(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Heather Maione. Annie's grandma is waging a campaign to save their town's most venerable tree, which is scheduled to be chopped down to make way for a new community pool. At first she's embarrassed by Granny's stand, but Annie eventually comes around. Appealing black-and-white illustrations help keep the environmental-themed tale light.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. When the sky turns green and furious clouds spawn a twister, Lucille and Natt's mother hurries them into the cellar while she goes to help their neighbor. Dark pastel illustrations highlight the children's fear as they face the storm alone. Afterward, they find Mama safe in spite of the storm's damage. Beard's use of familiar and appealing details makes the story both secure and frighteningly believable.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(2) 4-6 Ten-year-old Bobbie Jo Hailey, who stutters, admires the smooth-talking stranger who comes to her small town, until she learns he's a "flimflam man" who has sold the town tickets to a fictitious traveling circus. Based on the actual 1950 event that spawned the Wetumka, Oklahoma, annual Sucker Day Festival, the narrative tells a rousing good tale of old-fashioned con artistry, illustrated with lighthearted drawings.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.