(3) K-3 Illustrated by Marie Lafrance. This tale inspired by Jewish and Islamic traditions tells the story of a hen that has fallen off Izzy Pippik's truck. Although all the townspeople want to eat the chicken and its offspring, honest and steadfast Shaina patiently protects them until Izzy's return. Lafrance's emotive characters reside in a world of fresh spring greens and blues, and young readers will enjoy searching for all the chickens.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sheldon Cohen. This three-wishes tale speaks with a Yiddish accent. When Koppel the junkman finds an old meat-grinder, he is astonished that it will grant him three wishes. Although the wishes are wasted, the couple realizes they are lucky to have each other (and a delicious kishka). The text is wordy and the caricature illustrations go over the top, but there's some in-the-know humor. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dusan Petricic & Dusan Petricic. Benny tries to thank God for his grandfather's excellent bagels by placing a bag of them in the Holy Ark at the synagogue each Shabbat. The gift disappears every time. Is God eating them, or someone else? Despite the somewhat heavy-handed resolution, this is a sweet and satisfying story, well written and amusingly illustrated. A brief source note is provided.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dusan Petricic. A huge potato needs every available individual--from the farmer himself to a tiny mouse--to extricate it from the soil. This rendition of the popular and ubiquitous folktale is pleasing but somewhat flat. The illustrations are rich with the tawny hues of harvest time and sport some lively comic touches.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) K-3 Davis gives a vivid retelling of this familiar folktale about a grumpy bear who eats a family one by one as they cross his bridge, until their pet squirrel saves the day. The lively sounds and telling make for an energetic read-aloud. Humorous illustrations incorporate varied perspectives that add to the appeal.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.