(4) K-3 Illustrated by Holly Berry. For forty years, Cynthia Moss has studied the elephants in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, and has fought against ivory poaching through lectures and fundraising. The seriousness of the realities of poaching and Moss's work and activism is undermined by the book's jarring refrain ("Cynthia Moss was not afraid of BIG things"). Colorful mixed-media illustrations are naive and charming. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Liza Woodruff. In each book, a kid visiting an out-of-town cousin receives Canada- or New England–specific gifts, one per day, during the twelve days of Christmas. On each spread, cheerful illustrations incorporate the presents or activities while chatty, overly explanatory letters written home to Mom and Dad give information; a map precedes each story and additional regional facts are appended. Review covers these titles: The Twelve Days of Christmas in New England and The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. A young elephant follows her family, led by matriarch Bibi, across the parched land in search of water. Little Tembo strays frequently, but female family members swoop in to rescue her when she gets too far behind. The plodding text is balanced by warm, evocative illustrations of the African savannah and its animals. An author's note explains elephants' family dynamics.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) PS Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. In this companion to Stay Close to Mama, lion cub Kito wants to be like his father, but his attempts to roar, pounce, etc. prove unsuccessful. Kito finally gains confidence after joining a wildebeest hunt. The playful scenes can be hard to reconcile with the brooding Lion King–reminiscent illustrations of the savanna at night. An author's note discusses lion behavior.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 Illustrated by David Small. When his father takes him to the aquarium, Eliot heads for the penguins, then takes one home in his backpack. As the illustrations reveal, the whole scenario works because Eliot's father is so focused on his own obsession with turtles that he is humorously oblivious--until the surprise ending--to what Eliot is doing. Buzzeo has crafted a droll narrative; Small's illustrations complement the child-friendly premise.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2012

(4) PS Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Young giraffe Twiga's mother urges him to "stay close, stay safe"--"but Twiga is so curious." He strays from his mother's watchful side to explore the alluring African landscape. Warm-colored illustrations convey the flora and fauna of a giraffe's habitat. It's more a sweet tale of parental care than a depiction of the species' curious nature, as the appended author's note suggests.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Frances and her brother worry Santa won't find them on their isolated island home (their father is the lighthouse keeper). When Dad, venturing out into a nor'easter, needs Frances's help to keep the lighthouse lit, she begins to accept her situation. Homey, old-fashioned illustrations, in the cool colors of a wintry island, are appropriately weathered and windblown in this feel-good holiday story.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa. Tess, in time-out for her "beastie behavior" at the library, accidentally shakes free a T. Rex from a book's pages. The mischievous dino rampages through the library while Tess tries to control him ("Take care!...The books..."). This lesson about regaining self-control isn't heavy-handed, and readers will enjoy the vibrant mixed-media illustrations that display Tess's vivid imagination.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Wummer. Kindergarten doesn't daunt Annie: garbed in a star-spangled headband, a red cape, and cowboy boots, she's on the alert for first-day adventures. Retrieving two classmates who have gotten lost, she earns the Gold Star Deputy badge for the day. The watercolor and pencil illustrations are as cheery as Annie herself. Though her first-person narration doesn't always ring true, her enthusiasm does.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Wummer. On Saturday, Annie pulls on her "adventure cape" and "sparkle tights" for mother-daughter playtime. But an urgent work call instead sends the pair to mom's office. There, Annie makes her own fun--and saves the day. Annie's voice doesn't always ring true, but readers with working moms may identify with the spunky girl, shown in energetic cartoon-style pencil and watercolor illustrations.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) PS Illustrated by Margaret Spengler. When faced with a threatening situation, Little Loon recalls his father's gentle teaching and finally takes his first dive. Little Loon's reluctance to learn a scary skill and his eventual success will provide reassurance to those facing similar circumstances. A palette of blue-green pastels provides a suitable backdrop for the whimsically rendered loons and other wildlife.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) PS Illustrated by Margaret Spengler. Three of Mama Duck's prim ducklings obediently swim behind her, but each time she summons the fourth, he stonewalls. When he catches sight of an alligator in the distance, however, he adjusts his attitude. Rather than champion conformity, this tale good-naturedly reinforces the importance of sticking close to caregivers. The saturated pastel illustrations are engaging, especially when part of the image offers an underwater view.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mary GrandPre. In this story based on a Maine legend, a lighthouse keeper finds a sea chest washed ashore after a frightful winter storm. In the chest is a baby, presumably the only survivor of a shipwreck. Unfortunately, the lyrical story is framed by an unconvincing adoption theme. The illustrations capture the hard island life as well as the warmth of the family, who lovingly raises the baby.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen