(2) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Levine's appended note reveals the story's inspiration--"I have often wished that we could build up a bit more [Hanukkah] mythology"--and to that end, he invents Nate Gadol, a larger-than-life, Paul Bunyan-esque figure who "in answer to people's prayers...made things last as long as they needed to." We follow Nate's relationship with the Glaser family, eighteenth-century European emigres. As the Glasers struggle to make a new life in America, provide for their children, and assist their neighbors, the O'Malleys, Nate watches over them, and even helps invent the concept of Hanukkah gift-giving (Santa makes a cameo appearance; he and Nate go "way, way back"). Hawkes's painterly acrylic illustrations help deliver a setting both realistic and wondrous.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katie Kath. During Noah's visits to his grandparents' house, Grandpa is ready with a song for every occasion. But then, to Noah's dismay, Grandpa starts having episodes of forgetfulness and confusion, which are portrayed in the evocative illustrations as a gray wash stealing color from the cheerful scene. The poignant story balances sadness with courage, as Grandma helps them both make the best of the situation.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. Zach, a bear child warned to stay away from people, has a loose tooth and wonders whether the tooth fairy is a bear or a person. Mother bear's reassurance--"a bear can be anyone," and "anyone can be a bear"--is odd. All's well, though, as a "very bear-y" tooth fairy fills her traditional role; soft watercolor and graphite illustrations contain some confusing touches.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) PS Illustrated by Julian Hector. An omniscient narrator standing in for any mom or dad counts down the work days until week's end, when (most) children can spend time with their parents. This rhyming book about parental love manages to pull heartstrings without being maudlin. Hector tenderly depicts six families so different in composition and appearance that most every reader will see his or her reality reflected.

Reviewer: Nell Beram