(2) K-3 Illustrated by Joanne Friar. From the evergreen boughs used by ancient Egyptians to celebrate the winter solstice to modern LED lights and pink aluminum trees, Farmer provides a wealth of information about the social history of the Christmas tree. She also traces its development both as plant and as cash crop. Illustrated with warm, cheerful gouache pictures, the book is accessible and well organized.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Joanne Friar. Detailed pictures and informational text highlight changes in the United States from the late-nineteenth to the early twenty-first century. Michael, the great-great-grandson of Nathan, lives in the same house with a similar dog, but the family relationship isn't explored; it's just a frame for the past/present contrast of eight topics: energy, construction, light, communication, transportation, school, entertainment, and dinnertime.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Joanne Friar. This seasonal book tells how apples are made into cider on a family-run farm. Aunts, uncles, Grandpa, and grandkids all help in the process, which starts in the orchard and ends at the farm stand. Details in the art and (flatly told) story demonstrate how apples are sorted for eating or for cider and then explain the actual cider-pressing process. The autumnal palette gives a warm and welcoming tone to the topic. "Cider Lore" is appended.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen