(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Rose Blake. Organized topically, an accessible dialogue between artist Hockney and art critic Gayford guides kids in looking at pictures, from paintings to selfies. Blake's whimsical drawings of the authors (and Hockney's funny dachshunds) provide a playful frame for the full-color artworks and astute observations in the text. A kid-friendly introduction to art history that will have young artists reaching for their crayons--or iPads. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) PS Illustrated by David Walker. In their third outing, bird besties Peep and Ducky enjoy a winter day outside. They sled (and crash), build a snowman, and fight then make up--a typical preschool playdate. Just in time, Peep's momma and Ducky's poppa arrive with snacks and hot chocolate. The pleasantly rhyming text and rounded figures in pastel colors contribute to a sweet seasonal story.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) PS Illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. "Follow mama / Stop and eat / Chase fish / Splash feet." An inviting rhyming text follows an American black bear and two cubs through a year. Emerging from their den in spring, the bears forage and play until winter when they sleep. Engaging full-bleed paintings show the bears thriving in their forest habitat. A detailed two-page "Shh, Bear Facts" section is appended.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) PS Illustrated by David Walker. The two young friends from Peep and Ducky are back, this time having a play date on a less-than-sunny day. The bird pals have fun at Peep's house, first inside (under a blanketed table) then out (in a kiddy pool in the rain). Gently rounded black outlines filled with pastel colors illustrate the simple rhyming text of this lighthearted romp.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(2) PS Illustrated by David Walker. Bird pals Peep and Ducky romp in a mud puddle, have snacks, take a pee break, fight over a bucket, apologize, then part ways (with minor whining). Everything in the art is gently rounded and painted in springlike pastel colors. The simple and repetitive rhyming text is fun to read aloud--a bonus for adults, who will be asked to read this multiple times.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Manders. After Grandpa Crow announces a party in his tree, forest animals stop by to play hide-and-seek, eat pizza and ice cream, make music, etc. The illustrations of goofy-looking critters are a good match for the singsongy rhymes, which include the arrhythmic groaner, "'Thanks a lot,' squeaked a mouse. / 'I love pizza. / There's nothing in the world / I'd rather eat-za!'"

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev. On Christmas Eve, as Little Bunny's siblings hang ornaments high on the tree, they tease him for being the smallest one in the family. That night he dreams of cavorting with the ornaments-come-alive, who appreciate him; humorous scenes show the small rabbit socializing with the toys in the tree. Gorbachev's sketchlike, effortless-looking ink and watercolor illustrations bring the endearing characters to life.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Akemi Gutierrez. Three bear cubs star in four stories that are not only easy to read (with the help of their introductory sections) but also entertaining. Readers will enjoy watching the bears jump, juggle, eat, and build. Each tale includes one short line of text per page, accompanied by colorful childlike illustrations that extend the story and make it more exciting.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev. Grandma Cat bakes and serves her family an apple pie. While the cats sleep, Grandma Mouse discovers the last piece and shares it with her family, who nap while an ant family carries away the last crumbs. When all families wake up, they bake another pie together. While the plot lacks conflict, the detailed and colorful art creates a warm, bustling environment.

Reviewer: Jannifer Cantelmi

(4) K-3 Brand New Readers series. In this small-scale offering, four mildly amusing, minimal tales star two frog friends. The simple stories feature Lucy counting butterflies, and Lucy and Bob hopping, catching flies, and playing tag. The serviceable illustrations provide context clues for beginning readers.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) PS Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. The idea of going fishing with Dad for the first time is exciting; the reality is another matter. Piggy finds a couple of details about the sport (skewering worms and fish) troubling; Dad wisely doesn't force the issue. The summery watercolor-and-pencil cartoon illustrations clue listeners into Piggy's emotions and create a bit of tension in the nicely paced story.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2005

(3) PS Illustrated by Randy Cecil. "We've got ears, and you do too. / We can pull them. / Can you?" Various animals such as elephants, zebras, and monkeys take turns pointing out anatomical similarities between themselves and humans. The distilled text will engage the very young, and no age group will be immune to the charm of the sumptuous cartoony images of the frolicking creatures.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Akemi Gutierrez. In four short stories, Brother Bear, Sister Bear, and Baby Bear go swimming, eat ice cream cones, play in the snow, and do the limbo. Each story includes a brief introductory summary and uses simple repetitive language. Amusing twists at the end lift them above the ordinary. The watercolor and ink illustrations are genial and uncluttered.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. Each of these books tells four simple stories that end with a satisfying twist youngsters will enjoy, though Rosa's tales are comparatively flat. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition; clear, entertaining illustrations; and introductions (to be read by the adult) before each story that briefly summarize the action. Adults get useful tips on helping their children reader gain reading confidence.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Scott Nash. Each of these books tells four simple stories. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by the adult) before each story that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping their beginning reader gain confidence.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Scott Nash. Each of these books tells four simple stories. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by the adult) before each story that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping their beginning reader gain confidence.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(2) PS In a clever twist on that old favorite beginning "this little piggy went to market," Martin has given us the astonishing true story behind each of the piggies' adventures. Meddaugh's illustrations here are reminiscent of those of the late lamented James Marshall in their affectionate tolerance for dumb humor, and show piggies eating and playing and just being excellent piggies in general. A diverting embellishment.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.