(3) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. Although "girls can't fish" in her Filipino village, Nina persuades her grandfather to take her fishing with him and watches closely as Lolo shows her what to do. She waits patiently and finally triumphs, landing a big fish. Repetition in the lively prose conveys the steady rhythm of the craft ("hand over hand, fish after fish"). Simple illustrations in muted blues and greens complement this empowering story.

Reviewer: Alicia K. Long

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. Three French prisoners of war arrive to work on seven-year-old Gerda's family farm. The story, based on Barker's mother's childhood in WWII Germany, is told in simple, conversational phrases. Benoit's illustrations combine precise details with softness and warmth that convey the tenderness of memory. The book raises interesting questions, such as the complicated idea of who is an "enemy." A closing note and photographs are included.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2016

(3) K-3 Great Idea series. Illustrated by Renné Benoit. Kulling's picture book–biography series on historical inventors continues. Zamboni's name is synonymous with his ice-resurfacing machine; the interesting story behind it is engagingly told and nicely illustrated in watercolor and colored pencil. The son of freed slaves, lesser-known Morgan's inventions include what became gas masks and traffic lights; his compelling biography, with finely detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor art, includes attention to prejudices he faced. Review covers the following titles: Clean Sweep! and To the Rescue!.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. PoPo (grandmother) comes from China to the U.S. to teach her granddaughter and baby grandson traditional ways to bring in a lucky new year. The story lacks conflict and character development, but the book works as nonfiction; information about Chinese New Year traditions is shared through the narrative text and in callout boxes. Friendly watercolor illustrations add warmth. Complicated craft instructions included.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. "Now and then you'll see a few / animals who use tools, too." Alternating between arrhythmic rhymes about animals using tools and more valuable scientific explanations, this book is better read as two different narratives. The watercolor, colored-pencil, and gouache illustrations in muted earth tones feel rather lifeless. A lengthy author's lends additional context. Reading list, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. A family celebrates the Chinese Moon Festival by sharing mooncakes, tea, and stories as they sit together, looking at the moon. Mama and Baba tell their daughter tales about the moon's inhabitants: a woman who gains eternal life, a lazy woodcutter, and Jade Rabbit. Warm, glowing watercolors match the story's contemplative and contented mood. An author's note provides background on the harvest holiday.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. After Lisabeth disses her dinner, Mom boasts that "When I was a little girl I ate everything I was given." Poof!: an apparition of young Mom shows up to model perfect behavior. In a twist, Grandma arrives and gives adult Mom a reality check. The grand premise would have been better served by fresher prose and a livelier palette.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Renne Benoit. John's parents are getting divorced, and he and his mother must move away. Early on the morning of their departure, just after a snowfall, John says goodbye to Griffith Street by making snow angels and stars in front of his friends' houses. Rendered in soft browns and grays, the sensitive illustrations for this poignant story capture the atmosphere of John's small mining town.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert