(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Moody full-scale oil paintings placed on the right-hand pages of this brief picture book show the misery of soldiers encamped at Valley Forge in the winter of 1778. While the pictures do a good job of capturing specific moments, the choppy, dauntingly dense text doesn't provide readers with a complete account. Relevant sidebars appear occasionally. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Pamela Patrick. An Amish boy describes the way that he cares for his family's horses and the work that the animals do on the farm. When his father decides that they need another horse, the boy gets to accompany him to the auction. The story, sprinkled with dialect, and attractive artwork offer an interesting look at Amish life. Glos.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pamela Patrick. Although the quality of the artwork is inconsistent, both the illustrations and text provide an interesting glimpse into the life of the same young Amish narrator of An Amish Wedding. Lizzie has daily chores and helps with spring planting, summer haymaking, and autumn canning but also has fun with other Amish children. Much information is included in the text, but an author's note offers additional facts about the culture.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. In clear prose, Ammon describes how Conestoga wagons were built, driven, and used in early America. Farnsworth's paintings and line drawings accurately depict the technology as well as the rough terrain of the time. Children fascinated with trucks and trains will enjoy this book about the Conestogas, the trucks of their day. Bib.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pamela Patrick. Anna's little sister describes the preparations for and celebration of Anna's wedding day. The narrator mentions a few customs whose significance is not fully clear to the reader, such as the bride stepping over a broom and wearing a black cap for the wedding, but overall the picture book offers an interesting look at a traditional Amish ceremony. The artwork is a bit uneven: some characters look almost photorealistic, while other figures are rather sketchy.

Reviewer: Anne St. John