(4) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. A paean to parent-child love through the eyes of a (not gendered) adult polar bear and cub. In calming rhymed text, the parent takes the child through the year, explaining what will change with each season as well as what will not change: the parent's love. Gentle illustrations in a soft, snowy palette reinforce the sweetness and togetherness. Nice treatment of an overdone premise.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sean Julian. A bird and squirrel have a wonderful day together. Eventually, it is time for the bird to fly back to his own life, but Squirrel comes up with a solution so they can stay together: "You could fly away whenever you like and then come back again." Warm and vibrant, the colorful illustrations make up for a slack story arc.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. Waddling off to school for the first time, the ducklings from Five Little Ducklings Go to Bed are predictably sad about being away from Mama. The monotonously rhyming text trots out typical preschool activities--playing with new friends, painting, storytime--which inevitably ensure the ducklings are eager for day two. Cheery illustrations support this first-day-of-school story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. A rambunctious pillow fight at bedtime has Mama duck upset with her ducklings' behavior. Though her reprimands result in duckling tears, she reassures them: "There's nothing you could ever do / That would make me stop loving you." Cheery, full-spread paintings of cute ducklings and flying feathers, with the message of unconditional love, soften Mama's harsh tone.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. When Little Kitty awakens from her nap, her mother has disappeared. "Where’s my mommy?" Little Kitty asks the other baby barnyard animals--calf, piglet, duckling, and foal. She eventually learns that calling "Meow, Meow, Meow" brings Mommy running. Illustrations of cute, smiling animals are as gentle as the rhythm established by the nearly repetitive refrain in this slight story.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. In the rhymed story, a little bear wants to be just like his dad when he gets big. “Some dads join you when you jump in a puddle,” and other adventures such as swimming and camping are highlights. Burping and tooting are part of the experience, too. Cheerful illustrations depict father and cub engaged in activities from morning till bedtime.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. Though everyone calls him Little Rex, a young dinosaur longs to be big and ferocious; brightly colored, amiable illustrations further belie his claim of fierceness. Instead of pointy teeth, sharp claws, and loud roars, it's the hatching of new siblings that helps him really grow up. Though the story's ending is abrupt, young readers may identify with the big-hearted little dino.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) PS Illustrated by Sean Julian. Young Kyle Crocodile wakes up grouchy and goes looking for his lost smile. Various jungle animals try to help, making funny noises, pulling goofy faces, and blowing bubbles--all in vain. However, when Kyle uses the same tactics to cheer up a lost lion cub, he finds his smile at last. The vivid colors in the illustrations match the mood of this upbeat story.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert