(4) PS Illustrated by Gareth Lucas. In this picture book with colorful, appealing illustrations, singsong verse introduces information about an octopus’s daily life and life cycle. Callouts in smaller type give additional engaging facts. Glossary, author’s note, and children’s reference books are appended.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Petros Bouloubasis. In this twist on the nursery rhyme, young scientist Mary has "her little lab" but no friends, so she invents a machine, the "Sheepinator," to create a companion. Her scientific success brings her first ovine then human company, but not without complications. A bouncy rhyme scheme follows the familiar tune. Spindly illustrations, with broad-faced, skinny-limbed humans and very woolly sheep, maintain the story's more-silly-than-scientific playfulness.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) PS Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor. Colorful, energetic illustrations depict a small red racecar struggling to win a race. Spirited rhymes and sound words make this ode to car-racing suited for reading aloud ("SLIP! SLAM! SQUEAL! SOAR! / Through the tunnel! Thunder! Roar!"). A surprise ending reveals it's been little boy Maxwell's imaginative backyard play all along, and there's no doubt as to which car will ultimately win.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claudia Ranucci. When two siblings bypass their parents and ask Santa for a monster, the huge, hairy creature he brings is lovable but very destructive. Undaunted, the children plan to ask for monkeys next year. Written to be sung to the tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," the amusingly subversive story in rhyme is complemented by illustrations that expand on the children's zany schemes.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claire Keane. This agreeable rhyme offers advice on befriending a fairy: how to build a miniature house, how to get a fairy to stay there, and when to say goodbye. The illustrations show a girl making friends with a group of fairies; her dog supplies touches of visual humor while the sketchy, spontaneous-looking images of fairies reflect their lively, skittish nature.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christiane Engel. Here and There are pen pals because Here can never be There, and vice versa. That is until There devises a clever plan to bring the friends together at a county fair. Both Here and There feature cheerful smiles, friendly eyes, and expressive arms on their uppercase first letters. Vivid colors and textures invite readers to linger over the whimsical illustrations.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Laughead. This rhyming ode to the wonders of a public library features Hippo and her father (from Shoes for Me! and A Dress for Me!). Wandering through the stacks with enthusiasm and delight, the duo highlights areas of interest to young children. The geometric illustrations in graphite, ink, and digital media are bright and energetic. A pleasant addition to the library-themed storybook collection.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris. At cake time, all the young birthday-party guests dash over, except one--a boy who sits sadly alone because gluten gives him a "tummy ache." The birthday girl comes to his rescue, telling him "I'm the same way!...my cake's sweet and gluten-free!" Happy art matches the tone of this purposeful inclusion story in rhyme; parents may appreciate the appended recipes and tips. Websites.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) PS Illustrated by Bob Staake. Kids are treated to a robot-palooza of sorts: they'll marvel at the robot-centered sights described in tight, peppy rhymes ("Tractor robots plant and plow. / Robots even milk a cow!"). Staake supplies his trademark geometrically decisive images in colors so boisterous and in scenes so joyful that they manage to make the largely mechanical cast seem huggable.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Laughead. "Feet got bigger, / heel to toe. / Time for new shoes. Off we go!" Shoe-shopping soon overwhelms a young hippo and her mother--all those options! The hunt for the perfect footwear--glittery or polka-dotted or even car-shaped--all shown in Laughead's friendly illustrations, will resonate with shoe hounds, young and old. Bouncy rhyming text makes for an enjoyable read-aloud.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger