(2) K-3 Roth (Parrots over Puerto Rico) compares her collage work to the colorful displays constructed by male bowerbirds of Australia and New Guinea to attract mates. "As with all artists...we both hope that our finished works are much greater than the sum of their parts." As the book progresses, we see that Roth is depicting herself making the very illustrations we're looking at. Additional details about bowerbirds and Roth's collage technique are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2019

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. The authors detail the plight of the prairie dog, whose numbers have been greatly reduced by farming and development. Two independently strong texts--one a modified song lyric, the other in-depth nonfiction--provide details on the biology and ecology of grassland environments. Roth's painstakingly precise mixed-media illustrations are bursting with rich, varied colors. Extensive notes include resources and photographs. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. This gorgeously illustrated history of the endangered Puerto Rican parrot underscores the environmental consequences of human populations on indigenous animal species. With stunning paper-and-fabric artwork, the book is laid out vertically to give a sense of height. Ruffly-feathered parrots, colorfully clothed people, and Puerto Rican landmarks are located within dense, intricate illustrations that capture the lushness of the landscape. Timeline.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(3) K-3 When Egyptians began protesting and calling for Mubarak’s resignation in 2011, people feared for the safety of the beautiful Bibliotheca Alexandrina--the library built in 2002 near the ancient site of the Great Library of Alexandria. In this lovely tribute to the spirit of cooperation, Roth’s trademark collages exuberantly illustrate the human chain that surrounded the library to save it.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) K-3 Roth and Trumbore describe how Japanese American Dr. Gordon Sato, a cell biologist, helps people in Eritrea catch fish tangled in mangrove forests--which were planted with his assistance. Left-hand pages include a cumulative rhyme, accessible to young readers, while right-hand pages give straightforward information to slightly older children. Enhanced by Roth's colorful collages, it's a winning volume for many age groups. Websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. "We are the children of Korphe." This picture book version of the adult book Three Cups of Tea tells how Mortenson, an American, built a school in a small Pakistani village. The collage art is welcoming, with figures set against bright backgrounds. An artist's note and "A Korphe Scrapbook" add to the educational appeal. Bib.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(3) K-3 A big sister talks about the things her baby sister can't do. Specific references to Korean culture (kimchee, the traditional first birthday outfits) add cultural richness, though most young children will recognize the common sibling relationship. The girls, full of vitality, are set against bright collage backgrounds of various textured papers rich in fiery oranges, reds, and pinks.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 In this picture book, Roth presents a fictionalized account of the childhood and early life of Benedictine monk Guido d'Arezzo, the "Father of Music" and inventor of the musical staff, who was born around 990 CE in Italy. The subject may appeal to budding musicians, but the text is fairly dry. Cut-paper collage illustrations have some charm but a few look amateurish. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson

(4) K-3 Mama guinea pig tells her little one a bedtime story about their eight-million-year-old ancestors: wild guinea pigs the size of one-ton buffaloes. The humorous textured cut-paper collages ably show off these prehistoric creatures (most notably in one vertical double-page spread). Although informationally vague in places, this is an attention-grabber. Additional information about guinea pigs is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(2) PS This Hanukkah song is illustrated with eye-catching collages showing a mouse family lighting the menorah, dancing the hora, enjoying a meal, and more. The illustrations extend the song lyrics by offering additional details. Sporting exaggerated, arm's-length, almost 3-D whiskers, the mice lack expression, but their postures convey the warm emotions of the festival of lights. Music is appended.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004

(2) K-3 Readers venture into the clouds with Kristen, an apprentice ironworker, as she checks in with various crewmembers on a construction site and brings snacks and tools to each. Stunning collages showcase the workers, their jobs, and their equipment in situ; clear explanatory notes describe the work and responsibilities for each person involved in the construction.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2005

(3) PS "My love for you... / is warmer / than a snowsuit / in JANUARY, / sweeter than heart-shaped chocolates / in FEBRUARY...." So begins this original valentine from one mouse (presumably a parent) to another, smaller mouse. Between the fresh similes and the cut-paper collages, Roth's book is at least a notch above the usual how-much-I-love-you fare.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 1-3 For his seventieth birthday, Mr. Kang makes three wishes: to paint poems, to read the New York Times everyday, and to own a hua mei bird. His grandson Sam, however, doesn't fully understand his grandfather's desire to blend his Chinese and American cultures. Roth's cut-paper and photo-collage illustrations add depth and landscape to this intergenerational story set in New York City.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 While disobeying his parents, incorrigible Little Boy James suffers a terrible fall from the barn roof. His devastated grandfather goes to church, plays his penny whistle, and leads a host of angels back home to revive the boy. Although the premise is theologically problematic, the rich, heavily textured collage illustrations dramatically portray the summer's heat and the mystical apparitions.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(4) K-3 A gerbil describes his adventure outside to his gerbil cage-mate. The brief text portrays the world as a gerbil sees it (toy cars and Playskool people are a city, the pet dog is a wolf) while the illustrations show what actually happened--or do they? The collage illustrations leave some doubt, potentially confusing a child audience. Although the gerbils are portrayed appealingly, their treatment is alternately realistic and anthropomorphic.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.