(3) K-3 Illustrated by Simone Shin. The lighthearted story celebrates the unexpected rewards of small favors. A young boy infatuated with a mariachi band trades objects with many thankful animals before he finally makes a trade for his own guitarra. Spanish words and phrases are interspersed throughout the book, which contains a glossary, pronunciation guide, and list of mariachi instruments. Pastel-colored illustrations bring a quaint village to life.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Slavin & Esperança Melo. After his attempts to score cool points fail, new-toad-in-town Thomas sets his sights on being a bully, figuring it will win him popularity; it doesn't. Instead, he tries friendship, tricking a true bully into leaving a little toad alone. Humor abounds here, but Thomas is no stooge: the studied acrylics make vivid the evolution of his thinking.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Diva Duck series. Illustrated by Colleen Madden. Diva Duck is "destined for greatness." These books follow Diva as she learns that "when you have a dream, anything is possible," discovers the true meaning of friendship, and realizes the importance of home and of school. The text strains for coolness but instead sounds corny; Madden's energetic pink-heavy illustrations add spunk to Diva's larger-than-life personality. Review covers these Diva Duck titles: Diva Duck Dreams, Diva Duck Goes to Hollywood, Diva Duck Travels the World, and School Rules for Diva Duck.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Diva Duck series. Illustrated by Colleen Madden. Diva Duck is "destined for greatness." These books follow Diva as she learns that "when you have a dream, anything is possible," discovers the true meaning of friendship, and realizes the importance of home and of school. The text strains for coolness but instead sounds corny; Madden's energetic pink-heavy illustrations add spunk to Diva's larger-than-life personality. Review covers these Diva Duck titles: Diva Duck Dreams, Diva Duck Goes to Hollywood, Diva Duck Travels the World, and School Rules for Diva Duck.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Diva Duck series. Illustrated by Colleen Madden. Diva Duck is "destined for greatness." These books follow Diva as she learns that "when you have a dream, anything is possible," discovers the true meaning of friendship, and realizes the importance of home and of school. The text strains for coolness but instead sounds corny; Madden's energetic pink-heavy illustrations add spunk to Diva's larger-than-life personality. Review covers these Diva Duck titles: Diva Duck Dreams, Diva Duck Goes to Hollywood, Diva Duck Travels the World, and School Rules for Diva Duck.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Diva Duck series. Illustrated by Colleen Madden. Diva Duck is "destined for greatness." These books follow Diva as she learns that "when you have a dream, anything is possible," discovers the true meaning of friendship, and realizes the importance of home and of school. The text strains for coolness but instead sounds corny; Madden's energetic pink-heavy illustrations add spunk to Diva's larger-than-life personality. Review covers these Diva Duck titles: Diva Duck Dreams, Diva Duck Goes to Hollywood, Diva Duck Travels the World, and School Rules for Diva Duck.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Slavin. After rooster Gonzalo wins the lottery, he quits farmwork. He tries living in a Miami mansion and then as a Hollywood party animal, but the good life disagrees with him. This story, peppered with Spanish words and phrases, has a halfhearted point to make about humility, but it's mainly an amusement, with nearly every acrylic-on-gesso page a visual punch line. Glos.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Translated by Miguel Arisa. Illustrated by Loretta Lopez. A girl comes to terms with her beloved grandfather's death through Mexican Day of the Dead rituals. The traditions portrayed in the story are enhanced by a brief appended note, along with a craft and recipe. The text and translation are fine, if sentimental; the vibrant illustrations with colorful borders are what really convey the spirit of the celebration.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 Translated by Miguel Arisa. Illustrated by Loretta Lopez. The history and traditions of this popular Mexican holiday are shown through one family's observance. The simple bilingual text is accessible (though some of the phrasing is awkward), and the illustrations are celebratory, if a bit static. Educators will appreciate the find-what's-missing pages and the illustrated craft projects. A useful author's note gives more historical information.

Reviewer: Pamela Mishkin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Monroe. A young girl describes all of the "totally uncool" aspects of Dad's new girlfriend--she plays the tuba, sings opera to her goldfish, wears sneakers with skirts, and more. Toward the end of this list, however, she admits that Dad's girlfriend is around to help her with tests, projects, and bad days. The illustrations extend the amusing text, capturing each character's quirks and the emotions of an evolving relationship.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck