(4) K-3 Illustrated by Charlotte Middleton. The sounds of summer come to life as a boy and girl enjoy seasonal fun. Lounging in a hammock, riding skateboards, playing in sprinklers, and watching fireworks are all described in a rhyming text that highlights the activities' unique onomatopoeic qualities. Though cheerful, the mixed-media illustrations, with the kids' static facial expressions, fail to capture the warmth of the season.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Charlotte Middleton. Jackson is disappointed with the hamster his parents give him, but he names it Monster hoping for excitement. When he forgets to care for Monster, the hamster fends for himself and turns into a...monster. Monster takes Jackson as a pet and neglects him--but not really, it was just a dream. Different textures in the collage illustrations add interest to the unsurprising tale.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Charlotte Middleton. Wonderful things happen when Kevin wears his lucky yellow socks, but on the morning of field day he can't find his socks. Naturally, the day is a disaster... until Kevin gets an award, "for trying very hard at everything--and never giving up!" In the large, boldly colored pictures, events fill the oversize pages just as they fill Kevin's world--no small success (or failure) is insignificant.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams