Preschool to Grade 4

K-Gr 2—After reading Super Duck, Duck dons a cape and mask and tries a variety of ways to get Goat's kite up in the air. His friends patiently let him try his own ideas, like using a truck to fly the kite, before coming up with their own conventional solutions. Finally the superhero comes through with an unexpected maneuver. Alborough's short, amusing rhyming couplets keep the text moving along fluidly, making the book a good choice for storytimes. Each spread has several panels of illustrations, which will remind readers of other, more successful superheroes. The characters' movements and energy sometimes cause them to break out of the boundaries of their panels, creating a dynamic feel. All in all, this funny book is about friendship—the protagonist is allowed his individuality, but is supported when things don't work out. A gem.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

K-Gr 3—A girl remembers the summer of 1969 and the first moon landing in this lushly illustrated, 40th-anniversary tribute. From her small town of Star, Mae and her family pray for the astronauts, she and her cousins build a homemade "rocket ship," and they all watch the historic moment on television. Pinkney's remarkable graphite, ink, and watercolor paintings evoke both the vastness of space and the intimacy of 1960s family life. Writing in the voice of a nine-year-old African-American girl, Aston is lyrical and sometimes evocative, though some of her narrative choices are overworked. The visual format of the free verses, with every line beginning with a capital letter, is distracting and interferes with the text's natural rhythms. The choice of the name Mae for the character who aspires to be an astronaut may be homage paid to Mae Jemison, and even the name of the fictional town seems to exist just for its metaphorical value. That said, this book offers children a close-up view of an experience that seems quaint today, but that was life-changing in 1969.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

K-Gr 2—Henrietta the chicken, star of Souperchicken (Holiday House, 2003), is an avid library user and decides that because reading is so much fun, "writing books must be eggshilarating." She finds a manual of writing rules and creates her own story-with the unsolicited help of the other fowl. When it is rejected by a publisher, Henrietta decides to self-publish. She takes a copy to her librarian, who tells her to send it to The Corn Book Magazine for review. Henrietta gets another rejection: "odoriferous." Then she wanders into the library at storytime and sees that her book was chosen best of the year by the children. Henrietta is asked to read it aloud. "She read with dramatic expression. Of course, all the children heard was BUK, BUK, BUK…." The illustrations, a combination of oil paints and digital technology, are bold and colorful. The pictures are busy, with Henrietta at her typewriter while her friends cavort around her. There are imagined scenes in cloud shapes, word balloons, and jokes aplenty. A droll chicken with a repeating line adds to the humor. This offering works on two levels. It's a funny picture book that could be used as a manual on writing.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—In this fourth book about Stanley, the dog's family takes him to the park for a competition. All of the dogs are wary of these proceedings, but when a woman walks by with the prizes—three large, still-warm-from-the-oven dog biscuits—the pups all decide to participate. Stanley is sure he'll finish first in the Fastest Dog event, but a whippet is the winner. Stanley's only chance is the Most Beautiful category. When the judges walk right by him, his owners take him out of the running. He sees the last prize sitting on a table and figures he deserves at least a lick of that biscuit. The table falls, and 37 dogs descend on the treat. As they roll and rumble, they have a great time, but the pageant is in shambles. At home, Stanley's people realize that they forgot to give him his breakfast and fuss over him. The illustrations, done in acrylic on gessoed paper, are large, colorful, and lively. Stanley's many fans will love poring over this adventure.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—In this second installment in the series, Max wants to be more like his older brother, so when Pete tells his younger sibling that he is just a speck in the universe, the little monkey is not happy. As the story unfolds the brothers learn about the stars, the sun, and the planets, and even take a trip to an observatory. Although the two argue throughout, in the end they admit that they are "glad we're part of the same universe." Pastel illustrations complement the text. Beginning chapter-book readers will enjoy this sweet tale of brotherly love that includes some facts about astronomy, but it is not a must-have.—Michele Sealander, Hamburg School, NJ

PreS-Gr 2—It is springtime, and Morris sets out to find love. Even though he does not see very well, he knows exactly what to look for—black shiny fur, a pink nose, and big wide feet. Following the folklore motif of "threes," he finds a different animal for each quality, only to discover that each one is not right. Luscious Shiny Black Fur (a horse) throws him, Pretty Pink Nose (a pig) is too wet, and Gorgeous Big Wide Feet (a duck) makes him sneeze. Sad, he returns to his molehill, and love discovers him. In carefully chosen words, the text creates visual images that allow readers to place themselves in the setting and to feel the mood. The bright, colorful, realistic illustrations reflect the action and depict a traditional farm setting. While the ending seems obvious, children will relate to Morris as he searches for someone to love and will cheer for him as he keeps trying in spite of each mishap.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS-K—On a hot summer day, Bradley McGogg discovers that his cupboard is empty and goes in search of something for lunch. Miss Mousie offers him rye crackers and cheese, while Herr Bear and Herr Hare invite him to dine on carrots covered in honey. Brad doesn't even consider joining a cow for a snack of clover and grass. Unable to accept the other animals' favorite foods and still hungry, Brad drags himself back home. To his delight, he discovers an infestation of bugs in his hollowed-out log and sits down to a delectable feast. Beiser explores the importance of being neighborly and respecting others' unique customs and habits. The sophisticated rhyming text is accompanied by subdued watercolor and gouache illustrations depicting Bradley and his neighbors (except the cow) dressed in old-fashioned clothing. Each animal's face is imbued with character and personality. Although amusing, this story lacks the whimsical charm and lighthearted appeal of Karma Wilson's A Frog in the Bog (S & S, 2003) and Eric Drachman's A Frog Thing (Kidwick, 2006).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

K-Gr 2—Jerry is a very large and very sad bee. He is the size of a child and, though quite friendly, people are afraid of him. One day he finds a discarded wig, puts it on, and is immediately mistaken for a boy, which is amusing since he now looks like a bee with a bad toupee. Though the scruffy-looking hairpiece covers his tiny antennae, humorous pictures reveal two small wings on his black-and-yellow-striped back, which apparently cause no consternation. Jerry enters school and his courteous, complimentary, and helpful manner makes him extremely popular with his classmates and the staff. When his wig is accidentally blown off and it's obvious that he's really a bee, the old prejudices return and everyone runs from him. Fortunately, and amazingly, his wig turns out to be a particularly hairy guinea pig who saves the day by reminding everyone of Jerry's sterling qualities. Engaging, digitally combined ink and acrylic illustrations in bold colors with black outlines highlight this funny and ultimately cheerful tale of acceptance.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1—Samantha, an anteater, is biking by with a wagon-load of books when she sees her friends Grant, an aardvark, and Antoine, an armadillo, standing by a huge packing crate. They are convinced that it can be turned into a time machine. They add various "hoozie-doozies," Grant sets the dials to another time and place, and Antoine makes blast-off sounds, but the machine stays put. After they make some adjustments, the rickety rocket rolls down a hill and topples over. Tired and bored, the boys settle down to read Sam's books and give up the project. Sam takes over and makes some of her own improvements, and-voilà!-she turns the box into the best do-it-yourself bookmobile imaginable. And, as proven by the other friends who come by to check out books, it's a success. Any child who has ever built a blanket fort or played inside a box should be able to relate to these anthropomorphic animals. The gouache and colored-pencil illustrations of the gadgets and gizmos attached to the crate add humot, and there is a lot of white space for the large, clear text. Though not essential, this is a fun selection.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 5—This bilingual book (English and Cree) recounts in verse the Round Dance, a celebration of the seasonal changes in nature and in life. The roughly rhyming narrative is told through the voice of a young person but assumes prior knowledge of Native customs and phrases. Cree words are used in context but not defined. "I'm tired but I feel warm and good./My Moosum and my Kokum/lead me home the way I knew they would." At times, the text reads almost like a riddle: "I bid my Kokum to come near/and ask if she can hear at all/I whisper softly, 'Can you hear/the circles in my heart—they call???'" The illustrations range from striking silhouettes of human figures, horses, and trees against mostly watercolor backgrounds to more abstract and modern images of Native symbols such as a red handprint and a Native face with tears. Four full-page wordless spreads with mountains, teepee, and buffalo give readers a chance to pause and contemplate the words. This book is best used as a read-aloud. A CD reciting the text in English and Cree with Round Dance drumming accompanies the book. A good choice for libraries with strong Native culture collections.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-A young frog spends the day on his grandpa's farm. They ride the tractor together as they mow the lawn and hum a song. In the barn, they tidy up the tools. Their activities continue throughout the day, including a stop at a diner for grilled cheese sandwiches. When they return home, they sit on the couch and Grandpa makes up stories and takes Frog out to the barn to show him baby birds in a nest. This is a quiet story illustrated in deep pastel gouache. Although it portrays a very busy day and a warm, loving relationship, there is no beginning or ending, which might be unsatisfying to many children.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Freddie just can't get to sleep, no matter what tactics his mum and dad try. Then, he visits Gran and, after a busy day filled with fun activities, he quickly falls asleep. Through her wisdom and experience, she comes up with a solution to help him sleep at home, and it is in this small bit of sentimentality that the book really shines. While the text is simple and charming, it's Evans's artwork that pumps life into the story. Children will delight in the illustrations of Freddie's room and toys. Gran is depicted as graying, with an old-fashioned hairstyle and glasses, but there is little about her that is sedentary.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

Gr 2–5—This realistic, tender story recounts the experiences of Native siblings sent to a government-mandated, church-run boarding school such as those that were common in Canada and the United States from the late 1800s until the 1970s. Hauled away with the other reservation children in a cattle truck, six-year-old Shin-chi and his older sister, Shi-shi-etko, try to memorize life at home from the "trees, mountains, and river below." Shin-chi clutches a tiny carved canoe, a forbidden memento homemade by her father. During the school year (until the sockeye salmon return), Shin-chi and Shi-shi-etko are not allowed to speak to one another and must endure the cruel treatment and restrictions forced upon Native children as they work and go to mass and to school. Hungry and lonely, young Shin-chi tries desperately to hold on to his Native traditions, sneaking out to sing his grandfather's prayer song and release his canoe in the river. LaFave's striking yet soft digital illustrations are appropriately somber and deftly capture the mood with subtle earth tones on each page. An author's introduction details the practice of sending Native children to residential schools. An accessible and important contribution to Native literature.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1–3—The cartoon squirrels are back, this time meeting with rodents from around the world for a soccer tournament. Unfortunately, the game ball, a perfectly round walnut, has been stolen by the always-hungry Pistachio, and if it can't be retrieved, the game will be canceled. After some consultation with a retired rodeo squirrel and a little collaborative effort, the ball is retrieved and the tournament continues. The plot is contrived, and the characters are one-dimensional, but Carman's wacky sense of humor is just right for primary-grade entertainment. This book provides animated, ready-for-Saturday-morning-TV illustrations and sends readers to the publisher's Web site (and at Carman's) to provide more points of entry. This is not great literature, but it works.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 2—A neighborhood that will ring true for many readers is introduced in this picture book. "This is el barrio!/My home in the city/with its rain-washed murals/and sparkling graffiti." The speaker goes on to list all the things that make the community what it is: Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead, quinceañeras and piñatas, "Aztec eyes and Mayan faces." The poetic text and glowing illustrations praise a type of neighborhood that is often derogated or ignored: "silver-streaked tenements,/neon city streets,/storefront churches,/and bodegas that never sleep." Diaz returns to his classic thick-outlined woodcuts, but here the outlines change color through a rainbow of hues, making the spreads shimmer with color and movement. The framed spreads float over photographic collages that evoke the city—as in Eve Bunting's Smoky Night (Harcourt, 1994), but here, with more festivity. The book never goes far beyond its lists; a description of a quinceañera at the end attempts to link a narrative to the speaker, but is thin and almost unnecessary. Yet simply by calling upon these images as treasure ("syrupy sweet churros,/ice-cold paletas/and a lemon-yellow fire escape/as tall as a city skyscraper"), the book shows some young readers that their neighborhood, too, is both normal and special—and shows others what lies in the neighborhoods next to theirs.—Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA

Gr 1–4—Not much has been written about the biblical figure believed to be the first to step into the Sea of Reeds during the Israelite's exodus from Egypt. However, Cohen has successfully fictionalized the scant biblical account and embellished the midrash to create a child-friendly picture book about overcoming fear, trusting in God, and believing in oneself. As a boy, Nachshon earned his reputation for bravery by smuggling cool drinking water to his father and brothers in the quarries, spying on Pharaoh's royal courtiers, and venturing out into the darkness of the ninth plague to check on his neighbors. But despite these courageous acts, he was terrified of the water and refused to venture into the Nile. Yet when the Israelites finally fled and stood on the banks of the Sea of Reeds, it was Nachshon who led the way. Remembering what Moses had taught—"Real freedom means facing your fears and overcoming them"—he stepped into the water and the level reached his lips before the sea miraculously parted, allowing the Israelites to escape from the advancing Egyptian army. The digitally prepared, mixed-media illustrations utilize muted yellow, orange, and brown tones to depict the sweltering heat of the desert and bright blue and green tones to illustrate the celebration of freedom. They complement and enhance the text marvelously. A wonderful, unique addition.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

K-Gr 1—This story includes some delicious language and a comic look into the complex relationships among family members, friends, and adversaries. Jake's best thumb is the one he sucks—the wrinkled one that's going to push his teeth out like a rabbit's (according to his mother); that will keep him from being a doctor or a dentist (according to his sister); and that makes him a target for ridicule by other kindergartners (mainly his archenemy, Cliff). Unfortunately, there's too much going on in the plot. First, it's about Jake, his thumb, and his relatives' comments and opinions. Then it moves to Jake, his thumb, and his class, including close-ups with his teacher, his friend, and his nemesis. Finally, it's about Jake and Cliff's confrontation and resolution. It's just too long for most young listeners. Also, the message that sucking your thumb is not advisable is lost in the interplay between Jake's own viewpoint and the comments of others. The confrontation between Jake and Cliff is ugly indeed. Jake turns the tables on his antagonist by belittling and humiliating him; this is followed by a highly unlikely—downright unbelievable—rapprochement. Muñoz's watercolor-and-ink illustrations suit the text well, but the pictures are cluttered onto each page in muted colors that fail to add zip to the overburdened story. Jake's Best Thumb is not one of Cooper's best efforts.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 1–4—This lively, engaging picture book is an outstanding introduction to the concept of census taking and its role in the implementation of the new United States Constitution. One day in 1790, Phineus Bump rides into Tunbridge, VT. He is an honorable man who takes his duties seriously, yet he wishes to return home to his loved ones, whom he hasn't seen in three months. His job is to count every man, woman, and child in town and report back to the government. But folks are skeptical: Will the numbers be used to establish taxation or conscription, or, as rumors are saying, representation in the new government? They aren't taking any chances and set out to trick the Tallyman, going from one extreme to the other and delaying his completion of the task. Finally, a real understanding of the man's mission allows them to be counted "fair and true." Schindler's exceptional illustrations, mainly in earth tones, depict indoor and outdoor scenes that are full of activity. Children will delight in finding hidden treasures in the pages. Especially noticeable is a look of consternation on a turkey whose feathers have recently been turned into writing quills. Charming and humorous, this book is certain to appeal to children—and to educators.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

PreS-Gr 2—An old story with a Cajun flair-this version has the runaway protagonist made out of cornbread with a big dash of cayenne pepper. His sassy refrain is: "Run, cher, run, as fast as you can!/You can't catch me-I'm full of cayenne." After eluding an old Cajun woman, a rascally raccoon, and a fierce fox, he meets an artful alligator on the bayou's edge and accepts the fateful ride—with a twist. The Cornbread Boy is too spicy for the alligator, who spits him out. And to this day, you can still hear him sometimes in the bayou singing, "Run, cher, run…." A recipe for cornbread is appended as well as the obligatory glossary of Cajun terms. Bright watercolor and pen-and-ink artwork reveals the action competently. If more versions of "The Gingerbread Boy" are wanted, this one is a good alternative.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 2–4—Nine-year-old Sassy usually is the one who gets stuck with the last piece of chicken or the last choice of jelly beans in the bowl because she is the youngest and smallest member of the Sanford clan. Her stature has earned her the nickname Little Sister, much to her chagrin. Sassy feels there's a special sparkly part hiding deep within her; it just needs some help to shine through. At times the story seems a little too pat and clichéd. It's what's inside that counts, Grammy tells the child. The chapter book is short on plot and conflict, but is full of strong, believable characters. Draper is at her best when describing people. "Daddy says I have a Krispy Kreme face, warm and sweet, but who wants to look like a doughnut?" Readers will get a kick out of some of the vignettes as when Sassy's classmate gets his head stuck between the rungs of a chair or when her brother's bladder is about to burst on the elevator. A likable enough story, but not an essential purchase.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

K-Gr 3—Raised by her somber father, Clara is enchanted by her grandmother's joyful stories about her mother's dancing. After Granny's death, her father becomes even more withdrawn, keeping the curtains closed and discouraging music. One summer a troupe of musicians and dancers arrives in the village. The eight-year-old sneaks out to see their performance and later follows their wagon tracks to their next destination. In the forest, a kindhearted dancer helps Clara to discover her own dancing talent before sending her back home. Infatuated with the life of a traveling dancer, however, she decides to leave her silent home for good. Her father pursues her, and his dramatic arrival ends with the revelation that the woman who befriended Clara is her mother. The child returns home to live with her father—who has been miraculously relieved of his sadness—and Clara looks forward to joining her mother when she is older. Ehrlich's tale may charm early elementary girls if they are patient enough to listen to the entire story, but adults will be left shaking their heads at the coincidences and unrealistic developments. Of greater concern is the possibility that children who have lost a parent may receive false hope of a reunion. Walsh's gentle period paintings set a cozy and inviting tone, but libraries should consider this an additional purchase.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—When Miss Miles assigns a sunflower-growing competition and pairs the narrator with her former friend, Sophie, the animosity between the partners has a negative effect on their seedling. Their teacher observes, "This sunflower isn't happy" and suggests talking to it. With the aid of classmate Gabriel, the girls build a cardboard angel to watch over the pot. These cooperative efforts not only help their plant thrive ("It stood straight! It stood tall! It was strong!"), but also renew their relationship. Dunbar's sunny collage illustrations show a curly-haired, smiling angel who resembles the teacher. While the book is not an essential purchase, the rocky emotional terrain of feuding friends is ably conveyed.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS—This third book about a sweet little bear who is learning small, important lessons in heartwarming ways opens with the happy discovery of a three-leaf clover. Bear's worries begin when Mouse says, "If you find one with four leaves, it means that you're lucky." As Bear searches for one, the other animals tell him that he'll never be successful, making him feel "very unlucky." True to form, Foley brings the story to a surprising and uplifting conclusion that reinforces the joys of friendship. This gifted graphic artist has an inspired understanding of a young child's world. He isn't timid about employing almost identical pictures on each page: a mound of green grass, a sprinkling of clover, the small bear, and—in most cases–one other animal. The background is always a clean, bright white. Each opposing page, on which the text resides, has a different pastel shade. The most essential variations are the succession of featured critters and Bear's position and expression in response to each of them. The simplicity of the text, theme, and illustrations makes this an excellent choice for the very young.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 1—An unnamed girl and her parents spend the summer in a rustic house beside a cranberry bog. The shaggy-haired, overall-clad girl befriends the neighboring children and the animals on the farm. She spends her days collecting eggs and picking berries. As the season changes and the leaves begin to fall, the child must leave the country house she has grown to love. Her parents explain they cannot spend the winter there "with no heat and no phone." The family drives across the country, "through city and town," "'cross fields and deserts, up mountains and down," at last arriving at a new house where the girl finds a new group of friends. The illustrations drawn in chalk pastels are done in a bright palette but do not particularly expand upon the rhyming text. In this uneven story, Gershator briefly addresses the unsettling feelings experienced by children facing an unwanted move. These emotions are more fully explored in Heather Maisner's We're Moving (Kingfisher, 2004), while Scott Beck's Little House, Little Town (Abrams, 2004) offers a cozier depiction of a family's love for their home.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 2–4—Eight-year-old Abigail Iris, who has one sister and two stepbrothers, is jealous of her best friends who are only children. The "Onlys" seem to have everything that Abigail Iris wants, including heely shoes. That coveted fashion item is mentioned several times and may date the story in coming years. When Abigail Iris is invited to accompany her friend Genevieve on vacation, she gets a chance to experience "only" life up close. Her delight in staying in a hotel brings to mind Kay Thompson's Eloise. She and Genevieve play on the elevators and order room service. Despite the humorous situations, the gaiety is somewhat forced, and the life lessons are rather obvious. Of course Abigail Iris will miss her family, and of course Genevieve's mother will be irritated at her husband's inability to leave work behind, etc. Allen's occasional black-and-white drawings make the story more accessible for reluctant readers and help convey the protagonist's charm. The authors are aiming for the Judy Moody/Clementine audience, but Abigail Iris does not have their same spark. Still, the novel's light, breezy tone will attract girls looking for entertainment in an easy chapter-book format.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

PreS—"This is the firefighter./These are his clothes./This is his truck,/and this is its hose." With these words, a day in the life of fire company 8-50-0 begins. More rhyming couplets describe the rest of the equipment in the firehouse and then follow the firefighters to the scene of a fire. Two families and a cat are rescued, and the flames are extinguished. The sun sets on a now-peaceful city, as the heroes bask in the glow of a job well done. The friendly cartoon illustrations, rendered exclusively in primary colors and black, are well suited to a preschool audience. The simplicity of the rhyming couplets complements them well, but a few of the rhymes seem forced. An additional purchase for larger collections in which the topic is in demand.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

Gr 2–6—Using a part text, part graphic novel approach, Gunderson tells the story of Daniel Milton. The son of a peace-loving blacksmith, he yearns to join the militia, but his father wants him to stay and work in the shop. When Daniel discovers that his father has been secretly making ammunition for the Patriots, he becomes involved in hiding the musket balls and shells from the British. This action-packed novel moves quickly through the events of the Battle of Lexington and Concord as Daniel matures and learns what his role in the war will be. Obviously meant for reluctant readers, the narrative flows easily. However, the discussion questions, writing prompts, and Web site listed in the back give it a textbooklike appearance, perhaps turning off the very readers it is trying to reach. A supplemental purchase.—Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX

Gr 2–4—The town of Neatasapin is no place for an exuberant child like Emmaline. Fastidious Mayor Orson Oliphant has banned anything that might cause a mess, including grape juice, spaghetti, mud pies, and even trees ("leaf litterers," the mayor declares). Yet Emmaline loves to dig in the dirt, hop in puddles, and yell "Hoopalala!" and "Dinglederrydee!" to show her delight. Shunned by the tidy kids, she longs for a friend, particularly a wild bunny. "Too untidy," she is told. Early one morning, Emmaline visits neighboring Untidy, full of grass, weeds, trees, and, yes, wild bunnies. After befriending one, she comes to understand why Neatasapin is not a bunny-friendly place. Upon her return home, Emmaline is determined to make the town more welcoming to wild creatures. Kids are sure to cheer at the happy ending in which Emmaline's wish comes true and the bully Orson Oliphant gets his comeuppance. The book's most distinctive feature is its delightful, inventive language: Emmaline "skoot-skedaddles," and Orson Oliphant's belly is "bobbalobbing." Hannigan also utilizes unusual sentence structure ("Dirt she dug," "Sleep Emmaline couldn't"). Even though the protagonist is a spirited heroine, this is a quieter story than Sara Pennypacker's Clementine (Hyperion, 2006) or Peggy Gifford's "Moxy Maxwell" books (Random), and the author's soft watercolors enhance the tone. It would make an ideal read-aloud or recommendation for readers who are ready for transitional chapter books.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 2–4—In this installment in the series, Grace and her friends are learning about recycling. Their teacher, Miss Lois, has challenged the third graders to work in groups and present a project on how to "go green" in some way. Many valuable ideas are presented, such as turning off lights, conserving water, and reusing and recycling. A subplot involves Grace's best friend's cousin coming for an extended stay and the trouble it causes. Narrated by Grace, the story is simple, yet informative and fun. Childlike drawings are interspersed throughout. This is an appealing book for early chapter-book readers. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy it, but it can stand on its own.—Michele Sealander, Hamburg School, NJ

Gr 2–3—Eight-year-old Cleo Small and her family, first introduced in Uh-oh, Cleo (Putnam, 2008), are vacationing in Colorado. Since the family has six kids, the trip is understandably full of chaos and typical sibling squabbles. Upon arriving at Grandma's house, Cleo, her two oldest siblings, and their parents depart to climb Mount Baldy. A freak snowstorm at the top leads them to use their spare undergarments as hats, and the siblings find they have to work together to make it down safely. Cleo's chatty narration and Berkeley's warm black-and-white illustrations will appeal to early chapter-book readers. Although the action is a little late in getting started, the opening sentence ("Two things you hardly ever see are snow in summer and underpants on my head") easily sells the book. Reading the first title isn't necessary, though it may help youngsters to make sense of Cleo's large family. Sure to be in demand where Uh-oh, Cleo is popular.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS—Ruby, a curly-haired toddler, leads her parents and their pet cat on a merry and familiar bedtime chase in this author's debut title. Simple text describes the child's nightly rituals and repeated getaways from her patient mother; it pairs well with the spare black-line drawings punctuated with spots of red, yellow, blue, and pink. Ruby's capers eventually wear her (and the cat) out and, yawning, she allows herself to be scooped up by her father and placed into her crib. Strikingly rendered in its unfussiness, this cozy and recognizable tale will resonate with young and old alike and be asked for over and over.—Kathleen Finn, Winooski Memorial Library, VT

K-Gr 2—Using the bare-bones outline of Ludwig Bemelmans's childhood, Hillenbrand brings to life the experience of countless children whose creativity sets them apart in structured environments, especially school. Louie, an artistic pig, thrives at home, where his mother tells him stories of her mischievous childhood in "a schoolhouse in Paris that was covered with vines." But when Louie goes to school, he quickly learns that it's not acceptable to draw and paint all the time, even though it makes him happy. Eventually, he is sent to live with his uncle and aunt in their hotel, where he experiences the hard chores of a hotel worker while finding opportunities to create art. But when he sketches a deliciously uppity couple on a set of menus, trouble follows fast and he prepares for another exile. Mais non! His aunt and uncle are delighted by the pictures, as is their friend Vincent, an art dealer. And so begins Louie's happy and productive career as an artist, and—following a hospital stay where he overhears a small girl tell of having her appendix removed—he writes the classic Madeline. Since Bemelmans is portrayed as a pig, the biographical nature of the story is not transparent, though the references to scenes from Madeline serve as reminders. But Hillenbrand's gloriously colored, superbly executed illustrations—collages, fingerpaintings, gouache, inks, pencils-magnetically draw readers from page to page.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS—Duck and Goose return in this almost wordless board book. Each spread features a feeling or two as the adorable duo interact. The portrayals of simple emotions—scared, happy, and sad-are most successful. But those that are more subtle—selfish, patient, hopeful, frustrated—may be too complex for a toddler audience, and the facial expressions barely have the range to convey them. The simple, colorful art with the antic and irascible title characters will be the biggest draw.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Gr 1–4—This simply told tale is based on the true story of Fernando Lopez, who single-handedly changed a barren island in the middle of the Atlantic into beautiful St. Helena, turning it into a stopping-off point for Portuguese sailors as they returned home from Asia. This account gives readers an idea of the recluse's solitary life. The text has a repetitive phrase, "just in case," as groups of sailors visit the island, take what they need, and leave something behind for him to plant or care for. The repetition simulates the back-and-forth motion of ocean waves and the give-and-take transformation of the island. The delicate folk art allows readers to watch as the desolate island becomes a jewel in the middle of the ocean. Large illustrations on every page make this a good read-aloud, and the author's note gives readers additional information on why a man would choose to live in such isolation. Useful as a read-aloud in units on early sea exploration, trade routes to Asia, and Christopher Columbus, this gentle story makes a lovely addition to most libraries.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary, Laramie, WY

Gr 1–3—When one more arithmetic lesson proves the last straw for a numerically exhausted child, leading to a full-blown math attack, the whole town is in peril. Numbers fly out of her head, tangling with arithmetic symbols and situations everywhere. They cause chaos with the clock on the town hall and the prices in the supermarket, knock civil servants down, and pelt the National Guard in helicopters that have been sent to rescue the town. It all begins when Miss Glass asks the answer to seven times ten. "I was thinking so hard all my circuits were loaded./Then all of a sudden, my brain just exploded." Finally, the girl's mental gears begin to grind and the answer, "70!," lights up the sky. The rhyming text is well cadenced, with carefully chosen words that flow easily. Rich paint and collage illustrations combine textures and colors with numbers spilling over the pages. Throughout, both pictures and verse work seamlessly to produce a humorous approach to one of life's basic obstacles for many children: learning the multiplication tables. This book could create a wonderful break during math class or an amusing storytime read-aloud.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS—In this second book about Bossy Bear, his admiring best friend, Turtle, has decided to act just like him, which gives Bear pause when he discovers that he doesn't much like Turtle's aggressive ways. Word balloons show the little creature shouting, "'Mine!' 'Gimme!' 'Do this!!!' 'Do that!' 'Now.'" Bossy Bear decides to set a good example and the situation is resolved in a satisfying way. Vibrant cartoon figures outlined in black are set on colorful backgrounds to create a clean, eye-catching look. With spare sentences, bold art, and a good message, this looks to be a winner for the preschool set.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS-Gr 1—Hubbell offers another enjoyable vehicle romp in the vein of Airplanes (2008), Trains (2005), and Cars (2006, all Marshall Cavendish). Here she looks at all manner of floating transportation, from dinghies to aircraft carriers and everything in between. The rhyme and rhythm flow well, making this fun to read aloud. "Liner. Cruise ship. Tropical shore./Down the gangplank. Let's explore!" She includes terms for parts of a sailing ship and also for rooms on a boat. The latter is illustrated with a cutaway picture with fun details for youngsters to search. Halsey and Addy again provide lively mixed-media artwork. The nautical theme is played up well, with several pictures framed by portholes or ship's wheels. There's a retro feel to the illustrations, enhanced with vintage clip art, hand-drawn images, and old papers. This title will appeal to young vehicle fans.—Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

PreS-Gr 2—Bear has a problem, and everyone he meets offers a solution. The only rub is that no one listens long enough to hear what's really bothering him. As he goes through town, an inventor, a tailor, a hatter, a doctor, and shopkeepers load him down with their remedies. At long last, his true concern—he's afraid of his dark cave—is revealed when he meets a fly who is willing to listen and is looking for a new home. While the story is a little bland, the theme of frustration at not being heard will resonate with young audiences. The charming watercolor illustrations are full of details. This title would work best for one-on-one sharing.—Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

PreS-Gr 2—In this rhyming picture book, Danny decides he wants a pet turtle for his birthday. His family members, however, have different ideas and he gets a dog from his father, a kitten from his mother, a rat from his brother, and a bird from his sister. Finally, Danny convinces them that all he really wants is a box turtle, and while the others keep the pets they acquired, he finally gets his wish. While Javernick's verses are simple yet clever, it is O'Malley's energetic drawings that make the book shine. As each person speaks to him, Danny is shown wearing things that look turtle-ish, adding visual humor to the story. Meanwhile, there is a hint in the pictures and rhyme that forecast which pet he will receive next. The use of perspective as each new creature arrives grabs readers' attention and clearly shows how Danny feels about it. The bright pencil and marker illustrations practically jump off the page, while the large print makes the text easy to read. A brief note at the front informs parents that box turtles are challenging pets and need proper care. This is a great read-aloud, no matter what type of pet children prefer.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-K—On each spread, simple painted paper cuts depict trios of similar objects in bold primary colors. The book begins with "round things" (a red apple, the Earth, a tambourine) and a page turn connects these items to "things that make music" (another tambourine, a guitar, a bird). Likewise, the bird relates to the following set of "things that fly." Ultimately the idea is brought full circle by linking the last set of objects ("red things") back to the first (the apple). Children will enjoy identifying the associations between the pictures and seeing how the items can be included in differently themed groupings. An appealing and eye-catching addition.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

K-Gr 3—As in four previous books, Henry is a placid, thoughtful bear inspired by the 19th-century naturalist Henry David Thoreau. Unable to sleep for the noises in the village, he begins a moonlit walk in search of a whippoorwill. He takes his night collecting jar, which he fills with fireflies to illuminate his path, and then with tadpoles, wiggling in luminous water. He hears the songs of a nighthawk, a pumper bird, and an owl as he walks deeper into the woods. Journal entries record his progress hour by hour, and small drawings of field crickets, porcupines, red foxes, and raccoons document other woodland creatures. He runs through the rain and makes a raft on the shore of a fog-covered lake. As a whippoorwill perches on his hat and sings, he feels "the beat of its bird heart." In a dreamlike ending, Henry falls into the early morning of his room and hears "Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will" coming from his jar. Then he sleeps. The nocturnal hues, luminous highlights, and gently skewed perspectives of Johnson's mixed-media illustrations are a fine balance to the smaller, realistic line drawings in the diary entries tucked on the side of each spread. Rich in sounds and sensory details, the book will make youngsters feel as though they have shared this moonlight walk with Thoreau himself.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—Liam is described as "just a boy (thump, thump), too small to fight off forest things." His papa is away and the youngster's imagination is in overdrive. His mama, who is "delicious to forest things," won't let him build a fort, baited with cake, in his bedroom. Worse, she opens the windows wide and falls "snore asleep." A forest grows all around him. Liam hears the snip-snap of twigs and then, "ROAWR!" Though his pulse is thump-thumping, he gathers his supplies—including the cake—and creeps into the wild. He builds a trap and catches a large, angry bear. Since Bear is too big and hungry to stay in a hole, Liam must feed him more before he decides to eat Mama. It's a mammoth undertaking but eventually the sated bear curls into a snoozy ball. And Liam, "a boy so brave and true," returns to his bed and falls fast asleep. This adrenaline-charged romp is, first and foremost, exciting. Jutte's lively cartoon artwork contrasts muted night colors to form powerful images: big sky, big forest, big shadows, big night, big bear, big roar, small boy. One might question whether this is bedtime reading material. And yet, from Liam's rapid-fire ideas and his determined expression and posture, children will have the sense that he is capable of handling the night's dangers. Pair this with Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are and Mercer Mayer's There's a Nightmare in My Closet (Dial, 1968) for a rousing evening adventure that hopefully leads to peaceful dreams.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 2–5—Adam Melon, Melonhead to his friends, brings his own brand of logic to his endeavors. The 10-year-old concocts grand plans that never quite come off as intended. His climb up a tree requires the Jaws of Life to free him, a first for the Washington, DC, fire department. His essay on head lice wins him the Homework of the Week award and his mother's consternation. When Adam and his friend Sam catch a snake, Sam's baby sister carts it around at night and drops it in her parents' bed. Adam struggles with the right idea for his science project; his experiments with plaster of Paris (never pour it down a drain), diapers, and mosquitoes produce typical Melonhead disasters. The final invention will entertain and educate readers. This is the first book in the series, a spin-off of the author's "Lucy Rose" books (Random). It is laugh-out-loud funny, rivaling Stink and Fudge in its troublemaker quotient. Adam never quite understands consequences until it is too late, but young readers will see potential trouble ahead while appreciating his ingenuity. The capital setting and a unique cast of secondary characters round out this strong chapter-book offering.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 2–4—Silliness overwhelms a pell-mell plot involving a clueless detective, Sensible Hare; his otter sidekick, Ottoman, who lives in a hole in the wall; and a host of other characters. Mazy Hare has lost a suitcase full of carrots, which alert readers will instantly realize is poor Sensible's makeshift desk. A hidden passage to the villain underworld leads to a wild chase, the theft of a red herring leather suitcase stuffed with money, and policemen bearing teacups. Oh, and there are ghost hats. While Roberts's witty, elongated drawings illuminate the short chapters, they can't save the crowded, harum-scarum story.—Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA

Gr 3–4—Madame Pamplemousse makes the rarest, most delicious delicacies in all of Paris in the basement of her small, shabby-looking shop. Monsieur Lard, who runs a fancy restaurant, The Squealing Pig, wants to be recognized as a famous chef, but his cooking is "revolting." His young niece discovers Madame Pamplemousse's shop when the restaurant runs out of pâté and she is sent to buy some. Word gets out about how wonderful it is, and Monsieur Langoustine, the most powerful food critic in Paris, books a table at the restaurant. Monsieur Lard volunteers Madeleine to be Madame's assistant so he can get one of her mysterious recipes. The child is given precise but minimal instructions and discovers the secret to Madame Pamplemousse's success. The friendship that develops between them is nicely done, and the fairy-tale ending is satisfying. Charming pen-and-ink spot art is a humorous accompaniment to this fanciful tale.—Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—The star of Ernst (1989) and The Puddle Pail (1997, both Dutton) returns in another charming adventure. The young blue crocodile loves the carousel at the park, always choosing to ride the "honey-colored dog." One fall day, he's sad to see that the carousel has been covered up until spring. While walking home, he finds the dog's tail, which had fallen off, and the carousel keeper lets him take it home for safekeeping. To Ernst, the tail looks lonely, and he decides to "cheer it up" by painting on a face and pasting on feathery wings. Though his older brother reminds him he will have to clean up the tail-turned-bird when he returns it, Ernst plays creatively with it throughout the winter. When spring comes, he's thinks he will be in trouble, but the carousel keeper appreciates art and tells Ernst to take the bird for a ride. The dog is still without a tail, but Ernst soon finds a perfectly shaped stick on the ground, and he and the carousel keeper sand it, varnish it, and attach it. Kleven's dreamy mixed-media collages add depth to this gentle tale of creativity and resourcefulness. The author effectively depicts the interplay between Ernst's gentle introversion and his brother's grouchy pragmatism, with Ernst's creative vision winning out in the end. A good conversation starter on the nature of art and the art of nature.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

Gr 3–5—This latest selection in Charlotte's exciting adventures takes the fictional child from Giverny in 1895 where her father is learning to paint "en plein air" to London. As in the earlier titles, Knight blends cameo appearances of historical figures into the fictional narrative. For example, Charlotte's mother tries to enlist artist John Singer Sargent to paint her portrait and is seated at a dinner party next to Mr. Henry James. Charlotte and her friend Lizzy visit many monumental landmarks, from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. The text highlights both French and British culture; French phrases and historical facts are smoothly integrated within the text. Diary entries, watercolor paintings, and museum reproductions combine to create a detailed background. Featured artists' biographical information provides added depth to the period. There's much to explore in the mixed-media and watercolor art. Art aficionados and fans of Charlotte in Paris (2003) and Charlotte in Giverny (2000, both Chronicle) will enjoy these vivid British travels.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

K-Gr 1—Pinch, a pack rat dressed in blue overalls and an orange scarf, lives in a house overflowing with "stuff." His friends convince him to join in a community tag sale, and he quickly sells everything. At first, he wants to buy more stuff but his friends persuade him to contribute his profits to help buy a tree to beautify the city. Colorful digital and mixed-media art shows animals dressed in clothes and behaving like humans. The message is positive, that one man's trash is another man's treasure, but students will not be entertained or enlightened by this purposeful offering.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

K-Gr 2—Theo's Poppa's new apartment has no garden, and the windy balcony does not promise to be a good growing spot. But Theo proposes an imaginary garden, and she and her grandfather begin to fill a large blank canvas with a stone wall for the vines to climb on, early springtime flowers, and a visiting robin. When Poppa goes off on a trip, the painting project becomes Theo's; the garden bursts into bloom as she employs her memory, imagination, and a palette of vibrant colors. She even remembers to paint herself into the scene. The lively artwork is rendered in pen and ink and multimedia collage. The warmth of the grandparent/grandchild relationship is evident but, unfortunately, readers never witness Poppa's return and see his joy at Theo's creation. A book that more successfully shows a child as both gardener and healer is Sarah Stewart's The Gardener (Farrar, 1997). Nonetheless, this is a sweet and visually appealing addition for seasonal and gardening units.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Woolly mammoths Oscar and Arabella are inseparable pals who enjoy "leafy strolls through the pine forest." Ormsby, a woolly rhinoceros, wants to join their social circle and starts to vie for Arabella's affections. When Oscar does handstands, Ormsby shows off by "juggling whilst performing handstands, cartwheels, back-flips and whistling a funny tune." The two foes become so engaged in a jealous stamping of feet and bashing of tusks, they don't notice that disgruntled Arabella has wandered off. Upon hearing her cry for help, the rivals put aside their differences and join forces to rescue her. Layton's humorous, ink-and-crayon scribble cartoons capture Oscar and Ormsby in all of their hirsute glory as they barge in on a startled caveman. This is a witty look at how friendship can grow, even if the participants don't "get along all the time."—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS—This charming board book begins, "Mommy calls me Monkeypants…just why I do not know." The spread sports a picture of a little girl in overalls with a monkey and bananas on them. "Mommy calls me Shooting Star…'cause I can fly and glow!" follows, with a mamma and a baby firefly pictured. Through several spreads, each with a different bright background color, animals and insects say their nicknames as they swing, play, chirp, and bounce with their mothers, ending with the girl in bed saying "Mommy calls me Monkeypants…because she loves me so." The pictures capture the lighthearted mood of the couplets exactly and together they create a perfect foray into toddler territory.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1–4—When Gonzalo the rooster wins the lottery, he leaves his job on Don Chucho's farm for the "good life." He buys a mansion in Miami and a yacht, where he gets seasick. Then he heads to Hollywood and becomes a party animal. As expected, he soon runs out of cash, but he finds salvation in church. Soon he is the talk of the town because of his voice, but even then he is not satisfied. Gonzalo decides to return to the farm after a vivid dream calls him home. Once there he returns to crowing every morning though he continues to complain about everything. The illustrations are created with acrylics on gessoed paper and convey Gonzalo's colorful and humorous antics. In one scene, he is lounging by his pool wearing sunglasses, attended by a butler refreshing his drink, a baker ushering in a four-layer cake, and a maid dusting the palm trees. The vibrant colors and strong lines pulse with Gonzalo's strong personality and oddball situations. Kids will enjoy the rooster's adventures, and the story could open up a conversation about suddenly striking it rich and about the value of home. Spanish words pepper the text and are defined in a tiny glossary at story's end.—Linda M. Kenton, Pickleweed Public Library, San Rafael, CA

Gr 2–4—Gooney Bird Greene is back with her classmates for more fun. It's January, and the second grader has begun wearing a "two-ponytail hat" fashioned out of a pair of ruffled green underpants to keep her brain warm. Her outrageous behavior is endearing, and the support of her classmates is heartwarming. Throughout the winter the students of Mrs. Pidgeon's class think about poetry, and their teacher reminds them, "Poetry is not to be judged. You just savor it." She shares poems written by her own mother, Mrs. X. As the children learn the difference between haiku, limericks, and couplets, Mrs. Pidgeon is dealing with more personal issues. When her mother dies, the students, led by Gooney Bird, create the most memorable poem ever. The story unfolds with fresh humor that keeps readers interested. Thomas's pencil drawings bring life to the characters. A fine selection for beginning chapter-book readers and as a read-aloud.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV

PreS-Gr 2—A monkey "as big as a pea" emerges from a flower. As he starts to explore his world, astonishment soon turns to fright. Peanut believes the buzzing insects are "wild animals of every sort." When it rains, he worries that the "sky is falling down," and when the sun sets, he frets, "The sky is on fire! And now the Big Light is going out!" At nightfall, the timid soul clings to a branch and declares, "It's the End of the World." While Peanut waits for the worst to happen, a polite beetle squeezes by, causing him to loosen his grip, fall, and ultimately let go of his fears as he grabs onto another twig with his tail and makes a new friend. When the next day dawns, Peanut awakens to the possibilities of the "magical forest" and enthusiastically invites Beetle to come along and explore. Lucas's luminous oil paintings are filled with warm colors and vivid textures. In the nighttime scenes, brightly patterned bugs stand out against a velvety black backdrop. Featuring a childlike main character, this is a winning tale of innocence and discovery.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 2—Regina can't wait for her birthday party, especially since she plans to have a fabulous castle cake made out of giant brownie bricks. Then her best friend tells her that she can't eat any of it because of her peanut allergy. Regina doesn't understand why Paula can't pick out the peanuts, and the two girls have a big fight, resulting in Regina uninviting her friend. The birthday girl has a change of heart after listening to the "Princess and the Pea" and decides that the cake can be made without peanuts. The story, while helpful for illuminating food allergies, is a bit pedantic, and it seems unlikely that Regina would be unaware of her best friend's allergy. The cartoonlike watercolor illustrations are attractive, but do little to elevate the unimaginative story. The book concludes with a note from a pediatric allergist. This title may be useful for teachers who happen to have students with food allergies and need a resource for other members of the class.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

K-Gr 1—Everyone is preparing for Eva's quinceañera (15th birthday) party. No one is paying attention to little sister Lola. In her boredom, she lets the dog out of the laundry room. Gobi quickly runs off with Eva's white sash and it's up to Lola to get it back. When she saves the day, everyone finally notices her. The upbeat acrylics and liquid watercolor on Arches paper capture the excitement and gaiety of the family gathering and this special occasion. Everyone is smiling and upbeat. Even the dilemma is dealt with in a positive manner. Avilés's style is similar to the one she used in Mimi Chapra's Amelia's Show-and-Tell Fiesta (HarperCollins, 2004), and the two stories would complement each other nicely. Children will enjoy this offering and understand Lola's frustration and eventual delight in her sister's celebration.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 1–3—In this delightful addition to a solid series, fluent beginning readers will identify with Wagner's April Fools' Day of frustration and satisfaction. In the first chapter, the mouse is fooled by his friend Pearl, his teacher, the librarian, and the cafeteria menu. Then he hopes that the announcement of a math test is another trick, only to discover that "It's for real." Next, Mr. Jumper holds a dance contest during a rainy recess in the gym. Pearl dazzles everyone with her jitterbug and Lulu hip-hops with some "smooth moves," but when Wagner boogies down he falls on his behind. In the third chapter, Wagner asks to visit the school nurse. He returns to class covered with green spots and announces that he has "a bad case of bug pox" and that it's catching. After several loud sneezes, he exclaims, "Ah...ah...ah...April fools!" McMullan's exquisitely crafted story has an endearing blend of humor, humiliation, friendship, and familiar school scenarios. Done in pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencil, Alley's distinguished illustrations feature a variety of expressive animal characters whose kinesthetic expressions cheerfully depict many of the happenings.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 1—Divided into three chapters, this book features the homey adventures of two gardeners who are the best of chums: Boo, a bunny who clutivates the tastiest vegetables, and Budgie, a bear who grows the most beautiful flowers. When Boo wakes to a wet nose, his buddy discovers a roof leak and pushes his pal's bed out from beneath the drip. In the afternoon, Boo climbs a ladder and fixes a loose shingle in spite of Budgie's well-intentioned (but unhelpful) offer of garden tools to assist with the repair. And in the evening, on a walk that becomes dark and scary for both of them when a cloud covers the moon, Boo reassures his friend that they can return to their home and safety. The simple text features short sentences and some lovely turns of phrase that beg to be read aloud. McPhail's luminous watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations echo the quietude of the comfy relationship as the pair fix breakfast, gaze at the rain, and share a laugh. The delight of spending time with the two friends who watch out and care for one another will make this amiable book a lapsit favorite.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1—"This is the story of Artichoke Boy,/whose life was filled with artichoke joy." In this paean to the edible flower, the eponymous hero stares goggle-eyed at readers as he describes his life: he plays artichoke baseball, sleeps in an artichoke bed, and eats artichoke ice cream. The mixed-media collages incorporate photographs of the plant throughout the colorful pastel-hued pages, and the cartoon drawings feature confident heavy lines. Although the rhyme struggles a bit, the ingenuity displayed in integrating artichokes throughout the book is admirable. Children unfamiliar with this delicacy may miss some of the subtler wit (for example, "Butterdent" brand toothpaste is featured in an illustration where artichoke bracts fill in for the bristles of a toothbrush), but will certainly appreciate the humor of the protagonist smiling slyly as he displays his "artichoke derriere." Paired with titles such as Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers's How Are You Peeling? (Scholastic, 1999), Mickelson's offering could be used in a food-themed storytime. Fun, but additional.—Madigan McGillicuddy, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2–4—Oliver Olson's overprotective parents present the boy with a lot of rules and rarely allow him to contribute to his own school assignments. They consistently offer words of caution instead of words of encouragement, and plenty of "no's." It is only when Crystal, a talkative classmate, asks Oliver to be her partner for the solar system project that he finds his voice. Crystal is determined that Pluto should still be considered a planet. Oliver, full of unexpressed protest, has a great idea for how to keep it in their diorama. Emotionally, he identifies with the "left out" planet because he knows his parents won't allow him to attend the space sleepover at school, even if it is the biggest event of third grade. When the class brainstorms ideas to change the world, Oliver thinks parents should not do homework for their kids. Little does he know that people will listen. Mills has a knack for creating characters who demand compassion due to a pitch-perfect sense of humor and pathos. This is a perfect selection for parent book clubs whose members are overly involved in their children's lives or for budding chapter-book readers. They'll appreciate the funny ink-and-wash drawings, the primer on social activism, and a fun romp through an artfully taught unit on the solar system, replete with scientific arguments for and against Pluto's planethood.—Sara Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York, NY

K-Gr 2—Sal is the only dog that hasn't won an award at Hilltop Farm. A Portuguese Water Dog, she is good at one thing-swimming—but canines don't get awards for that. She continues to swim wherever there is water, sneaks in with the swim team, is sent away by the coach, but eventually saves the day for the girls. The artwork is rendered with muted but colorful acrylics on watercolor paper. Sal is depicted inexplicably as wearing a swim cap, goggles, and a swimsuit and sometimes walks on her hind legs even though most of the time she acts like a normal dog. The motivation is questionable and it is impossible to suspend disbelief enough to make the story work.—Linda M. Kenton, Pickleweed Public Library, San Rafael, CA

K-Gr 3—Chico Bon Bon, the fix-it expert who debuted in Monkey with a Tool Belt (Carolrhoda, 2008), is trying to locate the cause of a loud and strange noise in his tree house. After much head-scratching and searching, the resourceful monkey finally identifies the source—it's Clark, an elephant who has become stuck in the laundry chute. Chico Bon Bon whips out some tools from his trusty tool belt and extricates the wayward Clark; Clark's admiration of Chico's do-it-yourself talents prompts the monkey to produce a size XXL tool belt for his neighbor. Rendered in thin black line and bright watercolors on visually diverse page spreads, the cartoon illustrations offer much to pore over and reflect this illustrator's trademark sense of quirky humor. The plot, however, feels forced and the ending is disappointingly flat.—Kathleen Finn, Winooski Memorial Library, VT

Gr 4–5—Driven from their village in 1996 by ongoing violence, Yeny and her family move in with cousins in Bogotá where Yeny looks for new friends and her parents worry that her joining the Children's Movement for Peace will endanger her further. Inspired by actual events, this story focuses on those leading up to the day in October when the violence stopped and millions of Colombian children voted for what they considered their most important rights. While Yeny deals with children's issues—friendship and bullying—the conflict between those cowed by violence and those driven to speak out is expressed on an adult level by disagreement between her parents and her aunt. Written for a younger audience than readers of Sara Cameron's Out of War (Scholastic, 2001), this book lacks the immediacy of those personal experiences. The third-person narrative never quite comes alive; although told from Yeny's point of view, it doesn't give much sense of her as a person. In order to explain the culture to North American readers, the author had to contrive many occasions for Yeny to describe details of her life that would normally go unremarked. Black-and-white photographs of the day's event and subsequent peace activities add verisimilitude. This powerful story is still waiting for the right teller.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 3–5—Juliet is a worrier. She worries about her parents arguing, her irritating younger sister, her grandmother's health, her friends, and the school bully. After a fight with her sister, her parents decide that she needs her own room. Juliet's new bedroom, her father's former junk room, is revealed to have been her Nana's bedroom when she was about 10 years old. Behind the old wallpaper, Juliet finds her grandmother's "worry tree." Nana explains that each of the animals sitting in the tree can be trusted to take care of one of Juliet's various concerns while she is sleeping, just as they did for her when she was a girl. Each night, Juliet unburdens herself, and this helps for a while. Then the whole family becomes embroiled in an argument that brings up all of the issues that Juliet has been concerned about. She believes it is all her fault and decides to give up her room. Musgrove gives a realistic picture of an ordinary family dealing with a variety of common problems, such as sibling rivalry, incompatibility, and parental aging. The book's one flaw is the girl's solution to the school bully, which isn't very realistic. The author has, however, provided a unique solution for Juliet's worries. An additional purchase.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

K-Gr 2—Fancy Nancy thinks she knows all there is to know about poison ivy. However, when she picks a beautiful big bouquet of wildflowers for her teacher's birthday, she ends up itching all over. While convalescing at home, Nancy decides to research poison ivy to become a real expert. Her neighbor brings her some cream that she has made from jewelweed, which helps Nancy's skin begin to heal. She visits her friend Bree, who has planned a surprise party for her, with dancing to the rock-and-roll song "Poison Ivy." Nancy is a spirited character, and her personality makes this beginning reader both fun and funny. She has a whimsical flair for living her life with style and animation. Nancy relishes big words (all parenthetically defined) with an occasional French phrase thrown in just for spark. The text has short sentences and easily decoded words. Illustrations are charmingly rendered in ink and watercolor, with lots of comical detail.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 1–3—In her newest adventure, Amelia Bedelia volunteers to direct the third-grade Thanksgiving play, with the help of handyman Cousin Alcolu. The ditzy housekeeper manages to misinterpret every homonym and slip on every pun, creating a hilarious pageant that is wildly applauded by both children and adults. Parish ably continues his aunt's legacy by creating another comical chapter book for newly independent readers. Children will enjoy the silly mishaps and misunderstandings while reinforcing their ability to distinguish between same-sounding words that have different meanings. Sweat's ink and watercolor illustrations are light and airy, adding another layer of humor and familiarity to this latest escapade.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

K-Gr 4—In 1958, in a stunning demonstration of unintended consequences, Mao Tse-tung decimated the sparrow population of China by compelling every able-bodied citizen to set off firecrackers, clang gongs, beat on drums, etc., over a three-day period. The frightened birds took wing until they dropped dead of exhaustion. Though this kept the sparrows from eating the wheat crop, it also prevented them from controlling the locust population, resulting in a famine. Pennypacker has imagined the thoughts and actions of a little girl who loves the sparrows and manages to rescue a few of them, keeping them safe in a barn and feeding them secretly in the months that follow. When the crops in her village are threatened by the insects, Ming-Li shows the farmers the birds she has tended and they release them, recognizing that the sparrows have always been their friends. While this picture book, with its murky folk-art-style illustrations, owes more to ecological concerns than historical fact, it will be useful in teaching about the potential of one person to make a difference in the world, and the potential of many humans to create disasters.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

PreS-K—Bertie, a little hippo, expresses the universal desire to do the things his dad does as they spend a day together. Daddy always has wise and gentle words in reply to his son's requests: "'I want to shave,' says Bertie. 'Just like you.' 'Will you settle for some shaving cream?'" his father asks. "'Give me a white beard,' says Bertie." The simple text has a cheerful refrain, "Just like you." The tables are turned at the end when Daddy asks to do what Bertie does—play with a train because he wants to be a kid again. The bold, expressive illustrations are embellished with multihued flowered patterns, in counterpoint to the hefty gray hippos. This title joins a class of father-and-son books sure to be popular with the youngest children. Pair it with Emma Dodd's Just Like You (Dutton, 2008).—Linda M. Kenton, Pickleweed Public Library, San Rafael, CA

PreS—This virtually plotless lift-the-flap story breaks no new ground but is likely to appeal to fans of Eric Hill's Where's Spot? (Putnam, 1980), Rod Campbell's Dear Zoo (Puffin, 1987), Lucy Cousins's "Maisy" (Candlewick), and other interactive books. Someone has walked through a puddle and tracked mud throughout the house and into the bathroom. On each spread, one large-type sentence explains the situation, e.g., "Someone has made muddy footprints in the kitchen," and a flap is lifted to reveal a different animal that says, "Not me!" In the bathroom, the shower-door flap conceals a lamb who says, "It's me—Parsnip! ...now I'm lovely and clean." The cartoon animals are appealing, if a bit overly sweet, and reminiscent of Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen's art. Observant readers will notice that Parsnip is splashing in the mud on the cover of the book and beginning to make a muddy trail on the title page, a nice touch that makes effective use of the entire book and invites repeated readings. The bright colors, repetition, and simple text are likely to hold most wiggly toddlers' attention, although the fact that the dog sleeps in a doghouse and the rabbit in a baby's crib is a bit jarring. The quality of the flap attachment is reasonably sturdy, although still unlikely to stand up to extensive library use.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

K-Gr 3—Casey Jenkins plays for the Delmar Dogs. They are the worst team in the league, and Casey is their worst player. Nonetheless, these kids try hard, and are supported by their parents. "For the loyal moms and dads,/the games were not easily enjoyed;/it was tough to watch their eager pups/so mercilessly destroyed." One game starts off so badly that the Dogs are down 5-0 in the first inning. There's a scraped knee, spilled juice, and the guy in left field has to pee. One player falls asleep in the dugout, one climbs a tree, another is stung by a bee. Things are looking bad. Then the action picks up and actual plays start to happen. When the score is tied, and bases are loaded, Casey comes up to bat. Does this sound familiar? The ink and watercolor drawings vary in size and are full of energy and movement as the players engage in different activities. The faces are expressive and fun to look at. This is a great baseball book for all those T-ball and Little League players out there. (Spoiler alert: it does have a happy, self-esteem-building ending.)—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-K—Mama Bear's on the way home with a new baby, and middle brother Kevie does his best to help big Josh and Daddy make homecoming Saturday Soup. Teasing ensues when Kevie opens too many cans of beans, uses soap to wash the vegetables, and sneezes into the pot. His insistence on using sugar is deflected until near the end when his culinary talents create the title "Surprise Soup." As his family praises the new taste, Kevie cuddles his new baby brother. Karas's collages of stocky bears keeping house are right on target for enhancing Rodman's cozy story. The variety of compositions and remarkably expressive faces makes this a joyful read-again. The dialogue stays true to family banter and the author peppers the text with the "splip plop splip plop" of turnips and celery falling into the pot and a "blumpetty blurp" of singing soup, making it fun for storytellers, too. This one's a recipe for grins.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 2—"Stubborn, strong, and a little bit wild." The words describe both Emmy's favorite tree and her demanding personality as she determinedly searches for her tree, one with fuzzy pink flowers. Willows, oaks, and pines just won't do. Emmy wants a marvelous mimosa like the one at her Gramma's house, but mimosa trees, like wildflowers, are not found in garden stores. Emmy's find is not quite expected—a sapling that will take years to mature, but her experience in searching is, like her tree, a growing one. Watercolor and collage illustrations feature lively cartoon figures and depict Emmy's vibrant world. The action comes to a full stop as the child has an up-close-and-personal encounter with her heart's desire.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 2–5—This original tall tale introduces readers to Paul Bunyan's little sister, "tall as a pine tree and strong as a dozen moose," who leaves for the North Woods, a wilderness big enough to contain her and her window-shattering singing voice. There she tames a black bear "seven feet tall," teaches a pair of wolves to sing along with her, and devises an ingenious plan to stop lumberjacks from logging all the trees. Consistent with the genre, both the text and illustrations abound with exaggerated humor. Paula's parents send her off with a little snack of "two hundred and fifty-three loaves of bread, over a dozen wheels of cheese, several bushels of apples, twenty gallons of cider, and a barrel each of salt and pepper" to tide her over. O'Malley's white-framed, woodcutlike pictures, heavily outlined with intricate line shading, appear throughout this appropriately tall book. Sweeping panoramic views, Paula's thunderous voice depicted in large speech bubbles, bear-carrying mosquitoes, comical animal expressions, and energetic black-and-white drawings add to the fun. The timely environmental message is an added plus. Pair the escapades of this larger-than-life heroine with those of Steven Kellogg's Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett (HarperCollins, 1995) for a fun-filled read-aloud session.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Sneaking into Josh's backpack, the curious spider in this long-running series experiences his first day at his Jewish school. He hears the story of Noah's Ark, learns about being kind to animals, and observes the children painting, building with blocks, and enjoying a snack. When the youngsters return to the classroom after playing outside, Sammy is discovered. Their first instinct is to step on him, but Josh reminds them about their obligation to be kind to all creatures. This book is a departure from the previous "Sammy" titles in that Josh Shapiro actually sees the spider in this one. The bright cut-paper illustrations help to depict a typical school day. A welcome addition where the earlier titles are popular.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

Gr 1–3—Ophelia, a cheery young hippo, is relaxing in her pool when she hears a distress cry from her friend Kevin, who has butterflies in his tummy. She races off, first-aid kit in hand, and as she passes her jungle friends, tells them of Kevin's malady. Each animal misinterprets the ailment and exaggerates the story until the infirmity ends in Kevin's demise. Of course, on the next page, the mistake is revealed, and the little crocodile is just fine, his case of lovesickness resolved and happiness shared by all. In this misty jungle, hippo, toucan, and meerkat are friends. Though the watercolor illustrations are well executed and match the tone of the story, the discussion of death in an otherwise lighthearted tale is a bit disconcerting for the intended audience.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

K-Gr 2—In this follow-up to Splat the Cat (HarperCollins, 2008), the fuzzy black feline learns that bigger isn't better when it comes to Valentine's Day cards. Splat has a crush on Kitten, a fluffy white cat with pea-green eyes, but he isn't the only one. Self-assured Spike informs Splat that he likes her much more and has prepared a superior Valentine to prove it. Discouraged, Splat tosses his tribute into the trash. Kitten smiles as she receives Spike's card but doesn't swoon as she reads, "You are so lucky that I like you." Happily, she notices the little red envelope in the trash and surprises Splat with a pink Valentine that leaves him grinning from ear to ear. The cartoon-style illustrations have a contemporary, quirky feel due to the monochromatic palette, which is punctuated with brightly colored details. Children will giggle at Splat's awkward interactions with Kitten and smile at the story's satisfying conclusion.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

PreS-Gr 2—No matter how many new baby books you have on your shelves, you'll want to make room for this bright and bubbling treasure. Emily likes lists, so when her parents inform her that they are expecting a new baby, she makes a list of the pros and cons. The good things include "Its head is soft and snuffly," and "You can tickle it to bits!" The bad things are that a baby "doesn't do anything except…suck, dribble, spit up, and…cry." But the worst thing, according to Emily, is that it will turn everything "upside down and inside out." The child's parents allay her fears by telling her a story about another baby who turned their lives upside down and only made them better. And they assure her that they will always love her, "no matter what the babies do," because, guess what? Mom is having twins. A spread of happy baby pictures at the end of the book attests to Emily's love for her siblings. Chessa's colorfully messy, childlike illustrations perfectly match the breezy tone of the story, and Emily, with her lovable quirks, serious air, and vertical red braids, is the type of character who could carry a whole series. This is a relentlessly positive new-sibling book that will go right to the heart of children's fears.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS—A boy and his dad are driving along a highway when their car sputters to a halt. A gorilla wearing blue mechanics overalls comes by with a tow truck and hauls them to a garage run by gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. Gorilla Garage serves a simian clientele that includes a tuxedoed movie star named Kong. The boy sneaks out of the jungle-style waiting room to watch the apes work, the car is fixed, and the youngster takes the wheel and drives off with Dad in the passenger seat. Told in rhyme from the boy's perspective, the story has little plot and uninspired writing. The Photoshop illustrations look like a child's coloring book that has been filled in with watercolor paints. The entire effort is rather pedestrian.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Katy loves to hop. Her little brother follows her outside where she hops through a bed of lilies, across some plump tomatoes, and into a milkweed patch. Unfortunately, the little katydid scatters pollen over the lilies, scares the aphids off the tomatoes, and tangles a spider's web. Lou keeps repeating "Katy did it! Katy did it!" to the angry cries of bee, beetle, and spider. Fortunately, Katy redeems herself by dislodging an olive stuck in the opening of an anthill, and Lou's "Katy did it! Katy did it!" become words of praise. Digitally created jewel-tone illustrations are airy and uncluttered against a pure white background. Shadows on the white space as she makes her highest hop above the anthill give a spread a wonderfully three-dimensional appearance. Sound effects ("Boing, boing, boing") mimic Katy's hops, ever advancing the story, and the insect's simplified face with round, googly eyes is especially expressive. This bright, bouncy story will be a favorite with youngsters.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 2—Lulu is back in this companion to Ladybug Girl (Dial, 2008). Taking on the guise of her superhero alter-ego (including a red tutu and spotted wings), she makes her own fun on the way to the playground by leaping over sidewalk cracks and counting to infinity. However, once she and her mother arrive, Ladybug Girl faces a new challenge: she wants to play with her friend Sam, but they can't agree on what to do. Lulu is frustrated at first, but then suggests playing the Ladybug Girl game. Sam, clad in yellow and black, quickly turns into Bumblebee Boy, and the two "zoom around…looking to help anyone in trouble." When two girls ask to join in, but both want to be Butterfly Girl, Ladybug Girl tactfully defuses the situation by saying, "If we're going to play together...we don't fight each other." One youngster agrees to be Dragonfly Girl and the Bug Squad flies again. Like the previous book, this offering paints a realistic picture of the daily struggles in a youngster's life. The conflict and resolution ring true, as does the dialogue. The lesson is clearly stated, but not heavy-handed. The cartoon illustrations are bright, expressive, and beautifully presented. Pair this book with one of Mini Grey's "Traction Man" titles (Knopf) for a superb superhero storytime.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

K-Gr 2—Tilly, a goose, bathes in apple juice, wears a pancake as a hat, and likes to tickle frogs. But her ways raise the ire of the other farm animals, who demand that she cease all silliness: "No more naps in Scarecrow pants!," etc. Once she stops, however, they realize that the farm is not as much fun as it used to be. They apologize to Tilly and begin to view her antics with appreciation, sometimes even joining in. The acrylic, pencil, and ballpoint pen illustrations complement the rhyming text and do a nice job of conveying the animals' varying levels of frustration. Some pictures are laugh-out-loud funny, and readers will take delight in viewing Tilly's wacky behavior, such as when she tries to ride the farmer's cat or soaks her feet in mayonnaise. This story will appeal to children who follow the beat of their own drummers, and would work well as a read-aloud.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 3–5—Like Pete and Fremont (Harcourt, 2007), this story is chock-full of humor, heart, and fleshed-out characters. Pete the poodle is wowing audiences at the Circus Martinez with his new partner, Rita the chimp. But their act takes a nosedive when she upstages him during a performance, prompting Pete to bite her and then inadvertently bite the ringmaster—a big no-no in circus protocol. As a result, all of the other animal performers give him the silent treatment. Pete decides it's time to run away, but before he can, he and Rita get swept away in a tornado, landing in Walnut Hill, KS. There's no place like home, and Pete is determined to make it back to his circus family with Rita and a duck named Quackers as his traveling companions. Along the way, they encounter hardship, criminals, and unlikely alliances. The bickering between Pete and Rita will ring true to children with siblings. The chapters are action-packed and short, making this an appealing book for reluctant readers. This sequel does not disappoint.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 3–5—Nine-year-old Scab McNally has an overactive imagination and is on a mission, which is a worrisome combination. He enjoys dabbling in his homemade science lab in his basement and is ecstatic when he develops a particularly obnoxious-smelling sister repellent. Scab and his "smart times ten" twin do not get along at all, hence the need for the repellent. When Isabelle refuses to help him convince their parents to get a dog, he decides to sell his repellent to his friends; with the money, he plans to buy a puppy on his own. Unfortunately, his plans hit a bump when he and his best friend have an argument and his latest batch of repellent, which is in his backpack, is accidentally squashed. At the same time Isabelle has decided to help Scab—until she learns why kids have been teasing her at school. Scab is a likable, free-thinking boy who is full of charm and humor. He leaps before he thinks and that gets him into more trouble than he can handle. His many tips, diagrams, and facts scattered throughout are entertaining, as are the numerous comical black-and-white illustrations. This is the first book in a series, and kids are sure to be wondering what kind of trouble Scab will brew in his lab next.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

PreS-Gr 2—A tender love story about an extended family's preparation for a new baby. As the mother explains to her unborn child, everyone has participated; papi has made a rocking chair, abuela has painted a mural on the nursery wall, abuelo has planted a tree "to grow along with you," etc. Descriptions of the loving family and their various tasks are given mostly in English, with some Spanish words seamlessly woven in and included in a glossary at the end of the story. However, Cohen's illustrations do a marvelous job of giving clues for those who are unfamiliar with the language. For example, the baby's sister draws a picture of nuestra familia, and holds it up proudly. Cohen uses the texture of the paper and his watercolor paints to create depth and movement in the vividly colored illustrations. This lovely story may encourage discussions of individual birth preparations in readers' own families.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 2—Peep is a baby chick who follows his mother and sisters along the sidewalk, but when his sisters jump confidently off the edge, Peep hesitates. His reactions run the gamut from nervous to angry to terrified, and when he finally gulps and takes that leap, he's overjoyed at his own prowess. But new challenges always await; for Peep, it's the curb that he must climb next. The illustrations, rendered in pencil, ink, and watercolor, make terrifically effective use of color and white space; Peep's mother and sisters remain sketched in black line, but Peep is always highlighted with a wash of yellow, and in his moment of triumph, the whole page turns yellow with him. Size, font, and placement of the text change throughout to match the emotions of the story. This deceptively simple-looking little offering is a virtual master class in the subtle techniques for effective picture-book creation.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS— Bye-Bye Time addresses the separation anxiety that children may feel when a caregiver leaves them temporarily. It discusses feelings they may have, coping mechanisms, and the helpfulness of creating a ritual. Clean-Up Time breaks down a routine activity as something necessary that "can be quick and fun. Let's work together, everyone." This cheerful book could act as a positive introduction to an unpopular task. In both books, the brightly colored illustrations are detailed with thick black lines depicting a multiethnic cast of families. The pictures are upbeat and expressive. Two pages of "Tips for Parents and Caregivers" are appended. Both books will find an appreciative audience among children dealing with these issues.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

Gr 2–4—Emma desperately wants to be a "winner" to impress her distant father, who has remarried and moved to London. When a sports competition at school is announced, the third-grader sees her chance. Warner deftly captures the mix of emotions that such contests evoke. The children know that they should be good sports and support everyone's efforts, but doing so is hard when they really want to win themselves. Numerous lessons are learned by the time the games have ended, but the instruction is humorous and gentle. Warner is a dead-on observer of playground politics, and has a great ear for dialogue. The scene of Emma and her friend Annie Pat watching the boys as if they were a group of animals in the wild is funny and telling. Small-scale black-and-white watercolors add to the humor of the story. Done in a slightly impressionistic style, the illustrations depict Emma and her friends as well as imaginative items from Emma's musings, such as her teacher getting married while parachuting. Readers do not have to have read earlier books in the series to appreciate this one, but Emma's fans will be the most receptive audience for this installment.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

PreS-Gr 2—The mouse from Mortimer's Christmas Manger (S & S, 2005) is back in a lovely story about spring and growing things. As he is staring outside at a brown landscape and wishing for green, Mortimer overhears a mother and two children talking about a "springtime miracle," discussing planting one small seed and getting back many seeds. He looks at his last precious sunflower seed and decides to plant it. Somewhat dubious about results, he waits and waits and hopes for a miracle. With a little help from God, who counsels him to be patient, Mortimer finally gets results—a tall, glorious sunflower with many seeds to gather, eat, and use for next year's garden. As he cozies down into his bed of seeds, he thanks God and prays for a friend to share his bounty with, and a smiling black spider settles down nearby. This is a beautifully fashioned picture book, with delicate pastel oil illustrations that perfectly convey the changes brought by spring. The faded tan and peach backdrops gradually transform to pale blues and greens, reflecting the warming weather. Mortimer's feelings of doubt and hope are portrayed with great appeal. A fine choice for little gardeners everywhere.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 3–5—Adler's picture-book biography focuses mainly on the War of 1812, but also mentions Madison's contributions to the Constitution and the creation of the three branches of government. Although this is a biography of the couple, there is more specific information on James Madison than on Dolley. Still, readers do learn some interesting facts about her, such as how she rescued a portrait of George Washington while the Executive Mansion burned. Adler's writing is clear yet not oversimplified, and is without fictionalization. An interesting book to read while studying the Constitution and the different branches of government, this is a reliable source for students to kick-start their presidential and/or governmental history research as well as a good choice for general reading.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

Gr 1–5—From the title poem to a silly trip up a hill for "Gus's Gas," or a praise of "Unique New York," this collection is loaded with tricky tongue-twisting rhymes that will challenge readers. For example: "A dodo'll dawdle, a dodo'll diddle,/A dodo'll doodle a doodle or two./A dodo'll yodel, a dodo'll coo./But that's about all that a dodo'll do." Agee's signature boldly outlined watercolors with simple shapes illustrate each verse with amusing details and plenty of white space. Words like "zither," "muesli," "surly," "unkempt," "surmise," "portly," and "mimicking" are sprinkled throughout. While all of the poems are crowd pleasers, one or two will have youngsters howling. In addition to being just plain funny, Agee is a wordsmith and accomplished illustrator, factors that have produced another must-have winner from a comic master.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 4— Faith explores through full-color photographs the many ways in which the world celebrates and practices religious belief, highlighting the common threads—praying and meditating, chants and songs, holy books, cleansing, holy places, holidays and festivals, important events, dress, food and drink, and helping others. Spare text accompanies the pictures of children and identifies the specific religion and practices. Concluding notes for adults to share with youngsters provide more information on each one. The excellent photographs are clear and colorful and invite careful observation. A world map showing the various homes of the children depicted is included. As stated in the book, "Faith highlights the common threads that bring people together in reverence and joy."—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 2–4—These books give engaging overviews of the history and customs associated with these celebrations. The colorful layout, containing sidebars and full-color photographs and illustrations, will attract children's attention and hold their interest, whether for reports or general reading. However, Constitution Day may exaggerate the popularity of this American holiday that was established in 2004. It's a bit of a stretch to say: "Constitution Day…is celebrated throughout the United States by all American citizens…. Families celebrate the day at home…." Cinco de Mayo includes a recipe and instructions for making a piñata. These offerings cover many of the same celebrations, but in more depth than the popular "Rookie Read-about Holidays" series (Children's Press). Overall, informative and worthwhile purchases.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

Gr 1–3—"Scanning, seeking,/east and west./Hunt continues,/cannot rest." Terse poetic lines sketch the hunting efforts of an African tawny eagle as he nears the end of a tiring day. Needing food for his hungry chick, he encounters hippos and crocodiles, a cobra and dik-diks, zebras, kudu, and more before he has a close call with the arrow of a poacher. As night falls, a weaver bird finally loses the battle and becomes supper for the chirping baby. Reflecting the sunset and evening hours of the eagle's search, Ray's watercolors place the various animals in soft focus against the "Blazing sunset,/crimson sky," (really orange here), as well as deepening shades of blue. Some dramatic views of the eagle are paired with less-distinct impressions of the other animals in the sweeping spreads. Focusing on the eagle's need to hunt and feed its young, the text never names a location, but concluding notes describe the Serengeti National Park where the animals live, the activities of poachers there, and further aspects of the tawny eagle's behavior. An additional purchase that works nicely for reading aloud and introducing African wildlife.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 2–4—Fast Repetitive Tick (FaRT) is the term scientists use to describe the flatulencelike noise that herring make as they communicate their locations to one another other. That might be the most amusing description of the uses of bubbles in the natural world, but this entire book is enjoyable and engaging. From the protective hiding places young juniper spittlebugs create to the foamy nest that the African gray treefrog whips up around her freshly laid eggs in the branches above a pool, bubbles are described and pictured. The illustrations are pale and less-detailed versions of scientifically accurate drawings overlaid with entertaining comments, e.g., parent frogs admonish, "Careful, kids!" and "Don't talk to any predators!" The comments may be corny, but they infuse the information with fun. The single-page glossary defines terms simply and effectively, e.g., flatulence is described as "The scientific name for farting." Two spreads of "More amazing facts…" offer additional information about each species' habitat, location, and physical attributes. Creative, accessible, and fact-filled.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 2–5—A mix of stories, poetry, recipes, and songs makes up this illustrated compilation that spans the months from Halloween through Valentine's Day. Other featured celebrations include Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Groundhog Day. Snippets of facts concerning additional festivals, such as Diwali and Three Kings Day, are scattered throughout. Many of the stories hold more appeal for adults than for children. Poems include verses attributed to Shakespeare, Longfellow, Stevenson, and Poe, while several are labeled "Traditional." Bright-colored, detailed, colored pencil and watercolor illustrations are reminiscent of Wendy Watson's work and have an appealing, naive quality. Additional material for larger collections.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–5—The engaging overview of Cleopatra's life includes interesting anecdotes and legends. Reproductions showing how different artists have imagined the woman may help inspire further research. The biography ultimately chooses accessibility at the expense of details such as specific names of relatives, the languages she spoke, or more on the board games the ruler learned as a child—the latter constituting a missed opportunity to appeal to children. It is impossible to write about Elizabeth I without incorporating the history of her father, his six wives, and the heirs who ruled between his death and his daughter's rise to the throne. Bingham does an admirable job of imparting information that is, for the most part, accurate and engaging and brings in an abundance of major historical figures. One discrepancy is the statement that King Henry VIII divorced Anne of Cleves when technically the marriage was annulled. The Catholic/Protestant conflict is oversimplified, but, to be fair, it is so complicated that it requires a separate book. Catherine the Great's life was filled with political intrigues and family machinations and rivals many fictitious high dramas in its complexity. Raum's largely sympathetic portrayal weaves in anecdotes and historical figures' perspectives. Some passages allude to the problems of the queen's reign, but the book focuses mainly on Catherine's ambition, intelligence, and achievements. Each book includes a time line of its subject's life and contemporary world events, and color and black-and-white illustrations and photographs.—Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 2–4—These concise and well-written titles cover key biographical facts without overwhelming young readers, and include captioned illustrations and reproductions, most of which are in color. Text is large, and the layout is age-appropriate and attractive, with wide margins. While not wildly exciting or innovative, the books are strong introductions to important historical figures. Useful for most collections.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI

Gr 1–4—These are the books to answer students' "I Wonder…?" questions. Each chapter begins with a query, such as "What's the Deadliest Creature on Earth?" (World), "Where Do People Live Longest?" (People), and "How Did People Keep Clean?" (Machines). The answers are given in short, information-packed paragraphs, with related questions and answers and bits of information in sidebars. The color drawings provide additional details. There are several acetate overlays in each volume, and those in Machines provide cutaway details.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

K-Gr 2—This exercise in vocabulary expansion through synonyms and one-upmanship is innovative despite a few missteps. On the first page the hippo says, "I'm big. I'm large. I'm huge. I'm jumbo." On the facing page the killer whale says, "I'm bigger. I'm gigantic. I'm immense. I'm enormous." The following spread depicts a dinosaur's feet and tail with the words, "I'm biggest. I'm mammoth. I'm humongous. I'm colossal." And so it goes with each word—small, fast, slow, hungry, slimy and sleepy—going through its comparative and superlative forms, while several synonyms for each word are listed, and different animals are depicted. The acrylic on canvas illustrations show each simply drawn, boldly outlined animal on a color-saturated background with minimal-if any-props. However, at times Coffelt stretches to find enough words to fit the concept (e.g., "empty," "piggish," and "hoggish" for "hungry") and in some cases they do not seem to effectively increase in intensity. Is "droopy" really more tired than "spent," or "nimble" quicker than "speedy?" Finally, the fact that the "sleepiest" animal is a bat at night certainly is not educationally sound. Nevertheless, teachers looking for an innovative way to introduce synonyms and superlatives will certainly find much to work with here, and perhaps young listeners will be better able to express themselves after exposure to books of its ilk.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 2–5—Kellerman's name might not be familiar, but this rule-breaking, high-diving, early fashionista will inspire students. Her difficulties walking as a child, which are only hinted at in the book's illustrations, drove her father to try to strengthen her legs through swimming lessons. In the early 1900s, before women were allowed to compete in the Olympics, her hard-earned athleticism drew more criticism than compliments. Swimming? Unladylike! Record setting? For the boys! Eager to do something more artistic with her abilities, Annette invented water ballet, and her acrobatic feats drew crowds. Each event described is interesting, but what really shines is Kellerman's persistent refusal to rest on her laurels. After her attempt to be the first woman to swim the English Channel, and performing for kings and queens, she went on to pioneer the modern woman's bathing suit, which led to her arrest in the U.S. Fotheringham's glorious artwork is filled with period details and dress, high-dives and stunts, and priceless expressions on the faces of amazed audiences. The extensive back matter details Kellerman's further accomplishments and includes citations. This well-written and brightly illustrated account is a perfect pearl.—Sarah Provence, Churchill Road Elementary School, McLean, VA

Gr 3–5—The true story of daredevil jumper Sam Patch (1807–1829) begins like a tall tale. "Folks say that when he was born, he jumped right into his mother's arms." He earned the nickname the Jersey Jumper by jumping into Passaic Falls and repeated the same feat a year later. By twice jumping into Niagara Falls, Sam Patch became a national hero as well as a showman. He set the stage for his jump into Genesee Falls near Rochester, NY, by first pushing his pet bear into the water 100 feet below and waiting until the bear swam to shore before jumping himself. Sam Patch performed his last jump on Friday, November 13, 1829. After climbing to a 25-foot platform built above Genesee Falls and knotting his black silk handkerchief around his waist, he leaped but never surfaced. His frozen body was discovered in the icy river the following March. With careful documentation balancing her storyteller's voice, Cummins presents a daredevil who became a folk hero. Austin's sepia-toned acrylic paintings and unusual perspectives reinforce Sam Patch's larger-than-life image. For those building their tall-tale collections, this is a lively addition.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 3—Downing adapts familiar songs to showcase the Creole/Cajun lifestyle, in this case "Aiken Drum," and Kadair fashions simple, attractive collages to illustrate the words. Chef Creole has rice for hair, red bean eyes, a nose of okra, and a praline mouth. Each succeeding spread adds another facet to his appearance until the complete figure is revealed—with a Mardi Gras king cake for his body and a ladle for his guitar. Music is included in the back matter. Although there are many books on the unique Cajun/Creole cultures of Louisiana, an illustrated songbook is always welcome for storytimes, especially one with easy collages to copy for potential flannel-board use.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 2–5—Large in trim size as well as topic, this stirring account retraces Apollo 11's historic mission in brief but precise detail, and also brilliantly captures the mighty scope and drama of the achievement. Rendered in delicate lines and subtly modulated watercolors, the eye-filling illustrations allow viewers to follow the three astronauts as they lumber aboard their spacecraft for the blastoff and ensuing weeklong journey ("…there's no fresh air outside the window;/after a week this small home will not smell so good./This is not why anyone/wants to be an astronaut"). They split up so that two can make their famous sortie, and then reunite for the return to "the good and lonely Earth,/glowing in the sky." Floca enhances his brief, poetic main text with an opening spread that illustrates each component of Apollo 11, and a lucid closing summary of the entire Apollo program that, among other enlightening facts, includes a comment from Neil Armstrong about what he said versus what he meant to say when he stepped onto the lunar surface. Consider this commemoration of the first Moon landing's 40th anniversary as a spectacular alternative for younger readers to Catherine Thimmesh's Team Moon (Houghton, 2006).—John Peters, New York Public Library

K-Gr 2—Children will look at plants with new eyes after reading this fresh introduction. The plant cycle is introduced, beginning and ending with seeds. After a short description of the many variations of a particular stage, the next page states, "But all these [plants, flowers, fruits, etc.] have a SECRET." Readers are asked if they can identify four key plants (peas, oak trees, tomatoes, roses) at each transition. Using recognizable descriptions, e.g., "round, like plates" or "like balls of fuzz" and getting no more scientific than "pollen," the text will draw readers into the wonder of the topic. Bold color-coded headings introduce each of the four stages. Realistic spot illustrations, beginning with the endpapers, present the variety described in the text. Only the closing endpapers include labels but identification of the other plants, both common and unusual, could be part of the fun. At each transition, the four key plants are framed by the lens of a magnifying glass. End matter includes further detail about each stage and the plant that represents it, e.g., peas for seeds, oak trees for plants, roses for flowers, and tomatoes for fruit. Use this well-designed volume as a the perfect launch to a unit on plants.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 2–4—Softly hued, whimsical color illustrations are superimposed on sharp, vivid color photos in this eye-catching introduction. In step-by-step fashion, children will learn how (with adult guidance) to crochet a pen or pencil topper, cute critters, flowers, a bag, and more. Adorable mice guide children throughout with their "Pip Says" and "Peg Says" tips. Activities include stitching seams, following a pattern/chart, crocheting with stripes, decreasing/increasing, double crochet, crocheting in circles, and fixing mistakes. Each project includes a list of materials, a chart (which the book claims is the easiest type of crochet pattern), and a color photograph of the finished product. Back matter includes templates for cutting the felt pieces that some projects require and information on yarn and one supplier. A solid addition to craft collections.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

K-Gr 6—A backpack-toting, humble hound with wanderlust and a winged companion tour several of the world's cities. Hopkins's 18 poems observe skyscrapers, hot-dog vendors, subways, taxis, bridges, bright lights, and the diversity of people and pigeons. Most of the poems span a fully illustrated spread, and youngsters will have fun finding the dog and bird on each one. Hopkins honors children's lyrical sense of music ("Sing a song of cities/if you do,/Cities will sing back/to you") and earnest astonishment ("Look!/Up there!/High up there/where/men and women/building the new skyscraper/balance on beams/dangle on derricks/glide on girders…Wondrous!"). In Paris, a mother pigeon pleads with the traffic to be quiet: "Please/city/have/some/pity./Promise me/not/ one/more/beep?/My newborn/pigeons/need/their/sleep." These polished poems are equally matched by Hall's graphic-style cartoons, which offer many added layers of narrative delight as well as beautiful colors and an eye-catching sense of design. The watercolor endpapers show a map with major cities highlighted in the poems. The illustrations have a cosmopolitan look, a little French with a splash of nostalgia. They are filled with construction-buildings, bridges, pyramids-a kind of hats-off to the magnificence of the world. This book is really special, a global tour de force.—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

PreS-Gr 3—Using clearly defined sources to provide an accurate account, Jackson offers a warm portrait of Lincoln's love of animals. From his distaste for hunting to the many pets that shared his life, readers gain a sense of the gentle side of this famous president. Ettlinger's illustrations present an aggrandized view of him as a well-dressed boy (sporting a clean white shirt and vest) witnessing and interacting with the creatures in his environment. The visual depiction of one event is not accurate; Abraham is pictured grieving over a dead turkey in a field on a warm, sunny day when, in fact, he shot the bird through a hole in the cabin wall in winter. Still, this view of Lincoln is worthwhile for the history it aggregates. From the turkey he killed to the one he pardoned, saving him from a Thanksgiving dinner in the White House, Lincoln's acts toward animals are chronicled. Animal lovers will appreciate this side of the man's story.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

K-Gr 3—Well-organized chapters promote inquiry, using questions as titles, which are followed by clearly written answers and other facts, distinguished by different-size fonts. Chicken, which features a boy and a girl of different ethnicities, outlines two experiments that are ideal for performing in class or at home; Whale features a migratory map. Children will love holding pages up to the light to see "inside" the gray whale and the eggs. Excellent, simple illustrations using colorful mixed media enhance the texts, providing clear examples of embryo and animal development. Suitable for independent reading and classroom use.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

K-Gr 1—Each volume includes seven safety problems for children to think about and "solve." Each situation is shown on two spreads, beginning with the dilemma and suggestions for three possible resolutions. While there is a need for beginning readers on the subject, these titles are simplistic, discussing rules that school-age children should already know, such as not throwing a dictionary at a classmate (School) or not pushing (Playground). Home includes four ridiculous pages about not leaving juice boxes, banana peels, and granola-bar wrappers all over your bedroom. Another problem with the books is that the answer to each issue is always the letter "C," leaving most children with little incentive to think the problem through. Full-color photos appear on every page, but many of the children depicted look older than the intended audience. A nice idea, but these books fail to deliver.—Michele Sealander, Hamburg School, NJ

Gr 2–5—These folktales are separated into sections, giving them the appearance of early chapter books. The large-print texts, accompanied by bright watercolor illustrations, reflect the culture from which they originated while remaining straightforward and concise, keeping emerging readers in mind. In the first book, Tsukahara Bokuden, a nobleman, bests a warrior who tries to get on a ferry before everyone else and then demands another man's seat. The afterword explains that the protagonist was a real person. The second book explains how King Kukulkán gave his people the gift of chocolate in spite of making the other gods angry. Although not as carefully illustrated as picture-book folktales, and not outstanding as read-alouds, these books are useful choices for beginning readers.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

Gr 1–3—This Haggadah offers colorful, child-friendly illustrations and interweaves the traditional prayers with songs that explain the Passover Seder rituals in simple terms. In nearly an hour of audio on the accompanying CD, Leon and a choir of children narrate the Haggadah, chant the prayers, and sing Passover songs that flesh out the story of Moses and Pharoah. The printed lyrics do not stand alone well. The music is pleasant if somewhat slow-paced, but families using this book to guide their celebrations can choose from among the 26 tracks to craft a Seder that works for them. The audio makes this Haggadah useful for those who may not know the prayers, yet little background about the holiday is provided, limiting the audience to those with some previous knowledge.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 3–5—This picture-book biography emphasizes the scientist's curiosity and determination to learn the truth about nature. Most spreads contain two or three paragraphs of clear expository text in a comfortably large font, a handwritten quotation from a primary source, and a lovely watercolor-tinted woodcut. The text begins with Darwin's childhood interest in collecting specimens and experimenting with chemistry and moves through his education, his experiences on the Beagle, and the development of the theory of evolution. Although the topic does not dominate the book, McGinty takes on the issue of religion. She says, "Charles himself finally came to believe that there were no answers to his questions about God. He saw the universe as too amazing not to have been created by a God." The endnotes and source list are comprehensive but, appropriately, do not intrude on the easy-to-read text. Azarian's woodcuts are filled with cheerful color and capture the moments in Darwin's life that will most intrigue children. With its cover made to look like one of his own battered brown leather notebooks, showing the naturalist surrounded by his beloved specimens, this is a pleasing package for children just learning about the man and his work.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 1–4—This jauntily illustrated alphabet of all things fabulous will find a willing audience among elementary-age divas already dreaming of careers in the spotlight. With each letter, this historical tour highlights Western trends from the age of Cleopatra through the grunge era of the early '90s. Beginning with the best accessory, "attitude," readers learn about flappers, go-go boots, intruding wig snatchers ("I is for an Illegal Intruder the wig snatcher"), teetering on chopines, and "your very own style." Each heading is accompanied by two or three paragraphs of background information-enough to satisfy casual readers while inspiring the historically inclined to do some further reading. The whimsical gouache and India ink illustrations are a pleasing complement to the sassy text. This book fits cozily between other fashion must-haves like Kate Feiffer's Double Pink (S & S) on the younger end and Leslie Sills's From Rags to Riches (Holiday House, both 2005) for more sophisticated readers. A safe bet wherever little girls love to look lovely.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 2–4—This simply written introduction examines insects from the perspective of size. Employing over a dozen kinds as examples, Markle explains why those that are unusually large, small, or equipped with extraordinary body parts have an edge over predators or competing species. For instance, the weta's huge size (three and a half inches) and the long, sharp spines on its rear legs deter most predators; the minute pirate bug is so small (less than an eighth of an inch) that it has no competitors for the tiny prey it consumes. The text also describes the process of metamorphosis, complete and incomplete, and explains why females are so much bigger than their mates. An amazingly detailed, close-up color photograph of one or more of the insects discussed complements the text on almost every page. Sidebars with additional information and a world map indicating the countries in which the depicted animals were photographed are included. Well organized and clearly written in an engaging style, Markle's book offers some unique insights into the insect world. It is a welcome companion volume to her Spiders: Biggest! Littlest! (Boyds Mills, 2004).—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

PreS-Gr 3—With origins in a Southern folk song, this entertaining romp follows the journey of a jaunty peddler named Georgy Piney Woods. Daughter Georgianne has her eye on a wedding dress, so she asks "Dadaw" to trade her "rail-skinny horse for a shiny silver dollar." Woods sets off down the road, making a series of exchanges in which he seems to be getting the short end of the stick (literally, as it turns out). After accepting and relinquishing a fat brown cow and an old hound dog, he winds up with a cypress stick that swells to an enormous height after an encounter with a rattlesnake. The happy-go-lucky trader's final deal involves a railroad man who chops that cypress into 303 railroad ties, a rainstorm that reduces their size drastically, and the man's spouse—who is in the market for a large quantity of toothpicks. The dress is purchased and all is well—until the daughter requests a veil. The ink and pencil scenes were scanned and digitally manipulated, with colored pencil and gouache additions to the final work. This creates a convincing depth. The backgrounds are soft and muted, with increasing saturation and detail as one moves forward through the layers. The outlandish events and droll caricatures are supported by lively language that is full of rhythm and fun to read aloud. A traditional tale, freshly fashioned.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 1 Up—Weaving Obama's words with his own extraordinary graphite drawings, Nelson has created a moving celebration of the election of our 44th president. The opening pages set the stage for the change that is inspiring America, with simple lines of voters drawn across the spreads of this small book: "It's the answer told by lines/that stretched around schools and churches/in numbers this nation has never seen." In "A Note from the Artist," Nelson explains his motivation for creating this beautiful book: "I hope the artwork will remind all who see it of the greatness of our country and its ability to grow and change for the better." The book's powerful, optimistic message will continue to remind Americans about who we are as a nation and what we can accomplish together: "This is your victory. Change has come to America." A worthy addition.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 3—This fat, sunny volume brings together 112 of Prelutsky's poems. Most are old favorites from the past four decades, but 15 of them have never been published before. Kicking off with a letter from the poet, the book contains five sections, each concluding with a page of activities such as word games and drawing prompts. Digital illustrations with lavish details and colors stand out nicely from the ample white space, yet their overall loudness tends to wash out some of the verses' clever snappiness. A CD features the author reading 30 of the poems to a slightly overpowering musical accompaniment. Fans as well as children just discovering Prelutsky should enjoy hearing him read his work aloud.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Gr 3–6—Nineteen poems with jaunty rhythms lure readers to some very menacing planets. Almost all tell of the horrors to be found in worlds beyond our solar system: "The cooks of Gazook/Will reduce you to powder,/And use you to flavor/Their savory chowder." The bugs of Gum simply eat visitors alive. Planet Swole envelopes guests in despair, while Skreber kills them with laughter. The last poem shows alien explorers visiting an unfortunate planet where the inhabitants cause each other harm and suffer terribly. The final page turn reveals this planet to be one that readers know all too well—and call home. Dark colors with sharp contrasts help define these worlds in mixed-media illustrations. Some of the unusual planet names are anagrams to solve with answers in the back of the book. Science-fiction and poetry lovers should unite over this slim and entertaining volume.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Gr 2–5—From the gentle care a mother alligator gives her hatchlings to their important role in food chains, crocodilians are treated with respect in this introductory look at the world's largest reptiles. Written in a conversational style without chapters or headings, the book provides brief descriptions of 21 species along with habitat information and drawn-to-scale illustrations. The text also discusses common characteristics of crocodilians, how to differentiate between a crocodile and an alligator, hunting and eating habits, and their movement on land and in the water. Information on nesting patterns, vocalizations, and the important role crocodilians had in several ancient civilizations is also included. There is one minor error: the text says that "the next six pages show 14 species," but they actually show 21. The concluding pages look at the dangers and challenges these animals face in the modern world and provide conservation suggestions, the names of related groups, and an excellent Web site. Finely detailed, realistic watercolors fill nearly every page, and labeled insets highlight facts from the text. Children will appreciate this book's thorough treatment, but the lack of an index may hamper its use for research. Pair it with a title such as Elaine Landau's Alligators and Crocodiles (Enslow, 2007) for those who prefer photographs.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 2–4—In this story set in Kansas in 1935, Orry, 10, and his younger stepsister, Mildred, venture outside on what appears to be a sunny morning after spending days stuck inside because of the heavy dust outside. Without warning, a large black dust cloud hits, and they are forced to run for their lives and seek shelter with their dog in a ditch, hoping to find a way to survive. The writing is clear and lively, moving the story forward at a rapid pace. Young readers will be intrigued by the differences between their lives and that of Orry and his sister. The illustrations, done in oils, add to the overall effectiveness of this title. A brief bibliography suggests other titles on the Dust Bowl. A solid choice to consider for collections needing high-interest, low-reading-level titles.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 3–4—Each of these slim titles provides a simple introduction to its topic along with seven projects. In Forces, readers learn about Newton's three laws of motion and a variety of simple machines. The authors introduce children to the atoms and molecules that are the basis of all substances and the different states of matter in Solids. Electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, and motors and generators are some of the topics discussed in Electricity. The hands-on activities that are included in each book are meant to help readers understand the subjects being presented and generally are not intended for science fairs. They range from very simple (dissolving sugar in water of differing temperatures) to somewhat complicated (building an electromagnet). Some of the more complex projects may leave adults searching for materials, such as voltmeters, insulated wires with alligator clips, and plastic tubing. The layout is open and colorful, and explanations are simple and easy to read. Safety tips appear when appropriate, and photographs and illustrations appear on every page. "Close-Up" boxed areas focus on specific ideas, and "What Happened" boxes let students know the expected results. In addition, "Try This!" boxes offer variations on some of the projects. Words appearing in the glossary are not indicated within the text. Additional purchases for school and public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS-Gr 2—Spirin's version of this classic pairs a simple, straightforward retelling with lush Renaissance costumes and elegant page designs. The bears, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, are solid, realistic creatures, revealing sharp teeth and claws. Papa and Mama Bear, generally appearing together in their fur-trimmed garments, dominate their vertical space—in contrast to their diminutive son. The setting is created with richly realized essentials: solid porridge bowls, carved chairs, ornate beds, a massive stucco and wood-trimmed dwelling. Expansive white space surrounds the characters on most spreads, with embellished lines creating decorative, horizontal borders on selected pages. The creatures seem to regard their intruder more as a curiosity than a criminal; as the golden-haired child runs away down the path, they simply wave and call out their farewells. A source note concludes the text. The Goldilocks shelf is crowded; readers can turn to James Marshall for humor, Jan Brett for details, Valeri Gorbachev for whimsy, and Jim Aylesworth for Victorian, to name but a few. This newcomer will be embraced for its visual clarity and sumptuous style at storytimes and bedtimes alike.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

K-Gr 4—This informative and appealing introduction to armadillos covers the growth and development of a mother and her four pups. One of the grown pups meanders northward and eventually starts her own family in Kansas. Beautiful watercolor illustrations (the hard carapace of the armadillo is very effectively rendered) accompany evocative imagery—"Her hind legs work like excavators catching the loose dirt and flinging it backward." There is some slight anthropomorphizing: "Her children watch and learn," and "she is Texas-born, but she has a traveling soul." The loss of a young pup to a predator is deftly handled: a picture of a burrow shows the mother armadillo resting with her remaining three pups. The landscapes show vibrant wide open spaces; one reveals the soft glow of a sunset, another shows a pond bottom, its soil disturbed by an armadillo walking underwater; it discloses the unusual ability of an armadillo to store air and submerge itself for "up to six minutes." Additional material about armadillos and a map showing their current range in the United States is included on the final two pages. This lovely book is packed with information, but it is more suitable for browsing or as a read-aloud than for reports.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 2–6—The title of this bilingual biography echoes the theme of the life of a legendary Mexican-American activist in Texas during the 1920s and 1930s. The story moves from Tenayuca's childhood introduction to the poverty and unfair treatment of Mexican Americans living in her hometown of San Antonio to her increasing awareness of the injustice they suffered, and ultimate fight for their civil rights. Their plight made her angry: "She saw so many people go to work when it was still dark and not come home again until late at night. Many worked so many hours that they were coughing and sick, and still they did not earn enough to feed their children." In 1938, at the age of 21, she led a successful strike of 12,000 pecan shellers whose pitiful wages had been cut from six cents to three cents an hour. In an afterword, which includes photographs of Tenayuca, the rest of her story is related: jailed many times, forced to move, she eventually worked her way through college and returned later to San Francisco as a reading teacher for migrant children. Ybáñez's striking illustrations, framed by pecan-tree branches, are reflective of traditional Mexican mural art, with bold colors and simple shapes. An important book celebrating the struggle for justice and civil rights.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 4—Yaccarino deftly provides information about important events in Cousteau's life while conveying the excitement and wonder that the ocean explorer experienced. Readers learn about his tinkering that resulted in inventions such as the Aqua-Lung and submersibles that expanded the range of undersea exploration and research. Then Cousteau shared his discoveries through films, books, and television, encouraging others to value and protect the oceans from environmental degradation. Effective layout and page design plus colorful gouache illustrations result in a striking visual presentation for small-group sharing or individual viewing. Brief quotations from Cousteau appear in insets on some pages; there is no documentation of Yaccarino's own research. Jennifer Berne's Manfish (Chronicle, 2008) uses more poetic language and features softer, more aquatic colors in the illustrations. Even libraries with that biography will want to add Yaccarino's book to the shelves.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 3–5—A talking dog, a housecleaning robot, and a three-dimensional "data orb" are among the many cool features that kids might enjoy in the future, according to this lighthearted look at 2030. The breezy narrative follows one boy through a typical day, highlighting many interesting aspects of his world. Fanciful cartoon drawings show a lively and appealing world full of new and intriguing activities that correspond neatly to modern equivalents. Schools are now made from plasticized blocks that snap together, for example, while recess features virtual batting practice and a "smart trampoline." Recreational activities include magnetized hovering skateboards and a virtual-reality "Fanta-trek Center." Some social changes are briefly noted, such as new career paths and the increase of marriages between different ethnicities. Interaction with the natural world is not mentioned, although many of the new technologies have eco-friendly components and the food is all meatless and delicious. Illustrated sidebars provide a bit of additional information or background, but the emphasis here is more on what new technologies will do, rather than how they will work. The one exception to the fun comes in an inset paragraph about overpopulation and starvation in Africa, a jarring bit of realism in this otherwise worry-free existence. The day ends with a neat twist as the boy reaches for his favorite type of entertainment, which the final page turn reveals as "reading a book."—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR