create their own "I Love You" pictures.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Captain Dare issues an irresistible offer: "Wanted: Pirates/No experience or bath needed." Through call-and-response chants, readers join the motley crew members as they search for buried loot. "Going on a treasure hunt./Going on a treasure hunt./Searching for the pirate's cave./Searching for the pirate's cave./We're so smart./We're so smart./And we're so brave./And we're so brave." The quest continues through lagoons, across snake pits, and over cliffs. The text appears inside a weathered parchment scroll. A tiny mouse scares the Captain and starts the trek back to the safety of the ship. Tan's detailed oil paintings show two pajama-clad children navigating the crocodile-infested waters and swinging through the jungle vines with their mates. The treasure inside the chest is revealed to be "a load of books!" The "key to opening ye treasure" is "Reading, me hearties!" Peppered with lots of "Arrrrrrrhs!" and "Shiver me timbers!" this is a swashbuckling good read-aloud.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 2–5—Jerome's stylish grandmother is a successful matchmaker with dozens of happy clients, the exception being Mr. Sussman. Jerome thinks that the man is too picky, but Bubbie is convinced that she can find him the perfect woman. "No pot is so crooked that there isn't a lid to fit it," she says. In fact, she decides that she's his match and makes drastic changes to prove it, to no avail. Finally, after giving up on trying to please Mr. Sussman, Bubbie ends up with exactly what she wanted all along. While the lengths to which she goes to win Mr. Sussman's affection are humorous, the story's theme may have little appeal to the elementary crowd. The narrative strikes the right note at the end with the message of staying true to oneself, but readers may lose interest getting there. Polacco's characteristic pencil and watercolor illustrations seem less polished than in her many other finely detailed and crafted offerings. Sprinkled throughout are Yiddish words and references to Jewish traditions.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 3–5—Fifth-grader Spider Stevens is athletic and friendly, causing his social star to be on the rise. His longtime friend and neighbor, Trey Cooper, is less accepted by their peers due to his odd personality. Several of the traits that Preller describes could be associated with autism spectrum disorder, but Trey's condition is never stated outright. Throughout the story, Spider tries to include Trey and be friendly with his other classmates, but it proves increasingly difficult. Other characters include a quirky school librarian ready to reach out to Trey and Ava, a smart and strong classmate. This is essentially a story of doing what is right instead of what peer pressure dictates and accepting people as they are. The fact that Trey and Ava are extremely self-aware and kindhearted is a redeeming quality, but the book could prove too uneventful for its intended audience. That's too bad because Trey is a sweet character and Preller's message is a good one.—Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA

K-Gr 3—Based on actual happenings, this gentle picture book promotes peace and illustrates how war impacts individuals in many ways. Framed by the narration of Katie-chan, an American visiting her friend Yuko in Japan, the story is told by Yuko's grandmother to the girls. The woman describes her childhood, recalling the song of an ancient temple bell that was sounded at midnight on New Year's Eve, ringing 108 times to chase away the worries of the world. But, when the war came, it was donated as scrap metal. After the war, the town gradually sprang to life, but Yuko's grandmother felt an empty spot in her heart where the bell's song used to live. Then, one day, the bell came back; it had been found abandoned in a shipyard by American sailors, sent to Minnesota, and finally returned to the town as a symbol of friendship. The simple plot is clearly developed with descriptive language, and an author's note provides more historical details. Done in Japanese acrylic paints, the realistic illustrations accurately portray the setting and capture the characters' various emotions—calmness, anxiety, happiness—as the story unfolds. Cultural details are woven into both text and pictures, and the message of peace between nations is eloquently conveyed.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 1–3—After Jim's cat gingerly steps from her carrying crate, revealing a shaved belly and big black stitches, Jim's mother tries to explain to him the necessity of having Molly spayed. In the accompanying illustrations, cats and kittens begin to appear in every crack and crevice as Jim asks his mother, "Why are there cats on the roof and cats in my room?" "Molly and Molly's kittens had kittens," his mother replies. Five or six generations later, the house is completely overrun and Jim and his mother are discovering how difficult it is to find homes for all of the animals. The artwork is probably the most appealing aspect of the book. Hansen's familiarity with cats is evident in her humorous illustrations. The felines' expressions and body language are beguiling, and their whimsical antics lighten the tone of the book considerably. The text, however, does not always flow well. Readers are directed to several Web sites (no URLs given), but no sources are provided. An additional purchase for most libraries.—Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN

PreS-Gr 1—A rosy-cheeked family of five comes across a little green frog and decides to take him home in a jar. Throughout the day a kitten, canary, mouse, and puppy join the family as well. The father carries each one in a separate vessel. This cumulative tale is part memory game. The pets are reviewed with each new addition and hidden under flaps made up to look like containers. Although the flaps add a level of interaction, they could be damaged with frequent use, and the characters remain flat. More lively and engaging lift-the-flap animal books include Matthew Van Fleet's Alphabet (S & S, 2008), Eric Hill's "Spot" series (Puffin), and Lucy Cousins's "Maisy" books (Candlewick).—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

PreS-K—A diverse group of families engages in quintessential cold-weather activities. On each page, an adjective ("snowy," "blowy,") or a simple sentence ("windows are glowy") accompanies an illustration depicting an easily recognizable winter scene. Snowflakes are caught, hats blow off, sidewalks are shoveled, and children look at icicles outside while Mom coughs and sneezes in her bathrobe. The dormant state of the natural world is touched upon briefly in a picture of several animals hibernating underground ("everyone's dozy"). As the book comes to a close, a groundhog emerges from its hole to see its shadow, which means, of course, "six more weeks of snowy blowy...seedy squirrelly winter!" The text is simple and bouncy, and the cartoon illustrations are bright, clear, and inclusive. The book's quick pace and cheerful pictures make it a perfect choice for seasonal storytimes. The variety of activities and families introduced also makes it a great conversation starter for one-on-one sharing.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

Gr 1–4—Though it's Henry's first pet-watching job, he feels confident: "Critter Sitter is my name and Creature Control is my game." However, the antics of the Mahoneys' menagerie, including a bloodhound with wanderlust, a tank-escaping snake, and a mischievous cat, soon have him at wit's end. Flying by the seat of his pants, Henry manages to restore order just as his clients return—and try to book the exasperated boy for a three-week gig. The storytelling is well paced and amusing, but the artwork is the real grabber here. Created with colored-pencil and watercolor, the illustrations cleverly mix realism with humorous exaggeration. Clothing, furniture, and other details set the story in the mid-20th century, but the bright palette and color blends provide a modern flair. Much of the plot is conveyed through the pictures; for example, Henry chases the runaway dog into Mrs. Angora's yard, and his encounter with this rabbit-loving (and look-alike) elderly neighbor is hilarious. From an off-kilter view of the kitchen to an inside-the-toilet-bowl look at a fish (mistakenly) being flushed, the perspective is constantly changing, keeping kids on their toes. This madcap story can be incorporated into discussions of responsibility and used as an example of realistic fiction that leans toward tall-tale status.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-K—This basic exploration of the senses features a farm setting and adorable kids in full-page quality photographs. Simple text is peppered with interesting vocabulary: "Touch a horse's bristly coat"; "Smell the pigpen and the farm animals' manure"; "Hear the hens cluck." Organization is random, bouncing unpredictably among seasons, but the farm subject and vibrant photographs will have great appeal to young children.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 2—A single snowflake on a midnight-blue marbled background ushers readers into this quiet celebration of snow that "comes softly in the night like a quiet friend" or falls so "heavy [it buries] cars up to their noses." In brief, lyrical text, Rylant states that snow helps us notice "the delicate limbs of trees" and "the light falling from a lamppost." It brings the delight of making snow angels and sledding and returning home to enjoy a warm drink. She urges readers to savor the phenomenon, for it remains only briefly. Stringer's acrylic paintings make use of small boxed scenes, full and three-quarter spreads, or full-page pictures framed in white, to display a world of snow-filled wonders. Varying perspectives help readers come up close to a group of multiethnic children gazing longingly at the flakes falling outside their classroom window and then view them from above as, clad in their puffy winter gear, they are finally released to cavort in its depths. There are interior views of a grandparent and child enjoying cozy activities at home and exterior scenes of the two enjoying a walk as twilight bathes the snow in pink hues. This is a gentle gem while Uri Shulevitz's Snow (Farrar, 2004) is a livelier treatment of the topic.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-K—A five-year-old (rabbit) awakes one morning to discover that there will be no school, no daddy flying home today, and no going outside—until the snow stops. Sakai clearly understands the predicament of being cooped up in an urban high rise: trying to stay entertained with games, constantly gazing out the window, being lured by the balcony. Her subdued palette and minimalist text suggest the blanketed sound produced by a heavy snowfall. Window-shaped frames with tight cropping contain the energy in the interior scenes; most exterior compositions bleed off the page—oh marvelous freedom! The layers of paint are applied to a black ground with a combination of wet and dry brushes, producing a convincing depth and texture; the darkness is a perfect foil for the cottony bright snowflakes. While the mother may appear overprotective about her bunny's health, she does relent when the snow stops, even though it is bedtime, and the pair enjoys a nocturnal adventure. The protagonist narrates in the first person; thus, the sentences are appropriately concise, yet with lovely rhythms and interesting details. (He ultimately makes snowballs and snow dumplings.) Atmospheric, tender, full of anticipation and satisfaction, this one will charm young children. In Leonid Gore's Danny's First Snow (S & S, 2007), a young rabbit, possessed of an active imagination, is encountering white creatures at every turn. Used together, the two books provide contrasting emotional and visual experiences of a universally beloved phenomenon (at least by young rabbits/children).—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 3–5—Say's exquisite paintings provide backdrop for a charming fairy tale with a contemporary, feminist twist. Here, it is a girl (read "princess") whose quest to find her heart's desire is at the core of the story. As a child, Erika becomes entranced with a painting on her grandmother's wall, depicting a small rustic house in Japan. Determined to find it, she prepares (in true fairy-tale fashion) for her journey, learning about the country and studying the language. Following college, she begins her search, and accepts a teaching assignment in Japan. Once there, it takes the proverbial three challenges before she finds success. Tokyo is too large, another (unnamed) city is too noisy, but in the third place—a small rural island community—Erika finds the house of her dreams, a welcoming class of children, and a "prince" named Aki to share her life. The house in the painting, she discovers, is a teahouse, where one day, kimono-clad, she happily performs a formal tea ceremony for Aki. Say's soft-colored paintings, detailed but not busy, contain just the right amount of nuance to build the story. He nicely contrasts the busyness of the cities with the verdant landscapes of the country, casting a happy-ever-after glow to the tale. More romantic and idealistic than many of Say's stories, Erika-San will find readers beyond the usual picture-book crowd.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS-Gr 1—Through a series of instructive lift-the-flap pages, children meet Tiny, Andre, and Moonpie, three colorful and friendly moggies that want to play with yarn, and boxes, and readers. Each turn of the page is celebrated by the cats as it reveals not only what lies ahead, but even the option of going back a page when the appeal of yarn is almost too much to relinquish. The book finishes with an invitation to come back another day, which is no doubt the wish of any cat, or book—to be revisited and adored again and again. The artwork, like the story, is simple yet effective—bold, primary colors are set against white space with elements of collage thrown in to provide texture and a sense of reality. This book joins Mélanie Watt's Chester (Kids Can) and Peter Catalonatto's Ivan the Terrier (S & S, both 2007) as picture books that are not so much reading experiences as explorations of how a book is a creative, interactive tool. Buy in duplicate, because these kitties will get a lot of attention.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2—Scott-Brown offers up a song of God in free verse and Gomez pairs her imagery with vivid and poetic paintings. The result is a compelling and slightly unorthodox treatment of the biblical creation narrative. In the beginning, God is alone, but he begins to sing, "And his song spread through the formless deep, running across the void, carrying the longings of God as far as they could go." These longings manifest themselves in light, planets, oceans, and mountains created as the song grows to include dance, laughter, and tears of joy. Finally, God's song combines with "notes" from "Every created thing…and there was man." Bright colors, metallic highlights, and repeated static shapes evoke iconography and textile designs; the best illustrations depict animals as they come into being. A solid choice for collections with a need for updated Christian theology materials.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 3—This story, handed down by word of mouth for many generations, is based on an actual event from the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is set on Grand Turk, which receives very little rain, at a time when there was no running water or plumbing, and donkeys carried water from two natural wells to the people. In this tale, Simon, with the help of his donkey, Sandy, takes water to the people of Cockburn Town every morning. One morning, Simon does not come out of his cottage, so the animal goes to the well, and then to each house. When the children call out, "Where is Simon, Sandy?" the donkey shakes her head and moves on to the next house. When she arrives at the doctor's, the man races to Simon's house and finds him with an injured foot. The children deliver the water each day until Simon is well. The simple folktale style of this story includes rapid plot development and descriptive language. Cultural facts are related through the illustrations, which provide insight into island life. The realistic, colorful pictures capture the emotions of the people and donkey. The author's note provides useful background about the setting and the story, and two maps show the location of the islands.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 3–5—Selznick reintroduces The Houdini Box, originally published in 1991 (Knopf). In the story, young Victor, a would-be magician, encounters his hero Harry Houdini and is given a prize box belonging to the famous man. Years later, the boy makes an amazing discovery, enabling him to perform an escape trick on his own. In this new edition, Selznick follows his intriguing tale with bonus material: a biographical note on Houdini, an illustrated magic trick, research notes on the writing of the book, and early sketches for the artwork. Libraries not holding the earlier book will want to consider adding this edition as it is sure to intrigue youngsters, particularly those interested in magic.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS—This sanitized description of being a big sister is well-meaning, but lacks tension and story. A girl goes through a laundry list of things that she can and will do with her new baby sister, and ends with, "We can even share cuddling with Mom./I love being your big sister!" Everything is positive, and lines like "…you smell so sweet—/especially your feet./I almost want to eat them, /but that would be silly!" have a distinctly adult sensibility to them. The illustrations are pleasant enough, with two cartoonish pixies with small blue eyes, oversize heads, and thin frames traipsing through the primarily pink-hued pages. Those who want a more balanced story may find Robie Harris's Hi New Baby! (Candlewick, 2000), Sally Lloyd Jones's How to Be a Baby—By Me, the Big Sister (Random, 2007), Jean Van Leeuwen's Benny and Beautiful Baby Delilah (Dial, 2006), and Kevin Henkes's Julius, the Baby of the World (HarperCollins, 1990) to be more effective.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 1–4—A little boy who has a goldfish wants a dog and enumerates all the things a pup can do that a fish can't. His mom says, "'We'll see,'" which really means, 'NO.'" Finally, after looking "irritated but sorrowful," she says, "Well, if you can't have what you want, want what you have." The boy takes a look at his pet and soon finds that he can train it to catch sticks, climb steps, and wag its tail. The tone of the text will appeal to children, who will be familiar with the boy's attempts to manipulate his mother. The digitally rendered illustrations are hip and fresh, yet reminiscent of '50s modern. Readers will chuckle over the performing goldfish, who reads the paper when he's home alone. A winning combination of dog and fish, humor and hard work.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

K-Gr 2—In quick, quirky rhymed couplets, Sierra relates the story of Sam, who starts reading as soon as his eyes open and never, ever stops—even when he plays basketball. There's a book (or three) out there for all of his various interests, and those he chooses help him with everything from winning bike races to saving the town from a marauding baby giant. To befriend the latter, he pulls out an assortment of classics (including The Cat in the Hat and an Arthur title), some cake, and a cup of tea, all of which work like magic. "And while the giant ate his snack up,/Sam discreetly called for backup." Help arrives in the form of a big brown UPS cargo jet. As an adult, Sam makes the cover of Time when he's awarded a Pulitzer. Sierra's wry acknowledgment of recognizable brands and their value works out okay for grownups—sure, it's obvious product placement and cross promotion. For kids, the familiar bindings depicted in miniature promise a happy "Hey, I know that book!" Brown's gouache illustrations are cheery, and each page pours into the next through the use of subtly repeated background motifs. Polka dots on wallpaper in Sam's nursery evolve into dapples and spots across a wide swath of lawn, reappear as large potato-print circles in a doctor's office, and then shrink into a dizzying spray of blue and purple spots in Sam's dazzled imagination. This is an easy, obvious choice for events with literacy and early learning as their themes.—Catherine Threadgill, formerly at Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 1—An ode to the power of the hug, this simple rhyming story commands readers to start embracing. "Hug your pillow./Hug your pet./Hug the mailman—/don't forget." Cartoon illustrations feature doll-like characters with button noses and wide round eyes that give them a permanently shocked appearance. The buoyant verses suggest that just hugging the local grouch will set him off on his own hugging campaign. Rounded figures in sugary pictures paired with a sentimental text make the book cloying overall. The singsong rhymes will work with preschoolers, while beginning readers can manage the simple words and sentences on their own. However, the book closes with a challenge to "Hug the whole wide world…or try." This concept may sound noble, but encouraging young children to hug strangers such as the mailman, a firefighter, or a clown can be a risky idea.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Gr 2–5—Is Julian Rodriguez a youngster who has been frustrated by his parents one too many times or is he really an officer of a Space Federation on a very trying intergalactic, fact-finding mission? After being sent to his room by his "stupid maternal unit," Julian reports to the Mothership the humiliation he has experienced at the hands of his earthling parents, teachers, and classmates. The last straw is, of course, being forced to "dispose of a large canister, filled to the brim with humanoid refuse," which leads to his "trash crisis on Earth." The cartoonlike illustrations give the book the look of an edgy graphic novel, and the lightning bolt on Julian's green shirt gives the protagonist a superhero vibe. The story should appeal to young readers who like Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (Abrams) but aren't yet ready for a longer novel.—Kathleen Meulen, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

PreS-Gr 2—Sam is convinced that all the best things happen after he goes to bed. Envisioning a circus in the kitchen, a zoo in the guest room, fish swimming in the bathroom drains, and more, he hatches a plan to sneak downstairs and discover the fun for himself. Sunshine's rhyme scheme works well when the lines are shorter and the action moves quickly. However, when the sentences are longer, the phrasing is sometimes awkward. Ebbeler's acrylic paintings feature a likable round-faced boy and a stuffed panda accomplice whose facial expressions look convincingly real. Spreads with multiple smaller illustrations depicting Sam's sneak attack on his parents are mixed with detailed full-page paintings showing his imaginative ideas. When he eventually makes it downstairs, he is disappointed to see his parents just reading and relaxing. But on the last page, the illustration reveals the adults quietly but enthusiastically eating huge pieces of cake.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

K-Gr 2—This picture book features the characters from the "Good Knight" easy reader series (Puffin). Three big-eyed baby dragons are shivering in their cave until they are rescued by the Good Knight. He takes them to the castle, where a fancy ball is being held, and entreats them to mind their manners. Unfortunately, these little dragons do not know what manners are and cause a series of incidents that disrupt the party. A little too easily, the Good Knight teaches them to say please and thank you and all ends well. While the plot repetition may make for good reading practice, the message does get a little tired. Still, the candy-colored watercolor-and-ink illustrations will appeal to the intended audience, and the book's larger format allows Plecas to pack the pages with more detail, action, and humor. Consider purchasing where there are fans of the easy readers and where etiquette titles are in demand.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 2–6—The creators of Imagine a Night (2003) and Imagine a Day (2005, both S & S) offer another book to ponder and pore over. Readers are again encouraged to stretch their imaginations and question perspective and perception. Painterly acrylic panoramas, supported by lyrical text, are packed with skewed realities. On the title page, an image of a cathedral's interior transmutes into a city skyline as the pointed arches become silhouetted skyscrapers and the mottled stonework of ancient walls, buttressed ceilings, and floor become the rippled surface of the surrounding harbor and stratocumulus clouds. On another spread, the text reads, "Imagine a place…/where water is solid,/light is liquid,/sky a frozen river/flowing under your feet," and the illustration shows skaters gliding across a nighttime river, their lanterns reflecting the moonlight, and snow banks that mirror the clouds above. The sometimes esoteric text and sophisticated art play with literality: houseboats are depicted as brick-and-stone manors in giant skiffs, their verdant lawns enclosed by bow-and-stern-curved fences. This is not magical realism, but shifting realism—magical, to be sure, but not in the high-falutin', metaphysical sense. This is the magic of positive and negative space, of expectation and experimentation, of creativity and conversion. Readers will want to look, look again, discuss, and imagine.—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Gr 1–2—A grandmother and her granddaughter share a dialogue about aging in which the woman answers the child's questions with reassurances about the physical changes that come with time. Kono's acrylic and pencil folk art evokes a rural Latin American setting and features monarch butterflies, smiling suns, and iconic swirling backgrounds. Vega's Hispanic characters are depicted in traditional dress and she manages to convey an acceptance of a stage in life that many Americans are loathe to embrace. The poetic give-and-take allows readers to think deeply about the topic. The granddaughter's query "have the angels come and darkened your eyes?" is answered with the graceful "Yes…. They have dimmed my vision so I may see more clearly." Vega belabors the point though. By the time grandmother's hair, ears, teeth, back, hands, legs, and feet have been addressed, readers will have aged too, and may miss the lovely last line. Lyrical and warm, this is an additional purchase for large multicultural and intergenerational collections.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

Gr 1–3—With concise words and picturesque art, this book exhibits the joy in freedom of expression and the inadvisability of humanity's effort to contain it. Bear danced "…to bluebirds' sweet feathery music…until the moon rose and moon rays tickled his feet." He dances with gleeful exuberance on his face and his satisfaction in sleep is obvious. Bear's idyllic existence, however, ends in a setting reminiscent of medieval Europe, as men rob him of his carefree life in the wild, put him behind bars, collar him with bells, and train him—swaying on hind legs—to move to their own drumbeat and violin. Brief text, as expressive as the large images and pastel art, fills a succession of double-page images, allowing readers to empathize first with the plight of Bear and later to rejoice in his unrestrained dance of celebrated freedom. The richness of the palette highlights Bear and his wide range of emotions from delight to anger, sadness, and fear. This is a book to enjoy on dual levels, both as a simple artistic tale and as recognition of the interaction between humans and nature.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 2—Young Dionne Warwick—Little D—is presented as an ordinary girl wandering through her neighborhood, enjoying school and games with friends, and dreaming about her future. When her preacher grandfather asks her to sing in church one Sunday, Little D realizes that her voice is her God-given talent and that her life should be "giving herself to song." There seems to be some attempt at a rhyme scheme in the first half of the book, but the result is awkward doggerel: "Plus, I have a treasure chest of pranks,/for hiding one of my brother's toys/or/my sister's left shoe/or/dressing our bow-wow/Sonny Boy/in my fabulicious tutu." Halfway through, any attempt at rhyme seems to have been abandoned, and what remains is equally awkward prose. Soud's illustrations are bright and sunny and feature a multigenerational, multiethnic cast of characters, but they can't compensate for the flawed text. On the accompanying CD, Warwick reads the book and sings "Jesus Loves Me," which she sang in church at her grandfather's request.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 2—Benjamin has a problem with listening, particularly to his teacher at Alcatraz Elementary School. During a field trip around the community, he wanders into the ape cage at the zoo. A chimp takes Benjamin's jacket, hat, and backpack and leaves the boy inside, locking the door behind him, and Mrs. Thunderbum tells "Benjamin" to get on the bus. At the bank, the animal swings on the chandelier. Then he becomes the hero of the day when he foils a bank robber by coming down on the man's head. The teacher is presented as a negative stereotype: stuffy, severe, and always yelling at Benjamin to STOP what he is doing. The fact that readers know more than she does will amuse children. The terrific illustrations are lively and full of humor, splashing across the pages with irregular lines and blasts of color framing them. A story about silliness and animal antics.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 2—In Mrs. Iverson's classroom, cardboard boxes are transformed into fire engines that are "fast and noisy—just like the REAL ones." At the sound of the recess bell, three friends lead the way onto the playground with fire hoses crafted out of paper tubes, oxygen masks fashioned out of scarfs, and siren wails of "WEEEE-OOO! WEEE-OOO!" Their teacher joins in the make-believe fun and then invites the fire department for a school visit. The male and female firefighters engage the class with stories about "rescuing people from burning buildings" and then stage a practice drill, emphasizing the Australian fire slogan of "get down low and GO, GO, GO!" Rawlins's acrylic illustrations feature bright, primary colors that stand out against the clean, white backgrounds. The young children are shown exploring the inside of the fire truck alongside their mentors. A great choice for introducing not only fire safety, but also creative play.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 3—Frank's signature monkey is the star of this feel-good story about individuality. Julius is the sheriff of Plainsville, where everyone dresses the same and eats spaghetti every day. But one day, when a wagonload of bananas crashes near town, Sheriff Julius orders banana pancakes and sets the whole town onto a path of change. By the end, the residents are dressing, and eating, according to their own tastes. Brightly hued, computer-generated, and instantly recognizable to Frank fans, the illustrations will certainly attract young fashion hounds, and the story may make readers think about expressing their own individuality.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 3–6—Toby Tucker was found in an orphanage with no identification save a large chest filled with mysterious scraps of paper. When he moves in with his new foster parents, he discovers that by matching the scraps together he can travel back in time, hoping to find out "when" he came from. In Donkey Doo, he is transported to ancient Greece; in Pig Swill, he journeys to World War II London. Sneaky Secrets takes him to ancient Egypt, where he learns to make mummies. All three narratives are dragged down by descriptions of everyday activities, e.g., rather than create spectacular drama in the midst of wartime London, Wilding gets caught up in the details of Cub Scouts, salvaging, and fire drills. This might be okay if the books had great character development, but it is lacking as well. The endings are predictable; one could read the first and last 20 pages of each title and have a crystal-clear idea of what happened. The books are filled with Briticisms that will be unfamiliar to most kids. The black-and-white cartoon drawings are serviceable but don't do much to enhance the stories. These titles are not compelling enough for reluctant readers and will bore the more experienced. Recommend Jon Scieszka's "Time Warp Trio" (HarperCollins) instead.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—As in the previous books, orphan Toby Tucker travels back in time and enters the life of one of his ancestors. As he discovers his heritage, he also gains insights into his current situation. In Monkeys, Toby becomes John Bunn, a "muck spreader" in Henry VIII's menagerie. Caring for the exotic beasts, the boy works to improve conditions in the Tower of London and realizes the value of animal companionship. In Pockets, he travels to the slums of Victorian London where he becomes pickpocket Alfie Trott. He "adopts" a younger street boy and together they set up a fence operation that enables them to support themselves—and Alfie's family as well. In Sewer, Toby learns about setting goals and planning ahead as Titus, a slave in ancient Rome. The historical sections are generally authentic, if a trifle on the messy side. References to dirt, sewage, rats, and dung abound. The black-and-white cartoon illustrations shed an amusing light on the grimy aspects of history. Toby's modern persona merges seamlessly with his alter-egos, emerging each time a little stronger and more independent. The short texts and frequent gross-out descriptions may appeal to some reluctant boy readers.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

PreS-Gr 2—In a refreshing reversal of their usual roles, the often-despondent Gerald proves to be a valuable friend to exuberant Piggie when her own naturally sunny disposition fails her. Fretful about the sudden rain that threatens to ruin an afternoon of running, skipping, and jumping, Piggie declares emphatically that she is "not a happy pig." Poor Gerald patiently weathers the rain and her brief tantrum and, as readers might expect, the pair soon make the most of the situation. Alive with movement and feeling, the illustrations tell the story, setting the tone and adding depth to the simple text. The words themselves are manageable for young readers, and these endearing and distinctly developed characters have great child appeal. With a cameo appearance by the Pigeon on the final endpaper, this is a winning addition to the author's canon.—Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN

PreS-K—The premise here is that snowmen are not only made out of snow but are the creators of it. (The chicken-or-the-egg question that this raises won't trouble most preschoolers.) Sam is the only student in snow school who is having trouble with the basic equation: Snowman + broom + the magic of giving = snow. Nonetheless, his teacher sends him on his first mission to Countryville, where children are waiting for the first flurries of the season. Amid pastoral landscapes where the wildlife resemble stuffed animals and the children are round and rosy as dolls, Sam learns—after a few disappointments—the meaning of the magic of giving. "He paints the sky and makes the woods and town sparkle." The book cover sparkles, too, with a liberal sprinkling of glitter that has a pleasantly grainy texture. While the book is neither inventive nor surprising, preschoolers will smile over the sweet, lovable pictures and simple, reassuring story.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 1–3—It is May 1863, and the Union Army is attacking Vicksburg, MS. Eleven-year-old Lucy McRae is preparing to hide with her neighbors in one of the human-dug caves in the hills around the city. She expresses her hatred toward Yankee soldiers, wondering when they will cease firing. Her anger and discomfort pervade the story, especially in the company of the Reverend's daughter Liddy, whom Lucy views as "pesky" and "annoying." In truth, Liddy merely comes off as frightened (rightfully so). In fact, when Lucy is injured, it is Liddy who helps her recover. Winnick's oil paintings are dark and dreary, perhaps reflecting the tone of the situation; however, the subjects of the paintings are static, doing little to convey the action that unfolds. Lucy remains a relatively undeveloped character. At the end, she concludes that she has "been through so much with all these people she'd hardly known," but she has spent most of the story isolated with her own thoughts. She doesn't even discuss the frightful situation with her parents. The author's note gives background on the story, most importantly that it is loosely based on an actual experience. It's unfortunate that Lucy learns nothing about her neighbors in the caves, who are mentioned in the author's note as having a variety of backgrounds. Instead, she remains closed off from people and events around her, and both story and artwork fall flat.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

PreS-K—Wood's straightforward plot focuses on the use of construction equipment and work vehicles. A multicultural team goes about its business repairing a hole in the road while curious onlookers observe. Each spread includes two short sentences that reiterate what's happening in the full-color artwork. The illustrations establish a happy mood; they portray attentive children watching the workers complete their jobs. Wood incorporates great details into the art; dogs are tucked into pictures, and some of the spreads add their own visual subplots. Vehicles found within the book are replicated on the endpapers. This slight story is a worthy additional purchase where materials on construction are popular.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 3–5—This short novel, part of a series of popular books in China, follows the adventures of Mo Shen Ma. He is spending summer vacation with his grandparents, who have several unusual pets, including a dog that catches mice, a black cat that lives in a tree, a pig that can run "like the wind," and an intelligent goose. Mo and his friend Bat Ears have a series of escapades with these animals that include saving tourists from irritating monkeys and rescuing endangered species such as pangolins, civet cats, a giant salamander, and one abused bear. Cartoonlike black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout. A "Reader's Note" provides some information on China and the importance of saving endangered species. Mo's amusing exploits are certain to be just as popular with children here as they are in China.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—Pucca, a penguin, lives with his father, who makes cups. But since everyone in town has already purchased one of them, business dries up, and Dad must pack up his wares to sell in the next village. Left at home with Ms. Parrot, Pucca is lonely but soon starts playing with the clay in his father's workshop. Before long, he's fashioning some very unusual cups himself, all based on the different animals that live nearby. In this way, he revives the family business and brings about a happy reunion. This sweet but odd little story strikes a mixed tone, going from the sadness of the father's leave-taking to the whimsicality of Pucca's artworks. The illustrations are charming, using simple, stylized cartoons and soft, attractive colors. An additional choice for avid penguin fans.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 1–3—Revised and updated from 10 years ago, these titles cover 13 categories in two-page chapters. Typically, two large photos and three to five sentences make up a section, thus providing very brief information on each country's land, landmarks, homes, food, clothes, work, transportation, language, school, free time, celebrations, and the arts. Soft-hued pastel-colored pages replace the monochrome colors of the older editions. Some photos have been updated and subtle word changes have been made. Even so, the brevity of the texts leads to some oversimplification, e.g., Alcraft still mentions that Mexican workers only make cars, machinery, or clothes; look after tourists; or are farmers. In China, the Great Wall is quoted as being 3923 miles long, whereas other sources put it at more than 4000 miles long. Still, despite their flaws, these are adequate sources for beginning researchers.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

PreS-Gr 3—With a fresh approach to Lincoln that is both delightful and accurate, Aylesworth sets history to the tune of "The Old Gray Mare" and the derivative song "Our Abe Lincoln Came Out of the Wilderness," which was popular during the 16th president's campaign. Lincoln's life is depicted in the singsong verse through the framing devise of students performing a grade-school play. For example, "Strong Abe Lincoln fell oaks with a mighty axe/Oaks with a mighty axe/Oaks with a mighty axe/Strong Abe Lincoln fell oaks with a mighty axe/Many split rails ago." McClintock captures the exuberance with charming visuals that outline significant aspects of the leader's life and lore. Scenes rendered in watercolor and pen and ink feature a multicultural cast. Details such as pegs on their cabin wall demonstrate the careful research that informed the illustrations. A short paragraph at the end explains each scene. As an introduction for young children, this is a perfect resource, for the engaging images and catchy phrasing as well as for the larger story that it so deftly summarizes.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

PreS—This high-interest topic will be a hit with young nature lovers. The simple rhyming text showcases lovely full-color photos of baby animals in the wild and is appended with some brief facts. Several of Tekiel's skillful photos capture the essence of an animal in a moment in time. Others, though as crisp and clear, could easily be slipped into calendar art. The straightforward verse, "Some babies are soft./Some babies are prickly,/Some babies are very slow/and some move quickly," is adequate but unimpressive. Still, this is a charming title that will circulate well with families, day-care providers, and early-education specialists who will ooh and ahh over it with their youngest children.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 2—3—Bearded Dragon is easy to follow without being oversimplified. The text fills one page of each spread and faces a full-color photograph. It's a good-looking, informative addition. Crocodiles also has photos that pop with action, but the text is not as easy. For example, "the word 'crocodile' comes from the Greek word krokodeilos. The first part, kroko, means 'pebble.' Deilos stands for 'worm.'" Although the picture of the pebbly-looking scales is fantastic, this description is going to be over children's heads. Also, the difference between crocodiles and alligators is explained, but there's no photograph illustrating the difference. Important terms are in bold in the texts and defined in a one-page glossary in both entries, but their meanings can usually be understood in context. Bulletted lists give pertinent facts about each animal, for example, "A ripe banana usually draws fruit flies, which make a tasty snack for bearded dragons"; "A crocodile folds its legs in close to its body so it can swim faster." There is no mention of how the crocodile uses its tail to propel itself through the water. Claire Robinson's Crocodiles in the Wild (Heinemann Library, 1998) does a better job of introducing the creature, placing it in a worldwide context and explaining and illustrating how it swims, runs, hunts, and develops.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 1–5—In this striking bilingual retelling of a Yoruba myth, Oloyou the Cat is the very first creature created by the God-child while he is still too young to know what he is doing. More importantly, Oloyou becomes God's first friend. They are happy until Oloyou falls into Nothing, which is an oceanic kingdom presided over by Okun Aró. When Oloyou falls in love with Okun Aró's beautiful daughter, the sea king's anger inadvertently sends them back into the heavens, where the God-child is reunited with his friend and bestows upon him a precious gift. While readers may not know much about the Yoruba tradition, fans of mythology will recognize common elements: a sea god at odds with the heavens; a beautiful daughter who is the subject of forbidden love; preservation by placement among the stars. The clarity of the writing makes this book suitable for reading aloud, while the complexity of the story will hold the interest of older readers. The oil-on-canvas illustrations are rich and bold with a mythic scope that incorporates the story's African-Caribbean roots. The images dominate the pages, holding their own against the Spanish and English versions. This is an outstanding addition for both Spanish-language and folktale collections.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 1–3—This colorful title presents an alphabetic introduction to Korea and its culture. Vivid photographs fill every page, each accompanied by a letter of the alphabet, as well as paragraph-length descriptions. They range from everyday items such as "Vegetables" and "Pottery" to more exotic terms that include "Yunnori" (a family game), "Samulnori" (percussion music played on four instruments), and "Mugungwha" (a type of flower). The succinct text manages to weave in information regarding Korea's history, religions, and traditions. Although the book is not detailed enough for reports, it does provide children with a lively taste of the country.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2–5—In bubbly verse, Cleary presents a basic introduction to weights and measures. "Weighing things is how we find/the heaviness of stuff-/a soccer ball,/great-grandma's shawl,/and bags of pillow fluff." Cheery, child-friendly examples are used for both English and metric measurements, progressing from smaller to larger weights in this approachable explanation of the topic. Some comparison between the two systems is provided. Measurement terms are highlighted in bright font as they are introduced in the text. A handy table of weight ratios is appended. Gable's watercolor cartoons depict rainbow-hued cats engaged in all manner of activities. This humorous title should prove useful in both classroom and family discussions.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 3–7—Colorful, well-designed covers will attract youngsters to these titles. The first two paragraphs in each book describe a contrived battle scenario, but after that, the text is a straightforward description of the purpose, design, and abilities of each of the aircraft. For the most part, vocabulary is well chosen. Most of the uncaptioned full-color photos are provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. "Fast Fact" boxes provide additional information. Each title contains a specification box that lists primary functions, length, height, weight, wingspan, speed, and range. Back matter follows the sometimes abrupt conclusions. These books might work well as high interest-low level titles, especially for reluctant readers.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 3–6—Simple writing (a compound sentence is a rarity), clear action photos, and colorful pages liberally sprinkled with "Track Fact!" boxes and definition bars for highlighted terms make these titles attractive. They are quick reads for young NASCAR enthusiasts and older children with reading problems. Included in each is a "Cup Career Statistics" chart, a glossary compiled of those highlighted definition bars, and directions for accessing FactHound. Falling neatly between the simpler "NASCAR Champions" series (Rosen)—think Connor Dayton's Kasey Kahne (2008)—and the more demanding "Race Car Legends" (Chelsea House), these books will pull a checkered flag from NASCAR enthusiasts who read too competently for the former and are not up to the demands of the latter.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 2–4—The titles indicate that these books are descriptions of period weapons, but the texts are a convoluted jumble of sentences that try to describe the action of battle by attaching fragments of weapon information. More can be gained from the photographs than from the choppy, sometimes wordy, texts. Yellow "Weapon Fact" boxes are supposed to give additional information, but one-third of them don't even mention weapons. Some of the full-page vintage photos are grainy. The smaller gallery photos are clearer. There isn't much here except for a few photos that are available elsewhere. These oversimplified books miss the target completely.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

K-Gr 3—To wishful girls dreaming of being a princess, Cinderella offers another retelling of the tried-and-true classic. The storytelling is straightforward and the plot follows the traditional pattern, with Cinderella attending three balls before the climax. However, Eilenberg interjects his own asides. For example, after the stepsisters purchase expensive outfits for the event, he slyly notes, "They thought they looked beautiful! (In fact, they looked frightful.)" More humor can be found in the eccentric oil illustrations. The two oddly shaped stepsisters cramming their toes into the tiny slipper provide great comic relief. However, the listless Cinderella and her prince are not as animated as the rest of the characters. This book makes a good read-aloud, but it does not give as rich an experience as titles such as Paul Fleischman's Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal (Holt, 2007).—Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT

Gr 2–6—These titles highlight the careers of teens and twenty-somethings who star in TV shows on Nickelodeon or Disney, and whose life stories can be told in just nine pages. Each spread consists of a full-page, captioned color photo opposite a page of oversize text. Generally the information is nothing that a devoted fan wouldn't already know. The books are attractive and have high-interest subjects, but, like ABDO's "Big Buddy" series, they will date quickly.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School Library, Lancaster, PA

Gr 2–4—This is a simpler book than the author's Dinosaur Discoveries (Holiday House, 2005) but still adheres to the "nonbird" dinos, meaning those without feathers. Gibbons present a parade of Prosauropods, Therapods, Sauropods, Ceratopsians, and others for neophyte perusal, along with notes on the fossilization process, paleontology in general, and dinosaurian behaviors. Her rather slapdash illustrations do not include a time line, so young readers may not be aware that a variety of Ankylosaurs existed from the Middle Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous (a period of some 150-plus million years) and did not all exist at one moment in time. Statements indicating that Prosauropods were plant-eaters may be confusing when a blade-toothed Herrerasaurus (admittedly a confusing critter in his own right) is included in the illustration. Gibbons's books have proved popular in the past, and this new one should prove attractive as well.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 1–4—Gibbons introduces young readers to these gentle giants. Each page is filled with illustrations and a succinct but informative text that details the habitats, physical characteristics, diet, offspring development, and behavior of these dwellers of Africa's savannas and forests. The author includes the dangers that elephants face not only from natural predators but also from poachers and encroaching human settlements. A few miscellaneous facts are appended. The text is well organized and simple to understand, enhanced by the pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork. A welcome addition to any library's wildlife section.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—Gleick successfully answers the age-old question, "What is time?" in this newly illustrated easy reader originally published in 1960. Breaking down time into all of its components, the author explains each one, using events that children face daily. "In one hour, you can paint a picture or build a make-believe city." The story then builds upon each part of time as it is woven back together to make up the four seasons, explaining that a year is the time between one birthday and the next—a concept readers are sure to grasp. Jocelyn's illustrations give this account a fresh look with multicultural characters and digital clocks while still keeping an old-fashioned, nostalgic feel in the paper and fabric collages, which have bright colors and fun, busy patterns. The simple, lyrical text has a timeless quality that works well as a read-aloud and is still easy enough for beginning readers to work out on their own. There are many books for young children that talk about how to tell time, but few discuss the overall concept as effectively as this one.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—Licensed by Caterpillar Inc., this oversize picture book arranges CAT earthmovers in terms of size—a system well suited for kids. It covers 12 machines listed in ascending order. All share the common purpose of moving the earth by lifting, pushing, digging, or scooping. Placed atop solid-hue backgrounds, each truck and digger is presented on a spread in a diagram style with labeled captions. Large, clear photographs are the focal point of each page. Arrows call attention to important machine features and areas of interest, and key terms appear in boldface. Floating sidebars provide additional details and images, often in close-up. Sentences are clear and basic enough, but the coverage is not uniform. Some pages list the weight and dimensions of the earthmover, while others do not. Additionally, there is no standard scale to show the size of each machine in relation to humans. The foldout introduction lines up the machines to show their relative sizes but that aspect is not followed through in the individual descriptions. Nonethless, Big, Bigger, and Biggest is an information-rich and visually appealing title that should thrill young fans of big machines. A companion DVD shows the earthmovers in action.—Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

Gr 3–5—Designed for high visual impact, these browsing items feature several big photos or photorealistic images on each topical spread interspersed with tidbits of random information or commentary written to pump up the thrills. This approach is more effective in Killer Creatures, which kicks off with extreme close-up views of a great white shark chowing down on a hapless tuna, a snarling tiger with a bloody muzzle, and several similar pictures on a spread headed "Kill or Be Killed." In contrast, the floating planets, billowing nebulas, and futuristic spacecraft in Stars and Planets seem static and remote, despite large-type titles like "Star Death" and melodramatic quotes from the likes of Carl Sagan. Though neither volume offers material that is not easily found elsewhere, both cover a wide range of topics, offer a relevant URL on every spread, and close with recommended further reading. Consider Killer Creatures, at least, as a flashy additional purchase.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 3–4—The authors describe the life and habits of the whooping crane and explain the threats to its survival. Although the writing is clear and easy to follow, it is descriptive rather than informative. For example, the explanation that the secret of the whooper's loud voice is the "hidden loops in the whooper's throat" doesn't explain why this looping makes the call loud. The dancing behavior of the bird is dismissed—"no one knows why, but whoopers seem to dance just for fun"—rather than explaining this instinctual pair-bonding behavior. Although Alison Imbriaco's The Whooping Crane (Enslow, 2006) is geared to an older audience, its more detailed explanation of the fate of the chick hatched second ("the smaller chick may starve, be accidentally trampled, or be pushed out of the nest") serves readers better than simply saying, "the weaker one usually dies." The quality of the illustrations is uneven, and some pages have a "cut and paste" look to them. Nevertheless, the nine-picture montage of the first nine days of the life of Tux, a crane born in captivity, is intimate and engaging. The stark numbers of a declining population and possible extinction are dramatically charted, and the extraordinary efforts to save this species are described. However, the many titles available for various reading levels make this an additional purchase.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

PreS—Kissinger presents more than 100 traditional rhymes illustrated with reproductions from 19th- and early-20th-century publications. The lengthy introduction provides some general background on the artwork and includes sections on Mother Goose in vintage books, newspapers and magazines, advertising ephemera (trade cards and paper dolls), and picture postcards. This is followed by the verses themselves, some familiar and some more obscure. All of the illustrations come from the author's own collection. Unfortunately, anyone interested in specific historical information will need to go elsewhere; the appended "Resource Guide" doesn't steer readers to any other source of information about the rhymes or the publications. This casual approach extends to some of the text; a few of the rhymes are missing verses that are typically included (e.g., "Rub-A-Dub-Dub" has only three lines). Young children will probably prefer the cleaner look of the wonderful collections illustrated by contemporary artists such as Lucy Cousins and Rosemary Wells. Consider this only for large collections with an interest in historical items.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 2–4—This handsome picture book focuses on the visual aspect of Chinese characters. Words are introduced on the verso with the modern Chinese character and a smaller ancient character in the upper left corner of the page, so one is immediately aware of the evolution of the visual form of the word. On the right, a full-page illustration is rendered in a way that echoes the strokes of the character. For example, the picture for the character "high" shows a pagodalike building similar to the form of the calligraphy. The words are grouped so that terms such as "see," "look at," and "ear" follow "eye," whose written character is part of these other related characters, indicating the relationship of the basic word to the others. The artwork is rich and colorful; these striking linotypes at times include in their design or as their frame what appears to be boldly patterned origami paper. In fact, the whole book is artistically satisfying: the design, the colors, the thoughtfulness of the visual presentation, and the square, thick shape just the right size for easy browsing. The book is, however, problematic in terms of its usefulness. Though the pinyin translation of the Chinese characters is given, no pronunciation guide is included. In addition, the pinyin doesn't show any indication of tones. For example, "tian" is the Chinese for both "field' and "sky," but nothing indicates that the pronunciation of the two words differs slightly but significantly. Overall, this is an attractive guide to understanding Chinese characters but not to understanding the spoken language.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

Gr 3–5—In a light and breezy style and with cheerful cartoonlike illustrations on bright backgrounds, this guide offers some sound, interesting, and succinct information. Topics include clothing, practice, tryouts, school dances, and performing. The format is casual, skipping from one subject to another and including questions and answers, checklists, and narrative passages. There is even a two-page chapter on headbands. Comments by girls about dancing appear throughout. Back matter includes a few mini posters that readers are encouraged to tear out and hang up. This book could provide a pleasant, basic introduction to various aspects of dancing where books on the subject are in high demand.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 1–3—Two fresh, short biographies for newly independent readers. Each book is unbroken by chapters, and both lack an index. And, interestingly, each one gives a pronunciation guide to just one word-"Iroquois" in Champlain and "phonograph" in Edison. Champlain's childhood can only be surmised. He was born around 1580 in France, according to the text, although the CIP lists his birth year as 1567. Edison takes readers from the subject's childhood in Ohio, where he was born in 1847, to his death 84 years later. His more famous inventions are mentioned. In both books, the writing is clear if sedate, and the type is large. Abundant pen-and-ink illustrations are finely rendered and enhance each text. There are several books for this age range about Edison, such as David A. Adler's worthy A Picture Book of Thomas Alva Edison (Holiday House, 1996), but there is little information available for this audience on Champlain.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 2–5—McClure retells and illustrates nine brief folktales in this collection, which also includes an introduction and source list. McClure's pen, ink, and watercolor drawings gracefully wrap themselves around the text, adding detail and flavor. Some of the tales are familiar: "The Herdsman and the Weaver," "Clever Rabbit" (also known as "The Rabbit's Judgment"), and "Why the Sea Is Salty." Others contain familiar motifs; "The Goblins' Magic Stick" is reminiscent of "Toads and Diamonds," in which a good brother and a greedy brother receive their just rewards. Retold in a lightly humorous vein, there's nonetheless a keen sense of justice underpinning these tales. Thieves and greedy landlords are punished, long-suffering lovers and devoted daughters meet happy endings, and thorny disputes are settled by wise rabbits. Related in straightforward yet lively prose, with just enough detail and repetition, this collection is sure to become a read-aloud favorite.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 3–4—This is a much simpler, more general work than Markle's Outside and Inside Sharks (S & S, 1996). Excellent color photos follow the clear text, which describes "big" and "little" sharks and the physical oddities of such disparate species as Ornate Wobbegongs, Longnose Sawsharks, and Great Whites. A descriptive passage on teeth and another on denticles are included. Also shown is the hatching of an egg-laying Swell Shark and the live birth of a Lemon Shark. A global distribution map of species mentioned is provided. Team this book with Laurence Pringle's handsome Sharks!: Strange and Wonderful (Boyds Mills, 2001) and Miranda MacQuitty's Shark (DK, 2008) for a fresh look at a fish with a fascinating family tree.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 2–5—This grand and varied anthology contains an impressive number of old favorites and newer selections. Grouped by theme, such as animals, nature, feelings, school, family, and nonsense, the poems represent an appealing range of humor, pathos, and meditative wonder. Though many of the offerings have been widely anthologized, it's always nice to come across classics by Robert Louis Stevenson, Christina Rossetti, Eleanor Farjeon, and Emily Dickinson. Their poems, along with newer works by Mary Ann Hoberman, Dennis Lee, and Aileen Fisher, among others, are paired with illustrations crafted by an eclectic range of distinguished children's picture-book artists including Ashley Bryan, Lois Ehlert, the Dillons, Chris Raschka, Steven Kellogg, and Dan Yaccarino. There is a smattering of poems by Robert Frost, and tributes to Bill Martin, Jr., from Eric Carle and Steven Kellogg. Five of Martin's poems are included as well. The nine poems in the food chapter represent a savory mix of whimsy and laugh-out-loud humor, including Louis Phillips's "On Eating Porridge Made of Peas," John Ciardi's "Mummy Slept Late and Daddy Fixed Breakfast," and Jack Prelutsky's "Herbert Glerbett." This finely crafted, accessible collection should resonate with a wide audience of readers; it deserves a place in most schools and libraries.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 2–4—Ray and Amelia have a typical sibling relationship—he is a slightly annoying older brother who enjoys scaring his sister. They have moved to New Mexico, where they now live with their extended family. Their father tells them the story of los abuelos—sooty, hairy mountain men who come down each winter to make sure that the children are well behaved. While the story frightens Amelia, her family reminds her that the reenactment of the abuelos' arrival includes a big party. At the end of the book, Amelia ends up rescuing her brother from one particularly scary abuelo who seems very familiar to both of them. Mora, as always, is a master storyteller. In her hands the framing story of Amelia's family and the retelling of the folktale blend seamlessly. This book is not bilingual, but there are many Spanish phrases throughout the family's conversations. Carling's pastel and colored-pencil illustrations are uneven; while the landscapes are beautiful and evoke the crispness of a snowy winter night, the people seem awkwardly posed and slightly unrealistic. However, this story will be welcomed in libraries across the Southwest. Abuelos will be fun to add to traditional winter stories.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

Gr 3–5—Straightforward texts provide reasonably detailed information about the physiology and life cycles of insects and other arthropods. Unusual facts and specific behavior examples enliven the sometimes-dry prose, as do the plentiful color photographs depicting body parts and behaviors. Many of them are excellent, such as the view of a diving beetle seizing its prey; others are serviceable, but less crisp and clear. The objective, scientific approach of the texts promotes respect and curiosity about bugs, even those that can be annoying or harmful to people.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 1–4—The story behind these words and music is truly an American tale of a large loving family blessed to share their creativity with those around them. Two Kentucky sisters, Patty and Mildred Hill—teacher and composer—created the song as a second verse to their "Good Morning to You" melody, which was shared with Ms. Patty's kindergarten class on a daily basis. A lovely succession of watercolor paintings depicts the latter half of the 19th century in Louisville and illuminates the thoughtful expressions and joyful faces of the Hill family. With a final historical note, readers find the record of the Hills' service to education and eventual recognition in the academic world. Forget what you remember about Irving Berlin's connection with the tune—the copyright for this title was correctly assigned 45 years after it was composed, an eye-opener for history and trivia lovers in all libraries.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 1–6—Through fanciful three-dimensional artwork and well-written narrative, Reinhart and Sabuda introduce the whimsical, mostly hidden world of fairies and their kin. Examples of fey folk from different countries and cultures cavort about the pages, including bumblebee-riding pillywiggins (England and Wales), the shy abatwa who sleep in anthills (South Africa), and the unruly kappa that have been known to kidnap toddlers (Japan). Elves and gnomes, a menagerie of enchanted creatures, nature spirits, and mythical dwellers of the deep are also covered. From a delightful rendering of Shakespeare's Titania (complete with fluttering wings), to a frontal view of a unicorn gracefully lifting its head, to a movement-filled image of Amphitrite and Poseidon in their aquatic chariot, the paper sculptures are elegant and enticing. Additional foldout booklets, also embellished with pop-ups, assist in presenting the well-researched text, which concisely conveys a great deal of information. Though its delicate design makes it difficult to circulate, this handsome volume could be used for display or to introduce or inspire further study of folklore, mythology, and literature.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 2–3—Rockwell introduces 11 different types of clouds according to their positions in the atmosphere. Besides the basics—fog, cirrus, stratus, and cumulus—she also provides information about cirrostratus, cirrocumulus, cumulonimbus, altostratus, altocumulus, nimbostratus, and stratocumulus. The author describes each type of cloud formation, explains where it is found in the sky, and tells what kind of weather is associated with it. Attractive folk-art-style paintings show the clouds and children playing or working outside. The information is solid but too much is covered for this to be considered a "Stage 1" book. Marion Dane Bauer's Clouds (S & S, 2004) is a better source for this age level.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 3–5—This title contains step-by-step directions for an array of room accessories that includes everything from earring dolls and doorknob covers to small tables and trash baskets. Materials are readily obtained and directions are clear and easy to follow. As with any craft book, a photo of the finished product would be more appealing than a simple illustration. Purchase this title for fans of Ross's books or collections with a heavy need for crafting materials.—G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

K-Gr 2—On each spread, one or two simple sentences face a large, full-color photograph. Animals describes squirrels gathering nuts, birds migrating to warmer climates, and bears hibernating. People discusses the holidays that different people celebrate and sledding and snowball fights. In Snowflakes, the author describes the different types of snow, building snowmen, and shoveling. These very basic introductions are adequate for easy-reader nonfiction collections.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 3–5—A cardboard portcullis on the cover slides up to lure children into entering a (generic, western European) 13th-century town populous enough to have a bridge, castle, and cathedral. Featuring static painted scenes and passages of text written in brief, declarative sentences, the flat spreads between each pop-up cover a range of topics from "Crafts and Trades" and "Homes in the City" to knightly training and daily life for both the upper and the lower classes. The former gets more play, however, as a knight named Sir Hugo functions as tour guide, injecting bland comments ("I enjoy the music and feasting at the king's banquet") while living the knightly life by participating in a tourney and various battles. The 3-D models are hard to open fully, and the castle in particular is fitted with big, clumsy connecting tabs. For quality of design and presentation, this doesn't match Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart's Castle (Scholastic, 2006), but the urban setting does add an unusual angle to a title that deserves consideration for displays and casual browsing.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 2–5—This brief picture-book overview sports an energetic writing style and humorous artwork. Swain packs a lot of detail into the text as she quickly and chronologically progresses through a discussion of different types of underwear throughout the ages and how it has accommodated people's lifestyles. Children will find a multitude of interesting historical tidbits: knights wore padded undergarments; women's stockings were made from the first synthetic fabric, nylon, for the first time during World War II. The author also mentions diapers, the recycling and conversion of underwear into cloth for other uses, and research into improvements. The winsome, imaginative illustrations vary in size and are rendered in watercolor over ink. A chronology adds some details not found within the main text. A fun selection for booktalking and a good addition to collections on clothing.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 3–6—As the author travels up the Amazon River in Brazil, he introduces readers to the people he meets and stories they tell. From an old woman, he hears the story of the jurutaí, a bird that sings a love song to the moon. Others tell of a giant snake that overturns boats in the river, and of the curupira, a creature covered in blood-red hair that protects the rain forest. Three times he is told of dolphins that appear as men dressed in suits and hats: the spread of a fisherman taken to the bottom of the river by such a stranger is particularly chilling. He hears trickster tales of Fox and Jaguar as well as Tortoise and Vulture, and on a very hot day he delights in the story of very slow Three-Toed Sloth. Youngsters will be caught up in this journey, following the river from place to place, meeting kind and welcoming people who share their stories. Woodcuts stamped in black, gold, green, turquoise, and red ink on white or orange backgrounds brilliantly capture the mystery of this unfamiliar world. The author's descriptions of the people who told him these stories and their way of life provide human faces and voices that will enrich any study of the Brazilian rain forest and the Amazon.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 3—By using Lincoln's own words, Thomson builds a portrait that relates his statements to significant events in his life. From commenting on making his first dollar ("The world seemed wider and fairer before me.") to working hard, his attitude toward slavery ("If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.") to his reaction to war, and finally to signing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln's character and times are revealed. Short descriptions of the circumstances and a related quote are set on bold, colorful spreads. Ransome delivers a larger-than-life portrait of this homely president with acrylic, almost cartoonlike paintings. Lincoln kneels on a map, trying to hold the Union together, reaches out to angry Southerners saying, "We are not enemies, but friends," and frets over the war. His awkward size, dedication to his cause, and serious side all come across. An engaging overview, this is a worthy introduction to this famous president.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 2–5—From Japan's seas to the Aztecs' lands, seven traditional tales are vividly retold, including the classic "The Frog Prince" and "The Golden Touch." In "The Pigman and the Princess," a shallow royal humorously receives her comeuppance. "Kate Crackernuts" introduces two princesses, two princes, and one conniving queen, and "The Lemon Princess" features Eastern enchantment. Several selections capture the despair over lost love, including "The Kingdom Under the Sea." The subdued hues, featured in double-page illustrations and vignettes, serve to separate the selections. Soft lines add to the stories' moods. The author is a strong storyteller, personally engaging readers. She foreshadows the impending grief in "Popocatepetl and the Princess": "Sometimes, a story is sad enough to make you shed a tear but beautiful enough to make you hold it in your heart for ever-I hope you will agree that this is a story like that." Through rich language, these selections are well suited for reading aloud or independently. Unfortunately, there are no sources.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

PreS-Gr 2—A young cat discovers that there's a lot to learn. In the first book, he admires bird songs and then runs from the noise of an approaching thunderstorm while a bat points out some characteristics of sound. In the second title, the feline plays with a ball as a friendly cricket points out the principles behind its motion. Without using scientific vocabulary, the author introduces the concepts of force, resistance, speed or pitch, volume, and proximity. Additional examples are incorporated into the respective story lines. A final spread provides a review of the scientific principles and suggests simple exploratory activities. The digitally produced, full-bleed artwork has muted tones and mostly flat shapes reminiscent of illustrations from the 1950s. Children will recognize themselves in Oscar in these discussion starters. For similar content but a more exuberant approach to motion, try Claire Llewellyn's And Everyone Shouted, "Pull!" (Picture Window, 2005).—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 3–5—While these biographies include information that may be of interest to elementary students, the accompanying pictures will confuse them as most are unrelated to the authors' lives or careers. The chapter on Rylant's early years is illustrated with a reproduction of Ulysses S. Grant, a photo of West Virginia coal miners, and a photo of Robert F. Kennedy. In DiCamillo, photos include two boys swimming in Florida, children playing in the snow in Minneapolis, and a photo of an unidentified woman holding a copy of The Tale of Despereaux with a caption that reads, "In 2008, an animated movie of The Tale of Despereaux was released." The unfortunate presentations diminish the usefulness of the biographical information.—Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS

PreS-Gr 2—More tribute than biography, Winter's picture book adopts the same reverential tone found in Nikki Grimes's Barack Obama (S & S, 2008). Yes, the facts of Obama's life can be found here. Readers learn about his brief interactions with his father from Kenya, his stay in Indonesia with his white mother and her new husband, his work in Chicago, election to the Senate, and nomination for the presidency. But Winter also includes speculations about Obama's inner questioning of his identity and endows his life with an almost messianic quality. After quoting Martin Luther King, Jr., he declares that Obama "would be the embodiment of King's dream—a presidential candidate whose very being was a bridge that joined nations." Ford's illustrations reinforce this vision of greatness, whether Obama delivers a speech in front of a huge American flag or gazes confidently into the future while skies clear behind him. Even his enthusiastic supporters may squirm at such adulation. Children deserve a more evenhanded presentation.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato