(4) PS Illustrated by Alejandro O'Kif. Rhatigan blandly continues the stories of these classic nursery rhymes with matching rhythmic texts. Hey furthers the poem's absurdity as other animals and utensils frolic in O'Kif's bright, if at times overly stark, pictures; Itsy explores more of the bug world and their various antics, cartoonishly depicted in Farias's rounded illustrations. Though ultimately slight, the books should have some appeal with the nursery-rhyme crowd. Review covers these titles: Hey Diddle Diddle and The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) PS Illustrated by Carolina Farias. Rhatigan blandly continues the stories of these classic nursery rhymes with matching rhythmic texts. Hey furthers the poem's absurdity as other animals and utensils frolic in O'Kif's bright, if at times overly stark, pictures; Itsy explores more of the bug world and their various antics, cartoonishly depicted in Farias's rounded illustrations. Though ultimately slight, the books should have some appeal with the nursery-rhyme crowd. Review covers these titles: Hey Diddle Diddle and The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Anthony Owsley. This amusing book surveys hundreds of dubious inventions, from a car whistle to signal low fuel to a wearable plastic tent to keep a dog dry during rainfall. It's loosely organized by function, with illustrations ranging from black-and-white patent diagrams to whimsical, colorful cartoons. Some well-known inventors' failures are included (e.g., Edison's concrete house). Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Each section in this guide introduces an everyday "difference-maker" and offers strategies on how to meet one locally, questions to ask, and websites to visit; interviews and mini profiles conclude some chapters. The subjects (judge, crafter, "someone from a different religion") are a random assortment and the design is rather busy, but the energetic tone sets this title apart from other community-helper books. Ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Anthony Owsley. A short introduction leads to two larger sections: one explaining basic human anatomy and types of infections, the second covering common ailments and injuries (bruises, burns, fevers, etc.). The tone is breezy and reassuring, not overburdened with details. Frequent cartoon illustrations, close-up color photos, and diagrams add visual appeal. The type is quite small, and tinier-still captions are easy to miss. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jay Shin. Primary sources and anecdotal sidebars combine with an engaging text to present a thorough discussion of what it's like to be a child or teenager living in the White House. The awkward pastel illustrations detract from the presentation, but plentiful photographs augment the scrapbooklike design. This is an inviting, fact-filled look at the pros and cons of being a member of the First Family. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Tom LaBaff. This book lives up to its title. The experiments are generally simple (self-inflating balloons) and messy (neckties dissolved in nail polish remover) with brief explanations afterward. But neither the text nor the glossary can adequately define more complex terms such as polymer, and the energetic illustrations would be more helpful if they showed procedures instead of lively young people enjoying the results. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Kids' Crafts series. Each book gives an overview of supplies and projects ideas. Paper offers ways to decorate, cut, fold, or glue paper; Stamp explains how to make stamps or use store-bought ones to embellish various surfaces. Manufactured soap base and a microwave are essential for Soapmaking. The instructions, which are accompanied by lively photos, are occasionally unclear. Ind. Review covers these Kids' Crafts titles: Soapmaking, Paper Fantastic, and Stamp It!.

Reviewer: Marika Hoe

(3) 4-6 This upbeat book first introduces suitable criteria, then explains (with checklists) how to plan, conduct, take notes, write up, and display a good project. It next outlines more than fifty experiments, with titles such as "Pooch Smooch," "Gauge Your Tires," and "The Bubble Olympics," divided among biology, physical science, and chemistry. Bright photos and occasional art illustrate the cleanly designed pages. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Two hundred outdoor games are profiled with how-to-play instructions and a list of items needed to play. The introduction presents helpful tips on setting up boundaries, choosing teams and referees, and choosing who is "it." Bright photographs of children engaged in the wide range of activities complete this solid reference guide to outdoor play. Ind.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(4) 4-6 Kids' Crafts series. Each book gives an overview of supplies and projects ideas. Paper offers ways to decorate, cut, fold, or glue paper; Stamp explains how to make stamps or use store-bought ones to embellish various surfaces. Manufactured soap base and a microwave are essential for Soapmaking. The instructions, which are accompanied by lively photos, are occasionally unclear. Ind. Review covers these Kids' Crafts titles: Soapmaking, Paper Fantastic, and Stamp It!.

Reviewer: Marika Hoe

(4) 4-6 Kids' Crafts series. Each book gives an overview of supplies and projects ideas. Paper offers ways to decorate, cut, fold, or glue paper; Stamp explains how to make stamps or use store-bought ones to embellish various surfaces. Manufactured soap base and a microwave are essential for Soapmaking. The instructions, which are accompanied by lively photos, are occasionally unclear. Ind. Review covers these Kids' Crafts titles: Soapmaking, Paper Fantastic, and Stamp It!.

Reviewer: Marika Hoe

(4) 4-6 A chatty narration cheerleads young writers into getting started, then offers design tips, provides a host of art projects that showcase poems and stories, and gives advice for getting published in children's magazines. The book design, cluttered with drawings and retouched photos in collage style and an overlarge amount of text, is rather tight, but the projects are creative and varied. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 The authors combine factual information about the moon, sun, and other objects in the sky with detailed advice on how to observe them; the book also features activities that model astronomy concepts. Despite the unwieldy subject matter, the text is clear and lively throughout, and the activities are suitably linked to the ideas covered. Colorful, photo-filled layouts reinforce the text. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Information about conservation and tips on recycling are included with these craft projects ideas, arranged by material (plastic, metal, paper, glass). Lively photos of kids, familiar materials, and finished projects accompany an enthusiastic text, which makes clear when adult assistance is necessary. Some of the projects are more engaging than others, but all should be appropriate for middle-grade crafters.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo