(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kathryn Mitter. Kelsey is excited for sap run season. She assists her dad through the harvesting process; the event requires a lot of waiting, but the story makes it feel like a days-long party with many helpers. The writing can be syrupy ("singing their ting-a-ling drip, drop song"), but in the eye-catching illustrations, bright winter clothes pop against soft, snowy forest backgrounds. Additional facts appended.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kathryn Mitter. Gabi and her parents celebrate Hanukkah with candle lighting, latke eating, and retelling the story of the Maccabees. Gabi is thrilled with her gift, a new tricycle. Riding it turns out to be difficult, but remembering the persistence of the Maccabees--and with help from her mother--she triumphs. The slim story is supported by serviceable acrylic illustrations showing the family's warm traditions.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kathryn Mitter. When Abby and her parents move to Israel, her grandmother stays behind. Abby misses Grandma, but they keep in contact through letters, e-mail, and phone calls. This touching, if sentimental, story begins and ends with rain and tears--first sad and then happy. Mitter's cheerful acrylic illustrations showing Abby's new life and the happy family reunion bolster the Israel-travelogue-style story.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kathryn Mitter. For Thanksgiving--which her teacher calls "Turkey Day"--Tuyet's Vietnamese American family shares a meal of duck. Tuyet worries that her family hasn't celebrated correctly until her classmates talk about their families' untraditional menus. Warm, uncluttered illustrations enhance the reassuring but message-laden text.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kathryn Mitter. Raggedy Ann is planning a surprise birthday party for Raggedy Andy, and, while he is floating around hanging from a helium balloon, she makes her preparations. The story, based on Johnny Gruelle's characters, and the old-fashioned-looking illustrations are both pleasant enough but slight. This sentimental, nostalgic book will appeal most to collectors.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth