(4) PS Illustrated by Jill Newton. Old MacDonald becomes Old MacNoah in this rhyming version of the biblical story. When the hungry animals spot dry land, everyone onboard lets out a heartfelt "YA-HOO! here / And a YA-HOO! there." A little potty humor in the text ("Here a POO! / There a POO!") isn't taken literally in the illustrations; thankfully, the animals' reactions make the point.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Jill Newton. In four brief stories with introductions to be read by adults then one easy-to-read sentence per page, Rita the chipmunk and Larry the porcupine try to dance together; Rita blows bubbles; Larry goes beachcombing; and Rita visits Larry's booth at the fair. Dynamic acrylic illustrations help beginners decipher the text, while the humorous punchlines provide an added incentive to keep reading.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) PS Illustrated by Jill Newton. In a cumulative tale, the barnyard animals quickly pass the news that "it's time"--the dog's puppies have been born. Although the story is predictable, the simple rhymed text has a repetitive refrain and soft illustrations that will appeal to a toddler audience. Reading tips for parents are included.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) PS Illustrated by Jill Newton. When Mother Hen loses her chicks, Mother Goose scolds her, but the other animals pitch in and help until eight babies are found--Mother Hen's four chicks, plus Mother Goose's four lost goslings. Mother Hen's confusion as more and more "chicks" are found will delight young listeners, as will the plump animals and pastoral landscapes in the broadly drawn art.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin