(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tim Jessell. An unnamed hunter sips coffee in the chill of the pre-dawn morning. As the sun rises, he goes out into the forest. But when he finds his prey, he is mesmerized by its beauty and chooses not to shoot. The spare text is complemented by large, realistic illustrations tinged with blue or black (night scenes) or orange hues (daytime), which create a tone of reverence.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. The eighth book in this amiable series in which historical dogs tell their stories in first-person narratives features the spunky Scottish terrier companion of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Witnessing key moments in the president's career, Fala has the run of the White House and the affection of the staff. Soft, gray-toned illustrations are included. Historical notes and information on Scottish terriers are appended.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In this continuation of the illustrated chapter-book series in which dogs tell their own stories in first-person narratives, Sweetie, a foxhound companion of George Washington, is witness to and participant in both Revolutionary War battles and Washington's domestic life. Her story is based on actual historical events described in the appendix; details about her breed are also included.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Renowned author and outdoorsman Paulsen recounts personal anecdotes of remarkable encounters that challenge our perception of animals as simplistic creatures. Through a conversational, free-flowing narrative, Paulsen's strong prose and the compelling subjects of his chosen stories reinforce the central theme that animals should be recognized as compassionate, intelligent, and heroic partners in life's journey. Pen-and-ink sketches illustrate the stories.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Siberian husky and sled dog Togo narrates this fourth installment. Musher Sepp and exuberant Togo lead the team in the 1925 Nome Serum Run, saving Alaskan children in a remote village who have diphtheria. Based on a true story, this is an intimate portrait of the breed's lively and devoted personality. Black-and-white illustrations, additional breed information, and some archival photos are included.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In this accessible fifth book of a series in which dogs tell their own historical stories in the first person, springer spaniel Dash brings to life an adventure on board the Mayflower, followed by the building of Plymouth Colony and its early struggles. Lively black-and-white illustrations and additional information about the breed and colonial life are included. Websites.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In the first book in this new series, golden retriever Ginger, born in a puppy mill, endures several unfortunate encounters with humans before landing with a responsible owner. In book two, German shepherd Buddy tells the story, based on actual events, about her rigorous training as the first guide dog. Pleasing black-and-white illustrations (and in Buddy some archival photos), breed history, and rescue information enhance each story. Review covers these Dog Diaries titles: Buddy and Ginger.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In the first book in this new series, golden retriever Ginger, born in a puppy mill, endures several unfortunate encounters with humans before landing with a responsible owner. In book two, German shepherd Buddy tells the story, based on actual events, about her rigorous training as the first guide dog. Pleasing black-and-white illustrations (and in Buddy some archival photos), breed history, and rescue information enhance each story. Review covers these Dog Diaries titles: Buddy and Ginger.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 1-3 Dog Diaries series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. This third entry in the chapter book series is narrated by Barry, a St. Bernard mountain rescue dog who lived and worked at the Great Saint Bernard Hospice (a hostel of sorts) in the Swiss Alps in the early 1800s. Lively black-and-white illustrations, breed history, and rescue information enhance the story. Some archival photos and additional facts about the breed are appended. Websites.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 STAT series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Based on the NBA star author's own life, this third entry continues Stoudemire's journey as a promising young player. Time spent improving his game creates tension between eleven-year-old Amar'e and his dad, but an eye-injury (and new goggles) provides a fresh perspective on friends, family, and basketball. While conflicts are easily resolved, the fresh dialogue and sports action will engage basketballers.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 STAT series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Amar'e is invited to join the seventh- and eighth-grade basketball team a year early. However, not everyone on the team supports the new sixth grader. Amar'e adjusts to the more tightly called games--a change from his streetball tournaments--and works to win over his older teammates. Another idealistic installment, but fans will continue to enjoy the accessible storytelling and affable, hardworking protagonist.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In post–WWII Maryland, Chuck is fascinated with radios, radar, and space travel. Although he struggles in school, Chuck can build anything and has a "genius" mind for understanding schematics. He and his younger sister build a prototype for a space capsule, albeit with ill-gotten materials. The novel contains plenty of adventure and action, but coincidences strain credulity and subplots bog down the story.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) 4-6 STAT series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Based on the NBA star author's own life, these first two entries follow eleven-year-old Amar'e as he stands up to older boys disrespecting the neighborhood court (Home Court) and maintaining friendships when his basketball talents excel (Double Team). Stoudemire's concentration on family, friendship, and doing the right thing leans toward preachy, but kids will focus on the action-packed basketball details. Review covers these STAT titles: Home Court and Double Team.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 STAT series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Based on the NBA star author's own life, these first two entries follow eleven-year-old Amar'e as he stands up to older boys disrespecting the neighborhood court (Home Court) and maintaining friendships when his basketball talents excel (Double Team). Stoudemire's concentration on family, friendship, and doing the right thing leans toward preachy, but kids will focus on the action-packed basketball details. Review covers these STAT titles: Home Court and Double Team.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Mark's anthropologist dad heads to the Gobi Desert to "meet and live with the desert people like Marco Polo did." After Dad goes missing, Mark and his mother travel to Polo's home city of Venice to investigate. Fearful and tentative, the main character (with help from a talking dog) finds courage. The family drama plus stories of Marco in Italy will hold readers' interest. Bib.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Stepping Stone True Stories series. Illustrated by Tim Jessell. This unabashedly Red Sox-centric biography of Babe Ruth will hit all the right spots for fans of the formerly "cursed" franchise. It's written simply enough for younger elementary school students, while packing in a good amount of information and conveying the tension of championship games. The black-and-white illustrations are based on iconic photographs of Babe and the Sox.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Eleven-year-old Andrew becomes a page to Walter Raleigh. The early part of the novel is a fish-out-of-water story as Andrew adjusts to his new life. It then becomes an adventure when he's sent on a series of missions, including a voyage to America as part of an ill-fated Roanoke expedition. Armstrong, who's done his historical research, writes in a lively style.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2007

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tim Jessell. Unrelentingly tongue-in-cheek humor marks this contrived escapade, in which the Ice King traps Santa in his lair and Robert and Carolyn's parents (superhero identities: the Protector and Protectress) must save Christmas--with the kids' help. As a reward, the two receive their own superpowers and swoop off to fight evil as "the Young Protectors." Super-realistic illustrations (rendered with an overabundance of purple) reinforce the arch tone.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano