(2) K-3 Illustrated by Maya Ish-Shalom. With a storyteller's cadence, Schubert spins the tale of Nathan, a musically talented boy from a shtetl in Russia who leaves at age sixteen to study opera in Italy. After boarding the wrong ship, he finds himself in New York, but he manages to build a life there with the help of his singing. The life-altering mistake is treated as just a mix-up, and much of the text's tone is light, with the feel of a family story ("While he worked, there was always music in his head. Opera music--the music he yearned to sing"); per the author's note, Nathan is loosely inspired by the author's grandfather. Ish-Shalom's expansive digital illustrations, with their bright palette and simple shapes, include frequent musical notes and depict a cheerful, diverse early-twentieth-century New York. A welcome positive tale about a Jewish immigrant's experience; though it sometimes feels too upbeat, the story acknowledges its title character's difficulties (missing his family; scrimping and saving) and should work as a discussion starter.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Meisel. Dogs certainly do love cars. And they love walks and other dogs and napping and toys and so many things. Schubert expands on each thing that dogs love in her rhythmic free-verse text: "Dogs love school. // Sitting, staying, / lying down. / Coming when called. / Lots of 'good dog' treats. / Learning-- / and forgetting!" Enhancing the affectionate text's humor, Meisel's sprightly pen-and-ink, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations put those good boys and girls front and center.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Theodore III Taylor. Following a foreword by ballerina Misty Copeland, Schubert gracefully tells the story of Raven Wilkinson, the first African American ballet dancer to tour with a major company. From 1955–62, Wilkinson danced for Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo but faced prejudice whenever they traveled south. Heavy lines and shadows in the illustrations reinforce how injustice can weigh down even ethereal art such as ballet. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Raúl Colón. This picture book biography outlines folk legend Seeger's singing career, his participation in protests, his environmental work, and his "trouble" with the House Un-American Activities Committee, all with a focus on helping readers understand his essential spirit. Warm illustrations show Pete looking open and engaged, and lovingly depict the American landscape. An inspiring and heartfelt tribute to a "true American hero." Reading list, timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Gérard DuBois. In this biography of Marcel Marceau (alter-ego, mime Bip), declarative sentences artfully capture the performer's essence. The emphasis is on Marceau as an artist, but Schubert doesn't shy away from his persecution as a Jew during the Holocaust. DuBois's vigorous illustrations strikingly cast Marceau as a mostly white figure against black backgrounds. An afterword and miming tips are appended. Reading list.

Reviewer: Kathleen T. Horning | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Bonnie Christensen. Ruthie's grandmother is laid up with pneumonia. Unsatisfied by hospital food, she sends Ruthie home to prepare borscht. Luckily (or is it?) Grandma's neighbors offer their culinary expertise. Schubert's characters and their interactions feel entirely authentic. Christensen's illustrations, with sketchlike dark lines and subdued hues enhanced by beet-colored accents, reflect the comfortable disarray of Ruthie's family life. A recipe is included.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amanda Haley. Lucy asks her parents to teach her to read and write--for a secret reason. Bright, unfailingly cheery illustrations show her learning how by drawing pictures and studying the labels her parents make. At the end, readers discover why Lucy is so industrious (it has to do with her misbehaving dog). There's not a lot of tension, but the story is pleasant enough.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrea U'Ren. "'What are you doing?' the little girl asked." A young girl watches her mother care for their sheep throughout the year. The brief rhyming text highlights the stages of yarn production, from sheep shearing to spinning and dyeing wool. The final product: a warm sweater for the girl. The cozy illustrations capture the loving relationship between mother and daughter.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by William Benedict. Each of these books tells four simple stories. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by the adult) before each story that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping their beginning reader gain confidence.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by William Benedict. Each of these books tells four simple stories. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by the adult) before each story that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping their beginning reader gain confidence.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli