Preschool to Grade 4

K-Gr 2—Alderson's version of this oft-retold tale clips along at a breezy pace, retaining most of Andersen's detail. It heightens the role of the swallow a bit, identifying him at the outset as the narrator, in addition to his central role in liberating Thumbelina. "'That's where it all started,' said the swallow. That's where the woman went off to see the local witch. She wanted a baby real bad and thought the witch could help." And so, of course, the witch did help, giving the woman a barleycorn to plant in a pretty pot. Ibatoulline's fulsome paintings offer bold views of the natural world and the animals that the blond doll-like Thumbelina encounters. Most of the semi-realistic creatures have a cheerful semblance, though two of them—who are actually quite benign in the story—are a bit grotesque. The maybugs that carry Thumbelina off to their tree for a bit and the spiders who weave her wedding dress are drawn as very toothy animals. All look as if they're wearing prominent dentures. The large views and well-paced text will work well for reading aloud in group settings. The book stands nicely with editions by other artists, tellers, and translators.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 1–4—This addition to Anholt's series about famous artists features Paul Cézanne, the post-impressionist considered by some to be the father of cubism. It relates a fictional episode in the painter's life, a summer in which his son visits and (along with readers) comes to see his father's life as a struggling innovator. As luck would have it, it is this same summer that a visiting art dealer is taken with Cézanne's originality, thus marking the beginning of his success as a painter. The narrative flows naturally and deals with some difficult issues—the painter's phobia about being touched, his estrangement from his family, and the disregard for his efforts—in an age-appropriate and sensitive fashion, though attentive readers may find more questions than answers. Anholt's charming watercolor and pen illustrations re-create a time and place that will be unfamiliar to most readers and feature homages to Cézanne's most famous works. Most important, the title coveys the idea that artists are real people fulfilling a purpose that may not be understood in the context of their everyday lives.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 2—Fly Guy and Buzz are back in this outrageously funny adventure told in three simple chapters. Fly Guy's propensity to hide in a garbage can when he and Buzz play hide-and-seek results in disaster. Fly Guy is carted off to the dump, and when the boy tries to find him, he is faced with a multitude of flies that look, act, and sound exactly like his pal. And every one of those flies can call his name—Buzz! Fortunately, the one and only Fly Guy thinks they are still playing the game. He has been hanging upside down from the visor of Buzz's cap, as close as any good friend can get. There's no mistaking Arnold's hilarious cartoon illustrations, and in this new addition to a popular series, there are plenty of them to enjoy.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS—Photographs of surprising animal companions (a piglet and a dog, a deer and a rabbit, etc.) are paired with a text that touts the importance of friendship. The large, clear, well-lit photos were taken by Askani, who lives at a game park in Germany and has cared for numerous wild animals throughout her life. While these photographs are charming, the sentimental text is disappointing ("Even if you think I am…different. Something just tells me we are going to get along."). The anthropomorphism actually weakens the impact of the pictures by distracting readers from the reality of these unusual relationships. More successful is the end matter in which children learn about the author's work with animals and get a little background on each of the creatures depicted. These stories are the heart of the book, and a focus on this material could have created a powerful piece of nonfiction along the lines of Isabella and Craig Hatkoff and Paula Kahumbu's Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship (Scholastic, 2006). Despite this missed opportunity, the pictures are sure to draw readers' interest.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 2—Lisa loves dogs and asks "twenty-one times a day" for a pet of her own. Despite the pleas, her parents respond: "Our apartment is too small for a dog." She tries different methods of persuasion, but neither being "good as gold" nor "truly terrible" changes the verdict. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she posts a sign in the park: "Wanted Dog to Borrow." Soon an elderly man hires Lisa to walk his dachshund. Muted watercolor illustrations show the red-haired girl playing with Rollo while her wooden toy Dalmatian sits on a nearby bench awaiting her return. A satisfying lesson in compromise.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 2—This fable stars three very different friends: a ninja, a cowboy, and a bear. They usually get along well, but then one day a disagreement erupts. Each one believes that he is the best. To prove this, they compete in rock piling, raspberry picking, and rabbit catching. Since a different character wins each one of these competitions, they all feel unsatisfied and part ways to reflect upon the day. All three reach the same conclusion: each is unique and special in his own way. Thus, their friendship is restored. Readers can take the story a step further with the Ninja Cowboy Bear Game, which is strongly reminiscent of Rock Paper Scissors. The digital-cartoon illustrations are set in comic panels; the art and the occasional Japanese word bubble give the story an anime feel. A fun purchase with a solid message.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

PreS-Gr 2—At the conclusion of this sweet tale, one feels fully satisfied, as a topsy-turvy situation is resolved and order is regained. First published in 1948, this version preserves the original charm of Cabral's text and introduces Ingman's fresh illustrations, which combine splashes of bright color with simple line drawings. Seven characters are all comfortable with their special attributes. Then a sneezing ragman causes barks, meows, feathers, combs, pigtails, and shoes to fly off and land on the wrong owners. The affable ragman is willing to sneeze everything back into place but first he must discover the magic word that accompanied the sneeze that caused each mishap. This is accomplished with the help of the little girl and a lot of pepper. Storytimes will erupt with laughter as listeners repeat the seven silly sneeze sounds—"Katchoo! Katchim! Katcham! Katchibble! Fumadiddle! Skeedaddle! Fiddle-faddle!" This innocent story is a welcome antidote for these more complicated times.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 1—A tepid tale of a five-year-old's first trip to a ballet with her grandmother. The story is told in two rhyming lines per page, and the words don't always match the watercolor illustrations. For example, "Dazzled gasps, so surprised. Dreamy gaze, mesmerized" is accompanied by a picture of several rows of spectators sitting quietly with eyes almost closed and noses high in the air, looking decidedly unmesmerized. Though The Nutcracker is about a little girl's adventure on Christmas Eve, the dancers are all adults and look as haughty as the almost completely Caucasian audience. The child, sitting next to her yawning grandmother, appears to be the only young person in the crowd. The book jacket is glittery; unfortunately, that's the only part of the book with any sparkle.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—The comical character introduced in Jin Jin the Dragon (Enchanted Books, 2008) is back in a picture book that incorporates elements from Chinese folklore. Jin Jin has lost his ability to breathe out water and can't figure out why. Could it be a punishment for throwing away a small amount of unfinished rice at the rice festival the day before? His friend Old Turtle sends him back to ancient times to meet drought-stricken villagers unfamiliar with rice. Eager to help them, Jin Jin flies high in the sky to the palace of the Rain Wizard, who helps him end the drought, introduce rice culture, and regain his ability to exhale water. Inspired by the author's puppet performances, the story seems to lose energy in print. Bland pastel watercolors accurately depict Chinese architecture, objects, and food, but rely too heavily on cartoon caricature to portray nuanced characters. A few spreads are more cluttered than composed. Short essays on rice and the Rain Wizard expand the context for this original pourquoi tale. Purchase where the curriculum supports an extensive collection of Chinese stories.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

PreS-Gr 2—From her polka-dotted underpants to polyester pantyhose, high-spirited Paulina is obsessed with her favorite letter. Though her playmate Penny Lee initially supports her friend's bossy demeanor, she eventually tries to expand their play by including materials featuring other letters of the alphabet. Paulina's unwavering interests are expressed through punchy dialogue. When Penny requests a heart in Paulina's painting, Paulina scoffs, "A heart?! Pha! Preposterous! Hearts have nothing to do with the letter P!" In a rapid turn of events, Paulina acknowledges that differences actually strengthen the girls' friendship. "I'll never stop being true to me! MY favorite thing is the letter P! And it's HEARTS for Penny Lee! Our differences suit us…PERFECTLY!" Demanding Paulina's incessant chatter about P-inspired items eventually grows tiresome, and her behavior changes too abruptly in this colorful narrative. With thick dark strokes and wide-eyed expressions, the off-kilter, mixed-media images convey a childlike frenzy.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

PreS-Gr 2—Melrose the dog and his crocodile buddy are inseparable. In Beside the Sea, Croc is in a grouchy mood and his friend tries to cheer him up with a guessing game that leads them to the beach. Melrose is down in the dumps in Find a Smile, and this time Croc lifts his spirits by taking him to the countryside. After a day of hopping over streams and playing in the flowers, all worries are forgotten. In Friends for Life, the two reflect upon each other's best (and worst) qualities and conclude, "I like us just the way we are." When they set off on a shopping trip in Go to Town, they vow to stick together, but Croc gets lost and then found at the mall. Clark's winsome watercolor illustrations show the pals in a variety of settings, from bustling British streetscapes to the seaside. The simple, elegant texts gently relate slice-of-life adventures.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 2—The majority of this tale is written in the form of a letter from Bram Pire to his "Vampa." The Pire family, with their pointed fingers, pointed ears, and fangs, is planning to move back to Transylvania to stay in Vampa's "guest crypt" for a while as they are most unhappy with their new neighbors. The house next door was bought by some unusual and vividly colorful folks: they enjoy sunshine, stay up all day, and sleep all night with their windows locked up tight. When the Pires take off for "an evening flutter" in the form of bats, the Wolfsons (hint, hint) shoot them down with slingshots. Enough is enough, and the Pires, depicted only in black and white with touches of red, pack up their things. A spread shows some of the belongings they are taking: a skull safely covered in bubble wrap, a caged vulture, a plaque reading "Tomb, Sweet Tomb," a book entitled Good Neck Guide, and a coffin. As the moving van drives off in the light of a full moon, something very strange begins happening to the Wolfsons. Good fun for vampire fans.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–4—A carefully constructed scenario traces the rescue of a baby owl blown out of the nest in a storm. Fortuitously for the owlet, the tree is in the yard of a wildlife rehabilitator, so all is made right with the aid of some sticks, a laundry basket, and a team of obliging firefighters handily equipped with a cherry picker. Young Maddie and Max watch eagerly as their mom coordinates rescue efforts and provides pointers on procedures. The book concludes with pages of facts on great horned owls, a matching game, and instructions on handling injured or "owned" birds. Pleasantly instructive, with colorful realistic illustrations, this title might be a nice introduction to Susan Goodman's slightly more demanding Animal Rescue: The Best Job There Is (S & S, 2000) or Juliana Hatkoff's moving Winter's Tail (Scholastic, 2009).—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS—According to an author's note, this lullaby is set to an old Mother Goose rhyme. Unlike the original poem, it seeks to encourage children not only to be gentle and calm as lambs, but to be dynamic and confident as well: "Be always like the hound who dares/To find adventure everywhere." The lulling poem is matched with spreads of animal parents and their offspring. The semiabstract cartoon creatures are rendered in ink and watercolor over washes of sunsets and oceans. The result is simultaneously reassuring and celebratory.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

PreS—When Madeline's parents go to a party, the child and her lovable Rottweiler are left at home with a new babysitter. However, the teen's inattention allows the youngster and her pup to do what they really want to do—play outside. They leave the house through Carl's dog door and romp in the snow. They help the neighborhood kids build snowmen, go sledding down a hill, and try sliding on the ice. After Carl snatches two hot dogs from the hot-dog stand, he and Madeline make their way home, with no one the wiser about how they spent their day. The simple, occasional text adds a bit of detail to an otherwise wordless picture book. The realistic illustrations are charming, warm, and very funny, particularly the one of Carl sliding on the ice. A wonderful book to share with preschoolers for fun or to enhance pre-literacy skills.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS-K—A farmer drives his tractor down a bumpy road through various seasons, gradually loading one cow, two donkeys, three pigs, four sheep, and five chickens onto his trailer. When his filled vehicle hits a stone, the grinning load shakes loose and all escape. By the time the farmer arrives home, he is greeted by all the critters. This tale is ideal for storytime with its rhyming text, fun sounds, and refrain, "Chug, chug, clank, clank, toot! It's a very busy day." This is a jolly read-aloud, and the accompanying CD with a jazzy version adds to the charm, with both an instrumental track and SteveSongs (of PBS fame) singing the text. In addition to a page of the music, the book's extras include a spread of farm vehicles with brief descriptions of their purposes and another of a dozen different types of crops, explaining when they're grown. Dobbins's text, with its bounty of information and fun, is well matched with Sim's cartoonlike, folk art illustrations in acrylics and pastels.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 2–4—Rabbit, whose Cherokee name is Ji-Stu, has been invited to a special dance by the ravens. He is the only guest, and it becomes apparent that the ravens plan to steal his treasured fingerbone necklace. Ji-Stu finally leaves his necklace for them in fear, but after the ravens take it, he wants it back. On the long journey to their village, Ji-Stu learns why the necklace is so important to the birds. In the framing story, Rabbit's desire for the return of the necklace is competently told. However, the substory of why the ravens value it is a little murky. Jacob's illustrations are glowing, warm, and full of line detail. The backdrops are beautiful and complex, but the animals stand out with personality. The story is long, with one page of text facing each picture, but it would most likely have regional interest.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 1—Pip Squirrel's first fall finds him confused and concerned: his family's oak tree is falling apart. The leaves have changed from summer green to yellow, red, and orange and are fluttering to the ground. He elicits his sister's help to gather them and stick them back on the branches. Mom Squirrel patiently, but erroneously, explains that "taking care of the leaves was hard work for the tree…it needed to rest awhile" and that the leaves will return in the spring. Pip likens the leaves coming and going to the sun setting and rising. Even though their mother's explanation is incorrect, her children are satisfied with her account and are pleased that, come spring, their home will begin to look the way it used to. The colorful and endearing ink illustrations, placed in a layered collage using a variety of textures and perspectives, are a delight. One minor quibble: one spread is so dark that the text is difficult to read. The cozy pictures are the book's highlight, and children will be attracted to them.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 2–5—Tech-toy aficionado Malcolm and his sidekick Dandy cruise around their neighborhood attempting to find and neutralize ghosts. Creeps! begins with Malcolm buying the battery-powered "Ecto-Handheld-Automatic-Heat-Sensitive-Laser-Enhanced Specter Detector" from a magazine ad. While it looks more like a blow dryer than a sensitive ghost-hunting instrument, the boys do manage to detect a ghost haunting the old McBleaky Place. In Book 2, they add to their collection of equipment with the matching "Ghost Zapper." Black-and-white illustrations enhance the large-print, easy-to-read texts. Filled with quirky characters such as Malcolm's make-up-caked sister and dotty Grandma Eunice, these early chapter books are sure to delight fans of Dan Greenburg's "Secrets of Dripping Fang" (Harcourt) or Dave Keane's "Joe Sherlock" (HarperCollins) series.—Kathleen Meulen Ellison, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 3–4—Jacob Two-Two and his family are moving to Canada from England and have embarked on the SS Spring-a-Leak, along with other passengers who are various types of actors or entertainers. Unfortunately, Jacob finds that things are not all shipshape onboard as he and Cindy, a girl traveling with her mother, soon uncover some devious plans that result in them being captured by pirates. They were after what they thought was gold on the ship, but it turns out to be Cindy's pet mouse named Treasure. The two children end up on an island and are rescued by other passengers who put on a performance. The writing and plot are uninspired and even young readers will see how silly it is that the pirates decide to become actors. Part of a series that was originally written by Mordecai Richler and that has also been made into a cartoon series, this book has high adventure and black-and-white line drawings interspersed throughout. It might appeal to reluctant readers and those already familiar with the series.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 3—Maggie has a secret, and within the first few pages of this spare picture book, readers see that it makes her stomach hurt and makes her want to cry. She knows all about the danger of strangers but "strangers aren't the only people who can be dangerous." Someone—who looks in the illustrations like a big black shadow—is touching Maggie in ways that make her feel uncomfortable. She is scared to tell her parents, but she does; they believe her and hug her and it feels good. The story ends with standard advice about sexual abuse directed at the very young: touching is wrong if it makes you feel uncomfortable; trust your feelings; if it happens, get away and tell someone; telling protects other children; and "You will start to feel better soon." This didactic book is clearly designed to be read aloud as the basis of a more personal and detailed discussion. Pastel watercolor sketches make Maggie's anxiety palpable and show her behaving more confidently after she tells. Peter Ledwon's Mia's Secret (Tundra, 2006) covers similar territory but with more developed illustrations and with a fully realized child who solves her own dilemma on the way to getting her mother's help. Oralee Wachter's more nuanced No More Secrets for Me (Little, Brown, 1984) contains four engaging, short stories that depict a range of situations in which children encounter uncomfortable touching from adults and the youngsters, as well as the people they turn to for help, find appropriate resolutions.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

K-Gr 2—George attempts to bring home the plight of the polar bear due to global warming and climate change. The text is simple, with only two or three sentences per page. Tigluk sees a polar bear approaching from his window, and he goes out to meet it. He comes face to face with the animal, who seems to be asking him to follow it. The child and his grandmother repair the sealskin kayak that has been damaged by floating garbage and head off to find the bear. Instead they find a cub nestled on one of the few remaining ice floes. They name him Pilluk, which means "to survive," and return with him to their village. "Our town will feed Pilluk, the last of the polar bears, and show him how to live in a warming world." There is a problem here in terms of the unlikeliness of this scenario—there are no details as to how the people are going to approach teaching the cub. Minor's exquisite watercolors are riveting, however, and capture the beauty (and chill) of the frozen landscape with panache, and children will be drawn to the book by the endearing picture of the cub on the cover. The story can perhaps serve as a vehicle for introducing the subject of global warming, but, in and of itself, it raises more questions than it answers.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 3—It is November 4, 2008, and Emily is spending the night at her friend Breyna's house. The girls, along with the adults, are anxiously awaiting the election results. To preserve the memories of the night, they decide to record the activity around them in order to create an heirloom—a history book of sorts. Grandpa pops popcorn, Grandma squeezes tangy lemons to make lemonade, Mama washes sweet juicy grapes, and Daddy opens the windows to let the breeze in. Then a voice on the television announces, "Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States." Everyone jumps up and begins to dance. Prominent, colorful illustrations, alongside text of differing colors and sizes, depict scenes of exuberant song and dance featuring children in the U.S., in a village in Kenya, in Indonesia, China, England, and France celebrating. In spite of the subtitle, the author glosses over the actual making of the heirloom, so children might be confused about what it is. While the art is not Gilchrist's strongest, the book does capture the emotions of millions of people around the world on one important night in history.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-K—When night falls, parents ease their children's worries as the youngsters prepare for bed. From the strong polar bear to the tiny snail, the animal mothers and fathers are universal in their affection. The story's lulling pace enhances the quiet bedtime read-aloud. A mother rabbit assures her bunny, "If thunder tore the night in two/and lightning played at peekaBOO,/we'd watch the storm pass overhead,/then curl up safe and snug in bed." The clear message maintains its reassuring focus through peaceful phrases. Gliori's familiar characters assist the straightforward narrative through expressive faces, completing a unified package. Watercolor-and-ink spreads utilize warm earth tones within the family homes to contrast the sometimes threatening outside elements or cool night backdrops. Nimble lines support the comforting images, and swirling designs and twinkling stars add unique details. Cozy and inviting, this gentle read will soothe young listeners.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

K-Gr 3—Ten lively animal stories, each presented on two spreads, are filled with dialogue and action. Among the selections are "The Musicians of Bremen," "The Nightingale," "The Lion and the Mouse," "The Hare and the Hedgehog," "and "Chauntecleer the Cockerel." The accompanying CD has sound effects and music that lend interest to the stories. Colorful spot and full-page illustrations add touches of humor and expression. This volume would be most useful in collections where parents are asking for short stories with values to impart.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS—This book aims to introduce young children to myriad winter sports. In bright and colorful Adobe Illustrator pictures, all sorts of animals are shown engaging in a variety of activities. No explanations are given for how the sports are played, and some of them are not as well known as others. For example, one page simply reads, "Sledge hockey. Scoot, shoot and score!" In addition, each page or spread has a small box in the left-hand corner that contains an item presumably needed for the sport. For sledge hockey, a pair of earmuffs is shown, yet none of the animals playing wears them. For curling, the item is a jacket. Confusing, at best.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Half Hollow Hills Community Library, Dix Hills, NY

K-Gr 3—In Werewolf Moon, Jake and Stan mistake Jake's grandmother's new friend for a werewolf because he is always studying the Moon and working in the garden at night. Basic lunar facts are included throughout the story. This book attempts to interest children in science through fiction. Fortunately, most of them like scientific information enough without really needing a fictional approach. The full-color drawings are mostly of the two boys, Grandma, and her friend looking at or talking to each other. Some simple science experiments appear at the end. Daisy Diaz explains trading, importing, and exporting as girls at camp learn to exchange items and talents. Daisy Diaz gathers the girls together to attain a trade with the boys' camp, exchanging time on a climbing wall for time on a beach. No adult counselors seem to be involved anywhere at these camps—the children take care of everything. Information bubbles explain the concepts, and the full-color drawings will hold readers' interest. In Yum-Yum House, Maggie and William admire Grace Ann's candy-covered gingerbread house and decide to make one. First they beg neighbors for candy and then use math to figure out how many pieces they still need to equal or best Grace Ann's house. They end up building a gingerbread village. The story is illustrated with colorful line drawings and ends with two word problems. A version of "Hansel and Gretel" or "The Gingerbread Man" would be a better story for enjoyment and language enrichment, and most parents or teachers could easily create math problems for other stories that would be similar or better than those included here.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

Gr 2–4—Grace's third-grade class is researching foods of the world, a topic suggested by the principal after he overhears Owen, the class troublemaker, ridiculing another student's lunch. That night, Grace's neighbor gives her a bag of delicious roast-chicken-flavored potato chips from France, so she decides to study unusual potato chips of the world. Harper once again gets the emotions just right. The child is jealous when her dad seems more interested in her best friend's project than in hers. She gains a greater respect for troublemaking Owen when she misbehaves, and instead of tattling on her, he takes the blame. As in the previous books, Grace's narration meanders somewhat, and the text is broken up into short sections with small, cartoon sketches, diagrams, and lists. As an added highlight, this title includes instructions on how to make a zine (after Grace receives one as a gift). This easy chapter book is sure to be popular with fans of the series, but it also stands alone.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

K-Gr 2—Little Squirrel is playing with his siblings when a glimmering snowflake alights on his nose. The others present different ideas as to what to do with it, but Little Squirrel wants to keep it all to himself. He collects several twigs, scrambles up a tree, and builds a large nest to keep his prize hidden. The next day, he hears a bird singing but the sound is muffled by the nest's twig wall. Later, he peers through the twigs to see his siblings playing in the snow and he begins to feel a bit melancholy. He soon becomes hungry and knows that his family will be sharing a meal. He drops the snowflake, which rolls into an enormous snowball that is headed toward his family and they all share it. The illustrations are mostly painted in warm, autumn tones, making the glittery, silvery-blue snowflake stand out. Children who have been torn between hoarding favorite things or sharing them will certainly relate to Little Squirrel's dilemma.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS—Thirteen short action poems encourage children to play with language and to express themselves in play. A photo of a white duck swimming is paired with the rhyme: "Jump in and paddle/webbed feet can dabble./Splishing and splashing and waddling say…/Quack!" Below it is an image of a child playing in the tub with a rubber duck. An illustration of a picket fence missing one of its posts accompanies the rhyme: "Tongue gives a wiggle,/tooth gives a wriggle./Grin with a gap as you say peekaboo./Smile!" The picture depicts a baby showing his teeth while a preschooler looks at his missing tooth in a mirror. Preschoolers will enjoy looking at the beautiful color photographs, listening to the poetry, and mimicking the actions. A great choice to encourage parents to interact with their children in imaginative-play activities.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 3—The creative spirit that drove the child to make a doll in Hobbie's Fanny (Little, Brown, 2008) is at work again in this appealing story within a story. When a drizzly day inspires Fanny to make a picture book, she casts her doll as the lead. As Annabelle's story unfolds, Fanny unwittingly finds her own dilemma paralleled in the fiction she is creating. Although the stories have many similar elements, the two narratives are distinct due to the childlike penmanship and art that illustrate Annabelle's tale. This lively narrative generates just enough friction between the easy thing to do (keep found money) and the challenge of doing the right thing (return it) to grab readers' interest. Hobbie's delightful illustrations are suffused with warm pinks and yellows. They continue to capture an almost country charm but retain an urban sophistication because of the setting. The book strikes a balance between the subtle appeal of the message and the clarity required for young audiences. Children and the adults who share this title with them will enjoy it.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN

PreS-Gr 1—A child's grandparents are too busy to play with him, so he creates a friend that only he can see: a large, fun-loving, pencil-gray elephant. When the smiling grandfather asks who "messed up" his flowers, the child blames his new friend. The same goes for the missing muffins, the mess in the hall, and the puddles in the bathroom. Though the child apologizes, he seems to feel sorrier about blaming his imaginary elephant than upsetting Grandma and Grandpa. However, all is forgiven and the next morning Grandpa suggests playing ball. The illustrations appear to have been created with pencil, pen/ink, and watercolor and then cut and pasted onto clean white backgrounds. This is a slight story about a boy and his imaginary friend, and the bright mixed-media pictures are the best part.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 1–3—Andy Shane has thought up the perfect gift for Granny Webb's unbirthday—a case for her binoculars. Trouble is, his piggy bank is empty. With the help of his friend Dolores, he devises a plan to earn money by collecting the neighbors' castoffs and selling them from his grandmother's barn. Unfortunately Granny's binoculars are inadvertently sold as well. The children eventually track them down, and Andy realizes that he cannot afford both the binoculars and the case. He trades his bike so he can have both. In homage to O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," Granny Webb trades her binoculars to buy a new bike seat and horn for Andy. The pen-and-ink drawing at the end shows readers that everything has worked out for both of them. The illustrations move the story along and provide important contextual clues. This satisfying title will appeal to early chapter-book readers.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

PreS—This celebration of family life exalts the blessings and hopes a mother and father feel for their new baby. The text consists of the baby's parents' simple declarations of reassurance, love, and inspiration. Ransome's realistic illustrations, rendered in oil, depict the African-American youngster's growth from his birth to his first day of school. Sometimes the illustrations cover a full page opposite a single short line of text; others cover a spread. The artwork always reflects the family's joy and love. This warm book fits in snugly with the many works celebrating parental love for a child.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

Gr 2–4—Nine-year-old Maria lives with her grandfather in a small, isolated village in the mountains. When she discovers a wolf pup nearly frozen in the snow, she ignores the voices of her elders in her head telling her to leave nature alone and carries it home. Her grandfather agrees to keep it only until it regains its health. Shadow, however, refuses to leave, appearing at Maria's school and following her home. Soon they become inseparable. When traders come to town, a mysterious storyteller mesmerizes the villagers, along with Maria and Grandfather, with her calm, melodic voice as she tells the story of a boy raised by wolves. Soon after, Shadow howls for the first time—a mournful, beautiful sound. When Maria awakens to find him missing, she fears for his safety. As she struggles to accept his absence, the words of the storyteller assure her that this is for the best. In this brief story, Knight sprinkles a little magic into the plot as he gently suggests there is an otherworldly connection between Shadow and the storyteller: her cloak of gray fur; her calm, watchful demeanor; and the way she knew Maria's name. The plot moves steadily and gracefully, presenting enjoyment at face value or taken deeper as comprehension allows. Johnston's soft, whimsical illustrations enhance a text that explores the issues of responsibility of humans to their environment in a subtle, thought-provoking style.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

PreS—Three-year-old Emmy wreaks havoc on her entire household. From spilling orange juice on Daddy at breakfast, to adorning her brother's pet iguana in a bathing suit and letting the bathtub overflow, she's got curiosity and mayhem covered. Krasnesky tells the story with flowing rhyme that accommodates the humor of the plot and heightens Parkins's comical cartoon illustrations. "I tiptoed into Tommy's room/and found a way to use the broom/to get the lizard off the shelf,/entirely all by myself." As the star of this story gets into different sticky situations, she continually responds with the adage that "I'm only three," so not much should be expected of her. While her mother seems to respond to the little devil's helpless plea, it isn't long before things snowball and Emmy finds herself in a serious time-out.—Adrienne Wilson, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Monroe, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Lom is sitting on the savannah scratching his itchy mane when Soldier Bird joins him on his bicycle. He advises the lion to comb out the knots in order to get rid of the Gnatters that have taken up residence in his thick mane. Lom has never combed his hair before so it hurts when Soldier Bird tries, but the lion allows him to cut out the tangles, leaving him with short, prickly hair. Losing his beautiful red mane and being teased by other animals makes Lom sad, but he no longer itches. He does make a new friend when a baby porcupine adopts him as his mother now that they have similar hairstyles. The term "Gnatters" may be unfamiliar to some young readers. The maddening bugs are drawn enjoying life in Lom's mane and have friendly faces that belie the annoying creatures they really are. The lion's bright red mane stands out in the yellows, greens, and browns of the savannah, and observant readers will enjoy looking for the little porcupine hiding in the background. There are a number of picture books about unruly hair, including Neil Gaiman's Crazy Hair (HarperCollins, 2009) and Margie Palatini's Bedhead (S & S, 2000), but none that deal with bugs in quite this way. This story will have youngsters learning along with Lom about the importance of combing their hair every day.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—The team that created the "Catwings" series (Scholastic) has collaborated on this pleasing meditation. Both the story and text are simple: a cat's dreams are filled with kibble and cream, scaring away dogs, and climbing catnip trees. But when the dream turns nightmarish by a flock of squawking blue jays, the reality of a warm lap nearby is even better. Cat Dreams offers a satisfying read for cat lovers who can enjoy the tranquil illustrations, rendered in watercolor and gouache. Many of the elements of the animal's dream—a day when it rains mice, sleeping in a blue jay's nest—are revealed in the squares of the quilt on which the feline lies with such cozy charm (observant readers should also look out for a few catwings flying by). But the highlight of the book is the reinforcement of the conceit that humans somehow enrich a cat's life. The rhyming text is concise and easy enough for emerging readers. Pair this with Sue Stainton's I Love Cats (HarperCollins, 2007) for a cat-themed quiet time.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 3—The text describes the experience of visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem: "You will move past the others toward the Kosel [Wall], and there it will be, waiting for you." An unnamed boy and girl are shown in each illustration, acting as avatars for readers. The pace of the story is calm and thoughtfully poetic as it describes the physical space, the behavior of visitors ("Some cry because they are happy. Some cry because they are sad"), the plant and animal life that thrives among the stones, and the notes for God people leave in the Wall's cracks. The story ends on a hopeful note as it imagines the joy the Wall's visitors will feel when the Messiah comes. The Wall dominates each illustration, but changes in perspective maintain interest. The soft, warm colors of Jerusalem stone infuse each spread with light. The book is for an Orthodox Jewish audience, and Hebrew vocabulary (Ashkenazi pronunciation) is used within the text without explanation. However, a short glossary is included, and an adult reading the book to non-Orthodox children can easily substitute words or pronunciations. This is a gentle yet powerful meditation that makes the Jewish feeling for the Western Wall accessible to children, and the strong sense of place makes it an excellent virtual field trip.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

PreS-Gr 3—McPhail's latest outing, while filled with his signature appealing illustrations, also includes a message imparted without finesse or subtlety. Weezer, a little dog, gets hit by lightning. Suddenly he is smart, moving from math and science to curing diseases and trying to convince leaders to work toward world peace. Then he gets hit by lightning again, ending up bedridden. As his condition becomes known, people around the world "vowed to carry on Weezer's good works./…[and]promised to stop fighting." At that, Weezer awakes, but he is once again an ordinary dog. "But the people of the world?/Because of Weezer…/they were changed forever." The text is direct and deceptively simple, with accessible syntax, subtle humor, and no more than two or three sentences per page. It reads smoothly, and has effective page turns. Weezer is small and stocky with a tan body, brown-tipped ears and tail, and a white muzzle, paws, and belly. The illustrations have plenty of white space, with only a few full-bleed spreads, and the small, square trim size is a good match for Weezer himself. The problem here is audience. The artwork and minimal text will appeal to preschoolers, but the fablelike story will be lost on them. Primary-grade students will understand the point, if they aren't put off by the didactic message. However, parents and teachers wanting ways to introduce the idea that anyone can change the world will likely snap the story up.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS—When a teddy bear asks a child what a kiss is like, the youngster describes the different kisses that he has received from various family members. Some are soft "like cuddly wool" while others prickle "like a cactus." Grandpa's kisses are just like cotton candy, Grandma's are noisy as if she is "enjoying a lollipop," and the dog's kisses are wet. When the teddy bear still doesn't understand, the child gives him a special one. The illustrations are soft and rounded, with gentle pastel backgrounds that emphasize the sweetness of this tale. Preschoolers are certain to find comfort in this story, especially if it is read to them by a loved one.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2—This is a short spin on the Manning family of football fame. Starting out on what appears to be a perfect Saturday morning, Cooper, Eli, Peyton, Dad, and Mom visit the children's grandparents in Mississippi. Of course, everyone is smiling and happy. The drive is long, and the boys pass the time by playing football trivia. Once they arrive, the story focuses on specific plays, which are highlighted on the endpapers. After spending the day at Grandma Sis's, who looks quite young and sexy, the family drives to visit the other grandparents, who look quite a bit older. Again, there is no plot beyond the boys practicing in different yards. There is absolutely no character development. The illustrations were done in digital media. The figures are awkward and stiff, with overly stylized faces that always seem just a little too big for the rest of their bodies.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

Gr 3–5—In the Silk family, a child's first birthday is a significant one: it's the day the youngster is given a name. Griffin and his five older sisters all had their special moment, but their younger sister died before her first birthday and their mother is recovering from her grief in a hospital. Griffin is attending public school for the first time in his life, has been put a grade ahead, and is having difficulty fitting in with the other kids. Then he meets Layla, who immediately connects with Griffin and his unusual family. He even shows her the elaborate Naming Day books that were created for each Silk child. But Griffin cannot bring himself to tell Layla much about his baby sister (whom he has named Tishkin), or that he is afraid that he didn't love her enough—that his jealousy caused her death and his mother's withdrawal. Slowly and patiently, Layla teases out Griffin's feelings and eventually suggests that a Naming Day party for his sister would be a wonderful event for the entire family. Tishkin's party provides the healing that the family needs and a new beginning for all. This book is a little gem. Griffin is described as an uncommon boy (he was born on February 29), but his feelings and fears are those of all children. Barton's soft pen-and-ink drawings perfectly fit this quiet story.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2—These books feature a Berenstain Bear-like bear named Herbie. Basic reading skills are needed for all of them, but they vary in terms of difficulty, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Illustrations help emerging readers decipher unfamiliar and/or longer words. None of the titles has chapters or other story breaks. Each page has one or two sentences. Halloween, Valentines, and Thanksgiving take place at school with many other cartoon animals featured as classmates and teachers. The activities described will be familiar to primary-grade students, adding to their ability to decode the texts. These three stories present Herbie displaying teamwork, selflessness, compassion, and good sportsmanship. One error—Thanksgiving is incorrectly noted on a calendar as the third Thursday in November instead of the fourth. Blastoff describes a trip to a science museum. Herbie recovers his nerve when he realizes the ride in the replica space shuttle will be fun instead of frightening. While nothing special, these offerings are functional additions to easy-reader collections.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Gr 3–5—One of a series of illustrated chapter books coming on the heels of Morse's graphic novel (Scholastic, 2008), this title continues the adventures of Jo Jo Wigman and the superpowered pickle that lives in a secret government base underneath her bedroom. This particular adventure focuses on Jo Jo's agricultural class project and the plant growth serum she finds in the Magic Pickle's lab. The spot illustrations are lively, with crackling energy dots and a constant sense of action and movement. The prose is occasionally interrupted by short bursts of story told in a pure comic-book format before returning to text at the start of a new chapter. These segments don't seem to add anything that the illustrations don't already provide, but they do give the audience one more guided way to read and participate in the action. While the story contains a minor lesson about personal responsibility, the main focus seems to be the emphatic prose, which is littered with sound effects and visual punch to increase the action quotient and the ease of reading. The comic segments, typography sound effects, and the like are cues with which struggling readers can propel themselves along.—Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH

PreS-Gr 2—Moving to Oregon and away from her beloved grandmother saddens a young pioneer girl. While her mother and father pack their belongings in a covered wagon for the thousand-mile trip cross-country, Lydia hides in the barn. She is enticed outside by her grandmother and they spend time together remembering the past and planning how to make their separation easier for them both. Grandma has written down the stories she's told Lydia since she was a baby and gives her the small book so the child won't forget. "'Now you'll always be with me,' I said. 'And every day I will think of you and love you.' 'And I'll be loving you,' said Grandma." After making and sailing a bark boat, having her hair braided by her grandmother one last time, and sharing thoughts about leaving, the little girl and the older woman are ready to part. One last kiss on the wind as the wagon pulls away creates a bittersweet ending. Soft, pastel watercolor illustrations gently depict the close-knit family and the homestead in the vast countryside with rolling hills as a backdrop. This is a poignant tale about changing households and the universal emotions that accompany this stressful situation.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-K—A child and her father are searching for their cat. They look in garbage cans, empty boxes, and all sorts of places where she might hide. They crawl into bushes and abandoned buildings. They see many felines, but not theirs. Some are sleeping, some are chasing mice, and one is batting at moths. Finally Luna, a gray tiger-striped feline, leaps into the girl's arms, and they go home. But that night, she wanders off again. The last page is a repeat of the first, with father and daughter going out to look for her. This slight story is elevated by the lush illustrations, a combination of manual drawing and digital painting. The neighborhood is in full bloom, with green grass and trees everywhere, flowers all around, and brightly colored birds and bugs. The various cats all have distinct personalities. The fact that Luna comes home every day will be a comfort to young readers.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—The creative team behind What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best (S & S, 1998) scores again. In an understated text that is the same for both siblings, the book shows all the good things about having an older brother or sister, such as teaching you how to swim, helping to clean your room, playing pretend, and being there when you need them. Munsinger's delightful watercolor illustrations are stories in themselves and really deliver the message. The children are represented by various cuddly-looking animals including pigs, bears, lions, tigers, koalas, and pandas. This would be a great book to share with a child who is anticipating a new sibling or who needs to be reminded of the perks of being the older one. Each situation shown would also be a great jumping-off point for a creative-writing project for primary grades.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 1—The bear from Nyeu's Wonder Bear (Dial, 2008) returns in three simple stories. In each tale, six white bunnies are lounging around when Mr. or Mrs. Goat comes by and disrupts them. Bear comes to the rescue and repairs the damage. Each story ends with, "Everyone is happy." Although they may be satisfied, Bear's problem-solving methods are dubious. In the first tale, the bunnies are splattered in mud from Mr. Goat's tractor. Bear puts the bunnies in a washing machine (conveniently located in the meadow) and then hangs them up by their ears to dry on a clothesline overnight. Next, Mrs. Goat is inexplicably vacuuming the field and sucks up the bunnies that are dozing in their underground burrow (but not the leaves or grass from the ground). Bear removes them from the vacuum cleaner bag, hangs them on a vertical clothesline, and directs a large fan at them to blow off the dirt. In the final story, Mr. Goat cuts off the bunnies' tales while trimming the bushes. Bear uses a sewing machine to stitch them back on. Don't try this at home, kids! Nyeu's illustrations are silk-screened using water-based ink. The pastel palette and thickly outlined characters and objects are reminiscent of those in Crockett Johnson's Harold and the Purple Crayon (HarperCollins, 1955). The simple language and layout of the book make it suitable for beginning readers, but the art far outshines the unremarkable text.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-K—The animals from Chicken, Pig, Cow (Annick, 2008) are back, and they are moving out of the barn to get more space. But having more room (in Girl's dollhouse) makes for a lonely night. Eventually they make it back to their cozy barn, realizing that they can always leave if they need a little adventure. The gentle story will reassure readers that they can explore the world and return home again. The toy animals are lovable in their quest for a home that's not too linty (a bunny slipper) or too scary (near the vacuum cleaner). The simple text will work for lap-time sharing, which will also allow for time to find the details in the soft watercolors on white backgrounds that extend the story.—Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Gr 2–4—A rhyming text and sweeping, humorous acrylic and colored-pencil illustrations introduce Daddy Longlegs, a rambler and roamer who makes his way across the pages of this book, singing the Daddy Longlegs Blues. "He'll scat across your ceiling…/and get funky on your floor./Shake his booty down your hallway/and then shimmy out the door." For the most part, the rhyming cadence works well, but in a few instances it switches, making the rhythm a little awkward to read aloud. A concluding section provides brief information on the history of the blues and its influence on jazz, rock, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. A glossary of blues terms as well as a list of the musical instruments played by Daddy Longlegs are also provided (fiddle, bass guitar, guitar, saxophone, drum percussion instrument, and the piano). This is a fun, visual interpretation of a musical style that can be incorporated into music units.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 1—The classic stories have been newly illustrated in a larger format. Rasmussen's illustrations emulate the delicacy and intricacy of the animal world that Beatrix Potter originated while at the same time reflecting certain human characteristics through the subtleties of facial expression. The texts are in an accessible large font against a white background bordered by a thin pale green border. Pictures are both interspersed within the text and also full page on the same pale green background. Still, Potter's work in the original Warne publications remains the standard for these stories. Biographical information about Potter and her legacy is appended.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

K-Gr 3—This inspiring fable will capture the hearts and imaginations of readers and show them that anything is possible. Young Rose sails around the world in her incredible teapot and collects seeds from her many journeys. She reaches Boston Harbor and discovers a forgotten part of the city that needs attention, care, and beauty. Despite obstacles, including uncooperative weather, her unyielding faith, determination, and perseverance continue to fuel her vision that neighborhoods will connect and become thriving communities. Spring arrives, but nothing has peeked through the earth—yet. Children come with beautiful paper flowers to fill Rose's garden with color. Finally, she notices a real flower blooming, followed by many more, and she knows that she has succeeded in her quest. Reynolds's outstanding illustrations done in watercolor and ink begin in shades of gray and then explode with color and joy as the garden evolves and people come to enjoy it. This book is a tribute to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and her family's endeavors in the creation of the Greenway Conservancy and Park in Boston.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

K-Gr 4—A girl describes the wave of excitement that spreads across the world when the Ramadan Moon is seen. She explains what happens throughout the month as people pray in mosques and listen to imams read verses from the Qur'an. The days are filled with good deeds, charitable offerings, caring, and politeness. The child tells readers that the greatest part of Ramadan is the Night of Power, a time of penitence, worship, and making wishes. The final days are counted for the coming of Eid-ul-Fitr. The story ends with the child sitting on a windowsill looking at the Moon and saying, "Please hurry back, my silver friend,/My beautiful Ramadan Moon." Robert's poetic style is captivating and enhanced by Adl's appealing and colorful multimedia illustrations. Throughout the story, the artist depicts the Moon, showing its waxing and waning phases as a family is seen worshipping and rejoicing.—Fawzia Gilani-Williams, An-Noor School, Windsor, Ontario

Gr 1–3—This spin-off of the popular "A to Z Mysteries" series (Random) stars the younger siblings and cousin of sixth-graders Josh, Ruth Rose, and Dink. In this first installment, seven-year-old Bradley wakes up to see strange lights in the backyard. He rouses his twin and friends Nate and Lucy to investigate the strange occurrence and is convinced that aliens have landed in Green Lawn. Bradley has an easier time convincing the others when Josh, Ruth Rose, Dink, and the dog go missing the next day. The kids find a piece of paper about alien abductions in Josh's printer tray and receive two disturbing phone calls from the suspected abductees. Things get even more harried when they catch glimpses of strange creatures and hear thumps in the attic. The story is full of clever twists and turns and is an excellent choice for reluctant readers. This early chapter book should be a hit with young readers.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

PreS-Gr 1—Rueda perfectly blends the story of a polar bear's love for her cub with primary facts about these animals. Implicitly environmental in the belief that people will protect what they understand, the story is sensitively told in dialogue format, with a strong undergirding of fact and observation. The cub wants to know for sure that it is a polar bear. Mother reassures her baby, and supports her claim by noting specific attributes on subsequent spreads: "Your feet are large and padded. You can walk on snow and melting ice, just like a polar bear. You smell seals from far away." Like the oversize text, the computer-enhanced illustrations in blues, whites, and grays are expansive and spare, giving children the space to feel the doubts and discoveries of the young animal. The cub's musings culminate in a silent, scary challenge to bound up a glacier during a snowstorm, illustrated without words, but clear in danger. Ultimately, the mother comforts the cub, telling it she will teach it everything polar bears need to know. Then the youngster realizes one thing: it is loved. Clothed in a quiet, thoughtful tone, an ode to a questioning disposition and scientific observation, this is a lovely introduction to the largest carnivore on land. Pair it with Lauren Thompson's outstanding Polar Bear Night (Scholastic, 2004).—Sara Paulson-Yarovoy, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

PreS-Gr 2—Poor Mr. Putter! Once again, he is persuaded to go along with one of Mrs. Teaberry's crazy ideas. In this installment, she wants him to go to a cooking class focusing on 100 ways to cook beans. However, all Mr. Putter wants is a strawberry soda with a cherry on top. Zeke, Mrs. Teaberry's unpredictable bulldog, and Tabby accompany the couple to the class. Once it begins, Mr. Putter begins to snore standing up. Zeke is snacking on a granola bar he finds in someone's handbag just as its owner sticks her hand in. Mayhem breaks out, tables are overturned, the chef faints, and beans fly everywhere. This hilarious story is told with a minimal text that's perfect for beginning readers. Brightly colored cartoons of the animals' antics and the characters' expressions expand the humor.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary, Laramie, WY

Gr 2–5—Seeking a cure for his acute gullibility, Gus the Cowboy follows his doctor's orders and embarks on a journey to Fibrock, where he meets up with Hokum Malarkey, the biggest liar in the universe. Mr. Malarkey takes Gus's money and relates three tall tales to see if he can detect a lie. The first tale involves Dr. Ducknoise, a flimflam man who sells the townsfolk of Flapjack some Smart Syrup. No one listens to the instructions to take only one drop a night. Trying to outsmart one another, the townsfolk finish off a year's supply of Smart Syrup in just three days. Now everyone is too smart for their own good and nothing gets done anymore. It takes Dumb Drops, again sold by Dr. Ducknoise, and a mule to set the town straight. The two other tales involve unpleasant and irritable Cantankerous Clem and a confused young woman named Backwards Hannah. The stories are filled with exaggeration and alliteration. A Western twang is used to create mood. Readers will laugh out loud and share passages with friends. Teachers might want to use the stories as part of a writing exercise for a tall-tale unit or reader's theater presentation. Glass's bright oil crayon cartoons fit the exaggerated storytelling style to a tee. This appealing chapter book for competent readers will have kids laughing while learning about the genre.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary, Laramie, WY

PreS-Gr 2—This shortened, simplified version of Sewell's classic retains the broad outline of the original but eliminates many key events and glosses over the horses' suffering. Some incidents are compressed in time while others, such as the stable fire, the death of a drunken rider, and Ginger's suffering and death, are eliminated. Beauty sometimes softens the accounts of hardship with the observation, "that was not so bad." Jeffers's illustrations are the most impressive part of the book; almost all of them appeared in Robin McKinley's longer adaptation (Random, 1986). Some illustrations have been recolored or altered slightly. The horses outshine the humans, revealing the artist's love for and skill in depicting the magnificent animals. Because the earlier book includes much more of Jeffers's work and offers a more complete version of Black Beauty's story, libraries with that version will certainly want to retain it. Consider this new work as needed to satisfy demands for horse stories for young listeners not ready for the harsh conditions depicted in Sewell's novel.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

K-Gr 2—This story, based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon series, introduces children to the Chinese New Year. Kai-lan and her friends are getting ready for a big celebration. They hang red lanterns and banners and place flowers on the tables. During this preparation, Kai-lan's grandfather, YeYe, comes by wearing a dragon costume. He suggests that the children work together to carry the dragon in the parade. He has each one take a number from his hat so they will know which end of the creature to hold up. Rintoo is unhappy when he draws the middle, a position he feels is the least important. However, the entire dragon sags when he refuses to hold up his part, and Kai-lan convinces him that each part is "super, super, super important." The cartoons are bright and colorful. Kai-lan and her grandfather are the only human characters; the rest are cuddly, anthropomorphic animals. This book promises to be a welcome addition to the series.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1–2—Milo tumbles into a blank book, starts to write a story about himself, and is joined by a monster. When the square-faced, dinosaurlike creature decides to eat Milo to make the tale more interesting, the boy tricks it by trapping it between pages. Although children might enjoy the computer-generated cartoon illustrations—both characters wear the same green and orange stripes—and the graphic-novel-style layout, the dialogue-balloon text is lackluster and won't hold their interest.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

PreS-Gr 3—The text in this picture-book version of the story flows smoothly while incorporating many incidents from the original. Dusíková's watercolor illustrations feature rosy-cheeked children, cuddly goats, and flowering hillside pastures. The images enhance the narrative and reveal enough in themselves for browsers to understand the basic plot. Although not an essential purchase, the book provides an attractive option for those wishing to introduce the classic tale to a young audience.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 1–3—In this coming-of-age story, written as a duet, a wolf cub ventures out from his snug den to accompany his father to the top of the world. As they make their way through the mysterious forest, the pup is disconcerted by the strangeness of the night. In an alternating dialogue, the cub expresses his fears and Papa Wolf reassures his son, calling him Cub-of-Mine. Papa Wolf's voice is printed in bold italics to differentiate it from the youngster's. When they reach Singing Rock, the wolves bask in the luminous moonlight and raise their voices in heartfelt song, claiming the night as their own. The atmospheric, painterly illustrations portray the cub's trepidation as well as the animals' joyous abandon as they sing to the Moon. The initial watercolors are dark and shadowy, contrasting nicely with the later images bathed in soft moonlight. This lovely title could be paired with Jill Newsome's Night Walk (Clarion, 2003).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

PreS-Gr 3—A contented donkey reclining at the beach declares, "nothing is better than being a donkey!" The crocodile snorkeling nearby begs to differ, setting in motion a chain of events in which the crocodile is challenged by a variety of animals to prove that he is the best. Moving through mountains and deserts, the crocodile out climbs a goat and out hops a kangaroo. Humorous color cartoon spreads feature animals wearing boots, sunglasses, swim trunks, and a peculiar cow-shaped inner tube. The crocodile outdoes every animal he meets, until the donkey realizes that he can do something the earless reptile cannot. Playful rhyming text, zany illustrations, and a satisfying conclusion result in a hilarious read-aloud.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 3–5—After the old woman at Number Fourteen moves away, the garden she leaves behind remains teeming with animal life. Everyone from Sid the Mosquito to Ethel the Chicken has a story to tell of life in the garden. Ted the Flea is tired of living on an old rat and sets off to have adventures on other animals, only to realize there's no place like home. Barry the Hedgehog stubbornly decides he doesn't want to hibernate and is saved from the bitterly cold winter by a family of rabbits. When a new family moves into the house, the dynamics in the garden change and the humans occasionally affect the lives of the animals—such as giving Ethel eggs to hatch when it becomes clear to the family that that is what she is longing for. Wild Stories is a collection of three books previously published in the UK, and the stories are interspersed with occasional poems and sweet black-and-white drawings of the animal inhabitants. The tales are short, lending themselves well to reading aloud, and children will even learn some things about animal behavior—such as the fact that some cuckoo birds lay their eggs in the nests of other animals. All in all, a satisfying collection.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 1–3—Daisy's ability to listen and talk to animals comes in handy for her habitat project: taking a picture of the shy otters that live in the river by her home. Boom the dog and Cyril the squirrel accompany her on her outing, which involves going across Darkwater Stump to get to the otters and then weathering a storm on the way home. Daisy is a likable heroine—she is smart and compassionate. Animal lovers will enjoy her and her friends. The one problem with the book is that the reading level is too high for the children who will most appreciate the story. Daisy does make a great read-aloud though, and the frequent black-and-white illustrations add interest and visual appeal.—Katie Cerasale-Messina, AC Whelan Elementary School, Revere, MA

Gr 2–5—The four Alden children have a knack for finding mysteries wherever they go, and their dog's obedience class is no exception. When two dogs disappear from the class, suspicions abound. First, a man in the class is caught not telling the truth. Oddly, the teacher won't help look for the missing animals. Finally, there's the groomer, who happens to be present at each theft. The kids ask questions, take notes, and break down the list of suspects in a practiced, familiar style. Readers of the series should enjoy this addition.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Gr 2–4—Al Foxword is such a good salesman that he can sell an umbrella to a fish. In his clashing plaid suit and carrying a briefcase, the toothy rodent is smooth, persuasive, and, well, cheesy. He tries to sell readers a book called Have I Got a Book for You! Charcoal pencil illustrations are digitally assembled and feature bright orange, yellow, and green. Foxword's clever sales techniques make this book funny to the hilt. It is going to be well loved by older readers who will laugh out loud at the jokes. If you think you'll pass on this title, he has one more sales technique—"You break it, you buy it!!!" The book concludes with a ripped page.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

Gr 1–4—The Bear family members love one another. Papa Bear laughs and plays with little Orsa but he also yells, loudly and often. As the pressure of storing food for winter comes on, he begins drinking heavily. The more he drinks, the more violent he becomes. Eventually, Mama seeks help from the family doctor, and she and Orsa go to a shelter. The story is meant to spark conversation and give younger children an outlet with which to seek help or understand their situation. The graphic-novel format makes the story accessible, but some aspects of it are too simplistic. Not all abusers instantly seek help when their family leaves. Not all abusers drink. And yelling or drinking a beer at dinner doesn't necessarily lead to violence. There is a short note on the verso that this is simply one family's story and that there are many different paths to abuse, but children will probably miss that. However, if the book is discussed with a caring adult, it could help a child in need. School libraries should purchase it for their teachers and counselors, but public libraries may not need it.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

PreS-Gr 2—In no uncertain terms, a girl warns readers about the perils of a new sibling. Looking like an alien at first, and the object of unwarranted praise and attention, a baby is prone to all manner of gross behaviors. Sophie reveals that the situation doesn't get better as the infant grows into a toddler (known as a "monster"): stealing Halloween candy, swallowing lucky marbles, and exhibiting general uninhibited behavior. She softens, though, when the monster begins to focus affection on her but leaves readers with a warning not to reveal this softness to parents lest they repeat the experience. Weeks has created a feisty, forthright protagonist who lays out the pros and cons of a new brother with delightful tongue-in-cheek detail. The ink and digitally colored illustrations and boldface words in the text perfectly catch the narrative nuances and enhance it with cheeky perspectives and funny touches. Older siblings will laugh at the younger child's antics and parents will chortle at Sophie's reactions and perspective in all her righteous truth telling.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1—This feel-good story about the early weeks in the life of a puffling offers children a glimpse at the bird's life cycle and a predictable analogy between its loving family and those of readers. Big Stripy Beak and Long Black Feather care for their hatchling in the burrow where they live and warn Puffling not to leave else he should fall prey to scary gulls that wait for such a misstep. The cute little puffling does as he's told and grows stronger, bigger, and braver until finally he is ready to leave his parents and join his friends in the sea, looking forward to making a family of his own. Vivas's lovely pastel and pencil illustrations manage to convey recognizable human emotions and still maintain their naturalistic integrity.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-Gr 3—When Gerald cannot stop sneezing, he is sure he is allergic to pigs. His effervescent best friend takes things in stride until the fits of sneezing threaten to end their friendship. When Gerald sees Dr. Cat, he decides that his continued sneezing means he is also allergic to cats. When the doctor informs him that he is sick with a cold, the elephant is elated and rushes to tell his best friend. Unfortunately, Piggie now has a cold. The spare colored-pencil drawings are devoid of background detail. Text is spare too, with speech bubbles against the white pages. Both are simply perfect. The focus is on the characters and their interactions. The illustrations in this case of mistaken logic are very funny, with Piggie being repeatedly blown off her feet and Dr. Cat climbing on Gerald's head to take his temperature. Willems knows how to create rich humor with few words and minimal art.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 2—Miss May's grandmother is visiting from China, and her pupils share their pictures and stories about their grandparents. In rhymed, four-line verses, the children tell what they call their Grandpa or Grandma and describe something they enjoy doing together. "My Babu runs the library./He can check out any book/and when he gets the new ones/he lets me have first look." Both titles open with the same introduction of the teacher introducing a grandparent to a multiethnic group of students. In each book, various children say a few words about their abuelo, nonno, ojii-san, bubbe, or nana. The texts are accompanied by colorful gouache and collage illustrations that are well suited to sharing with groups. An author's note gives more information on the origins of the names. These books can be used for intergenerational storytimes and for adding a bit of multiculturalism to family-studies units.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

PreS-Gr 2—Wolff celebrates the curiosity and playfulness of a black-and-white puppy with a poem for each month of the year. The second and final lines of each verse repeat, offering opportunity for interactive reading. The author quotes the dog in couplets nestled in each poem, "She sniffs and meets, wags and greets/Each and every dog./'Romp and run!/Let's have some fun!'" Realistic gouache art celebrates the colors of the outdoors and Lucy's pep. Each spread features a month and provides a glimpse of a calendar showing the previous and upcoming months. Endpapers are spattered with views of Lucy in various poses.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 2–4—Shu-Li takes on the responsibility of caring for a dog while his owner is in the hospital, much to the chagrin of her mother. She enlists the help of her friend Diego in walking, feeding, and cleaning up after Baxter. Then the pup wiggles his way out of his collar and escapes. Shu-Li worries that the news will make Mr. Simpson sicker, and Diego is afraid that his parents will never let him get a dog because of this incident. Although Shu-Li tells her parents that she will inform Mr. Simpson, she doesn't, and Diego doesn't tell his parents, either. Things turn out well in the end when the dog is returned safely before Mr. Simpson's coming-home party. The story is filled with believable scenarios and characters, although the ending is not exactly the best message since there are no consequences for the concealment. In fact, Diego gets a puppy. Otherwise, this is a good choice for beginning chapter-book readers. Black-and-white spot art appears throughout.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 1–4—An enchanting picture book full of whimsy and magic. All the fairies in the woodland are invited by the royal court to the Fairies' Ball, and a tizzy breaks loose as everyone scrambles to pull together dazzling outfits. "Where are my boots?/And where is my crown?/And please tell me,/Where is my spider-web gown?" One fairy, however, sits home forlorn because her dress is too worn to wear to the ball. Luckily, the forest ants band together to encourage her to create one. The latecomer enters, the prince is captivated with her beauty and dances with her all evening. Sweet but expected, the following year, all are invited to the Fairies' Wedding Ball. Lippincott's paintings take the forefront in this book, while Yolen's clever verse adds to the unfolding pictorial drama. While the story line may not be entirely fresh, the illustrations are outstanding.—Adrienne Wilson, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Monroe, CT

Gr 2–5—These fascinating cultures are outlined for young readers with care and precision. Although gorier features of each culture are largely avoided, a reasonably complete picture of each people's history and culture is presented. Loaded with access points such as captions, pull-outs, a time line, and a map, and with better-than-usual reproductions of well-chosen primary sources and art, the books sport a bright, peppy design. The authors are careful to use or at least make note of proper nomenclature—Maloy uses the phrase "ancient Maya" (rather than simply "Maya") throughout, an important distinction that is often overlooked. These books are rigorous in distinguishing fact from theory, and conscientious about presenting competing theories where they exist. These are the best books on their subjects for this age group.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

PreS-Gr 3—This is a delightful adaptation of the Ukrainian folktale in which a dropped mitten becomes a haven of warmth and protection for an increasing number of woodland animals until it finally bursts (or, in one story, stretches out and is carried off by the wind). From the very first sentences—"Once upon a time there was a happy little boy who loved to play. Yes, he did."—the narrative draws readers into the story and begs to be read aloud. The text contains both repetitive phrases and a memorable refrain—"'Please!' begged the fox./My toes are cold as ice!/Your mitten looks so cozy,/and warm toes would feel so nice!" The gouache and watercolor illustrations with ink outlining and detail include single pages and spreads alternating with pages that contain several small vignettes, each accompanied by a bit of text. McClintock attributes the style of her artwork to 19th-century French and British illustrators J. J. Grandville and Charles H. Bennett, and to the 1960s cartoon Top Cat. Her sweet-faced animals exhibit human personality traits in both conversation and facial expressions. Alvin Tresselt's well-loved version of the tale (HarperCollins, 1964), illustrated in black line drawings accented in five colors, and Jan Brett's popular retelling (Putnam, 1989), accompanied by paintings in her own distinctive bordered style, are both filled with patterns and details in clothing and settings that characterize the tale's ethnic origin. Aylesworth's tale belongs in every collection, as well.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS—Four well-known rhymes are given the spotlight when published as stand-alone titles. Each easy-to-read book includes the traditional Mother Goose verse and simple illustrations featuring folks wearing old-fashioned costumes complete with bonnets and pinafores. The characters, whether animal or human, are expressive and full of personality. Plenty of white space is left on each page for the large-sized text. The result is a series of books with plenty of child appeal, perfect for reading with a group or sharing one-on-one.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 2–5—This book is full of the exceptional-quality photographs and enticing facts that readers have come to expect from Bishop. His endnotes explain how he captured the images using trip wires and bait for many of these nocturnal mammals. In addition to captions, an informative sentence is highlighted in a contrasting color and larger type within explanatory paragraphs that accompany each stunning image. Readers learn that baby koalas eat "pap," a mushy, green baby food that is actually their mother's "poop," that some marsupials don't have pouches, and that all start out the size of a bean or smaller. Details like these are accompanied by tangible analogies that enhance the facts. The center spread opens out into four pages that reveal a dramatic multiple exposure of a sugar glider leaping across an expanse in a sequence that captures its flight. This is a book to wow young audiences.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 2–5—Brooks has assembled a collection of traditional and modern prayers, many of them composed by people living in war-torn regions like Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and the Middle East. Selections written by St. Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Lao-Tzu round out the collection. By selecting prayers representing a variety of religions, Brooks reinforces his unifying message that people of different faiths actually share many of the same beliefs. In a brief introduction and subsequent explanatory notes, he expands upon this theme, reminding readers that peace begins on an individual level and that "we also need to live in peace with our world." One of the shortest but most powerful verses is a traditional prayer from Africa. "The world was not left to us by our parents./It was lent to us by our children." Although the verses address such adult themes as war, violence, world peace, and forgiveness, they convey important lessons for readers of all ages. Daly's subtle illustrations are painted in a varied palette of soft pastel and jewel-toned acrylics and feature people of many nations drawn in the artist's characteristic economical style. This title could be paired with Brooks's A World of Prayers (Eerdmans, 2006) and is a good supplement to more comprehensive volumes like Mary Joslin's The Lion Book of Best-Loved Prayers (Lion, 2008).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 2–5—Report writers and browsers will enjoy these books. The basics of food, family, nature, festivals, and things to see and do are discussed; boxes feature words in the country's language with the English translation and pronunciation. Photographs are captioned with Post-it note look-alikes and provide a glimpse into the lives of the residents. (Spain has a photograph of a marketplace; if readers look closely at the table, they can see adult magazines with partially clothed and nude women on the covers. "Welcome to the World" series (Child's World) is another alternative for this age group.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

K-Gr 3—These titles feature subject-specific puzzles: side-by-side photos with subtle differences between them. Readers are challenged to spot the differences; puzzles range from "easy" to "extreme." Directions on how to play are in the front, while an answer key and directions to a FactHound site appear in the back. The layout is simple, but colorful and easily navigable. The photography matches the books' subject matter but falls short on "wow" factor. They consist of spreads of matching photos with a sentence describing the number of differences to find. That being said, they do what they aim to do, which is to provide visually challenging puzzles for young readers. Good for libraries with a strong interest in "I Spy" and the like.—Nicole Waskie, Chenango Forks Elementary, Binghamton, NY

Gr 1–4—While the goal of familiarizing young students with memorials to our fallen soldiers is a worthy one, these books fall short. Each title gives a brief overview of the war in question and the history behind the resulting memorial. Simple text and abundant photographs may draw readers in, but the organization is choppy and captions often have little bearing on the photographs they are matched with. The information is factually correct; however, sloppy spelling and grammatical errors give an impression of a rushed job. USS Arizona Memorial, for example, misspells the name of architect Alfred Preis both in the text and in the index, and fails to reference divers Larry E. Murphy and Daniel Lenihan in the index, although three pages are devoted to the underwater preservation project. These volumes might suffice for basic report information, but books in Ted Schaefer's "Symbols of Freedom" series (Heinemann Library) are better choices.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 3–5—These titles have two-page chapters of accessible, large-type text and bright color photos and illustrations. Hippos answers such questions as, "Were There Ancient Hippos?" and "Do Hippos Have Enemies?" The second title discusses how "biters find their victims" and whether microscopic creatures are good for us. Pinnipeds describes how walruses and seals swim, and their predators. Swarms asserts that the Madagascar hissing cockroach is a "great pet." The series distinguishes itself with "X-Ray Vision." When readers hold the page with this prompt up to the light, an image emerges. The X-rays mostly show the skeletal structures of the animals. Text boxes throughout add to the visual appeal. Readers could easily flip through these titles and glean important facts, including how human beings affect the animals and their habitats. Pictures of the creatures feeding on or being fed to another animal are included. The subject is handled matter-of-factly. In Hippos, Clarke says about a baby hippo, "But its death is not a waste, because its body provides food for other creatures." These titles are excellent resources for school assignments and browsing.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

Gr 3–5—Cleary provides brief definitions of similes and metaphors, offers roughly 15 examples of each one, and explains how they are used. Large pen-and-ink illustrations feature cartoon cats rendered in bold, vibrant colors. The style is fun and inviting. The text, which appears in an oversize, whimsical font, is spare, ranging from 9 to 15 words per page. Large pictures and uneven placement of the text keeps the tone playful. Students will enjoy the unstructured, fluid layout, which reads more like a picture book than a language primer. Norton Juster's As: A Surfeit of Similes (HarperCollins, 1989) is more comprehensive; it includes nearly 200 examples. Marvin Terban's It Figures!: Fun Figures of Speech (Clarion, 1993) covers similes and metaphors as well as four other figures of speech. Overall, Cleary's book is a pleasing introduction for young writers.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA

Gr 3–5—Splashy covers draw readers to these chatty, slight introductions. The books offer a few facts about each animal's varieties, habitats, anatomy, diet, and dangers. On each spread, a page of large type appears opposite an engaging full-color photo. The images are all in high definition with the smallest details sharply delineated. The indexes are cursory at best, omitting basic topics (diet, organs) and including extraneous entries. Most vocabulary words are defined in context; in Sharks, the word "skeleton" is defined in the glossary as "bones in animals' and people's bodies," which needs to be clarified in that shark skeletons are "made of cartilage." These visually attractive books might find a readership, but the content lacks a consistent quality desirable for most collections.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 3–5—Corwin began learning about animals at age three when he was given his first pet, a goat. Once his curiosity about animals was kindled, he never stopped exploring their world. This enthusiastic recounting of his life is a straightforward telling of the work it takes to realize a personal dream. Corwin shares the triumphs as well as the setbacks on his path to success. He also describes some of the mistakes he has made with wildlife. For example, he tried to eat raw harvester ants without studying the recipes of Native Americans, and they attacked the inside of his mouth and injected his cheeks, gums, and tongue with acid. This is a fast, easy read filled with entertaining anecdotes for animal lovers and fodder for biography assignments. A center section of full-color photographs of Corwin posed with some of the animals he studies is exuberant and fun. His larger-than-life personality shines through.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 3–5—This book introduces ghosts from around the world, including the silky from England and Scotland, who does housework and plays pranks on lazy members of the household. The egui from China look for food and trouble. Sprinkled throughout the encyclopedic entries are short personal stories about encounters with ghosts. What could have been a really good idea falls short in its execution. The entries are inconsistent—some are concise and interesting; others meander without a point. The personal stories are the weakest part of the book; they consist of people telling stories about seeing a ghost without any real payoff moment. The cartoon illustrations add a surreal quality to the book, and the warning to readers in the beginning will draw them in. While ghost stories are always a favorite with the elementary crowd, there are better collections available.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 2–5—A true story of a feral dog from Iraq that found a home in the United States. In October 2007, Border Transition Team 3/5/2 arrived at the border of Iraq and Syria. The team members were greeted by a pack of wild dogs, whose leader became known as "Nubs" because of his docked ears. He developed a bond with Dennis, and as the troops would come and go over the course of several weeks, they were always greeted by the dogs. Nubs exhibited signs of malnutrition and abuse yet he continued to seek food and companionship from the Marines, often trying to follow them when they'd leave. In December 2007, when they relocated to the Jordanian border, 70 miles away, he embarked on a treacherous journey across the desert and, two days later, walked into the camp. Because Marine regulations prohibit the keeping of pets in a war zone, Major Dennis and his men collected donations and arranged to send Nubs to the United States. He was eventually reunited with the dog in 2008. The narrative, which sometimes lacks clarity, includes a substantial amount of original documentation—photos taken by members of the 3/5/2, emails from Dennis to his friends in San Diego, and copies of the State Department "passport" allowing Nubs to travel. This is a feel-good entry in the current trend of inspirational true animal stories.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 3–4—An extremely broad definition of "secret" is used as a vehicle to discuss bits of American legend and trivia concerning little-known—or locally known—people, places, or things. Nine two- or three-page chapters briefly sketch the history of the topic. People discusses the Freemasons, the Mole People, and the CIA. History includes Roanoke, the Underground Railroad, and McCarthyism. The book limits the life of the Underground Railroad from 1810 to 1840, when it operated well into the 1860s. McCarthyism is limited to the 1940s, but it ran rampant well into the 1950s. Places includes Roswell, NM, the Great Lakes Triangle, and Area 51. In Treasures, children learn about Fort Knox, Grant Wood's American Gothic, and Route 66. It states that the original U.S. flag raised on Iwo Jima was taken as a souvenir. According to James Bradley and Ron Powers's Flags of Our Fathers (Delacorte, 2001), this is not the case. Though parts of all of the texts are based on fact, much of their content is based on speculation. The black-and-white and color photos and a few paintings are mediocre. Most captions repeat information in the text and each title ends abruptly. Children are encouraged to search their local library and the Internet to find more "secrets," but are given no direction about how to do so. These books might make intriguing reading for some youngsters, but their limited content makes them marginal purchases.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 2–3—These titles explain the life cycles of three plants in brightly illustrated narratives. From seed to seedling, vine, and finally full-grown fruit, the life cycle of the pumpkin is clearly and colorfully described. Bright and engaging full-color photographs amplify the text on each page. The complicated cycle of a field mushroom begins with the basic difference between fungi and green plants—fungi live without needing sunlight. The photographs of a mushroom-hunting fox show that mushrooms are more than pizza toppings in the food chain. The oak tree's life cycle can last hundreds of years, and it begins with the moment an acorn takes root in the spring. The mature tree's vital place in the environment is illustrated by some of the life it supports. Each book includes a footer along the bottom of the pages that shows chronological development, e.g., the oak as acorn, sapling, catkins, new acorns, at age 70, and hundreds of years old. Easily accessible information in attractive packages.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

K-Gr 1—This quiet little book introduces some seaside creatures via a simple rhyming text and realistic illustrations. A ruddy turnstone uncovers a sand hopper, a watchful gull hits on the hopper, while a moon snail creates a sand collar to hold her eggs, and so on in a soft litany of beach denizens and their activities. Himmelman's larger-than-life watercolors spread across the facing pages, revealing not only the action described in the text, but also the participants in the next sequence. The book offers a view of "who's there?," as well as a look at what they are doing. A page of further tidbits is appended. A pleasing introduction to the tideline ecology of a sandy shore (conveniently littered with a few stones for that turnstone to turn).—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 1–4—A glowing portrait of Michelle Obama, delivered in quiet, straightforward prose. Beginning and ending on Inauguration Day 2009, the story of Obama's life, from her childhood growing up on the south side of Chicago to her years working at the law firm where she met her future husband, is laid out. The focus here is not so much on the details, but more her strength of character and the important role that family has always played in her life. Ford's colorful paintings are uncannily accurate portrayals and have the feel of near-snapshots from various stages of Obama's life. While the style of painting pairs well with the text, there is a static quality that somehow pervades the book and sets a more formal tone. Pair this with Nikki Grimes's Barack Obama as a way to introduce the First Couple.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

K-Gr 3—This classic song was written in 1955, and now Diaz's luminous artwork brings it to life for picture-book audiences. The artist's depictions of world peace symbols support the lyrics such as the Turtle (South Pacific); Crane (Japan); Lamb (Mediterranean); and, in one case, a current symbol of peaceful struggle, the Women in White (Cuba). They are depicted with joined hands, their cloudlike dresses float across a blue sky, their black shoes dangling over the orange and yellow houses below. Like stitching, the words flow along their white skirts: "With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow…." The song includes "With God as Our Father," which may make this book more suitable for public libraries; however, ultimately, though, the words insist upon the responsibility of the individual to make peace, and to "let it begin with me." Used by the United Nations and UNICEF, the song's history should assuage any hesitation by school librarians to add it to their collections. The CD contains 12 peace-themed, secular songs. The arrangements are airy and fun for children. Samples may be found at www.lettherebepeacecd.com. A brief bio of the songwriters and a description of the song's conception and its flourishing are appended.—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

Gr 3–6—These titles cover the basics of using computers for communication and information. They break no new ground, but are up-to-date and reflect current trends. In Predators, the focus is on treating the Internet as you would any other public place: avoiding strangers and telling someone if you see or read something you are uncomfortable with. In Research, readers are shown how to read URL tags, use browsers, and develop search-term strings. Readers are told that Wikipedia is not reliable because anybody can add to it. Privacy is straightforward about not sharing information without parental permission and also gives support and suggestions in case something does happen. Similar suggestions abound on the Internet itself, but sometimes a book is a better choice for introducing a topic. Worthwhile purchases for teaching online safety and updating collections in this area.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

Gr 2–4—Focusing on the human-interest side of President Obama, his family, and his inauguration, these books are essentially photo-essays mostly featuring the campaign and early days in the White House. As a group, it is obvious that the photos were selected from the same cache of days and events, but the sharp focus, saturated color, and handsome family make for engaging material. Short, one- or two-sentence captions describe the subjects, while the bold, full-spread images speak for themselves. Except for the few photos featuring Obama's early life, all are in color and of high quality.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

K-Gr 4—The wise bird is back. Having fielded questions on an assortment of scientific topics in earlier titles, the eminent Dr. K. Fisher now answers questions about life on planet Earth. Queries, in postcard and letter format, arrive from an aardvark, emu, chinchilla, viper, penguin, and other animals, and his replies give insight into such topics as the Earth's core, salmon hatching, and ocean tides. Between questions, the doctor offers guides to continents and oceans, mountains, rivers, and world climates. While there isn't enough information for reports, the book is both entertaining and informative. Mixed-media illustrations, color photos, and cartoon drawings complement the text. While adding to the visual appeal, the variety of fonts and font sizes may challenge some readers. Overall, though, the layout, illustrations, and tongue-in-cheek humor are sure to be a draw for most children.—Michele Sealander, Hamburg School, NJ

Gr 2–5—Presenting perspectives from the past, present, and future, Parker offers an innovative and amusing look at the study of the body's organs. Although she writes simply, in conversational language, the author mentions serious aspects of our organs and gives readers insightful information that will inspire them to investigate the topic further. Many books like these get bogged down with medical terms and are too complicated for the intended audience. This one, however, gives clear explanations and historical sidebars and snippets of information throughout. The cycle of major organs is refreshingly described and is accompanied by vibrant and adequately detailed diagrams, all of which will keep readers engaged. While providing good content suitable for student research, the author's point of view is clear—know how your body works. Good organization of text and illustrations result in a book that will have broad appeal.—Valerie Scott-Dixon, Sherwood Forest Media Center, Norfolk, VA

K-Gr 3—A dynamic portrait of the freed slave whose physical and spiritual strength made her one of America's most powerful abolitionist voices. Andrea Pinkney explains how slave owners saw the robust Belle Baumfree as a profitable asset and sold her away from her parents at age nine. This episode deftly introduces modern children to the "ugly way" of slavery, yet does not frighten them with its chilling details. The author goes on to describe how the very strength that slave owners prized was the free Sojourner Truth's most valuable weapon against the institution. For example, the adult Sojourner Truth did not merely walk away from slavery: "She covered some ground, child. She got gone. She refused to stop until she saw hope." Then her strength allowed her to "travel up and down the land" to advocate freedom. The narrative speaks directly to children in such passages, and the conversational style makes this book an excellent choice for reading aloud. Brian Pinkney's vivid illustrations brilliantly reinforce his wife's lively words. Bold yellows and oranges are his dominant hues, and these colors express hope and optimism throughout. His broad, energetic strokes also echo the title and Sojourner Truth's robust "step-stomp stride." While some of Sojourner Truth's feelings may be imagined, Pinkney demonstrates the depth of her research with a "More about Sojourner Truth" feature. An essential purchase for all libraries.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

PreS—The youngsters depicted in these small, easy-to-handle concept books have facial features characteristic of children with Down syndrome. Their smiles engage readers and pull them into the simple contents. ABCs has one letter per page with a noun known to most preschoolers represented in several ways: a color photo of a child or children playing with, holding, wearing, or eating the item named (e.g., apple, balloon, hat), a simple graphic depiction of it in the outer border, the word and the letter in upper- and lowercase bold colors, and the letter in sign language. In Colors, the child wears a garment or holds a toy or common food representing the color. At the border the name of the color is written in both English and Spanish and is shown as a shape (e.g., a red square, orange circle, yellow triangle). In both books, boys and girls are represented, and they range in age from infancy to three or four years. These titles are clear and focused throughout and could appeal to any preschooler.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 3–6—Schroeder has taken what is known about the Harlem Renaissance sculptor (1892–1962) and created a fictionalized account of her life from her childhood in Florida to her acceptance into a New York art school. By choosing to focus on Savage's early years, Schroeder presents a part of the sculptor's life that children will relate to. Savage endured harsh criticism from her father, but realized her dream of becoming an artist. An afterword contains much of what is known about her success in school, her major works, her role as an art instructor, and her retirement years. Bereal's full-page and spot illustrations glow with the sunset hue of the red clay Savage first discovered as a child. Two black-and-white images of her work are also included. This is a worthy effort that celebrates the determination of a young woman whose contributions should be remembered.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

K-Gr 3—When the author was a child, her father, Andrew Young, was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Her first picture book beautifully captures her childhood during those events that radically changed America. One episode recalls Shelton's unique contribution to the integration of restaurants. When white owners refused to seat her family, Shelton sat down and cried loudly, an action she calls "my very first protest, my own little sit-in." With this incident, she helps modern children understand the hurtful effects of segregation. Shelton also recalls how the movement united its leaders. The Youngs, the Kings, and other activists became like family because they "were brought together by a common goal." This positive tone prevails throughout the book, which ends with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Colón's luminous watercolors effectively underscore the text's optimistic viewpoint, imbuing scenes of struggle with light that represents the activists' hope for positive results. The book therefore balances honesty about the challenges of the movement with the hope that inspired activists to continue their efforts. An author's note explains how Shelton does not always remember conversations verbatim, but draws on her family's shared memories. The back matter includes information about the leaders who are mentioned. History comes alive in this vivid account.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 1–5—This book doubles as an acrostic poem and a rich exploration of Arctic life. The introduction explains that Arctic people have built Inuksuit, stone towers, as guides for thousands of years. They can mark directions, or food caches. They aid hunting, or mark memorials. Each letter of the word "Inuksuk" is given two pages. The first spread shows a boldly colored and textured painting and explains the term. Then each letter is associated with an aspect of Arctic life, e.g., "N is for Nanuq." The word appears in English and in Inuktitut syllabics. The following page gives more information. "N is for Nanuq, the powerful polar bear of the North." A few smaller paintings illustrate sentences about the subject. The back matter includes a reference to the Inuksuit in the book and a pronunciation guide to Inuktitut words. This book succeeds wonderfully as a simple alphabet book and as an exceptional exploration of Arctic life and culture. Older readers who want to learn more about Inuksuit and Inuit culture will appreciate Mary Wallace's The Inuksuk Book (OwlKids, 1999).—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

K-Gr 2—Weatherford makes the Bo Obama story fresh by keeping the focus on the First Family. Children see how Malia and Sasha worked hard to earn their pup by graciously tolerating the rigors of campaigning. They read about the various steps of the selection process, including the allergy dilemma. The media frenzy over which breed, then what name, is treated with good humor, as are the "duties" of the First Dog: meeting the presidential helicopter, fetching presidential slippers, negotiating treats, etc. The author completes the story by assuring readers that "pets everywhere have a voice in the White House. 'Woof! Woof!'" Bates's realistic illustrations in watercolor, pencil, and gouache pack in the fun. From the sisters' secret celebration behind the election-night podium, to a cozy dog-research session in a canopied bed, the illustrator keeps the youngsters' points of view at the forefront. Weatherford wraps up with a page about 11 other presidents' pets.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 3–5—The eclectic group of people featured here includes figures from the distant past (Jesus of Nazareth) as well as contemporary people (Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi). Some, like Martin Luther King, Jr. are famous, while others, such as Abdul Ghaffar Khan, are obscure. These diverse individuals are united thematically in that each chose a path in life to help others through nonviolent means, often at great personal risk, and often paying the ultimate price. These are important and inspirational figures, but the book is heavily message-driven, with Winter often oversimplifying or offering opinions as facts. When speaking of Sojourner Truth, he states that she preached "what she knew to be the truth against slavery and the racism that caused slavery to happen." Many other factors also led to the rise of slavery in the U.S. Stating that "most people in other countries think that America has done more harm than good in Iraq" is not backed up by any references to respected reporting agencies. In fact, no sources are supplied for any of the information or thoughts and feelings attributed to these people. The book's design also contributes to the heavy-handed approach, with words such as "sacrifice" and "risk" appearing in an inch-tall font at the top or bottom of the pages. Addy's oil and collage paintings have a burnished look to them, and would have been even more powerful without the distracting lettering. This is a well-intentioned volume, but it fails when it comes to the "show, don't tell" principle of good writing.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 5—A love letter to Broadway written with genuine warmth and professional-theater knowledge, this alphabet book features crisp, retro-style cartoon characters confidently racing about onstage and behind the scenes. Pleasantly busy pages capture the excitement of live theater and offer multiple entries for each letter. For example, "A" is for "audition," "actor," "audience," and "applause." "S" stands for "stage," "scenery," "set," and "script." Multiple sidebars offer further kid-friendly definitions. Plenty of star power is lent with quotes from luminaries such as Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minelli, Steven Sondheim, Bernadette Peters, Carol Channing, and Kevin Kline. A CD single written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty performed by Mitchell is also included. A must for all collections, this book will be treasured by theater aficionados for years to come.—Madigan McGillicuddy, Los Angeles Public Library

* Excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject or in the same genre. Tr Hardcover trade binding; RTE Reinforced trade binding; PLB Publisher's library binding; BD Board Book; pap. paperback; CIP Cataloging in publication.