(3) K-3 Illustrated by Holly Hatam. Tinkerer Maxine learns persistence as she ensures that her beloved goldfish, Milton, can participate in the class pet parade. This well-defined challenge propels the plot. Digital-collage illustrations contain delightful details--including Maxine's clever inventions and an ever-present little brother--and although it's supposedly "hard to tell" how Milton is feeling, he clearly adores Maxine.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Thor Wickstrom. Like Uncle Edgar (Degas) and Cousin Paul (Cezanne), Lester has an artistic talent: blowing bubbles. His bubble-gum renditions of The Thinker and the Mona Lisa are eye-popping. But just as he's poised to blow a bubble masterpiece, his tooth falls out. Humor, alliteration, and references (in the text and illustrations) to famous artwork and artists abound in this appealing tale.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley