(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Slavin & Esperança Melo. After his attempts to score cool points fail, new-toad-in-town Thomas sets his sights on being a bully, figuring it will win him popularity; it doesn't. Instead, he tries friendship, tricking a true bully into leaving a little toad alone. Humor abounds here, but Thomas is no stooge: the studied acrylics make vivid the evolution of his thinking.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Bill Slavin & Esperança Melo. This newly updated book presents an account of the Canadian flag's history, from a multitude of banners flown over different territories and provinces to the easily recognized maple leaf flag of today. The effort necessary to create a common flag for such diverse regions is emphasized. Peppy illustrations depict historical events with a light tone. Suggestions for activities are appended. Websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Esperança Melo. When scatterbrained baker Madame Croissant gets an important order for five hundred cupcakes, she scrambles to fill it. Her granddaughter, who's never baked before, tries to help but causes a mess. Fortunately, the bakery's faithful delivery dog, Mister Dash, comes to the rescue. The acrylic illustrations are charming, but the story, though it has its funny moments, lacks continuity.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Esperança Melo. A boy who is teased for his small size desperately wants to win a race, the winner of which gets a pair of sneakers. That he wins the race is no surprise; what he does with his prize is. The plot and pacing are faultless--not so the characterizations (the book features cartoon bullies) and the visuals (characters' facial expressions are overdramatized).

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Slavin & Esperança Melo. A rabbit student daydreaming during geography class envisions seven color-themed bodies of water; for example, the Yellow Sea: "They say it's made of lemonade / and quite all right to sip." Vivid-hued (bordering on garish) textured paintings on gessoed paper illustrate the rhymes. Facts about real seas and oceans complete the somewhat amusing package. Reading list.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 Kids Can Do It series. Illustrated by Esperança Melo. After an introduction to knitting basics, different stitches are described and illustrated. The ten projects that follow can be attempted by either a beginner or more advanced knitter. The projects are kid-friendly (sassy scarf, silly slippers) and can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. The detailed color illustrations and photographs effectively guide readers through the step-by-step process.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford