(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Hohn. Hallie Morse Daggett dreamed of joining the US Forest Service to fight fires in California's Siskiyou Mountains--an unheard-of goal for a woman at the turn of the previous century. But Hallie persisted and was finally hired as a fire lookout in 1913. She spent fifteen fire seasons in a primitive mountain cabin reporting on smoke and flames, contending with fierce electrical storms, and fending off wild animals. Bissonette's engaging portrayal of a self-assured and determined figure is enhanced by Hohn's imaginative illustrations. An author's note provides more detail and includes three black-and-white archival photos.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Imagine This! series. Illustrated by Nic Jones. A tree in a boreal forest offers food and shelter for animals, nutrients for the soil, and more during its lifetime. When fire, pests, storms, or disease kill a tree, Bissonette explains, the tree continues to be a valuable resource in the forest. "The tree, now in its second life, hums with activity--animals nesting and looking for food." As the tree decomposes further, it enriches the soil and supports new growth. Jones's lush forest scenes are detailed but not cluttered; the informative main text is enhanced by related information in smaller type on many pages. Bissonette talks about her personal connection to trees in an author's note. Things to consider when "Exploring Snags and Fallen Logs" and suggested reading are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen. In 1861, thirty-seven-year-old Harriet Colfax began tending the Michigan City Lighthouse. Harriet's demanding, often dangerous work as one of the nation's few female lighthouse keepers for over forty years is recounted in the narrative and diary-entry sidebars. Finely rendered art with washes of color evokes her life and times. An author's note is included; unfortunately, sources are not. Glos.

Reviewer: Debora Pearson

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claudia McGehee. In a story celebrating individualism and appreciation, a girl visits her unconventional grandmother--who "dresses in Grandpa's old flannel shirts" and "never bakes cookies"--in the North Woods. When they go for walks, each season reveals something different, from spring peepers to hooting owls in moonlit snowy woods. Scratchboard, dye, and watercolor illustrations richly highlight the natural world and a loving familial bond.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey