(4) K-3 Illustrated by Katherine Zecca. The state flora and fauna of Mississippi are highlighted in this adaptation of the counting song "Over in the Meadow." The new verses occasionally strain to fit the song's original meter. Expressive illustrations emphasize the beauty of the iconic plants and wildlife, including the magnolia tree, red fox, mockingbird, swallowtail, and white-tailed deer. More information on the featured species and musical arrangement appended.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) PS Illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair. In this adaptation of a traditional song, a simple and repetitive text introduces special foods from Kentucky (burgoo, spoon bread, etc.) along with the days of the week. The colorful though lifeless collage art offers an opportunity for counting. Music is included.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) PS Illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair. Downing (Today Is Monday in Texas, Today Is Monday in Louisiana) turns her attention to New York's eats. Highlighted foods include apples (state fruit), pastrami, Buffalo wings, and bagels and lox. Textured collages with oddly blank-faced people accompany the story. The refrain "All you lucky children, come and eat it up" is better as a song lyric than text (music is appended).

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) PS Illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair. Downing adapts a traditional song and runs through the days of the week to introduce the diverse culinary heritage of Texas--pan de campo (recipe included), chicken-fried steak, chili, sweet onions, grapefruit, barbecue, and strudel. Textured collages with oddly blank-faced people accompany the writing. The refrain "All you lucky children, come and eat it up" is better as a song lyric than text.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair. Downing uses the tune of the folk song "Aiken Drum" (not always successfully in terms of rhythm) to describe a man made entirely from traditional New Orleans and Louisiana foods (hair is rice, eyes are red beans, body is a king cake, etc.). Collage illustrations showing Chef Creole growing bit by bit help identify unfamiliar foods. Music is included. Glos.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) PS Downing adapts a traditional tune, including lyrics related to the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, foods of Louisiana ("My aunt came back from New Orleans / and she brought me back a bag of red beans"). It's a slight offering, enlivened by very simply composed collage illustrations, which look like cut paper or felt. A pronunciation guide and musical notation are included. Glos.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith