(4) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. Though everyone calls him Little Rex, a young dinosaur longs to be big and ferocious; brightly colored, amiable illustrations further belie his claim of fierceness. Instead of pointy teeth, sharp claws, and loud roars, it's the hatching of new siblings that helps him really grow up. Though the story's ending is abrupt, young readers may identify with the big-hearted little dino.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church. A hedgehog's feelings are hurt when the dancing butterflies won't let her join in. Friends rally 'round, and they all "Twist and turn and skip and hop. / This way and that way. / That way and this way. Spin around until you stop!" Church's cleanly composed collages display Harriet's emotions, from hope to disappointment to unabashed joy.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Sim & David Sim. Wendy Woolcoat, a sheep, is mostly content to sleep and eat grass, but she secretly dreams of flying. After rescuing a fairy, Wendy's wish is granted. Although the book is slight, the whimsical illustrations, executed mainly in springtime blues, greens, oranges, and pinks, bring what there is of a story to life.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz