(4) K-3 Illustrated by Carlyn Beccia. Lachenmeyer takes an anecdote about the inspiration for eighteenth-century Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti's "The Cat's Fugue" and runs with it, imagining self-satisfied kitty Pulcinella as a brilliant composer in her own right--who's just waiting for her chance to play Scarlatti's off-limits harpsichord. The illustrations, which humorously show composer and cat with matching pompadours, are unevenly executed.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Carlyn Beccia. Alcott's experience as a Civil War nurse is recounted in this candid picture-book biography with realistic, somewhat static digital oil paintings that reflect the hardship and horror of a run-down makeshift hospital. Her own near-death illness provides impetus, following Alcott's long recovery, for her successful writing career, first with the publication of letters before her greatest achievement, Little Women. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Carlyn Beccia. Crime-fighting duo Harry Houdini and Nate return to solve their third cleverly crafted period mystery in early-twentieth-century New York. Friend and coworker Ace has been arrested for a gruesome murder, and Nate is certain he's innocent. Nate and Houdini set out to investigate who has framed Ace and why. History and mystery fans will continue to thrill to Nate's adventures.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray