(2) K-3 Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. The authors detail the plight of the prairie dog, whose numbers have been greatly reduced by farming and development. Two independently strong texts--one a modified song lyric, the other in-depth nonfiction--provide details on the biology and ecology of grassland environments. Roth's painstakingly precise mixed-media illustrations are bursting with rich, varied colors. Extensive notes include resources and photographs. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. This gorgeously illustrated history of the endangered Puerto Rican parrot underscores the environmental consequences of human populations on indigenous animal species. With stunning paper-and-fabric artwork, the book is laid out vertically to give a sense of height. Ruffly-feathered parrots, colorfully clothed people, and Puerto Rican landmarks are located within dense, intricate illustrations that capture the lushness of the landscape. Timeline.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(3) K-3 Roth and Trumbore describe how Japanese American Dr. Gordon Sato, a cell biologist, helps people in Eritrea catch fish tangled in mangrove forests--which were planted with his assistance. Left-hand pages include a cumulative rhyme, accessible to young readers, while right-hand pages give straightforward information to slightly older children. Enhanced by Roth's colorful collages, it's a winning volume for many age groups. Websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by R. W. Alley. Will's miserable summer vacation improves quickly after he opens an old book and discovers Homer, a literary genie. In a series of humorous developments, Homer uses characters and situations from children's literature to help Will improve his summer. Though the internal logic is not perfect, the story is entertaining and may build young readers' interest in classic books.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister