(4) PS Illustrated by Amélie Graux. A young boy reacts to a new baby. At first, he's upset: everyone oohs and aahs when the baby wiggles but ignores him. Gradually, he realizes his own skills--using the toilet, eating real food, teaching the newcomer--and looks forward to his "BIG plans" for their future. The illustrations' bright colors and expressive, googly-eyed characters reflect the book's sunny but familiar message.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. "Most people believe that dinosaurs are long gone. But not me." So says a boy who is convinced that his beloved dinos are hiding in our midst. It's an affectionate and thought-provoking narrative--the kid considers the pros and cons of the dinos revealing themselves--matched by truly funny watercolors (e.g., of a nervous-looking dinosaur masquerading as a store Santa).

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 History of Fun Stuff series. Illustrated by Rob McClurkan. Hot chocolate is a treat with a long history. This entertaining, fact-filled book walks independent readers through the evolution of the delicious drink. Like previous books in this series, retro-style cartoon illustrations and large-font text are nicely laid out on bright pages. A quiz and information about rainforests, foods from the Americas, and other traded goods round out the back matter.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) K-3 History of Fun Stuff series. Illustrated by Daniel Guidera. Who were the first people to make ice cream, and how is it made today? Is pizza really from Italy, and how much of it do Americans eat every year? Such questions are answered in these peppy, fact-filled easy readers. Retro-style cartoon illustrations and large-font text are nicely laid out on bright pages. Additional cultural information, science connections, and quizzes round out each volume. Review covers these History of Fun Stuff titles: The Deep Dish on Pizza! and The Scoop on Ice Cream!.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Pascal Campion. One Christmas tree doesn't have the physical allure of its neighbors, and its unbridled enthusiasm isn't enough to catch the attention of shoppers. Then comes a faint jingling sound...and the little tree finds a home way up north. Campion's bright digital illustrations imbue the skimpy tree with personality, while stark scenes of its isolation elicit empathy. A satisfying, hopeful holiday offering.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(3) PS Illustrated by Sara Gillingham. Krensky celebrates the increasing independence of toddlers and their pride of accomplishment. The rhyming texts are accompanied by Gillingham's retro illustrations that feature dots, spots, and crosshatching patterns. The less-than-saturated colors add a used-and-loved feel to the books that is sweetly nostalgic without being overly sentimental. Review covers these titles: I Can Do It Myself! and Now I Am Big!.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS Illustrated by Sara Gillingham. Krensky celebrates the increasing independence of toddlers and their pride of accomplishment. The rhyming texts are accompanied by Gillingham's retro illustrations that feature dots, spots, and crosshatching patterns. The less-than-saturated colors add a used-and-loved feel to the books that is sweetly nostalgic without being overly sentimental. Review covers these titles: I Can Do It Myself! and Now I Am Big!.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Joe Morse. Dynamic drawings of players and fans are the stars of this story about a boy who's able to attend Jackie Robinson's first Major League game only because his father's colleague doesn't want to see an African American play for the Dodgers. There's some heavy-handedness to the text, but the book provides a decent entry for discussions about prejudice.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Josée Bisaillon. In 1835, newsboys Jake and Charlie sell lots of New York Sun papers thanks to a story about animals on the moon. (The newspaper truly ran this hoax report.) While adults marvel at the "news," the boys engage in daydreamy dialogues about it. The text can be abstract and wordy, but it's generally engaging. Brown- and sepia-heavy collages establish the gritty milieu.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dean Morrissey. Rollie, a small field mouse with big dreams, leaves home and discovers an ailing wizard. By finding a magical fish, Rollie restores the wizard's powers and protects the kingdom. The story has potential, but its resolution comes too easily. Lack of much conflict robs the small hero of any real achievement. Morrissey's luminous illustrations, however, are dazzling.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) K-3 History Speaks: Picture Books Plus Reader's Theater series. Illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau. This series informs readers about specific events in American history through vignettes starring made-up or real characters. The texts, though easy to follow, include unconvincing invented dialogue. Illustrations of varying quality accompany the stories. Appended "Reader's Theater" sections provide room for further research, elaboration, and performance. The series could be useful in classrooms to engage reluctant historians. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos. Review covers these History Speaks titles: Annie Shapiro and the Clothing Workers' Strike, John Greenwood's Journey to Bunker Hill, and Lizzie Newton and the San Francisco Earthquake.

Reviewer: Ashleigh Finn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kathi Ember. Unlike the other animals, Violet, a snake, doesn't know what to prepare for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. After some thought and much practice, she twists herself into a heart shape to show her mother how she feels. The story is bland and has a slow start, but the acrylic illustrations of forest animals are mildly amusing.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rogé. Krensky retells the story of Noah's ark as a pourquoi tale to explain why each animal makes its own special sound. The narration includes plenty of animal noises and a hearty dose of humor. The vibrant figures in the illustrations suit the lively text, especially when the critters make the "wrong" sounds (e.g., snakes saying "quack").

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. Chaucer, a bear cub, decides not to hibernate so he can discover the joys of wintertime. Glimpses of his parents reveal that they, too, have skipped hibernation to keep an eye on the cub. The story, while not particularly original, is full of lively illustrations showing Chaucer and his animal friends. This paper-over-board edition is notable for its bargain price.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Henry Cole. Chaucer, a bear cub, decides not to hibernate so he can discover the joys of wintertime. The story, while not particularly original, is full of lively illustrations showing Chaucer and his animal friends sledding, ice-skating, and tossing snowballs. An occasional glimpse of Chaucer's parents reveals that they, too, have skipped hibernation so they can keep an eye on the curious cub.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Stacy Curtis. A cat fixes a snack, which attracts a rat. When the rat tries to trick the cat to get the snack, he's caught and becomes part of the snack himself. Rhyming words, short sentences, and integration of the cartoon art and text make this appropriate for beginning readers. The rat's fate may be a bit of a jolt for more sensitive children.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) 4-6 Beginning with a clear definition of innovation, this title introduces the men and women behind the inventions and improvements that have originated in Boston since 1630. From medical advancements and machinery to education, literature, and chocolate chip cookies, Krensky's chronological telling highlights Boston's vast contributions to the world. Archival photographs, paintings, and maps enhance the text. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stacey Schuett. During the War of 1812, a lighthouse keeper's daughters spot a British warship approaching. The fast-thinking sisters trick the British marines (portrayed as buffoons) into believing that American soldiers are advancing by playing "Yankee Doodle" on a fife and drum. Bold-hued double-page spreads make use of light and shadow to enhance this historic drama based on a true incident.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Wil Clay. This text-heavy narrative introduces young readers to the renowned African American botanist, researcher, and teacher. Krensky stresses Carver's love of nature from childhood on and provides information about Carver's main area of interest: properties and uses of plants. Painterly illustrations imbue the subject with dignity. Timeline.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amanda Haley. Timid dragon Spark joins the fire department to face his fear of flames. An act of heroism helps Spark banish that fear forever. Along the way he delivers some fire-safety tips, and budding firefighters will appreciate the technical information (though the one-note joke about a dragon afraid of fire cools as the book progresses). Bright, cartoonlike illustrations effectively mirror the cheerful text.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem