(4) PS Illustrated by Mike Yamada. Pumper truck Kai joins the firefighting crew, but the other trucks don't think he's capable because he's small and green instead of big and red. During a big fire, his size proves valuable, and he earns everyone's respect. The digital illustrations are reminiscent of television cartoons and include many smiling trucks. The story is surprisingly wordy, and the firetrucks' captain speaks in odd rhymes.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) PS Illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson. Mrs. Raccoon teaches her son about bravery by telling him of a robin who conquers his fear of flying. She offers this advice: "If you think you can’t, tell yourself you can, and do it!" The worthy lesson overwhelms the story, and her explanation becomes a bit confusing. The illustrations feature expressive drawings of both raccoons and robins.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lea Lyon. A family living in the "Old Country" prepares for Hanukkah. Like the Maccabees, the family doesn't have enough oil (cooking oil, that is) to last eight nights. How they stretch their supply to make a Hanukkah miracle is the heart of the story. Rich illustrations, though occasionally stiff, reflect the cold of winter outside and the warmth of celebration inside.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman