(3) K-3 Illustrated by David LaRochelle. Bookstore owner Mr. Brown has a crush on his new assistant, Miss Button, but he is too shy to ask her to dinner. Cobweb the cat and her mice friends conspire to bring the two of them together, just in time for Valentine's Day. This companion to The Bookstore Ghost and The Bookstore Burglar is illustrated by a different artist, but the cartoonlike art has the same cheerful simplicity.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Those who are familiar with The Bookstore Ghost will appreciate this sequel, in which Cobweb the cat spots a burglar stealing the spare key to the store but can't communicate this vital information to the owner. Fortunately, with the help of the "ghost"--the store mice--all turns out well in the end. Westcott's cheerful cartoonlike artwork adds humor and interest to this simple story.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) PS Illustrated by Andrew Kulman. When Mom needs a break from city noise, the family sets out for a visit to Uncle Jack's farm. At daybreak, it becomes evident that the country is a loud place, too. Buoyant text captures the din of city traffic and farmyard animal sounds. Bold, vigorous images are rendered in varied perspectives and are well suited to the lively narrative.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(4) PS Illustrated by Lisa Flather. A young girl and her favorite teddy bear share typical activities, including swinging, walking in the rain, and bedtime at the end of a busy day. The large, bold typeface and simple repetitive text suit the preschool audience, though the story is not especially original. The double-page illustrations in pastels, colored pencil, and gouache convey the pair's special relationship.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott. When customers begin to shy away from Mr. Brown's bookstore because of an overabundance of mice, he gives the cat an ultimatum. Instead of catching the mice, however, the cat hatches a plan to change Mr. Brown's mind and enlists the rodents' help. Westcott's cheery watercolors are more engaging than the lackluster text.

Reviewer: Anne St. John