(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kim Smith. In each book, a kid visiting an out-of-town cousin receives Canada- or New England–specific gifts, one per day, during the twelve days of Christmas. On each spread, cheerful illustrations incorporate the presents or activities while chatty, overly explanatory letters written home to Mom and Dad give information; a map precedes each story and additional regional facts are appended. Review covers these titles: The Twelve Days of Christmas in New England and The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) YA Planet Girl series. Illustrated by Monika Melnychuk. This book presents handy methods for managing money: "how to make it, save it, spend it and share it." Chapters are broken down into subsections ("Mizz Bizz," "Bank on it"), which are peppered with quizzes and craft projects to keep readers engaged. Hipster illustrations and references may become dated, but the book's sound advice is both practical and approachable.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) 4-6 Kids Can Do It series. Illustrated by Jane Kurisu. Despite the book's title, many of the materials (e.g., beads, vinyl, eyelets, clasps) for these sixteen projects (including bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, and an anklet) won't be readily available at home and will need to be purchased at a craft or hardware store. The instructions are generally easy to follow, supported by helpful step-by-step illustrations. Templates are included.

Reviewer: Marika Hoe

(3) 4-6 Planet Girl series. Illustrated by Bernice Lum. Kids who have some sewing experience will enjoy completing the sixteen projects (four each of handbags, travel accessories, wallets and cases, and school bags) presented in this well-illustrated spiral-bound manual. Because the detailed written directions are fairly complex, photographs of the final products are invaluable. The jaunty prose strikes a "cool" attitude meant to appeal to the target audience.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo