(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bob Kolar. The familiar children's song is given a space-exploration twist as readers learn what a trip to Mars would entail. Kolar's blocky digital illustrations include three vertical spreads of rockets and spaceships and three spreads of cheerful child-astronauts floating in zero gravity alongside upside-down text. Each portion of the rhyme is accompanied by scientific facts, lending information to the fun. More about Mars exploration is appended. Websites.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kate Endle. "On a high-rise here, / in a backyard there-- / climbing up, hanging down, / spreading green all over town." Peppy verses set to the tune of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" (sheet music included) describe how gardens are thriving today in each of several cities. The clean-lined, vegetation-filled illustrations are as sumptuous-looking as fresh produce. Further information about urban agriculture is appended. Websites.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Lendroth's text is based on the true story of Dorsey, a border collie that carried mail between two California mining towns in 1885. The tale focuses on Dorsey's daily mile-and-a-half trek and his rapport with the prospectors and a young girl named Nellie. Gustavson's oils effectively depict the rich hues and oppressive heat of the Mojave Desert setting. An author's note is appended.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale