(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jill Dubin. In an "Over in the Meadow" pattern, rhymed stanzas introduce African savanna animals, from one zebra to ten jackals. Enhanced by cut-paper-collage illustrations, the text features less-familiar vocabulary (graze, shrill, cunning); endnotes add to and clarify some misleading information (e.g., elephants don't have triplets). Tips for teachers, art correlations, and musical score appended. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jill Dubin. This twist on "Over in the Meadow" depicts far-flung animals in their mountain habitats with their offspring. Berkes's rhyme scheme struggles at times, but she packs a lot of information into her verses and the ensuing back matter. Dubin's richly layered cut-paper illustrations add texture and include a hidden animal in each spread. Suggested activities and a musical score are appended. Map, reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jill Dubin. Based on the song "Over in the Meadow," a sometimes-strained rhyming text introduces ten animals and their babies in different river environments. Large, beautiful cut-paper collages encourage counting to ten and contain hidden creatures. Each spread includes a map showing the river location and the numeral. Facts about rivers and the featured animals, author and illustrator's notes, and musical notation are appended.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jill Dubin. Textured paper collage illustrates this version of the familiar counting song "Over in the Meadow." With a different woodland creature and a set of its tracks on each page, children learn names for animal babies, such as turkey poults and raccoon kits. Back matter fills out information about the animals, while tips from the author and illustrator and hidden pictures throughout add interest. Music is appended.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) PS Illustrated by Jill Dubin. "Over in Australia / Looking like a kangaroo / Lived a smaller wallaby / And her little joeys two." In this not-very-well-rhymed counting book, various Australian animal babies "snap," "munch," or "splash" with their parents. Double-page cut-paper collages suit the natural settings. Back matter includes a map and additional information about each animal's physical characteristics, diet, and habitat. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jill Dubin. Following the pattern of the traditional "Over in the Meadow," this version takes the tune to the Arctic, with pleasing cut-paper art showing animals such as the hare, polar bear, snowy owl, beluga, and wolverine. Despite an occasional falter in beat, the book has child appeal. Facts, activities, and music are appended. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey