(4) 4-6 Who HQ: Who Was...? series. Illustrated by Dede Putra. Grosset's long-running Who Was...? series is re-branded. These readable, informative biographies are marred only by the caricatured cover illustrations (typical of the classic series) and interior pencil illustrations that are inconsistent in style. Otherwise, these will give young readers a good sense of who these people were (or are). Occasional full- and double-page text boxes successfully illuminate related topics. Timeline. Bib. Review covers these Who HQ: Who Was...? titles: Who Was Jane Austen?, Who Was Chuck Jones?, Who Was Coretta Scott King?, Who Is Ralph Lauren? Who Was Alexander Hamilton?, Who Was Lewis Carroll?, Who Is Pope Francis?, and Who Was Andrew Jackson?.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Meilo So. In her groundbreaking studies with African grey parrot Alex (acronym for "Avian Learning Experiment"), Irene Pepperberg successfully teaches him language skills beyond the usual mimicry. Spinner explains methods clearly and dynamically, but readers will most enjoy displays of Alex's personality. So's mixed-media illustrations, with their agile lines and splashes of tropical color against white backgrounds, further enliven the text's details.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(4) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Daniel Howarth. Paddywack, a pony, narrates the story of how her girl Jane learns to ride--and to consistently remember to bring treats to reward Paddywack for each lesson the pony gives to her. This very slight girl-and-her-horse story with a twist, illustrated with gentle barnyard scenes, will amuse newly independent horse-loving readers.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Damosel, a Lady of the Lake, and Twixt, a dwarf, alternate accounts of the rise and fall of King Arthur. Although Damosel begins as an amusing magical creature with a penchant for obscure rules, the bland plot soon overpowers character development.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(2) YA In this nicely laconic take on the activities of this unusually human Greek divinity, Spinner characterizes Hermes as a likable boy desirous of his father's affection, a person always working for someone else (he's the messenger god, after all) but who has his own emergent inner life. Smart-aleck irony mixed with charm makes Hermes's account a memorable, entertaining avenue into Greek mythology.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2005

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jill McElmurry. Each night of the eight-day-long Hanukkah celebration an irrepressible grandma tells her grandson a story about a different family member. A jaunty text combines with richly colored illustrations to create a memorable book that seamlessly and happily combines holiday and family rituals. Includes a historical orientation and the ritual blessings. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(2) YA The mythical Greek heroine Atalanta's first-person narrative incorporates the legends about her, including the best-known story, in which she agrees to marry any man who can outrun her, while those who fail must die. In an engrossing story, Spinner draws a picture of a brave and earnest teenage girl who is forced by circumstances--otherwise known as the manipulations of the capricious gods--to make difficult choices.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Larry Day. The fast-paced biographies in this series do a good job of revealing the personalities and significant achievements of their subjects. Plentiful black-and-white illustrations and simple prose make the books particularly appealing to reluctant readers, and the brief sidebars never overwhelm the main texts. Each volume has two timelines--one for the subject's life, the other listing concurrent world events. [Review covers these titles: Who Was Albert Einstein?, Who Was Ben Franklin?, Who Was Sacagawea?, Who Was Annie Oakley?.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 In this sequel to Be First in the Universe, twins Tessa and Tod ask their extraterrestrial friend Gemini Jack for help rescuing a rock star from a mob of his fans. The "Fame Ban" spray works too well, and the suddenly fameless Nigel Throbber settles on the twins' farm to practice his drum solo all night long. The humorous novel features intersecting plot lines and cleverly imagined characters.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Gemini Jack--an alien rental agent at the mall--needs a pair of twins with criminal tendencies. Creepy twins Ned and Nancy end up as the ruthless genetic material Jack's too-nice race needs when they steal and torture the electronic pet given to good twins Tod and Tessa. Cartoonishly broad characterizations and rampant good-guy vindication keep this middle-grade tale unabashedly lighthearted.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam