(4) 4-6 Graphic Library: Cartoon Nation series. Illustrated by Charles III Barnett. Here's a painless introduction to U.S. government: basic facts are interspersed with anecdotes supported by cartoons (e.g., the president and his Cabinet squished all together into a cabinet; a candidate on a treadmill "running" for reelection). One only wishes all the supplemental info boxes, sidebars, and definitions didn't create such a visual racket. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Graphic Library: Cartoon Nation titles: The U.S. Congress, Political Elections, and The American Presidency.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kristina Rodanas. The Christmas song is set firmly in the Middle East with the boy narrator playing a traditional darbuka. While most of the main characters have dark eyes and complexions, Mary is a slightly jarring exception. Nevertheless, the realistic watercolor and pencil illustrations convey the affectionate connections between the characters. The "pa-rum-pum-pum-pum" refrain has been set in gray type, a pleasing design choice. Music is appended.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson