(4) K-3 Illustrated by Carol Benioff. With warm spring rains coming down, Evan wonders if this evening will be the highly anticipated "Big Night," when spotted salamanders come out of hibernation. He and his family help the salamanders safely cross the road to find their vernal pool breeding spot. Occasionally awkward art won't interfere with readers getting to the book's solid information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Carol Benioff. After her grandmother dies, Chloe doesn't even want to look at the "thingamajigs," Grandma's handmade Christmas ornaments. Gradually, Chloe and her grandfather begin to cope with loss and change, strengthened by their Christmas traditions and cheered by a new thingamajig, thoughtfully provided by Grandma before her death. The illustrations reinforce the story's poignancy.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert