(3) 4-6 Very Important People series. Illustrated by Jen Bricking. Accompanied by frequent blue- and gray-tone illustrations, this accessible biography covers a lot of ground, beginning with Jemison's childhood dream of becoming a scientist and the lack of support for a Black girl in the 1960s to even consider that dream. Jemison was "the first woman of color anywhere in the world to be chosen to be an astronaut," and, throughout her life, her belief in her abilities helped her persevere despite others' prejudice. Sidebars expand on topics in the text (e.g., "10 things women couldn't do in the 1960s and 1970s," "Important Civil Rights Protests," space shuttle facts) and introduce notable figures (Sally Ride, "The First Black Astronauts"). Back matter includes two timelines (Jemison's and "Women in Spaceflight"), brief bios of four African American women in STEM, a bibliography, and a reading list.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ipek Konak. Shine a light behind recto pages of this series entry to explore in and around a library; for example, viewers see what's behind the book return slot ("All the books land in bins like this one"). While verso page text unfortunately also shows through, the Q-and-A format and flashlight hook should engage young readers. Clear, approachable illustrations feature a diverse group of people enjoying the library.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 1-3 Read & Bloom series. Illustrated by Laura Zarrin. In this beginning chapter-book series, owl detectives Wallace and Grace help solve mysteries for the other forest animals. The two friends are careful to be fair and thorough, and the stories emphasize teamwork and honesty. Easy-to-read sentences include lots of dialogue; vocabulary words are somewhat awkwardly defined in the text. Color illustrations show the characters' personalities and help with comprehension. Review covers these titles: Wallace and Grace and the Cupcake Caper, Wallace and Grace and the Lost Puppy, and Wallace and Grace Take the Case.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 1-3 Read & Bloom series. Illustrated by Laura Zarrin. In this beginning chapter-book series, owl detectives Wallace and Grace help solve mysteries for the other forest animals. The two friends are careful to be fair and thorough, and the stories emphasize teamwork and honesty. Easy-to-read sentences include lots of dialogue; vocabulary words are somewhat awkwardly defined in the text. Color illustrations show the characters' personalities and help with comprehension. Review covers these titles: Wallace and Grace and the Cupcake Caper, Wallace and Grace and the Lost Puppy, and Wallace and Grace Take the Case.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 1-3 Read & Bloom series. Illustrated by Laura Zarrin. In this beginning chapter-book series, owl detectives Wallace and Grace help solve mysteries for the other forest animals. The two friends are careful to be fair and thorough, and the stories emphasize teamwork and honesty. Easy-to-read sentences include lots of dialogue; vocabulary words are somewhat awkwardly defined in the text. Color illustrations show the characters' personalities and help with comprehension. Review covers these titles: Wallace and Grace and the Cupcake Caper, Wallace and Grace and the Lost Puppy, and Wallace and Grace Take the Case.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 1-3 Amazing Stardust Friends series. Illustrated by Diane Le Feyer. This early chapter-book series explores the friendship among a group of young circus performers. In Spotlight, Marlo tries to fit in after recently joining the circus. Allie's quest for fame in Star affects her ability to be a team player. These stories are as insubstantial as cotton candy, but the fast-paced plots and peppy black-and-white illustrations will hold independent readers' interest. Review covers these Amazing Stardust Friends titles: Be a Star! and Step into the Spotlight.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) 1-3 Amazing Stardust Friends series. Illustrated by Diane Le Feyer. This early chapter-book series explores the friendship among a group of young circus performers. In Spotlight, Marlo tries to fit in after recently joining the circus. Allie's quest for fame in Star affects her ability to be a team player. These stories are as insubstantial as cotton candy, but the fast-paced plots and peppy black-and-white illustrations will hold independent readers' interest. Review covers these Amazing Stardust Friends titles: Be a Star! and Step into the Spotlight.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meredith Hamilton. This art history survey for children begins with the Lascaux cave paintings and traces great artists and works, anecdotally and chronologically, to Andy Warhol, with a concluding spread briefly noting contemporary artists. Color, perspective, geometry, and museum information are considered between chapters. The ambitious, well-organized compendium includes relevant sidebars, playful illustrations, and many reproductions on cleanly designed pages. Five coloring sheets are included. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Easy Cookbooks for Kids series. Each book features recipes in the title category from eleven different countries (one recipe per country with some overlap across volumes). With photos of children preparing and enjoying appetizing international foods, cuisine is presented as a way to understand world cultures and tastes. Capsule introductions to the countries, cook's tips, and added facts about food enrich the lively magazine-like presentation. Safety reminders are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Easy Cookbooks for Kids titles: Easy Desserts from Around the World, Easy Main Dishes from Around the World, Easy Snacks from Around the World, Easy Breakfasts from Around the World, Easy Lunches from Around the World, and Easy Vegetarian Foods from Around the World.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Easy Cookbooks for Kids series. Each book features recipes in the title category from eleven different countries (one recipe per country with some overlap across volumes). With photos of children preparing and enjoying appetizing international foods, cuisine is presented as a way to understand world cultures and tastes. Capsule introductions to the countries, cook's tips, and added facts about food enrich the lively magazine-like presentation. Safety reminders are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Easy Cookbooks for Kids titles: Easy Desserts from Around the World, Easy Main Dishes from Around the World, Easy Snacks from Around the World, Easy Breakfasts from Around the World, Easy Lunches from Around the World, and Easy Vegetarian Foods from Around the World.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Easy Cookbooks for Kids series. Each book features recipes in the title category from eleven different countries (one recipe per country with some overlap across volumes). With photos of children preparing and enjoying appetizing international foods, cuisine is presented as a way to understand world cultures and tastes. Capsule introductions to the countries, cook's tips, and added facts about food enrich the lively magazine-like presentation. Safety reminders are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Easy Cookbooks for Kids titles: Easy Desserts from Around the World, Easy Main Dishes from Around the World, Easy Snacks from Around the World, Easy Breakfasts from Around the World, Easy Lunches from Around the World, and Easy Vegetarian Foods from Around the World.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo