(2) PS It's not a picture-book version of the similar-sounding Sesame Stree refrain, but it has a like premise--with a twist. On each of several cleanly designed spreads, one of the things pictured is not like the others--at least superficially. We've got three cows and an elephant; three dogs and a cat; three little pigs and a wolf (uh-oh); three bunnies and a bicycle; and more. For each example, the first spread sets up the differences using the titular phrase. A page-turn resolves the relationships in lighthearted text ("And that's just fine with us" "And that’s the way we roll") and in entertaining digital illustrations showing everyone getting along great (the pigs and wolf are in a band together--phew!). The art uses plenty of white space to good effect, placing the guileless creatures front and center and allowing viewers to notice variation. Upon not-that-close examination, for example, we see that none of the supposedly matching figures is exactly the same in appearance, behavior, or both, a point that gently underscores the text's welcome be-yourself message.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2020

(2) PS Little panda Chengdu (Chengdu Could Not, Would Not Fall Asleep) wakes up determined to find breakfast "all by himself." Gentle visual humor provides the big picture as Chengdu struggles (and fails) to reach bamboo leaves at the top of another tree. Clean pencil and watercolor illustrations allow viewers to focus on the action, and Chengdu's solemn expression keeps the story from getting too cutesy.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2017

(3) PS In brief rhymes, Saltzberg contrasts the model behavior of a polite, pink-clad princess with that of a wild, unruly dragon. However, lest readers conclude this is an either/or proposition, he declares there's a "dragon child" inside each princess, and "a little princess" inside each dragon. Digitally collaged illustrations with plenty of white space complement the light tone and offer a concluding visual joke.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Fred Benaglia. Rhyming text names possible ways to read a book and treat it like a friend. Digitally painted ink illustrations with unconventional color choices create vibrant compositions and recall vintage books with limited-color printing palettes. These components work together to encourage appreciation for reading and for the book as a physical object.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(3) PS Mom gives her three kids blank books in which they write stories: Seymour's features a hairy monster, Fiona writes poetry, and littlest Wilbur can't write yet but draws a dinosaur. The three books, progressively smaller, are bound inside "this book." The meta format is done well here, and each sibling's story is sweet, childlike, and inspiring.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis

(3) PS A girl describes the daily tea she shares with her grandfather. With their tea they sing songs, tell stories, and laugh together. But sharing a muffin is impossible, because the surprising reveal is that they have their daily visit via webcam. The simple rhyming text and spare line and watercolor illustrations juxtapose sweetly with the modern-day technological twist.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(2) PS All the pandas are sleeping peacefully except for little Chengdu. Saltzberg gives the book an old-fashioned look by limiting the colors to black, white, gray, and the green of the bamboo trees, catching the soft textures of a dark forest at night. Gentle sight gags add humor without breaking the calming mood, making this an ideal nighttime book for the very young.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2014

(3) PS Clean penciled lines, spare text, and interactive design are highlights in this clever book about creativity. Andrew, "a doodle boy" wearing bright orange and blue with pencil in hand, stands out against mostly blank white pages, while multiple flaps and folds are waiting to reveal what Andrew drew. Saltzberg simply but ingeniously demonstrates how doodles can take many shapes with a little imagination.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(4) K-3 From spring's snow melt through winter's snowfall, the cycle of seasons is celebrated in brief, rhyming text. Both verbal and visual images representing the seasons are familiar and predictable: tree climbing, Halloween candy, a snowman, hot chocolate. The colorful illustrations have an appealingly childlike quality, but there's nothing new under the seasonal sun in this book.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) PS Pig Cornelius is a newly minted big brother. When he learns the baby can only "sleep, drink, pee, poop, and cry," he's not impressed. After some motherly reassurance and brotherly bonding, Cornelius discovers what else Baby can do: "He can be my little brother!" Cheery illustrations and an upbeat text will help older siblings get ready for their babies.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Stanley finally gets to take the class pet, a parrot named Figgy, home for the weekend. However, Stanley, with encouragement from his pal Larry Finchfeather, opens the cage door, and Figgy flies away. The text offers the reality of owning up to one's mistakes within the safety of the classroom setting. Bright pencil, ink, and acrylic illustrations are likewise comforting.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) PS In the morning Cornelius's mother asks a string of simple questions: "Are you up?" "Did you make your bed?" The young pig buoyantly answers "Yes!" But "Are you ready for school?" prompts an emphatic "No!": the little porker needs a kiss to complete the morning routine. Kids will be amused by small details in the uncluttered acrylic and pencil illustrations.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(2) PS "Have you put your toys away?" Cornelius P. Mud answers "YES!" to his unobservant parent's bedtime questions, but the illustrations tell a different story (he puts his toys away...in the refrigerator). "'Are you ready for bed?' 'NO!'" This little piggy isn't stalling for time; he's waiting for an important part of the routine: a hug. The simple text and wide-awake pictures are attention-grabbers.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2005

(3) K-3 On "Crazy Hair Day" at school, Stanley comes to class with his hair spiked orange and blue. Except that it's not Crazy Hair Day--Stanley's mixed up the date with School Picture Day. Humiliated, he hides in the bathroom. Finally coaxed out, Stanley discovers his classmates have fashioned their own outlandish hairdos in a show of silly solidarity. Bright, gently humorous pictures suit the tone of the story.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 In their second book, the bunny and hippo have a fight when Hop's plans for celebrating Hip's birthday go wrong. Though neither character is particularly charming (Hip sulks when she doesn't get her hinted-at present; Hop fusses too much), readers will appreciate the grown-up chapter format, the humorous illustrations, and the happy, boisterous ending.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Hop the rabbit insists that he alone can be a pumpkin for Halloween, though his friend Hip, a hippopotamus, wants to be one, too. When Hip rebels, leaving Hop to trick-or-treat alone, the rabbit relents and quickly comes up with another large-size pumpkin costume. Featuring cartoon-style illustrations, this story of conflict between friends strikes a familiar chord.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 On the night before Lena's first soccer game, her dad tells a bedtime story about his own childhood team, the Atomic Pickles, and their self-appointed mascot--his own mother. Humorous illustrations track the soccer mom's metamorphosis from quiet spectator to giant cheerleading pickle, and in an amusing conclusion, Lena's family arrives at her game all decked out to cheer on her team, the Galactic Grapes.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) K-3 A trapeze in the kitchen, a pink, star-covered cannon on the roof, and assorted atypical pets are just some of the unusual accoutrements of life in this friendly family of circus performers. Nimble cartoon illustrations depict the high-flying Garbanzos preparing for their youngest's second birthday, a process that involves balancing their unicycle on an airplane to retrieve a runaway cake.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann