(2) K-3 Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. A little-known fact is that the ­Declaration of Independence, or the “Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America,” signed by fifty-six men and distributed to the thirteen states in 1777, also carried a woman’s name. It was Baltimore printer, publisher, and postmaster Mary Katharine Goddard (1738–1816) who printed the broadside, risking treason charges for her belief in an independent United States. Goddard routinely published news supporting the revolution and put her initials and last name on each paper: “Published by M. K. GODDARD.” It took great courage, and on one occasion a British loyalist “burst into her office to hurl insults, ugly language, and threats,” but ­Goddard stood her ground. When, in 1777, the Continental Congress voted to send a copy of the Declaration to each of the thirteen states, ­Goddard was asked to print it as a one-page broadside. “She carefully converted the scrawled names into clear type,” and this time she proudly added her full name. Baddeley’s mixed-media illustrations bring home Goddard’s determination and resolve. The backgrounds in some illustrations incorporate expressive language -- “Pound! Pound! Pound!” “Crank, Whoosh!” -- to remind us of the sheer strength required to operate a printing press. Detailed back matter provides more information about Goddard (including that she was an enslaver), the Declaration of Independence, and printing and publishing in Colonial times; also appended with a brief bibliography.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jess Racklyeft. Ivy Bird follows a small bird--whose feathers match her young human companion's red hair--through a day's activities: paddling with ducks, collecting shiny objects with bowerbirds, chirping with magpies, and so forth. Readers can spot a variety of birds in the vivid mixed-media illustrations, or turn to the back for descriptions of the whole flock.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2020

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Marc Rosenthal. If ever there was a pop song whose uplifting sentiment suits a picture book, it's this Beatles classic. And if ever there was a pop song whose lyrics look inane in a picture book, it's this one ("Love, love, love...”, etc.). Still, the jubilant illustrations of a bear moved to good deeds by the sound of music delivers the message.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Patrick Benson. Eliza finds a stone on the beach and decides it's an egg. One morning she wakes up to see, in place of the "egg," a stone bird. Seasons pass, and a small stone appears next to her bird; later, that stone is replaced by a stone chick. McCartney captures in uncomplicated prose the unwavering faith and abundant imagination of children. Benson's richly detailed illustrations radiate warmth.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2018