(4) 4-6 Cold Whispers series. Illustrated by Kristin Kest. This not-too-creepy series for reluctant readers concerns evil vampires at camp, a cursed home, a zombie-infested cemetery, and a trip in time to ancient Egypt. The stories are mildly entertaining; the illustrators' styles vary in quality, but all tend toward a generic comic-book look featuring the white male protagonists with their diverse groups of friends. "What Do You Think?" questions are appended. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Glos. Review covers these Cold Whispers titles: The Horror in the Cave, Curse of the Haunted House, Beware the Pharaoh's Tomb!, and Night of the Gravediggers.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Kristin Kest. In this factual story of a bullfrog, readers learn about its predator and prey relationships, as well as mating rituals. Moths, herons, raccoons, and other frogs all play a role in Bullfrog's drama, while the illustrations lend warmth to the topic. Additional information about these amphibians is appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kristin Kest. Readers follow a peregrine falcon's annual eight-thousand-mile trip from Alaska to Argentina, as the text presents information about her habits, including feeding, resting, bathing, and interacting with other birds along the way. Detailed paintings illustrate habitats and behaviors. An author's note provides more information and states that the story was based on the migration of a falcon tracked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Kristin Kest. In spring a bumblebee emerges from hibernation and finds a nest. Continuing with how bumblebees collect food and how the young larvae develop, the story sustains a natural narration without resorting to anthropomorphism. Large, smoothly executed bee's-eye paintings from both outside and inside the hive follow the action of the story. A note "about the bumblebee" adds context. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kristin Kest. Without anthropomorphizing, this story offers a glimpse into the life of Flying Squirrel as he spends the night hunting for a new nest site, evading predators, and gathering nuts to store for the winter. The realistic paintings use a rich, earth-toned palette, finding surprising opportunities for brighter reds, blues, and greens despite the nighttime setting. An endnote supplies some additional information. Glos.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli