(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. Nico rescues an octopus from a fishing net and makes it his pet. Details about octopus life are smoothly worked into the modest story, and Nico learns a hard lesson when the octopus dies after laying her eggs. The simple text is illustrated with pale art evoking a Mediterranean setting.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jackie Morris. A lonely old woman finds a merbaby in a giant crab shell and with the help of the merchild's mother, a Sea Spirit, she raises her until she is strong enough to return to the sea. Sweeping watercolor illustrations in blues, greens, and reds, as well as spot illustrations of the sea's treasures, capture the magic in this well-told tale of love and letting go.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(3) PS Share-a-Story series. Illustrated by Cliff Wright. When Una the bear cub is told she may only leave the den when spring comes, she sneaks out to look for her, asking the other forest animals she meets: "Are you Spring?" The pleasant illustrations, which feature cuddly animals and an attractive woodland setting, complement the quiet story. The volume begins and concludes with notes to parents suggesting related activities.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jane Chapman. Published spring 1998. In a familiar story line, a mare reassures her curious foal that he will not miss her when he grows up. With his mother's guidance, the foal learns about wind, darkness, and the world outside his snug stable. Although the text conveys an anthropomorphic mother and child relationship, the textured illustrations portray a fairly realistic mare and foal.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty