(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tom Jellett. This Australian import features two crocodile bullies who intimidate everyone in the swamp until a huge, mean croc named Betty arrives. As they retreat, they inadvertently scare Betty so badly she falls into a mudhole. They kindly help her out, and all three become best friends. The humorous story and illustrations keep the pages turning, though the crocs' change of heart is pretty predictable.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. A mole looks to other animals for tips on fatherhood, but his wife assures him he needn't fly like a bird or swim like a duck to make their children happy. "Our babies only need. . . love." The ending for this comical story is a bit drawn out, but the jaunty illustrations, with their many different animal babies, do have child appeal.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(2) PS Illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie. A little girl and her toy lamb prepare for Christmas while an offstage narrator showers her with love: "When you wrap your gifts... / That's when I love you." The book's small, square trim size; generous white space on well-composed double-page spreads; and cheerful illustrations full of eye-pleasing colors and patterns combine to make an attractive package for the youngest reader.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(2) PS Illustrated by Tim Warnes. On Christmas Eve, Little Bear keeps thinking he sees Santa, but each time it's just Big Bear sampling treats or Mommy Bear stuffing stockings. The family sleeps by the tree so they can "all see Santa," but while they never spy him, the final spread assures us that "Santa saw them." The story's gentle suspense is well matched by the soft illustrations.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2006

(3) PS Illustrated by Ann James. A young girl and her dog exhibit perfect compatibility as they go about their day. The girl lists the many ways she loves her furry friend; for example, "I love...the way you tell me things" as the dog eagerly eyes a ball. James captures the unabashed affection and understanding between the two with elegant but simple charcoal and watercolor images.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) PS Illustrated by Edward Eaves. Boldly colored, baby-friendly paintings elevate this story of a young monkey who so adores his rainbow-hued sweater he won't allow his mother to wash it, even when it gets "stinky and grubby and grimy." When his mother tries to take the sweater, Mo's friends join in their good-natured tug of war. The humorous, uncomplicated ending makes everyone happy.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(3) PS Illustrated by Peter Kavanagh. Ella's big brothers won't let her play with them because she's too little and might get scared. But every time they send her off, the imaginative games she plays on her own seem so enticing they finally let her join and even lead them in their play. Engaging illustrations lend appeal to a tale sure to be particularly satisfying to younger siblings.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Gwyneth Williamson. Poor Shaggy Dog. His back itches and itches. After helping his neighbors, he receives a good back-scratching in return, but the itch comes back. Finally Mary Lou at the Poodle Parlor gives him a soothing bath, and he feels better. The story is slight, but the cartoon illustrations are playful, showing the cause of Shaggy Dog's itch as it jumps off him and onto a haughty poodle.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) PS Illustrated by Jane Chapman. Little Bear wonders what it's like to be grown up, so Mama Bear has him climb on her back and shows him how he'll stand up tall, run fast, and swim deep--all with her by his side. The ending is flat and sentimental, and every illustration consists of the two bears in various poses against a snowy Arctic landscape; despite this compositional monotony, the mother-child relationship is well depicted.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler