(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tor Freeman. This book uses short rhymes to define seventy-five words in alphabetical order from “acquiesce” to “zest.” The jaunty, silly (if repetitive) poems are accompanied by equally goofy illustrations, showing, for example, two kangaroos boxing to show “retaliate.” Some pages also feature quotes from famous books using the words in context. Published in Britain, the book contains occasional phrases (e.g., “fine fettle”) and spellings that may be unfamiliar to American readers.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) PS Illustrated by Tor Freeman. "We'll rub. We'll scrub. / We're Wally and Gene. / There's not a pet / that we can't clean." Two young entrepreneurs wash all kinds of animals; they can handle anything from cats to kangaroos. That is, until someone brings a very messy baby brother, and the two boys run away yelling, "Sorry! We're closed!" Bold, expressive acrylic illustrations lend additional humor to the rhyming text.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale