(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ellen Rooney. On an ordinary-seeming day, the wind sends seeds into the air. Three friends dance with the seeds, which prompts others in the park to join in and play imaginatively in this uplifting story. Ribbons of color in the mixed-media art give a sense of the spread of inspiration. Casual representation, particularly of a child who uses a wheelchair participating in the original “seed dance,” is a welcome aspect.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ashley Spires. A resourceful and intelligent girl wearing a lab coat explains the just-rightness of her lovable mutt's goofy parts, including an "odd, tubby, stubby body" ("perfect for cuddling") and "four spare unmatched paws" ("but they all work"). The short, descriptive read-aloud text complements Spires's friendly, cartoonish ink and watercolor illustrations, which are elevated by emotive facial expressions and well-balanced compositions.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo. As hard as she tries, Little Gerbil can't follow the Gerbil Motto "Curl Up Noes to Toes" at bedtime. When she notices that other gerbils are also struggling with some of the Gerbil Mottos, she bravely proposes changes. The detailed Plasticine illustrations are more compelling than the purposeful text. Gerbil facts and a craft project appended.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes