(2) PS Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. In this vaguely allegorical Christmas story, "a new star" appears, and a solitary bear searches for a majestic tree "that would be the center of all to come." He finds it, then calls forth animals as well as people from all over for a special celebration. "It was time... / for peace." Andersen's oil paintings match the story's calm tone, with friendly creatures and people of many skin tones reveling together on snowy, star-lit landscapes.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(4) K-3 Pebble Plus: Understanding Differences series. These revised volumes introduce the topic of physical disabilities as experienced by children. Each book describes the featured disability, relates how it occurs, and shows kids involved in various activities (e.g., a deaf child feeling his smartphone vibrate). The bland texts are accompanied by photos of disabled children, often interacting happily with able-bodied kids. A related publisher's app is available. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review includes these Understanding Differences titles: Some Kids Are Blind and Some Kids are Deaf.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Pebble Plus: Understanding Differences series. These revised volumes introduce the topic of physical disabilities as experienced by children. Each book describes the featured disability, relates how it occurs, and shows kids involved in various activities (e.g., a deaf child feeling his smartphone vibrate). The bland texts are accompanied by photos of disabled children, often interacting happily with able-bodied kids. A related publisher's app is available. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review includes these Understanding Differences titles: Some Kids Are Blind and Some Kids are Deaf.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tymn Armstrong. This book warns readers (again and again) about approaching or touching thirteen species--including mountain goats (horns), porcupines (quills), and deathstalker scorpions (stinger)--that defend themselves in ways dangerous or fatal to people. The conversational text provides lots of information, but the subtitle's "seek and find" promise is confusing as the animals are clearly depicted in the stylized illustrations. A "Be Prepared" section offers first-aid tips.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon. A spare text describes the relationship between living things in an oak forest ecosystem. Some examples are of circumstance (the abundance of trees attracts nesting birds) and some of happenstance (a hawk alighting on a branch knocks off an acorn), but the book, with handsome illustrations featuring browns and greens, nicely emphasizes nature's interconnectedness. Additional oak forest information, including environmental tips, is included.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Meisel. By brief, pointed text ("Dragonflies swoop. Dip") and colorful multimedia illustrations, the book first introduces seven swamp creatures. Its second half shows them sequentially feeding on each other, from mosquito to alligator, thus illustrating a food chain. Though arguably appropriate for the wetland setting, it isn't always visually clear what's underwater and what's above. An endnote on swamp ecology bolsters the information-skimpy narrative.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) PS Illustrated by Jessica Meserve. In their second story (One Special Day), Mia yearns for big brother Spencer's attention. Striking, richly colored illustrations depict Mia dancing, playing in a sandbox, and more, while the following page reflects Mia's imagination: a professional dance performance and towering-castle-building feat. Readers will rejoice as Spencer gradually joins her in this simple but sweet story of sibling bonds and imagination.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. The concept of quantity is cleverly examined in the context of animal lives. Schaefer presents the number of times an animal "performs one behavior" in its lifetime, starting with the single egg sac spun by a spider, up to the thousand babies carried by a male seahorse. Bold and beautifully composed, Neal's retro illustrations contain the actual number of items mentioned. Supplemental information is appended.

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

(3) K-3 My First I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. Left alone in the classroom, Mittens the cat gets into mischief while waiting to be his owner's show-and-tell. Accessible vocabulary and pleasant illustrations make this latest entry in the series attractive to beginning readers. They will likely understand Mittens's need for "something to do" and enjoy his antics--not to mention the noises that accompany each mishap: "CRASH!" "SLAM!" "BAM!"

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) PS Illustrated by Jessica Meserve. Rambunctious young Spencer is wild as a tiger and loud as an elephant, but on the day his new baby sibling arrives, he's also quiet and gentle. In this satisfying introduction to becoming a big brother or sister, bold, energetic illustrations invite readers to complete the many similes describing Spencer. For example, a horse gallops across the page under the words "fast as a..."

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 My First I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. Mittens the cat wants to play with his friend Max the dog, but Mittens can't find him anywhere. He checks the doghouse and the back steps, then discovers that while he's been looking for Max, Max has been looking for him. New readers will appreciate the simple and repetitive text alongside the warm and friendly illustrations.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(3) K-3 First Facts: Transportation Zone series. These slim volumes pack in a good amount of information on their title topics. Car and truck fans may be drawn to the brief texts, including historical background and contemporary examples; they may also find some challenging vocabulary. The many photographs are well labeled. Each volume includes an activity (e.g., "Make a Siren"). Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Facts: Transportation Zone titles: Ambulances in Action, Police Cars in Action, and Semitrucks in Action.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. Impish kitten Mittens wants to help prepare for Halloween. Instead, he steps in the fingerpaint, gets tangled in the decorative cobwebs, and messes up the jack-o'-lantern cookies. When it comes to ratcheting up the scariness of the front-porch ghost, though, he's the right cat for the job. Mittens's exploits continue to be entertaining and satisfying for the very youngest readers.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kevan Atteberry. Teased for his unmonsterish looks, golden-haired, pink-faced Frankie Stein nevertheless out-scares his new classmates with frightening howls, horrific potions, and a monstrous attitude, earning their acceptance and friendship. This second Frankie Stein story, with themes similar to the first and not-too-scary digital illustrations, is an adequate, if formulaic, addition to a Halloween collection.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Pebble Books: Families series. These revised and updated books give brief introductions to family relationships. Each begins by explaining the relationship, then explores the roles an aunt or sister might play in a child's life. Though the vocabulary is very easy to read, the text, in its simplicity, can be confusing ("Sisters have brothers. Sisters have sisters"). The many photos show smiling kids and adults. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Books: Families titles: Aunts and Sisters.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. Mittens the kitten hears something digging behind the backyard fence. He digs, too, until he encounters a friendly dog. The large print, repetition, and limited vocabulary are geared to the youngest readers, who'll likely keep going to see who's waiting beyond the fence. The uncluttered illustrations avoid monotony by showing Mittens from a variety of angles.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jane Manning. Following an alphabetical format, Schaefer and Miller spotlight animals with distinguished derrieres (E is for the electric fish's electric bottom, F is for the peacock's fancy rear, G is for the firefly's glowing behind, etc.) and spend a paragraph explaining the evolutionary importance of each trait. The well-composed watercolors demonstrate a sense of humor and improbable decorum.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Pebble Books: Families series. These revised and updated books give brief introductions to family relationships. Each begins by explaining the relationship, then explores the roles an aunt or sister might play in a child's life. Though the vocabulary is very easy to read, the text, in its simplicity, can be confusing ("Sisters have brothers. Sisters have sisters"). The many photos show smiling kids and adults. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Books: Families titles: Aunts and Sisters.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) K-3 Understanding Differences series. These revised and updated volumes introduce the topic of physical disabilities as experienced by children. Each book describes the featured disability, relates how it occurs, and shows kids involved in various activities (e.g., deaf children enjoying music through its vibrations). The blandly written texts are accompanied by photos of disabled children; often they're pictured interacting happily with able-bodied kids. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding Differences titles: Some Kids Are Blind and Some Kids Use Wheelchairs.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Understanding Differences series. These revised and updated volumes introduce the topic of physical disabilities as experienced by children. Each book describes the featured disability, relates how it occurs, and shows kids involved in various activities (e.g., deaf children enjoying music through its vibrations). The blandly written texts are accompanied by photos of disabled children; often they're pictured interacting happily with able-bodied kids. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding Differences titles: Some Kids Are Blind and Some Kids Use Wheelchairs.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.