(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Gall. In this whimsical takeoff on "The Gingerbread Man," a venerable panda sensei bakes an extraordinary cookie, a Ninjabread Man, who comes to life ("KA-POW!") and challenges each fierce animal ninja. Ninjabread Man defeats them all until he's outwitted by the fox, as in the traditional tale. Lively, cartoonish illustrations depict all the zippy martial-arts action, while playful language adds to the entertainment.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) PS Illustrated by Chris Gall. In this amusing "Little Red Riding Hood" takeoff peopled by vehicles of all kinds, scooter Little Red tangles with a monster truck who has just devoured Granny Putt Putt. Because Red knows the neighborhood streets (his "riding 'hood") so well, he manages to vanquish the truck. Bold illustrations give the characters plenty of personality, while playful vehicle-related language adds to the humor.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Gall. The lyrics to the patriotic favorite are illustrated with digitally colored hand engravings. These handsome tableaux range from American landscapes to the launching of Apollo 11 and the raising of the flag in the World Trade Center rubble. The book includes printed music and, on the endpapers, the original poem in Bates's handwriting.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta