(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt James. In this quietly affecting and beautifully illustrated book, young Belle's drawing of an owl draws praise from her teacher, but the child doesn't want to reveal why it's so good. Belle once had a home but now lives with her mother in their car. Every night in the wooded park where they sleep, Belle hears the hooting of an owl, but it stays out of sight. Then one night it appears; comforted, Belle thinks the owl is saying, "I like sharing my home with you." And just as the owl helped her, when a new boy arrives at school whose circumstances are similar to hers, Belle offers him friendship and reassurance. Atmospheric paintings, with their almost palpable thick brushstrokes and deep, cool colors, memorably depict the ethereal nighttime woods and the majestic owl.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(4) K-3 During a nighttime thunderstorm, a boy and his teddy bear row over to Klickitat Island, heeding a cry for help from the scared animals. After building a sturdy fort, they all fall safely asleep under the boy's "blankie." The illustrations, which feature smiling animals, have more appeal than the sentimental, singsongy, rhyming text.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.