(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Holyfield & John Holyfield. Emma longs for a store-bought book, but in her migrant farm family any extra money goes in the hard-times jar. Although she knows it isn't allowed, Emma takes home books from school, and Mama makes her tell her teacher--the hardest thing Emma's ever done. Mama rewards her with quarters from the hard-times jar. The moving story, based on the author's own childhood, is accompanied by rich, lively paintings.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Wil Clay. In a warm if predictable story, Tokee and her older sister Reba resent having to spend a day with their old-fashioned Auntee Edna. While Reba goes off with a neighbor, Tokee and Auntee Edna bake teacakes, make toys from buttons and string, and roll their hair in paper curlers, and Tokee is entertained in spite of herself. Warm acrylics invitingly contrast Auntee and her comfortable, outdated house with the two contemporary youngsters.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian