(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. A beach walk leads to the discovery of a star on the sand. The starfish needs to be returned to the ocean, but Ana wishes she could go, too. To fulfill her wish, her papa helps Ana "see" with his words. Grainy pastel illustrations with a natural sandy feel accompany this quiet story of nature appreciation. Information on different species (including human Ana) is appended.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. One night in 1871, the beauty and sounds of Yosemite Falls lured a young John Muir to hike alongside them. A strong breeze suddenly allowed Muir to scoot behind the waterfall, but then the shifting falls almost swept him away. Factual sidebars and back matter about the naturalist's life extend the story; skillful pastel-pencil illustrations impart a sense of the vast setting.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. Stormy weather on an island off the Maine coast causes concern for young resident Riley, who's fearful his birthday present will not arrive in time. Riley wonders if island life is really for him, but community interactions broaden his perspective and develop his appreciation for island living despite its challenges. Hogan's prosaic, chalky illustrations adequately capture the bustle and beauty of this isolated community.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. On India's Sunderbans islands, Neel, a boy with promise, might earn a scholarship to a boarding school in Kolkata. Neel's father joins the hunt for a valuable escaped tiger cub in order to pay for a tutor. Fast-paced action, references to the local flora and fauna, and clearly laid-out moral dilemmas come together in a satisfying way in this environmental adventure. Glos.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2015

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. Sayre's text thoughtfully follows a year in the life of a female humpback whale, from the birth of her calf through her spring northward migration and back to Caribbean waters for winter. In addition to the narration on the right-hand pages, spreads contain paragraphs of further explanation on the left. Hogan's cool-toned pencil and pastel illustrations represent the underwater light well.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. Arnold explains the effects of climate change on animals and other life. Most, like marmots and coral, have gone extinct or are threatened, while a few (e.g., Arctic foxes) have benefited from the effects of rising temperatures on their habitats. Somewhat busy mixed-media layouts that centerpiece charcoal and pastel illustrations only slightly detract from the excellent information. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. Formalist poems accompanied by pastel and charcoal pencil drawings celebrate animals in their natural habitats. Skinks in a cinquain "sneak / From cool crannies," and snakes "slither in a sizzling haze," surrounded by sibilance. The sometimes comic poems highlight animal habits and habitats that readers might otherwise overlook. Back matter discusses the forms as well as the poet's zoological inspirations.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. Ten-year-old Naima paints alpanas, decorative patterns adorning Bangladeshi homes. But disguising herself as a boy seems the only way to contribute earnings to her household. Ultimately, Naima figures out how to earn money with her talents--no disguise necessary. Perkins depicts a rural Bangladesh on the verge of change. Black-and-white drawings provide glimpses into Naima's dynamic world. An author's note is appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2007