Preschool to Grade 4

Gr 2–5—A boy in an unnamed Asian setting wishes for a new bicycle, but his family cannot afford one. He tries everything from magic wishes to riding double on a friend's bike, but finally reconciles himself to keeping his old clunker. He paints it a different color and feels as if he has a new bike. Deep emotion flows beneath this simple text: longing, frustration, joy, resourcefulness. The story feels personal, like a memory or slice of the author's life, and the child's first-person narration does not detract from the almost adult sophistication of the telling. The book has the feel of a graphic novel. The sketchy cartoon illustrations done on heavy textured stock are full of movement and changes in perspective, and they carry much of the storytelling and humor. This is a beautifully understated, often amusing meditation on being resilient, appreciating what you have, and still sustaining hope for something better.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

K-Gr 3—"WARNING: This book contains obnoxious children. Read at your own risk!" or so declares the cover of this alphabetical catalog of bad behaviors. But only truly prudish parents are advised to explore no further, for Ashman and Carpenter have collaborated to truly hilarious effect. Alliterative rhymes relate the dastardly deeds: "Coco came to camp:/Cracked a compass, smacked a lamp/…Called the counselor a cow./Coco's cab is coming now." In the spirit of Hilaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales for Children (Harcourt, 2002), though illustrated in a flamboyant collage style that couldn't be further from Edward Gorey's precise, monochromatic drawings, most of the children depicted here find themselves in unfortunate situations as a result of their foibles. Carpenter's scribbled marker and watercolor depictions set the perfect tone for these creatively overexuberant children. Blustering Buster's attempt to fly with wings made out of first-place ribbons is just one standout among many. Mom's legs flailing from a grocery cart as Mischievous Martin plows into a tower of watermelons is another. Reluctant readers, parents of reluctant readers, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh will be drawn to this book.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 2—While playing in the tub, Gus pokes his head underwater and discovers that he can breathe comfortably there. It seems that he is no longer a boy in a tub at all, but a fish in a lively pond filled with wonders. Tallec's depiction of this underwater world is breathtaking; he seamlessly integrates photographs of reeds, water lilies, frogs, and ducks with his original artwork. Each page has depth, light, color, and density. Eventually, Gus's mother calls him from the tub, which forces him back to reality. An illustrated glossary expands on the text.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS—Tag is a good and gentle dog, but baby Elisa likes him more as a handy object to squeeze, tackle, and pull on his tale. Despite the constant monitoring and cautions by her parents, babe and pup are continually at odds—and Tag is miserable. When Elisa confiscates his special bone-shaped toy, the conflict results in a howling crisis. Then, just as the two finally make peace, Elisa spots a new target: a brown-striped cat that, up until now, has successfully escaped her attention. Elisa, it seems, still has much to learn. Baek uses pale backgrounds, devoid of detail, focusing the simple action front and center. He captures the nuances of both dog and baby with expressive faces and postures, expanding on the humor in the situations. His chosen colors of mostly blues, reds, grays, and tans harmonize with the story. Audience, however, is in question: too complicated for babies, too basic for those a bit older, this title may find its best home as a cautionary tale for parents coping with both pets and babies in the same household.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

PreS-K—Mimi, a quirky little pig, dotes on her toy Bunny and her "roly-poly" pet, a plump, green bug. One sad morning, Frank disappears. Mimi's mother reassures her with a brisk "Frank will turn up later." She takes Mimi and Bunny to "library school" to listen to stories, sing, and dance, and then to the park. Throughout her busy day, Mimi periodically remembers her missing friend. At home, she blows bubbles to cheer herself up, eats dinner, and gets ready for bed. When she climbs under the covers, Frank turns up, just as Mommy predicted. Written in staccato declarative sentences, the narrative lacks emotion. One passage, describing Mimi's activities at the library—Here's what else she's supposed to do: wear underpants!"—shows her bare bottom with a curly little tail sticking up; it may seem out of place to some readers. However, the delightful multimedia illustrations, featuring three-dimensional-looking relief characters created from colorful fabrics, stuffing, and decorative materials, add charm and appeal to the story. Mimi, with her expressive round face, purple cape, and glittering tiara, is adorable. Ezra Jack Keats's My Dog Is Lost (Viking, 1999) and Rosemary Wells's McDuff Comes Home (Hyperion, 1997) are more compelling stories about lost pets.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 1–3—This beginning reader features a suburban monkey family of four. Two brothers, Max and Pete, want a dog. Although their parents caution them that "a dog is a lot of work," the kids insist they are good workers. After researching the subject, the family makes a trip to the animal shelter, where they settle on Fudge. Both boys take on their new responsibility with enthusiasm until Pete becomes distracted by his friends. Soon, Fudge considers Max, who feeds, brushes, walks, and plays with her, her sole master. The older boy is chagrined and starts to perform his share of the chores again. The story, divided into four chapters, includes a sprinkling of fun facts about dogs and emphasizes important lessons about responsibility, loyalty, and cooperation. Muted pastel illustrations show the brothers and their new pet. Although the easy-to-read story and art are pleasant, Lori Ries's Aggie and Ben (Charlesbridge, 2006) has more expressive illustrations and humor.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 2–5—Done in a style reminiscent of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Abrams, 2007), this sequel to Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel (Bloomsbury, 2007) is a humorous and realistic look at moving. At school and in the neighborhood, Ellie faces many experiences typical to relocation. She gets excited about her first invite, only to end up watching her new friend play a handheld game; at school her classmates secretly play "new kid bingo," waiting for her to mess up or cry. Her story is told through a notebook, which is a combination of handwritten text and line drawings. The pictures, comic frames, and dialogue balloons serve to further the story. Reluctant and struggling readers and young fans of graphic novels are sure to find this title appealing. The book also includes an illustrated interview with the author, tips and directions for keeping a "sketch journal," and a teacher's guide to Have Pen, Will Travel.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

PreS—"I put some gas in my car. Glug! Gurgle! Glug! It makes my car go very far. Zoom! Vroom! Zoom!" The little red car travels uphill, downhill, and through the town until "Sputter! Sputter! Sput!" its tank is empty. Apparently unfazed by the astronomical price of gas, the young driver fills up the tank and "Zoom! Vroom! Zoom!" heads right out of town. Staake's vibrant, computer-generated geometric art perfectly complements the playfulness of the simple, rhyming text. Certain to be a favorite among toddler vehicle enthusiasts, this book will be a wonderful addition to transportation-themed storytimes.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 2–3—In a market glutted with fairy-tale retellings, one might feel justified in saying, "Absolutely no more Cinderella variations!" However, this accessible early reader about a kindhearted mutt with sorrowful eyes, her wicked stepfamily, and a princess who wants a dog more than anything else in the world is sweet, thoughtfully written, and appealing in its readability. Boelts avoids obvious arch doggy-puns in favor of a story that reveals the universal longing for companionship and compassion over material wealth and extra-fluffy tails. Wu's color illustrations complement the text with gentle humor.—Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 3–5—Fifty years after his first adventure in A Bear Called Paddington, this beloved and well-lauded character returns in a charming new chapter book. Reassuringly, things haven't changed much at 32 Windsor Gardens in the 30 years since the last episode: Paddington, a bear "not short of ideas," is still the apple of the Brown family's eye; the darling of their no-nonsense housekeeper, Mrs. Bird; and the bun-and-cocoa-sharing companion of kindly antiques-dealer Mr. Gruber. Beginning with a chapter in which Paddington's trademark shopping basket on wheels goes missing and his visit to the police station goes awry, continuing with several amusing interludes involving the Browns' crotchety next-door neighbor, and culminating with a surprise visit from long-lost Uncle Pastuzo, this volume retains the gentle humor of the earlier installments. Wordplay, misunderstandings, and double meanings abound, all proffered with perfect British wit and comic pacing. Alley's delightful pen-and-ink drawings reflect the spirit of Peggy Fortnum's familiar illustrations while coming across as fresh and original. As delectable as a marmalade sandwich served with a flourish from beneath a bear's hat, this is a must-have for Paddington fans.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 1–3—Mr. Reilly's class is learning some important new skills. Their teacher has posted a "Who's Lost a Tooth?" calendar on which students are encouraged to record the date, time, and place where the event occurs. Most of the kids add entries, and Lucy begins to feel as if she will never lose a tooth. Of course, she does eventually get to put those important second-grade skills to the test. Appealing watercolor artwork appears on every spread and features a diverse group of children and a likable and fun-loving Mr. Reilly. This is a good transitional reader that may inspire children to keep a log of their own.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 1–3—Mrs. Miller's 23 incoming first graders—plus the principal, bus driver, and the teacher herself—tell readers what they look forward to on the first day of school. The animal characters have snapshots taken, enjoy riding the bus and having new school supplies, can't wait to play sports, and are encouraged by grandparents, parents, and older siblings. Only two youngsters are fearful or worried about what the day will bring. The adults are upbeat and express their hopes for a great new school year. The quirky watercolor cartoons are humorous and expressive, differentiating the characters and adding fun details. The alphabetic sequence of animals calls to mind Joseph Slate's Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten (Dutton, 1996), but Off to First Grade lets the characters offer much more detailed ruminations about their first-day expectations.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

K-Gr 3—All of the students in Miss Hawthorn's art class draw trees that are alike, except for Willow, a rosy-cheeked little girl who paints what she sees when she closes her eyes. When the rigid, unimaginative teacher tells her that blue apples do not exist, Willow brings her one the next day. "Horrid little girl," Miss Hawthorn says. Yet at Christmas the only gift Miss Hawthorn receives is from Willow. The child presents her with her beloved art book, which begins a transformation in the dour, unhappy woman. Miss Hawthorn begins to doodle and then to paint. Pictures are everywhere. When the children come back to school in January, they discover an inspired teacher in paint-smeared jeans and smock who invites them to help her change their room into a work of art. Soft-toned watercolors contrast colorful, autumn trees with the all-the-same green ones, show snow-covered trees that "broke when they could not bend," and finally present the willow tree in the art room, which is a tribute to Willow. Expressive faces show wonderment and joy as teacher and students discover—as Willow has—the intense power of imagination. This book can be read alone or read aloud and is a solid choice for elementary collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

K-Gr 2—When Miss Goose informs the children that the library will have to close because it is in need of repair, Raccoon and his friends spring into action. The first thing they do is check out books (How to Lay a Perfect Roof and Library Painting for Beginners), read them, and accomplish the necessary tasks. However, their problems are far from over. Now the library needs operating money and it has to be moved. Each time, the children turn first to books to guide them toward a solution, until at last the spruced-up library sits cozily in a meadow. The reasons this library is so important to everyone, from toddlers to senior citizens, are woven nicely into the plot. Bunting's style has a graceful simplicity, descriptive enough to be evocative without overwhelming: "On rainy days, we stay cozily inside. On sunny days, we lie in the shade of a big whispering oak tree and read." Smith's watercolor and acrylic illustrations are charming and should have most children longing to enter the buttercup-yellow library with the grass-green door. An excellent vehicle for discussing the importance of libraries, books, reading, and teamwork, this one is a winner.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 2—Henry, a young mouse, is the star of show and tell, courtesy of his fantastic stories. As he tells his classmates about the snowman as big as a house, the neighbor's pet dinosaur, and the alien that landed in his yard, readers see not only the listeners' rapt and amazed expressions, but also the subjects of Henry's tales, which have come to life in large bubbles emanating from his head. When dawning skepticism leads one of the students to accuse Henry of fibbing, the teacher suggests that he use his prodigious imagination to write stories—with the important assurance that it's OK not to know how to spell all the words, along with an invitation to include illustrations. Henry's stories really take off: fire-breathing dragons, breathtaking mountaintops, rockets to the moon; but at sharing time, he tells the class about his family's trip to the cheese store. "Now that Henry was using all his imagination to write stories…show and tell was really boring." He wants to wow his classmates, but he doesn't want to be a fibber. Happily, he comes up with the perfect solution—he reads his stories aloud. With its picture-perfect plot and vibrant illustrations, this book is a joy to read.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

PreS-Gr 2—A tongue-in-cheek look at the proper care of pets. Tootsie, a disgruntled red cat, is arching her back and glowering at the little girl who is cheerfully threatening to spray her with a hose. On succeeding pages, readers meet a number of animals under siege by naughty preschoolers. The text consists of brief, alliterative entreaties to mend their ways—"Don't madden Mutley, or disturb Dixie." Halfway through the book, the tide turns and the children begin to model good behavior. In response to prompts from the narrator—"Mutley's here for you to dote on/Will you put his new blue coat on?"—they learn how to treat the pets kindly and appropriately. Though this is technically a lesson book, the didacticism is so exaggerated that it becomes quite funny. The narrator's voice calls to mind an exasperated but patient English nanny. The illustrations are droll and stylized, featuring expressive cartoon animals on fields of bright color or flamboyant Art Nouveau patterns. The children's faces reinforce the idea that naïveté, rather than cruelty, motivates their misbehavior. Some of the vocabulary is a bit elevated for the target audience, but the pictures will help readers decode the unfamiliar words.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD

PreS-Gr 2—It is Croc's birthday, so Melrose the dog borrows a boat and sets out to catch a fine fish for his pal. But he gets swept up in a terrible storm at sea. Not to worry; Croc comes gallantly to his rescue, and the two dear friends get to enjoy a happy birthday after all. This simple story, set in a European seaside village, celebrates two caring individuals who think only of one another. Its gentle, affectionate message and expressive illustrations are a wonderful, reassuring way to lull any child into a peaceful sleep in which all is right with the world.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 4—Duck and his comical cohorts return in another zany tale. Farmer Brown plans a Statue of Liberty maze for the annual Corn Maze Festival, enlisting (by bribe and threat) the reluctant help of his animal friends to see the project through. Before long, the chickens are constructing a fence, the cows are painting the barn, and Duck—curmudgeon extraordinaire—is furiously hammering out a ticket booth. As Farmer Brown busily sketches, measures, and mows by day, Duck keeps equally busy, sneaking into the cornfield every night armed with night-vision goggles, glow-in-the-dark ruler, and hedge clippers. Although the animals' various endeavors don't turn out as expected (the disasters are humorously depicted in the artwork), an undaunted Farmer Brown eagerly boards a hot-air balloon for an aerial view of his masterpiece during the opening ceremony. Along for the ride, a smug Duck is able to witness the man's priceless reaction to the nighttime design changes, which readers can view on a two-page fold-up. Once again, Cronin and Lewin get everything right, from the perfectly paced deadpan narrative, to the amusing characterizations, to the vibrant brush and watercolor cartoons that play off and extend the text's humor. Throughout the tale, the farm mice, who are taking a meteorology correspondence course, present weather-prediction charts that reflect the mood of the plot, gradually building from partly sunny skies to stormy climax. Fans will not be disappointed.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1—In this swampy tale set "'neath the fat gold moon," a boy describes what he repeatedly hears: "Splish splash, rumba-rumba, bim bam BOOM!" With shaking hands and a pounding heart, he races through the "sludgy slime" with the mysterious creature at his heels before taking refuge in the branches of a willow tree. The boy's siblings come to retrieve him, followed by two cousins, but all end up high in the tree out of reach of the monster. Then just within arm's grasp of their dreaded adversary, the boy's mother calls for everyone to return; she understands all too well a kid's playful imagination and orders everyone, including "the monster," to get home and take a bath before bed. Lively, colorful cartoon characters set in inky black or deep blue moonlit scenes and offset by crisp, white pages add energy and suspense to the story. The repetitive chorus, a simple rhyming story line that will draw readers in, and the perennial appeal of books that are just "scary" enough make this title an appropriate addition.—Marian Creamer, Children's Literature Alive, Portland, OR

K-Gr 1—Worrier Jessica reappears in an anxiety-filled story about learning to read. As in Stop, Drop, and Roll (2001) and 100th Day Worries (2000, both S & S), the first grader is filled with dread because of an upcoming Reading Theater day at school. She elicits the help of her busy family members in practicing and is even more alarmed when she finds out that parental attendance and costume wearing are part of the event. This third title in the series does a serviceable job of portraying a young student struggling with the trials of being a beginning reader. The message of "practice makes perfect" and the encouragement of her teacher and family can serve to motivate children. Howard's cartoon illustrations add to the humor and exaggerate Jessica's expressions of angst, anguish, and ultimate achievement.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

PreS-K—Bunnies exhibiting human behaviors demonstrate how feeling "sad" or "mad" can lead to bad behavior. They may grab, hit, kick, slurp, scream, shout, burp, or fight. The same youngsters replace their rude actions with positive ones. "Good bunnies try/to do what's right./They use their words./They NEVER bite." They say please, do not tease, follow rules, and give hugs. Dewdney's straightforward text, written in short sentences and rhyme, flows well. Full-color artwork effectively captures the facial expressions, conveys the bunnies' changing emotions, and re-creates the activity described in the text. This simple story would be useful to teachers and parents wanting to explore appropriate and inappropriate behavior.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 2–4—In this installment, the porcine protagonist outrages the Lincoln sisters when she sneaks through their hedge and eats their newly planted pansies. Eugenia Lincoln calls animal control, and Officer Francine Poulet shows up determined to "think like a pig" and catch the culprit. Chaos ensues, and the porker escapes to enjoy another day of buttered toast. Fans of the series will welcome this addition to Mercy's adventures and be amused by the hyperbolic quality of Van Dusen's color illustrations.—Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 2–4—Phineas (Big Mac) MacGuire is interested in all things science—volcanoes, slime molds, bugs—but his current focus is space, and he wants more than anything to attend Space Camp. While his parents balk at the price, his mom agrees that he can go if he can win a scholarship, or earn the money himself. There aren't many well-paid jobs for fourth graders, but Mac signs up as a dog walker for Lemon Drop, the slobberiest Labrador retriever in existence. After observing the pup's "output," Mac and his friends Ben and Aretha decide to film a documentary on the properties of dog slobber, recording the quality and quantity produced by various breeds. Mac plans to make valuable scientific spit discoveries, Ben intends to become a famous film director, and, of course, they all hope to make big money selling the finished product. Mac's third adventure is a refreshingly upbeat story, with a strong emphasis on cooperation. Mac and his friends are a cohesive team, relying on each other's skills and talents to make their project a success. Adults, while mostly peripheral to the action, are also shown in a positive light. The dialogue is light and humorous, particularly Mac's first-person comments on dogs, parents, science, and life in general. There is a high "e-e-e-e-w-w-w!" factor to the detailed descriptions of the slobber project, which may make adults with weak stomachs cringe, but kids will find the whole thing delightfully disgusting.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

K-Gr 2—This is a sweet and earnest story about the author's younger brother, who struggles to name his "it" and begin the road to fulfillment in life. The Dungy family puts its faith in God and encourages the boys to do so too. When a toothache brings Linden to the dentist's office, he finds the excitement he's been looking for and ends up becoming a dentist himself. Dungy is a natural storyteller, and readers will buy into this warm family despite some disconnected narrative elements and a tired plot. Bates is skilled at creating charming characters, and her watercolor paintings evoke a vibrant family life. Dungy's name will be familiar to Pro Football fans.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

PreS-K—A young girl laments that her wiggly tooth will not fall out soon enough to enable her to collect tooth fairy money to buy a birthday gift for Papá. The rhyming story includes a mix of Spanish words within the English-language context—"I needed that tooth out/today, not mañana./But yanking? Too painful./I tried a manzana." The cheerful illustrations rendered in oil using a palette with shades of orange and rust show a delightful extended family willing to help the child with her problem. Traditional foods such as avocados, tamales, and tortillas decorate the birthday table as the congenial family gathers to celebrate. Young children will be able to relate to the simple, yet realistic, conclusion to the tale. A basic glossary, with pronunciation guide, precedes the text. This will be a welcome addition for both bilingual children and those who are looking to expand and reinforce their basic Spanish vocabulary.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS-Gr 2—This title celebrates all that is a little bit spooky on this fun holiday. Ann Estelle is dressed as a fairy queen and her friend Michael is a pirate. She does not want to admit that she is a little frightened about trick-or-treating even with her dad along. However, she eventually realizes that Michael, too, is scared, and that they can be brave together. Engelbreit has a comforting way of writing—the sentences are descriptive, but with many familiar words, and they are not too long for beginning readers. The illustrations are bright and cheery and capture the excitement that most children feel at the prospect of trick-or-treating. The bottom border on each page is filled with all of the familiar symbols of Halloween that children love.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

K-Gr 3—Set in the early 20th century, this tale about the circus has multiple layers. Benny and Sam are ecstatic when the circus train comes to Willow Grove, arriving at the rail yard where fancy wagons, wooden planks, and giant rolls of canvas are unloaded. As the tents are set up, a roustabout spots the boys watching and invites them to help. They are happy to lug water and carry boards and thrilled to each earn a nickel and a ticket to see the Big Top show. When Sam can't find his ticket and realizes that the circus monkey has snatched it, Benny kindly sacrifices his much-desired candy apple to get it back, and the boys are able to enjoy the performance. An author's note sets the stage by describing how these shows used to travel from town to town bringing animals, performers, workers, and supplies—"everything needed to construct a tent city entirely dependent upon itself." Gordon's vibrant illustrations depict the historical element while also conveying the dynamic relationship between the two friends. An inviting slice of Americana.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

PreS-Gr 2—After peering at her mother through a hairdresser's window, a Korean girl is inspired to open an imaginary salon of her own. While the woman is being primped and pampered at "Jang Hair," Minji's first customer is the unsuspecting family dog. She tries out different styles on her reluctant client, including a purple pom-pom headband, before deciding on a color treatment. She carefully prepares an ice-cream mixture and slathers it on the pooch, advising, "'You have to be patient; beauty takes time.'" Crayons improvise as hair rollers and watercolors add "a little more color." The minimal text relays Minji's professional patter: "We're almost done….Just the finishing touches….What do you think?" Eun-hee's clever side-by-side illustrations show the parallel beauty routines in both salons. When Minji's mother returns home, she responds to the paint-splattered mess with good humor. A stylish look at make-believe play.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

K-Gr 3—Young Luke Pennybaker realizes that life is unfair after receiving one too many "no's" from his dad. In response, he decides to run for president. With his dog as running mate and campaign promises that address homework, sleeping late, and the right to a messy room, his candidacy quickly takes off. The "Birthday Party" candidate beats his Democratic and Republican rivals in a landslide. When he moves into the White House, which has been painted orange in response to Luke's persuasiveness, President Pennybaker soon learns that even free ice cream and presents won't please every one of his constituents. He promptly resigns, leaving the leadership of the nation to his dog. Deadpan narration allows the absurdity of the premise to carry the day, with plenty of help from the illustrations. Goode's breezy watercolors set just the right tone. Luke looks amusingly earnest and always very much a regular kid. Other characters are equally expressive, without being too exaggerated. Old-fashioned phones, televisions, and other implements set the action in an earlier era, neatly adjusted to include rich ethnic diversity and a female presidential candidate. The humor is deftly understated, both visually and verbally, making this an amusing and appealing send-up of politics and children's chores.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

PreS—Ducky invites Piggy to play a new game (peekaboo) with her, but the porker's pacifier keeps getting in the way. When he giggles, it falls out of his mouth. When he drops his extra pacifier on the ground and starts to cry, Ducky tells him, "You're missing all the fun." With some encouragement, he leaves his beloved comfort object on the table. At the end of the day, Ducky asks Piggy if he had fun: "'Yes, I did!' Piggy shouts. 'No more pacifier for Piggy!'" The concise text is accessible, and Williams's softly rounded figures on stark white backgrounds are sweet and appealing. The animals, though simply drawn, have expressive faces, and their sorrows and joys are plain to see. However, parents may wonder why these toddlers seem to have no caregivers watching out for them. Children and adults grappling with phasing out pacifiers may also question the speed and apparent ease with which Piggy surrenders his. Nevertheless, the simple text and engaging illustrations will attract the intended audience and should at least serve as a conversation starter for adults looking for ways to broach this sticky subject. Libraries where Ford and Williams's No More Diapers for Ducky! (2006) and No More Bottles for Bunny! (2007, both Boxer Bks.) are popular will want to make a place for this gentle offering.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

K-Gr 2—Hare loves bears and wants to catch one. He gets a copy of The Best Book of Bear Hunting and starts following the necessary steps. Bring a friend ("Choose one that looks much fatter than you!"), gather the right equipment, and begin trailing the bear. Watch for footprints and listen for sounds. Hare's friend Rumbly Rabbit questions the wisdom of the entire endeavor, but the two follow the instructions word for word. After a while they come face to face with a cub that growls, "I'm hungry!" That's bad news for rabbits, but suddenly the bear's mama calls him for dinner and he runs home. The two rabbits turn to the last page of the book, which informs them that bears love to eat rabbits. That causes them to scamper on home themselves. The pictures are large and clear. The rabbits look soft and cuddly, as do the bears. The background is lush and green, and the woods are full of blooming flowers. It's all very cheerful, but it's never clear why Hare has such a fixation on catching a bear. Despite the endearing illustrations, this book is not a first purchase.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

Gr 3–5—Eager to avoid the procrastination problems that occurred in Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little (Random, 2007), this resourceful protagonist has promised her mother that she'll finish her holiday thank-you notes by the day after Christmas. Part of the rush is due to the fact that she and her twin, Mark, have been invited to visit their father in California and to attend a Big New Year's Eve Star-Studded Hollywood Bash. Moxy is a year older, but not necessarily wiser, than in the first book, and finds plenty of activities to distract her from her task. As time grows short, she concocts a wild plan to get the notes done on time—one involving her stepfather's brand-new copy machine and a can of gold spray paint. Understandably, disaster ensues, and Moxy must face the consequences, as well as handle some disappointing news. Through it all, the spunky heroine perseveres and even gains a new appreciation for her mother. This sequel continues in the same unusual format as the first book: humorous chapter titles, some chapters with little or no text, and photographs (purportedly taken by Mark). The short chapters, which jump from topic to topic just like Moxy's thoughts, help establish the frenetic mood. Give this to students who are fans of the first book (though it stands on its own) or those who enjoy stories of spirited girls like Sara Pennypacker's Clementine (Hyperion).—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

K-Gr 4—This lovely picture book effectively blends a poignant story about losing a beloved relative with a lucid description of Día de Muertos, a Mexican celebration observed during the first two days of November in which families honor and remember deceased loved ones. As Lupita and her Tío Urbano welcome the return of the monarchs in the fall, he reminds her that she should be careful not to hurt the butterflies because they represent the souls of dead relatives but also emphasizes that she should not be afraid of them. This year, Tío Urbano is an invalid who can only sit and watch while the rest of the family prepares for Día de Muertos: building an arch of flowers, setting up an altar with photos of deceased relatives, preparing foods. When her uncle dies a few days before the holiday, Lupita is devastated but finds comfort in this special celebration. Lovely, bright-hued colored-pencil illustrations depict fluttering butterflies in pastoral landscapes, a marketplace filled with colorful wares, a poignant scene with Lupita by the bedside of her comatose uncle, and families gathered together in a cheerfully decorated graveyard. Spanish words are integrated into the text and a glossary (inexplicably, only one word includes a pronunciation guide) is provided along with a brief explanation of the holiday.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 1—This endearing tale traces the activities of a young turtle through a 24-hour period. His father reads a bedtime story about penguins, and Little Turtle takes it all in, the transformation beginning in his dreams. The next morning, he puts his grandfather's black jacket over his head and waddles off to school, book in tow. His friends are delighted. The teacher, who clearly understands the value of a teachable moment, encourages the class of critters to pass balls to each other using just their feet (as penguins do with their eggs) and to slip down the slide on their bellies (again imitating their role models). The fantasy continues through the youngster's evening routines—until his dad opens a volume on monkeys. Cheerful watercolors and expressive line art imbue the matter-of-fact narrative with personality. Gorbachev's compositions range from cameos isolated against expansive white backgrounds to detailed dream sequences bleeding off spreads. This nurturing tale celebrates the inspiration and information found in books, the invention bubbling up from a child who is read to, and the quality of learning that is possible when a teacher seizes the moment. From the cover art mimicking a tuxedo to the penguin facts at the conclusion, the design and content are one.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 3–5—Told from the perspective of young Michio, a master swordsmith's apprentice, The Perfect Sword is a moral tale about the virtues that make a person worthy of something perfect. After Michio and his Sensei create the perfect sword (or, at least, as close to perfect as can exist), they interview many samurai, warriors, and nobles who want to possess it. But many are too selfish, or too privileged, or too cruel; it is only when they meet a samurai who is kind and selfless and dedicated to bettering himself that they find the proper owner. Goto inserts his readers directly into late-1500s Japan, giving them a feel for the culture and history. His vibrant oil paintings are detailed enough to keep readers poring over them, but large enough for group sharing. Some pages have no text, starting with the endpapers that show Michio getting ready for the day, and later setting the scene at the workshop or showing a martial arts move step-by-step across a full spread. Notes on the tradition of sword making and a glossary help readers to learn more about the world in which the story is set. This book is sure to attract browsers with its excellent illustrations and hold readers with its simple story, beautifully told.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

PreS-Gr 3—The ruggedly handsome action figure introduced in Traction Man Is Here! (Knopf, 2005) has returned, accompanied by his faithful pet, Scrubbing Brush. In high-energy, mixed-media panels and full-bleed spreads, the hero and his sidekick ascend a compost heap and pass through the "ring of Mystic Shrooms," directed by a Yoda-like potato: "Bow low you must." On their return to civilization, Scrubbing Brush is sucked into the muddy quagmire near the backyard pond. While the dynamic duo's owner is resting, his father does what well-meaning parents do—replaces the filthy brush with the shiny new plastic Turbodog. Soon enough boy and man tire of the flashing wannabe pet. Hearing cries from the "Underworld of the [Trash] Bin," Traction Man dons his Astro-Suit and arms himself with a spray bottle of SuperStrong Germo. After a successful mission and a good, long soak, all of the characters share a candlelit campfire, complete with marshmallows, courtesy of Dad. Grey is clearly in tune with the fun to be had with an alter ego and a pile of dirt, a mountain of laundry, and the "Grand Sofa Canyon." Her inventive scenes celebrate the joy in equipping a doll for adventure and re-envisioning the everyday. The perspectives shift in order to give readers a bird's-eye view of the boy and the terrain of his yard or close-ups of the imagined world. Brimming with tongue-in-cheek humor, delicious language, and ideas sure to propel viewers to their toy boxes, Grey proves that one doesn't need batteries to have a rollicking good time.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 2–3—With a twin brother, Jack, as well as other siblings, and an assortment of toys that live in her special Toy House, eight-year-old Cleo always has someone to pal around with and something to do. When Jack decides to climb the toy house, causing it to fall over, one of the toys hits Cleo in the head, landing her in the hospital for stitches. This new experience in young Cleo's life is a memorable one, and it's made more impressionable by her loving family. Comical family situations are reminiscent of Eleanor Estes's Moffats (although this book is not as long), and Cleo is comparable to Sally Warner's Emma. Playful ink illustrations and large font make it a natural choice for those readers bounding into the world of beginning chapter books. Cleo will appeal to kids who've enjoyed Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones, Susan Beth Pfeffer's Sara Kate, or Sheila Greenwald's Rosy Cole.—Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

PreS-Gr 1—In this companion to When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Scholastic, 1999), Harris's wisdom and sense of humor regarding early childhood behavior complement Bang's depictions of a little boy's strong emotions. Vivid colors, scanned and digitally manipulated paper cutouts and photographs, and fonts of varied sizes portray the tension between a preoccupied mother and her bored youngster. Leo rolls tomatoes in the house until they burst, drops string beans into the fish bowl, and squeezes toothpaste all over the toilet, collecting maternal "no's" as he goes. Ultimately pushed off the page by a fiery, life-size negation, the boy enters his bedroom, declares it a no-rule zone, and takes out his frustration by coloring a frowning mommy on his wall. The confrontation builds as she ignores his dictate, and Leo utters the fateful phrase. The tiny boy in the next spread is a picture of remorse and regret. The denouement offers a realistic and loving dialogue that should be required reading in parenting and anger-management classes. Mom takes a deep breath, eventually gets a grip, and together they talk about when it is and isn't acceptable to verbalize this four-letter word. Children will delight in the realism of the collage elements (cloud-covered sheets, shaggy stuffed animals, exploding broccoli spears) and relate to the intensity of the scenes in which Leo struggles with his rage and lack of power. It may dawn on parents that sometimes playing is better than getting another thing done.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 1–3—Two beginning chapter books with lively story lines and brightly colored cartoon illustrations. In the first book, the Flying Fur Balls hire Pete, a small but talented feline, for their acro-cat act. His skill and daring help draw enthusiastic crowds until his tail catches on fire when he is blown out of a cannon. Amazingly, he removes his cat suit and reveals that he is really a mouse. The audience boos and threatens to eat him. His fellow Fur Balls protect Pete and admonish the crowd. Ultimately, he gets a new costume and performs under a new cat alias. In the second title, Princess Mina's request for a pet is denied because of mess, smell, and unwanted fur. Mina finds this illogical as her teenage sister sits "slumped…in the middle of a pile of magazines and half-empty mugs." Mina sends a text message to her fairy godmother, and soon the castle is full of animals. She asks for a spell "to take away the pets" but the responding spell "to take away the pests" transforms the attitudes of the adults, and turns her sister into a frog. Treat readers to these fun-filled selections.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—This lively story meets nighttime fears head-on with the right mix of silliness and reassurance. Tucked into bed with Teddy by his side, a young boy closes his eyes and thinks about tomorrow's adventures until…there's a "bump" in the closet. Billy tries to be brave, but ends up under the bed. A "blue, bumping, bouncing, bellowing monster" appears and playfully grabs the teddy bear, but quickly returns it when the boy bursts into tears. Billy's fears are calmed, and the two become friends. Back in bed, Billy hears another "bump," but it's only the dog and he's definitely not afraid, "No-siree, Bob!" The acrylic-on-wood illustrations create the perfect mood for this appealing bedtime story. When the lights go out, the artwork glows in eerie moonlit blues. Objects have rounded edges and give comfort in the other-world quality of night. The placement of large and small illustrations enhances the text and accentuates the antics of the energetic boy and his new friend. Billy's Elvis-like hair, huge eyes, and expressive mouth make him a character to love. Children will find humor in the contrast between his courageous intentions and cowering actions. An excellent addition to nightstands and library shelves.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS-Gr 2—In the traditional tale of "The Magic Porridge Pot," a kind old woman teaches a young girl the magic words to utter to start and stop an enchanted pot providing food. Hendry's story is more or less the same, but the magic is not explained. Mrs. Mungo receives a pasta-making machine for her birthday and is thrilled at the prospect of making noodles. Her children prefer burgers and fries, but their mom perseveres. While they are at school, she starts up her gift, predicting, "I'll soon have oodles of noodles." It is then that the contraption suddenly begins its nonstop production. Noodles wrap around the woman's body, fill the house, and slither down the streets, all the way to the children's school. Somehow, they sense that their mother needs them and they run home just in time to find her "totally noodled." Ben, inexplicably, knows that a magic phrase will stop the machine and comes up with the right one. Massini's eye-catching full-spread illustrations are reminiscent of art in the 1960s and are somewhat humorous. However, some children may find a few of the pictures of the machine a bit menacing. All in all, by not informing readers/listeners of the magical background, the story feels as though something is missing. A recent, more complete version of the tale can be found in Hugh Lupton's The Story Tree (Barefoot, 2001).—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 1–3—In this old-fashioned tale, two lonely souls set out on a heartfelt quest to find a true friend. A chipper little dog with crooked ears, who is "a perfectly nice fellow," travels from town to town looking for "a porch with a soft light" and hoping one day to belong to someone. At the same time, "a wisp of a girl" named Lia spends her Sundays on her bicycle, delivering her parents' baked goods throughout the town. She pedals up high hills past other children playing outside and tells herself stories to offset her sense of isolation. "The stories were like friends on her long ride to town." On a stormy day, both Lia and the dog are caught in a drenching rain. The pup runs and runs while the girl pedals and pedals through the bad weather, each racing toward the edge of town where Lia's parents wait on their softly lit porch. Lia and the little dog rush inside where they find bread and cake and warm towels. So begins a lasting friendship. The pencil and watercolor illustrations, featuring a palette of golden earth tones, echo the gentle sentiment of the narrative. Lia in her blue dress, pinafore, and jaunty cap and the bright-eyed little dog evoke tender sympathy. Pair this sweet title with Jill Newsome's Night Walk (Clarion, 2002).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

PreS-Gr 1—What is it about the "Angelina" books that children find so satisfying? In addition to illustrations full of charming details discovered over many readings and a generous appearance of pink tutus and ballet slippers, it's probably this character's spunk and persistence. In this story, while chugging along on her grandparents' canal boat, the mouseling is determined to "think up a special dance." At first, her grandparents gently remind her that all paws are needed "on deck," then sternly suggest that sailors are too busy to dance, and so it goes until Angelina tumbles into a can of oil and ruins her costume. As in the previous books, there is a lesson to learn, and supportive adults are reassuringly present to help guide the resourceful mouse as she arrives at a solution to her problem. If fans of this ballerina frequent your picture book section, be sure to buy more than one copy.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—Tim and his mom are waiting at the train station for the arrival of his father, who lives in another town. They eat hot dogs, go to the movies, and visit the local pizzeria, and Tim proudly announces to everyone within earshot that this is his dad. As the special day draws to a close, Tim and his father go to the library, where they cuddle on a couch and read. Back at the station, Dad takes Tim aboard the train to look around, announcing to the passengers, "this is Tim. He is my son. He is the best son anyone could have." Then they say goodbye. As the boy and his mom watch the train depart, Tim knows that his father will be back. While this book succeeds in showing youngsters that even though parents may live apart, they still love their children, it leaves readers with a sad feeling. The colored-pencil illustrations, contained in tidy rectangles or squares, are rather dark and the overall effect is quite somber. An additional purchase where stories about divorce are needed.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—In this comical story, a likable rabbit has a humorous encounter with a pair of red underpants. Rabbit's not sure how to wear the mysterious garment and tries it on as a hat. He offers the hat in turn to eight different animals until a donkey straightforwardly inquires why the rabbit is wearing underpants on his head. Rabbit tries to wear the red apparel properly but finds that his tail gets in the way. Opening endpapers usher in the outdoor setting while the closing ones illustrate the forest animals wearing clothing in a fun variety of ways. Rooftops and boats in the early illustrations place the story somewhere in Asia. The cartoon-style artwork and the text, consisting primarily of dialogue, work well together. Most of the artwork is encased in black outline with text printed both inside and outside the borders. This entertaining picture book stimulates a bit of creative thinking and problem solving. It would be best used one-on-one since details in the illustrations are small. Pair this selection with Shiego Watanabe's How Do I Put It On? (Philomel, 1980).—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 2—A little boy whose imagination is bigger than his bath-time ritual has a sailing adventure on the high seas without ever leaving his home. Every night, Captain Gulliver Snip takes a trip "in his wonderful clipper ship/that his mother called the bathtub." This catchy phrase becomes a refrain for the rhyming text. On each spread, a full-bleed painting on the verso depicts the boy's pretend activities, contrasting with a smaller, more-realistic-looking, bordered image on the right that shows him playing in the tub. Readers follow the captain through harrowing escapades as he braves a surging wave (falls out of an overflowing tub), floats toward land in his packing trunk (leaves the bathroom and rides downstairs on a suitcase), and climbs a coconut tree (a floor lamp). The resulting crash summons his mother, and reality sets in as she asks, "'Gulliver Snip, did you make this mess?'/And Snip, feeling sorry, with a sigh, said, 'Yes.'" The illustrations, done in acrylic and pastel, colorfully and creatively delineate both the real and imaginary worlds. Children will find the red-headed Gulliver a creative soul who can turn a nighttime routine into a swashbuckling tale, making this book a fun choice for bedtime sharing.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

K-Gr 4—New York wakes up in the middle of the night and shouts, "Hey, everyone—let's have a talent show!" The other states jump right in to prepare and perform their acts. Illustrations and layouts are similar to those in The Scrambled States of America Holt, 1998), with cartoon characters shaped like state maps dancing and prancing on stick legs and wisecracking all over the pages. There's plenty to giggle at: Texas trying to skate under Missouri's Gateway Arch, Pennsylvania playing a "peppy tune" on the Liberty Bell, and California checking in with his agent. Because there are 50 characters, the action can become confusing. It's easy enough to figure out that the "New States on the Block" boy band is made up of states that begin with the word "new," but not as clear why North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, and Louisiana are members of the Montanettes, a singing group with Vegas-style feathers. There are references to the previous book, so it's helpful to remember that Mississippi and Nevada have fallen in love. Where it is popular, this one will also have fans. It is clever, lightly educational, and hip, but with a slightly weaker premise, it is just a bit more…scrambled.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 2–5—Mishmash is the appropriate name for this assemblage of wacky characters who look like amoebas on steroids and have outlandish names. Add unimaginative dialogue and a meandering story line and you end up with this book. Readers are introduced to Og and his wife Ut, both multilegged gombrizils, and Tumblerum Wollycobble, the slobbadunk, a one-eyed blob that is both male and female. Ut cures Tumblerum's chronic indigestion and the genial slobbadunk helps Og and Ut hatch their egg. What follows is a story about friendship and family but the overuse of made-up words weakens the presentation. Fans of the prolific author and talented illustrator might be interested in this offering, but they'll need a high tolerance for nonsense to embrace it.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

K-Gr 3—This charming story has the same tone and spirit as the previous books about this character, Shall I Knit You a Hat? (2004), Why Do You Cry? (2006, both Holt), and Imagine Harry (Harcourt, 2007). Little Rabbit gets a school assignment to prepare a report, and when he goes to sleep that night, his anxieties about choosing a topic lead his imagination to create a mysterious dream creature that carries him away. His mother explains that it was a nightmare, but he interprets the word as "night mare." The next evening, the "horrible horse" returns, jumping and bucking until Little Rabbit finally falls off. Distracted from choosing a topic, he attempts to scare the night mare off with signs and then a trap, but eventually finds that he must face it. When he does so, he sleeps well and is able to present his report about the night mare to the class. This engaging tale about a child's imagination and his strategies to confront his fears is told with gentle humor. The bright-hued acrylic artwork depicts colorful classroom scenes, comforting moments with Mother Rabbit, and Little Rabbit's dream world (the night mare is created out of a pillow and blanket). Readers will be reassured by the final image of the protagonist sleeping soundly. This book will stimulate discussions about facing fears and the stories that our minds create when we sleep.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Gr 1–5—A blue stone begins its journey after lying in a forest for thousands of years. When people see it, they marvel at its beauty, split it into two, and take half away. It is carved into a large elephant, and even though people love the sculpture, the stone remembers its home, its heart breaks, and it crumbles into many pieces. Throughout the rest of the book, the stone is continually rediscovered and re-created into different, smaller artworks, its beauty hidden by coats of paint. Each time, its heart breaks, until it is nothing but specks of dust that float away, finally settling back in the original forest next to its other half. Similar in tone to Liao's The Sound of Colors (Little, Brown, 2005), this moody, atmospheric picture book explores complex themes of sadness and loss. The deep gem tones of the watercolor illustrations depict a mysterious, lonely world and effectively portray nighttime scenes. The book approaches the threshold of melancholia, but never quite topples over the brink. Instead, it is a quiet examination of time and space, heartbreak and woe, and, ultimately, a contemplation of heart and self. When shared with students, this sophisticated work could lead to discussions about creativity, the heroic quest to find one's way back home, the changes that occur on the journey of self-discovery, and the need to find one's place in the world.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

K-Gr 2—In Ljungkvist's third "Follow the Line" story, readers are again led on a journey, and, this time, the twists and turns take them around the globe. Children first meet the line on the cover where it sets the stage to travel from Kenya to Greenland, the Sahara Desert, the Amazon Rainforest, and other places before going into outer space. On each spread, readers are given a wide range of facts about the location. This book will delight children as they follow the line and gather information about Sri Lanka where "Sea turtles can live to be over 80 years old" to the Russian taiga with its "Evergreens shaped like cones, so snow can easily slide off their branches." While this picture book lacks a traditional storytelling format, it will likely delight children who are in awe of its graphic venture around the world.—Susannah Richards, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Gr 2–4—Second-grader Alvin Ho is determined to make friends, even though he is afraid of any number of things and can't talk—at all—in school. Episodic chapters feature events at home, at school, and in his Concord, MA, neighborhood. Everyday adventures include being left stranded by his siblings during stretching exercises that leave him upside down in a tree, being sent alone to the scary piano teacher's house, and deciding whether or not to hang out with the classroom bully. Although Look resists providing a tidy ending, readers will be sure that Alvin is on the right road when he surprises even himself by suddenly speaking to his psychotherapist. And they won't have to understand the Shakespearean curses that come out of his mouth to know that this time he has a good reason to be afraid. Whether they are fearful or brave, kids will smile at Alvin's scrapes and empathize with his concerns. Aspects of his Chinese-American background are seamlessly integrated into the story and add richness. The book is chock-full of well-placed illustrations. Martin Bridge, make room for Alvin Ho.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

K-Gr 2—Eric absolutely will not go in the water. Instead, he stays on the pool sidelines, sweltering, with his giraffe float firmly around his waist. When his younger sister takes the plunge, Eric fumes. But rather than showing her that he can do it, too, he pesters her from the safety of the pool deck. Toward summer's end, he finally decides it's time to put his toe in the water, and he goes "from being the boy who wouldn't swim to being the boy who wouldn't get out of the pool"—even after the weather turns. Perfectly bookended with endpapers featuring the lifeguard sitting in his chair at the beginning of the season and then poised in the same position but wearing winter gear at the end, this fear-of-swimming tale is ideal for kids who are afraid to take that first step. While there is no reason given for Eric's change of heart, readers who share his phobia will just be glad he did it. Hot summer yellows and cool watery blues abound in the gouache illustrations, which are filled with action and humor. This tale is just the thing for librarians interested in showcasing summer stories.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 1–3—A boy and his mother experience the magic of the northern lights with their neighbors. At first, the dark colors and mysterious tone of the first-person narrator seem foreboding as the mother hurries home from her evening job and orders her son to put on his outdoor clothes. Although she assures him that nothing is wrong, he and the other children who have been rushed into the building's parking lot to sit atop their cars are confused until they look up to view the night sky. The panoramic painting of the purple and green bursts of color against a star-studded sky is breathtaking. The boy describes what he sees: "Sometimes the color oozes from one part of the sky to the other. The lights twist like colored ropes. They flicker like colored flames." His mother takes advantage of this beautiful moment to whisper that she will always be on his side, even if they disagree on things. The art is done in a dark palette, and the text appears to one side on a white background that sharply contrasts with the illustrations. There are few, if any, picture books about the aurora borealis. This one fills that gap nicely.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 4—This little volume contains more than 50 short stories, each told in only one to three pages. An introduction explains that it was put together by a "Collector of Stories," and the title derives from the hushing of the crowd so that only one voice—that of the storyteller—can be heard. It is an impressive gathering of tales from all over the world. Many are familiar, such as "The Belling of the Cat," "The Good Samaritan," and "The Elephant and the Blind Men." Each one has been retold by McBratney, and they all take on an Aesop-fable quality with often humorous endings. A few of the morals might go over younger children's heads', but even so the selections could be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a book that can be dipped in and out of and would make for a good bedtime read-aloud. Each story contains a spare line drawing done in basic shapes and lines to depict animals, people, and objects; they add little to the text. This is not a particularly impressive volume, but it is worth having since it gathers together so many traditional tales concisely and in one place.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3—The French youngsters introduced in Adèle & Simon (Farrar, 2006) return in this early-20th-century adventure with their Aunt Cécile. This book follows the same format and look as its predecessor, complete with McClintock's signature pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, off-white paper, vintage font, and endpaper maps following the siblings' travel route. As the children pack for their train trip across America, Adèle reminds Simon to try not to lose anything, while Aunt Cécile reassures them that she has labeled all of his belongings with his name and her address. This is a necessary precaution, because as soon as they arrive at the train station, Simon's journal goes missing. And in typical fashion, he continues to lose an item at each of their destinations, from San Francisco's Chinatown to Washington, DC. Fans of Where's Waldo? will enjoy searching for Simon's lost items amid all of the action-filled scenes, while adults will appreciate the great detail and line work. Readers of all ages will delight in the variety of facial and bodily expressions found in both the main and background characters. Also, while the colors remain muted, they are ever so slightly brighter than those in Adèle & Simon, creating a more open and airy feel to the scenes. Like the first book, McClintock includes endnotes detailing each location that the children visit. This is a feast for the eyes and a wonderful way to incorporate geographic information into a child's frame of knowledge.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

PreS-Gr 1—A nameless narrator is sleeping over at her grandmother's house, and she's almost certain that there's a huge monster in her room. But Granny has a solution for every "what if," the penultimate one being that her "large but good-hearted dragon" can "go invisible" and protect the little girl from any monster. The humorous dialogue, while unremarkable, is effective and likely to appeal to children. The real star here, though, is the artwork. The monster is distinctly monstrous without being overly scary. Moore uses saturated colors and includes full-bleed spreads, single-page pictures, spot art, and insets. In one of the most effective illustrations, Granny and the little girl appear in an inset on a spread of the dragon while the grandmother describes the creature. A couple of wordless spreads speak for themselves. McCourt and Moore imbue the book with their trademark humor. Libraries with fans of their earlier work, and those in need of reassuring monster-banishing stories, may want to add this title.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 2–4—Anabel is a seamstress in Old Italy who dreams of making a dress worthy of a princess. Isabella Caramella Gorgonzola is a princess who gives the girl one week to make her a dress worthy of the Butterfly Ball. Locked in the tower sewing room, Anabel finds the finest silk, chiffon, and crepe as well as gold scissors, thread that is clear as glass, and a silver thimble. Unfortunately, she also shares the room with a Hinky-Pink that pinches her at night, steals her covers, and makes sleep impossible. When Anabel is "chill as a fish and can't sew a stitch," the nursemaid advises her to make the Hinky-Pink a bed of its own. After many unsuccessful attempts, Anabel fashions a tiny bed from her silver thimble, and the Hinky-Pink hums happily. Having slept "the sleep of a princess without a pea," she sews the perfect dress in a single day. Illustrations are done in watercolor and ink and feature a warm palette of rose, peach, and gold tones. Actual landmarks are used to make Firenze come alive, while Italian words and phrases are scattered throughout, sometimes placed in speech bubbles. McDonald's flawless storytelling melds with Floca's joyous art, bringing new life to Margery Bailey's "The Bed Just So" from Whistle for Good Fortune (Little, Brown, 1948). Girls who love princess stories will adore this lively tale.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 3—McDonnell has composed another quiet gem. Literally. The sole sounds are birdsong, weeping, and snoring; the only words appear on signs: "South" and "Walk." The season is fall, and the chorus comes from a flock perched in a nearly bare tree. In the next instant, the birds lift off, and, as the pages turn, the last leaf drops, bonking a slumbering bird on the head at the base of the tree. Anyone who has every experienced the thought of being abandoned or feeling lost will relate to the utterly convincing panic conveyed in the artist's expressive watercolors and emotive lines as it dawns on this tiny creature that he has been left behind. Yet, he is not alone. Enter Mooch, the feline protagonist from the artist's comic strip "Mutts." He offers a hand, leading and carrying his young charge through rural and urban landscapes, until the birds are joyfully reunited. McDonnell's comfort with unfilled expanses, his beautifully balanced compositions, and the nature of his brushwork evoke the feel of traditional Chinese art. Tan recycled paper provides warmth in keeping with this tender, compact story. While it will be enjoyed universally, be sure to place it where nonreaders will find it, and remember it when asked for a Good Samaritan story. Its subtle sweetness is a rare and wonderful thing.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 2–4—Couched in the story of a fictional Greek warrior returning from a victorious battle in 479 BC, this look at ancient life will be a welcome addition to elementary units on Greece and the Olympics. Agathon boards a ship headed for home and is taken under the wing of the merchant Lykon, who sees potential in the strong, young warrior. Eventually, Agathon marries Lykon's daughter and later competes in the Olympics. Information about home, work, and warrior life in Greece is presented in three formats: a paragraph featuring the story, handwritten details among the watercolor and pencil illustrations, and related facts in a bar at the bottom. Readers will enjoy poring over the details; teachers will appreciate the handy contents page, glossary, and map. Well researched and easy to understand, this book will provide information for reports and entertainment for those with an interest in the subject.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

PreS-Gr 1—Soft pastel shades and long shadows indicate that the day is ending, as a mother and son hail a taxi to go home. As they drive through darkening streets, the city slows down around them. One by one, the vehicles they pass—a red pumper truck, a dump truck, a delivery van, a police car, an ice-cream truck, and finally the taxi itself-finish the day's work, reach their final destinations, and park for the night: "Off goes its engine./Click./Off go its lights./Good night…good night." It's also time for the boy to settle down, turn off his light, and go to sleep, clutching his toy truck. The simple rhyming text induces listeners to relax and become sleepy. The busy, realistic illustrations are visually entertaining and yet calming. Vehicles, pets, and people all wear slight smiles as if they are looking forward to winding down after a long day.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 3—Engineered to fit tidily into the early elementary curriculum and complete with a "For Creative Minds" section of lesson plans and activities for a follow-up, this gentle tale of a lost baby platypus will find a comfortable niche in classrooms. Misled by the creature's mismatched characteristics, several Aussie critters try to fit him into their own specific lifestyles. For example, Brushtail Possum notes that the youngster has fur and claws and postulates that he belongs in a tree. Unfortunately, none of the suggested habitats is correct, leading to one disaster ("kersplat!") after another. Finally, a serendipitous discovery of aquatic skills results in a mother-and-child reunion. Gentle messages abound, and all is gas and gaiters at the finish, with the constantly jeering Blue-Tongued Skink getting his comeuppance. The softly appealing illustrations follow the simple action, with the animals sporting a couple of anthropomorphic touches (Old Bandicoot wears glasses and uses a cane, for example) but definitely adding eye appeal to this tale of a baby's trials and tribulations. Not as smoothly designed as the author's The Rainforest Grew all Around (Sylvan Dell, 2007), Kersplatypus will provide a springboard for discussions on friendship and bullying.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS—Moore's quiet tale shows that there are many ways to say "good night," as various young animals, with the help of a loving parent, get ready for bed: "How do you say good night, my pup?/How do you say good night?/With a stretch and a yawn,/close my eyes until dawn./That's how I say good night." As they settle down for the evening, a pig listens to a lullaby, a lamb gets a cuddle, and a kitten enjoys milk and cookies. In the final few pages, a human mother and daughter lovingly perform their own nocturnal ritual. There is not much action, but the calming story and repetitive, rhyming text is just right for bedtime sharing. The double-page illustrations are painterly in style, with curving lines and deep-hued tones. The animals wear colorful pajamas and have expressive facial features. Because there is nothing out of the ordinary here, this is an additional purchase.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 3–6—When warthogs have their third litter, the sows cast out their first litter. That's how Mogo, the runt of his litter, finds himself on his own. Using what he has learned from his mother, from his older brothers' missteps, and from a helpful baboon who is also alone, he carves out a life as he matures and finds a potential mate. While the author builds on a strong natural-history base, she also explores her characters' emotions, hopes, and fears. This tempers the potentially frightening wild world of the African savanna's hungry cheetahs, wild dogs, and lions, who hunt to ensure their own survival in a harsh environment. The book's high read-aloud potential stems from Mogo's appeal as an unlikely hero who thrives when he finds friendship and loving companions. Realistic black and gray-tone watercolor illustrations that range in size from small vignettes to full page grace every chapter, introduce unfamiliar animals, and interpret the action.—Ellen G. Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

PreS-Gr 2—Oelschlager presents a story that veers from the traditional stories about adoption. The rhyming text features a Chinese girl asking her older, blond sister to read the label on a broom she's using. Her sister reads, "made in China," then jeers at her sibling—"'It's just like you'/my big sister said,/'You're Made in China./It's stamped right on your head.'" The child seeks out their father to deny the truth of her sister's put-down, and his reply is reassuring and poetic as he tells her how much she is loved. This title addresses many themes: sibling rivalry, multiracial families, and facing taunts about ethnicity-even from a family member. It is heartening to read the emphatic reassurance offered to a daughter who has been wounded and is worried about being different. Although the older sibling is not explicitly reprimanded in the text, the pictures imply that reconciliation takes place. Blackwood has employed a blend of linoleum cuts outlined in black and computer coloring techniques to craft stunning illustrations. Ethnic features are realistic and enhance the simple text, depicting the birth mother as well as the adoptive family. The endpapers feature more than a dozen photos of Chinese adoptees of various ages. This title will be of special interest to families of Chinese adoptees, but could also serve as a springboard for discussing racial slurs and insensitivity for a much wider audience.—Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA

PreS-K—After a boy pesters his mother for a pet, she throws up her hands in defeat, marches to the store, and buys him a guppy. The boy is not enthusiastic about it, but after doing some research on the Internet, he decides that it's a cool pet after all. His change of heart might have been more convincing had some of that cool information been shared with readers, who have watched him daydream about llamas and elephants and parrots, yet ultimately settle for a small fish. The message of face-value acceptance is as forced as the rhyming text ("From my guppy I learned/Something important and true/You can love any pet/If he's special to you"). The fact that the mother, who clearly wants nothing to do with the animal, purchases it without any input from her son does little to prepare her child for the responsibility of taking care of an animal. The illustrations, a layering of mediums including line drawings, watercolors, and digital photography, are colorful but are not enough to compensate for the flaws in the story. The protagonist in David LaRochelle's The Best Pet of All (Dutton, 2004) has more control over his own pet destiny, and the girl in Dan Yaccarino's The Birthday Fish (Holt, 2005) also gets a fish she does not want and grows to love it—without the stilted verse.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 1—O'Neal and Huliska-Beith attempt to use humor to push ideas about accepting people for who they are. Grandpa Grumpy's gruff exterior hides a good heart. The Loud family is disruptive at church, but when the mic stops working, Papa Loud is able to read the Bible passage and be heard. The Messy family can't seem to keep their house neat, but they do good works and are wonderful hosts. The Sillys' antics bring laughter to the church picnic. The illustrations are bright, busy, cartoonish, and, well, loud. The characters' red noses make one wonder if they haven't been drinking a bit too much sacramental wine. The use of a different colored, larger font to emphasize volume, jokes, and grumpiness is intrusive and distracting. The overly comical illustrations and tone, while intended to make the religious lessons go down easily, make light of things and are unlikely to appeal to children. In fact, unless one reads the flaps, the points may be completely lost on young listeners. Grandpa Grumpy and The Messy Family are the most successful of the four and may fill a need in places where there is great demand for picture books with a religious bent, but, in most libraries, none of these titles will be missed.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS—These simple, whimsical books feature a strong-minded yet lovable youngster. In Bath, Henry does not want to get washed or have his hair shampooed. He considers putting the various farm animals in the tub, but decides against it. Then he rushes outside, greeting all the critters and taking off his clothes as he runs by, and finally jumps into an outdoor bathtub decked out like a pirate ship. In the second title, Henry is told he cannot have Mama, Papa, the cat, the dog, the hens, the ducks, the goat, or the cow in bed with him. After saying goodnight to the animals in their respective pens, coops, and sheds, he settles down under the covers and goes to sleep. While the action focuses mostly on Henry, his patient, always-loving parents are an important part of the stories. The repetitive texts are accompanied by boldly outlined illustrations in earth tones with spots and splashes of brighter hues. Full of activity and emotion, the pictures convey Henry's energy and spirit.—Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

K-Gr 2—Well, it is what it is: an idealized promotional piece for Broadway Barks, the annual New York City pet adopt-a-thon founded by Peters and Mary Tyler Moore in 1998. Sad little Douglas is abandoned in Central Park, where no one walks him or feeds him or loves him. He is befriended and taken into a smiling and willing driver's yellow cab by a pretty red-haired stranger (Peters) and taken to Shubert Alley, where Moore emcees an adoption pet show/pageant. Obedient and adorable, Douglas meets a little girl, is given a new name, Kramer, and is taken to live happily-ever-after with his new family. Murphy's bright mixed-media cartoon illustrations include snips of measuring tape, telegrams, and pieces of printed matter that become the buildings, trees, and sidewalks of Manhattan. Douglas/Kramer is a cute concoction of gray flannel and a fine mutt of a mascot for this message, which is accompanied by a CD on which Peters reads the story. Royalties will be donated to the cause. An NYC-centric companion for Maribeth Boelt's Before You Were Mine (Putnam, 2007) and Bob Graham's Let's Get a Pup! Said Kate (Candlewick, 2001).—Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Gr 2–4—Polacco has created another picture book filled with warmth and love. A student teacher, Danielle, rescues a kitten, and when she gets a teaching job that takes her to Port Townsend, WA, and a house on a bay, they settle in. Then Autumn is wounded and lost in a thunderstorm, and despite Danielle's class's efforts to find her, she appears to be gone for good. Everyone is amazed when she returns weeks later, fit as a fiddle. Danielle eventually meets the man who has cared for her pet, and they fall in love. This is a lovely story, with a strong sense of place and illustrated with Polacco's trademark patterns and facial structures. While this story is too long for a traditional storytime, it could be used successfully as a one-on-one read.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

K-Gr 2—Good-natured, accommodating Stomper isn't a very good mule-in-training. He likes a lot of things about Mule School, but stubbornness is definitely his worst subject. Mules simply aren't supposed to be cooperative or generous, but he can't help himself. He gives apples away when he should be guarding them, thoughtfully opens gates that he should be blocking, and, after a particularly bad day, sorrowfully concludes that he's useless. It turns out, though, that mule-headed moves (like digging in one's hooves and refusing to budge) are sometimes very dangerous, as when the dam gives way and a violent wave threatens to drown every mule in the valley. But not to worry; Stomper's outside-the-box thinking saves the day and even inspires Mrs. Kick to update her curriculum. Chapman's cheery chalk pastels are a pleasing accompaniment to Rawlinson's lighthearted prose. This simple story deftly demonstrates that there is always more than one way to be a good little mule.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 1—Harris asks his granddad why he has such enormous feet, and the whiskery old hare takes him on a series of adventures that show the youngster what he can do with them. Their outing includes joyous hopping "to the top of the world," contented digging, and life-preserving running (from a wolf in the distance), and end when worn-out Grandad leaves Harris to go forth on his own. The tale, told completely in spreads with one short block of text to each one, suffers from a lack of momentum, narrative tension, and a satisfying conclusion. Also, the absence of detail in either foreground or background art, suggesting to some the openness of the countryside, may give others the impression of wasted space. The screen print, watercolor, and ink illustrations, though lovely and evocative, don't do enough to make up for what the writing leaves out. Rayner's Augustus and His Smile (Good Bks., 2006) gives children a glimpse of this artist and illustrator's vast talent.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

K-Gr 2—The child first introduced in My Name Is Yoon (2003) and Yoon and the Christmas Mitten (2006, both Farrar) returns in a story centered on her birthday. Yoon longs for a jump rope in order to join the other girls on the playground. Instead she receives a book and a precious family bracelet with her name, meaning "Shining Wisdom," engraved inside in Korean. Yoon is tricked into lending it to an older girl who promises to teach her how to jump rope. But when the girl refuses to return the bracelet, Yoon must figure some way to get it back. This story opens like the others, with the protagonist stating, "My name is Yoon. I came here from Korea, a country far away." It allows readers to discover aspects of Korean culture and to learn how a Korean-American child reconciles her two worlds. Swiatkowska's illustrations are full of texture, and her brushstrokes continue to become more open and loose. Here, the paintings occupy a large number of spreads, and backgrounds are completely filled with single colors, sometimes bold reds and aquas, other times more muted olives and grays. The large textured strokes, thickly applied paint, and distorted forms are in keeping with the symbolism of the jade bracelet and the imagery in the folktale that Yoon receives as birthday gifts.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

PreS-K—Bright and engaging photographs feature four toddler/baby sibling duos. The pairs show a diverse mix of boys and girls in action—smiling, moving, playing—described from the perspective of the toddlers. Every page turn demonstrates a notable advantage to being the older sibling: "You can crawl?/Watch me go./I go fast—/You go slow!" This book works on several levels. Babies will love seeing the photographs of other babies. Older siblings will relish the positive reinforcement about their birth order. And beginning readers will find the text easy to conquer. An enjoyable and useful purchase.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2—This book introduces American coins and paper money in a clear and entertaining way. A group of children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds is hard at work earning money, saving, and planning for a neighborhood clubhouse. Readers see the purchasing power of the different coins and bills in terms of nails, screws, marking pencils, sandpaper, and other building supplies. They also view different ways that coins can be combined to equal a nickel, dime, quarter, dollar, etc. Children will have fun counting the coins and guessing what the next coin or bill will be. The text is well paced, and the layout is attractive, although occasionally busy. The colorful, average-quality, computer-generated cartoons have child appeal. The scanned images of coins and bills are accurate, and an author's note provides information about less-common currency and recent monetary changes. Although not a necessary purchase, libraries that need more age-appropriate books about money may want to consider this one, and teachers might find it a useful resource.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

PreS-K—The four bossy, selfish, stinky boars are back, cooking up a Massive Pudding to satisfy their enormous hunger. Doris finds a recipe in the book she is eating and the others gleefully help her make it. When they stir it up and it doesn't look big enough to satisfy, they improvise, throwing in some of their favorite things (like a squid). When the pudding is baked, "do you think Boris and Morris and Horace and Doris sat with their hands folded and their napkins in their laps?" Not a chance! After finishing it off in 10 seconds flat, the boars are hungry again, but Doris saves the day—she finds a Massive Cookie recipe. These wonderful hijinks with the endearing boars are pictured in wildly imaginative illustrations, including endpapers that look like boar hair. Libraries should not miss out on this fun title, which is sure to be a popular choice for a food or manners-themed storytime.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

PreS—This collection of six gentle poems, each starring a child interacting with a family member, affectionately describes moments such as first steps, a bath, a carriage walk, and bedtime. The adults, and even a dog, dote on their babies. The activities will be familiar to youngsters, but the rhymes and word choices are sometimes awkward: "A perfect nose,/a perfect mouth,/and extraspecial ears./I love those eyes,/I love that hair,/I love those no-more-tears." Filled with softness and love, the honeyed pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations depict an ethnically diverse cast of characters. However, some of the images, overwhelmed by too much white space, look small on the page. Although this is not the strongest work from Rylant or Goode—independently or collaboratively—Baby Face will appeal to fans of Good Morning, Sweetie Pie (S & S, 2001) and is especially well suited as a read-aloud to very small children at quiet times.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS-Gr 1—These titles will draw beginning readers into the zany world of anthropomorphic trucks, whose distinct personalities and endearing facial expressions roll across the colorful pages. In Party, Jack and Gabby deal with swerves, curves, and potholes in the road as they follow a dizzying array of directional signs on their way to a friend's celebration. It's a fine companion to Jennifer Armstrong's Once Upon a Banana (S & S, 2006) to reinforce the concept of reading signs. In Bully, trucks watch with dismay as Big Rig wreaks havoc with the barrels, crates, and tires that are intended as a birthday cake with cement frosting. Delighted to discover the cake is meant for him, Big Rig still can't resist the urge to ram into the construction with a final rousing "ZOOM! BOOM!" Though the book is designed for independent reading, the sound effects make it an excellent read-aloud.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 1–2—The characters in these books are grappling with inner conflict. In Comin' Through, Jeremy wants to be popular in his new school so he acts out in front of the new janitor, dumping garbage on the floor, or lunch trays in the cafeteria, to impress his classmates with his bravado. The janitor simply stares and quietly cleans up behind him, "comin' through." After things get out of hand, Jeremy realizes that comin' through means helping people you care about. In the end, readers learn that the janitor is his dad. In Flour Girl, Sophie must learn to accept her father's fiancée, even if it means sharing their special baking time with her. She retaliates against Maggie and her dad by creating havoc—flour in the woman's purse, in her new shoes, on her father's suit. Once her behavior is exposed, all ends happily. While these two titles focus on specific child-oriented problems, with room for discussion on the characters' unacceptable behavior, the third title offers no such redemption. It centers on a group of refrigerator foods in a meaningless situation where the piece of Swiss cheese and the banana confront their flaws and learn what it means to become true heroes. The book is insipid and garishly yellow. All three books look and sound amateurish in their execution.—Martha Topol, Traverse Heights Elementary School, MI

PreS-Gr 1—Peke is a sweet and comical Pekingese with a broken leg and a vivid imagination. An anonymous, unseen questioner inspires him to pretend that he's a pirate. His adventure on the seas leads him to an island and some buried treasure—his "blankie." The book's design is in keeping with the pup's fantasy. The story begins with oversize type and a small illustration of Peke against a monochromatic background. As he becomes a brave pirate, the font becomes smaller and he grows larger, with the addition of color and detail mirroring his developing personality. This picture book is sure to be a hit with preschoolers and beginning readers who enjoy shared reading.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 1–3—Spinelli fashions a plot that goes to the core of storytelling: writing from the heart. Motivated by the Red Brick Library's contest to "write the best story" and the added attraction of "a ride on the Sooper Dooper Looper roller coaster" with her favorite author, this pigtailed, blond (unnamed) heroine sets out to win the prize. Stymied, she consults her brother, who suggests action; her father, who wants plenty of humor; her Aunt Jane, who advises to make people cry; and cousin Anika, who longs for romance. The resulting hodgepodge satisfies no one—including herself. Only after Mom's astute recommendation (writing from the heart) does the would-be author find satisfaction. Whether she wins the prize or not is left to speculation, but readers will realize that her "best story" is the one she accomplishes on her own. Wilsdorf perks up this somewhat predictable, but nevertheless affirming, tale with energetic, comical drawings awash in lively colors. As the story variations flow off the girl's writing pad, images of a pirate, a shark, a monkey, a cat, and a girl named Grace frolic across the pages in a variety of guises and situations. In addition, the amusing background details are sure to provoke a giggle. While this book may not attract individual readers, it will work well as an introduction to creative writing in the classroom and give hope to any young writer trying to turn an idea into a good story.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

K-Gr 2—A girl sits alone on a swing set, wishing for a playmate. Her father is working inside at his desk, and her friends are all away for the summer. She can't even interest her dog in adventure. Suddenly, she is surprised by a big hairy villain who intends to take her away. Excited by the possibility of a playmate, the child asks her father for permission to be abducted. He says, "Oh, that's fine." So the youngster rides off into the woods with her kidnapper, eager to strike up a friendship. When she finds that the bearded villain is a common child cruncher who intends to eat her, the girl is very disappointed. Not one to be threatened, she jumps on his horse and rides straight home. This protagonist exhibits self-confidence similar to Charlotte, who is featured in Stein's Mine! (2007), and the bubbling child cruncher is as nonthreatening as the monsters along the path in Stein's Brave Ben (2006, both Lemniscaat). The dynamic illustrations are consistent with van Hout's work in those titles. The use of black is limited to the characters' hair and a few details, while the overall page is rendered in hazy pastels. The style serves to reinforce the action in the story while allowing for plenty of details for careful readers to discover. The result is a far-fetched adventure that will have children cheering for their heroine.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

PreS-Gr 1—In rhythmic couplets, a numbers game unfolds: one horse, two cows, three kittens settle down for the night, only to be awakened by four noisy wild turkeys ("Gobble, gobble, crash!") that disturb everyone as they fly from the barn to the sty to the henhouse, finally waking the farmer and his wife, who vow to "have a turkey feast!" At that, all of the farm animals quiet down ("Gobble, gobble, sshhh!") and hide the four turkeys, as the counting reverses from 10 baby robins back to one horse, and everyone goes back to sleep, including the befuddled farmer—but not for long. Gorbachev's action-filled illustrations add to the fun. His animals cavort against moonlit teal backgrounds, with the text printed in white. Children will have fun spotting the hiding turkeys and should greatly enjoy the whole bash.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 3—Hoping to end a cholera epidemic, the Rabbi of Pinsk plans a shvartze chaseneh, "a black wedding," between two orphans in the town cemetery. It is believed that the spirits of their parents and the happiness of a wedding between two lonely people will put an end to the disease. Yiske, the leader of the klezmer band, is not only asked to provide the music, but he must also find a groom for Sheyndl-Rivke. With the input from his horse Fairdy, he determines that one man is too vain and another is too materialistic. But Shmuel Sova, who has admired Sheyndl-Rivke for many years, is the perfect groom. A joyous wedding is celebrated in the cemetery and the cholera epidemic is miraculously ended. Prosmitsky's comical and expressive illustrations complement Strom's tale. A brief author's note and a glossary of Yiddish words are appended. Readers who enjoyed Heidi Smith Hyde's Mendel's Accordion (Lerner, 2007) will appreciate this new klezmer-themed shtetl story.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 2—Josephine Baker rose from an impoverished childhood in St. Louis to become a well-known performer in 1920s Paris. Due to the mores of American culture before the Civil Rights Movement, she was forced to go abroad to realize her full artistic potential. In France, she was lauded for her talent and honored for her work in the Resistance during World War II. Stuchner's fictionalized account of Baker's life does not do justice to this complex and talented woman. For example, the text explains that she "sang, danced, crossed her eyes, knocked her knees, and made crazy funny faces." This leaves readers with a skewed idea of the performer's talent. The stylized color illustrations capture some sense of the eras Baker's career spanned but lack any kind of depth. Alan Schroeder's Ragtime Tumpie (Little, Brown, 1989) gives a better sense of Baker's childhood.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

PreS-K—No construction detail is ignored in this rhythmic read-aloud that takes readers from the "Ping! Bang! Tap!" of the groundbreaking to the "Toot! Honk! Vroom!" of the new road's opening. Extensive use of action verbs and onomatopoeic exclamations guide youngsters through packing the ground, rolling the tar, raising the signs, and even planting trees along the side of the route. Angular road lines—reminiscent of Donald Crews's illustrations of popular machines—traverse each spread, often guiding viewers' eyes in the direction of the next page. Interestingly, the many multiethnic workers depicted in the attractive ink illustrations seem as cool as cucumbers despite their noisy laboring. A picture glossary of roadwork machines is a great finishing touch to this dynamic title.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 1–4—The Dean of the White House press corps and a well-known editorial cartoonist have teamed up to create a colorful and comic "kids'-eye view" romp through Washington, DC. Sam is "First Kid," since Mom is the President of the United States, and he and his animal friends (a cat and rat) chafe at all the rules that come with the role. After having their White House antics restricted by Secret Service "nannies," the threesome escapes and spends two nights on the lam in the capital city. They visit various landmarks (even sleeping on the lap of Lincoln at his memorial), and are finally apprehended when they crash by kite into the Washington Monument. First Family and pets are then happily reunited, and on the last page they are eating a cozy dinner free from Secret Service intrusions. Bok's chipmunk-cheeked characters suit the irreverent mood of this high-energy story, which should find a broad audience in this election year. Some of the humor seems a bit sophisticated for the intended audience and requires close examination of the illustrations, making the book better suited for independent or one-to-one reading than for larger groups. A fun but ultimately forgettable frolic.—Amy Rowland, Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

PreS-Gr 2—First published in 1951 and newly illustrated, Thomas's rhyming reflection on the place Jesus has in a young boy's life still provides inspiration and comfort to today's readers. The nameless narrator imagines greeting Jesus, a child "about the age that I am/and about the height of me," at his front door. He describes how he would make Jesus feel at home, giving him a "comfy seat," making him tea, and sharing his toys. The lad realizes that Jesus will never come to visit, but comforts himself with the prospect of going to church to pray, sing, and worship. He takes to heart the timeless mandate from the Gospel of Matthew to do for the least of Jesus's brothers what you would do for him. Painted in glowing jewel tones, McElrath-Eslick's luminous portraits mirror the old-fashioned charm of the text. She depicts Jesus as an appealing barefoot boy dressed in shorts and a T-shirt and in the latter half of the book portrays the young narrator offering a cup of tea to a friend, giving his toys to less fortunate children, and taking a bouquet to an elderly woman. The idyllic landscapes further emphasize the gentle message of the lilting text. Pair this fine addition to religion collections with August Gold's Where Does God Live? (Sky Light Paths, 2001).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

PreS-Gr 1—A father and son go sledding down a hill one snowy night in this charming picture book. The brief text consists of easy-to-read words in rhyming pairs ("Still hill./Far star./Snow aglow"). According to an author's note, the structure of the story-poem was inspired by an ancient writing pattern called chiasmus, "a format that creates a kind of mirror image." Bright watercolor pictures capture perfectly the downcast faces of the characters when they are stuck inside during a snowstorm ("Sad lad./Sad dad"), their expressions of happiness and excitement during their nocturnal adventure on the red sled ("Go! Go!/Whoa! Whoa!"), and their cozy contented smiles as they enjoy hot chocolate back home afterward ("Snug hug"). This is a great book for storytime and one-on-one sharing, and beginning readers will be able to follow the simple language presented in large black script.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

K-Gr 3—Ruthie needs a break from school and longs for a snow day. She thinks that if rain dances bring showers, perhaps a snow dance will bring on a storm. She composes a little song and dance and begins her effort. She enlists her friends' help and convinces various adults to join in the dance. Her plan actually works, and the children and adults enjoy a relaxing day. Facklam's illustrations are bright and colorful, and the cartoon characters are slightly quirky. In the snowy scenes, the buildings look like ice-cream confections complete with cherries and marshmallows. Will Hubbell's Snow Day Dance (Albert Whitman, 2005) is similar, but more realistic in its approach and art.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

K-Gr 2—When a baby dragon hauls himself in through Winnie the witch's cat's door, smoky chaos ensues, and the mistress of the house must use her magic to control the situation in some unusual ways. Winnie and Wilbur find the baby dragon's mother and settle down for the night—just about the time the sun comes up. One of the best parts of this story is the juxtaposition of the text and illustrations. While Winnie is presented in a fairly straightforward manner in the text, she is much funnier in the illustrations. Her wiry hair is flying, her nightie is rumpled, and her socks and shoes most definitely do not match. Paul uses atmospheric purples and grays in Winnie's mostly black house, and there are fun details all over, including creepy portraits and spider webs. This is a fun addition where the earlier books are popular.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

Gr 1–4—When Nurk opens a letter addressed to his grandmother, Surka, his first concern is that he has committed mail fraud. After discovering his adventurous grandmother's journal, in which she vowed to take risks, his second thought is that he should return the missive. He builds a boat out of a snail shell and heads down the river. He discovers that the letter was sent by the Princess of the Dragonflies, soliciting Surka's help. The king informs Nurk that the prince needs rescuing from Grizzlemole, an oversize blind mole and a generally terrible creature. Nurk bravely takes on the quest and, with help from passages in the journal, succeeds fairly easily. Each chapter includes an undistinguished heavy-line black-and-white ink drawing. Vernon's writing shows some flair, but overall the story's effectiveness is hampered by some slow parts and a plot that relies on predictable contrivance and coincidence.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

K-Gr 3—Although four other people are in the house, a boy thinks, "It's just as if there's nobody here but me." His mom is talking on the phone, and his dad is answering his email. His sister wants him to go away while she plays a game with her friend. Despite painting a blue heart on the wall, cutting a hole in his jeans, and turning the kitchen into a catastrophe, no one scolds him. When he hides in the cold, dark basement, no one looks for him. Eventually, he puts on his pajamas and tucks himself in. Going to bed for no reason before supper does the trick. His parents and sister gather around his bed, watch as he pretends to sleep, and then tickle him awake. Davenier's watercolor-and-ink illustrations place the boy in his pleasant house with his busy family. The muted colors reflect his mood as he tries repeatedly to attract his family's attention during that difficult hour before supper. Like Rosemary Wells's Noisy Nora (Dial, 1973), this book addresses a universal childhood experience. Librarians will see possibilities for reader's theater-just a few children needed and every free-verse line perfect to read aloud.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

PreS-Gr 1—For a while it looks as though Otto doesn't stand a chance in the three-way race for president of Barkadelphia School. Tiffany's a cute and popular poodle who promises "More Mirrors in the Girls' Room!" And the platform of athletic bulldog Charles includes "Skateboards in the Halls!" Otto takes a different approach, though, and asks his canine classmates for their ideas to improve the school, such as healthy cafeteria foods and a homework help line. While the other two ramp up their rivalry with mudslinging, self-promotion, and parent-funded events, Otto's strategy of listening to everyone, "even the kindergartners," results in victory. Wells's skillful drawings highlight a host of appealing characters who are doglike in appearance, but clearly human in their actions. Individuals have distinct personalities. Most pages are neatly framed by borders decorated with paw prints, ballots, and other images related to the story. The author pokes gentle fun at election excesses to contrast her positive message of community and inclusiveness. Tiffany attracts other female poodles and Charles's all-male supporters all come from the bigger dog breeds, while Otto's good-hearted campaign reaches both genders and all types of dog. The satisfying conclusion demonstrates how a school election can lead to worthwhile change and be fun at the same time.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

PreS-Gr 2—The endearing kitten introduced in Yoko (1998) and Yoko's Paper Cranes (2001, both Hyperion) returns in this lovely story illustrating the challenges facing young children who are bridging two cultures. Life for Yoko in the first week of school is anything but positive. In the eyes of the other children, her Japanese characters look like "baby marks," her numbers are just lines, and she "pretends" to read a book as she pages through it right to left instead of left to right. Olive and Sylvia decide that Yoko won't graduate from kindergarten, and soon the child is unhappily refusing her favorite sushi. Even with the considerate assistance of insightful Mrs. Jenkins and the support of her mother, the situation is not improved until a fellow student steps in. Angelo recognizes Yoko's characters as a secret language, and when she writes his name in Japanese, he shows her how to write the ABC's. After only a bit more classroom drama, all ends well with a kindergarten graduation and bilingual diplomas. This is a carefully crafted picture book with Asian-inspired illustrations that delight the eye just as the gentle story soothes the soul.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN

Gr 1–5—There's a shindig brewing at the castle one night, as werewolves, zombies, mummies, and all manner of creepy characters make their way through silent halls to the Madcap Monster Ball. The stronghold's seven sibling knights, posed in full armor in an impressive row, supposedly stand guard, but are actually fast asleep. One by one, each warrior is stirred by the commotion and leaves his post to check out its cause-only to find himself joining in the fun and dancing the night away. Wheeler's rhythmic text is filled with taut rhymes, alliteration, and vivid images. The raucous verses detail the events and spirit of the upbeat party with lively zeal, while the narrative's wordplay makes it worthy of repeated readings. Puns and double entendres abound ("Forced, Sir Ender/just gives in./Lone Sir Vivor/(that's his twin)/feels the music/in his soul,/kicks up his heels…/'Let's rock 'n' roll!'"). Done in charcoal, pencil, and Photoshop, Siegel's sophisticated, graphic-novel-style artwork also demands a second look. There are plenty of visual story lines to follow as a wide-eyed young prince, anxiously clutching a candle and teddy bear, spies on the action, and a smiling portrait princess escapes from her painting to try and befriend the frightened boy. Sepia tones, splashes of color, silhouettes, and outline sketches cleverly underscore the plot elements and keep the pages interesting. Kids will eat this one up and beg for more.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

K-Gr 2—In classic Willems style, the characters' expressions and body language carry both stories, with the deceptively simple line art saying far more than the slight, though whimsical, texts. When Gerald accidentally breaks Piggie's new toy, he is by turns ashamed, chagrined, and apologetic. Piggie is mad, sad, and finally embarrassed (a squirrel shows them that the "broken toy" is of the "break-and-snap" variety). The pals then decide that playing together is more fun than playing with a toy anyway. In the second title, the two watch a squirrel surprise a friend by jumping out from behind a rock. Mischievous Gerald and Piggie then plan together how to "surprise" one another in the same way. They sit behind opposite sides of a large stone and wait to be surprised. And wait. And wait. And worry. Savvy readers will know exactly what happens when each friend thinks that the other has left. These masterful mini-dramas will delight and amuse easy-reader and picture-book audiences, alike.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

K-Gr 2—In classic Willems style, the characters' expressions and body language carry both stories, with the deceptively simple line art saying far more than the slight, though whimsical, texts. When Gerald accidentally breaks Piggie's new toy, he is by turns ashamed, chagrined, and apologetic. Piggie is mad, sad, and finally embarrassed (a squirrel shows them that the "broken toy" is of the "break-and-snap" variety). The pals then decide that playing together is more fun than playing with a toy anyway. In the second title, the two watch a squirrel surprise a friend by jumping out from behind a rock. Mischievous Gerald and Piggie then plan together how to "surprise" one another in the same way. They sit behind opposite sides of a large stone and wait to be surprised. And wait. And wait. And worry. Savvy readers will know exactly what happens when each friend thinks that the other has left. These masterful mini-dramas will delight and amuse easy-reader and picture-book audiences, alike.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

PreS-Gr 3—Set in "the farthest reaches of the far north," this version of the tale features a plucky lass who, warned by her father "…not to rush headlong into places where you don't belong," nevertheless ventures into the forest and into the bears' messy "cabin," which she sweeps clean. Removing the beetles and other unappealing lumps from Baby Bear's porridge, she eats all of the cereal, then settles down on his small, soft bed for a short snooze. Returning from a walk, the bears, at first annoyed by the rearrangement of their domain, take pity on the "poor creature" they find sleeping in Baby Bear's bed, but Goldilocks reacts with fear and bolts the premises. There is a rustic feel to the illustrations, rendered in watercolor, collage, colored pencil, acrylic, and oil paint. The bears' residence is shown to be a sort of rustic hogan constructed of bent saplings, vines, and bark, the interior strewn with pieces of the outdoors and the remains of meals. Large bowls hold porridge dotted with dead beetles, lumps of grass, and other natural matter. Beds are made from blankets thrown over piles of leaves, feathers, and other forest detritus. Woven baskets and earthenware bowls and vases sit on and around a great stone fireplace. Written and illustrated by the same pair that created Clever Beatrice (S & S, 2001), this satisfying read-aloud offers a new twist on an old favorite.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-K—A kitten's day is full of discoveries and adventures, dreams and surprises. This blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked scamp's inexhaustible energy is evident from page one. While text such as "Kitty up./Kitty down./Kitty square./Kitty round" is less-than-compelling narrative, Yoshikawa's acrylic and pastel illustrations provide more than their share of drama and detail. Each page is infused with bright colors, angled perspectives, and a lot of fun touches. Kitty's constant motion is balanced by a big, furry dog whose slower pace and watchful eye ensures that the youngster's enthusiasm doesn't lead her into danger. When the book finishes on "Kitty lucky./Kitty friend./Kitty home./Kitty end," the satisfaction is immense as the cat and dog snuggle up in front of the fire not so much for a nap, but for an intermission in the chaos. Readers will be able to milk plenty of expression out of the meager text simply by following the cues in the pictures. Pair this with Emily Gravett's Orange Pear Apple Bear (S & S, 2007) for a lap-sit with children who need an intermission of their own.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 3–5—Minn and Jake are back in this new free-verse installment. This time the 10-year-old pals are spending the summer apart. Jake is visiting his old neighborhood in Los Angeles and is excited to have no plans. No science camp. No swimming lessons. But he soon discovers that it isn't much fun to wake up every day at 6 a.m. to his little brother, Soup, jumping all over him or have his Korean grandmother stuffing him with food to "make him grow." Jake misses Minn, but he hasn't done a great job of keeping in touch this summer. But when she and her parents make a surprise visit, things start to heat up. On a trip to Disneyland, the friends have a fight and end up not speaking. All is resolved when they both acknowledge their mistakes. Whimsical ink sketches enhance the storytelling in this creative early chapter book that features smart, endearing characters and humorous antics.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV

PreS-Gr 1—The over-the-top humor of Jake Stays Awake (Feiwel & Friends, 2007) continues as Jake begins school. He and his pushover parents end up spending the first day of school trying to share tiny chairs, seesaw rides, and even a tricycle, since Jake will not let go of Mom and Dad. He finally relaxes when the teacher reads a story about a dog named Fred. "I have a dog. His name is Fred," Jake says. Fears forgotten, he walks to the front of the room and holds the book for his teacher. The computer-generated cartoon illustrations are full of unusual angles and bug-eyed, bullet-headed people. The sing-songy rhyming text describes Jake's actions (including passing gas) but never really makes clear why he's so terrified. The story might seem funny to parents or to older children, but is unlikely to reassure the target audience of kids who are just starting school.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

PreS-K—The small, pinafored protagonist featured here seems to be saddled with a lot of domestic responsibility for one so young—she has to dust, vacuum, wipe the windows, rake the leaves, fold the laundry, dry the dishes, and brush the dog. And all this despite the fact that she is barely big enough to push the vacuum cleaner. It's not surprising that she indulges in a "gripe, gripe, gripe" when she has to "wipe, wipe, wipe." But the childlike font and oversize, colorful illustrations that burst from the pages dispel any sense of drudgery. And playful details, such as the girl dusting her drama-queen trophy and fluffing her pillows with regal umbrage, imply that her complaining is as much childish dramatics as a genuine dislike for the tasks at hand. The presence of a playful puppy on each page hints at the fun to come when chores are done. The rhyming, repetitive text lends itself well to reading aloud. Young listeners will be happy to see the girl rewarded for all of her hard work and may follow her example when asked to complete their own Chore Chart.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

K-Gr 2—These titles lack sufficient content. On each of the five or six spreads, a full-page stock color photo accompanies a page of text. Chapter headings are in the form of questions, most of which a child would not ask ("Are Bulldozers Important?"), followed by a five- or six-sentence answer. Each machine is described as being operated by "controls," avoiding the use of such words as switch, lever, steering wheel, or hydraulics. Most captions are mediocre to redundant, and some details need attention. Some of the photos in Cranes use perspectives that give readers no basis for establishing a relationship between the object and the surrounding environment. Diggers has a photo of a backhoe "moving dirt" when there is no operator in the cab. Forklift's text is repetitive at times. These books could be popular among little guys who like big machines, but don't expect much in the way of information.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 1–3—Inviting new covers and a fresher format are the major improvements in these new editions of titles first published in 2002 and 2003. Inside, the backgrounds are pastel instead of white, and the (same) photographs that accompany the short paragraphs of text now have scalloped or curved edges. While there are some minor textual changes, the content is basically the same. A few short sections have been combined; some sentences have been added, while others have been reworded or cut; and an unlabeled, "actual size" drawing of the invertebrate supplements a simple anatomical diagram. Daddy Longlegs is at times oversimplified. For instance, in explaining that daddy longlegs are arachnids, but not spiders, the text implies that all spiders make webs, which is misleading—many species do not. It is also unclear about the arachnid's size, stating that its body "is usually the size of your smallest fingernail," with front legs "as long as your hand," instead of citing average measurements. Earwig and Pillbug will be the most useful of the three titles, as there is little information on these creatures aimed at this audience.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 3–5—The stories of 22 "Revolutionary Grandmothers" take center stage in this well-illustrated volume. A few of the names are familiar—Phillis Wheatley, Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Deborah Sampson—but as the author establishes, there are many women and girls whose large and small contributions to the cause of independence have been largely ignored. Prudence Wright and Sarah Shattuck guarded their village when the men were fighting at Concord and Lexington, and they captured a British spy. After her husband was killed in battle, Margaret Corbin fired his cannon until she was shot, making her the first American woman to receive a military pension. Whether the women were disguising themselves as men in order to be soldiers, raising money for suffering soldiers, sewing and knitting for the troops, or participating in protests or a boycott of British goods, their actions were significant. Faulkner's ink-and-watercolor illustrations are exuberant, often amusing, and filled with crosshatching and dialogue balloons. The spreads are busy and information-packed, and readers will be both engaged by and educated about this critical period.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 2—Each of these books describes one Australian mammal. Arnold opens with a brief entry stating where the mammal lives and its habitat, food, length, weight, animal class, and scientific name. Her narrative of a female's life from birthing preparations through raising the young cleverly contrasts with distinctly hued boxes of fast facts, such as the length of a platypus's burrow or size of a newborn wombat. Along the way, readers will also learn to identify other species in the biome, via captioned images. In both titles, the cut-paper illustrations in scenic spreads feature a night-time palette of indigo, olive, mocha, and burnt sienna. Back matter includes a map of the habitat, six fun facts, and instructions for accessing FactHound's site to research related topics. Visually engaging and brimming with data, these books are perfect for reports on these animals or the Australian continent.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 4—This engaging picture-book overview is designed to be shared with prereaders and enjoyed by independent readers alike. The author poses basic questions and invites youngsters into the manatee's underwater world to find out the answers. These large gray marine mammals (10–11 feet long and weighing more than 1000 pounds full grown) are shown in the wild with the fish, plants, and birds common to their habitats. Arnosky's signature watercolors add enormously to the book's appeal and extend the information. He places the creatures in the context of the Sirenia order of animals and then gets down to such specifics as how they use their beaverlike tails to swim, how they poke their nostrils above the surface of the water to breathe, how they eat using their flexible snouts to grab aquatic vegetation, and more. This must-have title is a delight to look at and is packed with interesting and pertinent details.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 1–4—A three-toed sloth hanging upside down in a tree and a parrotfish spinning a cocoon "of mucous that comes from special glands underneath its gill covers" are among the widely varied species featured in this picture-book introduction to sleep behavior. A slim column of text next to each double-page view explains how the featured animal sleeps. An introductory statement set in a color block appears atop each text segment: "Snakes sleep in protected places when the temperature gets too cold or too hot." Topics include nocturnal and diurnal sleep, hibernation, torpor, underwater sleep, and animals that sleep while flying or swimming. The acrylic paintings depict reasonably realistic views of the animals in their habitats with an occasional garish portrait. The sketchy discussion is often wooden in tone. Still, the book does include interesting bits of information that may attract animal fans. Robert Matero's Animals Asleep (Millbrook, 2000), which is illustrated with photographs, is longer and more informative.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 2—Bodden focuses on the building process and uses of each of these structures. Each spread has a few sentences in large type, one or two color photographs or reproductions of period art, and a short additional fact in smaller type that sometimes acts as a caption, but that adds little information. The organization is curious, such as the coverage of dungeons and imprisonment on the last page of Castles, an odd note on which to leave readers. Additionally, many of the illustrations are of poor quality. Mosques is the most successful of these titles and provides a clear introduction to Islam as well as to the uses of the different rooms in the building. Even here, however, the content is so basic that it isn't very compelling. The uninformative captions in Pyramids, such as "Dragging rocks was hard work," make it the weakest of the books. The drawings and photos in Temples have interesting details, but the reproduction is poor. Its title is a bit deceptive as well since it only focuses on ancient Greek structures. Any child who is truly interested in how these buildings were put together and what went on in them should be directed toward David Macaulay's Pyramid (1975), Castle (1977), and Mosque (2003, all Houghton) instead.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 3–4—Lloyd's colorful new graphics update Branley's 1985 text (HarperCollins), which includes accounts of a few historic eruptions (Mounts Vesuvius, Tambora, St. Helens, and Parícutin) and explains how and why volcanoes form. Plate tectonics as well as scientists' study of and efforts to predict eruptions are also covered. A list of volcano facts appears, but it is frustrating in that the three types of volcanoes are named but not described. Instructions for an activity (plural on the cover) that involves making a baking soda and vinegar volcano are also appended. The new illustrations excel at depicting ideas presented in the text and include scenes of destruction, including buried cars, cities in ruins, and collapsed bridges. Overall, this work remains a sound, basic introduction to the topic, especially useful where the original is showing its age.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 3–5—The organization known as Dog Scouts of America (DSA) is introduced with its mission of improving the lives of dogs and their owners. The pets are trained to engage in sports and to participate in other healthy activities. The visually appealing full-color photos show canine members and various functions, and are paired with succinct descriptions of adopting a pet, joining the organization, earning badges, and supporting community-service needs. Some chapters help to raise money for various organizations, such as the Salvation Army, firefighters, and cancer research. DSA dogs participate in nursing-home activities and read-to-a-dog in public libraries to boost the confidence of children learning to read. Whether there is a division of DSA in your local area doesn't matter, because with the addition of this book to the series, interest in treating pets humanely and doing good in the community will grow.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 1–3—One summer evening, when "the sky belongs to night creatures," brown bats swarm from a farmhouse attic, leaving behind one bat who soon gives birth. Simple explanations and realistic paintings follow the young bat through the summer weeks of growing to maturity. It's the birthing season, and several babies now huddle for warmth through the night, crying for the return of their mothers. Before long the featured youngster is ready to fly and fumbles through his first attempts to master hunting. There's a bit of explanation of bat physiology and more emphasis on the animal's use of sound to identify food and communicate. As fall comes, the bats depart from the farmhouse to roost in an underground cave to hibernate before beginning the cycle once more. Why don't they stay in their warm, safe attic? No explanation is offered, though a concluding page gives a bit more information about the species, including its actual modest size—belied here in some of the enlarged close-up views. The book is a competent, if sketchy, introduction to this common U.S./Canadian bat, and it will certainly attract readers. Since bats have been widely covered in both picture books and nonfiction titles for children, libraries should select this title as needed.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 4—Keller's story has been told countless times, so Cline-Ransome wisely keeps her focus tight, showing the developing relationship between Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The story opens with the sensory sensations of Helen's world: the feel of the warm spring breeze, the smell of a baking cake. A brief flashback explains the illness that left her deaf and blind, and the subsequent lack of communication that rendered her a wild and unmanageable child. Then the narrative transitions back to the moment when Sullivan enters her life and expects something more from her: an ability to learn. Told from Helen's point of view, the book takes readers from her dislike of this demanding stranger who continuously traces shapes in her palm, to her revelatory moment by the water pump, and finally to the realization that "Teacher" loves her. The author has chosen evocative details from Keller's life (she could feel "the jostle of the bumps along the road, but she couldn't see where they were going"). Some projection of thoughts necessarily happens, particularly in portraying the pre-lingual Helen, but Cline-Ransome is able to match the spirit of Keller's autobiographical writings. James Ransome cites John Singer Sargent as his inspiration for his bright, handsome paintings. An excellent, accessible introduction to a fascinating woman.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 4—It is difficult to think of a more patriotic combination than Cohan's lyrics and Rockwell's artwork, and this picture book introduces both to a new generation of children. In a short but interesting introduction, John Rockwell discusses his grandfather's long career and some of the common themes found in his pictures. This is followed by a series of spreads, each pairing a few lines from the famous song with a good-quality, full-color reproduction of a familiar Norman Rockwell illustration. The lyrics are then repeated, with a different painting for each phrase. The choice of images is thoughtful, in some places suggesting new and occasionally humorous meanings for the words. The text is artistically typeset in a large font reminiscent of printing during the mid-1900s. Matching borders tie the book together in a cohesive visual whole. Illustration credits are appended, with thumbnails of each picture and captions stating when and where it first appeared. This volume has great appeal for Rockwell's fans, but readers must be sensitive to the fact that it portrays an idealized, predominately white view of America. You're a Grand Old Flag (Walker, 2007), with Warren Kimble's attractive folk art, is a good alternative.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 3–6—Denham chronicles the lifelong spiritual journey of Saint Francis of Assisi in the conversational prose of a storyteller. The fictionalized account is divided into brief vignettes, each illuminating a key event in the man's life and illustrating how he modeled the compassionate ideology professed in the venerated Prayer of Saint Francis. The son of a cloth merchant, Francis spent his youth carousing with a gang of young nobles and dreamed of finding glory on the battlefield as a knight. When God spoke to him in a dream, he gave up his military aspirations and became Christ's knight instead, dedicating his life to the poor. The author touches upon the most celebrated episodes in Francis's life, including his sermon to the birds, his taming of the wolf of Gubbio, his creation of the first crèche, and his being marked with the stigmata. The narrative is accompanied by simple cartoon watercolor paintings. Francis is depicted as a shaggy-haired, smiling man clad at first in rich tunics and then in a plain brown robe tied with a length of rope. Denham prefaces the text with the Canticle of the Sun and rounds it out with The Call to Repentance. Young readers may enjoy this abbreviated overview of the saint's life but should rely on a more detailed source for reports.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 2–4—Bursting with kid appeal, these titles chronicle the use of horses in fighting fires and filming. Pages disseminate information with a paragraph of easy-to-read text; generous, clear photographs; and fun facts, highlighted by borders and a horse icon. Fetty offers a history lesson in the advancement of techniques for fighting fires, focusing mainly on the second half of the 1800s, when horsepower was used. Readers are enlightened about the daily life of a fire horse, including training, dangers, and retirement. The second book introduces celebrities such as Silver, Trigger, and Mister Ed and provides unusual facts about the challenges of making movies with large, four-legged creatures. Readers also learn about the commitment of the American Humane Society to ensure the safety of all equine actors. These books add a unique twist to a subject already popular.—Christine Lindsey, Lake Superior Primary School, Ashland, WI instead of Robin Henry, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX

Gr 2–4—This easy reader presents an episode from the life of an African American who took part in the American Revolution. The son of free African-American parents, 15-year-old James Forten was proud to be fighting for freedom from Great Britain. When the ship that he served on was captured, he was taken aboard the British warship Amphion as a prisoner, where he befriended the captain's son during a game of marbles. Impressed with Forten's bravery and kindness, Captain Bazely offered him an education and privileged life in Britain. Forten was no traitor, however, and chose the prison ship, where he spent seven months under terrible conditions. A preface and afterword supply more details about Forten's life before and after the war. Although there may be fictionalization, a bibliography with primary sources suggests the depth of the author's research. Orback's paintings add to the narrative's dramatic moments and provide period details, though the figures sometimes appear stiff. Forten's life has been covered at a slightly higher reading level in Eloise Greenfield's How They Got Over: African Americans and the Call of the Sea (HarperCollins, 2003). Figley's accessible account will prove useful in studies of the American Revolution and African-American history.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

K-Gr 2—A breezy picture book introduction to modes of North American transportation from foot power to space vehicle. The book is rich in descriptive language and follows a logical time line. Attention is given to travois (though illustrated, not defined), horses, ships, paddle wheelers, locomotives, streetcars, automobiles, planes, diesel trains, and rockets. Treatment of each development is brief. Print placement and size vary to emphasize selected phrases. Vivid, double-page spreads of artwork, rendered in rainbow colors, provide added details. This is a fun selection for reading or browsing and a nice supplement to units on the history of transportation.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

K-Gr 3—Clearly written text and bright-hued watercolor collage illustrations introduce the life cycle of that zip-a-dipping aerialist, the dragonfly, from newly laid eggs, through months of aquatic life as a nymph, to the final metamorphosis into a glitter-winged creature. Aspects of each stage of life are briefly highlighted in the storylike narrative ("Hello, hungry dragonfly nymph! You jut out your long toothy lip and grab small bugs and fish"). The word "mating" is never used, but an illustration of copulating pondhawks is described as "dragonfly partners sparking new life." Several final pages identify the species in the illustrations, and, in question-and-answer format, present frequently requested information. Simpler than Patrick Merrick's photo-filled Dragonflies (The Child's World, 2006), Glaser's offering is basic, attractive, and easy to read.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—These simple, educational narratives, suitable for reading aloud, are saved from being completely utilitarian by their colorful illustrations. There are no fact boxes, sidebars, or captions to distract early readers. The paintings are done in bright colors with an unusual but successful mix of realistic and folk-art styles. Though the approach is not as creative as that in Susan Campbell Bartoletti's The Flag Maker (Houghton, 2004); Lynn Curlee's Liberty (2000) and Capital (2003, both S & S); or Bill Martin and Michael Sampson's I Pledge Allegiance (Candlewick, 2002), it is effective in acquainting very young children with topics of national significance.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 3–6—"The butterfly was there/before any human art was made." Harley celebrates the beauty and life cycle of monarchs in 18 poems written in a variety of forms and illustrated with realistic, sometimes impressionistic, colored-pencil drawings. To emphasize the four stages of butterfly metamorphosis, four acrostics highlight appropriate terms spelled out in the first letter of each line of poetry ("NEW EGG," "CATERPILLAR," "CHRYALIS," and "IMAGO"). Other structures include haiku, sonnet, limerick, and a delightful abecedarian titled "Wintering Over" ("Amazing/Blazing/Clusters/Decorate/Entire/Forest/Groves...This/Unique,/Velvet-/Winged/X-odus/Yields/Zillions"). Arranged in a long sleek column, this selection is paired with a fine view of a dense cluster of monarchs in a tree in Mexico "Hanging/In/Jeweled/Kingdoms." An author's introduction comments on the structure of some of the poems and invites readers to describe a favorite butterfly in verse. Concluding notes touch back on each entry with bits of factual material about these insects and their behavior. The layout's generous white space adds inviting emphasis and clarity to both text and artwork. This collection offers versatile uses for poetry reading, writing lessons, or introducing natural-history units.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PreS—These board books introduce classic rhymes and songs. For Hey Diddle Diddle, Teapot, and Wee Willie Winkle, the music is included on the back cover. The familiar rhymes are accompanied by Kubler's watercolor illustrations of babies enacting the verses. In Hey Diddle Diddle!, they wear head-to-toe costumes of the cat, the dog, the cow, and the moon. There is a fine representation of youngsters of both genders, and varying ethnicities. Teapot features a baby wearing glasses and another with a cochlear implant. Children will enjoy learning these rhymes alongside Kubler's babies.—Richelle Roth, Wilmington Public Library, OH

K-Gr 3—Lighthearted verses provide a sense of wonder and joy with such age-old topics as backpacks, lunch bags, and erasers. Poets include Alice Schertle, J. Patrick Lewis, and David L. Harrison. Yoshikawa's bright cartoons are ebullient. Bruce Lansky's No More Homework! No More Tests! (Meadowbrook, 1997) is similar in tone, but Hamsters is for newly independent readers.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 3–5—This text provides an overview of why Earth's species are in trouble—habitat destruction, overhunting, trade in rare animals, and intra-habitat competition from non-native species. The author also discusses the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and the Endangered Species Act. There is an emphasis on the importance of the diversity of life, with an examination of how gene selection (through farming and modern science) plays a role. Irvine's overriding premise is that public awareness will do much to reduce harm to endangered and threatened creatures, and she suggests what people can do to change things for the better. "High-powered" terms at the front of the book, a glossary at the end, and terms sprinkled throughout, plus the many full-color photos, offer ample information for reports and independent study.—Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Mercer Island Library, WA

Pres-Gr 2—Numbers, colors, and gardening are combined in this vividly illustrated counting book. The story starts as Max and Josephine plant a garden, first 1 watermelon seed, then 2 pumpkin seeds, and so on all the way to 10. The phrase, "and they grew" follows mention of each new set of seeds. The graphic-style illustrations depict the seedlings as they grow, with an occasional gardening glove, tool, watering can, or young hand inserted into the scenes. After a center spread with colorful plants filling the pages to capacity and Max and Josephine busy at work, it's time for the harvest. The fruits and vegetables are so plentiful that they must be counted in tens: "ten watermelons, big and green, and twenty pumpkins, glowing orange." The vibrant colors and close-up views of the produce make it look delicious and irresistible. Later, on a cold winter night, the children turn "one hundred ears of corn" into "100s and 1000s of big, white crunchy puffs" of popcorn. Throughout the book, the text runs along the bottom of the double-paged illustrations, with the numerals, in bright colors, lining up beneath. This appealing book is great for classroom counting and discussions of seasons. Pair it with Lois Ehlert's Growing Vegetable Soup (Harcourt, 1987).—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

K-Gr 5—This book presents simple descriptive poems written by New York City schoolchildren paired with a variety of impressive, often evocative historical and contemporary fine-art photographs done in black and white and color. Rita Dove, who was a poet laureate of the United States from 1993 to 1995, writes in the introduction, "I think all of us have moments,/particularly in our childhood,/where we come alive,/maybe for the first time." One young poet says, "Fun feels like happy./Swinging feels like/dangling from the ceiling." A photograph shows two children swinging on ropes in front of a large housing complex in a run-down neighborhood in Northern Ireland in 1978. Two Chilean children dangle upside down from fence posts opposite a poem that is entitled, "Fun Is a Motion." There's a sweet photograph of Pablo Picasso holding his son Claude at the beach. The brief poem declares, "Papa!/I want to kiss the water./Let me go." A couple of quibbles: the individual authorship of the children is not acknowledged; instead they are named in a group photograph. Also, the ages of the writers are not matched with the individual poems. The photographers are identified in an addendum, and a map reveals the locations of the photographs. This is a lovely browsing book, beautifully and spaciously designed, that should appeal to both children and adults.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

K-Gr 2—This intensely bright and busy picture book gives a brief account of the Tour de France, the "hardest, longest, craziest, trickiest bike race ever," and the man who has broken the record seven consecutive times, Lance Armstrong. His experiences over several years have been condensed into a single event: for instance, he's stung by a bee, suffers a stomach virus, and crashes when a spectator's backpack gets too close. At the end of the book, there's a note from the athlete emphasizing his "never quit" message and an afterword with some background information about him and the Tour. Overall, this book is a good example of style suiting content. The famously chaotic race is illustrated with a dizzying amount of detail, so much so that readers are invited to pore over the computer-generated artwork to spot recurring images. Today's visually sophisticated kids, especially those who like slick animation, will gravitate to this equally slick book.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

K-Gr 1—Limited vocabulary accompanies full-page color photos that show, in brief terms, the processes described in these titles. Two sentences per page serve as the caption for the facing photo. Demolition indicates that sinks, doors, and windows are the only things salvaged from a building before it is destroyed. The book does not use the term "implode" when discussing the use of dynamite to destroy tall buildings. Tunnels makes no mention of the Chunnel, compares a tunnel to a mine, and implies that coal and gold are the only ores that are mined in them. Readers will likely misinterpret the word "clay" when the text discusses using clay or concrete on the sides of an excavation to "hold the soil in place." Both titles end abruptly. Strictly marginal buys.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 2–5—This revision of the 1997 edition begins with a description of the rows of oil lamps that are lit during this autumn festival. A map of India, marking four major cities and neighboring countries, is followed by a short explanation of the main elements of Hinduism. The book includes abbreviated retellings of the two stories told during the celebration—Rama's return after his long exile on the night of the new moon, and Krishna's defeat of the evil Narakasura, but it does not point out that Rama's story is told in northern India while Krishna's is predominately related in the south. Similarly, a short chapter titled "How Diwali Began" translates the name of the holiday as "Row of Lights" without differentiating between the southern Deepavali and northern Diwali. MacMillan mentions correctly, however, that Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and wealth, symbolizes the holiday for most Hindus today, making it an important time for businesses. Descriptions of family traditions such as holding a prayer ceremony to honor Lakshmi, decorating the house with designs made of colored rice flour, and special foods and clothes are written in direct, easy language. Some of the photos feature Indian Americans; others depict scenes from India. A photograph of the Golden Temple in Amritsar lacks the explanation that this is the sacred monument of the Sikhs. Celebrate Diwali (National Geographic, 2007) gives a more in-depth and accurate introduction to this important holiday.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School Library, New Delhi, India

K-Gr 2—"Consistent and well written" best describes these books, which cover their topics clearly. The layout is clean and colorful, and, with only four to six sentences per page, the texts are not overwhelming. Unfortunately, the eye-catching photographs and occasional drawings included on most pages do not add much information. Several pages contain a boxed "Fun Fact." As to be expected, there is some overlap between Electricity and Energy (e.g., coverage of power plants, batteries), but the books do not contradict one another or repeat information verbatim, making each one valuable. These titles will serve as great read-aloud introductions and will be useful to report writers. In addition, they will work well as hi/lo readers since they are not condescending or oversimplified.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

Gr 1–3—This fictionalized picture-book biography sketches Hansen's childhood years in Canada, his love of fishing and athletics, the car accident that paralyzed him from his waist down, and his many accomplishments using a wheelchair to get around. The text stops somewhat abruptly while he is still at university, leaving it to an afterword to tell more of his ongoing story. The book is well illustrated and offers a compelling and inspirational account of Hansen's fight to be as active as possible, mentioning his Man in Motion World Tour and his struggle to improve the quality of life for those with spinal-cord injuries. The text has few specifics, emphasizing instead Hansen's indomitable spirit and positive attitude, much encouraged by his father. Although limited in details, the book is definitely one to add to most collections because of its quality presentation of an important subject.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1–4—Presented as a spoof of the old This Is Your Life TV show, this book features Dahlia the dragonfly with mystery guests, including her mom, who tell about the various stages in the insect's life. Although the text (much of it in thought balloons) and the lively watercolor and ink cartoons are anthropomorphized and quite humorous, the information is well conveyed. The egg-laying process is discussed, but there is no explanation of mating per se. A question-and-answer page contributes additional material. This book is similar in tone to Doreen Cronin's Diary of a Worm (2003) and her other Diary… books (HarperCollins). Life Cycle, however, gives more information about the featured animal. Children will appreciate the humor, breezy text, and lively illustrations in Miller's book.—Lynda Ritterman, formerly at Atco Elementary School, NJ

Gr 2–4—All three of these books leave out key elements of the stories. Icarus begins as Minos commissions Daedalus to build a labyrinth for the Minotaur, "a strange creature…part human and part bull." The king is never pictured, and no reason is given for his refusal to let Daedalus leave Crete after completing his task. The Minotaur's origin is a mystery, an unfortunate omission considering that he is Minos's son. The comic-book-style illustrations are the book's strongest point. In Pandora, much of the motivation is missing, leaving the actions of the gods even more inscrutable than they normally appear, and the depth of the story is reduced by the attempt to render it appropriate for early readers. The lively comic-book-style illustrations capture the drama of Pandora's curiosity and the release of evil into the world, but Geraldine McCaughrean's collections do a better job of storytelling. The artwork in Medusa goes a long way in redeeming this otherwise confusing retelling, but the depiction of the human Medusa and the female goddesses seems more suited to an older audience than the reading level suggests. Polydectes's choice of Perseus to bring him the Gorgon's head appears superficially honorable; no mention is made of his hope that Perseus will be killed, leaving the king free to marry his mother. Perseus's use of the severed head to turn his enemies to stone and win his bride is omitted; the story ends with the pious discovery that "Medusa had beauty inside her after all." In all three books, the font is too small for beginning readers and the storytelling suffers from its controlled vocabulary and sentence structure.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 2–5—Newbery has grouped eight famous works together under appealing themes. The art in Scared is not too scary, and kids will find some of the stories surrounding the pieces interesting. In some cases there is not enough detail—one work is a painted wood "LARGE toy" of a tiger eating a soldier, but Newbery never states how large. Other artwork includes Picasso's Scène de Tauromachie, a woodcut by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, an Aztec mask, and a page from a 700-year-old book. In Smile, readers may be motivated to create their own masterpieces after seeing Claes Olderburg's Two Cheeseburgers. In both books, each spread contains a photo of the art and two or three short paragraphs about it and concludes with two pages about the art and artists. Words like "learnt," "dreamt," and "scrummy" indicate the books' British origin. These titles will find use with art teachers or where art books are in high demand.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

Gr 2–3— Oceans provides simple information regarding the health of the Earth's water sources. Facts about the need for the water from rivers, lakes, and oceans are introduced in plain language. Pollution, overfishing, and drought are touched on. Some oversimplifications may lead to confusion. On a page describing marine animals, the text notes that most live in shallow waters along coastlines. However, the accompanying illustrations include whales, tuna, and sharks. In Polluted Air, the causes and results of, and possible solutions to, the problem are examined. Colorful photographs and illustrations appear throughout. A rosy scenario of innovations that may solve the issue presents mostly Asian scenes, although no countries are identified. Marginal purchases.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

PreS-Gr 2—The premise of this alphabet book is that animal buttocks are a way to engage children in basic information about animal behavior. Fancy Butt (a peacock), Dirty Butt (a warthog), and Knight in Shining Armor Butt (an armadillo) are among the 26 creatures that are showcased in large watercolor cartoons and a brief paragraph. The book is most successful when it provides information specific to an animal's rear end. For example, the author explains how the Popping Butt (a bombardier beetle) mixes two chemicals inside its buttocks and uses it to spray its enemy. It falters on the discussion of Glowing Butt (a firefly), which is not accompanied by information about how it produces its glow. The book regularly loses its way when the page has nothing to do with a creature's buttocks at all. For instance, the Hairy Butt (a polar bear) has fur from head to toe. Despite its bright and amusing illustrations, this book suffers from a broad and shallow scope hanging on a slight gimmick.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 2–5—This clever and pleasing guide contains a wealth of information on horses, including history, breeds, care and grooming, equipment, riding, and shows. Facts and tips are presented in an imaginative and lively format. The excellent, realistic illustrations are colorful and accurate and even occasionally humorous. This volume also offers some tactile and visual elements that include a small flip book showing a horse's gaits, an English saddle whose flaps and stirrup leathers move, and several foldouts such as one that lists the major breeds around the world. Readers can look through a Dutch door to check out the interior of a stable and get detailed directions on mucking out a stall. There are lots of these surprises, including an envelope that contains a certificate awarding membership in the Horse and Pony Lovers' Club. This handbook deserves a blue ribbon for its appealing celebration of horses. It's a treat for browsing and an entertaining source for pertinent information.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 2–4—More a showcase for Strachan's art than a primer for students of ancient Egypt, this survey pairs brief explanatory comments with photos of 3-D clay and wood tableaux illuminated by dim, filtered light. After an opening that is addressed to adults, the present-tense text covers one topic per spread, from "The Nile River" through "Pyramids," "Mummification," and related spreads introducing Hatshepsut, Ramses the Great, and King Tut's tomb. The spread labeled "Book of the Dead" neither mentions nor depicts said book, presenting instead a gallery of gods. Though the toylike, generally bare-chested figures of humans and gods are rendered with a fair degree of realism in credible settings, the pyramids at Giza are seen in a distant, aerial view that doesn't capture their scale, and the nearby Sphinx sports an oddly new-looking head atop a crumbling body. There is no map, and the five-item source list is as perfunctory as the text. Consider this a supplementary purchase at best, as George Hart's Ancient Egypt (DK, 2003) is but one of many more informative and visually enticing introductions to the subject.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 1–4—The varieties of African-American ethnic heritage are often rendered invisible by the rigid construction of racial identity that insists on polarities. This collection of 12 poems makes the complexities of a layered heritage visible and the many skin shades celebrated. Read-aloud-sized spreads offer luminous artwork that complements the verses in which children speak of their various hues: "I am midnight and berries…" a child says in the title poem. In another selection, a boy recalls his Seminole grandmother who has given him the color of "red raspberries stirred into blackberries." In "Cranberry Red," a child asserts that "it's my Irish ancestors/Who reddened the Africa in my face," understanding that "When we measure who we are/We don't leave anybody out." The large illustrations match the lyrical poetry's emotional range. Cooper's method includes "pulling" the drawing out from a background of oil paint and glazes. With his subtractive method, he captures the joy of these children—the sparkle of an eye, the width of a grin, the lovely depths of their skin, and the light that radiates from within. This book complements titles that explore identity, such as Katie Kissinger's All the Colors We Are (Redleaf, 1994).—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

PreS-K—A prolific author presents 14 extended poems, many of them fun tongue twisters. Rufus, a dog, introduces his canine friends Lulu, Tucker, Stella, and Mops; dressed in colorful costumes, the pups act out familiar rhymes as if they were onstage. On the final page, Rufus asks readers to go back to the beginning to look for objects hidden within the illustrations. For example, in "Betty Botter," five cleverly disguised items begin with the letter "B"—a balloon, bone, boot, butterfly, and button. The lively artwork was created using watercolor, ink, and colored pencils. Each actor/pooch is a different breed; they all have priceless facial expressions and vary with the situations. Children will ask for repeated readings as they search for the pictures again and again.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 2–4—This is a beautifully photographed book about forests, forest fires, lumber, etc. The information is solid and the language is clear. However, the organization is lacking. The alphabet format is a stretch. A is for "All kinds of trees, all kinds of forest…." While the F entry is sensible ("Fire!"), Q is "Quiet [that] settles quickly after quitting time." X, that litmus test for all alphabet books, is clever, representing 2×4s, 26×s, etc. An alphabetized Fast Forestry Facts spread completes the text. Without an index or any organizational strength, this book is of limited use beyond being a lovely introduction to all things concerning forestry.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—It is a late-summer day, and the Rabbit family, dressed in long sleeves and hats, are off to the Butterfly Place. There, Bert the butterfly expert guides them through the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. There's plenty of easy-to-digest information here, with scientific vocabulary such as "molting" and "chrysalis" carefully explained. The family outing is a nicely done science lesson, filled with facts and extras at the end of the book. There's even a craft included. The cut-paper illustrations are technically quite well done, but a few inconsistencies are jarring. The family's clothing does not fit the season, and on one page showing the "beautiful green jewel" of a chrysalis, the pupa is quite blue. The simple and bright images are likely to appeal to a younger crowd than the text indicates. That said, the book still contains plenty of accessible information that may be useful for collections needing more butterfly materials.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 1–5—Weisburd recognizes the marriage between bare feet and summer, and many of these 27 poems describe seasonal experiences, such as the first day of vacation, walking on the beach, and turning cartwheels at dusk after a long, hot day. The themes vary from quiet and touching, as in "Camping," in which a father warms his child's cold bare feet beneath his shirt and against his warm chest, to wildly imaginative, as in "Vacant Houses," which compares unworn shoes to real estate and describes flip-flops as "great lakefront property/a drummer lives downstairs/so be prepared for swacking sounds." The selections vary in length and form, and effectively use nontraditional structure when describing the joys of jumping on a trampoline or drawing a self-portrait with one's feet. Children of various races and cultures are portrayed, and "Mehndi Party" beautifully describes Southeast Asian cultural traditions that might be unfamiliar to some readers. The light, breezy watercolor illustrations lend an impressionistic tone and are thoughtful accompaniments to the sunny poems. This collection is ideal for sharing between morning romps in the dewy grass and afternoon strolls on the beach.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI