(3) PS Illustrated by Jim Field. This follow-up to Frog on a Log? uses a similar list-like text of tongue-twisting rhymes about where animals must sit based on their name. This time, the frog changes the rules to benefit himself. The quirky rhymes are still humorous, as are the detailed, literal illustrations of cheetahs sitting on fajitas, etc. A final visual joke reminds us who's in charge here.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) PS Illustrated by Jim Field. A frog and cat engage in hilarious conversation about where animals must sit based on what rhymes with their name. Combining tongue twisters and vocabulary, this reads like a modern Dr. Seuss. Creative illustrations focus on animals' facial expressions (a story unto themselves) as they bring the cat's ridiculous commands to life. The book ends with a visual joke sure to delight preschoolers.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lee Wildish. A boy's rhymes describe the stages (shock, denial, self-blame, acceptance) of dealing with divorcing parents. The concept is solid, but the glue metaphor ("My mom and dad have come undone, / I need to find some glue") is overused, and his "there-is-no-glue-for-hearts" epiphany comes too easily. The illustrations feature a sympathetic child who sees his world being literally split in two.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nick Sharratt. In Daisy's latest escapade she decides to become a spy, complete with drawn-on mustache disguise. She speaks in secret code ("The ostriches will be swimming in tomato sauce this evening") and ends up feeling lonely because no one understands her--until 0035 and a Half (a.k.a. Mom) saves the day. The geometric art couldn't be more kid-pleasing nor the book's resolution more reassuring.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mary McQuillan. Twoo Twit the owl hates school so he doesn't go. Consequently he can't read the sign announcing a church bell ringing contest. Perched on the bell, he's shaken to the core by the loud ding donging and by the other animals laughing at his foolishness. The lively text and humorous, colorful illustrations bring Twoo Twit's comeuppance to life.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) PS Illustrated by Sarah Nayler. A little girl describes the month-to-month changes both in the "baby growing in Mom's tummy" and in her mother. Preschoolers won't get many of the jokes ("Mom feels sick every morning. Dad says maybe we should call [the baby] John"), but they'll enjoy the silly cartoon images on pages cut progressively wider (one for each of the nine months of pregnancy).

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mary McQuillan. Unmetered rhyming text follows a day in the life of farm hens and a rooster, from dawn when they rise, eat breakfast, lay eggs, and mosey around the farm, to nightfall when a hungry fox comes sniffing around the hen house. Each event is punctuated by the time of day it occurs. Lively, textured, pastel-colored illustrations add personality to the long-winded, slow-going text.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Garry Parsons. Billy insists he wants nothing more for his birthday than a bucket. He spends the day staring into his water-filled bucket, naming all the ocean-going animals and vehicles he sees. Billy's amused parents play along, but are shocked by what happens when they use his bucket without permission to wash the car. Vivid illustrations set the reader's imagination loose.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) PS Illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Daisy hates peas, so her mom tries to bribe her into eating them. But no matter how elaborate the bribes become, Daisy won't be swayed and eventually triumphs in this battle of wills. Bold cartoon illustrations enhance the tension: Daisy grows larger and angrier while her mother grows smaller and more desperate. Though the resolution is too easy, the story is funny.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(4) PS Illustrated by Mary McQuillan. From Cynthia the centipede, who "sprained 98 ankles playing field hockey," to Delia the dragon, who "sneezed and burned herself," there are plenty of hurt animals in this picture book. They take their medicine and get better--a skimpy plot, but the cartoonish illustrations lend the story humor.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam