(4) K-3 Illustrated by Martin Davey. Every thousand years, dinosaurs gather for their version of the Olympics. From allosaurs to troodons, the athletes compete in species-appropriate contests of weight-lifting, gymnastics, volleyball, and more, finally facing off in a carnivores-versus-herbivores dodgeball game. Singsongy rhyming stanzas celebrate skill, effort, and good sportsmanship, while the illustrations (whose textures recall classic dino encyclopedias) humorously blend prehistoric and modern images. Glos.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Anna Brown. "Love is in the little things / that fill my heart until it sings." After this first line, the poem lists everyday deeds family members do for one another (mostly "little things" parents do for children). It's a purposeful poem, but the down-to-earth examples ring true, making it less sentimental. The attractive illustrations, digitally collaged with textured papers, feature three different animal families.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Photographs by Tim Laman. This captivating book uses rainforest inhabitants to introduce the concept of colors. From the blue Ulysses butterfly to the pink fiddler crab, the bright, close-up photographs and kid-friendly text make the information accessible and engaging for readers. Additional animal facts, a map of the rainforests around the world, and a color quiz conclude the book. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(3) K-3 Photographs by Brian Skerry. This early introduction to marine life features double-page spreads with close-up color photographs and interesting information about ocean animals, from one green sea turtle to ten Bermuda sea chub fish. Fact boxes concisely summarizing basic details of each animal and a world map pinpointing the locations of the photos are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amanda Haley. When Cami Lou and her family build Snowzilla, a colossal snowman, their creation becomes so famous that a judge condemns it for disturbing the peace. At Cami Lou's urging, the townspeople band together to move Snowzilla to a better location, and Cami Lou makes plans for more giant snow people next year. Cheerful illustrations full of smiling people complement the sprightly verse.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Shroades. Clement C. Moore's poem is the inspiration for this dino-themed adaptation: "'Twas the night before Christmas in dinosaur land. / Tyrannoclaus hurried, his helpers at hand." Somewhat garish cartoon-style illustrations show Tyrannoclaus and his assistants busily preparing for Christmas in a sleeping volcano called the North Pole. Dinosaur fans will be pleased with the text's rhymes: "On Raptor! On Rexy! On Mimus and Saurus!"

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty