(4) PS Illustrated by Debbie Harter. Bopping rhymes ("There's a twisting, twirling Apatosaurus / Encouraging everyone to join in the chorus. / Let's twist!") introduce readers to seven different dinosaurs, rendered as dancing dynamos alongside a diverse group of children in Harter's supersaturated art. The lyrics lose their footing without a backbeat, for which readers will have to turn to the accompanying CD. Dino facts conclude the merrymaking. Glos.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Debbie Harter. This rhyming tale tells of a pirate ship crewed mostly by kids that sails across the ocean, encountering storms, shipwrecks, and finally finding treasure. Paint, pen-and-ink, and crayon drawings use simple shapes and bold colors. Information about famous pirates and an illustration labeling parts of a pirate's galleon are appended. A CD and music to the "Port Side Pirates" song are included.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) PS Illustrated by Debbie Harter. This counting book falls short in its attempt to deliver concept, song, and information under one cover. The drawings are rendered in a garish palette; the rhyming text is uninspired. Interesting back matter, however, offers two picture glossaries: one on calypso instruments, the other on the featured bugs. Those looking for a calypso songbook--music and CD are included--may find it here.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS Illustrated by Debbie Harter. Near-identical twin-dog brothers Rip and Rap have different temperaments. When Rap plays in the mud, he obscures his distinguishing mark (washing doesn't remove the mud), and he feels that he has lost his identity. The premise of this up-with-individuality fare is promising, but the resolution is anticlimactic. However, the tidy, bright, and bold illustrations of the barnyard gang are winning.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Debbie Harter. No matter what the season, Bear always finds a way to have a good time. Brief rhymed text with flawless rhythm is printed in a large, bold font. Illustrations feature a gleeful bear romping delightfully through a variety of seasonal scenes; bright watercolors attract attention while crayon accents provide atmosphere.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) PS Illustrated by Debbie Harter. "Open the door, and what do you see?" An up-close and personal tour of Bear's vibrantly decorated house begins in the kitchen and ends in the bedroom where he "says Goodnight." Bear's zebra-striped cat joins the tour as well, easily spotted amidst the vividly colored illustrations. At the end of the book, two aerial maps of the different floors add interest.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) PS Illustrated by Debbie Harter. Each double-page spread asks the reader to find an item in the picture: "Can you see the blue flower?" Along the side of each page is a list of more items of that color to search for. The busy illustrations of farm animals--at a birthday party, a park, the boardwalk, and so on--contain amusing details. However, the garish colors are far too distracting for a search-and-find book.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander