(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Litchfield. A “big, fierce troll” lives inside a cave, shouting “Leave me alone!” Everyone does, except for one boy, who encourages him to emerge through partially finished chalk drawings in front of the cave. When the “troll” finally ventures out, “they draw the world together.” Accompanied by brilliantly colored, gorgeous digital illustrations, the story conveys the power of kindness; of paying attention; and of using art to connect and heal.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. Young Clara wants to be a proper Christmas tree fairy, but every time she tries to hold still at school she sings, dances, or laughs instead. Just as Clara's given up hope, Santa solicits her help for the Christmas show, which needs a special fairy just like her. The rhyming text's lilting quality keeps the story light and jovial alongside jewel-toned mixed-media illustrations.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. Young Betty, who's "always in a muddle," has trouble mastering basic fairy skills such as sprinkling dewdrops. However, because she's kind to other creatures, they return the favor and she wins the title of "Fairiest Fairy" after all. The mixed-media illustrations portray the fairies-in-training not as ethereal but as typical sneaker-wearing, pig-tailed, bespectacled schoolchildren (with wings), which helps offset the rhyming text's saccharine tone.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert