(3) K-3 Illustrated by Daniel Miyares. After his wife's death, Samuel Clemens became reclusive, with pet cat Bambino his only welcome company. Based on a true story, this fictionalized account of Bambino's disappearance (and return) is as much about finding joy after grief as it is about the famous author. The dark colors and sharp angles of the art match the somber tone of the story. Bib.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jos. A. Smith. The story credits Monet's young son's enthusiasm for steam trains as inspiration for the artist's series of paintings done at the Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris. Maltbie's text (with invented dialogue) gives background on Impressionism while Smith's textured paintings effectively depict the setting. Author's and illustrator's notes and a list of museums that house Monet's works are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pau Estrada. This story stars Minou the cat, who brought home sausages to feed the starving artist (true, according to the author's note) and introduced him (the writer's creation) to the circus performers who peopled the paintings of Picasso's successful Rose Period. Incorporating Picasso's own paintings, Estrada's pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations are filled with lively details. No sources are provided.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt