(3) PS Illustrated by Bill Mayer. The simple, catchy rhymes ("Fast and fit, super strong. / Helping insects all day long") introduce very young listeners to cape-wearing "Super Bugs" who serve as the protectors of multiple insect species in this fraught insect world. Full-bleed gouache "miniature paintings," enlarged digitally, invite wonder and offer much to explore visually. Endpapers include nineteen bug facts.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Mayer. When Farmer McFitt's sheep escape, they get into trouble all over town. Bouncy rhymes count down from ten while describing the creatures' shenanigans in the zoo, in the firehouse, and elsewhere: "Four hungry ewes run off looking for snacks. / They roam the library, inspecting the stacks." Readers can enjoy counting the runaways in the comical illustrations, though unfortunately, many images look blurred.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Mayer. When a monster offers to do a boy's homework ("Say hasta luego to multiplication. / Forget your subtraction. Go take a vacation!"), it's a dream deal for the young mathphobe. A change-of-heart ending isn't entirely believable, but Schnitzlein's bouncy couplets beg to be read aloud. Mayer's illustrations demand attention with their striking (somewhat garish) colors, eerie shadows, and whimsical perspectives.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger