Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-K—Two little girls—one fancifully dressed as a fairy princess, the other wearing cowboy boots and a "Princess Power" T-shirt—host a party for princesses of various ethnicities, dressed in a variety of costumes. The illustrations, bursting with bright colors and action, depict all the fun. Little brother joins in as the girls romp through the day: "Defend the castle" (a decorated tree house), "Dance at the ball" (on a trampoline), "Plan a tea party—these girls do it all!" exclaims the rhyming text. Truly, "Princesses are incredible girls!" With a format and subject reminiscent of Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann's Pinkalicious (2006) and Jane O'Connor's "Fancy Nancy" series (both HarperCollins), complete with a sparkly cover, this title should be a winner for the youngest princess-loving set. The nice thing is the emphasis on princesses being many different things, including tomboys.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1–4—Two towns are divided by a dotted yellow line. On one side is Left, where all the left-handed people reside. On the other…well, I'm sure you get the idea. For untold generations, nobody crossed from one town to the other, and the boundary was guarded by the Order of Ambidextrous Knights. Then someone from Right stumbled over the line. What chaos! What outrage! The knights began shooting—but the only ammunition they could find was their vast supply of marshmallows. As the countryside filled with fluffy white sweets, the citizens' thoughts also became fluffier and a decision was reached to eradicate the line. Peace and feasting (and, presumably, sugar shock) ensued. This is a moderately interesting, if not scintillating, fable. The moral of the tale and the marshmallows appear to have been accidentally thrown into the same book. The text might well sink under a surplus of words. But Ron Barrett's illustrations keep the book afloat with funny, and punny, details. While The Marshmallow Incident probably won't be first on everyone's reading list, some of the notions—and most of the illustrations—will raise a smile, for all the right (and left) reasons.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

K-Gr 2—Little monster Doris cleans up her house so a vampire, a mummy, and other creepy creatures can visit for a sleepover. The page layout and design effectively relate various episodes in the evening's escapades. Each spread features a different activity, such as fortune-telling or playing "Simon Says." The illustrated panels of sequential art and speech balloons evoke comic books targeted at older readers. A single line of text appears under the panels. The short, simple sentences and controlled vocabulary are well suited to beginning readers. For instance, the narrator asks, "Is she getting ready for a party?" and then realizes, "Oh, it IS a party! It's a sleepover party!" The book's episodic structure does not make for a sustained, linear narrative; however, it captures the frenetic atmosphere of an elementary school sleepover. Bright, acrylic paintings enhance the lively tone. Beck's silly sense of humor will delight young readers, who will giggle when Doris's mom sends the little monsters to bed and tells them, "Don't bite the bedbugs tonight!"—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 2–4—Nearly every child at Springtime Elementary knows there is something unusual about Ms. Plum's third-grade classroom although former students never say much about it. It seems that anytime they try to talk about it, something funny happens to their mouths. At the start of the school year, the class is curious and, maybe, a little scared to find out what's so special about Ms. Plum. They quickly learn that it's her supply closet. Whenever she asks students to get an eraser or pencil, they return with a mysterious animal—one with a cure to whatever ails them. Jeremy, the gloomiest kid in the room, returns from the supply closet with a glowering raven that repeats the phrase "pig snout" until Jeremy dissolves into a fit of giggles. Nadia, a worrier, returns with a kitten that drowns out a classmate's doom-and-gloom comments with its purring. The book is reminiscent of Candace Fleming's The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School (Random, 2007) in tone and telling. Readers will relate to the youngsters' problems and enjoy their magical resolutions. Illustrated with delightful black-and-white drawings and filled with clever and short vignettes, this fast-paced story is a good choice for struggling readers.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

K-Gr 2—In this variation of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," Bootman celebrates the infectious music produced by Caribbean steel pans and the lively street life of Harlem in the first half of the 20th century, and provides a timeless lesson about the value of keeping a promise. Harlem is plagued by rats, and a stranger comes to deliver the community from the infestation. He carries an instrument no one has heard before and plays a beguiling melody. He strikes a deal with the mayor, deports the vermin on a garbage barge, and requests his payment. When the mayor refuses, rather than leading the children out of the city, the stranger sets everyone dancing, including the mayor, and they can't stop. The desperate official hands over the promised million dollars and dances out of sight, never to return. Bootman's full-color paintings are full of life and his steel pan man has quite a gleam in his eye. A great way to revitalize a well-known tale.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

PreS—A little black cat is ready to play. His friends Baa, Moo, Quack, and Woof join him, carrying brightly colored chairs that they place in a line. Everyone has a seat, while Moo blows her whistle. The blank white background is replaced with a deep blue as Meeow and his friends' imaginary train is revealed. Braun's simple cartoon animals stand out clearly on the solid-color backgrounds. Color identification and onomatopoeia appear throughout this simple but appealing story. The smiling animals will appeal to fans of Lucy Cousins's "Maisy" (Candlewick) and to imaginative preschoolers in general, and the bold colors and simple narrative will be a hit during group sharing.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

Gr 1–3—Bad Kitty is back for another adventure, and children who have met this cantankerous feline in her previous outings know that a typical birthday celebration just won't do. Kitty "helps" with the decorations, "welcomes" the guests, and gets the best gift of all in a surprise visitor at the disastrous party's end. Bruel's fast-paced humor is just right for the beginning chapter book set, and the interplay of the text with the comic black-and-white illustrations ratchets up the zaniness level. "Uncle Murray's Fun Facts" sections sprinkled throughout offer facts about why cats sleep, scratch, and engage in odd behaviors, and an appendix tells more about each of the breeds represented by Bad Kitty's party guests. A frenzied fusion of fiction and nonfiction with plenty of appeal for young readers.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 1–3—With her usual flair, Bunting produces a lively, well-paced story, providing a full measure of tension and suspense. Set in Ireland and told in first person, the tale introduces Terry as he cowers beneath the covers one moonlit night while the wind rattles the windows and wailing sounds echo around the house. Fearful that a banshee—a ghostly figure of Irish lore that moans relentlessly when death is near—is haunting his family, he decides to offer the creature his most precious possession: a shimmering, beautiful blue peacock feather. In his ever-so-tentative but brave exploration of the backyard, Terry conquers his fears and matches wits with the screeching wind, giving a satisfying ending to this scary story. McCully's robust illustrations, delivered in rough-edged, cameo images alternating with spreads, spike the tension, and the dark-toned watercolors lend appropriate eeriness. Bunting's words and McCully's expressive visualizations bring vibrancy and believability to the tale. A great Halloween read but also one to share on St. Patrick's Day or any time of the year.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

K-Gr 2—An endearingly kinetic girl—in a stroke of authorial genius—narrates her own story in the third person. "Supersister bounds out of bed. Another super day. Hark! A call from the kitchen. Mother is in need. Supersister dashes down the stairs like a whistling locomotive." The details show an enthusiastic but lovably normal youngster who tries hard to do everything well: "After school, Supersister springs into action. First, she takes her dog, Poopsie, for a walk. Supersister is a super dog walker. She runs! She skips! She scoops! She doesn't step in anything. Almost." The simple text is accompanied by Dormer's watercolor and ink cartoons, which are bursting with vivacious humor. One particularly inspired touch: his main character has a translucent superhero mask. Who is this masked girl and why is she called "Supersister?" Why does she tie, and untie, her mother's shoes and daydream about new ways to help her mom? Supersister is a joy to read and a super example for soon-to-be siblings.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

K-Gr 3—As her grandfather heads out to play his bagpipes in the St. Patrick's Day parade, Colleen worries that the rain will keep people away. While she waits on her front stoop, along comes a leprechaun who has lost his rainbow along with his pot of gold. He needs Colleen's help to make a new one and requests that she part with several different possessions, including a prized green pennywhistle, a gift from her grandfather. Colleen is loath to give it up, but Roy G. Biv promises a sunny day in return. The slight story sometimes gets bogged down in wordy prose, but youngsters might enjoy guessing which item Colleen will be asked to give up next. The whimsical cartoonlike illustrations have action and detail. The book concludes with an explanation of rainbows and the use of "Roy G. Biv" as a mnemonic device. Additional.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

PreS—A bunny, a baby fox, and a little girl eagerly await the first snowfall of winter, asking if it will happen that night. The foxes are ready; their fur is thick. The rabbits' brown fur has turned winter white; they are ready. And the humans have picked their berries and made the jams they will eat during the winter. They are ready, too. After the mothers look up at the moon, they tell their little ones that, indeed, it will snow tonight. The text is spare, with the title question repeated many times. The result is a thin story with attractive art. Tong's oil illustrations are simple with a distinctly nippy air. This book could be used with preschoolers to introduce the changing seasons.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

K-Gr 2—Nima lives in the mountain country of Nepal. Every year her father has to leave to work as a mountain guide for climbers from around the world. The child and her mother part from him with prayers and rice offerings, and by placing a khata, the traditional shawl, around his neck for good luck. Then Nima walks to school. Along the way, she greets yaks, tourists, porters, traders, and Tibetan monks with a "Namaste" by bringing the palms of her hands together and bowing slightly. This greeting translates into "the light in me meets the light in you," and readers soon learn that Nima brings light to everyone around her. The vibrant folk-art illustrations showing the details of Nima's life in her village support the simple story perfectly. This beautiful book will appeal to primary readers and make an ideal addition to multicultural collections. An extensive glossary explains Nepalese terms, and an afterword gives background on Nepalese culture.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School, New Delhi, India

K-Gr 2—What middle children haven't sung the blues about their place in the family hierarchy? Lee is stuck between his older brother and cute little sister. There's just not much to do in between, even when the family goes to the fair. He's too young to hang out with his brother, too old for the things his sister wants to do. He's definitely in a sulk. But then he picks up his guitar and begins to sing: "I've got the low-down,/big-frown/sulkin'-all-around-town/bummed-out/mid-kid blues." Soon a crowd gathers, and Lee is the center of attention. His parents and passersby join in, saying that they are middle children themselves, and admit that they have forgotten how rough that can be. Catrow's trademark pencil and watercolor illustrations are perfect for this story. Heads are oversized, and facial expressions exaggerated. The colorful illustrations dance all over the pages. This book is a winner.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS—Hard Hat Pete and his little dump truck spend the day hauling rocks, collecting debris, and unloading it at the landfill. Each spread has a lyrical, rhyming verse that begins, "I'm a little dump truck" and goes on to explain the day's activities. "I'm a little dump truck/leaving through the gate,/riding down the highway/to another state." The digital artwork will appeal to young children, who will look for the face depicted on each of the various trucks. The endpapers show all of the vehicles that play a part in the illustrations. The heavy-duty pages are perfect for curious youngsters. Preschoolers will love this book.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

K-Gr 2—The young Duchess of Whimsy is known far and wide as a person with esoteric tastes. Her parties are extravagant and she counts the most unusual people as her friends. Conversely, the Earl of Norm is as plain and ordinary as toast. He tries everything to impress the duchess, but she continues to find him lackluster. Nevertheless, her father wants her to cultivate the friendship so that their respective kingdoms may coexist peacefully. It is only when a crisis occurs on the night of one of her soirees that the duchess learns that ordinary may not be a bad word. This charming tale is playfully illustrated, portraying the duchess's world in crowded spreads that contrast with the earl's simple vignettes against a white background. The visuals tell the tale as vividly as the prose. This is a sure winner and a nice break from routine princess stories.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

K-Gr 2—Pigeonette is a small pigeon whose small wings cannot take her south for the winter, so she stays in the woods after all of her friends have left. While she is hopping across the snow, she hears some loud thwacking sounds that result in a large, blind pigeon crashing into a tree. She befriends the big bird, musing that, "It's sad when pigeons can't fly," and she takes him to her favorite tree. When an accident causes the branch they are sitting on to break, they discover that with teamwork they can indeed fly. Pigeonette can be the eyes and Pigeon provides the wings. The bold woodcuts and limited color palette convey the setting of the woods throughout the seasons. The boot-wearing pigeons are stylized and encourage closer examination. This is a story of overcoming odds and obstacles, and, despite an occasional adult tone, it delivers a positive and important message. "Carried by Pigeon's strong wings, guided by Pigeonette's bright eyes, they take off on their first trip to warmer toes."—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

Gr 1–3—Damian is an energetic boy who is the bane of the Bear Force's existence. No bear has the right stuffing to become his "One True Bear" until Darcy Brewster takes on the mission. He has some close calls, including nearly losing his arms and his stuffing, and almost spending the night in a tree, but his calm and reassuring words of love save him every time. "And I lived to see another day." Soon he fulfills his mission, and there is great rejoicing at headquarters. Eventually Damian outgrows his bear, and Darcy spends many a year waiting under a bed to be called back to duty. Finally a grown-up Damian pulls his bear from under the bed to comfort a child he is going to rescue in a flood, and Darcy knows that his boy has the right stuffing, too. The message of bravery and love is evident throughout the story. Wonderfully rich and detailed illustrations clearly show an active, rambunctious boy who is also capable of some quiet time with his bear. The placement of the text in and around the illustrations reinforces how well they complement one another.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-K—The baby of the family has a favorite word, "Shwatsit!" The short, rhyming text depicts everyone trying to figure out what she means. The well-designed, expressive illustrations expand on the rhyming text by showing the toddler throughout her day. She watches her brother get on the bus, goes to the park, plays with the pets, and observes her mother doing laundry. The mystery is solved when her brother discovers what she wants. Then readers can go back through the cheerful and colorful art to find the clues.—Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 2–4—In her latest adventure, Sassy and her family travel to Florida for her beloved Grammy's birthday celebration. Although her name is a clue to her spunky nature, the fourth grader is upset when her accessories set off the metal detectors at the airport. Mom soothes her as she undergoes a more thorough security screening, and the scene effectively models how families can cope with stressful circumstances. In Florida, another alarming situation arises in the form of a hurricane. But Sassy is ready, because her Sparkle Sack contains useful supplies such as plastic spoons to move endangered sea turtle eggs to a protected location. The extended family rides out the storm together, comforting each other with stories and songs. Readers will find consolation in Sassy's loving African-American family and the strategies they use to cope with scary situations. Short chapters and chatty dialogue will appeal to reluctant readers. Sassy's spirit and humor recall Junie B. Jones and Judy Moody. Fans of feisty, funny females will enjoy Sassy.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

PreS-K—Finding food involves a long night of waiting and listening that's also filled with disappointment for a handsome owl perched high in a tree. Ericsson uses a simple repetitive scheme to introduce an array of small animals that travel through the owl's moonlit world. "'Whoo goes there?' thought Owl. 'Is it a mouse—a fat little mouse just right for dinner?'" No, this time the rustling is a cat padding across the yard. "Owl did not want cat for his dinner." Cat is followed by new noises and hoped-for possibilities including a squirrel, a rabbit, a bird, an opossum, and a fish. The mistaken sounds ("Eeeek, eeeek"; "Skitter, skitter") belong to a skunk, a fox, a bat, a porcupine, and a beaver. Kitchen's naturalistic paintings are set in attractive alternating sets. On pages of soft buff, blue, or green, Owl perches next to the text describing the next candidate for dinner, who is seen in the facing scene. The page turns to a much fuller view of the actual animal paired with a white column of text. The predictable pattern does finally lead to a fat mouse, but just as Owl swoops down there's a new interruption. Owl disappears, and the mouse is left hunting for his own dinner. The predictive text and handsome pictures are just right for reading with preschoolers, who will surely chime in with some speculation and questions.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PreS-Gr 1—These wordless picture books begin with Polo leaving his home inside a tree to move on to fun-filled adventures. In Dragon, the amusing dog sails away on his boat on a cold winter day but gets stuck in the ice. Polo walks into a cave to discover that it is the home of just the right creature to solve his problem, and he returns home with his new friend. In Magician, rain floods the tree house and Polo floats on his chair to a circus and enters the ring at the perfect moment to become a part of the magician's act. A dangerous situation arises and Polo saves the day, which causes him to now have many appreciative friends. Faller's easy-to-follow panels are clear enough that words are not needed; all that's required are a sense of humor and a healthy imagination. Polo's adventures are helpful for children who have graduated from board books and can handle a more advanced book in which they can read the story and be assured that wherever their imagination takes them visually is correct.—Nancy D. Tolson, Mitchell College, New London, CT

PreS-Gr 1—When two siblings engage in imaginative play, big sister Francine leads the way and always takes the best parts. When Max suggests putting on a circus, the pattern remains the same—Francine claims all the star spots and relegates an increasingly disenchanted Max to glorified "roadie" roles. Bickering, escalating anger, and a spectacular crash bring Mom to see what is happening. Quick-thinking Francine invites her to return for the show—but Max quits. Francine quickly discovers that putting on a circus alone is no fun and coaxes her brother back with the promise of sharing the limelight. The book ends, after a successful performance, with Max beginning to stand up for himself. The acrylic illustrations are done in a broad cartoon style with neon-bright colors, broad and exaggerated features, and red button noses. The story line lingers overlong on the bossiness buildup and rushes Francine's change of heart, making this a marginal purchase at best.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

PreS-K—At night, when the residents of a pet shop want to sleep, a noisy hamster keeps them awake. They try various ways to quiet the little creature: Dog gives him a bath. Rabbit brushes his teeth. Parrot sings a lullaby. Gerbil shares a story, and Cat tucks it in. Turnabout comes at daylight when hamster wants to sleep and his boisterous housemates are now wide awake. While the plot is a familiar one, Fraser's tale is brief and to the point, and the comical gouache illustrations infuse energy into the telling. Fun touches abound, like a rubber ducky floating in Dog's dish and the gerbil reading an upside-down book. Page layout varies from single page to spreads. Incorporate this charming read-aloud into bedtime or pet-themed storytimes.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 1—An assortment of evening lights is described in this beautifully illustrated picture book. A girl, her mother, and their dog spend a pleasant evening as they bicycle home from shopping, roast hot dogs over a grill on the porch, celebrate her birthday, run inside at the arrival of a summer storm, and get ready for bed. An appropriately dark palette complements the 15 types of illumination named in this nearly wordless story. Young children will enjoy poring over the rich details in the cozy charcoal and digital collage spreads as they learn to read the simple text, which includes terms such as "streetlight," "firelight," "firefly light," "candlelight," and "starlight." Match this book with some poems from Joan Bransfield Graham's Flicker Flash (Houghton, 1999) for a radiant storytime.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 3–5—In this quick, quirky story, Moxy is preparing to play "Heart and Soul" with her sister in a piano recital. She's excited to dress up and go onstage in front of a large, adoring audience, but one small detail stands in her way: she can't seem to find the time to practice, so she's really not prepared. With her mother and aunt just back from Africa, her stepfather incessantly working on a poem about the elephant bird, her grandmother sewing glittery capes for the concert, and her friends and siblings in the mix as well, who can blame Moxy for getting a little distracted? Plus, she's got important things to do, like making fake ermine trim out of bath towels for the capes. Black-and-white snapshots "taken by Moxy's brother" are scattered throughout, providing glimpses into what the household and family members "really" look like. This installment will keep readers looking forward to the next one.—Amanda Moss Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—Greathouse uses the Old West as a setting for this tall tale in which a tough little dinosaur-wrangling cowboy meets his match in a T. rex. Rocky lassoes the "rip-roarin'est, snip-snort'est reptilian that ever did stomp the earth," and the creature drags him all over the western half of the country before it is tamed. Shroades's cartoon illustrations convincingly depict the dinosaurs in their Wild West setting. The use of shadow and texture provides the sense of hyperrealism familiar to the post-Toy Story set. While Tamer is a mash-up that flows well as a read-aloud, it is an additional purchase.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 3—Marley, king of misbehavior and digger extraordinaire, is back. Cassie is all set for her first day of school, and he decides to join her. "'You silly dog,' she tells him. 'School's for kids, not dogs.'" But, of course, this isn't any dog. This is Marley. He escapes the confines of the backyard and follows her scent to the school. Once inside, hilarity and chaos ensue as Marley discovers the copy machine, cafeteria, science class, and gymnasium. It isn't until he runs outside during recess that he finds Cassie and the rest of the family, who have been searching for him. The colorful illustrations capture the exuberance and charm of this energetic animal and the humans in his life. The characters' facial expressions are priceless, and readers will enjoy following Marley's trail of destruction and mayhem through the pictures.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Half Hollow Hills Community Library, Dix Hills, NY

PreS-K—The ups and downs of friendship are sweetly conveyed in three vignettes about two animal pals. In "Colors," Mimi has a penchant for pink and poo-poos Lulu's favorite color, purple. A change of heart comes about when Lulu shares her tasty purple-frosted cupcake. In "Phone," Lulu is jealous when Mimi stops playing and talks instead on her toy phone to her friend Sally. Mimi quickly hangs up when Lulu shrewdly pretends to order a "flying pink elephant ride." In "Princess," Mimi starts to cry when Lulu has to go home. Empathetic Lulu leaves her hair bow and promises to return. Harper's adorable cartoon illustrations show the details of the playdates, including bright pink boas and multicolored blocks. The stories are told through dialogue, and the friends' distinctive characters shine through.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS—This "recipe for mealtime" is set up like a cookbook with a list of ingredients on the opening spread. "1 hungry Baby Bundt, 1 bib, washable." In playful, expressive watercolor and ink illustrations, an adoring child feeds her younger sibling and plays. "Zoom! Put the carrots in Baby's mouth." Adult hands occasionally reach into the frame to assist, but the kids are always front and center. The writing is clear and simple, just like a good recipe. Older children, especially those who care for younger siblings and friends, will enjoy this book. But the truest fans will be toddlers and their families, who will relate to the delight and effort involved in such simple tasks.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 3–5—In this sequel to Audrey of the Outback (Little Hare, 2009), Audrey is thrilled when she and her family journey to the small town of Beltana, where she marvels at intriguing sights such as glass windows, multiple shops, and trains. When her mother becomes ill, Audrey and her little brother must stay with a stern, older widow. During this time, Audrey struggles to please her guardian, to no avail. She continually makes mistakes such as leaving the gate open and allowing goats into the garden, and she opens the curtains that keep the sunlight from fading the carpet. Gradually she and Mrs. Paterson learn to appreciate one another, developing a friendship that comes to fruition when the woman reveals a tragedy from her past. Captioned illustrations are scattered throughout. Audrey is an engaging heroine with a vivid imagination and an inquisitive mind.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3–5—Living in the Australian outback during the 1930s creates many opportunities for Audrey to have adventures. Her creative spirit leads her into many experiences that keep readers wondering what she will do next. She befriends a "swaggie," a bush traveler named Toothless, and, while trying to become a grown-up, she and her older brother blow up the outhouse. New plotlines keep the story moving, but the Australian words make reading some sections confusing. The glossary is limited and leaves out several unusual words. Still, children will love the fast pace of the plot, and the character development gives the book a nice depth.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

K-Gr 2—Burt tries practically everything to heal his aching feet. He sticks them in mud, rinses them in "cloudburst sprinkles," and dries them in the sun. These efforts only worsen the condition, leaving his feet sunburned and wrinkly. He then takes Doctor Smurt's advice and puts them on ice. After they turn blue with cold, his sister gives him a pedicure. When the boy finally breaks down after all of these treatments have failed, his family gathers around to comfort him and to offer a solution. The cartoon illustrations are bright and outlandish, often emphasizing the worsening condition of Burt's large feet. Rhyming names (Burt, Myrt, Pert, etc.) and text ("I'm NAILED./All cures have FAILED. My feet have me DEFEATED!") add to the story's overall humor. Small children will find Burt's predicament hilarious while also sympathizing with his pain.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1–3—Shy Seymour is a closet artist, specializing in puddle paintings, leaf prints, and mud sculptures. After his friends discover his talents, they encourage him to make a career of his art. A few phone calls later, Seymour lands a job at the Speedy Arts Gallery. "I'd better get going," he says. "I start tomorrow. And it's a whole block away!" But Seymour finds his duties disappointing: sealing envelopes and delivering packages are not what he had in mind, and his new boss, Mr. Stink Bug, seems impossible to please. Even worse, Seymour is working so hard that he can't find time to look at the work created by a mysterious new artist. With only a few sentences and at least one illustration per page, this title is perfect for students transitioning to chapter books. Some of the story's humor seems aimed more at adults than kids (a spider tells Seymour he's onto something big—the World Wide Web—and an earwig tells him, "the job market is sluggish"). However, Cushman's black-and-white cartoons delineate the characters and add humor and perspective. Readers will enjoy seeing how Seymour uses the phone and understand why a flight of stairs is such an obstacle for him. Suggest this for readers not quite ready for Katie Speck's Maybelle in the Soup (Holt, 2007).—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 2—Unless weighed down by her jewel-encrusted crown, diamond-embedded socks, or tied to her chair, Princess Hyacinth floats. Her days, encumbered as she is, are spent watching other children play in the Palace Grounds. Sometimes, Boy, whose kite is decorated with a golden crown in the Princess's honor, stops by her window to say hello. One day, in want of some adventure, Princess Hyacinth dons her heavy robe and crown and determinedly heads to the park. After convincing the Balloon Man to tie a string to her ankle, she sheds her clothes down to her Royal Underwear to float merrily among his colorful, bobbing balloons. A jubilant spread follows, depicting the Princess's airborne gyrations with great aplomb. Soon, however, while exploring a nearby familiar-looking kite, Princess Hyacinth becomes hopelessly entangled in its strings. In a sweetly satisfying ending, Boy comes to her rescue and is handsomely rewarded by the King and Queen. As for Princess Hyacinth, she is now free to float "up, up, up" in her Royal Underwear, knowing that Boy will be there to reel her in when she wants to come down. Heide's tale bubbles with effervescence, drawing readers into the fantasy with a lively, conversational text. Deftly, Smith enhances the words with a delightful whimsicality, from his clever application of perspective, range of color chosen to match the action, placement of text in varying hues, use of large topiary animal images in the gardens, and simple but effective character expressions. Princess Hyacinth is a joy from beginning to end.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

K-Gr 2—Bespectacled Rosa expresses a common childhood desire. She describes various scenarios (painting, trying on makeup, preparing pudding, etc.) that temporarily allow her to have freckles just like her friend Abby. The brief story ends with Rosa learning that Abby would love to wear eyeglasses. The short, easy-to-read sentences set against crisp white backgrounds make this picture book a good selection for beginning readers. It is also a nice choice for practicing fluency and expression as children will recognize and easily emulate Rosa's voice. The colorful illustrations provide clues and emphasize the close friendship between the two girls. Children will identify with the protagonist in this tale of appreciating the uniqueness of individuals.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 1–3—Willie wishes that he were as strong as his buddy Manuel. The story describes his efforts at strength building, from lifting weights to trying to carry the heaviest log when doing yard work with his father. He also tries to camouflage his scrawny muscles by wearing water wings under his sweater (when one gets a leak and deflates, he moans, "I'll never do THAT again!") to walking around with his football shoulder pads on after practice. The pencil-and-watercolor illustrations do a nice job of tying the emotion of the story together with the text, deftly capturing the facial expressions of Willie and Manuel throughout the story to the surprise at the end: while Willie still wishes he were "strong like Manuel," "Manuel wishes HE was tall like me!" Poor grammar aside, this might fill a need for titles on character education and individuality.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Half Hollow Hills Community Library, Dix Hills, NY

Gr 2–4—This short episodic novel has won major Dutch and Flemish children's book awards. Kiki's father is traveling to a war zone as a doctor, and the child and her mother worry that he won't return. As soon as he leaves, Kiki starts planning to increase the odds that he will be safe. Her innocent reasoning is precious. She doesn't know anyone with both a dead father and a dead pet. Her plan is somewhat creepy since it involves having her dog die to ensure that her father doesn't. Finally a stranger gently assures her that she can't control the odds. Father doesn't die, but he isn't completely safe, either. The setting is present day, but the language and writing style are a bit old-fashioned, yet comforting. The story is engaging and gives readers a chance to develop empathy as they follow Kiki's reasoning and emotional journey. Kiki's mother and grandmother have different ways of dealing with their worry for Father.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

Gr 2–4—This story combines elements of comic books, science lessons, a holiday tale, and history class. It opens with a groundhog incorrectly predicting the coming of spring, prompting a rabbit to write a letter suggesting that more groundhogs be trained and utilized to improve accuracy. Candidates are schooled in the fine points of groundhog physiology, nomenclature, Groundhog Day lore, seasonal changes, and weather patterns. After graduation, they take their places to make their predictions—without much change in the outcome. Sorra's amusing multimedia illustrations include comic frames, collage, and speech bubbles; each turn of the page provides another surprise. Holub does a good job keeping all the balls in the air—the groundhog school story line propels the stream of information—but accessibility is a problem. The text is too advanced for the primary grade students who are most likely to be celebrating Groundhog Day, and the book does not lend itself to reading to a group. Best for one-on-one sharing.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

K-Gr 3—Desert Rose is a Texas pig farmer who finds a gold nugget and uses it to buy a big, fat hog with freckles and a thatch of red hair. Sure that he will win first prize at the state fair in Laredo, they take a shortcut. The highfalutin hog will neither set hoof in the creek nor drink up the water. Rose looks for help, thus beginning a cumulative tale that includes a coldhearted coyote, a persnickety snake, a contrary cowboy, his bothersome bronco, a lethargic longhorn, and an armadillo with attitude. When Rose promises a tasty reward, the armadillo springs into action, beginning a chain of events that gets the porker to the fair on time. He wins first prize, and Rose—as promised—gives the armadillo 200 pounds of ants, beetles, and grubs. (Rose and her hog never use that shortcut again.) The cartoon style of the acrylic illustrations accentuates the alliterative text. Youngsters will laugh out loud as Rose exclaims, "Starch my stirrups!" and "Pickle my pistols!" Like Nonny Hogrogian's One Fine Day(S & S, 1971), this tale gives an unlikely group of characters the chance to set things right, and its over-the-top telling makes it a surefire hit for storytime.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 3—Where there's a will, there's a way, as is well evidenced in this story based on actual events in 1914, detailing how children raised more than $6000 to purchase the first elephants for a local zoo. The tale unfolds in a first-person narrative by young Dorothy, who, with her brother Henry, reads in the newspaper that the retiring owners of three trained elephants are giving the children of Boston two months to collect the necessary funds. (The city can't afford them.) The siblings hold a costume party, charging admission and raising 87 cents; meanwhile, other children of all ethnic and social backgrounds across the city and throughout New England unite to shovel snow, run errands, hold bake sales and magic shows, and give of their allowances for this worthy cause. A designated "elephant editor" at the Boston Post recounts the fund-raising progress penny by penny; the campaign succeeds and culminates in a joyful parade ending at Fenway Park. Simulated excerpts from old sepia-toned newspaper clips appear throughout the narrative and are superimposed on and the full-color spreads rendered in energetic watercolor and line. This uplifting tale will surely captivate—and hopefully inspire—contemporary children.—Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT

PrS-Gr 1—Kohara's second book lacks the perfection of story she achieved in Ghosts in the House! (Roaring Brook, 2008). Nevertheless, the clean, stylistic simplicity she employed there is in evidence again, with crisp, sharp-edged woodcuts and limited use of color. A little boy is lonely because his friends are hibernating. One day Jack Frost appears. In a Runaway Bunny meets the Gingerbread Boy moment, Frost runs away. "'You can't catch me!…You can't jump over the pond!' But the boy had ice skates." He also has a sled, and the two become friends, playing all winter long. Frost warns him not to mention anything warm because that would break the spell. Nevertheless, one day the boy mentions spring, and Frost disappears. But "…the boy was sure he heard a whisper…'See you next winter!'" Kohara's command of her medium and use of color are masterful. Initially, the pages are gray and brown, but as soon as Frost appears, they change to white and a luminous blue that gradually darkens as it moves upward. The simple lines and crisp images, especially of spiky Jack Frost, pop and are a delight for the eyes. Unfortunately, Jack Frost's explanation detracts from the magic of the book and feels forced and abrupt. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful piece of bookmaking, and libraries in need of more winter titles will want to add it.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-Gr 3—When Cora's Filipino family cooks together, she's always stuck doing the "kid jobs." Then one day when her older siblings are out and about, Cora gets her chance to bond with Mama in the kitchen. She even gets to choose her favorite dish, so the two of them make a large bowl of noodles, chicken, and vegetables called pancit. Clear expository prose explains how to perform kitchen tasks. For example, Mama tells Cora, "Open the package of rice noodles and put them in this bowl of water." Then she engages her daughter by asking her, "Do you know why we soak them?" These scenes effectively model how adults can introduce children to cooking. The simple, direct style also makes the book equally well suited as a read-aloud and for newly independent readers. The artwork nicely complements the text, as Valiant's warm hues of gold, red, and orange highlight the family's loving relationship. They also capture Cora's feelings through facial expressions. Wide eyes and smiles show the child's joy at cooking with her mother, while a downcast mouth and arched eyebrows illustrate her anxiety that her family won't like her pancit. Although this dish is unique to Cora's culture, children of all backgrounds will share her feelings at being allowed to help cook a meal for the first time. A solid choice for schools and public libraries, especially where family-based programming is popular.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

K-Gr 3—Zvuvi and Zahava, two flies who live in Israel, travel the country showing readers historical, cultural, and natural sites. They have a few close calls with flyswatters, but for the most part enjoy zoos, beaches, cable cars, and other locales. Detailed paintings give a good sense of place, although the flies are usually out of proportion to the environments in which they are depicted. On several pages, readers are challenged to find tiny (almost too tiny) images of Zvuvi or Zahava that have been incorporated into long-shot scenes—hints are provided in the back matter. The detailed pictures, small font, and busy layout make this a book best pored over individually. A map at the front marks cities and other places mentioned in the text. However, it does not delineate or mention the West Bank or Gaza Strip. This whirlwind, very simplified tour covers a lot of ground. With only a sentence or two about each site, there is no way to provide context or connection. The book will be best appreciated by kids who are familiar with Israel or who have a passion for armchair travel, but it does not have enough story line to draw in casual readers. The use of flies as protagonists may, unfortunately, reduce the book's appeal to older children.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 1–4—Lyon's reputation for lyrical writing is well established, and the pleasing cadences in this moving story do not disappoint. Sharonda and her mother have worn out their welcome at an aunt's apartment. When folks from church announce that they will build this twosome a house, the child is dubious: "'Right,' I say. 'Like I'm going/to tap-dance on the moon.'" (The prose is structured in short lines, grouped to look and read like stanzas.) When Sharonda is permitted to hammer the first nail, she starts to believe. An author's note explains Lyon's participation with Habitat for Humanity in Kentucky, and the experience lends particular voices and authentic material to portray the effect of a caring community and the people who manipulate the power tools. Anderson's palette moves from a drab brick world to a vivid work site, accented with autumn leaves. The brown faces of the protagonists glow in the warm light. The wood is both character and design element. It is as solid a presence as a flower box that the heroine builds; it is a dynamic visual when beams, viewed from above, frame Sharonda's roof dance. When the bare bones of the interior spill across a spread, in all their depth and patterned glory, the home is a work of art. Certain to inspire others to participate in similar endeavors, this book will also resonate with those in need of receiving the grace illuminated here.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 3—McDonnell's expressive characters, Earl the pooch and Mooch the cat, move from the award-winning "Mutts" comic strip to this slim picture book to answer the question, "What makes Earl's tail wag?" On page after page, readers see a stimulus that creates the response: belly rubs, sitting in a field of flowers, or playing ball. But McDonnell's question is deeper than that—what is it about these things that makes Earl so happy? After many humorous false starts (cats are famous for an absence of short-term memory), Mooch provides the answer—it's love. McDonnell knows how to use space on a page, create character and affect with a few strokes of his pen, and tell a story using a minimum of words. Children will recognize themselves and their pets in this charming story.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 2—Instead of the anticipated video game or remote-control car, Cameron's birthday gift from his grandmother turns out to be a hand-knit sweater in a pattern of red, green, yellow, blue, and orange stripes. Vowing never to wear it, he tries many ways to get rid of the detested garment—such as hiding it in his closet or adding it to a rummage sale box—but is thwarted at every turn by his well-meaning parents. When Grandma visits at Christmas, Cameron must finally don the dreaded garment. His grandmother lovingly explains to him how each color represents a quality she admires in her grandson, and Cameron begins to appreciate that this one-of-a-kind item was made with an enormous amount of love. Indeed, he realizes he would be proud to wear it "for a very long time." Full-color, soft-edged illustrations depict characters with nearly identical, startled-looking eyes that pop and will probably be less disconcerting to children than adults. The resolution is predictable, but the story is humorously engaging and imparts a timeless lesson. Knitting instructions and a pattern for Cameron's sweater are included.—Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT

K-Gr 2—Young Felix is less than delighted when his new sister arrives, and he finds solace in his stuffed donkey. The day she is born, he and Poncho play alone in the sandbox. Later, Felix slips at the playground and bruises his chin. He is comforted when he covers his face with the toy's cuddly body, and the tears flow. Resentment and anger grow inwardly, paralleling the usual incidents of a new sibling's arrival: late-night crying, a Mom too tired to play with her son. Time passes, and the family takes a trip to the zoo. Felix's mind reels as he imagines the elephant, hippo, and giraffe whisking his sister away. When it's time to go home, he finally has a meltdown. An observant and instinctual little sister manages to grab Poncho, puts him in Felix's lap, and the first thread of a bond forms between the siblings. Although Poncho will "still always be his best friend," both children have grown, and their relationship has evolved into the beginning of kinship. Creative use of the endpapers underscores this transition. Outstanding illustrations are done in pen, ink, watercolor, and gouache. The characters' expressions and body language could tell this story alone, but wonderfully enhance the strong and simple text. A fine choice for a read-aloud or in a one-on-one setting.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

PreS—Baby Polar is playing in the snow, even though his mama warns him of the coming storm. Caught when the snow and wind hit, the cub loses his way and cannot see his mother. He finally manages to dig his way to a nice, warm cave for shelter—one that he eventually discovers has the warm, beating heart of his own mama. The illustrations are digitally produced and beautifully designed. Stylized white snowflakes and polar bear figures set against a blue gray background convey well the icy coldness of the storm. Although the text is slight, momentarily losing one's mother is a major concern for preschoolers. The book's reassuring conclusion offers a satisfying story for that audience, as well as an introduction to polar bears and their Arctic world.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS-K—This starry wonderland soothes young listeners through succinct phrasing and powerful pacing. Though they may all sleep differently, animals, birds, and fish rest when the sun sets, except for the observant owl. The lilting narrative describes the dozing patterns of numerous inhabitants against the dark night backdrop as the owl watches nearby. Each vibrant spread features no more than one stark sentence for each dreamy scene. "Some sleep peacefully alone,/While others sleep all together,/huddled close at night." With the morning sunlight, the rested creatures now eagerly play, though it is finally the owl's turn for slumber. Handmade painterly textures utilize digitally generated layers, compiled in Adobe Photoshop, to depict the subtle details on each darkened page. Nimble lines influence the gentle mood through spotted colors and shaded images, balancing darkness and light to depict the passing of time. Dreams, enhanced through slight white outlines, provide an unusual nuance to this delightful tale. This refreshing glimpse into the whimsical world of sleep truly soars.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

Gr 2–4—In this installment in the series, Sly solves three mysteries. In Case #1, she helps a neighbor figure out why her son's behavior and language patterns have changed and wants to schedule him for an MRI. (It turns out that Brian's babysitter was entertaining him with inappropriate rap music and YouTube.) Next, strange messages mislead Sly's friend Melody into thinking that she has an admirer. It turns out to be a case of mistaken identity and misspellings on the part of an Italian visitor. A subplot involving baseball practice runs through this segment. In the final case, Sly is asked to help the principal interpret graffiti in code in the boys' bathroom. It turns out that the drawings are actually signals that the boys plan to use to beat the girls in a game of baseball. It's unlikely that the intended audience will understand the rap or know about MRIs, and the codes themselves are somewhat weak. Maione sprinkles the text with some expressive line drawings that add some humor to the story, but the book is an additional purchase at best.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

PreS—These board books show same-sex parents engaged in daily activities with their children. In Daddy, the men play with their toddler—dress-up, paper-airplane flying, strumming and drumming instruments, and having a tea party. Mommy and Mama spend the day at the park—going down the slide, riding the merry-go-round, playing hide-and-seek. The soft, realistic illustrations expand the simple texts.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 2—A nameless bespectacled boy recites the virtues of his friends' parents. Jason's dad builds houses, and his mom makes blueberry pancakes. Katie's mom is a dentist who drives a convertible, and her dad is an eye doctor. Katie is allowed to watch TV until 8 p.m. Sydney's mom is a hairdresser; her dad is a plumber. They square dance in the basement. And so on. The narrator wishes that his parents would do all these things. Finally he describes his parents. Mom teaches French and the piano and plays duets with him. Dad is a writer who talks to his son about everything. Mom puts notes in his lunchbox, and Dad reads to him every night. On weekends, they all go for bike rides. So no, the boy would not want to trade them. "I KNOW they're the best!" The illustrations are large and clear, made with acrylics and a digital paint program. They simply illustrate the text; there's nothing extra to peruse. This is a straightforward retelling of a common childhood exercise in wishful thinking.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 1–3—Brian's mother serves in the military and has gone off to war, and he is left in the part-time care of his grandfather, who recounts his own experiences of when his father went off to war and sent back postcards and letters as a way to reassure his family that he was safe. The writing is prosaic, and the storytelling feels forced and predictable. Children whose parents have been deployed overseas are the intended audience, and they may be able to respond to the story on a deeper level than those children who have no such experiences. The artwork becomes part of the storytelling, helping to identify the setting, with full-color illustrations depicting Brian and his grandfather's world and sepia-toned images showing scenes from the man's childhood. Interspersed throughout are reproductions of the actual postcards that the author's father sent home, an authentic, emotional touch to an otherwise flat story. Better choices for this topic include Lisa Tucker McElroy's Love, Lizzie (Albert Whitman, 2005) or Eileen Spinelli's While You Are Away (Hyperion, 2004).—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

PreS-K—Lulu, a little gray mouse, puts on her favorite pink pajamas at bedtime. "They smell as good as a pink dream." After a story and a song, she goes to sleep with her pet ladybug, Lili-poo. One morning, Lulu decides to wear her "soft-as-a-butterfly-kiss pajamas" all day long. At school her friends laugh at her, and she gets finger paint and glue on them. At lunchtime, she spatters them with spaghetti sauce. By the end of the day, Lulu's pajamas are a mess. She vows to never wear them again and goes to bed in her orange ballerina dress. When Mama won't tell bedtime stories to mice who do not wear pajamas, Lulu makes a big decision. Young children can recognize themselves in Lulu's desire to have a favorite item with her all day long. The watercolor illustrations add an interesting quirkiness to the text.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 1–2—This picture book shows that even as a youngster Amelia Bedelia takes everything literally, including gluing herself to her seat. She is a challenge to her teacher, who is also having her first day of school. Young children will need explanations for some of her actions and for a number of the idioms. Avril's colorful gouache and pencil illustrations show a girl who seems almost always in motion, hopping on the bus, jumping rope, running like a cheetah, and tickling another student. Repeat readings of the story will enhance the humor for young listeners.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 3—In this tale of tongue-in-cheek terror, a breathless narrator warns readers about a book gone rogue. Beginning with a peanut-butter-fingered child who pages through it and is gobbled up, the book leaves a trail of bones, chewed pages, and missing children and grown-ups as it takes advantage of its prey's cluelessness. Finally caught by police after someone sees it in action, the jailed book is transferred to the zoo. But readers are holding the very book and are warned at the conclusion, "…this book is always hungry. And it eats people." This hilariously dark story is illustrated with collage elements using Photoshop in a jazzy, jangly style that is part noir and part graphic novel. Big-eyed characters are stalked by a wonderfully sinister and pointy-toothed tome. Readers who love monsters and a good scare while still delighting in silly proceedings will definitely want to brave this tale.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1—In rhyming text, a boy relates a woeful tale of trying to have fun but being plagued by monsters that ruin his every pleasure. Each encounter begins with the child asking readers if they've experienced a similar situation. To his increasing chagrin, the answer seems to be no ("You haven't?" "Not ever?" "Not that either?" "Never?"). The pleasing and unexpected conclusion is sure to be met with a smile. The muted, almost fuzzy-looking illustrations feature the small barefoot and straw-hatted boy setting up his fun with a hint of monster trouble somewhere in the background. A turn of the page finds him meeting up with an increasingly fanciful array of pastel-colored adversaries. The artwork alternates between full-color washes that cover the pages completely and spreads that isolate the boy against expanses of white space. Perfectly paced and quietly dramatic, this fanciful tale of monsters run amok can be used with groups as well as for one-on-one sharing.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Gr 3–5—Unusual paper engineering makes this a particularly memorable version of the familiar tale. Each of the five spreads opens at a broad angle, revealing a three-layer "stage" bordered by sumptuous curtains. Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife join viewers in looking through a die-cut screen of trees (or in interior scenes an archway) at gracefully posed, richly clad figures. The jewel-like colors, as well as Ray's almond-eyed Snow White and dusky-skinned Prince, give the tale an otherworldly air missing from other 3-D versions. Side flaps conceal a briefly told rendition of the story, but children will hardly need to refer to it to follow the action. Fine for display, and for shared reading with a small audience.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 1–3—Rompella's homage to Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" begins with three picky eaters whose mother cooks healthy meals with plenty of vegetables and a delicious dessert. Too bad they cannot have that yummy dessert until they have cleaned their plates. When the boys discover a loose floorboard under Poe's chair, they devise a plan to get dessert every night. Their clever scheme works night after night, but soon the boys are overwhelmed by a stench only they can smell, coupled with the sound of beating beets. Overcome, Poe confesses their deed and in the process is covered by the mixture of discarded food that washes over him like a tidal wave. As punishment the boys are denied dessert for some time and their father nails down all the loose floorboards—except the one under his own chair. Children will easily relate to the boys even if they aren't familiar with Poe's story. The suspense leading to the revelation is well done and the atmospheric and detailed illustrations work well to enhance the narrative. The look on the boy's face as he divulges their deed is priceless.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-K—A pudgy red teddy bear clad in a bulky white sweater is left on the train by his companion, a young girl named Stevie, who, according to Red Ted, "loves me as much as she loves cheese." Consigned to a shelf in the Lost and Found, he strikes up a friendship with a lumpy-looking stuffed crocodile that, sadly, has been there so long he doesn't remember who left him behind. Determined to find Stevie, Red Ted has a willing companion in Crocodile; soon the pair is joined by a self-proclaimed cheese-loving white cat that tracks a whiff of cheese to Stevie's front door. An initial disappointment when nobody is home turns into glee when Stevie and her mother (a bag of cheese in hand) appear around the corner for a happy ending for Red Ted and Crocodile. After munching the cheese, the white cat—being a cat—ambles off into the night. Rosen's quirky combination of characters is matched by Stewart's muted colors and deliberately hazy backgrounds, which nicely spotlight the stuffed animals. His use of panels, which effectively further the action, vary from one to six per page and provide a quiet but effective pace. Noteworthy is an almost all-white, one-and-a-half-page spread; the sole image (on the bottom of the recto) is the trio depicted at Stevie's door, alone and in despair. The plucky and determined Red Ted deserves a place among the many lost-toys books on library shelves.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

K-Gr 1—Archie, who is asleep in bed, "drifting and floating" on a blue-green sea, awakes to find himself on a strange island. After hiding from a tiger that doesn't see him, the monkey builds himself a house high in a coconut grove. He soon meets an ibis named Clarice and the tiger, Beatrice, who turns out to be friendly, and the three become inseparable. When pirates capture Beatrice, Archie and Clarice and the other animals attack them with scary coconut heads and catapults stocked with rotten fruit. Archie then announces that the animals "make a good team" and should all be neighbors. The final spread depicts a tranquil setting with raccoons gardening, birds singing, and the three friends relaxing in their yellow, thatch-roof homes. The colorful cartoons are filled with detail, make good use of white space, and enhance the text. Curious George fans are sure to enjoy this one.—Michele Sealander, Hamburg School, NJ

PreS-K—Animal moms and dads with diverse occupations ride a train to their jobs and back, and do their work in between. Leaving and arriving home again, the parents shower their little ones with plenty of affection. Roth's jolly rhyme scheme is catchy and descriptive. Preschool audiences can chime in with the repetitive "'ALL ABOARD! to work…choo-choo! Chug-a-chug-a-choo-choo-choo!" refrain. Ordinal numbers count each boarding passenger. Lavis's lighthearted, cheerful full-color artwork has plenty of detail tucked into the spreads. It conveys the warm family relationships and tells a story within a story, of a little bird that makes friends with the commuters. Apparel and accessories worn or carried by the workers match their occupations—for example, Dolly Duck would "…like to fix your car or truck" and wears overalls and carries a toolbox. This title will extend well into units on families, transportation, occupations, and math.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-K—Full spreads depict quartets of cats, illustrating opposites. Residing among pastel-hued, flowered hills, these cartoon felines vary in form, fur texture, and color. The drawings occasionally go garish, as in the case of the nose-dripping cat with a cold, or the devilish "bad" cat. Using an ABCA rhyme scheme, the simple sentences may make this book useful as an early reader. However, occasionally the awkward translation breaks the familiar pace: "This cat is young/this cat has reached old age. This cat is on the moon/this cat is in a cage." The bright cover will attract readers, but they might not find fulfillment within.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS-Gr 2—Milo the elephant loves playing with his feline neighbors Henry, Hildy, and Harriet, but something always seems to interrupt their fun, especially bedtime. So they try every way they can to get around it. Things don't go so well (though the image of Milo painted to blend into the wallpaper is bound to inspire giggles). At last, they find "the perfect late-night no-bedtime-ever hideout"—the attic, which also happens to be full of neat stuff to play with. But sleep must come to even the most intrepid explorers, and so their night turns into a slumber party, heavy on the slumber. The age-old dilemma of wanting to stay up and play just a bit longer finds a gently humorous treatment in this tale, accompanied by swirly acrylic paintings that evoke dreamy nighttime fantasy.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 3—The irrepressible kitty boy is back in an out-of-this-world adventure involving a visit to Mars. Fans of the wannabe Chihuahua will recognize his Spanish-laced expressions and obsessions, while those new to his style will need time to adjust as the plot shifts between Earth and outer space. In this tale, he comes up against a band of Martians, including one that could be his twin (when one discounts the fact that he's green and one-eyed, hence his nickname Uno Ojo). A tug-of-war over Skippyjon's sock monkey results in the expedition ending with his safe return from the spicy planet (Mars is covered with chili powder). Skippyjon's fans will not be disappointed with his latest adventure. The colorful and energetic illustrations showcase the otherworldly setting while the kitten's alien twin is particularly appealing.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

K-Gr 2—Melvin the cement truck gets a flat on a dark, stormy night and searches for a replacement in a creepy junkyard. As soon as he finds one and has it on his rim, a spooky voice calls out, "Who took my golden tire?" Melvin tries to hide, but the voice keeps following him. Just when he thinks he can't take it anymore, the owner of the voice is revealed and is not so scary after all. The familiar characters will please fans of this series. The book is easily paired with early-reader versions of "The Teeny Tiny Woman" and Alvin Schwartz's In a Dark, Dark Room (HarperCollins, 1984) for almost-scary Halloween reading.—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

Gr 3–5—A search for kidnapped alien dinosaurs in a Mongolian mountain cave and laser gun battles against a crime syndicate of aliens provide readers with plenty of action and cliff-hangers. Zack Gaither is an Earth-based alien secret agent in training for the Galactic Union, a group that plans for peaceful contact with Earth in the future. Joining him on an expedition through parts of the Gobi Desert are two new friends, Jargul and Segi, and the "big, toothy sarcastic velociraptor dinosaur" cadet Vraj; her parents are among those kidnapped. The missing reptiles are Tirgizian scientists out to prove that Earth was their mother home millions of years ago. With Zack's ability to talk with desert animals, the four piece together clues. Using the victims as ransom, the kidnappers want to force the Galactic Union to relinquish its plans. Gorman's hilarious cartoon illustrations help keep the merriment rolling along. Fans of Jon Scieszka's "Time Warp Trio" series (HarperCollins) who also enjoy science fiction are apt to chuckle over Zack's hilarious escapades.—James K. Irwin, formerly at Salt Lake County Library Services, UT

PreS-Gr 1—This calming tale follows three brown bunnies as their day draws to a close. They have dinner, tidy up, tell dad about the fun they've had, brush their teeth, and listen to one last story. After kisses, hugs, and prayers, they curl up under a fluffy quilt and slip off to sleep. "Always lovely,/Always new,/Tomorrow's waiting/Just for you." The gentle singsong text makes for excellent bedtime reading, and the homey watercolors are equally pleasant. The bunnies wear distinctive outfits and have a variety of expressions. The final spread shows the sun rising over the yellow-green meadow that surrounds their little cottage. Children will easily relate to the story, especially the scene in which one bunny in a suds-filled tub is having its ears washed. A good addition to the genre.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 1–3—This story, based on the teachings of Buddha, is similar to Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are (Harper & Row, 1963) in its trajectory, but anger is personified by a single wild creature. Sent to his room just before dinner for losing control, Anh is told by Grandfather to sit with his anger. "I'll come in when you're calm," he says. Alone, the five-year-old discovers the embodiment of his emotion in the form of a fuchsia-legged, red-faced, green-tongued monster. The child questions the creature about how it appeared. "Don't worry, Anh, I'm not a stranger. I'm the part of you that comes out when things don't go your way." They dance together, and then Anh sits and breathes, and quiets himself. A brief introduction to meditation is given: "With each in-breath, Anh's anger got a little bit smaller and with each out-breath, Anh felt a little better." In the resolution, Grandfather responds to the boy's apology simply by accepting him: "Thank you for your kind words." The mixed-media artwork includes paper and silk collages with realistic brush and pencil drawings of a child and his grandfather. With the guidance of loving adults, this gentle book may help children to acknowledge, accept, and work through their anger.—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

K-Gr 3—Having a "most inquisitive mind," the King of Quizzical Island tells his loyal subjects he is going to sail to the edge of the world to see what he can find. Despite their concern for his safety, he is determined to go and builds a ship with wood from a Tea-Bag Tree, rigging made from a spider web, and uses a bumblebee for a rudder. In rhyming text, Snell tells of the king's strange and marvelous adventures in a Jigsaw Land, where everything lay in pieces, in Vertical Land, where everything stands on end, and his watery trials with Hurricane Harriet and the Sea of Dreadful Dreams. One day, he finds himself at his own back door, proving, he tells his cheering followers, that the Earth is, indeed, round. When a doubting Owl suggests that the King might just have been sailing in circles, the monarch, ever upbeat, orders up a 10-foot-wide, diamond-studded spade—in order to dig a tunnel to the other side of the world. That, however, the author tells readers in a surprise ending, "is another story." McKee's lively black-and-white line drawings (only the King is depicted in color) match the mood of this fanciful tale. It's best read aloud where children can participate in elaborating on the King's adventures—or devising new ones for this most curious ruler.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS—This gentle lullaby is illustrated with soft jewel-toned paintings. Loving animal families cuddle on the spreads, and the natural world celebrates the arrival of a new human baby, pictured on the last page in mother's arms. The brief rhyming text is enhanced by the peaceful, cozily rounded artwork. There is a place to add a child's photo at the back of the book and a lovely quote in Hebrew and English: "The day you were born is the day God decided that the world could not exist without you," making the book a perfect gift for new parents. Other than the Hebrew quote—from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov—and the Israeli origin, the book contains no overt Israeli or Jewish content, and the emotion of the story has universal appeal. The only thing missing is music—neither sheet music nor a recording is provided, and no further information about the original lullaby is listed to help track down the song. However, even without a tune, the lyrical text and relaxing pictures will make the book a welcome addition to the bedtime ritual for children of all backgrounds.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 2—In this quirky tale, the rhyme and rhythm appear and disappear—for no apparent reason. When the meter is in use, it's rickety. The story has no redeeming message or widespread appeal. So it's puzzling that it is weirdly appealing. Papa, aka Wild Man Jack, hates Hates HATES—you guessed it—creamed tuna fish and peas on toast. Each day, his children take turns asking, "What will you do if Mama Jane cooks creamed tuna fish and peas on toast?" And each time he has a different answer: "I'll scream and complain 'cause I hate it the most." "I'll brandish my spoon 'cause I hate it the most." When Mama Jane serves her husband the detested dish, Wild Man Jack then reacts in all the ways he's threatened to, culminating in a funeral service—for the tuna fish. The charm is mainly in the pictures. They're multicolored, multilayered collages/paintings/ink drawings. Gorgeous blotches of color coat faint collage stamps, forms, dollar bills, musical notes and numbers from ads, and newspaper articles. Shapes of people, animals, and scenery are summoned from this background with squiggly ink lines. Many of the collage pieces are humorous selections; for instance, on the final page, the birds that have served as witnesses to the story are pictured above a text that begins, "The Story of the Birds." This tale isn't for everyone, but its wry humor and illustrations worthy of a Roald Dahl creation make it worth a close look.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

K-Gr 3—The clever sheep introduced in Brave Charlotte (Bloomsbury, 2005) again comes to the rescue, when a group of young sheep, who ironically call themselves "the wolves," create havoc and bully others. They pick on the old sheepdog, howl like a pack of wolves to frighten the baby sheep, and are jealous of Charlotte's brave and feisty ways. One night they think they hear a real wolf howl in the forest and hide in fear. The next day, Charlotte ventures out and discovers the source: a lost puppy whose great-grandfather was a wolf strayed from "her humans" while they were on a picnic and wound up high on a rock ledge. Charlotte is more than happy to bring Mimi back, but first enlists her help in teaching the bullies a lesson. Enchanting illustrations done in acrylics on cardboard reinforce and enliven the "ah-woo, woo-woo-wooooo!"-laced text. Brave Charlotte is a sheep with moxy, and youngsters will no doubt be waiting for her next adventure.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

K-Gr 2—A penguin and pirate change places in this offbeat selection. The bored bird, tired of the freezing South Pole, hops onto a chunk of ice and crashes into a pirate ship sailing off course from the Caribbean. The stocky pirate, frustrated by his full-time job, is more concerned with finding inner peace than buried treasure. "'Inner peace?' asked the crew. 'Is that on one of our treasure maps?'" After their paths collide, the two decide to change roles, and they find true happiness. The slight story depends on oblivious supporting characters to propel the chain of events. Expressive cartoon illustrations shine against the clean backdrop, supported by humorous details that include the pirate's reading matter, I'm a Pirate and I'm OK. Fans of the wacky and unusual may find enough outlandish elements within the zany pages to enjoy this middling offering.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

PreS-Gr 2—After her grandfather relocates to a senior citizens' home, a girl is further saddened when a boarder moves into the room he occupied. She wants to dislike the man but his unassuming helpfulness to her, her mother, and her dog softens her heart. Though rumors abound because Timmerman is seen wandering the town at night with a shovel and old sack slung over his shoulder, the child finds herself standing up for the man she used to begrudge. Her grandfather's counsel, "I'd go right on liking him, till he gave me a reason to stop," helps confirm the child's innate faith in Timmerman. The man leaves town after several months, and, in the spring, what occupied him after dark during his brief stay is finally revealed. Illustrations rendered in subdued gouache, colored pencils, and wax pencils reveal a plain street before Timmerman's magic changes it into a wonder of blossoms. Like Johnny Appleseed or Miss Rumphius, this fix-it man leaves his mark on a community that will long remember him and his random acts of kindness.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—This quiet bilingual (English and Inuktitut) story is set on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. An Inuit girl joins her grandmother on a clam-digging expedition. As they leave their small village and walk along the shore, Alego encounters many strange creatures, some resembling small sea monsters. Just like the main character in Robert McCloskey's Blueberries for Sal (Viking, 1948), Alego doesn't end up with many clams in her pail, but the story concludes with a delicious and hearty meal nevertheless. The unadorned text is suited to the primitive and childlike pictures, which are done in soft colors with graphite and colored pencil. The book's very simplicity carries its own low-key charm. While the story won't have mass appeal, it will be appreciated in communities with an interest in Inuit culture.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—Even though they ended up inside a vacuum cleaner in Rhyming Dust Bunnies (S & S, 2009), the brightly colored creatures are back, this time getting bullied by a big, gray, self-proclaimed mean dust bunny. He turns their rhyming games into an ordeal by sitting on them and chasing them around until the large cat from Thomas's What Will Fat Cat Sit On? (Harcourt, 2007) sits on the meanie and smashes him flat. The bunnies pull and tug until the big guy is back to regular size. They call him a thug and he responds with a hug, showing his change of heart. The digital illustrations in flat hues are outlined in thick black lines. The style and colors are the same as in the author's previous works. The pages are clean and crisp. The text is part of the action. Some words are big, some are small, some black, some red, but always inside a white word bubble. This is simplicity at its best, a tale of bullying told with humor by some familiar friends. It is sure to be a favorite of the picture-book crowd.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 3–5—Camille, a fourth-grader who lives in rural Idaho, literally slides on the ice and under the school bus. Though she's fine, she decides to stay home for the day, having plenty to worry about. Her best friend, Sally, who recently moved to Japan, hasn't written as promised, so Camille has resolved to act like the dingo that she saw at the zoo, ignoring the pack and refusing to become involved with anybody around her. Though Polly, her neighbor, attempts friendship, Camille is determined to remain a loner. When her parents decide to try out a brief separation, Camille feels that the only person she can talk to is her aunt, who lives far away. Despite her problems, Camille truly is resilient and eventually figures out a new approach. As winter turns to spring, she and Polly begin to build a friendship, her parents begin to work out their issues, and Sally's mail finally arrives (having been delayed by a zip-code snafu). Camille falls down a few times but always manages to bounce back. Everything isn't rosy; instead, there's growing appreciation that life isn't perfect for anyone. The lively, first-person narrative moves readers through possibly banal or overly traumatic episodes with a gentleness and humor that has them rooting for Camille. This book about friendship and loss kindly teaches that life is pretty much what one is willing to make of it.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 2–4—Hoss, a German shepherd, tells of the arrival of a new (and wild) calf to his "family's" farm. That doggone calf, named Cookie by youngest daughter Ann, has an attitude about everything and wants to be the head bull, but Hoss knows he has a lot to learn. However, when Hoss attempts to protect Ann from a pack of wild dogs, Cookie steps in and saves her, as well as Hoss, showing that he is much more than just an unruly, self-obsessed bull. This last adventure is exciting and keeps readers wanting to turn the page, but certain questions arise, such as why Hoss can talk to the farm animals and understand the humans, but he is unable to communicate with the wild dogs. The story drags in the beginning, and some of the writing feels a bit forced as it combines anthropomorphism with an attempt to think like a dog. The story, however, might be of interest to Dick King-Smith's fans.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—This engaging story, with the feeling of a winter fairy tale, will capture the hearts and imaginations of children. The smallest snowflake begins her journey with the other snowflakes at the beginning of winter, looking to land "someplace special." As they travel, one finds its home on top of the tallest mountain so that "…everyone can look up and admire me." A larger snowflake looks to find "…a great city of jeweled domes and sparkling palaces." Finally, the smallest snowflake drifts over a special cottage and her instincts tell her that she is home. The cozy illustrations done in oil crayons, pen, ink, and gouache create a soothing palette that will charm any audience. The many details in each large picture encourage readers to linger over the stunning art, which provides depth and underscores the warmth and reassurance of the text and message. A perfect choice for curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and sharing one-on-one, and just the right length for a winter storytime. Well done.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

Gr 2–4—Fourth-grader Bobby Ellis-Chan definitely has some things working against him. His father, an ex-linebacker for the Los Angeles Earthquakes, attracts the attention of fans everywhere they go. It's embarrassing. His parents adore his bratty little sister, his asthma makes it impossible to have a pet with fur, and the family dryer causes him to suffer from static cling—funny to others but not to him. There are some good things about his life, though. He has a goldfish that he's taught to do tricks and, although it isn't considered cool to have a friend of the opposite sex, he and his best friend, Holly, are able to hide their friendship from peers who are deeply entrenched in the "girls vs. boys" mindset. Funny and smart dialogue describes perfectly the interaction that makes the battle of the sexes ring true. Bobby unwittingly plays into the boys' plan to one-up the girls every time, and in the process distances himself from Holly. Kids will identify with much of this interplay since Yee's situations and clever text are so accurate. The friendship issue works itself out as Holly's and Bobby's true feelings for one another rise above the game-playing. Although this is lighthearted fare, the author adds a somber note with the loss of Bobby's beloved pet goldfish and the family's sensitive handling of it. This element may provide an opportunity for discussion for families reading the story aloud.—Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1—Learning about word families has never been more fun. Using playful language, this early reader introduces three simple stories using the word families "ot," "ab," and "it." For example, "Snot" becomes "tot," "hot," "pot," "hot pot," "snot pot," "hot tot," and "pot on tot." Whimsical cutouts create new words by turning the page, and modern, edgy designs engage youngsters. This illustrator grabs the text and punctuates it with bold animelike characters that are sure to delight the beginning-to-read set, particularly kinetic learners.—Melissa Smith, Green Valley Library, Henderson, NV

PreS-Gr 2—With lyrical text and folk-style artwork, this handsome picture book celebrates the pleasures of a favorite food while accentuating nature's cycles and Earth's bounty. A luscious fruit is plucked from a tree branch, driven to a local farm stand, and purchased by a girl and her mother. After the apple is consumed ("Delicious!"), birds eat the core and seeds are scattered in the wind. Stages of growth are indicated as a newly sprouted tree is contrasted with one many years old (its size emphasized by a foldout page), and pink blossoms gradually transform into ripe fruit. The book ends with a "Thank you" directed at "birds, wind, sun, and bees" and the Earth itself. Blending jewel tones with colorful patterns, gracefully flowing lines, and intricate details, the paintings create a sense of wonder while depicting everyday details. The endpapers feature a delicate design of apples, seeds, bees, birds, blossoms, and more. The text and some of the full-page illustrations are framed by borders of leaves, vines, feathers, and other organic objects, all set against buff-colored backdrops that look like handmade paper. A lovely addition to units on seasons, apples, and nature appreciation, and just for savoring in general.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—The power behind this thick, square alphabet book lies in the breathtaking photography. Striking zebra-skin endpapers lure readers into the book. On each spread, a letter of the alphabet is presented in large, bold font in its capital and lowercase form along with a teasing photograph. The page turn shows a more complete photograph and the word describing it. Usually the letters stand for one animal, such as "Ee" for "Elephant." But there are a few exceptions—such as the letter "Nn" denoting "Nocturnal" and "Qq" for "Quills." The portraits stand out sharply from the white backgrounds, helping to focus readers on the animals' stunning details and colors. A glossary offers tidbits of animal trivia about each of the 26 entries, which might inspire readers to seek out more information. Based on photographs from Zuckerman's adult coffee table book Creature (Chronicle, 2007), this playful trip through the alphabet and nature will be visually inspiring for young children.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Gr 3–6—In small print, 230 activities are listed under 25 main headings, which include crafts, logic and strategy games, experiments, magic tricks, travel games, seasonal activities, playground and backyard, songs and rhymes, and shadow puppets. Back matter provides cards, boards, and a jumping jack to cut out. The pointers given at the beginning set the tone for who and what is needed to begin. Each activity states ages, number of players, object of the game, and materials required (readily available). Humorous and lighthearted cartoons enhance the easily understood instructions. Ages for the terrific activities, which can be enjoyed with adults, range from 4 to l0 or older. The entries include: "Concentration," "The Fox and the Geese," "Postcard Puzzle Challenge," "The Disappearing Coin," and "Treasure Hunt." Since the back section requires cutting out, this book may find a larger audience in bookstores rather than in libraries. However, librarians will surely refer to these activities for fun programming ideas and to supplement a curriculum.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 1–3—Snow White is not pretty in any conventional sense, but she's certainly young and vulnerable in this pleasing rendition of the Grimms' tale. Gréban's watercolor views on the book cover and endpapers—where the intruding girl lies asleep in one of seven small beds—invite readers into the home of the dwarfs, a much happier place than the lonely forest in which Snow White is quickly abandoned once the story actually begins. Unlike most picture-book versions, Gréban's text is faithful to the old story, omitting just a few details. Here the queen does not eat the heart and liver she believes to be Snow White's, but she does dance to her death in the red-hot iron shoes, bringing Snow White's wedding and the book to their old abrupt close. The pairing of the text and pictures will work especially well for read-aloud sharing. White text pages include smaller views and face full-page scenes. The artist is adroit in his choice of perspective and in creating mood. His clear, nicely articulated characters are most appealing in the varied personalities of the dwarfs and the old women who are the disguised queen. The book is more informal than Nancy Ekholm Burkert's handsome version (Farrar, 1987) with Randall Jarrell's text, and much more fulsome than the old Disney version that has dominated publication of this particular story. Every library should find it a most welcome introduction to Grimms' tales.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 3–5—Unusual friendships occur in the animal world—a racehorse insisting on sharing living quarters with a goat, a cat lovingly raising a litter of bunnies—examples abound, especially on the Internet. But here the relationship is between such disparate critters as a stray dog and an elephant retired from the entertainment industry. No one knows why Bella (the dog) decided to accompany Tarra (the elephant) everywhere, or why Tarra allowed it in the first place (animals at the Elephant Sanctuary are not tolerant of dogs who hang about). Buckley's straightforward text and her empathy-building photos warmly present an indelible image of this unlikely friendship without trying to explain it. It simply is. The book also includes a segment on the history and goals of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN. Fans of Isabella and Craig Hatkoff's Owen & Mzee (Scholastic, 2006) will eat this up.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 3—Simple sentences in large type offer basic information about the formation and structure of snow crystals while additional explanations and detail are presented in two sets of progressively smaller fonts. Aoyagi's watercolor and ink drawings show how a snow crystal develops from a tiny speck of soil, pollen, or other substances to become a complex six-sided structure. Numerous photographs of snow crystals reveal details of common shapes such as stars, plates, and columns. The images are large enough to share in a small-group setting. Instructions on how to catch and view snow crystals encourage readers to make their own observations. Libraries in areas where snow falls will definitely want to add this title to their collections, but it would enhance lessons on weather anywhere. A logical pairing would be with Jacqueline Martin's Snowflake Bentley (Houghton, 1998), the story of the man who pioneered methods to create photographs like the ones in this book.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

K-Gr 1—Pokey is hurt when Biff the Beaver mocks his quills by saying they "look like a pile of toothpicks." The porcupine's friends try to cheer him up, but it is only when he looks at his reflection in a creek that he does an about-face. He finds that he likes himself just the way he is and shows off his quills by gluing glitter onto the tips. The story concludes with Biff wishing he had quills. Back matter has a "Parents' Corner" and discussion questions. The plot is simplistic and contrived. The cartoon illustrations are pleasant but do little to elevate the story. Readers may feel cheated by the abrupt ending and the relative ease with which Pokey goes from feeling down to feeling up, which rarely happens in real-life bullying situations.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

K-Gr 4—Beginning with the statement, "Emberá hands are seldom still," Crandell's foreword, accompanied by a colorful map, informs readers how Panama's indigenous people have lived in this area for centuries. On the following pages, clear, colorful photographs and a simple text introduce the lifestyle and traditions of the people. All of the photographs show Emberá hands hard at work fishing, basket weaving, building canoes, and caring for families. An appended glossary includes Emberá vocabulary and pronunciation guides. Body painting is mentioned, but its importance to the culture is never explained. In fact, young readers and listeners may need things clarified throughout the book. Still, with its appealing photos, this volume makes a useful introduction to an unfamiliar culture.—Michele Sealander, Hamburg School, NJ

Gr 3–5—This introduction breaks new ground as it examines the unusual adaptations involving the anuses (referred to as "butts" throughout) of close to two dozen kinds of insects, each of which is the focus of a picture spread. Short paragraphs of text, set in the backgrounds of brightly colored paintings of the insects in natural settings (greens, yellows, and browns predominate), describe special physical and/or behavioral characteristics that help them survive. For instance, spittlebug nymphs excrete large amounts of fluid, derived from plant sap that they churn into enough froth to completely cover their bodies, thus protecting themselves from both the elements and predators. A section at the end of the book describes basic insect anatomy and has simple diagrams. Bug Butts boasts a colorful format (the spreads have different colored borders, with headings in bright red) and a clearly written text. Readers will need some background in biology, however, as some scientific terms are not defined (e.g., "molting," "exoskeletons"); the terms for insects' metamorphic development are only defined in the glossary. Other general introductions include some of the same insects but do not have Cusick's unique point of view.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

K-Gr 6—While the poems in this book can be read silently by one person, they are written for two or more voices and come alive when read aloud. Beginning with a verse about the bus ride to school, the selections cleverly incorporate alliteration and action. Franco adeptly uses meter and rhythm to capture the fast-paced action of jumping rope on the playground, and students will recognize the descriptions of typical classroom sounds that distract them from finishing schoolwork. Franco employs plenty of humor, as in "Weird Stuff in the Lost and Found": "A purple coat,/a wizard hat,/a dirty baseball shirt,/someone's stinky soccer sock,/a yellow hula skirt." Teachers and librarians looking for readers' theater materials will be delighted with this collection; bold text indicates alternating voices, and suggestions for additional "adventurous ways to read the poems" are in the back matter. The bright hues and quirky depictions of students and teachers in Harland's gouache illustrations have plenty of child appeal. The typeface is easy to read and the unassuming, natural language will help reluctant readers feel comfortable with poetry. An enjoyable romp through playgrounds and cafeterias, this book will please class poets, performers, and clowns alike.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

Gr 2–5—These books define between 26 and 32 commonly used idioms and provide examples of the phrases in context. The meaning of each idiom is given, but not its history or origin. The layouts are clear, the illustrations are colorful, and the writing is crisp. Zany imagery suggested by phrases like "walking on eggshells" and "a frog in my throat" are depicted in large, cartoon drawings reminiscent of Shoebox greeting cards. Each saying appears in large colored font with its meaning printed below it in a smaller, matching colored type. Children will relate to the situations provided in the examples. Tables of contents list the idioms alphabetically; no index is provided. This lighthearted and witty approach to the English language will appeal to general readers.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA

Gr 3–5—Like Karen E. Lange's 1607: A New Look at Jamestown (2007) and Catherine O'Neill Grace's 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving (2001, both National Geographic), this book challenges traditional views of history, incorporating the latest archaeological findings to present updated theories about how people lived in the time period. In full-page color photographs, costumed actors depict enslaved African Virginians; Williamsburg gentry, merchants, craftspeople, and farmers; and patriot and British soldiers. White space, maps, and smaller photos combine with the dramatic larger images, resulting in a visually exciting and inviting format. Brief context is provided about earlier and later Williamsburg, but most of the book is focused tightly on the Revolutionary period. Causes of the war, effects on ordinary people, and how Williamsburg fit into the larger conflict are examined. The author explains how historians and archaeologists piece together information from period writings and artifacts found during excavation. The text is current, including a description of Colonial Williamsburg's latest project, rebuilding Charlton's Coffeehouse near the Capitol. More of a social history than a straightforward history text, this book will be valuable to teachers for demonstrating the human side of an often-studied period and to anyone visiting the restored area.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

K-Gr 3—This simple bilingual picture dictionary is illustrated with attractive, colorful photos. Each themed spread introduces 10 words, first in English and then in French, followed by the approximate French pronunciation. There's a brief explanation of "la," "le," and "les," though they're all equated with "the" (there's no mention of masculine/feminine, singular/plural). The 130 words cover family, body parts, clothes, toys, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, food, farm, garden, colors, classroom, city, numbers, and useful phrases. There are a few odd omissions—the kitchen scene, for instance, shows a spoon, knife, fork, plate and bowl, but no cup or glass. Overall, this book is appealing, useful, and easy to comprehend. Similar titles are Neil Morris's First French Words (Oxford, 2007) and Natacha Diaz's Larousse Picture Dictionary (2002). However, both feature overly busy drawings and lack pronunciations.—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

K-Gr 6—Lavishly illustrated collages using photographs and painted images by more than 20 world-renowned Naturalists help to bring Lear's nonsense poem to life. Marvelously detailed insects, birds, reptiles, and botanical prints grace the pages in this rhyming tale of the love between a duck and a kangaroo. The mallard, tired of pond life and longing to see the world, begs to be taken for a ride. Kangaroo has only one objection: "'Which is, if you'll let me speak so bold,/Your feet are unpleasantly wet and cold,/And would probably give me the roo-Matiz!' (O my achy bones, that is) said the Kangaroo." So, with Duck wearing a crocheted cloak and worsted socks humorously knitted to fit webbed feet, the two take off on their adventures around the world. The various poses of the photographed kangaroo and duck add to the humor of the preposterous but sweet relationship. And Duck's yellow eyes speak volumes: longing, chagrin, and love for Kangaroo. This title's delightfully silly verse, paired perfectly with elaborate pictures to scrutinize, should not be missed.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2—Short poetic riddles are presented on spreads, each providing the clues in both text and illustrations of the plot of a well-known children's story. Two young detectives and their dog are looking at such activities as farm animals typing letters in a field (Click, Clack, Moo), a train running along snowy railway tracks (The Polar Express), or a pumpkin coach careening along as it's drawn by a bunch of rats (Cinderella). There should be little problem coming up with the answers; in fact, many youngsters should be able to solve the riddles through the illustrations alone. The poems are presented in different layouts and are of different lengths, preventing a formulaic feel. Describing Charlotte's Web ("A magical telling,/a pig for the selling,/a spider is spelling/out words that amaze") looks much different from the clues for Rapunzel ("Her hair's the stairs"). This book is perfect for an interactive read-aloud, especially if the illustrations are held back until after the text has been read. Pair it with other book-, library-, or school-related poetry such as Lewis's Please Bury Me in the Library (Houghton, 2005) and Carol Diggory Shields's Lunch Money and Other Poems About School (Dutton, 1995).—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

PreS-Gr 2—Illustrated step-by-step projects show kids how to build small structures out of household materials, encouraging both hands-on creativity and imaginative play. Clear photos of brightly colored materials appear on spacious layouts against white backgrounds. Each project looks sharp and appealing, with sketched cartoon characters adding liveliness and humor. Among the whimsical projects are a mushroom-shaped mansion, a breezy birdhouse, and an assortment of dwellings featuring towers. Key architectural terms such as pillar, interior, and foundation are illustrated and defined, and collected into a small glossary. A note to adults includes suggestions for more projects and tips to ensure a positive building experience. Half craft book and half architecture book, this title fills a gap for young children.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 2–5—As he did in The Life and Times of the Honeybee and The Life and Times of the Peanut (both Houghton, 1997), Micucci covers his subject through a mélange of interesting narrative, lucidly presented facts, and whimsical illustrations. Introducing corn as "The Overlooked Discovery" (upon Christopher Columbus's return to Europe, people were more interested in hearing about gold than the "tall grass" the Native people called maize), the author discusses the plant's anatomy, different kinds of corn, the science and history of popcorn, growing and harvesting crops, the grain's "Cornucopia of Uses" (including ethanol and an array of consumer products), and corn-based dishes. The book concludes with a brief history of the crop's cultivation ("Native Americans planted corn with their hands, and they revered it with their hearts"), the sharing of corn culture with European settlers, and fun facts. Figures sprinkled throughout the text indicate the importance of this "A-maize-ing Grain" in world agriculture. The writing is clear and engaging, with plenty of kid-friendly examples. In addition to adding visual interest and charm, the clearly captioned, watercolor, gouache, and pencil cartoons extend the text and deepen the informational impact. Touches of humor (e.g., the table of "Corntents") will amuse readers and keep them on their toes. Plant this handsome, well-researched title in your agriculture section to satisfy report writers and to generate interest in this versatile staple.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3—"Hi, we're the dinosaurs. We lived long ago…/We're back in this book with a big hello." Mitton's playful yet informative verses introduce a friendly bunch: long-necked Diplodocus, Pteranodon, Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Kronosaurus, silly-looking Mononykus (a flightless feathered dinosaur), and predatory Deinonychus. The affable verses are paired with Chapman's vibrant cartoon art and flaps to focus on the broad humor of Tyrannosaurus's bug-eyed ferocity and Pteranodon's gleeful flight: "Ace hang glider, air-current rider, cliff-top swooper, cool loop-the-looper." Creepy-looking Kronosaurus, a sharklike sea-monster, may induce a good-natured shiver, but this prehistoric bunch should appeal to even the youngest dinosaur fans. It's a colorful, fun-filled interactive package, and readers will learn a little, even as they giggle over the fun goings-on.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

K-Gr 3—This simple, stunning title pairs details from the artist's paintings with short quotations from his letters and from articles in which he was quoted. At the back of the book, each painting is reproduced in full, with captions (medium, size, location) and a source for each quote. High-quality printing ensures that each brushstroke is in clear focus, and that colors are true. One can imagine a variety of classroom uses for this lovely book.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

K-Gr 2—Munro opens a wonderful window into a long-extinct world for young dinophiles. First, viewers see an oversize skeleton, such as might be seen in a museum, complete with scientific name (Stegosaurus) and English translation ("plated lizard"). A flip of the page reveals a fully fleshed-out specimen in a typical habitat, complete with landscape, plants, and other prehistoric critters. Seven favorites are included (think T. rex and Triceratops) as well as a lone non-dinosaurian Pteranodon. Following this impressive gallery is a section of small black-and-white drawings of the habitat scenes, with colored dots identifying the other animals in the landscape, plus a paragraph of data on the featured reptile. While each of these scenes mentions the period in which the dinosaur lived and its age in millions of years, there is no time line to pin these days in easily comprehended geological order. After all, the Cretaceous alone spanned over 75 million years, and a late Cretaceous dweller like T. rex could never have met a late Jurassic Stegosaurus. More complex than Byron Barton's evocative Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones (HarperCollins, 1990) and simpler than Gail Gibbons's Dinosaurs! (Holiday House, 2008), this title will be greeted with sighs of satisfaction by the younger set.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 1–5—The dynamic father-son duo returns with another high-energy poetry book. Looking Like Me is a song of oneself, and of all of the elements that make up and define an individual. On first looking in the mirror, Jeremy sees "a real handsome dude/looking just like me." When friends and family see him, he discovers that he is also a brother, a son, a writer, a city child—a whole world in one self. The poetry sings with Walter Dean Myers's trademark urban verve. Jeremy punctuates his encounters by fist-bumping his family members and associates and exclaiming "I gave it [the fist] a BAM!" This now-familiar gesture powerfully expresses the solidarity Jeremy feels with the others in his community. Moreover, these encounters underline how his relationships shape his perceptions of himself. The rhyme and repetition flow naturally, capturing the rhythms of everyday conversation and the hip-hop beats many children hear daily. Christopher Myers's bold, vivid illustrations fuel the energy of his father's verse. Bright paper cutouts of the characters stand before photo collages that capture lively occasions in a variety of cultures. These paper figures are blue, green, and other colors that do not correspond to natural skin tones. Children of any ethnic background thus can project themselves onto the silhouettes. This book is an excellent introduction to verse, for it vividly demonstrates how poetry is a vital part of daily life.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

K-Gr 3—The description "poetry in motion" may be taken quite literally in this paean to the young dancers who train at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The heartfelt poem's playful words could make a lively read-aloud dance-along, and young balletomanes will be intrigued by the girls in the photographs. The phrase "Beautiful ballerina, you are the dance" is repeated throughout and invites audience participation. Lines like, "You plant enchantment on the planet with every step" are just fun to say. On the other hand, phrases such as, "The Ancestors have produced a swan./You wear the slaves' genes with nobility," though lovely, may go right over the heads of young audiences. The crisp photographs of elegant, female African-American dancers stand out against solid backgrounds of varying pastel shades. The layout of text and photographs varies with each spread, which creates a sense of movement and energy as one turns the page. Whether they completely understand the text or not, children, especially those who take dance class, will love the pictures.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 3–5—Clearly written, these outstanding biographies provide many interesting details about the subjects' personal lives and include photos that enhance the texts. Both titles are based on interviews with the writers, and lengthy quotes from them appear throughout. Readers learn that although his parents lived nearby, Bruchac was raised by his grandparents to protect him from his ill-tempered father. They also learn how difficult it was to be Native American when Bruchac was growing up, and how his grandfather hid his ethnicity to avoid discrimination. In addition, Bruchac was treated poorly by some fellow students in college when they believed he was African American. In the second title, Park gives readers excellent suggestions about how to find good subjects for writing. For example, when she first became aware of Korean pottery from the 1200s, she decided she would like to know more about it, researched it, and then wrote A Single Shard. Park also discusses how often her family went to the library; her father thought libraries were among the "greatest treasures in the United States." Excellent choices where author biographies are needed.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

K-Gr 3—This clear, informative picture book looks at what typically occurs during a child's routine visit to a pediatrician. A girl and two boys of different ethnicities are each accompanied by an adult to the same doctor's office, and are seen by culturally diverse physicians. The story is written in rhyme that sometimes feels forced. "My lungs are fine. And so's my heart./He can hear it thump./But here's another question:/How well does it pump?" Singer cohesively intertwines details of the youngsters' checkups and interactions with their physicians. Bold italics highlight the names of common medical instruments, and separate paragraphs explain how they are used. The straightforward text is enhanced by Milgrim's comical digital oil pastels, which are enlivened by a cast of bunnies. One of them makes an airplane from the paper covering on the exam table. Others soak in the sink. "Getting a Checkup," the final page, reiterates and adds information. Libraries that need an up-to-date title on the subject should make room for this reassuring book.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 3–5—Born in 1921, in segregated Virginia, African-American Wendell Scott was a far cry from the typical competitor in the then all-white sport of stock car racing. Weatherford's understated, cadenced text and Velasquez's soft pastels follow his entrepreneurial fascination with cars and racing and show how this once-moonshine-running racer's speed gained him a slim toehold in a career that included winning a championship NASCAR race. (That 1963 win was bittersweet—Scott came in first, but a white driver was declared the winner and awarded the trophy.) The simple text is enriched by a biographical note from the author. Heavily pictorial, this slim picture-book biography will add a welcome dimension to sports collections.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY