(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tedd Arnold. Noodlehead brothers Mac and Mac are forced by their mother to go outside and learn something. They try their hands at fishing when they discover a rod but are bamboozled repeatedly (including by themselves). Over three humorous, comics-style chapters, the goofy yet lovable Noodleheads' ideas are as surprising as they are misguided. Authors' notes link each exploit to an original story source.

Reviewer: Jessica Costello

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tedd Arnold. Foolish Noodleheads Mac and Mac (Noodlehead Nightmares) hope their mother will bake them a cake. While searching for oven firewood over the course of three easy-reader chapters, they are tricked, bamboozled, and outsmarted. The brothers' silliness, wordplay, and comics format are engaging, but the pacing and the connection between scenarios feel forced. An author's note links each exploit to an original story source.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall

(4) K-3 Mac and Mac are "noodleheads"--childlike creatures with empty macaroni noggins, comically rendered with expressive bugged-out eyes--who share adventures and nightmares while seeking ways to avoid making their beds. This graphic easy reader, divided into three short chapters, uses silly dialogue and goofy illustrations to appeal to young readers. However, the shout-outs to fool-centric folktales range from confusing to unnoticeable.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kristen Balouch. Hamilton and Weiss present a humorous retelling of an Indian folktale about a Bengali barber who must outwit a ghost to support his family and fellow villagers. Balouch's simply composed paintings comprising strong shapes show many of the townspeople in traditional clothing with some modern touches (e.g., hipster glasses on the barber, who also sports a stylish hairdo).

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Kanzler. A kind Italian merchant traveling in the Orient is thanked royally after solving the kingdom's rat problem. A greedy trader expecting the same treatment gets his comeuppance after the king rewards him with a kitten. There's a lot of set-up and the subsequent pacing is off. Textured gold-toned paintings are appropriately sumptuous and also include humorous details.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Carol Lyon. Proffering information about each story and tips for telling, two practicing storytellers present thirty-one very short folktales that can be easily learned and told. Sources are given at the end of the book, and there is also a chapter on general advice for storytellers, making the book useful for children and adult novices. Bib.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Ariane Elsammak. Fools are found everywhere as this lighthearted collection of twenty-three numskull stories--from almost as many countries--well illustrates. The retellings, accompanied by cartoon-style black-and-white artwork, are simple enough for children to learn, but storytellers and teachers will also enjoy them. Tips for young storytellers, related activities, and source notes are included.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Carol Lyon. Collected here are twenty-five pourquoi tales from various world cultures that explain some aspect of nature, such as why the sea is salty or how the owl got its feathers. Following each brief tale is a short scientific explanation of the natural phenomenon and helpful tips for telling the story effectively. This collection will inspire budding storytellers, young and old alike. Source notes are provided. Bib.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli