(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tania Howells. Willow worries that she won't be able to smile on cue on Picture Day. The lessons here--that everyone has "their own special smiles" and that Willow can look "picture perfect" without a big grin--are reinforced by the childlike illustrations but somewhat obscured as the plot progresses. A reassuring, if not especially deep, walk through Picture Day.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tania Howells. Willow's bossy classmate Kristabelle bullies the whole class, and anyone who doesn't toe the line will be excluded from her "fantastic birthday party." The teacher seems oddly unaware, but readers can root for Willow as she finds the courage to neutralize Kristabelle's threat without becoming vindictive herself. Simple, childlike illustrations, rendered in Photoshop, reflect the emotions involved in classroom politics.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert