(4) K-3 Following a presidential decree that "every animal has the RIGHT to play sports. 'That's RIGHT!'," a dozen-odd spreads describe various animals in athletic engagement: "The STEER tried to STEER his skateboard"; "The cougar makes an awful RACKET when she swings her RACKET"; etc. Although this basic introduction to homonyms lacks lyricism, it doesn't lack humor, thanks to Barretta's slapstick but not slapdash watercolors.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Frank Morrison. After portraying some famous fight scenes, this biography flashes back to show the childhood incident that pushed Cassius Clay into the boxing ring: a stolen bicycle. As Cassius trains and builds agility and strength, he also builds a reputation as a winner. Morrison's oil paintings are full of drama and movement. Back matter highlights later facets of the champion's life. Reading list, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 This comparison of two presidencies points out many uncanny similarities. Some sophisticated language (e.g., charismatic, abdominal distress) may prove challenging, though the large, colorful illustrations help with comprehension. Overall, this is an interesting offering, but equating the Civil War with the Cold War doesn't quite work, and characterizing Kennedy as carrying on Lincoln's fight for civil rights is misleading. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 Thomas Edison's ingenuity is celebrated in this accessible look at his prolific inventions. Spreads with quirky cartoon illustrations pair a page of "present day" items with an "Edison's lab" page introducing his original versions. Simple explanations demonstrate how Edison's experiments, many of which initially failed, were ultimately groundbreaking. End material includes brief bios of Edison's employees and additional "Thomas Trivia." Bib.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 This mildly entertaining successor to Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones employs homographs to describe the performances of several all-animal bands, shown in caricaturish illustrations (e.g., "Carmen Chameleon's ENTRANCE will ENTRANCE you"). Knowledge of rock-star clichés and performers (musicians include "Fluff Daddy" and "Seals & Crawfish") will help readers understand the book's copious puns.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Barretta uses a compare/contrast pattern to show how Leonardo da Vinci influenced future inventors; though he never produced such devices as a single-span bridge, steam engine, or modern movie projector, "Leo" envisioned them. The text effectively underscores the idea that scientific achievements often rest on the shoulders of others. Approachable watercolor drawings illustrate Leonardo's sketches and the modern-day inventions that followed. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) K-3 An elementary school student announces that a mystery man tripped her and stole her book report. So begins an epidemic of like-themed student tales of questionable veracity. The story is droll and unpredictable, but young audiences won't necessarily get the titular reference or the reason for the olde London touches in the broad watercolor illustrations.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Aunt Ant moves to the zoo and writes to her "Dear Deer" about the goofy animal life she observes there--a moose eating mousse, a hoarse horse, etc. Though the wordplay is trite and the "story" is a stretch, the silliness of the text and the watercolor cartoon illustrations may help kids remember some homophone rules.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo