(4) PS After the circus, Little One says to her father, "Can you guess who my favorite person in the whole wide world is?" She gives clues: "Who makes me laugh?" and "Who swings me the highest?" which are illustrated with Daddy as a circus performer, tightrope walking, flying on the trapeze, etc. Naive paintings and the title give away the answer.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Harry Horse. In yet another book idealizing the parent-child relationship, a bear cub "helps" Mama all day: he loves her so much that he'll do anything for her. That night she uses his pledge to coax the worn-out cub to sleep ("Would you shut your eyes for me?"). Visual vignettes of varying sizes create a pleasing layout, and the story is sweetly satisfying--but it's more parent wish fulfillment than picture book.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) PS A monster suit turns Timothy, previously "the sweetest boy in all the world," into Monster Toddler. Splashing juice and breaking toys eventually gets boring, but Timothy doesn't know how to stop. His big sister, in a superhero costume, comes to the rescue, reminding him how to behave nicely. A rainbow sherbet palette and not-so-monstrous-looking toddler keep the tone gentle in this appealing book.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(4) K-3 Lil and Nelly, although twins, have opposite personalities. The bulk of the story is the girls' homework project--a list of their differing personality traits and behaviors--illustrated with detailed and humorous pen and watercolor sketches. The book is heavy on character and light on plot, but readers will find lots of funny examples in art and text.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) PS Going to a birthday party for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. Little Rabbit has many questions (what should he wear?), and it takes time for him to feel comfortable joining in the games. The direct text and the childlike, unassuming illustrations are like the cardboard box that Little Rabbit brings as a gift for Blue Mouse--a good fit for the occasion.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan