(3) K-3 Colección Luz Verde series. Illustrated by Ariane Dewey & José Aruego. Humpty Dumpty thinks his animal pals are too small to help prevent his "great fall." However, the creatures prove that cooperation can overcome limitations. The text--one or two sentences per page printed in both English and Spanish--is pleasantly rhythmic and repetitive. Smiling animals reassuring a fearful Humpty will entertain young readers.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(3) PS Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. Farm animals are sure they are being stalked by a coyote but discover that it is only a rabbit that wants to play with them. This simple rhyming story has just the right amount of tension for story hours. Aruego and Dewey's colorful, rounded illustrations of purple cow and bright blue goat make the story more silly than scary.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. With his long legs and strong, sleek frame, Azban the raccoon wins every race against the other animals, and he teases them. But the cocky raccoon clearly needs a lesson in the laws of physics when he challenges an old boulder to a downhill race. This pourquoi tale is alive with sound, and the illustrations humorously convey the animals' irritation and Azban's arrogance.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2005

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. When Beaver builds a dam in Turtle's perfectly shallow pond one winter, the pond is drastically deepened come spring. Beaver challenges Turtle to a race for ownership, but clever Turtle outwits Beaver and wins. Beaver is changed for the better, as well, and both agree to share the pond. This sprightly retelling is enhanced by Aruego and Dewey's characteristically winsome art.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. In his latest tale, Lizard mistakenly trods upon Skunk, and the opportunistic mammal takes advantage of Lizard after feigning injury. Once Lizard catches on, he tricks Skunk into showing him he's okay, then creatively derails Skunk's anger with a healing celebration. Lizard's solution sets a good example, and the animated, candy-colored illustrations are sure to please.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. When the littlest wolf pup worries that his rolling isn't straight enough or his running and pouncing don't measure up to that of his siblings, his supportive father reminds him that everything doesn't come at once and that he's well on his way. Satisfied, the little wolf is content to be just who he is now. Playful illustrations keep the tone light in this comforting, well-written story.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(2) PS Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. Crafty fox Rosa Raposa and greedy Jaguar are the perfect stock characters for a lively trio of tales adapted from Spanish sources and reset in the Brazilian jungle. In all three tales, Jaguar is outwitted because Rosa Raposa knows how to appeal to his weaknesses: greed, vanity, ignorance. With its brilliant, interpretive illustrations well synchronized with a thoughtfully placed text, this is a real find for story hours.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. Bear brags that he can do anything, so Brown Squirrel dares him to keep the sun from rising. When Bear fails, Brown Squirrel teases him and gets scratched down his back. Expressive illustrations in bright autumn colors bring out Bear's anger and Brown Squirrel's sauciness. This Native American tale is great for storytelling. Source notes are included in an authors' note.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ariane Dewey & Jose Aruego. In a brief, simple tale, Humpty Dumpty cowers on top of his wall, afraid he might fall, until enough animal friends gather to help cushion his landing. Bright colors, winsome animal characters, and an especially goofy Humpty will entice new readers to reach the satisfactory conclusion. Use of rhyme and repetition is helpful.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. A mouse vows to look everywhere for his sweetheart-to-be, and the jaunty illustrations portray his speculations about where and how he might find her. In the end, he realizes she lives next door. The rhyming question-and-answer format adds interest, but the story has less child appeal and emotional impact than this trio's Whose Mouse Are You?

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. When pushy Snake tries to take over the rock that everybody knows is Lizard's home, Lizard soon realizes that wishing songs and pleading aren't going to get his place back. Once Snake agrees to a simple game of chance to decide, Lizard proves that even a little guy can outsmart a sneaky snake. Aruego and Dewey's trademark clarity and humor enhance their illustrations for this clever tale of comeuppance.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. A rhyming text describes how eleven animals protect their young from predatory and environmental threats to keep them "safe, warm, and snug." Some tongue-tying word sequences and occasionally awkward meter mean the otherwise lively verse doesn't always read fluently, but the bold, vibrant illustrations are eye-catching. A section at the back elaborates on the animals' protective tactics.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(4) K-3 Featuring the same bright illustration as 'Leo the Late Bloomer', this sequel tells of Leo's frustration with little brother Louie, who can't do the things that Leo and his friends do. Leo's parents advise patience; sure enough, one day Louie suddenly "blooms." Louie's change is confusing: has Leo come to appreciate Louie's unique way of doing things or has Louie learned new skills? Either way, the message of patience is clear.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) K-3 With illustrations that complement the poems' humorous tone, this lively collection depicts the Antarctic from the perspective of emperor penguin chicks. The poems describe the penguins leaping into icy water for a first swim, identifying mother by her unique sound, and waiting patiently to be fed (with regurgitated food from dad). Bib.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.