(1) K-3 The multitude of species found in and around Australian coral reefs are showcased creatively in this vibrant alphabet book. Lessac (illustrator of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, rev. 11/18) uses the A, B, and C pages to introduce big concepts about reef habitats: the types of reefs in the oceans near Australia, the concept of biodiversity, and the biology of corals. The focus then shifts to the animals that live in the reefs, with double-page spreads featuring Lessac's recognizable brightly colored illustrations of an array of animal groups and species in their shallow-water environments. Basic descriptions of familiar creatures such as fish, octopuses, and turtles as well as less-familiar species such as Queensland groupers, kanga nudibranchs, and violet sea apples are presented in larger text, with additional facts in smaller type incorporated throughout the illustrations. None of the letter matches (including X for xanthid crabs) are forced--and many more could have been selected--underscoring the diversity of life in the reef habitats. An appended "spot the fish" challenge encourages readers to revisit the pages, this time on the hunt for specific fish species.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(3) K-3 Lessac provides an A-to-Z look at Australia's "unique" and "amazing" creatures. Most spreads highlight one or two animals (e.g., E is for echidna and emu) with a basic sentence about each at the top and smaller-type details incorporated throughout the vibrant-hued gouache illustrations ("A baby echidna is called a puggle"). Appended with a page of thumbnail maps showing where in Australia each animal is commonly found.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Steel drums and Caribbean Carnival are tied into this imagined story about Winston "Spree" Simon, a real-life Trinidadian creator and promoter of the instruments originally made from junkyard items. Lively music exudes from the text through onomatopoeic refrains, and Lessac's unique, vivid gouache illustrations will make readers focus on the details. An author's note offers background on the story's inspiration. Glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) PS Lessac easily invites readers to count the activities on a small Caribbean island. "Five market ladies wearing shady hats. / Six cricket players waiting with their bats." A simple concept is clearly presented with large numerals, a vibrant tropical palette, and a carnival atmosphere to make this book lively and engaging.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen