Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-K—A book of four logic-impaired stories plus four "seek-and-find" picture stories. In the first tale, Zebra builds a home in various locations, but none suits him: the hill is too windy, the seaside too wet, etc. He finally decides to build his house on wheels so he can live wherever he wants (though readers may wonder where that would be since no place is quite right). In "Freckly Speckly Hen," a chicken lays eggs all over the barnyard but they never hatch until she decides not only to lay them in the henhouse, but also to sit on them. She is proud that she has finally found the perfect place. Large, uncluttered, brightly colored illustrations make the book visually appealing, but there is not sufficient substance here to pique the interest of children.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—Ant asks Bird the title question, and Bird answers by taking his small friend on a journey. As the white string crosses each colorful spread, Bird presents both playful and practical possibilities. "Will it finish a necklace?/A banjo?/A mop?/Will it partner a puppet?/A yo-yo?/A top?" By using pale overlapping images, Baker creates a sense of movement in many of the illustrations. A palette of pastels captures the beauty of spring with sweet pea vines climbing toward the sun, a kite flying in a powder blue sky, and Bird weaving string into her nest. At journey's end, Ant says, "Thank you, Bird!/Now I see…/a string's just as long/as I need it to be." Pair this lovely book with Ezra Jack Keats's Jennie's Hat (HarperCollins, 1966; o.p.) for a fine spring storytime.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-K—A father and his daughter start their fishing day by going into the woods to look for earthworms. Her methods are all her own since, "that's my way." Papa picks up worms with his fingers; she scoops them up with a shovel. This is a quiet story, just the telling of the small pleasures that make up an outing on the lake. Both catch fish and go home to have dinner with mom and baby brother. The illustrations in pastel and ink are perfect for conveying the sense of calm that the story requires. The full-bleed spreads show the expanse of the water and the pines, and the depiction of the wildlife is just detailed enough to be naturalistic. The only thing that really happens here is that a father and a daughter spend a lovely day together. And that's something to celebrate.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—A worm in glasses tells the story of a little pea in a red bow tie who dreams of becoming a tree. The pea is picked, destined for a tuna casserole, so he escapes, falls to the floor, is eaten by the worm, composted, and eventually a young sapling grows. In a roundabout way, the pea's wish is granted. This odd little story of life cycles is sweetly illustrated in green-hued watercolor paintings that may draw children into the story. However, the rhymed text is forced and having a protagonist with big dreams get eaten halfway through the book will require a fair amount of explaining.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

K-Gr 2—Bob, an astronaut who travels daily from Earth to the Moon to entertain tourists, is lonely: there are no visitors this Tuesday and his friends have gone off to Pluto. The next day, he begins to look for a "best-ever friend" and decides that it could be a pet. One day he sees something amazing pop out of a crater: a dog. Bartram's detailed acrylics give readers comic relief while Bob is on his quest. From the red-and-white-striped zebra to the three-legged sign worker and the blue-haired and stovepipe-hat-wearing pet shop owner, astute observers will be intrigued with the action in every illustration. The artwork is reminiscent of books from the 1950s and is done in electric blues, yellows, and reds. The obverse side of the jacket is a glow-in-the-dark Moon poster. A slight and quirky offering for fans of the author's Man on the Moon (Candlewick, 2002).—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–4—Rose Cottage is a modest abode "rife with clutter and chaos." But behind a broom-closet door, hidden by a heavy chest of drawers, lies a 36-room mansion, home to Tumtum and Nutmeg Nutmouse. The retiring animal couple takes great pleasure in helping absentminded Mr. Mildew and his motherless children, who live in the cottage, in small ways—darning socks, rewiring heaters, and patching shoes. But a visit by the Mildews' odious Aunt Ivy turns the quiet couple's life upside down after the woman spots them on the upstairs landing. A full-blown mouse attack ensues, requiring the assistance of neighboring General Marchmouse and his mouse battalion. Adventure upon adventure follows, including trouble at the local school and an encounter with pirate rats (who are hindered by liqueur-filled chocolates). Before long readers know just what to expect from Bearn's characters: a can-do attitude and bustling efficiency from Nutmeg, even-tempered consideration from Tumtum, and from the General, an inflated ego and childlike impulses. The author provides enough twists and turns to keep the excitement high and fills her story with delightful details (outside of an occasional "earwig en croute," the mice nibble on piles of tasty homemade cakes, scones, and gingerbread, all described). Rustically framed pen-and-ink drawings appear throughout, adding panache to the presentation. This British import is as satisfying as high tea, and a perfect choice for competent young readers.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—Little Bear inherits his brother's favorite sweater when Big Bear outgrows it. The two run off to play in the woods, where Little Bear accidentally wobbles the log they are balancing on and lands them both in a puddle. Big Bear yells at him, and Little Bear runs away crying. The older cub tries playing alone, but realizes it isn't as much fun without his brother and begins to look for him. He spies some green yarn on the ground and follows it until he catches up to Little Bear, wearing what's left of the sweater. Big brother rolls the unraveled yarn into a ball and presents it to their mother, who knows just what to do. The next day, the brothers are wearing matching green striped sweaters and their friendship is renewed. Although the plot holds no surprises, this is a cozy book that will appeal to young children, especially those dealing with sibling issues. The feathery, pastel images of Little Bear and Big Bear match their caring relationship, and the use of fuzzy raised material for the wool adds a tactile element to the story. Pair this yarn with one of Lauren Child's "Charlie and Lola" (Dial) books for a storytime about sibling relationships.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 2–4—Ava Tree, whose parents died in an accident, lives with her 22-year-old brother. On her eighth birthday, she wakes up to find that she has "wishing power": she wishes that her pet rabbit would use the toilet like a person, and he does. Next, she wishes that her best friend's mom, who is overly concerned about proper behavior, would not "fix" her Backward Birthday Party. She learns that she can only make three wishes a day, that they only last for 24 hours, that by wishing for mean things to happen to other people she ends up hurting herself, and that some wishes don't come true. Despite her multiple attempts, her parents do not come back to life. Character development is slight, though Ava does get a little further along in her grieving process. The ending suggests that her wishing power comes from her mother, so this is not a strictly realistic tale, but readers will relate to it. Some of the illustrations are oddly proportioned and don't add much, but the text is large and the line spacing generous. An additional choice for readers who are ready for longer chapter books.—Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Gr 1–3—The Pain and the Great One are back in another series of short vignettes. This time Jacob, aka the Pain, is embarrassed when he makes a mistake in front of the entire class, and Abigail, aka the Great One, deals with the betrayal of trust when her good friend Sasha steals her story. The brother and sister also contend with obnoxious cousins when they visit their curmudgeonly Uncle Phil and with mean Madison Purdy when they have a snow day. Like the previous volumes, this book concludes with a chapter from the family cat, Fluzzy. Stevenson's ink sketches are interspersed throughout the chapters and add detail to the stories. The situations are believable, and many readers will relate to the squabbles between the siblings and their school experiences. A nice addition, but not an essential purchase unless the series has a strong following.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

PreS-K—Each spread in this concept book presents five animals with slight differences. Five questions/statements require children to examine the picture carefully to locate the particular animal that best fits the description (e.g., "She loves to sunbathe"). Youngsters will need to pay attention to things such as color, movement, emotions, apparel, etc. The illustrations are appealing and exhibit a gentle humor as, for example, a giraffe that can't decide on just one necklace is shown wearing several while another giraffe stands gracefully en pointe, bedecked in a pink tutu. Some of the vocabulary is sophisticated ("flexible," "celebrities"), but the pictures provide context clues. A sweet but additional purchase.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 1–3—In this second tale about the sea monster living in a "mysterious land," Ruffen receives an invitation from Aunt Nessie to visit her in Scotland. On the way, he's captured and placed in a zoo along with a sign reading, "Scaly, scary, savage, seldom-seen sea serpent." Before long, he uses his super strength to free himself and the other unhappy caged animals, and they evade their captors and flee to Loch Ness. There Aunt Nessie offers them asylum until Ruffen's friends can return to Africa. While the lengthy text, which censures zoos for their cruelty to animals, is lackluster, it is enlivened by humorous cartoon-style watercolor and ink illustrations. Penguins dive off a South Pole serpent's humped tail while palm trees grow out of a Tahiti monster's head. There are comical speech balloons, zany hairdos, and a bagpipe-playing Auntie. Her song, complete with musical notation, appears at the end of the book. However, Dashka Slater's The Sea Serpent and Me (Houghton, 2008) is a better choice to quench youngsters' thirst for stories about these underwater creatures.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 1—A day in the city begins and ends peacefully with the ticking of the alarm clock and a child's sleeping sounds. The pages in-between showcase scenes from the bustling streets against the backdrop of skyscrapers and public transportation. The rhymes that accompany the story are short but evocative. The day holds many sights and sounds that crescendo with the louder noises. The artist uses a vivid mix of primary and secondary colors to set the stage. At night, the city is transformed using a rich purple with the only light coming from the moon, house lights, and car headlights. Like a scene from a movie, the last spread zooms out of the boy's room to the silhouette of the city and shows a suspension bridge leading into the darkness. A more chaotic page shows lanes of cars with honking horns accompanied by a descriptive rhyme, "Drivers shouting,/In-and-outing." The sounds are placed above or below the objects producing them. The placement and size of the descriptor are never the same. The words "RUMBLE" and "RATTLE" are concealed within a trestle carrying a subway car. Close inspection reveals the boy in almost every scene. The concept is similar to Marilyn Singer's City Lullaby (Clarion, 2007), but more straightforward. A fine selection for children wanting to transport themselves to another place without the hassle of travel.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

K-Gr 3—Little Hedgehog is back in this adorable picture book. He's excited about the weather as he finally gets to try out his new raincoat, boots, and umbrella. As he goes out for a walk, he encounters other animals and even has a few narrow escapes from the now-heavier rain, wind, and rising waters. The pictures are done in vivid pastels and are the stars of the show. Hedgehog's umbrella and rain gear have an enticing gloss that begs to be touched. While the story line seems to wander a little, the premise is simple and comforting, ending with hot cocoa and cookies at Badger's home. Despite the animals' ordeals, this book has a cozy, snuggly tone, and parents will take pleasure in sharing it while their youngsters nestle in. A great rainy-day read.—Adrienne Wilson, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Monroe, CT

PreS-K—When his children present him with a card that says, "Have a wild Father's Day!," the dad suggests that they act like animals all day. First, they jump on the bed like kangaroos, then they stretch like cats, run like cheetahs, swing like monkeys, wrestle like bears, etc. Each depiction of the humans is matched with one of the animal counterparts (wearing dad's glasses, the girl's pink sneakers, and the boy's blue hat). The text is spare and straightforward; the illustrations are simple and cartoonish. Neither is remarkable. The repetitive style will help young children predict some of the activities, and they will enjoy finding the symbols for the humans on the animal spreads. This is an action-packed Father's Day addition, but it's not in the same league with John Coy's Night Driving (Holt, 1996) or William Steig 's Pete's a Pizza (HarperCollins, 1998).—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

K-Gr 2—Mother Robot has three sons. Rod is big and yellow with a clock in his stomach. He makes his mother proud. Slick is a blue creature on a wheel. Dudley is green, rusty, and odd. One day their mother sends them out into the world with enough resources to acquire their own factories, big and strong enough to keep Wolfgang the Recycler at a distance. He wants their parts for enhancing himself. Rod buys a factory and cleans it up. Slick builds a steel castle. Dudley orders 12 truckloads of mud and happily nestles down into the oozing pile. Wolfgang tricks Rod into opening the door and dismantles him on the spot. He uses Slick's vain streak to gain entrance to his castle and breaks him down for parts. Dudley invites him in, and Wolfgang becomes trapped. After he sinks, his parts start floating to the top. Dudley rebuilds his brothers from the parts and makes a car from Wolfgang's remains. The reunited family goes for drive at the end, but it's clear from the picture that not everyone is assembled as they were before. Illustrations are done in mixed media, mostly in a collage style, and have a clunky, metallic look to them. Boys will like this retelling of a children's classic.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—Casey pens a nonsensical tale in a humorous attempt to explain the urban legend of alligators in the NYC sewer system. The premise is promising, but the execution falls flat. The author begins by introducing the legend of the alligators, but states that no one has ever seen them. She goes on to pose some ridiculous explanations of why they must live there—New York has a plethora of hot-dog stands because alligators love hot dogs; the Brooklyn Bridge has cables so the creatures can dry their laundry. She then explains that not all alligators love city life; some of them have packed up and moved, maybe to your town. The author goes on to ask: How else do you explain why teachers take the summers off? Or why doughnuts have holes? (So alligators can carry them home on their tails.) Munsinger's illustrations are the only redeeming aspect of this story. The watercolor illustrations picture mischievous alligators up to no good. The center spread is delightful, showing alligators in a supermarket making a giant, glorious mess. However, the explanation of why they are there illustrates many of the book's flaws: "When you go to the supermarket, keep a sharp eye out for those alligators. They are usually in the cereal aisle, making forts." Why? The book concludes with an interesting explanation of the source of the urban legend.—Lisa Crandall, Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Gr 1–4—This remarkable picture book delivers a mix of fantasy and fiction through beautifully detailed watercolors. Waiting on a subway platform alone, a boy finds a book about redwood trees and becomes captivated while reading it on the train. As he learns that there are trees alive today that first sprouted during the Roman Empire, readers notice two passengers seated beside him from that period. When he comes out of the station, he finds himself deep in a redwood forest, where, clad in climber's gear and a harness, he launches a rope, climbs a tree, discovers wildlife in the branches, and experiences the many wonders similar to a professional researcher. Colorful panels focus on his observations. Chin superbly captures the boy's varied expressions throughout his adventure. Perspective is artfully used to show the immensity of the trees as he rappels back down into the city with images of landmarks and skyscrapers. Reality returns when he notices the time and darts off, leaving the book behind for a girl to discover and begin her journey in the redwoods. The final pages include information about the environmental dangers that the redwoods face, some nature graphics drawn to scale, and an inspiring author's note. This inventive story will charm and educate readers and send their imaginations soaring.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

Gr 1–4—This story uses humor to help children cope with the issue of divorce. Ted, the quirky narrator, shares many facts about himself that he concedes others might consider "weird"—he has nicknames for his elbows, he sleeps with one sock on, and he likes to answer the phone by pretending to be a chicken. The one thing that he knows is not weird is that it will take time to accept his parents' divorce. He is sad when he thinks of them not being together and, while he enjoys spending time with them individually, he wishes that they were still a family. The story ends with Ted realizing that no matter how weird he may be, he knows that his parents love him. Ted has a believable voice that children will recognize, either personally or as they observe friends in similar situations. The colorful cartoons add to the upbeat nature of the story and make a serious subject a little easier to swallow. Many adults will appreciate this book's message and will want to use it as a springboard for discussion in both home and school settings.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS-Gr 2—A whimsical look at the world of Mother Goose. Little Miss Muffet, cute as a button, is tired of the same old, same old. Looking to escape the drudgery of her life, she seeks excitement in other rhymes. True to the old adage, "the grass is always greener," a wide-eyed Miss M. tries, with little success, to find a place in the "Grand Old Duke of York," "Jack and Jill," "Hickory, Dickory, Dock," "Ding, Dong, Bell," "Hey Diddle, Diddle," "Sing a Song of Sixpence," and "The Queen of Hearts." Witty prose and updated interpretations are complemented by Williamson's exuberant illustrations. Colorful, comical, and energetic, the characters race through the pages to the story's end, in which sweet Miss Muffet concludes that she no longer needs a change. That is, until a certain spider comes along…—Trish Sabini, Ossining Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2—Dirk Bones, skeletal investigative reporter for The Ghostly Tombs, is interviewing author Edgar Bleek (a blue-skinned Frankenstein look-alike) when it is discovered that the only copy of his unreleased new book is missing. Bones and Bleek search everywhere but turn up only an unusual spotted leaf. Bones hurries to the Ghostly Library to research the origin of the leaf. He learns from the librarian that more Bleek books are missing, and he recovers a second spotted leaf from the scene. Sure that he has a valuable clue, the reporter hastens through the Green Lagoon toward the bookstore—and the source of the suspicious spotted leaves. Dirk Bones and the other ghastly inhabitants of Ghostly are fresh and attractive characters who will appeal to youngsters who enjoy slightly "spooky" books. Little touches, like the spiders reading in the library and the gleaming eyes along the shelves, will not go unappreciated. The book's design has the comfort of beginning readers in mind, and the simple sentences and dialogue are clear and well supported. This is an all-around fun read with much of the suspense of a mystery, but with a more satisfying ending than many such books.—Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN

K-Gr 3—Gilbert and his friends are back and ready to celebrate April Fool's Day. The book is filled with the tomfoolery that tickles children's funny bones: warnings of untied shoelaces, plastic spiders, and gummy worms in apples. The trouble begins when Lewis, Gilbert's nemesis, finds a ready target for his pranks in the bespectacled protagonist. He enjoys taunting Gilbert and plays a more mean-spirited trick than the others by placing an "I smell" sign on Gilbert's back on their way to lunch in the cafeteria. Gilbert is able to pay back Lewis by making him stew the entire afternoon waiting for a trick to be played on him. As the school day ends, Gilbert tells Lewis "Gotcha" and reveals there was no trick at all. The cartoon illustrations abound with visual tricks that observant viewers are sure to notice. DeGroat continues to show that she has a keen sense of classroom dynamics and the ability to connect with readers and their world. A popular choice for seasonal read-alouds.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 2–4—In the middle of the night, nine-year-old Tam wakes up to discover that the fairies have swapped his newborn sister for a grotesque goblin baby, and Great-grandpa tells him that he must take the changeling to Faery and get his sibling back. However, the journey will be dangerous, and not everyone who enters this realm comes out. Once inside Faery, Tam discovers there are consequences to one's choices and to be a hero, he must choose the right path. This easy chapter book is full of whimsy and tales of fairy folk, and Great-grandpa adds a touch of playfulness that will engage young minds. Children will see a hero in Tam and understand that bravery can arise from unlikely circumstances. Simple but engaging line drawings bring the characters and the trials Tam must face to life. A well-told tale worth sharing.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

PreS-Gr 1—With quiet flair, Tilly, a little girl, helps her animal pals when they get into mischief. Tumpty the elephant requests lipstick as he admires Pru primping. The petite hen rebuffs his request: "You'll waste it." When she notices that her purse with all her makeup is missing, Tilly helps search for it. They discover that Hector the pig's lashes are enhanced with mascara and Tiptoe the bunny's cheekbones glow with a lovely shade of blush. Doodle the alligator sports an impressive manicure with nail polish. Tumpty is found prancing with Pru's purse on his head and adorned with her necklace. All of Tilly's friends are sorry, especially Tumpty, for their behavior, and Tumpty and Pru move forward in an effort of generosity and sharing. This tender story is complemented with colorful and expressive mixed-media illustrations.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

PreS-Gr 1—After several unsuccessful attempts at hiding, Tumpty the elephant is able to trick his friends into thinking he has disappeared. They search the house high and low, and he finally appears after being enticed by cookies and declarations of concern. There are many amusing situations involving Tilly, a little girl, and her animal friends. The characters appear in the prologue in the yellow house they share and are introduced one by one in the following scenes. Not all of the action takes place in the foreground. There is a doorway in the top corner that the animals peek in and out of. It also serves as a foreshadowing device. Text is placed above the character that is speaking and is a larger size. The background consists of a variety of muted tones, which contrast with the brighter mixed-media drawings. The illustrations are whimsical and detailed. Most of the characters have rosy cheeks and wear different patterns, and their emotions are readily apparent. At one point, the pig laughs so hard he is crying, and the chicken falls on her back in a fit of giggles. Tumpty is comedic without realizing it. His antics are similar to those in Mo Willems's "Elephant & Piggie" series (Hyperion). Young children and beginning readers are sure to gravitate to this delightful story that celebrates the joy of friendship.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

K-Gr 2—When Oscar the caterpillar meets Bob the monarch butterfly, the little green guy is awed by Bob's beautiful wings. Bob assures him that he will have wings of his own someday, then flies off to a monarch habitat in Mexico. Sure enough, Oscar grows a cocoon and emerges with wings. However, he is dismayed to discover that he has become a dull gray moth instead of a brilliant butterfly. With some encouragement from his friend Edna the bookworm, he pursues his dream of joining the butterflies south of the border. This charming story about loving oneself and pursuing one's dreams sends an important message to children without being preachy or pedantic. The bright colors and cartoon-style illustrations enhance its ebullient, optimistic tone while giving the book strong appeal for children. The introduction of some basic Spanish vocabulary is an added bonus.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

PreS-Gr 2—The Emberleys' interpretation of this oft-told tale explodes with concentrated color in ingeniously simple and wickedly wacky collage shapes. Chicken Little is adorable, a super-bright yellow cutie pie with huge, three-colored eyes and a punklike crest. With a "BONK!" and an "EEP!," he is knocked senseless by an acorn that's almost half his size, and his eyeballs are replaced by stars. The umbrella he grabs "to protect his scrambled noggin" is an umbrella-shaped piece of sky, and the white clouds on the intense blue melt into the white page backgrounds. More "BONK!"s and "AWK!"s follow as C.L. caroms off Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Loosey Goosey, and a gorgeously colorful Turkey Lurky. The sound effects and the snippy, deliciously snide narration complement the pictures perfectly. When the birds enter the "warm, dark cave" into which the fox has invited them (his mouth), the hen squawks, "'Pheeeeew! It stinks in here.' 'And the floor is squishy and wet!' quacked the duck." These words appear in white on a jet-black spread, altered only by several vivid pairs of perplexed eyes. In the foldout page that follows, readers see the creatures' miraculous escape. The pithy plot and magnetic illustrations will attract younger readers; the sassy storytelling and quirky humor will appeal to all ages.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 1–3—By day, Stanza is a bullying, ill-mannered scoundrel of a dog, terrorizing the city with his two brothers. But at night, his sensitive side emerges—the tender, poetry-writing side. His fear of Fresco and Dirge finding out about his expressions in verse keeps him writing his poetry in a "shadowy space" of his home. But when his favorite dog-food company announces a jingle-writing contest with a big cash prize, Stanza secretly enters a rhyming masterpiece. Does he win? Will his secret be exposed? What will his brothers think of him now? Clever, pleasing illustrations augment this oft-told tale of staying true to one's self without fear of recrimination. The message, though well seasoned, is refreshed by lively characterizations of Stanza, his brothers, and the people around them. Children will delight in the details that are often hidden on the page. Rhyming verse makes this an especially fine read-aloud, but the real fun is in up-close scrutiny of the illustrations. A welcome addition to a collection or unit about self-esteem and self-realization.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

K-Gr 2—After stating that her mother "looks like a nice mom" who takes people where they need to go and makes boo-boos stop hurting, Emma goes on to list the ways her parents are trying to ruin her life. She imagines them both thrown in jail for their crimes of kissing her in front of her friends, worrying too much, and making her clean her room and do her homework. But thinking about a parent-free life only serves to remind her how much she really does need her mom and dad, and in the end she says, "I love you!" Done in bright pinks and greens, the expressive cartoon illustrations bring a lot of personality and humor to the plot, but frustrated kids and their struggling parents will find this saccharine story a bit too naive.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—This quiet gem isn't a fairy tale or a fable, though it has the magical and thoughtful qualities of both. A child asks, "When will I get There?" as she travels through fantastic landscapes, from the rounded edge of the globe through villages and cities, rainstorms, rainbows, and even up a ladder to the stars. Every spread is inventive and alluring. The paintings are the real star of this book, but the words—which are few—lend meaning and order to what would otherwise be an assortment of pictures held together only by the persistent presence of a fluffy-haired little girl. The words add up to a question so essential that it belongs to the realm of childhood: What is the future? "Will there be a sign that says, 'Here is There'?" "Will I be really BIG, There?" "Will I wear sensible shoes and say sensible things?" "Will I know how to count the stars and how to fix the broken things?" There is a book for rumination, a rare permission to ask the unanswerable questions. The thoughts that propel it and the images that illuminate it make this volume a small wonder for children.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Told in the slightly anthropomorphized voice of a fox cub, this is the story of a friendship that develops across the often-gaping divide of nature and man. The cub's father takes his brood out to a railway station where the youngsters meet a kind man who brings them their "favorite things." One cold evening a pack of rowdy "man-cubs" attacks the animals with snowballs, and their provider is hurt in the scuffle. Later one of the boys comes back and the foxes must learn to trust the "wild" human. Scenes of rushing trains and graffiti are blended gently with the innocent fox pack. Neither nature nor man seems to intrude on the other's domain. Foreman accomplishes this by his soft touches: the warm glow of the streetlights and muted tones of the various structures. In the last moonlit picture where the cub and boy are together, calm reigns.—Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT

PreS-Gr 2—In this follow-up to The Littlest Dinosaur (Walker, 2008), the tiny triceratops continues his journey of self-acceptance. This book begins with him "dangling his toes among the water lilies" when a little frog pops up and beckons him to play. Cautiously, he follows across a river bridge of lily pads; once on the other side, he chases butterflies through buzzing fields of wildflowers. In the frogs and butterflies, he finds friends his own size for the first time. Nevertheless, this seeming windfall presents unforeseen challenges. Foreman's sunny palette of watercolors and ink suddenly becomes dark and cold, and the Littlest Dinosaur finds himself lost in a deep forest. Beset with fear, he starts to run and encounters another lost, and very distraught, little pterodactyl. The Littlest Dinosaur summons his courage and leads him out of the forest, only to confront a huge creature. This simply told but emotionally complex story ends peacefully as the Littlest Dinosaur dreams "of his new friends, big and small." Foreman's soft and gentle cartoon-style illustrations are tailored for young eyes and hearts. Sharing the book aloud will invite discussion as Foreman leaves readers a well-marked trail for inference and reflection, while the twists and turns of the plot will keep even the youngest audiences riveted.—Sara Paulson-Yarovoy, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

Gr 2–6—A retelling of the much darker Hans Christian Andersen tale. Karen, daughter of the town shoemaker, is poor, but dreams of the day when she can make beautiful shoes. Her mother has been constructing a pair from leftover scraps of red leather as a birthday surprise, but becomes ill and dies. Heartbroken, Karen wears the red shoes to the funeral. When an evil queen demands to have them within three days even though they "had grown fast" to Karen's feet, the girl finds a solution with the help of her mother's spirit. Unlike the didactic Andersen tale, all ends well for the shoemaker's daughter as she learns that she can realize her dreams. This book is exceptionally well illustrated with intricate black line drawings that dominate the cream-colored pages and add drama and intensity to the simple text. The endpapers have multiple shoe designs.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

PreS-Gr 3—This straightforward depiction of the food chain focuses on a pond near the house of a little girl named Anna. The poetic text builds in a "This Is the House That Jack Built" fashion, starting with "the deep, still water" and then introducing "the jade green algae," "the mayfly nymph," "the diving beetle," "the loud bullfrog," and so on up the chain. In the early pages, death is quick and no-nonsense: fly, beetle, frog, and snake are easily devoured by larger predators. Once the furry animals appear, however, the author is more circumspect; the owl merely dives for the skunk, and the coyote stalks the raccoon. Above it all, Anna hears the howl of a coyote and looks out her window, subtly reinforcing humanity's place at the top of the hierarchy. Vitale's rich, colorful oil-on-wood illustrations are as poetic as the text in their depiction of the natural world. An appended "facts to pond-er" section offers more information about the animals included. A clear, child-friendly look at ecology, this book is destined to find a home in storytimes and classrooms.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 2–4—If you live inside a book, then a reader can follow your every word and deed—"EEK!"—as the heroine in this multilayered fantasy soon discovers. Every one of her family members, including the pets, has a story: dad is a clown, mom a firefighter, brother an astronaut. The goldfish seeks the sea while the dog is off to investigate odors. Only the girl is without a story, and she proceeds to travel through fairy tales, mysteries, adventure yarns, and historical novels in search of one. Each person and creature she encounters offers the pigtailed child in striped socks a story, but none suits her until she comes up with one of her very own. Humorous dialogue appears in parallelogram-shaped boxes. Aerial views dominate as different guides, one a Sherlock Holmes look-alike, lead the girl on her search. While young children may have difficulty following the many twists of this story, they will certainly enjoy some of the jokes and the humorous illustrations. They may also challenge themselves to identify some of the fairy tales and stories in which the girl becomes involved. And the starring role given to writing will appeal to their teachers.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 2–4—Bernadette Inez O'Brian Schwartz is about to start third grade, and without her best friend, who moved away, it's going to be "the worst year ever." This curious girl is an engaging and quirky character who loves to ask "Why?" and investigate the world around her through science. Bernadette is seeing a lot of changes in her life this year, in addition to the loss of Jasmine, and she doesn't like it. One of the big changes is that she has to eat lunch at school every day. This is a most terrifying prospect without a best friend, but after a few weeks she becomes friends with Annie, Keisha, and Megan and they team up to form the "Lunch Bunch." Written with light humor throughout, the story unfolds nicely to share many of the challenges Bernadette faces, such as not having a talent to showcase in the talent show and not being able to enter the science fair. Bernadette is good at developing "strategies" to figure out how to deal with different situations, and, with the help of her friends, she always comes out on top. A few black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout. This is a fun read with accessible language and appeal for early chapter-book readers.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Henderson District Public Libraries, NV

PreS-Gr 2—When Dog declares that the black cloud overhead looks like a dragon, half-asleep Mouse thinks he hears that a real dragon is coming to swallow the sun. In true Henny Penny and/or Chicken Little style, Mouse begins to run through the farmyard, warning everyone of the creature's coming. Lightning is mistaken for the dragon's fiery breath. Thunder is the creature's rumbling stomach. Rain is the dragon's drool. As the storm/dragon approaches, the animals hightail it to the barn. When all is quiet outside, they learn the truth. While the story is familiar, Gorbachev's illustrations revive it with delightful details and humorous poses. Children who know the original tale will find this adaptation pleasing and those who do not will be content at its outcome. The animals' expressions are particularly amusing as they move from bewilderment to panic to relief. A refreshing addition to most collections.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

PreS-K—In this fast-paced story with simple text, a young field mouse springs out of bed to find that his mother is not there. He looks for her behind a series of beautifully rendered die-cut illustrations. The acrylic artwork is executed in bold strokes and is textured using a variety of decorative techniques, creating a childlike sensibility and a three-dimensional aspect on every page. The warmth of the mother-child relationship is demonstrated through the search route that Ozzy instinctively chooses. He checks all their favorite spots: the big rock, the garden, the big tree, and the lake. When he turns back to the garden and peeks behind a boldly colored tulip patch, he is met with a cat. He runs back home screaming, but his fears are quickly quelled. This is a great purchase for libraries looking for engaging, interactive books with large typefaces to use for storytime, or for children just starting to read on their own. It will be especially useful to relax preschoolers' separation anxiety, with its reassuring message that, yes, their mothers will come back.—Sara Paulson-Yarovoy, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

Gr 1–4—An enjoyable assortment of stories. Kicking off with Aesop and Kipling, the book also contains excerpts from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Farmer Boy (HarperCollins, 1933), George Selden's The Cricket in Times Square (Farrar, 1960), and Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals (Penguin, 1956). In fact, 11 of the 16 stories are extracts from longer novels, and their inclusion will hopefully tempt readers to seek the complete works. The entries are freshly illustrated with lively artwork, each by a different artist. Their styles tie loosely together through common page layouts. Grindley provides a foreword and a small conversational introduction to each selection. Back matter includes notes on the authors. This serviceable collection could be fun for sharing at home or in the classroom.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2—Max is a dog who doesn't like being cold, wearing clothes, taking long walks, or surfing, but his long list of dislikes never stops him from having interesting adventures with Poppy, his pigtailed best friend. Poppy is an incredibly upbeat girl, and she and her talking pup always have fun despite the terrier's complaining. The books are perfect for children who are reading mostly on their own, but are not quite ready for chapter books. The satisfying stories and charming, detailed illustrations will keep them engaged and entertained. Suggest these titles to fans of Cynthia Rylant's "Henry and Mudge" (S & S). As Poppy would say, "brilliant" additions to any easy-reader collection.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

K-Gr 2—Another clever addition on a popular topic. A "stubbly" chinned father claims to spend his days not at the office, but rather taming sea monsters, putting on pirate shows for cruise ships, and talking to his parakeet named Petey (in his heart, Petey is a parrot). This gentle, oversize man tells his skeptical son stories of his life at sea and how he rescued the boy's princess mother, who became a pirate after she'd "conquered all her kingdom's dragons." The illustrations are colorful and detailed. Surprises pop up in the painterly pictures, such as a treasure chest on a sea monster's tail and an electric toothbrush on an island. Children will enjoy examining the artwork to catch the little details.—Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT

PreS-Gr 2—A child eagerly anticipates an event and uses simple sentences to express her excitement about what is going to happen. Heo relates two parallel stories here. One features the girl and her calendar countdown with text such as, "Daddy buys some new furniture. I have five days and four nights" and "I wash my old Teddy Bear. I have four days and three nights." Then readers learn what she is preparing for as the illustrations show the mother's journey to Korea to adopt a new baby and bring her home. Signs and labels in Korean appear throughout the book. The exquisite oil, pencil, and collage illustrations dovetail with the quiet, simple tone of the text. Heo's distinctive, uncluttered style is very effective as it reinforces the narrator's focus on the event. The pictures have fanciful angles and random details that will intrigue most children. For example, while Grandma "makes a little pink dress," spools of thread, a pincushion, buttons, and a tape measure, as well as a cat, seem to float about her. Most books about waiting for the arrival of an adoptive baby are aimed at older children and delve into negative feelings about a new sibling. This one is a worthwhile addition to most collections.—Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA

Gr 2–4—Nine-year-old Emma lives with her four siblings, her parents, and, most importantly, her nanny, Annie. Her life begins to change when Bo, Annie's boyfriend, begins to spend time with Annie on the weekends and evenings, and Emma doesn't like sharing her nanny. Then Emma's best friend, Luisa, becomes friends with Katie, and Emma is so overcome with jealousy that she begins to make poor decisions. During a camping trip, Emma decides to make Bo look like a coward. The plan backfires, and she realizes that Annie will never be lonely because of Emma's family and Bo, and that it's possible to love more than one person. Beginning chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting these characters, and many children will relate to Emma's feelings of being left out and jealous.—Marilyn Teicher, New York City Public Schools

PreS-Gr 2—The creator of Baby Duck presents three short adventures that brim with childlike concerns and solutions. Little Chick impatiently waits for her carrot to grow and then finally pulls it, finds a way to make her kite fly, and accepts that she cannot catch her favorite star and put it in her pocket. The protagonist, like many youngsters, wants what she wants immediately, but her understanding and wise Old-Auntie is always there to ease life's disappointments. The text is gentle, affectionate, and child-centered with some lovely turns of phrase and on-target dialogue. The stories become repetitive by the end, but that fact likely makes them more reassuring and appealing to the intended audience. Jeram's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations shine. Little Chick is so perfectly childlike—lying on her back holding her toes when she has to wait, leaning on Old-Auntie when things get too hard, or hanging her head dejectedly when her kite won't fly. Readers will empathize simply by looking at her. Old-Auntie is large and comforting yet distinctively birdlike, and the pages are nicely varied, mixing spot sequences with single- and double-page paintings. From the green-checked endpapers to the blue-washed star-filled sky on the final spread, Little Chick is a joy to behold and will find a treasured place in most collections.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 1–3—Houndsley and Catina are back in a brand-new springtime adventure. Catina's constant chatter once again ruins Houndsley's canoe trip, but he doesn't understand why she suddenly clams up after a wave rocks the boat. Catina can't understand why Houndsley doesn't want to ride his new bicycle. In the end, the two friends help one another overcome their fears. The three episodes seem disjointed at first, but the language is playful and precise and the action comes together for a satisfying conclusion. Houndsley and Catina's misunderstandings will resonate with early elementary readers. Gay's gentle cartoons, done in pen-and-ink and watercolor, sprawl across the pages while leaving plenty of white space around the text to encourage beginning readers.—Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

K-Gr 2—When a child's pet mouse escapes and runs into the Grand Hotel, a madcap chase follows. Mary and her friends get past the doorman and follow Pip through the main lobby into the kitchen, food panty, food elevator, royal suite, a long hallway, attic, and finally roof garden. It is there that the hotel manager's plan to have the hotel cat take care of the situation seems to have worked. But when Mary feels a familiar wiggle in her pocket, she is happy to take part in the callous man's celebration of a mouse-free hotel. This lively escapade is heightened by ellipses at the end of each spread, which create dramatic page turns. As the children race through this bustling high-end hotel, Müller's detail-filled watercolor illustrations truly bring the caper to life. From wonderful facial expressions to "Where's Waldo"-like scenes in the lobby and kitchen, there is so much to see that a careful perusal is definitely in order.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 3—This picture book brings Hughes's poem to life with good-natured, lively watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings. Observing that her brother's pet collection is getting out of hand, a girl sneaks into his room (past a hand-lettered sign on his door that reads "NO GIRLS ALLOWED") where she interacts with a gorilla, a grizzly bear, a lion, four ostriches, an aardvark, several pangolins, 50 bats, a platypus, an ocelot, and more. She foresees quarrels and dances among the beasts, which burst out into the hallway and "shake the house with their Rumpus!" All of the creatures are shooed back to the room before Bert, a bespectacled, bookish fellow, returns home (leading an elephant). The verses are buoyant and accessible and Pearson's busy animal-filled drawings call attention to whimsical details: when the pig-tailed heroine hastily restores order, she plants herself on the sofa with a book that readers will note is upside-down. This delightful picture book will appeal to a wide audience of young readers and also makes an excellent read-aloud. The poem is included in Hughes's Collected Poems for Children (Farrar, 2007), illustrated by Raymond Briggs.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

PreS-K—This rhymed fantasy follows two siblings on a dream voyage to various biomes, where they note spiders spinning, penguins splashing, a kangaroo hopping, and a lion pawing. The author's active words hit the mark for vocabulary enhancement, e.g., "Leaping, lunging,/lily pad plunging…." However, the use of the book's title as the refrain may be confusing to young audiences since it's never made clear whether to look for a paw, claw, hand, or foot on a particular page, and some creatures have none of these appendages. Unfortunately, the artist missed a couple of opportunities for higher energy by not depicting the text. Instead of a monkey "curling, clinging,/tree branch swinging…," the animal is shown sitting on a tree branch, eating muffins from a box. Neither an informative concept book nor an engaging fantasy, this is one that can be skipped.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-K—No matter how hard Bea tries, she can't live up to her flock's credo: "SHEEP ARE NOT UNIQUE!" All the other sheep knit the same dull white scarves, but Bea's striped hat, mittens, scarf, and socks scream with color. And as the rest of the identical ewes play their identical recorders, Bea literally marches to the sound of her own big bass drum. After being scolded once too often for not fitting in, she takes off for the big city, where she knows she'll be appreciated. While there, the lone ewe attempts several "jobs," including hanging from a tree like a fluffy cloud, posing as one of the stone lions outside the public library, and dyeing her wool and entering a dog show as a pink poodle. After winning a blue ribbon as "Most Unique Dog," she returns to her flock. They have all missed Bea and are finally ready to live out some of their own dreams with her encouragement. The energetic acrylic illustrations depict a joyous Bea in her pursuit of happiness. Sharp-eyed readers can follow the progressive, silent stories of the city dwellers shown in the backgrounds of the spreads. A predictable, mildly entertaining tale.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—The day after his birthday, Leo finds a stray kitten, takes her home, and names her Sugar. Although he does not know anything about felines, they get on well. But when Leo tries to feed Sugar leftover cake, she won't eat it. He seeks the expertise of various adult friends, who all offer advice that sounds not unlike the threats parents issue to their own fussy eaters. The boy cajoles, bargains, and warns, but the kitten will not eat the cake. It is hard not to question why Leo's mother, who observes her son's efforts from the sidelines, doesn't simply take him to the library for a book about pet care and put an end to the agony. Finally, he stumbles upon the appropriate food for Sugar and is optimistic about their future together. And then he decides to give the kitten a bath. While not exactly offering wisdom, this gently humorous book gives readers an empathetic link between themselves and tiny Sugar. Potter's distinctive illustrations, done in pencil, ink, gouache, gesso, and watercolor, incorporate plenty of color, with the repeated image of the blue-gray kitten dwarfed atop a dramatically red kitchen table establishing the premise of a small being facing down a larger entity.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Johnston and Cruikshank spin a slightly overlong tale of a freshly shampooed, hungry dog that runs off when he is irresistibly drawn to the smell of hot dogs. Gallivanting from place to place as he follows the scent of food, Farley mooches tidbits and affection wherever he can, including from a little boy at a party. As darkness falls, the now-scruffy canine encounters the sobbing boy, who is lost. Following his nose and retracing his steps, Farley leads the child back home and is himself found by his family, who have been out looking for him. The busy ink and watercolor illustrations contain some good action but little change in perspective. While children may be attracted to the goofy and lovable pooch, the episodic story line is thin. Libraries with a plethora of books featuring dogs, including Gene Zion's Harry the Dirty Dog (HarperCollins, 1956) or Cynthia Rylant's The Great Gracie Chase (Scholastic, 2001), may want to pass on this puppy.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2—Prepare for a pessimist's view of the sights, sounds, and smells of spring. From a baseball breaking a window to allergies, weekend rain, a runaway kite, and a scary thunderstorm, a wild-haired blond girl shares her less-than-thrilled impressions of the season. There are yuck moments: "I sniffle snot and blow it out," balanced by lines of sublime description, such as when a kite line "sizzles through my hands." Even if children buy into the narrator's mood, they won't be able to resist a grin thanks to Kelley's watercolors. The perturbed expressions the girl has for brilliant birds' too-early serenade and for Dad inadvertently mowing over toys are especially humorous. The varied compositions, from landscapes to a white-backed single portrait, make a most pleasing visual bouquet. For teachers, this rhyming list of complaints provides an ideal example of counterpoint when coupled with almost any other book on the season.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 3—This peppy new rendition bears little resemblance to the original legend. The story focuses on Peterkin, a happy elf who stumbles upon a gloomy retired witch named Elbavol. His attempts to cheer her fail, but she sends him off with a magic pipe, which plays the sound of letters. Spelling a word calls it forth, and reversing the letters changes it into something else. So when Peterkin comes to a city plagued by rats and run by a cruel Grand Duke, he uses his pipe to call up the rats and then changes them into stars. However, he still must claim his reward from the Duke. Clever readers may guess the mystery behind Elbavol's name before Peterkin does. This story does not have the haunting, thought-provoking qualities of the legend, nor is it very scary—even the rats are cute. Bright cartoon illustrations in sunshine yellows burst with colorful hearts, flowers, and rainbows except for in the contrasting dark, decrepit areas surrounding Elbavol. Children will enjoy this story without knowing the original tale, but to know only this version would be a shame.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Joe and his endearing pet, introduced in My Penguin Osbert (Candlewick, 2004), take a trip to the South Pole to attend a party to celebrate a display of the southern lights. Joe packs Osbert and his 20+ friends into the helicopter he received from Santa ("I had a little trouble getting everybody into their seat belts, but we managed to take off before noon"). The story bogs down with too many disparate elements, including a couple of superfluous landings and Joe and the penguins twice standing in line to use a restroom, rather than focusing on Osbert falling in love with Aurora Australis. There are some touches of humor: a comment that Joe is not sure that the penguins he returns with were the same ones he brought, but the first book had more humor and child appeal. The colorful and softly muted illustrations created using watercolor, pastel, and digital art depict a fluidly expressive Joe and the personable penguins sneaking upstairs, checking out a globe, landing at the South Pole, one penguin wearing earphones and holding guiding lights, and the magnificence of the southern lights.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS—This reassuring yet slight story stars a pair of stuffed-animal ducklings. When their mother tells them that it is time to leave the pond and go home, they run off and play instead, hiding and waiting for her to find them. But when it starts to rain, they return to her, and she takes them to their cozy nest. Done in pencil crayon and chalk pastel, the illustrations are soft-edged and sweet, with chubby, beady-eyed yellow ducklings sporting T-shirts and tufts of white fuzz on the tops of their heads. The action pages are done as a series of smaller vignettes, endowing the pictures with a sense of motion. The scenes with the mother duck are full-bleed spreads, emphasizing her comforting presence. Even the spot art is presented on light blue washes, giving the whole book—from its yellow plaid endpapers (which echo the mother's patterned coloring) to the final page of the brothers tucked into bed—a gentle, inviting feeling. Although the text is a bit longer than might be ideal for the intended audience, the use of sound words such as "pit-a-pat" and "plip-plop" as well as the distinctly toddlerlike sensibility of the ducklings is likely to appeal to younger listeners. A pleasant addition to larger collections.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-Gr 2—Machinery parades across colorful spreads in this interactive look at equipment. The inventory includes a helicopter, tugboat, cement mixer, and more. The text, one to three lines per spread, is rich in vocabulary. The words and the quality illustrations interact well to portray how each piece of equipment is used in a selected situation. Children will chime in with the "GZZZZZZZZZK!" of the backhoe, the "WWAAAAAWWWWWWWWRRRR!" of the fire engine, and other sounds produced by the equipment. The realistic digital paintings will delight youngsters; spreads alternate with three-page foldouts that show the machines at work. Some reveal unanticipated surprises like a helicopter hovering over a family of ducks crossing a road. The last two pages have small pictures of the machines, descriptions of what they are used for, and labels for selected components. This well-constructed picture book is a surefire hit.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 1—In spare poetic prose, an endearing dog of indeterminate breed declares to its young owner: "I am the keeper of the castle. This castle. And I will keep the castle safe." The "castle" is a cottage on the beach, and the tiny pup goes on to enumerate a variety of tasks, including guarding against monsters (spiders), halting an avalanche (of toys in the cupboard), diverting meteors (standing on the rooftop ready with a baseball bat), stopping "savage beasts" (pirate mice), calming the sea, etc. All of these fanciful and heroic exploits are delightfully depicted. The dog ends up by saying: "Why, you ask? Do you mean to say you don't know? Because you live here." Rendered in pencil and then digitally colored, the artwork set against soft pastel pages provides a perfect match for the whimsical text, and together they portray the love between the two friends beautifully. This book is a lovely read for a child on an adult's lap, where the pictures of the dog's expressions and antics can be fully appreciated and savored.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 4— NO! follows a young boy on a formidable walk to mail a letter he has written. It is only through his journey that readers become conscious of the fact that a war is raging throughout the town. Faceless soldiers march past while tanks rumble down the road tearing through buildings. Narrowly missing the violence all around him, he reaches his destination and is blocked from posting his letter by a bully. It is only when the boy says, "NO!" and refuses to be intimidated that the course of events changes. The war vehicles that were obliterating the city are now dropping presents for the boys and girls from the sky. The last page shows the letter that the boy wrote: "Dear President, at my school we have rules. NO PUSHING, NO PUNCHING. Do you have any rules?" McPhail's delicate watercolor and pencil illustrations bring the understated story to life. Not only introducing a tough topic to a young crowd, this profound narrative also demonstrates the importance of taking a stand and the power of one voice.—Adrienne Wilson, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Monroe, CT

PreS-Gr 2—A truckload of trouble and mountains of mayhem ensue when young Mabel blows a bubble that enfolds her baby brother and carries him aloft. He is pursued by his frantic mother and sister, "crumpled Mr. Copple and his wife," "feeble Mrs. Threeble," "Greville Gribble," the chapel choir, and other townsfolk. The text floats in waves along with the bouncing baby across the energetic watercolor and cut-paper spreads. Dressed in stripes and plaids, nightshirts and jogging suits, the crowd sprints along through backyards and gardens, gesticulating wildly as the smiling infant floats by. Eventually, the rescuers form a human ladder to reach him. But Abel, "a rascal and a rebel," performs a dastardly deed with his slingshot and the people watch in horror as the baby plummets through the air. It takes three page turns for readers to reach the delightful resolution of this perilous predicament. There is no mistaking the baby's happy landing as his smiling face and waving arms and feet fill the spread. This tale, with its over-the-top silliness, is a storyhour gem. And with some practice, the rhyme, alliterative phrases, and names will fall trippingly off the tongue. Fabulous fun!—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 3–5—Soon-to-be-sixth-grader Banjo H. Bishbash plays third base for the Rambletown Rounders. He is also known as the "Walloper" because of his homerun-hitting streak. However, one day during an important game he strikes out and a "funny-looking thing" begins hanging over his head. "That rubbery black pillow of a thing" is Banjo's batter's slump. Goofy names and excessive hyperbole will have readers either smiling or groaning. Pen-and-ink illustrations help readers visualize the action and add to the humor. Repetitive phrasing such as "would have been nice..." becomes tedious, but the interesting descriptive similes coupled with some clever metaphors make for a lively, if uneven, read. Fans of Matt Christopher's sports stories, or readers who simply appreciate play-by-play action, might pick this up.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 2—Children will be drawn to this book by the familiar character and by Mayer's characteristic illustrations, which bustle with color and activity. Little Critter conducts a tour of his hometown, pausing by familiar places such as the post office and fire station. Each page has at most three lines of clear, simple text. Ample white space and large bold type make the book friendly to less-experienced readers, who will generally find that the pictures support their reading. There are a few random transitions, however. Most of the familiar scenes appear as spreads, but following the stop at town hall—"Our mayor works here"—the page turn jumps to a parade past the building with the mayor waving from an open car. "Sometimes we have parades in our town," Little Critter announces before abruptly moving on to the library. There, he and his friends listen to a story with rapt attention, but are later shushed while enjoying a book together. If that doesn't make a few librarians cringe, seeing Little Critter drop his books all over the library stairs will. Still, this title will be a welcome addition where this fellow and other Mayer titles are in demand, and it could fit well with a primary unit on community helpers.—Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN

PreS-Gr 2—With childlike wonder, a young bear asks questions about the natural world, such as "Why does the sun come and light up the day?" A big bear patiently answers: "To wake you from sleep so you come out to play." As the pair enjoy a picnic in the woods, they reflect upon why the path winds ("To take us on journeys and lead us to friends"), why the rain falls ("To help grow the things that we need to feed you"), why the sky thunders ("It's the song of the storm"), and more. As evening falls, the youngster inquires, "But what am I meant for and why am I here?" and is answered with a reassuring, "To live and to wonder, my darling, my dear." Howard's charming, soft-edged illustrations show the cub's exploration throughout the day, from dipping paws into a babbling stream to gazing at a full moon. The affection the characters feel for one another shines through in their gentle facial expressions and the paintings' warm colors. A sweet tale of discovery.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 1—A little boy and his father frolic in a pond on a lazy summer day. The child is "captain of the Crocodaddy hunt." He rides the creature, lures it with a sandwich, and splashes and giggles, but he doesn't succeed in taming the wild beast until he tickles its knees. The final spread shows the father restored to his human form, while the boy, "a little chip off the lazy old Croc," pretends to be the crocodile. Walker's vibrant colors and expressive characters bounce along with the percussive rhyming text, lending visual power to what could have been a one-note premise. This celebration of imaginative play holds appeal for children.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 3—Sandra lives on a ranch and yearns for a pet to keep her company. Her understanding parents allow her to care for various wild creatures of the desert that need her help, including a tortoise, a wild rabbit, an injured coyote, and, finally, an orphaned baby bobcat. As she feeds and cares for each one, Sandra slowly realizes that it will be happier in its natural habitat and reluctantly releases it into the wild. Then the town grocer comes up with a good solution—a small, white, stray dog with a curly tail that needs a home. O'Connor's story is somewhat autobiographical, and the endpapers display actual photos of her, Susie, and the ranch where she lived as a child. Pohrt's realistic-looking watercolor illustrations of the Southwest are well done, although Sandra does not look much older at the end, when at least two years have passed in her search for a pet. However, the theme is a good one, with its emphasis on the fact that wild animals thrive best in the wild, and the story is well told.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 2—Willy and Wally Wolf, hungry for a finger-lickin' chicken dinner, disguise themselves as chickens and pose as domestic workers for hire. Dubbing themselves the "Handy-Dandy Lupino Brothers," they hatch a plan to clean out the coop. Mother hen is delighted by the brothers' offer, but admonishes that she can "pay mere chicken feed." They reply in delight, "We work for cheep." In an instant, Willy and Wally are laden with aprons, cleaning equipment, and supplies and handed a lengthy to-do list. They sweep, mop, scrub, vacuum, dust, polish, wash, hang, iron, and take out garbage. All that when they aren't watching dozens of chicks. Exhausted, they quickly fall into a deep slumber, and the chicks run wild, at least until their mother returns. Willy and Wally hightail it out of there, having lost their taste for chicken. With its fast-paced language and witty narrative paired with lively alliteration and puns, the Bad Boys' latest tale will entertain and capture youngsters' imaginations. Cole deftly expresses humor and the power of understatement in his pencil and watercolor illustrations. Expressive facial expressions and body language tell all.—Marian Creamer, Children's Literature Alive, Portland, OR

K-Gr 3—When the world's top fairy godmother loses her magical powers, her tooth-fairy friend attempts to help her find a new gig: sugarplum fairy, snow fairy—but nothing works for the plump pixie. Then her pal hatches a plan to find a job that is totally necessary for the good of family sleep and harmony—tucking children into bed as a "Goodnight, Sleeptight, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite Fairy Godmother!" The overlong story, told in the tooth fairy's ditzy and slightly sassy voice, features the usual Palatini puns and wanders lazily along to the conclusion. Ajhar has created distinctive characters, and the full-color spreads are dominated by magenta and blue hues. Older children familiar with fairy godmothers from classic tales may appreciate this fairy's dilemma more than young children do, but it's hard to say if they will care.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2—This whimsical tale of an everyday hero has a rhyming text and lively illustrations. Grandpappy has superpowers when he "snippy snappies" his suspenders. He can work his magic to make breakfast or clean the house, or for bigger stuff. He can get the cows unstuck from the muck ("Boing-a-moing-a-moooo") and give a snap to get the mail train back on the track ("Boing-a-choing-a-chooooo"). Alas, his suspenders lose their elasticity just as Grandmammy needs to be rescued from some ambitious crows lifting her into the air. Despite his droopy suspenders, Grandpappy leaps to the rescue and promptly loses his trousers. "Smoochy-smacky-smoooooooooooooooo," his lightning-bolt-patterned bloomers have the same effect as his suspenders, and his lovely wife is saved. Plourde's text, which uses different fonts, sizes, and placements, works well once readers get the right cadence. Santoro's digital mixed-media illustrations animate the tale in a wonderful way. Together the cartoon and realistic elements add depth, detail, and humor to the tale.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 1–4—This gem of a book illustrates how love makes a family, even if it's not a traditional one. The narrator, a black girl, describes how her two Caucasian mothers, Marmee and Meema, adopted her, her Asian brother, and her red-headed sister. She tells about the wonderful times they have growing up in Berkeley, CA. With their large extended family and friends, they celebrate Halloween with homemade costumes, build a tree house, organize a neighborhood block party, and host a mother-daughter tea party. The narrator continually reinforces the affectionate feelings among her mothers and siblings, and the illustrations depict numerous scenes of smiling people having a grand time. Most of the neighbors are supportive, except for one woman who tells Marmee and Meema, "I don't appreciate what you two are." Eventually, the children grow up, marry heterosexual spouses, and return home to visit their aged parents with their own children. Is this an idealized vision of a how a gay couple can be accepted by their family and community? Absolutely. But the story serves as a model of inclusiveness for children who have same-sex parents, as well as for children who may have questions about a "different" family in their neighborhood. A lovely book that can help youngsters better understand their world.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 3—Sam's parents will not let him have a dog or a cat, but they laugh and say yes when he asks for an imaginary creature, a snagglegrollop. He comes home from school one day with the large, hairy pet in tow. It is high maintenance but compensates by telling hilarious jokes and taking the family on weekend adventures. When Emily Evans tells Sam that her parents will not let her have a cat, he suggests a pet like his. She decides on a quibblesnuff, and, at the park, the big fishlike creature with a heart-shaped snout, long eyelashes, and wings enchants Sam's snagglegrollop. Hand in hand, they fly away into a yellow sky, leaving Sam with a new friend and, possibly, a dog. The crowded suburban landscape is curved and fanciful, full of interesting details. In almost every illustration, observant readers will notice a white pup with black-tipped ears and tail that would make the perfect pet for this lonely boy. Whether heard or read independently, this story will resonate with youngsters.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 2—Feeling that his talents are unappreciated, a goat leaves his herd in the mountains to follow his muse and find a fandango-dancing flock. Alas, he can only find a yodeling ewe and a glockenspiel-playing dog. The three of them wander together trying fruitlessly to find dancing goats, until Fritz goes off alone, giving up hope of fulfillment. Then the sound of hooves brings him back to find his friends dancing the fandango and offering themselves as his new "herd." The joyful conclusion features dancing, yodeling, and glockenspiel pinging as the pals cavort across the hills. This homage to following one's dream and the value of friendship features short sentences and a straightforward plot. The workmanlike art depicts big-eyed, daffy-looking characters set against a spare, Saturday-morning-cartoon background of blue sky and purple hills. Libraries in need of additional material celebrating individuality might consider this title.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

PreS-K—A child imagines all of the places her ginger kitten might explore in search of a good spot to snooze. The cows are not ready to retire, the chickens are too noisy, and the vegetable patch is full of bunnies. From the bright blue day outdoors, the kitten wanders inside the house to find a spot and settles at the feet of "best friend," a pajama-clad human. The end page shows the farm at night. The colorful, realistic pictures are large enough for group sharing, and children will likely enjoy the sweet kitten. The rhymed text is simple enough for beginning readers, with a repetitive phrase that makes for vocabulary building. An acceptable choice for those needing filler for bedtime storytimes or for larger picture-book collections.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

K-Gr 2—A girl and her dad spend the day running errands, filling up their old blue pickup truck in the process. In the course of their travels, Old Blue is turned into a restaurant, garden, toolshed, feed store, and barnyard, among other things. On the way home it begins to rain, and the girl saves the day by using her just-purchased plastic tablecloth to cover the contents of the truck bed. The story ends with Old Blue polished, waxed, and looking like new. This enjoyable story is accompanied by oil on primed paper illustrations that have a bright and clean feel. The spreads use a combination of vivid colors including reds, blues, browns, and greens with ample white space and plenty of details to enhance the text. Pair this title with Lauren Thompson's The Apple Pie That Papa Baked (S & S, 2007) for a father-themed storytime.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 1–4—When Humpty falls off the wall, his brother Joe, a detective in Mother Gooseland, is convinced that he was pushed. Thus begins the unraveling of the mystery of who did the dastardly deed. All of the characters use cell phones and some drive cars in this long and complicated tale. There are a lot of egg jokes, and wordplay abounds. In the end, Little Miss Muffet and the Big Bad Wolf go off to jail for their crime. Now Joe Dumpty has more work to do as the Dish just ran away with the Spoon and Bo Peep's sheep are roaming. The illustrations are done in watercolor, with pen and ink. The drawings are various sizes and often there are multiple frames per page. Pictures are detailed, and many contain speech balloons. This is a text-heavy story that will tickle the funny bone of readers old enough to get the jokes.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 2–4—This well-meaning and thoughtful book showcases charming ink and watercolor illustrations; it is also somewhat derivative. The narrative opens, "A sweet breeze met the boy as he awoke to his journey. He traveled on all fours for quite some time…and he grew. And he paused." These lines are very soothing and accompanied by pictures that show a baby staring out from under a tree, crawling through some grass, and sitting cross-legged meditatively. Then the lengthy story meanders as the boy follows a rabbit down a path, wonders about a leaf and the stars, and meets a cat who advises him to start his journey so he won't "be left behind." The child replies, "Oh, but I have been on a journey…I've seen many wonderful things. Some I understand, and some I don't…like how that leaf floats on the water." The child continues his travels, meeting other animals who give advice and make pronouncements about the journey of life, a frog concluding that he is content to stay in his bog where he swam as a tadpole and grew into an adult. These philosophical musings, while simply stated, are unlikely to find a wide audience.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

K-Gr 2—Prince Hayden MacCheeky is a "REAL" prince who is "ALWAYS busy doing something" and "NEVER" stops moving. He "LOVE[S]" to imitate his older brother and irritate his older sister and laughs when they tell him to "STOP" bothering them. However, when he observes how much fun his siblings have playing with one another, he can't understand why "THEY don't want to play with ME!" After talking to his mother, he has a brilliant idea: he tries "PLAYING" with his brother and sister instead of annoying them and learns that it is "WAY more fun." He decides to "NEVER" imitate or irritate "them EVER again." The book tries too hard to get its simple point across and everything about it is overdone—the computerized artwork is quirky and in-your-face bright, the constant use of capitalized words is unnecessary, and the protagonist is obnoxious. This offering is billed as the first in a series in which each book is supposed to teach a simple life lesson. Skip it and stick with Rosemary Wells's "Max and Ruby" titles (Dial), which are much more engaging and serve a similar purpose.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2—This early chapter book about a disobedient dog has plenty of humor and charm. Ben experiences a ton of trouble with his feisty friend, Aggie. While her antics are not particularly original, they will capture the interest of young readers, especially dog lovers. After the canine is dismissed from obedience school, the boy embarks on a training program of his own, determined to teach his pet to sit and stay. But Aggie chases a squirrel and a cat, and she goes wild in a hat store when she interprets her own image in a three-way mirror as three other dogs. Blind Mr. Thomas understands Aggie and advises patience. The quirky cartoon illustrations are delightful. For independent reading, this title works well with Maggie Stern's Singing Diggety (Scholastic, 2001). For a read-aloud unit on well-behaved and incorrigible canines, consider using Aggie with John Grogan's Bad Dog, Marley! (HarperCollins, 2007), Barbara M. Joosse's Bad Dog School (Clarion, 2004), and Lois Ehlert's Wag a Tail (Harcourt, 2007).—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS—A bear cub delights in spending a fun-filled day with his mother. While adults may cringe at the grammatically incorrect title and uneven meter, preschoolers with an affinity for schmaltz might like it. "We make strings of flowers/and Mom is so clever/That her daisy chain/seems to go on forever!" The unbridled admiration the cub displays toward his mom is also evident in Edgson's soft, bright acrylic paintings. Overall, however, the story pales next to Anthony Browne's succinct, sublime My Mom (Farrar, 2005) or the innocent, cartoonish glee of Karen Katz's Mommy Hugs (S & S, 2006). Devoted fans of Ritchie's Me and My Dad! (Good Bks., 2007) may want this companion. Otherwise, it is unessential to any but the largest picture-book collections.—Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

PreS-K—Despite the subtitle, this book is not just for babies. It's a charming and entertaining easy reader as well. The acrylic illustrations are done in a pastel, springtime palette with soft edges that give the animals and their scenery a happy and safe feeling. The book opens with mother bird teaching her baby to fly "…in the blue, blue sky,/where the wind blows whish./'Look!' cheeps the baby bird./'I see a…/FISH!'" The fish sees a baby snake, the snake sees an otter, and so on. At the end, a baby mouse spots a human child, and all of the youngsters gather around a pond as the toddler exclaims, "Babies everywhere!" This is a sweet book that has a rhythm reminiscent of "Over in the Meadow." The text flows easily from scene to scene, and as each baby is discovered, children can call out the rhyming name, which adds to the level of interaction.—Kate Neff, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL

PreS-K—Pierre, a red fox, lives alone at the foot of a mountain. One day he drives off in his little red sports convertible, hoping to make a friend on the other side. Children must turn the book sideways to fully appreciate the spreads showing a "sky-high mountain" with a spiral road. They will love vocalizing "toot! toot! screech!" at each of the cumulative encounters Pierre has as Goat, Sheep, and Bear join in the quest. Although no one lives on the other side of the mountain, a satisfying conclusion marks several successful friendships. The quartet settle down together in a house that incorporates pieces of the car. A large font with generous spacing between the lines adds much to the book's pleasing design. The spirited cartoonlike illustrations are done in ink and watercolor. Front endpapers show Pierre driving alone; final endpapers picture him riding with his three new pals. Expect requests for repeated readings.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

K-Gr 2—Two unseen characters debate the identity of the creature at the center of this clever book—is it a duck or a rabbit? Readers will join in the discussion, because the creature could, in fact, be either. Just as each of the debaters begins to see the other's perspective, the duck/rabbit runs away and they see an anteater. Or is it a brachiosaurus? Text and illustrations are intimately wedded in this fun, interactive read-aloud. The bold lines and bright colors in Lichtenheld's illustrations are a visually pleasing match for the bantering text. With a strong, well-executed concept, this book provides an excellent starting point for discussing how points of view can differ and still be right.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 2—An unnamed boy cheerfully explains his favorite day of the year—Yes Day—as he makes his way through it. He tells readers to watch and see as his every request is granted—pizza for breakfast, hair gel, an ice-cream cone, a food fight, a dinner guest—all that and more. Lichtenheld's bright and funny cartoons bring the story to life, with character expressions that are right on the mark. Endpapers show a calendar filled with familiar and amusing ways to say "no" that are heard on a daily basis, with the exception, of course, on Yes Day. Children will find Rosenthal and Lichtenheld's third collaboration irresistible. Yes!—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

K-Gr 4—This picture-book poem discusses the many things that can be done in a day: plant a seed, make a wish, live a life. The illustrations were each cut from a single piece of black paper using an X-Acto knife. They incorporate white spaces and play against yellow and blue backgrounds. Astonishingly detailed, the artwork evokes the feel of classic 1940s and '50s picture books. The large spreads show a boy exploring nature on his family's farm, napping in a hammock with his mother, and hiking in the woods with his father. They successfully capture the magical childhood sense that a day can go on forever. There's no denying the simple loveliness of Rylant's text in lines like "The past is sailing off to sea,/the future's fast asleep," but ultimately, the poem's "seize the day" message may be better appreciated by adults than children.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 2–4—In the first installment of a planned series, readers meet nine-year-old Calvin, whose singing-star father changed their last name from Novio to Coconut before leaving the family four years earlier. In Mr. Purdy's fourth-grade class in Kailua, HI, Calvin's year is off to a bad start when he accidentally lets loose his new pet centipede, forgets to pick up his little sister after school, and incurs the ire of middle-school bullies Tito and Frank. At home, he's got to give up his room to Stella, the blond, beautiful but surly teenaged daughter of his mother's friend who's come from Texas to stay for a while. He gets off on the wrong foot with her, too, when he forgets to fix the lock on the bedroom door, necessitating a window escape. Humor, lots of local color, and richly varied cultural details abound in this accessible, fun read, and a map of the town and sketches throughout help bring readers into Calvin's world. (It does seem odd, though, that Calvin's mother would go shopping while her new guest is locked in the bedroom.) While light on character development and more episodic than plot-driven, this title will be enjoyed by readers venturing into chapter books, and it lays the groundwork nicely for the titles to come.—Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

K-Gr 2—A big brother is skeptical of the little pink monkeys his sister says have moved into the refrigerator. Dad supports Maggie's claim, and "was careful not to shut the door on their tails when he took out the mayonnaise." Mom makes extra banana pudding for them and older sister Kate helps dress them in invisible clothes. Big brother doesn't buy the premise that they live in the refrigerator because they are polar monkeys. When he confronts his mother, she responds, "Sometimes...it's hard to know what's real." When his friends come over, they laugh at Maggie's monkeys and threaten to let them escape. Big brother notices and responds to Maggie's tears and "quick, worried suck" of her thumb. He steps up to her defense, affirming his love for her. Carter's black colored pencil and gouache cartoon illustrations feature a lively family in a cheerfully decorated home. Pages depicting characters who support Maggie's belief are framed and have a little monkey hanging onto the border. Pages with big brother's skepticism are plain and unframed until he, too, buys into the story. This splendidly crafted tale of imagination and family love may start discussions about what is real, what is not, and the power of persuasion.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-K—A droll, upbeat tale with cheery watercolor-and-ink illustrations. The story contains five vignettes about a mouse and an elephant, and the first giggle is right there in the title, since Tiny is the elephant and Hercules is the mouse. Each scenario requires some thought and ingenuity. Tiny is invited to an ice-skating party but doesn't know how to skate. Hercules needs to paint something LARGE for his art class. Rude customers shake Tiny's composure when the friends open a lemonade stand. Hercules's 103-year-old uncle can't blow out all the candles on his birthday cake. When Tiny and Hercules decide to knit each other sweaters, Tiny finishes his mouse-sized sweater long before Hercules can make inroads on an elephant-sized one. The tales are peppered with exclamations like, "Great idea!," "Don't worry," and "I think I can help you." In fact, even the most sidesplitting moments in these stories (as when Hercules holds Tiny aloft on the skating rink and does the skating for them both) are secondary to the touching portrait of a devoted friendship.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

K-Gr 3—This sweet story takes readers through young Anna Maria's Saturday as she helps her grandparents in their neighborhood store. The day is special for its simplicity; the book is special for its rich evocation of the delights of a little Italian market and the loving relationships between a girl and her grandparents. Beingessner's folksy illustrations and Schwartz's easy text fit well together and are filled with details. The fresh fruits and vegetables are lined up on wooden racks in front of the store, Nonno hand prints small signs to display among the produce, and fresh bread is delivered from a bakery in blue-and-white striped bags that Anna Maria sorts on the shelves. Nonna prepares a dinner of stuffed mushrooms in her kitchen behind the shop, and the girl and her friend draw on the sidewalks with chalk and share frozen treats from the store after dinner. The compelling visual and verbal descriptions make readers feel a part of the activities, as though they are living out one of those idyllic Saturdays. Reading this book is as appealing as spending a day in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood—both provide a gentle and welcome escape. Share this story during storytime and encourage children to talk about other places or memories that make them feel happy.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 1—Alex, a white dog with a large black spot over one eye, is best friends with a white cat with black markings. One day, Lulu gets her pal thinking about the ways in which they are different; for example, Alex enjoys soccer and playing ship's captain, but Lulu prefers painting flowers. He worries that their relationship is in jeopardy. To reassure him, Lulu offers several examples of true opposites ("big and small," "wet and dry") and reminds Alex that they share many interests in common (pillow fights). What's more, their differences can mesh, making the friendship solid and interesting. Siminovich's spare scenes offer patterned backgrounds and an occasional charming detail, such as a trio of ants carrying a leaf umbrella or a "FRAGILE" packing sticker on Alex's homemade boat. The block figures, who always seem to be on tiptoe, pose in linear fashion. With their retro feel and lack of fuss, the artwork is delectable. Despite stereotypical gender roles, the text serves both storytellers and independent readers.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 1—This British import tries too hard to be cute. On the verso of each spread, two children ponder what could be growing inside their mother. The opposite page has a drawing of the pregnant woman's torso with a flap that reveals a picture corresponding to the text. While guesses such as a seedling or balloon make sense from a child's perspective, others, such as a boat or birthday cake with candles, are too preposterous even for a child's imagination. The colored-pencil drawings are fanciful but overly bright to the point of looking garish. Two of the nine pictures show the mother holding a candy bar, which sends a dubious message about her food choices during pregnancy. The text, which has apparently been Americanized, starts off with a rhyming glitch: "Oh/Mommy,/Mommy,/what's in your/tummy?" Harriet Ziefert's Waiting for Baby (Holt, 1998) uses the expanding-tummy lift-the-flap premise to greater effect, and Kes Gray's Baby on Board (S & S, 2004) is more inspired.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 2—The students in Miss Fox's class have been squabbling for days, so their teacher declares "Peace Week." The children decide that there will be no fighting or saying mean things, and that they will help others for an entire week. The rest of the book consists of various ways in which a child is tempted to engage in bad behavior but consistently chooses the high road instead. When Squirrel's sister complains about him bouncing nuts against the gate, he bounces marshmallows instead. When Bunny wears her yellow sweater and Polecat calls her "Bunny-Banana," she does not retaliate. In each case, the perpetrator of the mean remark or action is instantaneously and unrealistically reformed. Kennedy's watercolor, ink, and dye illustrations feature an endearing cast of animal characters with expressive faces. The book could generate some discussion about making positive choices; otherwise, it's an additional purchase.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-K—It's bedtime in the forest, and little Button the bear has just been tucked in. As he reviews the events of his day, the vivid memory of a "scary tree-bear" frightens him so much that he is afraid he will have bad dreams. When his parents respond to his cries, they share pleasant memories with him to keep the bad ones away. Their reassuring story about the day Button was born is told in a natural, conversational style. He eagerly interrupts with questions and comments, creating a loving echo of how human parents share stories with their own children. The soft colors and brushstrokes of Marlow's illustrations underscore the sweet, gentle nature of the tale. The bears have round bodies and button eyes, which bring to mind the teddy bears that children might cuddle as they listen. A good choice for bedtime stories or for evening storytimes.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

PreS-Gr 2—A seemingly dull day quickly turns into counting mayhem when 19 feline friends follow a kitten home and proceed to tear the place apart. In fluid rhyming text, the head count builds up from "How many cats/are here to play?/Zero, zilch./None today" to "How many cats in all? Plenty!/Now they number nineteen, twenty." Thompson also introduces times table groupings (e.g., "frolicking in four rows of five"). The realistic illustrations are full of energy, with each cat doing its own thing while contributing to the chaos. The domestic setting reinforces the concept of numbers in everyday situations. Although the narrator repeatedly prompts a recount, readers will probably be doing that on their own; the numbers change so quickly—both up and down—that children will want to make sure they have a firm grasp of just how many cats are on a page at any time. The natural cadence of the text and the change-in-the-blink-of-an-eye activity make this a great book for sharing one-on-one. And it's an excellent recommendation for readers who can never have too many cats.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS—Young children are invited to knock on and then enter a succession of different colored doors. Behind the full-page panels are rooms filled with people or animals performing such simple daily actions as playing, eating, and, in the end, snoring to insure this book's obvious use as a bedtime story. Each color is introduced with a rhyming couplet—"This door is green/What can that mean?"—followed by the familiar "Knock! Knock!/Anyone there?" Little hands will love turning the pages to see a cozy family of rabbits around a kitchen table, silly monkeys engaged in a pillow fight, and bears brushing their teeth. In only two instances, the animal groups are specified by numbers; there are seven bunnies and four monkeys. Nonetheless, the charming story offers an excellent rhythm and rhyme scheme, a review of colors, bright and playful cartoon illustrations, and an opportunity for listener participation.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

K-Gr 3—It is Mother's Sunday, "when the older ladies dressed in crisp white suits and wore clean white gloves…and hats. Big, bold, beautifully colored hats." Clara B. is in a rush to sit into the pew just behind the lady with the best one—her grandmother. When complimented on her broad-brimmed pink chapeau, the woman responds, "Honey, I'm not wearing this hat. The hat is wearing me!" Clara is not allowed to touch it, but she is determined to try it on. Later, when her grandmother dozes off in an armchair, Clara finally gets her hands on the hat. In the bedroom, she stumbles and accidentally crushes it. Then she tries to repair it, snipping and gluing with "supplies from Grandma's craft drawer." She returns it to the box with a note of apology. The next Mother's Sunday, Clara is apprehensive, but then she finds a pink hatbox labeled "Child's Medium" on her pew seat. In many African-American churches, it is customary for women to wear elegant, stylish, often large, elaborate hats, especially on Mother's Sunday. Turner-Denstaedt provides a brief explanation of this tradition. Morrison's large and expressive paintings are suffused with warmth and reflect the text beautifully. This is a wonderful family story that celebrates the bond between generations.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—When readers meet Mouse, he is furious. First he is "hopping mad," but expert Hare informs him that he is not hopping properly and shows him the correct moves. On the animated spreads that follow, Bear, Bobcat, and Hedgehog demonstrate how to be "stomping," "screaming," and "rolling-around-on-the ground" mad. However, each time Mouse tries to imitate them, he finds himself sprawled in a mud puddle. It is not until he is "standing-still mad" and none of the others can best his motionless stance that he begins to feel better. Through playful language and expressive watercolors with colored pencil and ink, this story about anger management proves to be both entertaining and therapeutic. Just like the heroine in Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Scholastic, 1999), Mouse finds his own way through his ire and, in the process, may help a few youngsters get a handle on their own.—Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1—Emma's grandmother has become gravely ill and is hospitalized the night before she is scheduled to read to her granddaughter's kindergarten class. Emma is doubly disappointed because she and Grandma have bagels together in a restaurant every Wednesday and will have to miss a date. But, most of all, the girl is scared. She has a question that she's too afraid to ask. Her mother inquires if Emma wants to talk about her grandmother, but the five-year-old can't formulate the words. When she visits her in the hospital, Emma finally blurts out, "Are you going to die?" Though her mother is shocked by the question, Grandma's answer is frank and honest: "Not today. I have a Chutes and Ladders game to play." And, when her granddaughter presses the issue a bit, the woman concedes that it will happen "sometime, but not now." Large, bright pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations help alleviate the sadness of the situation. This open-ended story offers a child-centric vehicle for discussion and is just right for one-on-one sharing.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2—Yumi introduces readers to her country via this informational picture book. She starts with her bedroom, detailing her desk, lamp, bed (futon), closet, and school bag, and then takes readers through her kitchen, explaining what she and her family eat, and the bathroom. Small illustrations of the featured items face a full-page, full-color picture of the room, and children can look for the individual objects in it. Yumi then shows her school and explains how things work there. Transportation, vacation times, and holidays and festivals are also described. There is an illustration of a public bath (which includes cartoonish nude figures from the rear). There are no detailed descriptions of the items. On the topic of food, for example, tiny renderings show dishes such as sushi, sukiyaki, and kare raisu, but there's no explanation of what they consist of or how to pronounce them. There are tidbits that may be interesting, such as the fact that the students all help to clean the school each day, and that they remove their shoes and change into slippers there. There are also samples of Japanese writing, with the hiragana characters included as well. This is an additional purchase, better for browsing than for gaining information.—DeAnn Okamura, San Mateo County Library, CA

Gr 3–5—A modern-day adventure that reads like an exuberant nature journal, this novel will grip readers from start to finish. Named because of her coat, which is "the color of rain, of water over rocks," Blue lives with her family in a remote and rugged swath of Idaho wilderness where humans seldom venture. In fact, the very existence of the herd is only a legend among locals. When two ne'er-do-well cowboys capture Blue and her gentle half sister Doe, the mustangs are taken far from their herd and the freedom they've always known. Missing their family and not knowing anything about human ways (not even recognizing a rope), they encounter a range of human behavior after their first terrible experience. Blue ultimately escapes captivity and connects with a Nez Perce boy and his family, whose ancestors bred Appaloosas. Deftly and tenderly, without being overly sentimental, Wedekind describes the subtleties of horse instinct and communication. Horse fans and animal lovers will embrace this book with unbridled enthusiasm. It deserves a place next to Marguerite Henry or even Jack London on young readers' bookshelves.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 3—"Hum strum/rattle-rattle/tootle-ootle croon./Sweet swamp music underneath the moon." Catfish Kate is playing her banjo with her friends Snake, Newt, and Skeeter, but Skink and his Skunktail Boys complain. They have come to the swamp to read and they want QUIET! When the two arguing groups reach an impasse, Kate calls her girl band away to search for a compromise. The Skunktail Boys think they've won but wait! Kate has an ace up her sleeve, and all ends well: "Happily ever after/underneath the moon." The text is short and rhythmic with many noisy sounds, and the colorful cartoon illustrations burst with lively motion. Although there are various other "band" picture books, some also with onomatopoeic sounds, this rhyming romp emphasizes the importance of compromise. It would be a good jumping-off point for a discussion on conflict resolution as well as just a fun read-aloud.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 2–4—In her fourth book about Rosa, Williams once again devises a tale filled with warmth and vitality. With Aunt Ida and Uncle Sandy living upstairs, the girl welcomes their newborn into the family. She participates in caring for Benji, and even plans for the fun they will have as he grows older. The story's central focus, however, is Rosa's beloved, velvet-rose-covered chair. Grandma suggests that the worn and stained fabric needs replacing, and her mother mentions buying a new one. Rosa puts down her foot. "Don't you even care about history?" she responds, reminding her mother how they bought the chair with saved dimes and quarters, and how it is now a part of the family. Even if she becomes president and moves to the White House, Rosa claims, the chair will go too. Her mother hugs her and replies, "Rosa, you sure do say the strangest things." Rich watercolor illustrations featuring the child and her extended family give a comfortable feeling to this heartfelt tale. In this national economic turndown, a story that emphasizes sharing with family and friends and realizing what is important in everyday life will be a welcome choice, and children who have loved Rosa before will find this book equally appealing—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

K-Gr 1—Puzzlehead and his friends are puzzle pieces exploring their world to find where they will fit. The protagonist's pals seem to have an easier time of it than he does. When he finally finds his niche, away from the others, they invite him back into the circle by asking, "Don't you want to play with us?" He agrees, and the five pieces form a puzzle of their own. The text, varying in size, flows in waves across the pages, creating movement for the colorful, digitally rendered characters in different shapes and colors. Good use of white space emphasizes the simple pieces' minimalist features. However, this book may end up being too puzzling for young audiences.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-K—A little white bunny refuses to be thwarted by a circus advertisement that states "small animals need not apply." In simple text, the young rabbit shows the other creatures that it may be too small to do certain things like tying shoelaces, but that it can do something pretty special nonetheless. Much like these characters, preschoolers will anticipate the bunny's next move. The illustrations are rendered in soft hues that are soothing yet colorful. The animals, which include a gorilla and giraffe, have wonderfully expressive eyes and gestures. There are a few words in a large font on each page, making it easy for young children to follow along. A veritable game of peek-a-boo at the end—which includes disappearing into and reappearing from a lion's mouth—will enchant and encourage those who usually find themselves too small to do many things and help them recognize their talents.—Linda M. Kenton, Pickleweed Public Library, San Rafael, CA

K-Gr 3—Adler begins by asking young readers to imagine a world without money and the complications that would ensue. He then traces the history of our current monetary system, explaining early systems of bartering and the use of such things as rocks and feathers. Adler explains how the value of money fluctuates as prices go up and down and concludes with a discussion of digital money. One statement causes concern; the author states that "Checks and credit cards are money too, because they can be used to buy things." Regarding a credit card as money is irresponsible, and the two should not be equated. Miller's computer-generated illustrations are vibrantly colored if rather flat, but they do help to clarify and support some of the concepts and add some humor to the topic. The book will be useful as a starting point for units on money, but is otherwise an additional purchase.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 1–3—Alda's interesting, full-color photographs that illustrate a series of opposites are the strength of this book. The uniquely composed pictures are accompanied by mostly single words or phrases as captions. While some examples clearly show the word's meaning, others may require some explanation. Traditional brick architecture opposing a modern skyscraper for "old" and "new" and a statue of a roaring lion compared with one of a closed-mouth lioness for "hungry" and "full" bring a somewhat sophisticated perspective to the concept of opposites and may spark discussion. Tana Hoban's Push, Pull, Empty, Full (S & S, 1972) is still the standard photo-essay on the topic. Hoban's Exactly the Opposite (1990), Nina Crews's A High, Low, Near, Far, Loud, Quiet Story (1999, both HarperCollins), and Laura Vaccaro Seeger's Black? White! Day? Night! (Roaring Brook, 2006) all offer more obvious examples.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

Gr 3–5—The gross-out factor is high in this introductory explanation of the circulatory and respiratory systems. Pop-outs that take a variety of forms from a giant nose with "pick open" flaps to a pumping heart graphically illustrate the workings (and secretions) of these bodily functions. Detailed captions explain the pop-outs on each page. A roller coaster of fun facts ends the presentation. The book is packed with brightly colored drawings and close-up photographs of body parts that add to the appeal. The very things that make it interesting—the pop-ups and moving parts—also make it an impractical choice for circulation.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 3–5—In the vein of Laura Amy Schlitz's Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! (Candlewick, 2007), Ashman offers voices of several characters within the castle of a bumbling earl as he decrees that he will hold a tournament and a banquet. What this actually means is that his staff will plan the events and suffer the consequences as they clean up after the visiting nobles. The story is straightforward; what is interesting here are the multiple perspectives in rhyming poems that drive the narrative and the humorous artwork filled with period details. Schindler fills the pages with color, from the illustrations themselves to the illuminated borders and drop-cap letters that echo medieval texts. Ashman's poetry holds together well, only occasionally dropping the meter. Endnotes offer historical facts about the roles of each of the characters, from the steward to the "gong farmer," whose job was to clean the privy. In fact, the gong farmer is the most captivating character in the book: his poem and illustration are laid out length-wise to show the drop from the privy to where the mess eventually ends up. While for a younger audience and not as useful in a classroom context as Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!, this book presents more details to expand on the period, and browsers will be enchanted by the illustrations.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 3–6—Each of these titles includes well-illustrated instructions for easy completion of games, projects, or tricks. Games takes a nostalgic look at traditional pastimes such as Red Rover, Old Maid, and Ping-Pong Soccer. Passing along these activities and inspiring children to make up some of their own is an underlying purpose of the book. Pranks, an innocent collection of mischievous (and sometimes messy) practical jokes and tricks, includes instructions for making fake vomit, dive-bombing eggs in a bottle, and frightening friends with "rattlesnake eggs." Paper Airplanes is a great start for beginning engineers. Harbo lays out the steps for each creation clearly and provides descriptive illustrations and tips on the best ways to hold and fly the planes. Folding techniques increase in difficulty with each successive project. Great additions.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

K-Gr 4—This offbeat introduction to 20 ocean creatures pairs large cartoons with simple rhymes. The humor involved in such images as a shark in a dentist's chair or a lobster cleaning the ocean floor with dustpan and broom is obvious. Other allusions and puns incorporated into pictures and text will make older readers smile or groan. For example, a swordfish in pirate gear guards a treasure chest next to the ship, Spear-it of '76. Small photos accompany sidebars at the edge of each spread. Libraries in which Bessesen's Look Who Lives in the Desert! (Arizona Highways, 2004) is popular may want to supplement their collections with this lighthearted offering, though it is not a core resource.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 3–6—Lyrical language and vivid details make for a strong retelling of this Greek myth, as Persephone is "plucked" from a flower-filled field, carried off to the Underworld by Hades, and sought out and mourned for by her distraught mother, Demeter. The story follows a traditional path, and Clayton makes connections to day-to-day life and the harvest cycle in the narrative and in her interesting afterword. Demeter welcomes her daughter home with a feast of "fresh bread, white cheese, dark olives, and cool glasses of barley water" and her seasonal comings and goings are marked by changes to the environment ("Ice melts and the ground grows soft. Earth bears fruit….Spring has come again"). Lee's mixed-media paintings, showing stylized classical-looking figures, effectively use color and tone to convey the characters' emotions: Persephone is aglow with happiness in a spring-hued scenario or wrapped in deep despair in Hades's dark kingdom. Cutaways simultaneously depict above- and belowground scenes (for example, Demeter rests in a sunlit pool while Persephone sits on a lonely Underworld throne) to underscore the story's themes. Add this fine picture book to mythology sections.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 3–6—These titles succeed in demystifying and explaining the science behind common childhood experiences. The body is described as a battlefield where superhero cells work hard as a team to mend a broken bone, fight off plaque, and battle an infection. To this end, many of the vibrant illustrations anthropomorphize various cells and other "battle" participants, making the science explained approachable and easy to understand. Photomicrographs further illuminate the text. These amazing pictures, taken with a scanning electron microscope, are greatly magnified and colored to highlight certain features. Although the information at the close of Earache is perhaps simplistic and overly optimistic in terms of the body's ability to heal itself without the use of antibiotics, all three titles would be good additions to most libraries.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

K-Gr 6—Similar in approach to Ntozake Shange's Ellington Was Not a Street (S & S, 2004), this book spotlights a historical African-American figure on each spread. Cook's brief words introduce 11 key individuals, beginning with "Our ancestors fought…/so George [Washington Carver] could invent./George invented…so Jesse [Owens] could sprint./Jesse sprinted…." Each stunning spread features full-bleed artwork done by a different children's book illustrator, such as James Ransome, Leo and Diane Dillon, Pat Cummings, E. B. Lewis, and Bryan Collier. Sports greats Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson verily leap from the pages. Ruby Bridges steps innocently into her school building, guarded by two federal marshals. An unknown Civil War soldier reminds readers of nameless heroes who struggled for freedom. These images will motivate students to seek further information about the people depicted here. Paragraph-length profiles of these "pioneers of change" are appended as are the artists' biographies, which will lead students to discover a rich body of work by contemporary illustrators. A perfect read-aloud to introduce a lesson on biographies or African-American studies.—Catherine Trinkle, Hickory Elementary, Avon, IN

Gr 2–6—The first book is divided into four parts: familiar people (the doctor, the lunch lady), famous Americans (Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman), famous foreigners (Henry the XIII, Anastasia), and imaginary people and folk heroes (Alice in Wonderland, Robin Hood). Each monologue concludes with an activity that ranges from drawing a picture of the character to completing a diary entry and brainstorming answers about the character in an actor's notebook. (Children are encouraged to write in the book, which is problematic for libraries.) The monologues and activities will fire the imaginations of young students. While the illustrations are average, they provide an additional activity for students, allowing them to imagine and draw a costume for the types of characters they will be reading about in the following section. My Third Monologue Book is also divided into four parts: places you know (the woods, grandma's house), places in the United States (Laredo, TX; Flagstaff, AZ), foreign countries (Italy, Morocco), and imaginary and far-out places (Hogwarts, an alien world). However, the majority of the selections take place in the United States and the fewest focus on imaginary places. Concluding activities range from figuring out where the character is, to circling or underlining grammar clues, to completing a travel journal. Both books are good additions as they suggest well-rounded activities for students to practice reading, writing, speaking, and both critical and imaginative thinking.—Terrilyn Fleming, Colby Public Schools, KS

K-Gr 3—Set in spreads of dreamy dinosaur art, these 20 playful paleontologic poems overflow with wit and useful information. "What kept the Spinosaurus warm/When it was colder than the norm?/Spines much like a solar panel./(And long underwear of flannel.)" Sandwiched between two general poems entitled "The Age of Dinosaurs" and "The End of Dinosaurs," the entries describe individual species. Each selection includes a helpful pronunciation guide as well as the meaning behind the dinosaur's name. In muted colors with unexpected details, the ethereal artwork differs from the bold, aggressive pictures found in many dinosaur books. Created on paper bags with a variety of media, this collage art expands on the humor found in the verses. Back matter includes a "Glossarysaurus" that provides more information for each dinosaur and details about its extinction, and a page of dinosaur museums and fossil Web sites. This smart marriage of dinosaurs and poetry will delight a wide audience.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—On a series of spreads, this title introduces concepts such as eating whole foods, gardening, using fewer resources, and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Although Goodings includes tips, some issues, including sections on fair trade and habitat destruction, provide philosophical discussions rather than practical advice. The book is illustrated in bright pastels, but unfortunately, all of the "local" children are depicted as Caucasian; children of other races only appear in the section dealing with fair trade in foreign countries. The illustrations are extensively labeled and sometimes overwhelmed by awkward phrases scattered throughout the images. This negatively impacts the organization, as the information isn't presented in a discernible pattern. Growing Green may have a place as a read-aloud during an environmental unit, but it focuses more on ideals than research-ready facts.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 3–6—For each letter, an eight-line poem introduces a tip for protecting the environment. Lengthy sidebars accompany each verse and provide more detailed information. The book is illustrated with acceptable watercolor paintings. The sidebars are well written, but the poetry is sometimes awkward and occasionally feels forced. The content presents useful advice, though many of the suggestions are aimed at things adults can do, such as composting and improving the insulation in their home, and forgoing items made of ivory or animal skins. However, important information has occasionally been left out. For example, the entry for the letter "B" discusses the uses of compact fluorescent lights. Although the text cautions about handling broken bulbs due to mercury content, it doesn't explain that these bulbs need to be properly recycled. Overall, though, this is an interesting starting point for a class researching a wide range of environmental topics.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 3–5—Short chapters illustrated with bright cartoon drawings cover many important concerns and offer explanations of the divorce process. Topics range from how to deal with negative emotions, family changes, and new living arrangements, to tougher issues such as violence and financial troubles. The text has a compassionate tone, and sprinkled throughout are answers to questions that readers might have as well as snippets of advice from girls who have found what works for them. A few write-in quizzes are included. This book promises to be a helpful guide.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—Fifteen poems celebrate many shades of brown. Words that conjure up smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and textures create imagery that helps to bring the hues to life. "A mug of hot chocolate,/smooth and creamy brown./Tasty, toasty brown./Delightful, delectable brown." Spreads done in pastels are rich, warm, and inviting, but often fail to highlight the featured poem's shade of brown, some of which may be unfamiliar to youngsters. The final selection calls attention to the many shades of skin tones, eyes, and hair. This exploration of the diversity within the spectrum of brown is a lovely tribute to the color. An author's note briefly describes how Iyengar learned to love and value the color of her own skin.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2— Having Fun describes the entertainment facilities in the famous residence, including the movie theater, bowling lanes, swimming pools, etc., as well as the Easter egg roll and fireworks. Probably the most appealing of these titles to children, Pets combines photographs from various sources (many from www.presidentialpetmuseum.com) of animals like those owned by former first families with small bits of information. Story gives some history of the building including interesting statistics (there are 35 bathrooms and 8 staircases). Time offers an overview of the chefs' jobs and a few presidents' food preferences, along with a recipe from Laura Bush for hot chocolate. In all four books, a full-color, full-page photo (many of former residents) faces a paragraph or two of large-print text and a small photo. Good choices for libraries needing more easy-to-read nonfiction.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

PreS-Gr 4—Brilliantly sharp, close-up photos portray one season in the life of a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and their babies. The striking cover of a male in midair bringing a worm to his mate is irresistible, and the inside photos are equally engaging. Five luminous blue eggs in the nest are followed by chicks with shockingly yellow and enormous mouths. One photo of a newborn bird in a human hand is both thrilling and disturbing, and readers will be anxious about its safety. The text is simple and clear. Read aloud, it sounds like the voice of a kindly and knowledgeable older friend, and it is easy enough for a strong beginner to read independently. Kirby identifies other blue birds found in North America as well as the three species of Bluebirds found in the U.S. Back matter includes information about attracting and supporting Bluebirds. Kirby, photographing from a blind in her own backyard, has done for the Bluebird what Nic Bishop did for The Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic, 1999). Pair the two to inspire young naturalists and photographers.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

PreS-Gr 2—A spare easy-to-read text combined with high-quality, full-color photographs highlights youngsters and mothers throughout the world involved in universal activities such as bathing, feeding, and providing comfort and support. Each spread demonstrates strong emotions and provides evidence of the woman's love and pride in her child. The vivid photos present a variety of settings, including many different cultures, and draw viewers into the pages. Unfortunately, the specific cultures and locations are not identified.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 2–3—Kortenkamp introduces space-related topics by pairing large, captioned color photos or hyper-realistic digital paintings with simple texts of six or fewer lines per spread. Life is about the possibility of finding microbes on Mars, on Jupiter's moon Europa, or in other solar systems. Robots describes some of the work that the machines are doing or will do off Earth, and Tourism posits the construction of orbiting space hotels in the near future. Despite instances of poor word choices—a claim in Life, for instance, that "Astronauts" (rather than the more accurate "scientists") will study evidence of life on Mars, should any be found, and an anthropomorphic observation in Robots that "Robonauts will carefully repair equipment in space"—the nature and level of detail are satisfactory for elementary forays into science and technology. The topics are too narrow to make these economical purchases, but the books may well help to kindle an interest in space exploration.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 3–5—This slim volume uses a question-and-answer format to provide short, basic information. It is loosely divided into four sections with titles that are not always self-explanatory. Randomly covered topics include physical aspects of the horse, some historical facts, a few of the creature's idiosyncrasies such as unusual friendships with other types of animals, and "trivial pursuit" inquiries covering hero horses and how to play horseshoes. The material can be found in many other books, but the brief text and appealing color photos could provide an easy reading opportunity for casual browsers.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 3–6—This eco-alphabet covers a wide variety of topics related to natural history and conservation. Each entry ranges from two to five paragraphs and includes a question related to the topic to encourage critical thinking or further discussion and a "Did You Know?" feature that spotlights interesting facts. The topics are quite diverse, ranging from entries about the Amazon rainforest, Jacques Cousteau, and Paolo Lugari to greenhouse gases, plankton, and earthworms. The content doesn't require a lot of background knowledge, and the language is appropriate for elementary audiences. The simple watercolor illustrations are bright and colorful, filling each page. This book could be used to introduce a unit on ecology or the environment. Overall, an appealing and diverse look at environmental issues.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

PreS-Gr 2—In these engaging scavenger hunts, children must find a few items, listed in a sidebar, among the dozens of things set out in each of the attractive thematic photographs. Fun, which is filled with pictures of toys, has theme photographs named "Does This Bug You?," "On the Lawn," and "Feathers, Scales, Tails." Themes in School include "Weird Science," "Assignments Due on My Desk," and "The Dog Ate My Homework," while Machines has pictures that include everything from racecars to spaceships, and from tow trucks to fire engines. Two closing spreads in each book list items that are more difficult to find. These challenges will appeal to "I Spy" and "Where's Waldo?" fans.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 2–6—With the help of Aboriginal storytellers who have collected the tales and myths of their people, Marshall has assembled 10 fascinating stories of the Dreamtime. Many explain why some things are the way they are: "How the Kangaroo got her Pouch," "Why Frogs can only Croak," and "How the Crocodile got its Scales." Others tell about the creation of the Earth, death, and other universal concerns. Each selection is beautifully told and is illustrated by a traditional artist who uses the distinctive symbols and colors of the Aboriginal people. An informational page follows each retelling, giving readers facts about the subject. Concluding pages offer a brief explanation of who the Aboriginal Australians are and an illustrated spread that explains the symbols and their meanings. This is an engaging, colorful book that belongs in most libraries.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 2—The first title is a straightforward narrative that exposes a young boy's anxiety prior to learning his mother's cancer diagnosis, his ability to adapt to lifestyle changes once provided with honest information and reassurance, and, most importantly, his family's resumption of familiar ways once treatment is completed. Steering clear of extraneous facts, the book focuses on just what needs to be said in order to make a tough situation manageable. Bright watercolors and cheerful cartoon illustrations keep the tone upbeat. While the book has definite value for kids facing cancer in the family, it is also suitable for sharing with friends and classmates. In Mom Works Too!, the main character is adjusting to the fact that her pregnant mother will now be home for a period of time. The author suggests that moms are "at work" whether they are actually on the job or carrying out domestic tasks—an excellent message that is somewhat lost in this meandering story. More inspiring options for discussions on working moms are Peter Glassman's My Working Mom (HarperCollins, 1994) and Rebecca Emberly's My Mother's Secret Life (Little, Brown, 1998).—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 2–5—This is a zany and at times challenging volume of more than 100 poems, 39 of which are read by the author on an accompanying CD. Nesbitt's consistent rhythms and unforced rhymes make these poems readable, but his subject choices are what will amuse children: from not-too-smart talking dogs, to angry vegetables in a stew, to goofy dreams about pink-headed zebras, everything is fair game for wild interpretations and wordplay. "Learning Languages" illustrates this well: "My mom and dad learned Latin/many years ago in school./My brother's taking Spanish,/which he thinks is pretty cool./My sister studies French/because she loves the way they speak./But I just like computers/so I'm learning Ancient Geek." Long's spare line illustrations add humorous touches. This will be a popular addition to most collections.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 2–5—With a backpack over his shoulders, a T-shirted youngster and his father delight in a day in Manhattan in this entertaining and informative travelogue. The boy's first-person narration, set in casual, inviting type, is breezy and involving, making readers feel part of the adventure. In smaller type, fascinating tidbits, staggered around the page to catch attention, supply information such as the number of train platforms at Grand Central Station (44), the names of the New York Public Library's marble lions (Patience and Fortitude), and how many taxicabs (more than 12,000) ply the city streets. Illustrated endpapers, including the Flatiron Building, Greenwich Village, and Macy's, map the journey. Rubbino uses the whole page to tell his story, letting subdued colors provide effective backdrops to the tall buildings and high bridges; then, when the two reach the Empire State Building, the page unfolds upward, showing the landmark structure in its full glory. Meanwhile, the artist doesn't stint on views of New Yorkers; sketches of people—all sizes, shapes, colors, and from all walks of life—provide great opportunities for people-watching on the page. At day's end, a cab ride back to Grand Central makes a fitting ending to the pair's highly satisfying day. This is an intriguing snapshot of the Big Apple, sure to delight New York City residents, tourists, and would-be visitors.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS-K—These books outline basic science concepts on their opening pages and use the tunes of well-known songs to explain them more fully. For example, introductory text and sidebars in Living explain that living things move and eat, and the song (to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?") elaborates in lines such as "Is it moving?/Is it moving?/Can it fly?/Gallop by?/Living things need dinner,/Or they get much thinner./So they need/To drink and feed." One line of the song is provided per page, often accompanied by sidebars. A closing "Did You Know?" page provides additional facts, such as the sizes of various types of plants and the amounts some animals eat in Living. Bold, colorful illustrations depict children from a variety of backgrounds. Adults willing to sing along are required.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 2–4—In 18 verses and whimsical pictures, the behavior of children is likened to that of animals as hunger transforms them into ravenous beasts, a new girl is turned into a mouse lost in a maze of hallways, and the final bell sets off a stampede of thundering elephants. In "Here, Boy," for example, a hungry youngster becomes a dog racing to get his food in the cafeteria: "Lunch bell starts ringing,/down the hallway I bound./I'm a dog who's just heard/the can-opener sound." The cartoon illustration depicts him with floppy ears, a collar round his neck, and his long belt looped behind him like a leash. These child-friendly verses may induce a wry chuckle or two, but overall, they're not memorable. Salerno has a great sense of composition, but his busy illustrations often distract from the simple imagery. Stick with stronger collections of school poetry, such as Jack Prelutsky's What a Day It Was at School! (HarperCollins, 2006).—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 3–6—These titles feature beautiful, detailed, close-up photos of animals displayed on child-friendly page layouts. The information is well organized for reports, beginning with a double-page picture of the animal with body parts labeled and described. The topics are the same in each book: "Birth and Growing Up," "Habitat," "Food," "Finding a Mate," "Threats," and life cycles. Each page contains one or more pictures and additional information in captions and a fact box. One page suggests clues to help children locate the animal, e.g., droppings and footprints. Great introductions to these familiar animals.—Marilyn Teicher, New York City Public Schools

K-Gr 2—Told from the points of view of various anthropomorphic articles of clothing, these poems will give readers a new perspective on getting dressed. Tanya's old T-shirt doesn't understand the shabby treatment it receives—it didn't shrink, Tanya grew. "I live in a bucket shoved under a stair./They call me a dust rag! I don't think it's fair." Bertie's shoelaces explain why they like to hang loose. Emily's frilly undies seem to enjoy getting a little extra exposure. And Bob's bicycle helmet lives to protect Bob. "I've got him covered./I'm on the job." Mathers's signature-style mice, bears, and alligators model these self-possessed garments. Playful spreads and spot art suit the small, snappy verses beautifully. This whimsical little volume will make a delightful addition to poetry collections.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2—With the exception of Pyramid, the spare texts in these books focus on homes of families from different cultures: pioneers in Log Cabin, Plains Indians in Tepee, and Inuit in Igloo. The photographs in Igloo feature people of all ages wearing both traditional and modern clothing and using modern tools. Tepee is less successful in this regard; despite the structure on the cover, which has a plastic bucket and a broom lying against it, all of the interior art features Plains Indians wearing historical garb, which may reinforce stereotypes about them. The full-page images (several labeled) are mainly color photographs, but also include a reproduction in Log Cabin. Pyramid employs a less-successful hybrid of drawings and computer-generated imagery. Of the four, Log Cabin and Igloo are the best.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

K-Gr 4—The majesty of mountains comes through in the almost poetic language and quiet illustrations in this picture book. On each spread, a sentence or two faces a full-page illustration. "Many kinds of plants and animals are able to live in warmer mountain forests" shows a view of Mount Mitchell in the Blue Ridge Mountains inhabited by a black bear, a broad-winged hawk, an Eastern chipmunk, a black-throated green warbler, a woodchuck, flame azalea, and mountain laurel. Readers can take the time to drink in every detail of the fine drawing and have fun finding the flora and fauna. Most of the mountains are in the U.S., but Asia, South America, and Europe are also represented. "Mountains are important places that need to be protected," describes the Virunga Mountains in east-central Africa, habitat of the mountain gorillas. An afterword offers a paragraph with more details about each two-page entry. A beautiful and informative selection.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 2–5—Partnering with the Smithsonian Institution, the noted science writer captures readers' attention immediately as he describes the "clever, curious, and mischievous" dolphins that seem to be unafraid of humans. He admits that there really isn't that much difference between dolphins and porpoises and reveals the way to tell them apart—"dolphins often swim on or just below the surface, riding the bow waves of fishing boats." The brightly colored photographs take up one side (or more) of each spread, and the accompanying text balances descriptions of the characteristics of the animals with the threats posed to their survival in today's world. A half-page glossary defines a range of terms, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 that complements the environmental information included in the text. The index leads readers to discussions of such terms as "beached dolphin," "red tide," "pollution," and "commercial fishing," as well as "aunties" (female dolphins other than the mother who help raise babies), "dominance," and "prey." Simply outstanding.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

K-Gr 3—This picture book provides practical, kid-friendly tips such as turning off the faucet while brushing one's teeth, as well as more general guidelines like "love the animals." Bright, colorful photographs and illustrations are organized in a simple scrapbook style. Most photographs portray an ethnic mix of young children demonstrating the suggestions. The main text on each page rhymes. The information is accurate and written at a developmentally appropriate level. The book itself is environmentally friendly; the paper was sourced from responsibly managed forests and printed with vegetable inks. Overall, this is a vivid, cheerful introduction to going green.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 2–4—In an attractive picture-book format similar to that of A Place for Butterflies (Peachtree, 2006), Stewart and Bond describe ways that human behavior interferes with bird survival in specific situations and suggest simple means of solving each problem ("When people create new grassy areas, birds can live and grow"). Realistic double-page acrylic paintings feature a particular species living in the depicted environment. Piping plovers, hermit thrushes, bald eagles, and others—some encountered across the United States, others familiar in much smaller regions—appear here. Brief text running across the top of each scene begins with the problem on the left-hand page and states a counter measure on the right; an inset provides a small portrait of the bird introduced in the larger view and a bit of information about its needs. Two final entries comment on the importance of these creatures to other living things and suggest bird-helping activities for children. Maps of North America and Hawaii, each indicating the habitat range for one of the species, appear on the endpapers. Constructed as a set of conservation lessons with minimal information about the birds or their habitation, this title will most likely find use in sparking classroom discussion.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PreS-Gr 2—This colorful picture book provides humorous information on how to make friends and interact with dogs. The tips are easy and useful, but are delivered in rhyme with an uneven meter that feels forced: "You're so polite!/You can pet these five,/but Maddie might bite." Or, "Before you give a treat to Kate/make your hand into a plate/Lick, lick, lick!/Too much is ick!/It's all right to say, ENOUGH/to all that/sloppy kissy stuff." The exaggerated, loose-line, cartoon art, filled with bright, digital hues, has a fragmented feel. The woman giving advice to the children wears black, pointy gloves and boots, resulting in a harsh, didactic tone. The concept and message are good ones and it's clear that careful thought and consideration went into the informative tips, but the execution is not entirely successful. Stephanie Calmenson's May I Pet Your Dog? (Clarion, 2007) and Elizabeth Verdick's Tails Are Not for Pulling (Free Spirit, 2005) are better alternatives.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

K-Gr 4—Twelve different cultures are represented in this visually stunning, slightly oversize offering. For each one, a short poem stating wisdom or advice that a mother might offer a son is presented on the verso, along with a painting in a circular frame. The effect of the frame is to give readers the feeling that they are peeking in at a private moment between parent and child. The recto has a full-page illustration of the son acting on the advice. The poems are simple and direct and address everything from being honest to sharing and appreciating nature. Some have distinctly religious messages: "Mama says/Have faith/Mama says/Believe/Mama says/To trust in God/And let God take the lead." All of the poems are also presented in the language of the culture addressed, including Cherokee, Hindi, and Danish. The afterword details the specific sources used to obtain accurate translations. The artwork is nothing short of brilliant. Elegantly composed pictures not only capture and enhance the meaning of the poem they accompany, but also depict the various cultures with remarkable attention to detail. This is a lovely and important addition for most collections.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 2–5—A child tells about her birthday visit to Tanzania with her uncle, a photographer. The text provides a view of the Serengeti through her eyes, showing her excitement as she sees leopards, elephants, and flamingos. Her interactions with the various people she meets range from observing their homes and watching them make jewelry and flour to children demonstrating hunting skills and playing soccer. While the lively text provides information on another culture, sidebars placed strategically on some pages provide additional facts on the Swahili language, the animals, and the nomadic peoples who reside in the area. The photographs are colorful and clear, helping readers visualize the region and encouraging close examination. Through relating her special trip, Maddy paints vivid images of what she was lucky enough to have experienced.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 2–4—This story is based on an animated film of the same name (The National Film Board of Canada, 1992) and is purportedly derived from the folklore of the North Pacific Coast (no sources are cited).When some boys foolishly kill a raven, the rest of the ravens blot out the sun, leaving the world in darkness. A wise elder tells the villagers that the Lord of the Sky is their only hope, and one brave boy makes the journey. Eventually, with the aid of a scraggly fledgling, he is able to reach the Thunderbird, getting his help and thus letting the sun shine through once more. The artwork, done by one of the original filmmakers, attempts to convey a movie in book form. Zeman lays out the scenes in horizontal strips across black spreads, framing them in dots to resemble sprocket holes. The device is likely to cause confusion on those pages where two narrow picture bands run parallel with bits of text between. The art draws the eye across the running view, but the story doesn't actually flow that way; events occur on the top and bottom of each single page rather than across the spread. The "script" is told in simple, staccato sentences that are by turns lofty, sentimental, and even contradictory. The presentation lacks the clarity and directness of a folktale though certainly both text and pictures have energy and some dramatic points. The author works to a didactic purpose, spelling out an environmental lesson for today's children. The award-winning film was done in puppet animation and may be well worth adding to library collections. The book version gropes for a beginning but includes some blood and thunder that might grab fans of graphic novels.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston