(4) K-3 American Women Writers series. Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Brief chapters (each spanning a short interval of years) reflect the numerous locations of Willa Cather's childhood and early adult life on which the beloved American writer based her novels and essays. Watercolor and gouache illustrations evoke the landscapes so crucial to Cather's story. Succinct sketches of other nineteenth-century women writers round out the approachable, albeit fairly basic, chapter-book biography. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Daniel Nevins. Readers interested in the Torah will find this to be an accessible adaptation: the spare, lovely, free-verse chapters retain the spirit of the original text. Richly colored, full-page illustrations--including a standout spread of the Red Sea waters parting--are a handsome complement. With few explanatory notes, Ehrlich lets the stories speak for themselves, inviting further reflection and study. Bib.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rebecca Walsh. After the death of her grandmother, Clara's father grows colder and more distant, discouraging music and dance in their home. One night, after following a troupe of performers camped in the forest, Clara learns the surprising truth about her family. The sophisticated text, illustrated with luminous watercolor and acrylic paintings, invites discussion for older picture book readers.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. When Baby Dragon's mother visits his grandmother, she tells Baby Dragon to wait by a fern until morning. Waiting isn't easy, and when sneaky Crocodile offers to help Baby Dragon find his mother, temptation gets the better of him. Ehrlich crafts a charming tale of patience and pluck, and Hillenbrand's pictures provide just the right depiction of a brave little hero.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) YA Some language has been updated in this edition of a book originally titled Where It Stops, Nobody Knows. Ehrlich's thriller builds in suspense as middle-schooler Nina grows weary of her mother's total control of her life. She begins to question their nomadic existence and their isolation even as it becomes more intense. Nina's voice and eye for detail authenticate her character.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Barney Saltzberg. Each of the books in this series contains four simple stories that usually end with a satisfying twist or joke youngsters will enjoy. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by an adult) that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping beginning readers gain confidence. Review covers these Brand New Readers titles: Kazam's Magic, Hurray for Rosa!, Beep! Beep! It's Beeper!.]

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli