(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kenard Pak. A young girl watches animals near her pond settling in for the night, while imaginative rhyming verses describe the creatures' dreams (e.g., Little Snake envisions himself as the tail of a high-flying kite). Then the girl's own dream features a friendly visit from all the animals. Pastel-colored watercolor and digital illustrations of the lush green setting enhance the whimsical dreams.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kenard Pak. What creatures do flowers attract, and what purpose do animals and insects serve in the life cycle of flowering plants? It's all about pollination. Short rhymed couplets and wide, striking floral habitat illustrations are combined with straightforward information on an array of variously colored, patterned, scented, and shaped flowers, with a bit about their pollinators. Observation tips and additional facts are included.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kenard Pak. Backyard bird songs are highlighted in onomatopoetic ("chiddik, chiddik"; "caw! caw!") rhyming text. The star of the gently repetitive story, though, is the brooding robin. She makes no sound that might draw predators to her nest while incubating eggs. Spare illustrations depict various bird species, and two inquisitive children are observers throughout. Appended questions are addressed to the robin, who answers in the first person.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) PS Illustrated by Ponder Goembel. All the mamas on the farm have to leave their babies on occasion; in this story, they always return. The text's reassuring message, reinforced in a gentle refrain, is brought home by a farmer mama reunited with baby at the end of the day. Though the humans are a little stiff, readers will be drawn to the realistic-looking animals.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Terry Widener. "Nonna's porch is very still, / Except for the sound of..." is the refrain that begins each spread and exposes anything but stillness. Birds "cheer cheer," chipmunks "chip," and running feet "pitta-pat" as the quiet builds to a crescendo at a family feast, then simmers down to the "creak" of the rocker. Rich acrylics and an elegantly simple text keep eyes and ears happily occupied.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen