(3) K-3 Illustrated by David A. Johnson. The narrator alternately describes her public shyness ("I don't catch the Frisbee. / I just let it fall") and her private fearlessness ("I dance. / I leap and I spin and I prance"). The patterns of her rhymes harmonize with the dynamically illustrated spreads, in which the girl sometimes appears multiple times--a fitting comment on the many aspects of oneself.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by David A. Johnson. This enjoyable historical narrative relates the story of the first submarine used in naval warfare, during the American Revolutionary War. Carlson tells of the conception, construction, and completion of the American Turtle through the eyes of a fictional teenage boy searching for his role in the conflict. A diagram of the Turtle and author's note are included. Bib.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David A. Johnson. Double-page spreads with titles such as "Snappiest Pet," "Tiniest Dog," and "Most Pampered" introduce the wide variety of animals that have lived at the White House. Accompanied by well-rendered illustrations, the concise text describes Thomas Jefferson's grizzly cubs, Woodrow Wilson's sheep, and Calvin Coolidge's raccoon, as well as other more typical pets. A list of all presidential pets is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David A. Johnson & David A. Johnson. In 1916, ten-year-old Carl, who lives on Sand Island in Lake Superior, dreams of his own boat. With the help of some jetsam boards and a lot of hard work, he achieves his dream. The close-knit nature of island life is relayed both by the gentle and lyrical free verse text and by the misty large-scale ink and watercolor illustrations, which exult in the physicality of the characters, especially the quintessentially boyish Carl.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(1) K-3 Illustrated by David A. Johnson. Writing in a strong, unpretentious voice, the authors introduce Lincoln as a great man with a string of accomplishments--but still human rather than invincible. Seventeen full-page watercolor washes snapshot Lincoln at various points in his life. There are expected omissions, but his life doesn't appear idyllic. The final illustration, of the imposing Lincoln Memorial, underscores the man's stature. A chronology is appended.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2002