(4) K-3 Illustrated by Glin Dibley. When the Mudville Nine drop to second place, a (gasp) female pitcher is called in. Readers will correctly predict that Joy will triumph on the mound, but the innings hold many pleasures, including rat-a-tat-tat rhymes (well, a few are missing their second "tat") and Joy's innovative methods: she employs techniques from other sports that Dibley captures in his caricaturish illustrations.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Glin Dibley. This story is a humorous account of Sophie Groves's struggle to overcome her fear of horseback riding, make friends, and put up with her outlandish family. Occasional black-and-white cartoons highlight some of the funniest parts of the story. Many kids, not just horse lovers, will be able to relate to Sophie's hopes and frustrations.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Glin Dibley. On Monday, after two kids make mud pies all day, their bath water turns brown; on Tuesday, drippy Popsicles make it purple. Each day brings a different color "kid tea" until Sunday, when the kids stay clean for church. The mixed-media illustrations are lively and the text jaunty, though the rhymes are uninspired ("Monday, fun day" "Tuesday, new day").

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) PS Illustrated by Glin Dibley. Readers will likely chuckle (or groan) at these questions with yes or no answers. First, Wheeler suggests a pleasant pastime, then offers an unpleasant follow-up: "Would you like to take a trip to the North Pole...? Would you like to forget your coat and mittens?" A different child demonstrates each pair of options in the amusing pastel-colored illustrations.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Glin Dibley. The son of circus performers, Phillip longs for a more conventional life and moves in with his aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, they live in "the unofficial Dodgeball Capital of the World," and klutzy Phillip is lousy at the sport. Though fast-paced, the book never quite fulfills the comic potential promised by its silly premise.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Glin Dibley. When Henry gets his toe stuck in the tub faucet, a parade of family members, a police officer, and a plumber suffer the same fate while trying to rescue him. Rhythmic, alliterative text and repetition of the silly title successfully shape this cumulative tale, which is awkwardly wrapped in an artificial news bulletin format. Stylized illustrations of the tangle of rubberlike limbs in the bathtub add humor.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin