(2) PS Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. In this vaguely allegorical Christmas story, "a new star" appears, and a solitary bear searches for a majestic tree "that would be the center of all to come." He finds it, then calls forth animals as well as people from all over for a special celebration. "It was time... / for peace." Andersen's oil paintings match the story's calm tone, with friendly creatures and people of many skin tones reveling together on snowy, star-lit landscapes.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. McDonough describes the Alcotts' uncompromising ideals, Louisa's struggles with poverty, her growing fame, and her loyal nurturing of a family sadly diminished by its losses over time. The informative, no-nonsense text and the sophisticated illustrations should appeal to readers who are nearly ready for Little Women itself. Andersen's gouache and pastel art is rendered with a free-flowing, impressionistic brush. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. American-born Patience Wright was a noted wax sculptor--and spy--during the Revolutionary War era. Living in London, she funneled information back to the fledgling democracy. Wright's story is unquestionably compelling, but the narrative doesn't capture its drama completely; the author's note is more engaging. Gouache and pastel illustrations are intricately detailed and provide much of the book's interest and energy. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. After giving birth, a newly transplanted pioneer mother suffers from depression in her isolated prairie cabin. Her older daughter senses what she needs and works to clear a place to plant the flower seeds they brought with them. Evocative art illustrates this somber tale, the loose paint strokes and scratchy lines conveying the family members' various emotions.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. This handsomely illustrated volume comprises biographies of ten legendary leaders, including Hammurabi, Alexander the Great, Attila, Kublai Khan, and Peter the Great. Meltzer's sources for discussing these lives and their cultural contexts are impeccable, and he writes knowledgeably and thoughtfully. The unevenness of available information means that some sections are less focused than others. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. Two children from the city visit their widowed grandfather in the country and help him restore their grandmother's garden, which their grandfather had let go. Young Cody surprises his older sister and grandfather by purchasing a birdhouse to attract the bluebirds his grandmother loved. Andersen's loose gouache and oil paintings enrich the somewhat sentimental text.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. A pioneer family in Utah thinks up riddles about the origins of items they use every day. "What is a broom before it's a broom?" "A birch branch, sweeping clouds away." Though the text is slightly self-conscious, hints of humor keep the tone light, and some of the expressive oil paintings add a note of exuberance. Endnotes supply information about pioneer life.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) YA Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. Published spring 1998. This beautifully designed and illustrated oversized album celebrates the lives and achievements of ten notable women as disparate as Queen Esther and Catherine the Great. The prose is clear, clean, and direct in this book that's full of information and insight; especially valuable as introductory material to older students preparing to learn more. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn