(2) K-3 Illustrated by Emily Lisker. After tricking two shoemakers into making him a spiffy new pair of free shoes, Malese goes on to weasel rum out of several marketplace vendors and scam a free donkey ride on a hot day. Finally, the shoemakers, a rum vendor, and the donkey's owner compare notes. This is a trickster tale of the highest order. MacDonald's language is spiky and fresh; and Lisker uses color to great effect throughout.

Reviewer: Nell Beram | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2002

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Emily Lisker. Cone's informative and smoothly written text about this Jewish holiday is newly illustrated with richly colored, stylized artwork that reflects cultural specificity. Sharing stories about the origins of the holiday and information about traditions and customs, this book is a respectful introduction to this weekly observation. A recipe and craft activity round out the celebration.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Emily Lisker. Lester fuses two traditions here--the "loving irreverence" of African-American storytelling and the imaginative inquiry of midrashim (Jewish stories that extend and interpret biblical texts). Lisker's paintings capture the stories' primal essence (and a bit of their playfulness) in bold, archetypal forms. A reverent, wise, witty, and wonderfully entertaining book, handsomely produced. Bib.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 1999

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Emily Lisker. This collection of stories, legend, history, songs (with musical scores), games, and recipes is a fine holiday compilation. Contributors include J. Patrick Lewis, Barbara Diamond Goldin, and Jane Yolen. Lisker's bright, primitive color illustrations add to the joy of the holiday festivities. Source notes are appended.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Most of the poems in this collection were originally written in English by Carlson and other authors and translated into Spanish by Lyda Aponte de Zacklin. Familiar rituals come fresh through a little girl's voice, and sunny illustrations string together the poems from 'sol a sol'--sunup to sundown. However, a less literal translation aiming at the essence of these poems would have made them shine in both languages.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.