(4) PS Illustrated by Jim Field. Set-in-his-ways koala Kevin stays in his tree. Despite the coaxings of a wombat, kangaroos, and dingoes, Kevin remains on his perch--until a woodpecker forces the issue by toppling the tree. Large cartoony illustrations show an endearing collection of outback pals. The rhyming text, though message-y ("life can be GREAT / when you try something NEW!"), is kid-friendly and relatable.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) PS Illustrated by Jim Field. This follow-up to Frog on a Log? uses a similar list-like text of tongue-twisting rhymes about where animals must sit based on their name. This time, the frog changes the rules to benefit himself. The quirky rhymes are still humorous, as are the detailed, literal illustrations of cheetahs sitting on fajitas, etc. A final visual joke reminds us who's in charge here.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jim Field. Until his tenth birthday, Barry Bennett's biggest complaints were that his parents are boring and strict and that they named him Barry. A birthday wish sends him to an alternate world where he can pick out perfect parents at The Parent Agency. But finding perfect parents actually isn't so easy, which leads to a familiar there's-no-place-like-home ending. The book's humorous premise is hampered by an unlikable protagonist.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jim Field. Timid, soft-spoken Mouse, tired of being small and ignored, admires Lion's outgoing bravado and loud roar. Thinking that a roar of his own will solve his problems, Mouse seeks out Lion's help, only to discover that Lion is afraid of mice; an odd-couple friendship ensues. The theme of not judging by first impressions is enlivened by bold, comically detailed illustrations.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) PS Illustrated by Jim Field. A frog and cat engage in hilarious conversation about where animals must sit based on what rhymes with their name. Combining tongue twisters and vocabulary, this reads like a modern Dr. Seuss. Creative illustrations focus on animals' facial expressions (a story unto themselves) as they bring the cat's ridiculous commands to life. The book ends with a visual joke sure to delight preschoolers.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jim Field. Imagine an absurd twist on sending away for a decoder ring: two brothers buy every cornflake box they can to save coupons for a free lion. Instead of a lion, they receive a bear, a crocodile, and a gorilla...and cornflakes for life (ugh!). Exaggerated digital illustrations contain funny touches, and the story delivers on its silly premise.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum