(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Clapp. Born "black and silent as wonder" into an African-like village, Shining grows without making a sound. At Shining's coming of age, The One appears and explains to the suspicious villagers the value of listening. The poetic black similes ("black as wisdom") work a little too hard, but with its sooty charcoal and mixed-media images, brightened with touches of orange, this elemental tale has power.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Clapp. A family driving in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve must stop at a motel. After everyone is asleep, the middle child frets that Santa won't find them, but "just in case," he leaves out some treats. Not only does the boy meet Santa, but he gets to help carry a sack of presents. The milieu, strong characterizations, and realistic illustrations in icy blues and greens make this Christmas tale stand out.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Clapp. Addy's lyrical text traces the changes the millennia have brought to a Wisconsin field, where a modern-day farmer unearths a Civil War button, an ancient Indian arrowhead, and an Ice Age bone. The artwork--saturated watercolors flanked by soft pencil sketches of thematic motifs on double-page spreads--complements the contemplative tone. Together they quietly, evocatively put time in perspective.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(4) YA Illustrated by John Clapp. This picture book edition of a story first published in Imaginary Lands, a collection of short fantasy stories for young adults edited by McKinley, is illustrated with lush watercolors. The love story--though she has plans to establish a farm with Donal, young Maddy finds herself seduced by a legendary hill creature--may miss its audience in this format.

Reviewer: Anne St. John