Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-Gr 2—Florence dreams of performing for adoring fans. However, when she tries to sing in front of her big sisters, all that comes out is a pathetic, tiny squeak. Her siblings laugh and tease her, but Florence never stops believing in herself. When a talent show not unlike American Idol comes to town, Florence wants to sing with her sisters. Of course they say no. On the night of the big show, they get stage fright, and the piglet has her chance to steal the show and share her hidden talent with all. Alexander's illustrations are full of pinks and yellows that will appeal to young girls. She uses humor and creative plays on words as the other singers perform versions of well-known songs at the talent show. Fans of Ian Falconer's "Olivia" series (S & S) will enjoy Florence's determination and belief in herself.—Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

PreS-K—Through rhyme and three repeating stanzas, a child laments about the good ol' days and realizes, "Now everything is different,/everything is changed./I'm not the one and only./My whole life's rearranged." The normal emotions of sadness, disappointment, jealousy, and anger follow when her parents shower her new brother with attention, pass her stuffed bear down to him, and share the hugs that were once all hers. Then, with just the right words from Mom and Dad about her uniqueness, and some positive observations, her attitude changes. She looks forward to the days when her new sibling will not be a baby anymore, but instead be a brother she can play catch with and a game of hide-and-seek. Oil, acrylic, and gel are used to create gentle hues. What makes this telling of the new brother/sister theme stand out is how well the verses are in sync with the illustrations, layout, and the characters' facial expressions. Great for sharing with a group or one-on-one.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

Gr 1–3—A pregnant manatee swimming in the shallow waters of a Florida canal is injured when a fast-moving motorboat hits her, cutting her back and tail with its propellers and crushing her ribs against the canal bottom as it passes over her. Luckily, the accident is observed by some fishermen who alert a rescue group that has the equipment to remove her from the canal to a seaside aquarium tank where she can be observed and heal. She soon becomes a favorite of aquarium visitors and, after she gives birth to a healthy calf, both are returned to the same canal where the cow was found, along with a sign—"SLOW DOWN! MANATEES." This fictional account of an actual event is told in a brief, straightforward text. An author's note advises readers that manatees, a protected endangered species, have few natural enemies. Their primary "predators" are boat propellers, which can inflict fatal wounds on them. Once again, Arnosky has produced a short nature lesson designed to introduce young children to an animal and its habitat and to develop appreciation and respect for the natural world. His appealing realistic acrylic wash paintings—most featuring the bright aqua, marine blue, and yellow-greens of the ocean—accurately convey the action.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

K-Gr 2—Using large-font type, these traditional tales contain plot twists, brightly colored illustrations, and slapstick humor. In Tortoise, the title character challenges Rabbit, Squirrel, and Mouse to race home, and they laughingly accept. Rabbit plans to run, Squirrel will swing through the trees, and Mouse will roll down a hill, but Tortoise wins by entering his shell ("I am home already"). In Princess the king offers a bag of gold to whoever can make his daughter laugh. The clown and the magician try, but it is the boy with two monkeys who is successful when one creature pulls off the king's crown and another replaces it with a banana peel. Written in free verse, Over the Moon! features a cow who tries to clear the full Moon with a cat along for the ride; the friends succeed when they instead jump a reflection in a puddle near the dish and the spoon. Rooster's Alarm features a sheep who cries "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" a cat who says "Baaa!" and more, and readers discover that "The noises were wrong all around the farm, because the rooster forgot to set his alarm!" The books' raucous appeal contrasts with Margaret Hillert's quieter retellings of Little Red Riding Hood, The Magic Beans, and The Three Goats (all Norwood House, 2006), which are set on smaller pages with a smaller font, and Harriet Ziefert's straightforward The Little Red Hen and The Teeny Tiny Woman (both Viking, 1995).—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—Sara Mee is about to mark her first birthday—a very special day in her Korean-American family. After she is dressed in the colorful silk hanbok her grandmother made for the occasion, family and friends gather to celebrate with food and presents. The highlight comes when they play the game toljabee, which predicts what Sara Mee will be when she grows up. The story is told by her older brother, Chong, who anxiously awaits the game. He is excited when he is allowed to participate by presenting the game pieces to his sister. Sara Mee reaches for the paintbrush and waves it in the air, and everyone knows she will be an artist. Chong puts a pack of paper with crayons in front of her, and while she draws, he writes words to go with her picture. A glossary identifies the Korean words and their meanings, but there is no pronunciation guide. The illustrations are ink brush line with watercolor and done in vibrant colors. The love among family and friends is evident in these pictures, depicting their joy about this important event.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS—Leaping across the cheery lemon-yellow book cover, a boy points right and beckons readers to open it to the front flap that declares, "From your nose to your toes, you are special." In bouncing rhymes and lyrical couplets, a group of preschoolers celebrate the skills and abilities of each body part, and then lovingly offers gratitude for two hands to pray, one heart to listen, and one mouth to say "Thank You!" Bauer's lilting text matches the jubilant energy in Stephenson's watercolor rainbow palette. Energetic slanting lines deftly express movement and action, as in one spread with a boy sprinting from left to right into a rain puddle. Highlighting the cozy security that a loving father offers his daughter during a "boom-a-room, room-a-boom" thunderstorm in another spread, Stephenson uses rounded comforting shapes, including a teddy bear that appears to be listening in to Daddy's consoling words. Vibrant colors balanced on mainly white and roomy backgrounds enhance clarity. For instance, tangy oranges are often paired with sky blues, and lime greens with tomato reds to balance the colors in harmony. Pair this bubbly book that celebrates children's creativity with Eric Carle's From Head to Toe (HarperCollins, 1997) for an exuberant body-themed storytime.—James K. Irwin, Evanston Public Library, IL

Gr 1–3—In the first book, Jack is fascinated with the jumping beans his uncle brings him from South America. After Grandma accidentally gives them to him for breakfast, he has quite the adventure at school, and she must come to his rescue. In Ugly Egg, Posy the puffin longs to lay an egg. The other birds try to advise her, but when nothing works, she adopts a huge, green-and-pink spotted egg, and they all get a big surprise when an unexpected creature hatches from it. Since most young readers won't be familiar with the unusual birds, which include loons and snow geese, the illustrations are helpful. However, youngsters may find the words harder to decipher because of the blue, snowy backgrounds. Both books have an effective balance of text and illustrations, and the funny cartoons will help readers to understand the story. Back matter in both titles includes "Strategies for Independent Readers" to guide parents and an "About the author and illustrator" page with fun facts that tie into the story.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

K-Gr 2—This rhyming book covers several aspects of various rear ends, with humor that's mostly on target for the intended audience: "Why do we have butts? Perchance,/a place to place our underpants?" The accompanying picture shows a boy wearing two pairs of underpants, the extra pair on his head. A little learning is lightly woven in: "Some names for butts have foreign flair:/tuchas, keister, derriere!" The lively and slick cartoons, done in scratchboard and watercolor, suit the subject matter. Unfortunately, the book states, "Eyes and ears are much respected, but the butt has been neglected," which isn't really true. The timing is such that this title comes on the tail end of a glut of butt books. If you already have Ayun Halliday's Always Lots of Heinies at the Zoo (Disney, 2009) and Fran Manushkin's The Tushy Book (Feiwel & Friends, 2009), you may want to think twice about stocking yet another one.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

K-Gr 3—Inspired by his favorite television show, Baking with Chef Monty, Jacob decides to make a pie. He finds a bowl of cut-up peaches in the refrigerator and ingredients for the crust in the cabinet. Though his sister tells him they are all going out to eat for his parents' anniversary, he keeps baking because one of Chef Monty's rules is to concentrate—no matter what. He pats the dough into the pan ("Pat! Snip! Cut! Trim!") and cleans up his mess when he spills the peaches. Though the steam holes in the crust look too large, he knows not to give up—another of Chef Monty's rules. When he slips on the damp floor, his sister catches the pie ("Jump! Up! Quick! Catch!") and he puts it into the oven where it hums while Jacob hums to himself. His parents wait as the pie bakes. To cool it quickly, Jacob plops ice cream on each slice, and everyone has pie—Jacob's anniversary gift to his parents—before dinner. With pencil and watercolor illustrations done in a palette of soft colors, Sweet captures the warmth and security Jacob feels in the kitchen. Words from Best's text are repeated in the art, especially the four-word sequences. While young readers can make Happy Peach Pie (recipe on the back jacket), this is about more than pie making. Important themes abound—love, security, cooperation, warmth, respect—and somehow all are tied to the simple acts of cooking and eating together. A delicious book for all collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 3—An engaging account based on true events. James Banning and his copilot, Thomas Allen, the "Flying Hoboes" as the story has it, became the first African-American men to fly across the country. Traveling 3300 miles in 21 days, they flew from Los Angeles to Long Island, NY, in their old, rickety OXX6 Eagle Rock plane on October 9, 1932. Landing, they were met with a hero's welcome. The story is filled with the difficulties faced by the two men throughout their journey. Two black men trying to accomplish what few other people could even hope to do during the Depression was daunting. And they faced incidents of racism along the way. But, by and large, they were met with more help and encouragement than disdain. The story is exciting and fast paced, and the writing is upbeat and inviting. Large, colorful illustrations were painted in acrylics on canvas and truly enhance the text. Unfortunately, there is very little factual information about Banning or Allen. Great as a read-alone as well as for telling aloud, this story serves to rescue two worthy men from historical obscurity. Students would benefit from knowing about them and their "Hallelujah Flight."—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 2–4—Money is tight during the Great Depression, and Marshall is tired of eating beans for dinner every night. When a local shopkeeper announces a contest to win a new sewing machine, he seizes the opportunity to make his Ma's dreams come true. The catch is that to win it, he has to guess how many beans are in a jar. Birtha effortlessly describes how Marshall and his mother use math to find their answer. Young readers thus will discover fun, realistic applications for the estimating and multiplication skills they learn in their classrooms. Math is not the only subject in Birtha's lively lesson plan, though. She also confronts the racism of the 1930s when a white girl tells African-American Marshall that he might not be allowed to enter the contest because "only white ladies can win contests." An author's note provides a brief description of the Great Depression and anecdotes from the author's family history. Tadgell's colorful illustrations, many full page, give the book an old-fashioned feel and include many period details, strengthening the text's usefulness for social-studies classes. Children will appreciate the story's humor and happy ending. Lucky Beans can be used across the curriculum to educate while it entertains. Ideal for classrooms and school libraries, it's also a strong choice for public libraries.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

PreS-Gr 2—An enterprising monkey bets readers that he can read their minds. After asking them to think of "Something spectacular," the creature begins to guess what it is, envisioning an incredible scenario featuring a purple kangaroo seeking "his best friend, a wild-eyed chinchilla named Señor Ernesto de Pantalones." Using some rollicking tongue twisters, the monkey describes how the talented kangaroo roller skates, juggles bananas, and visits the Moon during his search. This uproarious, guffaw-filled page-turner will keep youngsters on their toes as the monkey creates an imaginary "mind-reading." Children will delight in the "conversation" between the monkey and readers that plays out like an old vaudevillian joke. The engaging artwork features muted acrylic paintings punctuated by the computer-generated monkey narrating each page. A silly, fun romp that kids will ask for again and again.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

PreS-Gr 2—All children need a librarian like Miss Brooks. Her love for reading flows from every fiber of her lanky, quirky self. When not happily immersed in one of the colorful choices from the mountains of books surrounding her, she is dressed as Babar, a Chinese dragon, or a groundhog—her puppet-clad arm popping through a hole on the page. She shares stories with a diverse group of young people, and all are captivated—except for one. This first-grade narrator believes Miss Brooks is a little too enthusiastic—to the point of being "vexing." During Book Week's student presentations, the overall-clad girl with large, round spectacles and a woolen beanie finds the other kids' books "too flowery. Too furry. Too clickety. Too yippity." When her mother observes that she is as "stubborn as a wart," interest is aroused, Shrek is discovered in the pile supplied by the librarian, and the transformation begins. An ogre costume and stick-on warts for the whole class complete the conversion to bibliophile. Children will delight in Emberley's spirited watercolor and ink renderings of literary favorites from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to a Wild Thing. Bottner's deadpan humor and delicious prose combine with Emberley's droll caricatures to create a story sure to please those who celebrate books—and one that may give pause to those who don't (or who work with the latter).—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 2—A young elephant puts up with a sister's teasing as he tries to learn how to suck mud to splash on his back. "Baby, baby, trunk don't work!/Baby, baby, trunk don't squirt." At the water hole, Billy ducks when she tries to spray him, and she splashes the biggest, oldest elephant instead. Afraid that Grand Mama will charge, Billy comes to Bella's aid. In the end, though, he develops some skill, and Bella gets her comeuppance. Various facts about these animals are revealed as they roam in their natural habitat with Grand Mama leading the pack and larger elephants circling the young to protect them from lions. Children will be drawn to this story because of the simple sentence structure and vibrant illustrations outlined in black.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS-Gr 1—Hugo, described as "a happy little guy," resembles a lavender hippo wearing a shirt and tie. One morning, he and his dog, Biscuit, spot a red string and decide to find out where it leads. They set out from Hugo's house and meet other animals along the way. As each new addition joins the hunting party, a four-line song is repeated in the text. It is clear that these adventurers expect to find an awesome treasure at the end of the string, and they plan to share it. They are disappointed at the mundane origin of the string, but then celebrate the friendships they made along the way and enjoy a snack of crumpets and tea. Readers familiar with the animated show Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! will recognize Boyle's cartoon world of rounded edges and frayed black outlines. While the story may appear to take place in Wuzzleburg, there is no direct reference to the show, meaning this is not a media tie-in, but a smart stand-alone picture book with lovable, fun characters.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

PreS-Gr 2—Tess loves the tree in her backyard. She would "swing from her tree, play in its leaves, and camp out under it." After being damaged in a storm, the 175-year-old tree must be cut down, and Tess initially reacts with anger and sadness. Upon reflection, she is moved to organize a funeral. Those paying respect at the "Celebrate the Life of Tess's Tree" memorial include a married couple who once carved their names inside a heart on its trunk and an elderly woman who remembers climbing among the branches as a child. As Tess works through her grief, "She thought about all her tree had done for so many people. A last tear dried. She was okay." Reynolds's fluid ink and watercolor illustrations poignantly convey the story's emotions. Despite the fact that Tess appears to be much younger than her "9 years, 3 months, and 2 days," this is a sincere and touching look at loss and healing.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 2—A bunny hopes he will win the Easter egg decorating contest and thus gain the honor of helping the Easter Rabbit hide the eggs on Easter morning. The other rabbits in his neighborhood are busy working on their entries, each one more dazzling than the last, and Hoppi needs an inspiration. At last, he decides that the most important thing is to make something he will be proud of. He hops off into the woods, where he finds a robin's fallen egg. The bunny generously offers to guard it while the mother tends to the eggs remaining in her nest. On the contest day, the Easter Rabbit commends the crowd of rabbits for their beautiful creations, but then says "a very special one is not here." He hurries off into the woods to bring Hoppi back to the glen, where he reveals that Hoppi has won the contest for his heroic efforts in protecting the egg. Brett's elegant watercolor and gouache illustrations enhance this sweet story. Adorned with wreaths of flowers and decorative borders, the paintings bring to mind the romance of Victorian greeting cards. Each character is depicted as a distinctive breed of rabbit. The lovely pastel shades and lush pastoral details in the illustrations celebrate the beauty of spring. This book could be paired with Michael Garland's The Great Easter Egg Hunt (Dutton 2005).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 2–5—In The Painting That Wasn't There, a class visits a temporary art exhibit. The students have learned about illegal copies of masterpieces, so when a celebrated painting is determined to be a forgery, James Shoo and his friends set out to solve the crime. In The Zoo with the Empty Cage, EGG (Edward G. Garrison) is a down-to-earth boy whose science club has an outing to a zoo. The endangered animal that the kids are most looking forward to seeing suddenly disappears. The book becomes a real page-turner as the students look for suspects that even include their teacher. The occasional colorful, full-page illustrations in these engaging mysteries are inviting. These books are appropriate for reluctant readers as well as those just beginning chapter books. Concluding pages offer springboards for teachers to encourage their students to write mysteries as well as to learn investigation techniques. Good purchases for libraries that need mysteries with contemporary settings.—Elaine Charnow, Deasy/Landing Elementary Schools, Glen Cove, NY

PreS-Gr 2—As this story opens, Uncle Nigel has just invited young Peter to accompany him on an expedition to Africa to search for the rare and wild "Zimbobo Mountain Gorilla." In matching khaki shorts and pith helmets, the two set off. When the boy expresses trepidation at each obstacle they encounter (a dense thicket, the sun-scorched plain, etc.), the man replies, "Nonsense, my boy! All it takes is a bit of gumption." Ironically, as the elder forges on with great effort, Peter is assisted by an assortment of jungle creatures, each of whom also snitches part of his uncle's gear. These moments, where "Peter tried to follow," are depicted in a sequence of four vertical panels per spread, thus conveying a lot of action in a compressed space. The last helper is none other than the rare gorilla, who carries Peter on his back while all Uncle Nigel sees is footprints. Egielski's style is similar to his work in Jonah Winter's The Fabulous Feud of Gilbert & Sullivan (Scholastic, 2009). The characters are foregrounded, their feet close to the branchlike borders that frame each scene. The depth of field is shallow, as if the action is playing out on a stage. The repetitive phrases, succinct text, bold watercolors, and heavy black outlines combine to make this a successful selection for group sharing. Youngsters will enjoy being in on the humor created by a clueless adult and animal antics. They'll also absorb a new word—and possibly an attitude.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 2–3—King, a golden retriever detective, has lost his owners. When their Uncle Marty takes him to the pound, he is determined to find them. Things seem to be going his way when he discovers that the new family that adopts him lives right behind his people's house. His mission takes a detour, however, when his new boy, Connor, disappears while taking him for a walk. Now King must outrun humans, decode strange cat messages, and track down Connor's eggs, bacon, toothpaste, and dirt smell to solve the case. The type is large, the text is easy, and the occasional black-and-white illustrations complement the text well. The clues are unique and true to the fact that a dog is telling the story. The addition of paw prints used as bullet points in King's lists of what he knows about the case and chapter headings with titles like "Nose to the Ground" add to this involving story. Fans of dog stories, mysteries, or readers reluctant to start chapter books will appreciate this story.—Kira Moody, Hunter Public Library, West Valley City, UT

PreS-Gr 2—Young Prince Teddy, a royal tiger cub, is naturally curious, and his mother tells him that someday he'll be king of the jungle. "A wise ruler starts out as a careful prince," she advises. His father tells him to stay away from humans, which piques his interest in them. Setting out alone, he meets a young girl, Su, he sees near the edge of the forest. The two become fast friends despite their parents' disapproval. Due to a series of adventures and mishaps, Teddy must save Su's life just as both sets of parents arrive. The two families decide they can live in peace, ensuring that "Good manners make good neighbors." A brief paragraph explains that people born in the Year of the Tiger are bold and proud and the fiercest of friends. Children will enjoy the bright-eyed characters and cartoon illustrations in this romp. Some of the figures seem to leap right out of a Cartoon Network production. The story tends to drag on a bit, but the point gets made that friendships come in all different species. The Chinese zodiac connection may get lost on young readers without discussion. Purchase where this series is already popular.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

PreS-Gr 2—Clark's slightly oversize edition of this classic tale features a spunky, opinionated little girl whose personality is evidenced by her brightly colored (if a bit mismatched) garb, and whose saucy attitude is repeatedly alluded to in the text. Before trying the bear family's things, "She didn't wonder. She didn't ask." Her intellect comes out in her sophisticated, albeit colloquial, vocabulary (Mommy Bear's bed is "so stiflingly smotheringly, suffocatingly, soft!"). She also makes a few comments that some adults may find objectionable, such as referring to Baby Bear's broken chair as a "Stupid thing!" Busy pencil-and-acrylic illustrations incorporate heavy use of pattern and color (six colors have been used on the facade of the house). Margaret Willey's The 3 Bears and Goldilocks (S & S, 2008), illustrated by Heather M. Solomon, is an innovative, rustic cartoon- and collage-illustrated variation of the tale that takes place "in the farthest reaches of the far north." James Marshall's carefully worded text and priceless facial expressions on the characters in Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Dial, 1988) make his the quintessential cartoon rendition of this story.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 2–3—When the Bureau Against Interplanetary Trickery calls, Captain Cal and crew must take off in their spaceship, the Silver Pig. In Garbage Planet, they perform "Operation Vacuum" to eliminate heaps of garbage strewn about by irresponsible aliens called Grotts. In Robot Army, the mission is to fly to the planet Botchit where a mad scientist whose own invention did not measure up to computers is plotting to take over the world. Both stories begin with an exciting premise, but when challenged, Captain Cal's foes hardly put up a fight. Prince Dash, a tiny Grott discovered amid the trash, is transformed instantly into a poster child for a cleaner world. His declarations come off as preachy. And the supposedly demonic professor is unveiled at the end of Robot Army as a harmless sniveling dog, a peculiar and confusing revelation. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations support the texts in these beginning chapter books, along with a glossary, writing prompts, and a cutaway diagram of the imaginary spaceship.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 1—Mathilda is the only lamb in her flock that wears a bell, the only one with flushed cheeks and a white face, and the only one with a big imagination. She doesn't see herself as just another gray sheep, and she is not one to limit her dreams, no matter what anyone says. Despite her dull surroundings, she envisions herself as a bright orange balloon floating happily in the sky. Ultimately, she inspires others to think big, too. The short sentences that make up the dialogue provide some dry humor. The ink and watercolor illustrations depict extremely fluffy sheep, a few clumps of green grass, and gray stones against a white background and are enhanced with the color orange once Mathilda starts to compare herself to the balloon. Very young children might not understand why the rocket, bus, bee, and flowers in the closing spread have sheep faces, but those who are older should be able to connect the idea of believing in oneself with the outcome of the story.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

PreS-Gr 1—A young lorikeet finds a strawberry and sets out to take it to her grandma. Along the way, she accidentally drops it and it falls in a river. A chipmunk and a goose stop to help retrieve it, but only a deep-swimming frog is successful. Trouble ensues when a crocodile spots the animals and traps them in his mouth. Quick-thinking Lori throws her berry into the air so she and her friends can escape when the greedy croc opens his mouth to catch it. Now that the strawberry is gone for good, Lori and the gang decide to create a book about their day's adventure—a present that makes Grandma quite happy. While DePalma uses delightfully expressive, rhythmic language to tell her accessible tale, her acrylic illustrations are the standout. The artwork is a mix of spreads, spot art, and panels in quirky shapes populated with endearing characters and objects flying out of the frames to depict multiple scenes. While this layout, original as it is, may initially confuse the youngest readers and make the book a difficult read-aloud for groups, the eventful plot and playful pictures will pull children in and may make them echo Lori's last line in the book, "Read it again!"—Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS-K—In this short rhyming story, a small pangolin is afraid of new experiences, including meeting other animals. When he hears an unexpected sound, he runs off in a panic, trips, and rolls into a tight ball to keep himself safe. But when he is brave enough to take a peek at what made the noise, he finds another rolled-into-a-ball animal just like himself. Roly Poly discovers that making new friends can be fun and is ready to explore his world. As with her "Llama Llama" books (Viking), Dewdney has created a lovable childlike character with whom most preschoolers can easily identify. Textured full-bleed pages interspersed with some small action drawings on white space convey movement. Expressive close-up illustrations aptly portray Roly Poly's feelings of insecurity and happiness. A note at the back of the book gives a brief explanation of these endangered animals and a Web site to find out more about pangolins. This charming book will be a welcome addition to most collections.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-K—Shortly after six a.m., disgruntled babies awaken their groggy parents and bid them to follow, notebooks in hand, as the youngsters walk, crawl, or push each other to the Town Hall. There they hold a meeting to protest everything that annoys them. No longer will they endure haircuts, taking naps, and having their tootsies tickled or their noses kissed. And blowing loud raspberries on their bellies—no way! The humorous spreads are a perfect match for the droll rhyming and alliterative text. These culturally diverse toddlers march across the page bearing placards that read "No!" "NYET!" "uh-uh," "Nej," and have other expressions of resistance. Traffic halts, people take photos, and a man's newspaper bears the headline, "U.S. Tots Trouble." Vignettes depict babies refusing to eat peas, tossing off frilly clothes, or kicking away "smart" toys. But in a surprising turnaround, these bad-tempered infants demonstrate that they are conventional after all. This story may resonate more with beleaguered parents who struggle to get their sometimes uncooperative little ones fed, bathed, and dressed, but the lap set will thoroughly enjoy saying the oft-repeated refrain, "WE'RE A BAREFOOTED BAD-TEMPERED BABY BRIGADE!" Great fun.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 1–4—Nikki and Deja have a great idea: to start a newsletter about what's happening on Fulton Street and at Carver Elementary. Trouble comes, however, during a slow week, and the girls must figure out the difference between news and gossip if they want to be trusted as reliable reporters. English writes with wit, feeling, and a spot-on voice that acknowledges the realistic friendship and problems of the protagonists. Freeman's cartoon illustrations enhance the story. These strong African-American characters are refreshing.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

K-Gr 2—When Sylvia Jean's troop leader announces that the next badge given will be for good deeds, the piglet decides to care for her neighbor, who has just twisted her ankle. She barges in on roller skates with tuba blaring. Mrs. VanHooven declares she just needs rest, but Sylvia Jean is determined and, in the process of delivering aid, she trips and lands atop the ailing woman. Although Sylvia Jean's mother and the doctor tell her to stay away, the scout becomes even more determined to carry through with a good deed. She disguises herself in various costumes and takes food, flowers, chocolates, and a book to her neighbor. She's about to write up her experience and claim her badge when she realizes that she did all those deeds after she was told not to. When she's about to acknowledge her mistake to her scout troop, Mrs. VanHooven appears on crutches and tells how the little porker arranged to have so many "fascinating characters" visit her. All ends happily, but next up is the first-aid badge. Now if Sylvia Jean only knew someone with an injury…. The pastel-colored illustrations outlined in black are expressive. While some are full spreads, many are smaller scenes set in frames of various shapes that provide background information for the main events. Sylvia Jean's enthusiasm is reflected on every page. Fans of the intrepid youngster will like this one, as will readers meeting her for the first time.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—Tallulah wants a pink fluffy rabbit for her birthday, and Grandma tries to make her one. In spite of the woman's best efforts, however, what comes off her knitting needles is not a rabbit but an armadillo named Milo. Though disappointed, Tallulah tries to make the best of her gift, but it isn't until she almost loses Milo that she realizes how dear he has become to her. Mixed-media collages pay homage to all things handmade by incorporating worked yarn and fabric into the illustrations. This candy-colored picture book tells a simple, sweet story about learning to love what you have.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-K—Yet another title to add to the glut of new baby books, this time from the point of view of the baby inside. The infant introduces herself, explains that the parents don't know her name because they don't know if she is a girl or boy, and then proceeds to list all of the things that is she doing when her mom says she is eating, sleeping, or kicking. Her activities include everything from flying in a rocket ship to doing yoga to dancing. Finally, in a switch from past to present tense she is "very very busy" being born. And on the final page, with no transition: "Hello Molly." Frenetic acrylic illustrations feature round-headed, pointy-nosed people who all look constantly delighted. The artwork is large and bright, mixing single full pages and spreads with spot art, which effectively encourages page turns and narrative flow. Both the father and the very pregnant mother are depicted as active, involved parents, and the busy pictures contain a lot of movement. Unfortunately, the story doesn't really work. The awkward tense change, the flips between total fantasy and semi-reality, and the uninspired text simply don't add up. Barbara Park's Ma! There's Nothing to Do Here! (Random, 2008) treads similar ground with a better-flowing text.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-K—Short rhythmic verses sing the fate of small animals that sit or snooze quietly until increasingly larger animals come along, forcing them off the page. "Well,/I'm a bug./I'm a bug./I'm a snug little bug,/ and I'm sleeping on a jug./Until I see a frog,/and I…/JUMP!" A bug jumps from a frog that jumps from a cat that jumps from a hound, and so on until the whale ends the tale with a big "sploosh!" The simple, predictable text, based on a song, encourages children to hear the multiple rhyming words and to "JUMP!" at the repetitive finish. Preschoolers will love the fun and be unaware that they're developing phonological awareness and narrative ability, necessary pre-literacy skills. Bright, clear watercolor artwork takes full advantage of the white background. The cartoon-style pictures follow each verse's calm beginning to its final burst of action where the illustrations explode with the fleeing and chasing animals. These large spreads and the participatory nature of the text make this an excellent choice for storytimes.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS-Gr 1—In this bouncy, onomatopoeic tale, a mother bird coos as she flies hither and yon to bring back delicacies to feed her newly hatched chicks. With a "flappa-flap, swoop-swoop, zoom-zoom, YUM!" the increasingly frazzled mama shuttles back and forth, leaving one satisfied and sleeping chick each time, until the whole nestful is napping—but wait, they're all awake and hungry again. In the satisfying conclusion, Mama turns to resting Daddy to take over the catering chores. Fleming's playful text features endearments that will tickle listeners ("precious cuddle fluffs"; "little egg-crackers") and a rhythm that sweeps the story along. The fresh gouache illustrations are awash in blues and white with fire-bright red and yellow birds and feature expressive faces on the avian stars. With unexpected perspectives as well as text that sometimes nestles, sometimes swoops across the page, this book is perfect for group storytimes and one-on-one reading.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Gr 2–4—At Oak Lane School, Mr. Tate's class decides that the lone oak tree in the school yard needs friends, so they decide to plant some saplings. Before they begin to dig, their teacher tells his students, "Trees will speak only if you listen closely." As the children listen to what the tree has to say, the narrative slips into the style of a counting book. The tree counts all the different creatures making their home in its vicinity, from one owl "waiting for the moon" to 10 earthworms "munching rich soil." Mr. Tate continues his lesson, and the youngsters talk about different types of trees as well as a variety of objects made of wood. At last, the class is ready to dig and they plant 10 trees, companions for the stately old oak. Snow's collage illustrations add texture and natural beauty to the story. The characters are dressed in outfits that showcase their individual personalities. The picture of the industrious kids working together in the grassy field under a bright blue sky epitomizes the story's theme of cooperation and friendship.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

PreS-Gr 2—Books with very limited and inconsequential subjects—such as hair care—run the risk of irrelevance. But this one dances around that particular trap with a bouncy, rhymed text and a plot that, while thin, is entertaining, especially when paired with Plecas's cheery, silly illustrations. Ella Kazoo is first pictured as a stubborn moppet with a white poodle pal and shoulder-length curls. "She hides in the cupboard and under the stair. She roars at her mom like a big growly bear. She whines and she moans and she howls in despair, but Ella Kazoo will not brush her hair." Plecas makes great use of the space on each page to highlight the child's mood, shadowing her in menacing purple when she's roaring, engulfing her in a mustard-yellow cloud during a tantrum, and surrounding her with cheerful pastel settings when she's doing whatever it is she'd rather do than brush her hair. Readers will notice that on every page her hair is longer, more tangled, and more inhabited by sticky things. Ella looks happy enough floating in the bathtub with hair down to her feet, but on the following page, her friends grimace in disgust. It's great fun to see what has to happen before Ella Kazoo decides that something must be done about her unruly mane. Young readers just might get the message that holding their ground in a battle with mom may not always be in their own best interest.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 1—In this cumulative tale, baby animals stay awake as their grown-ups go down for the evening. As the question "Who's asleep?" is asked of the creatures in the sea, pond, meadow, garden, and treetop, baby animals everywhere answer, "Not I!" A child dressed in a sheep costume frolics through the panels featuring snoozing fish, sleeping ducks, dreaming turtles, napping birds, snoring bees, curled-up cats, and caterpillars in silken beds. Once the boy gets to the pasture, it's party time as the sheep all jump and play until they drop. The boy's mother asks, "Is anyone awake?" Eventually the little lamb boy climbs into bed for his nap, just like all of the other baby animals. Chollat's playful and detailed illustrations will have readers taking a closer look to see if they can spot the boy in each spread. The repeated refrain of "Not I" is perfect for read-alouds and will surely encourage those listening to chime in. Pair this whimsical story with Claire Freedman's Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones (Good Bks., 2005) or Julie Markes's Shhhhh! Everybody's Sleeping (HarperCollins, 2005) for a soothing storytime.—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

Gr 3–5—Eleven-year-old Jack has a problem, and his name is George Hamel, the school bully. George has targeted Jack for teasing and name-calling, and soon other kids are accosting and harassing him, too. Jack retreats to the library during recess and lunch, but that doesn't stop the sick headaches he wakes up with every day. Jack's single mother is so busy with daily life that he doesn't want to bother her and feels he should handle the situation on his own. But the bullying escalates, until Jack's best friend, Anna, finally tells her parents what is happening. Jack's mother confronts both the principal and Jack's teacher, who institute changes at school, and everyone is forced to look at what they have neglected to see. The importance of family and friends is underscored by the photographs Jack takes of those around him. This story is a good portrayal of a young boy facing a situation that comes out of nowhere and affects his entire life. It is a solid addition to the growing collection of books about bullying.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2—"My mom and dad are broken,/I don't know what to do./My mom and dad have come undone,/I need to find some glue." So begins this singsong story of a little boy's coming to terms with his parents' separation. Warm cartoon illustrations and bouncy rhymes are so in opposition to the serious subject that they almost trivialize it. When the boy visits the glue shop, the owner gives him a quick life lesson that makes him feel better about the situation. "I pull my life together/And smile as I depart./I need to make the best of things,/There is no glue for hearts." While these messages are important, children suffering through real parental breakups may find these easy answers difficult and unfulfilling.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—In this quirky but slight spoof of "The Emperor's New Clothes," a cowboy becomes so self-righteous and mean that he alienates himself from almost everyone in Texas. Kick does everything well, but he rides a toy "stick horse" and no one has the courage to tell him. He meets his match when young Belle moves to town and loses her puppy. When he refuses to help her search for Poo, she kicks him twice out of spite, making them both cry. The unprovoked violence, which ends up being the impetus for resolution, is unappealing, and Belle's wisdom seems way beyond her tender years. The illustrations, though suitably "larger than life" and appropriately regional in flavor, almost seem off scale on some spreads. Overall, this offbeat tale of Western redemption has an uneven gait and ultimately falls flat.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1—This playful, rhyming concept book invites young readers to explore colors, shapes, emotions, and zoo animals. The crisp, succinct text is carefully crafted to tell a little about each animal; "Cool as a penguin/crafty as a fox,/quiet as a caterpillar/wearing knitted socks." The story skillfully wraps up with a young zookeeper fast asleep, surrounded by his stuffed-animal menagerie, which creates a fun identification challenge at the end. This book is perfect for younger audiences with short attention spans. The bold illustrations were digitally created and feature primary and secondary colors. More than 300 heart shapes form all of the animals featured, providing a simple, clean collage image on each page contrasted with a bright background. Spreads show hippos drinking apple juice, a bothered bull with a hornet in its hair, and a coyote walking in the fog. Readers will not only be engaged in the search for the hearts in each illustration, but will also relate to the feelings that are introduced. This title will have a wide audience, whether in a classroom, library, or at home. An outstanding choice for one-on-one sharing.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

K-Gr 2—Kids who have read Big Chickens (2005) and Big Chickens Fly the Coop (2008, both Dutton) will be familiar with the characteristics that make these birds immediately endearing: alternately impulsive and cautious, panicky and pleased, they're a lot like children testing their world. In this installment, the chickens find a bag of feed in the farmer's truck and are intent on pecking it open when the truck takes off. "What if we never get home again?" "What if we fall out of the truck?" "What if we can't get this bag open?" The foolish, fearsome, funny foursome lands in town, and this kind of worry-chorus is echoed in every new situation—when they cross the road; look for food in a cafe; hear their first jazz band; and run into a park full of pigeons. When the chickens stumble into a happy ending, young readers as well as these birds will feel that the world isn't such a big, bad place after all. This is a book that must be read aloud, and adults might want to do a little practicing beforehand. Helakoski's language is deliciously dense and tricky: "The chickens blabbered, gabbered, and gibber-jabbered. Shouting voices wobbled. Flighty locals bobbled. Running feet flumped. Startled bellies bumped." Children will love Cole's wacky illustrations. Chickens never had such huge nervous eyes, such flappy wings, or such cute outfits. The visual perspectives manage to make the birds look simultaneously large and small: a neat trick. Big Chickens Go to Town is more than a really funny book. Every page reminds readers, "That was scary, but we're okay."—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 1–3—When Abby and her parents depart for their new home in Israel, the rain mirrors the girl's sadness in leaving her beloved grandmother. They keep in touch through phone calls, emails, and letters. Abby shares everyday experiences like going on a tiyul (hike) and buying the freshest dates and figs at the shuk (marketplace). Their letters to one another are incorporated into the artwork, and an insert of Grandma examining a jar of Dead Sea mud shares a spread with Abby's letter and a view of the water. Grandma thinks of her granddaughter when it rains, and another insert shows them splashing through puddles together. She sends Abby brightly colored autumn leaves to share with her classmates. With summer over, Abby waits for the first rain, which also brings her grandmother for a visit. Mitter's acrylic illustrations also portray a scene at the Western Wall and the diversity of the Israeli population. Besides being a realistic look at another culture, this well-written book is heartwarming and reassuring.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 2—Unable to have any more cookies (not even CRUMBS!) until dinner, Sunny loses her smile. Her dad suggests it might be where she last saw it, and her mom tells her where most lost things can be found. Her twin brothers irritate her with their own wide grins. Searching her messy room is daunting, so she cleans it up. She feeds her frowning fish, Glittergills, and plays cards with her dog, Mr. Honeycomb. Praised for these good deeds, Sunny finds her smile, and everyone is happy again. Her narrative is printed in various typefaces and sizes, mimicking her young voice. The childlike illustrations are done in bright colors with collage elements, occasional labels, and sometimes with sound effects. When the girl imagines that the floor in her room is really pink Jell-O, fanciful articles appear at the bottom of the spread in contrast to the more realistic items on the top. Sunny's imagination enriches her search, whether contemplating herself as a multieyed alien or thinking that her smile might be "LOST in the BIG WIDE WORLD." Youngsters who enjoy Lauren Child's "Lola and Charlie" books will love this one.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 2—Twinkle is a pupil in a class of stars taught by Ms. Sun at Sky School. When the teacher announces that each student will get a turn to be Star of the Week, Twinkle begins practicing the song she wants to share with the class ("Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," of course). She is disappointed when another child sings it first, but is thrilled when, in her bed at night, someone sends her a wish, and she gets an idea. "Last night, I was chosen as a Wishing Star!" she proclaims in class, and the other "stars" line up to confide in her. Although there is a long tradition of anthropomorphized stars in storytelling, this book pushes the boundaries. The combination of celestial beings floating in dark space with childhood mundanities like cookies and Sharing Time is not easy to swallow. The mix of realistic star details (orbiting planets, visibility from Earth) with fantastical details (a furnished classroom in space, pet comets) creates a somewhat shaky internal logic. Twinkle's sudden transformation into a sky-bound Dear Abby also makes little sense. The endpapers have random star facts that might bolster readers' understanding of some of the story's humor. The digital cartoon-style illustrations are bold and colorful. Children will be amused by the humanoid figures with five- and six-pointed stars for heads, and the glitter on the front cover is sure to get attention, but the story itself is sadly lacking.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 2–4—In three stories, each divided into short chapters, Iggulden introduces Tollins, winged creatures that resemble fairies but are bigger and tougher, and live at the bottom of people's gardens. Humans can't see them without special blue glasses. Each tale features Sparkler, a Tollin of "great promise and wondrous brain," whose curiosity prompts him to learn from human books and enables him to solve his community's problems. When, in "How to Blow Up Tollins," workers at the local fireworks factory discover that using Tollins as rocket ammunition produces a shower of blue sparks and begin collecting them in jars, Sparkler devises an alternate fuel that generates similar results. Next, he faces execution for consorting with humans but entices the High Tollin to spare him by offering a cure for the leader's gout. Finally, Sparkler saves the Tollins' tunnels from flooding and his people from becoming the slaves of their dark molelike cousins from Dorset. In an attempt at humor, the writing is sometimes a bit over-the-top, as when guards train with a manual called "A Rough Guide to Guarding," and it may be difficult to root for the freedom of Tollins who use fairies "to wipe out the insides of cups" or blow their noses. But the humorous full-page illustrations that open each chapter, the maps, and the many vignettes throughout bring these creatures to life, and with several clever videos on YouTube and a savethetollins.com Web site, they are sure to have many followers.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 1–5—Based on the life of an African-American jazz legend, this appealing story offers insight into the making of a musician. At age three, Mary amazes her mother, a church organist, by playing back a tune as she sits on her lap. When the family moves from Atlanta to Pittsburgh during World War I, they must leave the organ behind, but that doesn't stop Mary from hearing music in her head. When a woman from church invites her in for some ice cream, the child can't help but notice the piano, and when Lucille requests a tune, once again Mary amazes. "Soon people were paying her to play…as much as fifty cents!" At school, Mary's teacher asks her to play marches: "sometimes she slipped a boogie beat in…. The children stopped marching and danced on the stairs." "The little piano girl" gradually makes a name for herself in town. An afterword explains how Williams, who was also a composer and arranger, influenced the careers of male jazz greats "long before feminism was even a word." By focusing on her childhood, the authors make a little-known life both accessible and entertaining for young readers. The only flaw in the text occurs when the family encounters unwelcoming neighbors in Pittsburgh with little or no explanation for their cruel treatment of the newcomers. Potter's signature gouache illustrations—from the period clothing and expressive faces to the whimsical music in the air—hit the perfect note.—Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Cowgirl wannabe Nellie Sue is convinced she'll get a horse for her birthday. In her imagination, she already is feeding, watering, lassoing, and riding her dream steed as she does routine chores on the big day. When her parents proudly present her with her new horse—a bike—she is taken aback but then gamely approaches "Beauty" and saddles up. As she and her bike survive a crash and repair, Nellie Sue finds her imagination is strong enough for her to see her bike as a horse and she happily pedals into the sunset. The child's fresh voice and twang will have children cheering as she starts out making the best of a situation and then finds she is perfectly happy with the outcome. The bright, sketchy, watercolor and ink illustrations are suffused with pinks and purples and capture a child who tries to live up to cowgirl ideals of helping others, looking on the bright side, and being strong. The lesson on dealing positively with disappointment is gently delivered. Perfect for one-on-one sharing or reading alone, this is a cowgirl story that readers will take to heart.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Gr 2–4—Six boys in a small South African town thwart a group of bullies who threaten to stop their soccer game by stealing their prize possession, a federation-size ball. The camaraderie of these youngsters is evident as they play soccer after chores and homework are done in order to find some relief from daily hardships. The bullies arrive suddenly on bikes, even though the boys had planned ahead and posted a lookout atop a nearby building. The author uses repetitive phrasing, "Left is clear. Right is clear," to indicate that the youth are always aware that the streets are not safe. Illustrations rendered in oil are impressive. Large and colorful action shots, many full spread, keep the story moving at a quick pace. Expressive facial features emphasize the tension felt when the hoodlums interrupt the soccer fun. Choose this book with an international bent to supplement other books on bullying, because it will open up another opportunity for conversation and discussion.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–5—A short, bittersweet story about a little girl "whose head was filled with all the curiosities of the world." In the accompanying picture, she tells her kind, attentive father about all the wonderful images in her head. But one day, she runs to show him a drawing and finds only his empty chair. To ease her loneliness and grief, she puts her heart in a bottle and hangs it around her neck. Eventually, she learns that this is ultimately no solution at all. By then, she's grown older, and it takes another little girl, much like the child she used to be, to help her find a way out. The whimsical illustrations appear to be paint and pencil, with a touch of collage. The people are depicted very simply, and the natural landscapes are sweeping, with colors that reinforce the subtly shifting moods. Aimed at an older audience than one would think at first glance, this allegory about grief and the futility of attempts at self-protection will resonate most with those who've suffered a loss. An unusual, original book.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-K—A smiling little girl with "a hundred black braids" that "make a spiderweb around my head" guides young readers through the world of magical possibilities found in the color black. For example, black can be loud, like "my best tap shoes making happy noise," or it can be "quiet like a butterfly." Such passages can help introduce toddlers to opposites. Moreover, the vivid descriptions of black will enrich children's vocabulary by introducing them to similes for this color. Black can be "delicious like chocolate," or "silky like my puppy, Ebony." These early literacy concepts are conveyed in short, snappy lines of text that make the book an outstanding choice for preschool storytimes. The African-American children in Christie's illustrations have a variety of hairstyles and skin tones and are shown playing with children of other races. The bright acrylic colors capture the energy of childhood, and the artist's bold, loose brushstrokes further underscore the dynamic nature of the text, and of the little girl who narrates it.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 2–3—Freddie has a single, overworked mom; a soldier father who never came home from war; and an unstable urban landscape in which to play. He finds a pair of winged sneakers that let him run so fast no one can see him, and as he tries to solve the mystery of the shoes' origins, he finds ways to be a hero to those around him. Black-and-white comic-book-style illustrations boost the story's energy and set Freddie up as a superhero. However, the impact of his speed falls a little flat as the author gets caught up in introducing the characters, leaving the bulk of the adventure for the ending. Young readers may lose patience waiting to get to the action. While Freddie fills a gap in most early chapter book collections as a Hispanic hero for new and reluctant readers, most children won't be clamoring for a sequel.—Sarah Townsend, Norfolk Public Library, VA

PreS-Gr 2—A young girl wishes for a dog while she engages in everyday activities, exclaiming that once the longing for a pup sets in, nothing stops it. Each page gives examples of other kinds of fun, such as learning to play the trumpet, enjoying movies, and swimming with friends, but "a dog is something else." Subtle images of canines appear in the delightful watercolor illustrations, indicating that the child's longing is always present. Four spreads in shades of blue and white portray how the girl would treasure such a pet. This is a nice, feel-good picture book with a not-too-surprising ending. While the text could be a bit confusing because of the long, incomplete sentences, this is a sweet addition to the child/pet genre.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

Gr 3–5—Best friends Raymond and Graham are hopeful that they will win the Little League championship as well as the affections of their prospective grade-school crushes, and maybe even enjoy an entire school week with a substitute teacher. But there are a few obstacles in the way, including a bully, an embarrassing mishap involving yellow Gatorade, and the unfortunate circumstance of Raymond's mom being the sub. Filled with tame humor, a few family high jinks, and baseball plays aplenty, this story will likely appeal to young baseball fans and anyone who enjoyed Raymond and Graham Rule the School (Viking, 2008).—Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA

Gr 1–3—Caesar is a white dog with black spots. Or maybe he's a black dog with white spots. He's not sure, and his preoccupation with this dilemma is at the heart of this book. The pup seeks advice from other animals like him, including a black-and-white cat, a spotted pony, and a circus zebra. He even meditates on a soccer ball, wondering if he will ever have a definitive answer. In the end, each animal provides a small piece of a puzzle that is finally completed by a lollipop-sucking circus guru, and Caesar comes to realize that what's inside him is more important than what's outside. The concept that individuals cannot be defined in terms of black and white seems obvious to adults, but will be too subtle for young readers. Caesar's soul-searching takes too long to reach fruition, and why he is worrying about his appearance at all is a mystery; no one else is concerned about either his or their own. While children will enjoy the illustrations of the big, friendly spotted dog and the various cheerful animals he encounters, the verbose text will alienate them long before Caesar finds his answer. For books about being comfortable in one's own skin, revisit Jamie Lee Curtis's I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem (HarperCollins, 2002) or Helen Lester's Tacky the Penguin (Houghton, 1988).—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS—These four books are just right for toddlers awaiting and adjusting to the birth of a new sibling. They cover pregnancy, welcoming the baby, and learning to play and live together. One toddler visits the doctor with a pregnant mother. Another sibling "helps" feed the baby and learns to enjoy mom's attention while the infant is asleep. The multiracial families are always smiling and gentle. Colorful artwork fills each page. The writing is clear, conversational, and full of common situations. In reaction to having her hair pulled, big sister says, "Ouch! Don't do that! Why is baby laughing?" Older kids will prefer the sparkle and humor of Jonathan Shipton's Baby Baby Blah Blah Blah! (Holiday House, 2009), Barney Saltzberg's Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Baby? (Candlewick, 2005), or Emma Chichester Clark's No More Kissing! (Doubleday, 2002), but Fuller's books speak to the very young.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS-Gr 3—In this installment, Judy Moody's brother sticks up for Pluto, as it has unfairly (in his estimation) been demoted to dwarf planet status. Stink, defender of all things small, accepts the challenge of trying to convince his classmates that Pluto should still be considered a real planet while his nemesis, Riley Rottenberger, argues the opposite. The story is predictable but sweet as the smaller things in life are championed. Stink is an entertaining character and his audience will appreciate his jokes. The series of solar-system comics are likely to pull reluctant readers into the story while offering fun trivia about the solar system—including Pluto. A fun addition to a popular series.—Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA

PreS—A rhyming text encourages children to participate by counting the bears (which resemble gummy bears), naming their colors, and identifying various shapes. "First one is red./Yellow makes two./A green bear is three./Count four with this blue." Illustrations and text proceed from 1 bear to 12 and clearly develop concepts for colors, shapes, adding and subtracting, and grouping numbers in sets. Children can easily match numbers with corresponding teddy bears and one large number; all are placed on clean white backgrounds. The artwork is hand-drawn digitally in Adobe Photoshop. This title would be a fun way to introduce these basic skills.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS-K—Arthur is always by Bella's side. He eats breakfast with her and even likes pizza, but his primary job is karate-kicking monsters in bad dreams. Then the unthinkable happens: the teddy bear disappears, causing the monsters to reappear. When Bella discovers that the teddy-thief is her little brother, and that he needs Arthur more, she must make some hard choices about facing those nightmares without her bear by her side. It's time to learn to sleep on her own. Bella's willingness to embrace this change rings a bit false, and the overall story feels a bit too much like a prescription for how a child should adjust to growing up. However, Meserve's vivid, dreamlike cartoons function less as a backdrop to the words and more as the primary story. The dragons of Bella's dreams curl around her bed and carry through into the next morning as drawings on her bedroom wall, for example. While the book is a little on the saccharine side and a bit obvious in its message, its vibrant illustrations, gentle story, and direct lesson make it a potential read-aloud for parents looking to wean their child from bedtime crutches.—Sarah Townsend, Norfolk Public Library, VA

Gr 1–4—Fireboy, clad in a red superhero suit, is ready to defend children from all things that burn by explaining how to be safe. From the first inkling that a house is on fire, he gives sound advice—get out and then call 911. When firefighters come to the rescue, stay on sidewalk out of the way of the fire truck. Fireboy almost rolls off the page when demonstrating "stop, drop, and roll." Visual representations of the many ways fires can start are dramatic and especially impressive. Fireboy recommends having an escape plan and checking fire alarms each month. If trapped in a high-rise building, the vigilant hero demonstrates simple procedures to keep safe while waiting for help to arrive. Finally he goes over procedures for fire drills at school. Miller's brightly colored graphic style is reminiscent of 1960s art, while skillful layout and design pack a lot of information into each page or spread. The back cover features a firefighter with his gear clearly labeled. This is a solid choice for elementary collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 3–5—Max cannot imagine anything grosser than his mother dating again. His brother's pimples, overflowing toilets, and teachers dressed up like Little Bo Peep don't even compare. When his mom tries to talk to him about it, his answer is, "You're too old to date. Period. End of sentence." Things are changing so quickly that his usual coping mechanism of drawing comics isn't even making him feel better. The boy comes to understand, with a little help from a class on evolution, that change is inevitable, and he is left wondering what the future will bring for him. This story is told in a series of lists, comic panels, and illustrated text. The font in the comic panels' speech bubbles is extremely small, and the sequencing of text throughout the book is confusing. Some of the lists start on the bottom of the page, while others start at the top, and the overall effect is too busy. For a graphic novel with science involved, try Jarrett J. Krosoczka's "Lunch Lady" books (Knopf) or Eleanor Davis's The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook (Bloomsbury, 2009), and for family stories, Jimmy Gownley's "Amelia Rules" series (S & S) is a better choice.—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

PreS-Gr 2—In Matty Takes Off, the sweet, overstuffed bear is content living with his equally overstuffed cat. He is particular about his possessions and keeps them tidy and in order. When his sister invites him to visit, he packs up a truckload of things essential for his trip. But the bumpy road loosens the tarp, and by the time he reaches Milly's pink house, his cherished belongings are gone, forcing him to recognize what's really important. In Matty in a Mess, he is still very fussy and tends to put cleaning and chores before play. Milly likes to enjoy life and play first. After an enormous storm and a bump on the head, the bears learn to enjoy both the messiness of play and the cleanliness of completed work. The text placement and movement keep the stories lively and invite reader interest. However, there is a confusing element in these two books. The bears' relationship changes from brother and sister to "two bears who lived together." Simmons's watercolor illustrations are full of personality and warmth. The cool tones in the backgrounds help the cuddly and endearing characters stand out even among their clutter. Individually, these books will be crowd-pleasers, and readers and listeners will take the messages to heart.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

K-Gr 2—"Kick the tires and light the fires." If you're a fighter pilot on an aircraft carrier, that means do the preflight check and take off quickly. Readers get a personal tour of the ship by a young visitor. Military jargon appears in boldface in the text and is defined in a separate pictorial area on each spread. Colored-pencil illustrations show many essential components of the carrier and the planes that take off and land on its deck. Nugget visits the basement, or main hangar deck, and learns about how pilots contend with the force of gravity. The complicated mechanics of taking off and landing on a 300-foot runway are explained and detailed through the illustrations. The jobs of many crew members also are examined. Although this book will have special appeal to the children of military families, anyone interested in planes will appreciate the high level of information provided in an attractive, accessible format.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

PreS-Gr 2—Farmer Gruff is very tired because he spends his days and nights trying to keep the hungry crows away from his cornfields. All of the animals are careful to be quiet so they don't wake him up while he tries to sleep. Then a clamorous donkey comes crashing onto the scene with a variety of musical instruments, and peace and quiet are forgotten. Children will delight in learning how the donkey creates such a hullabaloo and rids the farmer of the pesky crows. This story is along the lines of June Crebbin's Cows in the Kitchen (Candlewick, 1998), Teresa Bateman's Farm Flu (Albert Whitman, 2001), and Jarrett J. Krosoczka's Punk Farm (Knopf, 2005). Newton's painterly, muddy, and boldly colored illustrations enhance a rhythmic story that is sure to please storytime crowds, and the spread showing all of the animals on different instruments playing a lullaby for the dozing farmer is a delight.—Melissa Smith, Green Valley Library, Henderson, NV

K-Gr 2—Novak's colorful cartoons and dynamic storytelling show that life on the planet Quirk has become a bit dull as the Everything Machine completes all of the inhabitants' daily tasks. It cooks, mows the lawn, and even colors the baby's pictures until it breaks, and the residents panic as they learn from the little green repairman that it will take months to fix. Looking a little like humans, the Quirkians have wild hairdos with red cherries growing straight up, and the friendly repairman from planet Bing Bong may have four eel-like arms and an oversize head but his backward baseball cap and large round glasses make him charming and approachable. Novak uses word balloons and animated comic-book panels to show the Quirkians' struggling to do their chores. When the machine is repaired, they have learned more than how to garden and cook; they actually enjoy doing for themselves and create a park around the Everything Machine, which now lets the people of Quirk do everything but the hardest job of all—back-scratching. The "quirky" illustrations and deadpan narration may be a little peculiar but that is exactly what will draw young readers in and keep them visiting.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

Gr 2–4—Full of puns, this restructuring of the "Bremen Town Musicians" is clever, well executed, and loaded with laughs. O'Malley's expressive black-line illustrations over deep-hued colors bring the large images of the animals and robbers up-front on the page, increasing the interaction with his audience and enhancing the humor. Hen, after being told she will be chicken dinner on "Fry-day," runs away from the farm determined to fulfill her long-hoped-for plan to open a comedy club. Along the road, she recruits Dog, Cat, and Cow, who all have similar dreams as well as a flair for witticisms and bad jokes. That night, tired and hungry, the foursome take over an old house after the robbers inside leave to pull off a job. After gobbling down the leftover food and sharing numerous one-liners, the trespassers fall asleep. When the robbers return, the confrontation is hilarious: while shouting out gags to one another, the animals do enough barking, mewing, hissing, and bawling to send the men flying off into the night. Victorious, the four comedians now shine nightly at the Cow-Dog Kit-Hen Club where animals come from far and near to hear such groaners as, "Why didn't the skeleton cross the road? He didn't have the guts!" Purchase and enjoy—kids will crack up.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

Gr 3–5—Rumblewick Spellwacker Mortimer B is contractually bound to Haggy Aggy and must assist her in acting as a true and proper witch. The trouble for the cat is that his witch has different aspirations. In this installment in the series, RB records in his diary his boss's intent to start an all-girl band and become the biggest star in the galaxy. RB expects that the plan will not sit well with the High Hags, who rule the witches' world. However, Haggy Aggy is able to blackmail one of them into joining the group and devises a spell to turn the hag into a pretty girl. Disaster strikes when the spell wears off during the audition. Whimsical drawings elevate a story light on plot and character development. Purchase only where the series has a following.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

PreS-K—Frankie is a ginger cat who earns his keep in his human family's hardware store at night. Whether emptying one wastebasket to get a fish skeleton, spotting a mouse behind six hammers, or chasing his quarry up and down seven ladders, the apron-clad feline is hard at work. His nine bosses are an extended family, humorously shown in single beds pushed side by side. As he chases the mouse across their covers, they wake and exclaim, "Be quiet, Frankie!" and remind him, "Some of us have to work in the morning." Nonetheless, they spot the mouse, shout directions, and praise Frankie for chasing it out the cat door. With his job done and the store in disarray, he yawns 10 big yawns. Children next see him by day, sleeping in the store window—oblivious to outside dogs and a nearby mouse—dreaming of a hammock in the tropics. Taylor uses digital photography for the full-color art, with paint cans, scattered nails, and assorted tools lending authenticity to the hardware-store setting. Both Frankie and the mouse appear to be real animals. The pace picks up considerably as the mouse scurries for safety with Frankie in pursuit. There's a lot to see (and count) in this unusual book.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 2—Louise Cheese wants wants a change from the same old, boring clothes, especially her brown-laced school shoes with sticky rubber soles that squeak when she walks. What she wants is a pair of black and sparkly shoes so she can go to Paris fashion shows. Louise tries to convince her friend Fern to get rid of her grass-stained sneakers for a pair of "la-di-da" shoes as well. When she and her mother go shopping, she has great hopes, but she ends up with another pair of brown-laced school shoes. The next morning, Fern is wearing black-leather pumps with sparkles on the toes, and Louise is jealous. When school ends for the day, Louise offers the olive branch by suggesting they walk home together, but Fern can't move. Her shoes are scuffed and ruined and her feet hurt, so they trade, and Louise discovers that her feet hurt, too. Louise is a lovable, spunky character with big dreams. The bright, expressive illustrations, filled with splashes of hot pinks and dialogue balloons, capture her personality to the fullest. Girls will appreciate her feelings, dilemmas, and desire for "la-di-da" shoes.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 1–3—Charlie is trying to figure out what he and his family can do about the black bear that wandered into his neighborhood, wrecking property to get to food supplies. The full-color pastels outlined in black ink clearly show both the family's desire for a humane resolution, their consternation, and thoughtful solutions. Charlie's research and efforts are ultimately successful, and the bear stays in the woods. With all that Raye's work has going for it, it is unfortunate that the illustrations of the people are flat and dimensionless. Despite this, there's a real logical sequence that leads the story from beginning to end and a strong sense of empowerment that Charlie demonstrates in making a poster for his community's bulletin board: "What to do if you have a bear in your backyard." A good discussion starter.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 2–4—Cooper's illustrations are the strongest aspect of this book, a fictional accounting of Parks's famous refusal to give up her seat, as told from the viewpoint of a little boy on the bus. Reynolds writes in free verse that is a tad overdone with Southern dialect, and the colloquialisms ("crammed like lima beans" and "sittin'…like a turnip pile") are a stretch. Cooper's work, however, is powerful for its subtlety; he has incorporated the likenesses of a couple of high-profile civil rights activists in the crowd of passengers on the bus, symbolizing the continuum of mighty figures that began with the petite woman. One of the most powerful images is that of Parks by herself; Cooper has captured her resoluteness simply in the proud jut of her chin. Problematic styling aside, Reynolds does a satisfactory job of capturing a turning point in our nation's history from an anonymous but vital perspective. Coupled with Cooper's rich paintings, this is a noteworthy reflection on the actions of a single individual in turning the tide of segregation.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Gr 1–4—Wendel, a mouse and avid inventor, decides to create a robot that will keep his workshop and home clean and neat. The first one, Clunk, ends up in a huge scrap heap outside after folding the clothes in knots, putting teacups away in the sock drawer, and filling the laundry basket with umbrellas. "Wendelbot," his next attempt, goes overboard, often robotically repeating the word "tidy," and ends up dumping Wendel down a chute and into the scrap heap. Wendel and Clunk reunite there and use the scraps from the huge heap to build a team of robot helpers that eradicates Wendelbot. The team works together with Wendel and Clunk to clean and keep his workshop and home somewhat orderly. Although the robots are not perfect, Wendel is content with their different ways of doing chores and decides never to throw anything away again. At times the plot is confusing and the text somewhat choppy. The detailed illustrations done in ink and watercolor are dramatic, but often cluttered and sometimes distracting. Although the Wendelbot is amusing at first, he becomes scary when out of control and Wendel and Clunk decide to blow him up. This book may find an audience with older children, but the messages are not strong enough to make an impression on them.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

K-Gr 1—In a fairy-tale-like beginning, four helpful children wander on a beach and meet up with a bear that yearns to fly like the birds he watches swooping in the sky. "If you want to fly, Mr. Bear, follow us," declares one of the little girls. The five set off on a jaunty journey—"Follow follity follow"—and spend the day frolicking at an amusement park, including a visit to a haunted house, where Mr. Bear's arms lovingly nestle and protect them, and a flying ride on a roller coaster. Reynolds's bold watercolor illustrations extend the carefree spirit of Rosen's rhythmic text. "I can fly in the sky like a bird up high./Swoopy swoop/Swoopy swoop/Swoopy swoopity swoop." By placing objects and characters farther apart here than those in this team's Bear's Day Out (Bloomsbury, 2007), Reynolds gives the spreads more breathing space and keeps the pacing zipping along. His use of color is excellent, and slanting lines guide the eye along, whether the children are leading the bear up a hill in the daylight or down a road at dusk. The fiery orange-red of the setting-sun sky in the last spread makes the skipping children and bear seem up close and looking as if they're flying right into readers' laps. Bear gets his wish in a way, thanks to four kind children. Add this one to Jez Alborough's Where's My Teddy? (Candlewick, 2002) for a hummingly jolly storytime.—James K. Irwin, Evanston Public Library, IL

PreS-K—A kitten, bunny, mouse, polar bear cub, duckling, and boy ask their mothers the same question in turn: "When the new baby comes, will you still love me?" The answers they receive vary in the details, but all affirm that the child is special and will still be cherished when the new sibling arrives. The questions echo the youngsters' need to understand change in terms of concrete details: "Will you still take me fishing? Will we romp through the snow?" asks the cub. Howarth's sunny watercolor and ink illustrations match the upbeat tone of the bouncy, rhyming text. In the final pages, the little boy questions his mother as he readies for bed. (In a lovely bit of visual continuity, the animals from the earlier parts of the book appear in some form in his room, raising the possibility that the earlier segments might have been part of his own dramatic play.) The boy's mother gently reassures him: "I will love you forever…/I will love you wherever…/I will love you more than ever…/when the new baby comes!"—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS-Gr 2—Amelia is self-conscious about her height, and her classmates reinforce her feelings of being different by refusing to play with her. She is alone on the playground until Susannah, a new student who is very short and also unpopular because of height, tries to befriend her. Amelia remains stand-offish until news of an upcoming Picture Day (with the teacher's admonition, "I expect you to look your very best!") throws her into a funk. It is Susannah who comes to her rescue with a self-esteem-boosting secret that has the two bunnies sashaying in, bedecked in necklaces, and fancied up from ear to toe with homemade doodads. The duo realize their differences really don't matter and become fast friends. Russo's characteristic childlike gouache art serves the story well, and the bunnies' ears help to express a range of emotions all their own. The tale will resonate especially with youngsters who feel left out.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2—As a rabbit pushes a large suitcase, many animals inquire about the contents. A toucan wonders, "HEY, Rabbit! Is there anything for me in your suitcase? Maybe a leaf to remind me of home?" Expectations are exceeded when each creature peeks inside. For example, Toucan discovers a tropical paradise full of exotic flora and fauna. More fantasies come true: a dog finds a birthday cake made of bones, a cat discovers a room full of yarn, and a hungry mouse enjoys tasting stacks of cheese. Ruzzier's delicate ink-and-watercolor illustrations have a quirky, dreamy quality. After everyone's wishes have come true, Rabbit wonders, "HEY, is there anything for me in my suitcase?" On the next page all of his friends reappear with a treat to share. Pair this with Katie Cleminson's Magic Box (Hyperion, 2009) for a fanciful storytime.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 1—Brownie and her cat Pearl are going to a birthday party. They set off down the street, present in hand, and each with a flower in her hair. Upon arriving at the balloon-festooned house, Brownie suddenly gets a case of the jitters and considers going home. Pearl suffers from no such shyness and enters through the kitty door so Brownie has to knock after all. Of course, the party is great fun with games, cake and ice cream, and more ice cream. Brownie is glad she came to the party and that she has such a bold kitty. This story is essentially a beginning reader in a picture-book format. Rylant's short text ("Brownie likes the party. She plays games. She eats cake.") is illustrated literally by Biggs. His digitally rendered illustrations are full of bright colors, clean lines, great expressions, and white space. Great for beginning readers, shy children, or storytime audiences.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 3–5—Calvin's teacher posts a writing assignment: "What I Want So Badly I Can Taste It," forcing the fourth grader to examine his heart's most pressing desire. He realizes that what he wants more than anything, a dog, comes with some major obstacles. His single mom is against the idea, which is understandable considering she is also the provider for an emotional teenager whose parents skipped town. Stella is resentful toward Calvin, and she also has allergies. Luckily Ledward, Calvin's mother's boyfriend, believes "every boy needs a dog." When he takes him to visit a dog shelter, Calvin is immediately drawn to Streak, an abandoned herding dog. Although he can't take her home without his mother's permission, he is inspired to rewrite his essay until it's so persuasive that he just knows his mom will give in. Salisbury's characterization will intrigue readers who have limited knowledge of Hawaiian culture, and the theme will pull at their heartstrings. With serious subplots dealing with divorce and abandonment, Dog Heaven teaches that life isn't always a bowl of cherries. Small black-and-white drawings appear throughout.—Christine Johanson, District Elementary School, Mahopac, NY

PreS-K—From the cover illustration to the season-coded endpapers, there is a cyclical quality to All Around the Seasons that reinforces the concept of a changing year. The book starts in spring, with melting snow and chicks breaking free from their eggs, and ends with snow falling and children hunkering down as if in a cozy cocoon. Packed in between are 365 days of season-appropriate activities: gardening, running in sprinklers, jumping in leaves, ice skating. While some of the backgrounds are revisited at different times of the year, therefore showing seasonal change within a set environment, the focus of the book is on the childhood fun that each season provides. This is not a scientific treatment; instead, Saltzberg draws on snapshot moments and sentiment for its appeal. The illustrations, done in acrylic and pencil, have a childlike simplicity that should appeal to young children. Emerging readers might also like to try this book, as the simple verse and large, clear font are easy to read without crowding the pictures. A supplemental purchase in a category that is never out of fashion.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2—When Jack is put out for the night, something extraordinary happens. As the pup looks longingly at his family inside the house, out of the sky comes a flying blue car packed with robotlike visitors. These aliens make quick work of turning Jack's doghouse into a play house as they lounge on his blanket, overturn his water dish, and leap from the roof. The real fun begins when they unhook Jack's leash and explore the yard. The pup and his newfound friends dig in the sandbox and swim around in the pond. The night visitors like him so much that they want to take him back with them, but he manages to slip out of his leash before he can be whisked into the sky and is reunited with his young owner. Schories has created another wordless story that is easy to follow and has a timeless quality. The illustrations are full of whimsy, and the joy of both Jack and the visitors is evident as they frolic across the pages. Pair this with Nina Laden's The Night I Followed the Dog (Chronicle, 1994) for a storytime that will have listeners imagining what their own pets may get into when they are not around.—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

PreS-K—A fuzzy white rabbit with an oversize head races readers to bed, but he finds many reasons to delay bedtime. Animals, toys, and other objects divert his attention. "Sneeze to bed! Grilled cheese to bed! Angry, angry bees to bed!" The whole story is one long chase scene. The rabbit goes up mountains, through an alligator-filled lake, through some poison ivy, on a car, on a bus, on a train. Then he needs "A snack to bed and a drink to bed, a bath, a brush, and a book to bed." When he finally hops into his bed, he discovers that "you" are already there. "Okay, then, race you to sleep!" This is a clever twist, engaging children in an active way. The singsong rhyme flows as the rabbit cavorts through the flat colored pages. The backgrounds are all done in soothing pastel colors, with the exuberant youngster cavorting across the pages. Clever details in the art enhance the telling. Every child who has ever fought against the enforced bedtime will cheer for this rabbit and his adventures, and hopefully join the final race to get to sleep.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

K-Gr 2—Emma has lots of energy, and she loves hopping and skipping all around the lush garden with her cat. When Uncle Leo sends her a pink tutu and ballet slippers, she is dismayed and says she doesn't know how to be a ballerina. The mailman tells her, "…you dance like daisies and dandelion fluff!" Emma tries, but she falls into the petunias, trips over the garden gnome, and ends up in the birdbath. A neighbor walking her dogs tells her that ballerinas dance on their tippy-toes. That attempt lands her in the flowers again. Her big brother tells her that ballerinas need violin, harp, and flute music, but all Emma has is a kazoo. Finally, she decides to be her own kind of ballerina, puts her shorts and cowboy boots back on, and plays her kazoo. Uncle Leo arrives in time to see the performance. He says he never pictured her as a ballerina, and that's why he sent her the jungle safari outfit, but the store made a mistake. The simple but expressive illustrations are perfect for the story. The artwork, done in watercolor with images outlined in black ink, is very funny. The garden is cheerful, as are all the people demonstrating ballet steps to Emma. The animals are always up to something, and Emma's futile attempts at being graceful are hilarious. This is a clever and imaginative addition to the long list of picture books telling youngsters to be themselves.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-K—A baby rabbit is tucked in, in a cozy burrow. "The day is done, it's time for bed./let peaceful moments fill your head./so cuddle up and snuggle in,/and let your happy dreams begin." She is instructed to "dream of comforts all around" as scenes of a glowing warm morning gradually give way to rosy afternoons and then evening skies. The language and pictures become quieter and sleepier: "a daddy frog sings low and deep,/lulling all the pond to sleep." The final spread shows the rabbit asleep in her bed, watched over by a smiling Moon. The idea of lulling oneself to sleep like this is an appealing one, and the smooth verse and accessible pictures are appealing as well. The colors are jewel-like, especially in the evening scenes. But the cozy atmosphere needs some warmth and texture in the artwork. Instead, the overall effect is slick and monotonous, which doesn't really suit the mood. For larger collections, and/or where more bedtime books are in demand.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 2–4—This elegant book opens: "From the alley, music drifts./Shadows sway to a trumpet riff…." Klassen's eye-catching digitally rendered urban streetscapes resemble the sets of classic musical theater. Cats appear two by two; their costumes change with each dance. The first pair sambas in white; four cats boogie in poodle skirts and saddle shoes; six tango in red capes; and so on until 20 cats conga in splashy florals, plaids, and stripes. Ultimately, the sleepy neighbors appear and shout them down, with a "Cut it out!" The finely detailed illustrations feature a subdued palette of brown, gray, and charcoal enlivened by splashes of color. The subtle charms of this lighter-than-air confection should delight young connoisseurs of dance and style.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

PreS-K—An appealing look at a baby animal's adventures. A busy bunny chases a dragonfly, plays with a chipmunk, and rolls in the clover. His only uncomfortable encounter is with a grumpy porcupine: "Settle down, now!" Nothing hazardous or frightening occurs, so the book can be enjoyed by the youngest preschoolers. The text is sometimes overly precious: "'What will you do today?' asked his sweet Mama dear" and "giggle, giggle, giggle!—he dashed through the grass." But the narrative serves as a fine vehicle for Butler's warm, beautifully detailed acrylic and colored-pencil illustrations. Readers can almost feel the porcupine's quills and the rabbit's fuzzy tail. Soft blues, greens, and browns permeate the spreads. This story will inspire in young children a greater affection for the inhabitants of the forest and field.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 2—When Sarah sees a lion while walking in the jungle, he tells her that she shouldn't be there. He explains that no one in his jungle just walks: they prowl, creep, swing, lumber, slither, and stampede. When asked what she is doing, she says she's singing. Lion says, "Nobody here just sings." They roar, yowl, grunt, chatter, and harrumph. Lion then decides to eat her because she does not belong. The child says she can draw better than anyone in the jungle. When he sees her picture of a great big angry lion, he growls, "That's not me." The other animals agree with Sarah and she sets out to draw them to prove her point. Vibrant, brightly colored illustrations of the lively animals and cheerful child fill every bit of space on the spreads and are sure to engage readers. This clever tale of courage and confidence teaches an important life lesson in a fun way.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

PreS—Closely monitored by red mother hen, a yellow chick hatches, cheeps, gets a hug, eats, poops, and sleeps. Vere provides two- to three-word phrases on each of the seven spreads, along with sound effects like "crick crack crickitty crack" and "peepo!" The backgrounds are solid, often bright hues that provide even more punch for fun views of the huge-eyed chick with spindly legs. Instead of a pop-up, the "elimination" scene offers a turning wheel of pellets, and the final sleep vignette has baby tucked under mom's liftable wing. Toddlers are an ideal audience for this lark.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Gr 3–6—This is a straightforward, well-written, fictionalized story of the courageous and dedicated work of a rescue dog. It chronicles the search for a lost child and captures the intensity and urgency of these missions while providing fascinating and accurate details of such an undertaking. The special relationship between this Border collie and her owner/handler, Tess, as they work together is inspiring and touching. When Fay steps in a sand burr patch during the search, Tess works quickly but gently on her paws because every moment counts if they are going to save Maddi. After some tense hours, they do find her, and Fay is rewarded with her favorite treat, three Vienna sausages. Expressive and realistic black-and-white illustrations help to bring the dog alive as they show her on the job and at play. Although this is a fictionalized story, readers will learn a great deal about the training and dedication required to do this volunteer rescue work. This upbeat and inspiring tale also includes brief and reliable information about Border collies and additional information about the authors and the real Fay.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 2–4—Frankie Pickle is back in the series that began with Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom (S & S, 2009). He wants to become a Shrew Scout with the rest of his Possum Troop but can't because he lacks the points. However, an opportunity arises with the Pine Run 3000, the "greatest game ever invented." If Frankie's model car wins, he can advance up the scouting ladder. This meld of graphic novel and chapter book is a sure bet for reluctant readers. The black-and-white illustrations make the text "woooosh" along just like the fast-paced race scenes toward the end of the book. Readers get glimpses of the protagonist's inner thoughts; once he even pictures himself working on a David-like sculpture as he creates his model car. Despite obstacles to winning, Frankie stays wide-eyed and optimistic until the end.—Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT

PreS-K—Using a repetitive vocabulary with few new words added in, Willems offers successful reading experiences for the earliest readers, complete with fun-loving, friendly characters and surprise story lines. In the first book, Cat the Cat meets her friends as she answers the oft-repeated question, "Cat the Cat, who is that?" with "It's Mouse the Mouse!" Questions and answers are in large, bold type while white word balloons with a clear, dark font are used effectively to further the simple conversation. Cat the Cat continues on as she meets Duck the Duck, Fish the Fish, and a strange-looking alien who, after scaring her at first, becomes her new friend. In Let's Say Hi, Cat the Cat asks Bee the Bee, Bird the Bird, and Bat the Bat if they can fly. They all answer "watch me" as they fly away. The story takes a surprise turn as the friends ask Rhino the Rhino if he can fly, and he takes off in his airplane, taking them with him. The animals are drawn with expressions ranging from wide-eyed innocence to surprise as they learn about the world around them. Drawn on a mostly uncluttered sky-blue background with thick black lines, the characters are illustrated in a brighter and wider range of colors than in Willems's previous works. Fans of "Elephant and Piggie" (Hyperion) may think themselves to be a bit advanced for this newest cast of characters, but they will want to join in on these latest adventures where even Pigeon makes subtle appearances.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—When Pearl's family moves, they forget to pack their lawn ornaments. Betty (a deer), Flo (a flamingo), Norm (a gnome), and Jack (a jockey) have a special fondness for the little girl and set off to find her. They face many perils, especially since "Only Pearl knew that they were real.… Some people didn't love lawn ornaments the way Pearl did." Sequential cartoon illustrations that resemble animation stills chart the foursome's madcap trip as they pop up from manhole covers in the city, climb snow-covered mountains, and trek across swamps and fields. They finally arrive at Ritzy Estates, only to be rudely refused entry by "snooty" marble lions. Dejected, they sit on the curb and are then tossed into the back of a "dreaded trash truck." As it turns out, their nemesis drives them right through the gates and into the arms of Pearl. The art is done in a flat, retro style and is filled with amusing and clever details. The characters have an offbeat charm, and their longing for a lost friend rings true.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

PreS-Gr 2—Mouse and Mole, who are reminiscent of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad, share an interest in birds. It's spring, when the birds come back, so they set out with their binoculars, sketch pad, and crayons to find them. When they attempt to draw them, the startled creatures fly away, and the plot builds to a hilarious climax when the two friends improvise a plan to attract them. Simple text and italicized words as Mouse and Mole identify the birds and mimic their songs are closely supported by small, colorful illustrations. The sunlit, warm days of the season are suggested by the light pastel, water-based gouache illustrations of the cartoonlike characters and setting details that are lightly outlined by lithograph pencil. This adventure incorporates themes of cooperation, teamwork, and achieving a common goal through combined creativity and talents. The themes and inherent lessons will resonate with primary-grade students, who will flock to this easy reader. Younger children will enjoy listening to the story.—Monica Fleche, Union Public Library, NJ

Gr 3–5—The daily activities of the Great Egret are described in verse and narrative. Stunning full-color photographs illustrate such topics as preening, plumes, flight, size, and nesting. For example, "On the Hunt/What Do Egrets Eat?" informs readers that egrets are known as "ambush predators" that silently wait for their prey to come to them. This characteristic is poetically described as, "He is a world-class waiter,/Waiting (and wading)/In the muddied water/Till a shadow below/Lets him know that a fish/Is near. Then SPLISH-/SPLASH, that knife-sharp beak/breaks the surface/and brings back a surfeit:/Breakfast, lunch, dinner./Almost every strike a winner." The accompanying three photographs show the bird wading, striking and splashing the water, and holding a captured fish in its beak. A two-page close-up of its feather illustrates the chapter on plumes, and the Great Egret's large black feet are contrasted with the smaller golden feet of the Snowy Egret in text and art for the poem "Some Feet." Every spread features an informative paragraph, a vivid poem, and photographs sparkling with glossy details.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 3–5—In her debut picture book, Yolleck explores what it might have been like to be in Gertrude Stein's social circle in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The story focuses on the ordinary activities of a few of Stein's contemporaries, leading up to one of the weekly soirées for which 27 rue de Fleurus is remembered. Readers can take a stroll with Guillaume Apollinaire, or visit Max Jacob at his apartment in the building he called Bateau-lavoir. Or they can observe Picasso as he paints his famous Two Nudes, and spend some time with Stein and Alice B. Toklas before their guests arrive. The story concludes by inviting readers to imagine what everyone would have talked about at the gathering. Priceman's brightly colored illustrations exhibit energy, creativity, and general joie de vivre. A brief introduction explains the author's inspiration and a little about the people featured in the story. This whirlwind tour flows easily thanks to clear writing and carefully chosen details. However, this fly-on-the-wall fantasy lacks kid appeal.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

K-Gr 2—Emmalina is not like other fairies. She is neither dainty nor delicate, and she likes to play in the swamp with her frog friends. As eager as she is to earn her wings, she does not feel that she does anything well that's important, like stringing dewdrops on a spiderweb or making a rainbow. Emmalina can help with the new tadpoles and teach the new little frogs how to catch flies, but that is hardly wing-worthy. Or so she thinks. The queen believes otherwise, however, and names her the Mud Fairy, Protector of Frogs in recognition of her special gifts, and grants her wings. The sweet, cartoonlike illustrations are done in gouache. Neither the writing nor the artwork is exceptional. The simple message is presented in a more interesting and artful way in Roberta Baker's Lizard Walinsky (Little, Brown, 2004), Patty Lovell's Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon (Putnam, 2001), and Kevin Henkes's Chrysanthemum (HarperCollins, 1991).—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 1—In the foreword, Archbishop Desmond Tutu states the overall theme of the book—grandparents receive the gift of seeing the world, once again, through the eyes of children and have a responsibility to teach their grandchildren "Love. Compassion. Integrity. Perseverance." Clear, colorful photographs show the two generations engaged in a variety of activities and invite careful observation. The pictures are clearly labeled with the name of the families' countries and highlight common threads, e.g., "listening," in Tibet, India, Mexico, and USA. Spare text defines the actions represented. The book concludes with "Five Things to Do with Your Grandparents."—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS-Gr 2—These titles purport to educate children about the differences in the seasons. However, the information is so broad that it can be confusing for young readers to follow, and there isn't enough substance for older report writers. For example, under the topic "Fall Weather," there are no explanations as to why the temperatures get cooler at that time of year. There are just descriptive sentences such as "Wind whooshes through the trees. Dead leaves float and spiral as they blow to the ground." Glossary terms are neither defined in context nor set in boldface when they appear. The stock photos in both books do little to entice readers into the texts. Sara L. Latta's What Happens in Spring (Enslow, 2006) or Darlene R. Stille's Simply Science: Fall and Simply Science: Spring (both Compass Point, 2001) are better choices.—Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Half Hollow Hills Community Library, Dix Hills, NY

Gr 2–5—Arnold has done a solid job of presenting the fossil evidence that dinosaurs lived at or near the poles during the Mesozoic Era. She outlines the various species that have been found in Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. One of her most interesting points is that dinosaurs lived in much cooler environments than we typically imagine and it appears that they had developed adaptations (large eyes, the ability to hibernate) to help them survive the colder climes. However, the book is really brought to life by Caple's stunning watercolor illustrations that show the various dinosaurs in their habitats. The skies for each image serve as a monotone background for the text, and the paintings of the dinosaurs perfectly frame the words in lively and dramatic poses. Children will definitely want to spend time examining the details of the artwork. One odd point about the book is the title in that the discussion of global warming is minimal and seemingly tangential to the fascinating material within.—Denise Schmidt, San Francisco Public Library, CA

Gr 3–5—Students will enjoy the large, beautiful color photographs of various species and the uncrowded layout of the first title. Its strengths include close-ups of a curling proboscis and a compound eye. A catch-and-release caterpillar/butterfly observation activity is included. Darlyne A. Murawski's Face to Face with Caterpillars (National Geographic, 2007) offers more detail on a variety of species, and Bobbie Kalman's The Life Cycle of a Butterfly (Crabtree, 2001) focuses on the Monarch. With its dramatic color pictures and simple text, Mountains will appeal to readers just getting acquainted with landforms. The text deftly covers disagreement among scientists on what makes a mountain and how to measure it. Also included are discussions of the timberline, mountain life, a mountain on Mars, and erosion, and there is a strata activity with clay. Tectonic plates outlined on a globe keep the third dimension of Earth in mind at the expense of showing all the plates at once. Lacking are diagrams of fold, block, dome, and volcanic mountain formations, and a discussion of rock types. Unfortunately, there are three typos in the short text. With diagrams of formations and Earth's mantle, Bobbie Kalman's Earth's Mountains (Crabtree, 2008) is a better choice.—S. McClendon, Friends School of Atlanta, Decatur, GA

Gr 2–4—These titles start off identically, contrasting rural and urban settings, and then branch off into their respective topics. Each book focuses on one particular town and how the people there live and work. In Fishing, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is brought to light. In Mining, readers are introduced to Wright, a small community in Wyoming. While the writing tends to be dry, it is clear. Fonts are big and sentences are short. Large, colorful, clearly captioned photographs show all sorts of people involved in the respective industry. A "Facts and Figures" page, complete with a map, is included in each work. Solid titles for reports.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 2–5—In this addition to the innovative and hilarious series, the Magic School Bus gets refitted as a hybrid and Ms. Frizzle and her class challenge readers to go green. After traveling in their bus-plane and showing in storyboard style example after example of the Earth's changing climate, Ms. Frizzle, reluctant traveler Arnold, new South Korean classmate Joon, and the gang ride sun rays to the Earth, and then get back on the bus as those rays (and riders) get caught by heat-trapping gases. Microscope-goggles make CO² and other molecules visible as strings of bubbles, and the class observes that people using energy is an overwhelming source of these gases, and they decide to conserve right away. They put on a play about global warming, grabbing the attention of the media and inspiring the whole town. Children won't want to miss the punning online Q & A chat page wrapping up the challenge and Ms. Frizzle and Liz on their tandem bike. Pair this book with Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch's informative How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate (Dawn, 2008) to explore evidence for rapid climate change and inspire kids to become citizen scientists and advocates.—Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

Gr 2–5—In this picture book, 11-year-old Tess asks her grandmother questions like, "What is cancer? What is a tumor? Can you catch cancer?" Lively and understanding, Nana answers all of Tess's questions with solid information and reassuring hugs. She herself has been treated for cancer and Papa Lew's lung cancer has come back. This informational book avoids discussion of politically sensitive issues such as the potential links between environmental pollution and cancer. The authors are a real-life grandmother/granddaughter team. Soft watercolor illustrations show the real Tess and Nana at home and at a cancer awareness event in Washington, DC. While clearly didactic, their Socratic conversation is well informed and can provide the springboard for further discussion both at home and in school settings.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 3–6—Florian focuses on trees (seeds, bark, leaves, roots, and tree rings) and introduces readers to 13 species from around the world. An oversize, double-page illustration accompanies each poem. Some are read lengthwise, which enables the artist to highlight the awesome height and size of trees. The selections are accessible and concise, with child-friendly wordplay and artful design: of the "spreading," "treading," "always-outward-heading" banyan tree, Florian concludes: "It's not a tree—/It's a forest!" The primitive illustrations—crafted on "primed paper bags" using mixed media including gouache watercolor paints, colored pencils, rubber stamps, oil pastels, and collage—range in nuance from whimsy to mystery and reverence. In "The Seed," Florian highlights the symmetry of trees by laying out the short text in a figure eight, an eternity symbol; this dovetails neatly with the overall theme of recycling and renewal. He concludes with a "Glossatree," a thumbnail sketch of each tree, and an author's note and sources. This exquisite collection, with its thoughtful wordplay and timely subject, rewards careful reading and should resonate with a wide audience.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 2–6—Fox and Davis tackle the challenge of creating an engaging read-aloud about the Big Bang theory with energy and style. Employing the structure of a familiar nursery rhyme, the text takes readers through the steps of the universe's expansion: "This is the BANG when the world began./These are the bits that were born in the bang when the world began." A text box on each spread offers a clear, concise explanation of what happened in that particular stage of the universe. Fittingly, the illustrations start off chaotically, relying on abstract blobs of color and use of textual design. Gradually, as the universe orders itself, the artwork resolves into familiar shapes: the Earth, animals, people. Both author and illustrator hang the child appeal of the book on the concept that the same atoms present at the beginning of the universe make up our world today; in essence, each child is "as old as the universe itself." Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano's Big Bang! The Tongue-Tickling Tale of a Speck That Became Spectacular (Charlesbridge, 2005) also offers a child-friendly take on the theory, but Older Than the Stars will appeal to even younger students with its nursery-rhyme-style text and simple, clear explanations. Perfect for the classroom, this is an intriguing introduction to a difficult-to-understand concept.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 2—Paring down the zoologist's complex work to very simple terms, this congenial picture-book biography focuses on Lorenz's fascination with geese and his studies of their behavior from the moment of hatching. Greenstein explains how his childhood love of animals finally prevailed over his early career as a medical doctor and then tells the story of his experiences in becoming the adopted parent of newly hatched goslings. Her homey gouache, ink, and colored-pencil sketches match the cheerful simplicity of the text as they follow events inside and outside Lorenz's house. His first goose child leaves home with a new mate in a migrating group, and Lorenz goes on to learn much more about geese in the following years. The author describes his patience and understanding in communicating with the birds. "The annoyed parent geese hissed at him, but Konrad knew what to hiss back." The instinctive behavior of the geese is explained in clear but general terms. Greenstein concludes with the vague statement that "When Konrad was an old man, he won a big, important prize for the new things he had learned." A very brief author's note explains his winning of the 1973 Nobel Prize in part for his work on imprinting. This title barely begins to introduce Lorenz's complicated life and science, but children will enjoy both the notion of people studying animals at such close range and the comical and personable interactions between Lorenz and the geese.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 1–2—Sixteen places in Texas are introduced in a-a-b-b verses. Some rhymes flow off the tongue, while others are harder to read. "In Houston the oil barons crave Texas tea!/That black gold's a priceless commodity./The city hosts NASA and its astronauts/whom Mission Control oversees from this spot," and "Up north in the Panhandle sits Amarillo./There are plenty of cattle, but few armadillo./The Grand Canyon of Texas is something to view./With luck you might spy the horned toad in there, too." Each four-line poem provides facts regarding location and features of the area. Most are commonly known cities: Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and El Paso; others are less recognized, including Gonzales, Kingsville, and Tyler. The realistic colored-pencil illustrations are big and bold and done in dark tones; several different concepts are incorporated on a spread. Acceptable if materials are needed for younger students regarding the state and its diversity.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 3–6—Huey enthusiastically brings these five different eras to life through artifacts and field research. Each volume begins with an identical introduction that defines "historical archaeology" and explains its value in terms simple enough for lower-elementary readers to comprehend, yet detailed enough for older children to enjoy, an approach followed in the remaining chapters. The author presents better-known archaeological mysteries, such as that of the Lost Colony of Roanoake, as well as more obscure ones, such as the escaped-slave community at Fort Mose in Florida. The visually pleasing books are replete with maps, paintings, and photographs, all appropriately placed and thoughtfully captioned. Occasionally, the author's descriptions of field sites become overly complex and hard to follow, but do not heavily detract from the work. Different from Trevor Barnes's Archaeology (Kingfisher, 2004), which is a survey of the field across the globe, Huey's focus on American history, which is broken down into small, manageable chunks, is sure to entice budding historians. Classroom teachers will find their students begging for a field trip to one of these sites.—Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

K-Gr 2—Nine kinds of animals notable for their size are featured in each of these simply written introductions. Bugs looks at a mix of insects and arachnids (e.g., peanut-head bug, tarantula hawk, goliath bird-eating spider), while Predators includes polar bear, anaconda, shark, etc.). In each title, a page with one-to-three short sentences alternates with a clear, color photograph of one or more of the animals. The text describes one or two key physical characteristics—usually body parts used to capture prey—and, for some of the animals, behavior (e.g., in Bugs, "Giant water bugs use big front legs to trap frogs" and in Predators, "Eagles swoop down from the sky. Their big talons grab fish from the water."). A boxed sidebar gives the maximum length of the featured animal in each section; however, the usefulness of this information varies, particularly in regard to animals with a large number of species, as the measurement cited doesn't necessarily apply to all species worldwide. Although the texts are clearly written, the amount of information provided is minimal; few details on the animals' body parts are given, other than that they are "big." More substantive titles that cover some of the same creatures include Sandra Markle's Insects: Biggest! Littlest! (2009) and Spiders: Biggest! Littlest! (2004, both Boyds Mills); both offer real insights into size, explaining how an animal's being exceptionally large, or small, affords it certain advantages that help it survive.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

K-Gr 2—The water cycle is presented in the most basic terms: a single drop forms, falls, changes to steam, and returns to the atmosphere ready to begin the cycle again. This is no ordinary raindrop, however. Anthropomorphized, it is "born," not formed. With a "gasp" and a "smile," it flies diagonally across the page, gaining speed and building tension. The raindrop's initial joy turns to sadness when it recognizes that it may actually be falling. As other raindrops speed merrily by, its expression morphs from terror to worry and back again. When a bright orange glow appears far below, its fate is sealed. It lands in the large campfire, and then quickly reappears as a "wisp of steam." With this rebirth, the now-ecstatic raindrop realizes that it will "join the clouds and become a raindrop once again." The minimalist artwork is surrounded by huge spans of creamy white paper. Other than the orange of the fire, grays and baby blues are the only colors used in the iconic images of the clouds, thunder, wind, and raindrops. Readers will enjoy the character's humorous expressions in this unique presentation.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 3–6—Karas retells this Greek myth with one eye on the classics and the other firmly focused on drawing in contemporary readers. The story is related by Amaltheia, the enchanted she-goat enlisted by Rhea to raise her son and keep him hidden from his treacherous Titan father. Though Zeus's early life is idyllic, he eventually learns family history: Cronus, worried about being supplanted, had eaten all of his children (Rhea had cleverly slipped him a stone in place of Zeus) and left his siblings (the Cyclopes and Hundred-Handers) to languish in the underworld. More interested in having playmates than seizing absolute power, Zeus journeys forth to free his brothers and sisters (and his monstrous uncles), defeat his fearsome father, and tamp down the Titans. The story unfolds in all of its action-packed complexity, tempered by a clear narrative voice and Zeus's gleefully childlike perspective (having taken his bickering siblings in hand, he "became ruler of heaven and earth. He divided up chores and scheduled playtimes…. And thus began fun and order on Mount Olympus"). The stylized gouache and pencil on textured paper illustrations have an earthy, almost smoky palette. While Zeus and his siblings are humanlike, the Titans are appropriately depicted as large, looming, and terrifying (Cronus's menacing leer is punctuated by his round jagged-toothed mouth). Dramatically shifting perspectives underscore the point that though Zeus is much smaller than his foes, his cleverness and courage allow him to prevail. An inviting, slightly irreverent, and absolutely rewarding romp through mythology.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 2—These books will be a useful addition to community-helper units. The first title discusses some common aspects of airports and the different jobs people perform there. Workers include ticket agents, security workers, controllers, pilots, flight attendants, baggage handlers, mechanics, and custodians. The second volume explains the duties of librarians, clerks, shelvers, and custodians, and includes statements about library cards and borrowing books. Post Office introduces postmasters, mail carriers, clerks, custodians, and mechanics at the post office. In all three books, the writing is clear and concise and focuses on the jobs that help these facilities function. Unfortunately, the full-page, full-color stock photographs do little to enhance the texts. In Library two of the pictures could have been taken anywhere. These books cover no new ground, but they'll suffice where additional resources are needed.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

Gr 2–4—In this picture-book biography, the spirit of prizefighter Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, permeates the action-filled pages. Myers explains how young Cassius chose to become a student of boxing after his bike was stolen, which was his main form of transportation in the 1950s. By the age of 18, he was a Golden Gloves champion and well on his way to fame as he traveled to the Olympics in Rome. Calling to mind Ali's famous quote before his fight against Sonny Liston, "I'm going to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," endpapers are a brilliant orange background decorated with a plethora of bees and butterflies. Myers also inserts other well-known quotations seamlessly throughout the chronological framework of the book. Artwork, rendered in a painterly style, is dramatic and enhances the boldness of this boxing superstar. Especially notable is the portrait of Ali on the final page. The author concludes with a one-page time line of the athlete's life. This book will supplement existing biographies.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 3–4—This idealistic account focuses on Wangari's wisdom in advising women to plant different kinds of trees to solve their particular economic problems. "Here are seedlings of the mukinduri. This tree makes good firewood." "Plant a tree. A mukawa. Its thorns will keep out predators." Napoli inserts a Kikuyu phrase and its translation after each bit of Wangari's advice. "Thayu nyumba"—"Peace, my people." The story seems to suggest that the trees were a rather quick solution to the people's problems of hunger and poverty in Kenya's devastated landscape. "Soon cool, clear waters teemed with black, wriggling tadpoles…. All over the countryside the trees that had disappeared came back." Nelson depicts the various women and the greening of the landscape in bold collages of textile prints joined with strong painted portraits. The poetic, abbreviated story has little biographical detail, emphasizing the planting of millions of trees and the resulting prosperity and peace for the country and its people. The preface describing the ill effects of earlier drought and the broad sweep of text provide less concrete information and explanation than Claire A. Nivola's Planting the Trees of Kenya (Farrar) and Jeanette Winter's Wangari's Trees of Peace (Harcourt, both 2008). The information is too vague for primary grade children, and probably too skimpy for older grades. Still, the book could serve as a beautiful introduction for children just learning about the Greenbelt Movement. Concluding materials include an afterword for adults, a source note, a Kikuyu glossary, a list of Web sites most useful for adults, and a brief note from the illustrator.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 1—These slim introductions use simple words and sentences to explain the importance of the holidays and the ways in which they are celebrated. Constitution states that this holiday is celebrated in September. No date is mentioned in the text, but a calendar highlights the 17th. The author gives a brief history of the document and explains why it is an important part of our nation's heritage. Some of the celebrations described include learning about the constitution, enjoying our freedoms, and showing our pride as Americans. Nelson explains that June 19th marks when the last slaves were told they were free, two years after the Civil War ended. As years passed, the holiday grew beyond its Texas origins and is now celebrated across the country. Both books have numerous historical and current photos and illustrations that help reinforce the material. A spread of facts about the day is included in the end pages. The time lines are difficult to read, which can lead to confusion. Adequate for easy nonfiction shelves as general reading but not useful for research.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 2–4—Piper has assembled a collection of more than 90 prayers, covering a variety of themes in eight chapters. Chapter headings include "Praising the Maker God," "Choosing the right way," and "Praying as Jesus taught." The collection also offers verses of forgiveness and thanksgiving, as well as blessings. Each section introduces its topic on a spread through a brief narrative and an illustration containing a scattering of related observations across the two pages. Many of the prayers are gleaned from the Good News Bible (American Bible Society, 1992) and include a citation to the corresponding scripture passages. A few of the selections have more unusual origins such as the short blessing from an old New England sampler. These prayers, written in simple language using words and ideas children can easily understand, are appropriate for a variety of situations. The collection reminds readers to appreciate the world and encourages children to think about their place in it by addressing issues like social justice, inclusiveness, and peace. The verses are indexed by first line. Cheerful watercolor and pencil illustrations depict modern-day, diverse youngsters engaged in familiar childhood activities. Each chapter includes a unifying scenic border along the bottom of the pages. A fine addition to religion collections.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 2–4—This collection of three wisdom tales is a companion to Rose's Tibetan Tales for Little Buddhas (Clear Light, 2004). In "Prince Jampa's Surprise," a young prince gathers 5000 horsemen to attack a neighboring kingdom believed to be savage and bloodthirsty. He is surprised to find the people gentle and welcoming, totally unlike the stories he has heard. "Sonam and the Stolen Cow" tells of a young nun falsely accused of stealing a cow and then convicted in her own heart for something she stole years before. When she returns a sacred statue and clears her cousin's name, her heart can sing again. In "Tashi's Gold," a lazy boy learns of a magical lake full of gold. Its guardian allows him to take a little but warns that true riches never come from gold, a lesson he learns as he shares kapsay cookies with his hungry family. The expressive faces of the Tibetan people are carefully rendered while backgrounds are more impressionistic. Rose's palette is rich with periwinkle, teals, reds, golds, pinks, and purples. Landscapes include wildlife such as the black-necked crane, golden snub-nosed monkey, Himalayan marmot, and white-lipped deer. In his foreword, the Dalai Lama commends these stories for their "clarity, simplicity, and enchanting appeal to children." Containing both English and Tibetan texts, these tales shine a light on the hearts of the Tibetan people.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 3–5—Based on the life of Benjamin Holmes, a slave who taught himself to read at a young age, this picture book is an inspiring account of overcoming oppression. Sherman's fictionalized telling is stirring, especially when Holmes revels in the discovery of new words; readers are moved to cheer on his clandestine efforts to learn. When Union troops approach Charleston, the tailor to whom Holmes is apprenticed leaves town, and the boy is imprisoned indefinitely with other slaves, and he is credited with reading the Emancipation Proclamation to his fellow inmates. The story culminates in a forceful scene when the inmates implore Ben to read the newspaper that contains Lincoln's history-making document. "'Louder,' someone called out. 'Stand up.'" Sherman's text has a stately simplicity. Cooper's paintings glow with a hopeful, golden warmth, and the best of them feature Benjamin and the other imprisoned slaves bearing witness and then celebrating as his voice rings out. This is a powerful tale of a bright ray of light in a very dark period in America.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Gr 2–5—This colorful and accessible picture book recounts the day-to-day adventures of Pony Express riders on the first transcontinental mail delivery system, from St. Joseph, MO, to Sacramento, CA. The book opens with a map of the overland route, a time line of major events in the Express's short-lived history (1860–1861), and a quote from Mark Twain's Roughing It. On the unprecedented journey, which took roughly 11 days, riders faced extremes in weather, buffalo stampedes, wolves, and encounters with Native tribes. The straightforward text in combination with the larger-than-life panoramic oil spreads capture the romance, excitement, and danger that riders experienced along the trail. An author's note explains that truth and legend are often intertwined when researching the Pony Express due to the destruction of records upon the cessation of service. Balancing the right amount of information with lively narrative, this book could easily be used in a history unit or as a general interest title.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2—These bold and busy titles discuss where the colors occur in nature, describe their various shades, and discuss the meaning behind popular sayings or "fun facts" about them. Well suited to independent reading, with simple sentence structure and boxed facts that elaborate upon the photos, the books will inform and engage readers. Questions in the text ("Sometimes people say that they are feeling blue. What does this mean?") will promote further investigation. Each page in the first chapter features an item of the highlighted color plus an additional fact (e.g., "A rose makes a beautiful gift for someone you love. Roses are often dark red"). A second chapter presents shades of the color. Surprisingly, of Blue and Red, only Blue refers to the fact that primary colors blend to create other colors. These are suitable choices for libraries and classrooms, although the alternation of cut-out and full-page photography, both in bright, patterned frames, lacks the impact of the illustrations in the "A+ Books: Colors" series (Capstone).—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX

Gr 2–4—These informal titles detail various bodily functions in people and animals. Activities related to exploring the workings of the human body are embedded throughout the texts as well as in a designated "Activities" section. Information is attractively displayed; the brightly colored layout is visually interesting and includes a mix of photographic images and computer-generated cartoons and diagrams. Changes in font style often accompany information about related animals, although inconsistently, which can be distracting. The author's inclusion of a letter describing her research process is a nice touch; the letters in It's Spit-acular! and Pump It Up! are the only ones to include bibliographic information on her sources. Students craving explanations of the human body's processes, with a nod toward the disgusting, will enjoy these books. With the exception of It's Spit-acular!, which contains rarely covered information, these are additional purchases.—Nicole Waskie, Chenango Forks Elementary, Binghamton, NY

Gr 1–4—This beginning science book opens with fascinating facts about baby polar bears that will capture readers' attention. Moving from discussion of the cubs to more challenging information about climate change and how it affects the animal's diet is a clever way to organize this fact-filled book. A page entitled "Why the World Is Getting Warmer" and another called "What Can You Do?" are appended. Charming illustrations done in frosty shades enhance the text. Most of the vocabulary is easy to interpret in context, and Thomson uses interesting comparisons, such as if a grown polar bear "stood on his hind legs, his head would brush the ceiling of your living room." Well-written text and appealing illustrations make this title a solid addition to natural-history collections.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

Gr 1–2—Is it possible to condense the life of any person into approximately 40 sentences? That is what Wade attempts to do in these early-reader biographies. The language is simple, both in sentence structure and vocabulary. With this kind of brevity, oversimplification is inescapable. For example, in Rachel Carson, Wade states that Carson wrote about the environment and that, "No one had ever written about this before." Of course, people like John Muir were writing about it years before Carson. Despite this problem, Wade does a decent job of introducing the salient points of these subjects' lives. Each book has elements of a standard report biography: thought questions, a time line, glossary, further reading, and an index. Though some of these features seem ludicrous for such short books, they allow young students to become familiar with common study aides. Photographs and historical paintings are set against starburst- patterned backgrounds. The bright backgrounds are a little distracting but add color and continuity. Comparable in content and more colorful than "Rookie Biographies" (Children's Press), these are fair nonfiction choices to have in a primary-grade reading corner or to use with slightly older ESL students.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PreS—Like Chia Martin's We Like to Nurse (Hohm, 1994), this slim volume is intended to "promote the importance of infant breastfeeding while drawing attention to our kinship with all mammals." The focus here is on sea mammals. One or two brief sentences are paired with bright cartoon illustrations: "Sea lion babies like to roll in the sand and snuggle up to mamma while they nurse." Other examples of nursing pairs include seals, walruses, porpoises, polar bears, and manatees. Neither the text nor the artwork offers much detail but the book does provide a broad glimpse at this life-nurturing activity. An additional purchase where this type of supportive material is in demand.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal