(4) K-3 Illustrated by Carol Benioff. With warm spring rains coming down, Evan wonders if this evening will be the highly anticipated "Big Night," when spotted salamanders come out of hibernation. He and his family help the salamanders safely cross the road to find their vernal pool breeding spot. Occasionally awkward art won't interfere with readers getting to the book's solid information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Neil Waldman. Hayim's village is so devastated by drought that a holiday celebration seems impossible. Hayim drafts a letter to the Almighty begging for oil, and a serendipitous wind delivers the note to a rich merchant. Though a secondary conflict feels contrived, the humble-hero trope found in Jewish folklore, beautifully offset by delicately hued, geometrically accented illustrations, is effectively cast.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross