(3) K-3 Illustrated by Riley Samels. A narrator asks a young Black farmer about his plans for the seed in his hand. Eat it? "Oh no! I'll let it grow." At each stage of the pumpkin's growth, the child refuses to harvest the plant; finally, it's grown big enough to enter in a contest at the fair. Is that the end? Oh no! The giant pumpkin is hollowed out for use in a pumpkin regatta. The predictable growth narrative benefits from the uncommon ending (pies and jack-o'-lanterns are both rejected end-uses) and from the uncluttered, collage-style illustrations with strong, repeated textural elements. Back matter includes a history of giant pumpkins, a color photo of an Oregon pumpkin regatta, and "plentiful pumpkin facts."

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 This picture book biography explores how Alexander Graham Bell's youthful inquisitiveness, playful experimentation, and family circumstances led to his celebrated breakthrough invention. Fraser collages her own vintage-inspired cartoons into old and new photographs, creating images that feel a bit disorienting even as they provide context. Bell's broader achievements become clear through sidebars and back matter, which includes expanded biographical information, an author's note, and photo credits. Timeline.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) K-3 Big sis Daphne and little brother Sam spend Halloween at a one-night-only jamboree. Textured backgrounds in the illustrations create eerie shadows, while the use of both cool and warm colors evokes a vibrantly spooky air. The text, at times cleverly ghoulish but mainly lackluster, plays second fiddle to the rich acrylic pictures.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(4) PS Spare text describes how pet-shop animals put on a show to attract potential buyers. There are some clever talents on display, as shown in the gouache illustrations: Hamster tap dances with paperclips on his feet, Rabbit pulls a rabbit out of a hat, etc. It works, and customers flock to the shop. The story is slight but may entertain pet lovers.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(2) PS The pet shop animals settle in to sleep--just as nocturnal hamster is waking up. After a bath and a bedtime story, the little guy finally nods off. But when morning comes, it's the hamster's turn to be kept awake. Fraser tells her funny story economically, with few words--mostly sound effects--and simple pictures that convey the animals' moods through body language.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2010

(4) K-3 Tired of her "pain in the patootie" brother, Shelly advertises for a sister via a message in a bottle ("Sister Wanted: Apply Onshore"). Mermaid Coral gets the job and much fun ensues, but Coral's not perfect either. The lively art beams with sunny color and cheerful details, though the text could have used a little bit more salt to balance the sweet.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 In his fourth classroom adventure, .I.Q. the mouse is pumped for the upcoming Student Fitness Challenge. He diligently notes each lesson from Health Month: "Eat a balanced diet," "Drink plenty of water," "Get lots of sleep," and "Stay active." The informative text is unabashedly didactic, but the neatly rendered illustrations keep the tone light.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 I.Q., the class pet rat, enjoys Library Week at school as he learns how to locate books using the computer, makes a bookmark, and listens to a book on tape. While the text tends towards the didactic ("When he was done with a book he was careful to put it back exactly where he found it"), I.Q. is an engaging character and the illustrations are bright. This is a cheerful lesson in how to use the library.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Fraser describes how animal babies are cared for by their parents, including alligator babies who are carried about in their mother's mouth and young elephants who are placed in the middle of the herd for protection. Watercolor illustrations in muted colors help expand the simple text. Questions for readers and a list of resources about wildlife are included.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 I.Q., the class pet rat, refuses to stay on the sidelines in school, instead he uses his sunflower seeds to do math, practices writing his name, and waits anxiously for the teacher to choose him as "Student of the Week." The story is full of humor and details of classroom life. The pencil, gouache, and pen-and-ink illustrations sport sharp outlines and plenty of white space.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 A concise text discusses the importance of Vicksburg, Mississippi, as a key Civil War battle site, identifies major participants such as Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman, and uses carefully chosen vignettes to describe the battle. Profuse black-and-white photographs and reproductions add interest and drama to the book. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) PS Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Fraser describes, as night falls, the activities of some common nocturnal animals, such as skunks, owls, and mice, explaining along the way why they are active at night and how they're especially adapted for it. The narrative approach and affable, realistic paintings make this basic science lesson accessible and engaging to the preschool audience. Several nocturnal-themed activities are included at book's end.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(4) 4-6 In this history of Mission La Purisima in California, topics addressed include the effect of the Spanish missions on the life of the Chumash people, the destruction of the mission in 1812 by an earthquake (and its subsequent rebuilding), and the Mexican War of Independence. Both the text and the illustrations are adequate but somewhat bland. A time line concludes the book. Bib.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.