(2) K-3 Here I Come! series. Illustrated by Sara Palacios. This collection of poems covers Hanukkah history ("Macca-BAM! Macca-BOOM!"), eternal questions ("Applesauce vs. Sour Cream"; "Enough Food?"), and modern-day considerations ("Hanukkah Selfies"). The loosely metered poems have plenty of humor and a dash of sweetness (the eighth night features "one last ­Hanukkah hug"). The inclusive illustrations in Palacios's (A Song of Frutas, rev. 9/21) signature bold style depict a wide representation of families and friends enjoying the holiday together. A sheet of stickers is appended.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sarah Walsh. Lyrics to the 1986 ballad performed by Cindy Lauper come to life with appropriately colorful illustrations portraying a diverse cast of children and adults. Rainbows and same-sex embraces convey LGBTQ pride, fitting with the song's history in the gay rights movement. However, true fans looking to sing along may be annoyed by an extra line inserted into the first chorus and one removed from the second.

Reviewer: Rachel Marsh

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Robert Neubecker. Humorously illustrated in bright colors and with Baroque patterns and unique perspectives, this historical-fiction story about King Louis XIV's "shrimp" stature--and how he compensated for it--will engage any child. By story's end, the witty text (printed in a font of varying sizes and colors) leaves no doubt that it's always best to be yourself. The book concludes with fourteen facts about the king.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Colleen Madden. As Micah helps his synagogue pick pumpkins for a soup kitchen, he's also on the lookout for a perfect one to bring home to decorate his family's sukkah. A truck full of pumpkins seems an odd donation, but the story's messages about generosity, selflessness, and pumpkins' life cycle are clear. The genial illustrations show nature scenes, friends and family, and Micah's imaginings.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amanda Pike. After winning the Thanksgiving raffle, German immigrant Papa brings a live turkey home to Brooklyn (via subway). Indik (Yiddish for turkey) becomes something of a pet to the little-boy narrator, so when it's time for butchering, he's relieved: Indik's "too old! He'll be too tough to eat!" Amusing period illustrations enliven the silly predicament, based on a true story.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 All Aboard Poetry Reader series. Illustrated by Adrian C. Sinnott. Ever wonder what to do for stressed-out pets? How movie star cats do their stunts? Or where gerbils go to stay in shape? This collection of five poems about animals has all the answers. The poems are silly, scan nicely, and use some language that will challenge beginning readers. The illustrations add humor and clues to the text.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 All Aboard Poetry Reader series. Illustrated by Adrian Sinnott. Five poems describe the making of grasshopper pie, a boy who does everything upside down, a sneezing elephant, a monster, and an alien who lands in a bowl of chicken soup. Although the poems are not distinguished, they are funny and don't talk down to children, making the collection useful for getting beginning readers interested in poetry. Pop-eyed cartoon illustrations extend the poems' tone.

Reviewer: Aishah Abdul-Musawwir

(4) K-3 All Aboard Poetry Reader series. Illustrated by Adrian Sinnott. Five longish story poems concern a perpetually hungry skeleton, a werewolf baby born to human parents, and the plight of a feckless phantom in today's busy, noisy world. The poems are generally engaging (even when the meter occasionally falters) and have a comical quality shared by the amusing black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta