(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jane Manning. A girl describes how nothing can derail the yen for a dog--"Not learning to play the trumpet, / Or being vice president of the Tree Climbers Club," etc. The meditation is lovingly particular and particularly loving, and Manning's illustrations capture both qualities. When the girl's parents give her a dog at book's end, readers will celebrate too.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Adam McCauley. A scrapbook-style presentation, including glossy endpapers and foldout pages (e.g., an "International Zombie Survey"), enhances this collection of poems presented as "letters, notes, and interviews" about legendary creatures. Monster fans will appreciate such pieces as "Ping-Pong with King Kong" and "Bluebeard's Personal Ad." Varied mixed-media illustrations accompany the entertaining tongue-in-cheek snapshots of popular monsters.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Carin Berger. The poetry in this purpose-driven yet entertaining (sometimes irreverently so) volume is ostensibly written in the voices of explorers and scientists. The works describe different places around the globe and urge readers to find their own ways of learning about the world. Biographical information about each explorer is included; an author's note provides some perspective on Western notions of "discovery." Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Estelle Kwas. From the crinkle of a potato chip bag to the hush of falling snow, these verses highlight the sounds around us. Varying fonts and type sizes, setting onomatopoeic words apart from the rest of the words, are paired with energetic illustrations. While some of the rhymes are forced, there are ample choices in this collection for reading aloud.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Nina Crews. Katz immersed herself in the diaries, biographies, and letters of people both famous and ordinary to create sixty-five poems spanning U.S. history. Giving voice to the diversity of American experience, the poems are vividly imagined from the point of view of pioneers, presidents, suffragettes, soldiers, and more. Handsome collage pictures capture the spirit of each century's history. Bib.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute