(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Himmelman. Mort, "a talented elephant," is torn when his father pushes him to excel at baseball while his mother wants him to study music. Mort becomes so overwhelmed, he accidentally uses his violin for a bat, and vice versa. Kraus's story gets off to a slow start, but ends with a humorous--if facile--twist. Himmelman's textured watercolors are expressive and playful.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. A mouse vows to look everywhere for his sweetheart-to-be, and the jaunty illustrations portray his speculations about where and how he might find her. In the end, he realizes she lives next door. The rhyming question-and-answer format adds interest, but the story has less child appeal and emotional impact than this trio's Whose Mouse Are You?

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(2) PS Illustrated by Jose Aruego. In this thirtieth anniversary edition of the popular tale, a mouse, miserable because he is "nobody's mouse," transforms himself through a series of accomplishments into a hero and part of a loving family. This book about mixed feelings toward a new sibling reads aloud well, and the large orange and red illustrations are perfectly suited for sharing with a crowd.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: June, 1970

(4) K-3 Featuring the same bright illustration as 'Leo the Late Bloomer', this sequel tells of Leo's frustration with little brother Louie, who can't do the things that Leo and his friends do. Leo's parents advise patience; sure enough, one day Louie suddenly "blooms." Louie's change is confusing: has Leo come to appreciate Louie's unique way of doing things or has Louie learned new skills? Either way, the message of patience is clear.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.