(4) PS Illustrated by Natascha Rosenberg. First Mama can't sleep (she's "worried about Grandma's birthday present"). Then it's Papa (he's "worried about the broken washing machine"). Then little boy Max gets up. Leading off with adult anxieties seems an odd choice in this otherwise age-appropriate "Tuff Book" (with reinforced pages) about the comfort of family. The feeling of closeness is reinforced by homey details in Rosenberg's illustrations.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Frauke Weldin. When Uncle Rabbit decides to visit his nephew Wally's house, the first thing he notices is the "old-fashioned" wallpaper. "And those curtains. Ugh!" Soon Uncle Rabbit is moving furniture and sewing cushions, but Wally likes his house the way it is. Though Kempter's overbearing-relatives theme will resonate more with adults, kids will enjoy the child-friendly details in Weldin's textured paintings.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Frauke Weldin. Fastidious rabbit Wally is dismayed by his new tenant, a loud and messy bear named Mae. When Mae hosts a party one night, Wally learns that letting loose can be fun--and Mae herself discovers the rewards of cleaning. Soft illustrations in cozy hues set an inviting scene for this tale about compromise and trying new things.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) K-3 Translated by Michelle Maczka. Illustrated by Frauke Weldin. When an old lazy wolf types a young sheep a letter hoping to lure the "small, tender and fluffy" meal to him, the two become pen pals. Luckily, Mama Sheep intervenes. The illustrations are rendered in soft brush strokes and friendly colors that make even the conniving wolf appear likable, lightening the creepy undertone beneath Wolf's intentions.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan