(4) PS Illustrated by Henri Sorensen. The cover of this book alone recommends it as a gift for parents of a new baby. Inside is a collection of universal hopes for a child ("I hope you will always be curious. / I hope you will never forget how to be silly"), accompanied by realistic paintings of idealized scenes of children playing or spending time with their families. Parents may enjoy reading--and explaining--this adult-themed book to children.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Peter Malone. A thoughtfully selected collection of quotes elucidates words chosen to represent each letter of the alphabet, from animal for A to zoo for Z. The words of Thomas Jefferson, Gary Soto, and Edna St. Vincent Millay, among others, grace the pages; quotations from the Book of Genesis and the Inuit and Ute Indians also appear. Gouache paintings blend realistic and mystical elements, effectively evoking the poetry of the words.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute