(3) K-3 Smithsonian Oceanic Collection series. Illustrated by Steven James Petruccio & Steven James Petruccio. A typical day for a puffer fish of the Galápagos Islands is portrayed in a straightforward text and panoramic underwater illustrations. Facts about the puffer fish's habits, predators, and symbiotic relationships (such as with rainbow wrasses) add interest. Unfamiliar words are explained in a short glossary.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Joanie Popeo. Despite dangers such as seals, bald eagles, bears, and fishing nets, there is not much tension in this story as Sockeye the salmon makes his way through Puget Sound and up the Cedar River to his spawning grounds. His journey is illustrated in adequate realistic paintings. An afterword presents information about the environmental impact of human construction and development on the salmon. Glos.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Cornerstones of Freedom series. This short overview offers a history of the canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The accessible text, illustrated with photos and archival reproductions, briefly discusses the treaties affecting U.S. control of the canal. It goes on to cover the inequities faced by Panamanians working in the canal zone and looks at the negative impact the U.S. presence had on the unity of the nation. A time line is included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kristin Kest. Without anthropomorphizing, this story offers a glimpse into the life of Flying Squirrel as he spends the night hunting for a new nest site, evading predators, and gathering nuts to store for the winter. The realistic paintings use a rich, earth-toned palette, finding surprising opportunities for brighter reds, blues, and greens despite the nighttime setting. An endnote supplies some additional information. Glos.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli