(3) K-3 Illustrated by François Thisdale. After Jay's accidental death, Joe hangs on to his best friend's bicycle. He's initially unwilling to make a new friend but finds that the bicycle is the bridge he needs. Beck gives voice to the powerful emotions of loss, friendship, and fear in this quiet story for older kids. Thisdale's at-times surreal mixed-media illustrations use a palette of blue, gray, and black to express sadness.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Karen Patkau. "Four water walkers / light as air, / skim, skitter, skate / there, here, there." Beck's nimble rhyming text counts pond animals from one heron to ten turtles. A thunderstorm sends all the animals running for cover until "Zero. Naught. None. / Till the storm is done." Patkau's rich-hued illustrations distinguish this offering.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan. A young child recalls the exasperating and endearing antics of a pet whose mischievous behavior, thieving habits, and "worst dog breath / in the whole universe" provide a wealth of memories. Humorous illustrations pay a tender tribute to a rowdy and rambunctious canine companion who's a presence even in his absence--though it's unclear whether the dog ran away or died.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ben Hodson. A bouncy, rhythmic text relates the tale of young Richard, whose incessant nose-picking leads to trouble. When his finger gets stuck too far up his schnoz, Richard essentially turns himself inside-out. While a sneeze saves Richard, no one can escape the disgusting gook. Comical illustrations are filled with the green "ooey gluey goobery glob." Entertaining for fans of gross-out humor; gag-worthy for others.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrea Beck. In rhythmic, meandering verses, Buttercup the cow praises what she loves about her life on the farm ("I love my tongue"; "I love the night"). Her day is uneventful, the story's tone is peaceful and contented. Pleasant illustrations depict this bovine's environment and activities. It may be too quiet for some; nature-loving readers will be the book's most appreciative audience.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo