(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jill Calder. This informative volume achieves exactly what its title purports to do and any library would do well to add it to their collection. Those teaching or studying poetry should also find it valuable, both for its insights regarding interpretation and creation and for its range of poetic examples by classic British and American poets. Loose black-and-white spot illustrations add kid-friendliness. Websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Tony Ross. Rosen employs a school production of A Christmas Carol as a device to suggest how a workaholic father withdrawn from his family may end up as lonely as Scrooge. The novel alternates young Harry's onstage experiences with scenes about his father's distance. The bad-dad story line seems aimed mostly at parents; however, Harry's sister Eva, who parallels Tiny Tim, is a gem. Christmas activities and songs are appended.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stan Fellows. Spare and contemplative horse haiku are arranged into three sections: "In the Field," "At the Barn," and "Under Saddle." Each evocative poem captures a particular moment or impression: horses huddled against the snow, a tail twitching away a fly, a horse cantering prettily around a ring. Fellows's watercolor and pencil illustrations in earthy colors perfectly sketch the allure of horses. "A note on the haiku" is appended.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 In profiles of two dozen species, Rosen emphasizes the importance of adaptation in terms of evolution and species survival. Clear prose explains the behaviors of each animal and the functions of its more unusual characteristics, including elaborate ears, noses, and jaws; sidebars provide additional facts and explanations. Multiple photographs of each species emphasize their features. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Reel Time series. While part of a series on fishing, this title concentrates on fish as an animal group. The volume discusses anatomical features and senses that help fish survive; food sources; and the types of freshwater fish most in demand by fishermen, including perch, trout, carp, and bass. Large color photos complement an informative, easy-to-read text. An activity explains how to clean caught fish. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Reel Time series. These books about fishing will guide readers on selecting the best equipment and bait, choosing the "perfect spot" and best time to fish, strategizing and reading signs (such as water flow and fish behavior), and what to do when catching a fish. Large color photos complement the informative, easy-to-read texts. An activity related to each title's topic is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Reel Time titles: Fishing Gear, Gone Fishing, The Perfect Spot, Tackling the Box, and Take the Bait.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Reel Time series. These books about fishing will guide readers on selecting the best equipment and bait, choosing the "perfect spot" and best time to fish, strategizing and reading signs (such as water flow and fish behavior), and what to do when catching a fish. Large color photos complement the informative, easy-to-read texts. An activity related to each title's topic is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Reel Time titles: Fishing Gear, Gone Fishing, The Perfect Spot, Tackling the Box, and Take the Bait.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Reel Time series. These books about fishing will guide readers on selecting the best equipment and bait, choosing the "perfect spot" and best time to fish, strategizing and reading signs (such as water flow and fish behavior), and what to do when catching a fish. Large color photos complement the informative, easy-to-read texts. An activity related to each title's topic is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Reel Time titles: Fishing Gear, Gone Fishing, The Perfect Spot, Tackling the Box, and Take the Bait.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Reel Time series. These books about fishing will guide readers on selecting the best equipment and bait, choosing the "perfect spot" and best time to fish, strategizing and reading signs (such as water flow and fish behavior), and what to do when catching a fish. Large color photos complement the informative, easy-to-read texts. An activity related to each title's topic is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Reel Time titles: Fishing Gear, Gone Fishing, The Perfect Spot, Tackling the Box, and Take the Bait.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Reel Time series. These books about fishing will guide readers on selecting the best equipment and bait, choosing the "perfect spot" and best time to fish, strategizing and reading signs (such as water flow and fish behavior), and what to do when catching a fish. Large color photos complement the informative, easy-to-read texts. An activity related to each title's topic is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Reel Time titles: Fishing Gear, Gone Fishing, The Perfect Spot, Tackling the Box, and Take the Bait.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Patton. Each of a dozen spreads begins with a note to Ms. Mary Math from a different (fictional) child with a nonstandard math-related question (e.g., "Can the raindrops squish [mosquitoes]?"). Alongside Ms. Math's spirited answers are illustrations that finesse the humor in the kids' questions (e.g., an anthropomorphized raindrop terrorizes a mosquito). Back matter expands on Ms. Math's replies. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Maria Cristina Pritelli. A dialogue (in different typefaces) between a Venetian boy and a fictional scribe relates episodes from Marco Polo's travels. While the text, accompanied by intriguing paintings in muted tones, focuses more on the nature of "truth" in storytelling than on the adventures themselves, the handsome book could inspire further research on Marco Polo's life and exploration.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) YA With Daniel Carlson. Rosen outlines the history of assorted personality tests' development and explores uses and misuses. Emphasis is placed on uncovering ways to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. "Try It" boxes let readers sample questions from each of a number of tests. Relevant diagrams clarify points. Colorful borders, photos, and glossy pages give the book an approachable feel. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) PS Illustrated by Chris Riddell. "I've got a sausage / You've got a pie. / I can't whistle / And I don't know why." Rosen's nonsensical poetry collection is loaded with rhythm, repetition, and silliness. An array of animated animals, monsters, and children decorate the pages in Riddell's illustrations; a large trim size and dynamic layout complete the package. A sure hit for toddlers at read-aloud time.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) PS Illustrated by Gillian Tyler. In this simple, entertaining rhyme, each of a diverse group of children names a ride he or she likes, from a train to a cloud. For traveling together, however, everyone declares, "But the best is the bus. / The bus is for us." Lively watercolor illustrations show children using their separate rides, then happily driving off together on their bus.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Stan Fellows. A Florida family--mother, father, and ten-year-old boy--vacationing in Appalachian Ohio gets caught outside in a blizzard. All seems lost until a cattle dog catches the family's scent and leads them to safety. Rosen's story is told in vivid third person, mainly by observing the brave dog and the frightened family. Impressionistic watercolor illustrations underscore the danger.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA "Place hacking" can include urban exploration "in off-limits spaces" (e.g., an abandoned building) or infiltration of a high-profile private event such as the White House state dinner. Unique, eye-catching photographs will draw in teen readers, but the choppy, pretentious text may turn them off. An interview with an urban explorer and persuasive writing activities conclude the volume. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lee White. Alternating between "Inside" and "Outside," each poem's title is simply the breed name--Maine Coon, Japanese Bobtail, Scottish Fold--while the haiku captures its essence. Each poem is paired with digitally created illustrations with light touches of collage, patterns, and playful scratched lines. An appendix gives additional breed information.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Katharine McEwen. In this story-within-a-story, Dad reads Send for a Superhero! to Emily and little Elmer at bedtime. The silly comic-book parody stars Brad 40, a clear-thinking boy who helps save the day, and Extremely Boring Man, the most ridiculous superhero ever. Text and art shift smoothly between superhero action and bedtime antics--one funny for its off-brand superheroes, the other for its recognizable family dynamics.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2014

(3) YA Approachable format, attractive design, and breezy writing make this look at the science of sex differences both appealing and informative. Rosen highlights current research around varied intriguing topics such as what makes each gender laugh, which is more likely to be struck by lightning, and which sex is more attractive to mosquitoes. Back matter points to more in-depth material. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth