(3) K-3 Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. When tomboy Emma receives a pink ballerina costume from her uncle, her efforts to float, flutter, and twirl land her in a petunia patch, birdbath, etc. The story's "be yourself" message is common enough in the picture book world, but this tale feels fresh because Emma is so sympathetic: as the illustrations of her loose-limbed pratfalls show, she's giving it her all.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ard Hoyt. For Presidents' Day, Caleb's teacher asks the class to "make something showing patriotism." Caleb is stumped until he realizes that his soldier dad, who is serving overseas, "is patriotism." Caleb's epiphany is kind of adult, but many communities will welcome this opportunity to discuss the concerns of children with parents in the military. The illustrations convey Caleb's pride.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow