(4) K-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. Tortoise Tino and his friend Rudi, a long-eared jerboa, travel through the Grand Canyon by various modes to find Penny the Kaibab squirrel. Though the specifics of their quest are silly, the story delves into the geography, geology, and animal diversity of the region; unfortunately, the good-quality information gets lost in the wordiness. Watercolor illustrations capture the colors of this natural wonder.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. In this Texan retelling of "The Gingerbread Man," a feisty tortilla jumps off the griddle and runs through the desert, pursued by a growing number of people and animals. Kimmel's retelling is entertaining, but most impressive is how the English text seamlessly incorporates Spanish words through humorous repetition. Brooks's lively cartoon illustrations in sandy hues portray a dusty desert landscape.

Reviewer: Siena Leslie

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. This collection of poetry captures various aspects of life on the seashore, describing marine life, ferry boats, lighthouses, and miscellaneous beach activities. Ode's lyrical poems are charming and for the most part scan, though there is the occasional clumsy line--"We'll find him alone, / clinging to a tide pool stone." Brooks's illustrations match the fanciful tone of the verse.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(4) PS Illustrated by Erik Brooks. A close-up illustration of an animal's tail is depicted along with the titular question; on the following page, the animal to which it belongs is revealed along with one fact about how the tail is used. The final spread's gatefolds add nothing of value, but the text and art are clear and simple and will work well for preschooler storytimes.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) PS Illustrated by Erik Brooks. This engaging question-and-answer volume explains how the feet of nine animals have adapted to suit their environments. For each creature, a double-page spread shows an impressively detailed close-up of the mystery feet; the next spread reveals the animal in its habitat, succinctly describing the purpose of its unique feet features (sticky pads, claws, toes, scales, etc.). An appended gatefold shows all the animals.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. A baker's dozen of short stories showcase a variety of fearless, frenzied, and friendly felines. Each tale offers a cat's-eye look at his or her life and times as well as that of the animal's ancestors. Humorous black-and-white sketches illustrate the adventures, which include discovering treasure, stopping a crime, unwillingly taking a parachute ride, and "assisting" with holiday decorating.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. Perky little girl Boo (Boo's Dinosaur) returns with claims of a new dinosaur friend, freshly hatched from an egg she found in the forest. "Dinny" loves to play games but isn't so fond of cameras. Eventually he flies off after teaching Boo his secret dinosaur whistle. Boo's energy and warmth are reflected in the lively illustrations.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. Jason has to write a report about some guy he's never heard of--Alexander Fleming. While doing Internet research, Jason comes across an exciting story about Fleming, then must backtrack to determine if it's true. While much of this process is realistic, Jason's growing excitement about homework is less so. Clear black-and-white drawings illustrate some pages. Bib.

Reviewer: Becky Levine

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. A young girl chronicles things that make her feel happy and protected including tasty treats of ice-cream cones and corn on the cob as well as special moments with pets, friends, and family. Brooks's illustrations, saturated with color and filled with round shapes, add warmth and personality to serviceable text and its obvious message.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. Dogs from all over gather for the first annual meeting of the WOOF (Words of Our Friends) Society. Each of the book's thirteen short chapters offers a story of doggy derring-do, some purportedly from history ("Abu: The Dog Who Ruled Egypt," 2000 BCE) and others personal anecdotes from WOOF members. Black-and-white sketches illustrate the sometimes humorous, sometimes touching tales.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. "Mom, an animal followed me home. Can I keep it?" asks Boo in this beginning chapter book. Since the animal is a dinosaur that no one but Boo can see, Boo's parents and her brother, Sammy, agree. Brooks's whimsical black-and-white drawings, including wordless double-page spreads between the chapters, companionably illustrate this story of imaginary--or are they?--friends.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. Smoothly adapted from a broad array of identified sources, these fourteen tales are organized into three sections: monkeys in Africa and Madagascar, monkeys in the Americas, and monkeys in Asia. Proverbs from several countries are scattered among the stories, which include fables, a myth, legends, and folktales. Brooks adds congenial humor and features many different monkeys in richly colored scenes. Bib.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2005