(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lois Rosio Sprague. Wearing another man's shoes, in this case mysterious sandals loaned by a cobbler, proves to be a creative turning point for Roberto, a struggling artist with visions of greatness. By truly seeing his ordinary surroundings he eventually realizes his dreams. Although self-conscious, the formal text delivers its message effectively; the painterly illustrations are saturated with deep colors outlined in black.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Keiser. Raj, a marmalade-striped cat, relishes life as a bookstore's beloved "tiger." When cranky Snowball joins the staff, the new cat's jeers pummel Raj's confidence, but Raj's loving owner helps him embrace his inner tiger. While the message isn't subtle, this gentle story may resonate with readers. Expressive watercolor illustrations depict the cats in their bookstore habitat.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) K-3 Illustrated by S. D. Schindler. Magnus Maximus loves to measure things: "wetness and dryness, nearness and farness," etc. Unfortunately, Magnus "forgot about everything else." A pair of broken glasses, a little boy, and a day at the beach teach him to balance work and life's pleasures. Crisp illustrations, which place the action in what looks like a nineteenth-century British setting, are a perfect match for the restrained tale.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan