(3) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Varley. As King Lion, lion cub Lenny's beloved grandpa, grows older, he becomes confused and forgetful--and "sometimes not so kind." To help him out, Lenny and Grandpa's friends encourage the old lion to recall happy memories from his childhood. When Lenny becomes king, he asks his young subjects to do the same for their elders. Expressive illustrations accompany this unsentimental but compassionate story.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Varley. In this simple story about having the courage to make new friends, lonely neighbors Panda and Pandora yearn to play with each other but are too shy to meet. When a snowstorm hits, the pandas finally reach out, literally colliding when they run to check on each other. Soft, wintry watercolors picture the soon-to-be-friends in sad solitude and then engaged in playtime.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lynne Chapman. In this follow-up to Class Two at the Zoo, Class Three goes on a boating trip. After being overtaken by pirates, it's the kids (plus octopuses) to the rescue. The text's rhymes aren't always seaworthy, but readers will appreciate watching their peers outsmart a pack of dimwitted grownups. The detail-rich illustrations have the comic sensibility of cartoons.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynne Chapman. While at the zoo, the children of Class Two notice all sorts of animal high jinks but fail to see the anaconda, who gobbles them one by one. From the bouncy mock-sinister rhymes to the illustrations featuring naively wide-eyed kids and the happy ending (classmate Molly saves the day), readers who aren't afraid of snakes will find much to enjoy.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Adrian Reynolds. While Stan and Stella splash joyfully in the bathtub, a dog jumps in. Other animals follow, sloshing water everywhere and causing the tub to slide downstairs then bounce up into the sky. Fortunately, passing flamingos tow it home. This rollicking story's playful illustrations show the ordinary items--dog slippers, for example--that the children's imaginations bring to life.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley