(4) PS StoryPlay series. Illustrated by Guy Francis. Three brave little kids on a "ghost hunt" encounter obstacles (e.g., a wobbly bridge: "Can't go around it. Can't go over it. We have to walk on it!"). This installment in a series focused on early literacy "shines a spotlight on problem solving." Intrusive discussion prompts are included throughout the cheerily illustrated story; appended activities help parents further "engage with your little one."

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) PS Illustrated by Henry Cole. Based on the nursery rhyme "Over in the Meadow," this picture book celebrates twins. Rabbits, monkeys, bats, etc., all come in pairs. "'Hop!' said the brother. / 'We hop,' said the two. / So they hopped and they flopped where the flowers grew and grew." Although the energetic illustrations show appealing frolicking animals, the rhythm isn't always consistent and the pattern is limiting.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Gorton. Three little fish set out to make homes of their own, but a seaweed house and a sandcastle are no match for the big bad shark. The third choice--a sunken ship--is impossible to crunch through and renders the predator toothless. This undersea take on the Three Little Pigs is overly busy but features vivid cartoon illustrations.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden