(4) PS Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris. While it's true that there are scary people and things in life, it's also true that "most people are good people": they "love the sunshine," "like thinking good thoughts about others," etc. This warmly illustrated picture book seeks to reassure young children who may feel anxious about negative events and behaviors they notice in the world. The messaging isn't exactly subtle, but it's effective.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris. Little barn Red wakes up one morning emptied of his animal friends. Soon a moving crew lifts Red off his foundation and transports him to an amusement-park petting zoo. Despite a too-tidy resolution (Red's barnyard companions join him at this new home), the happy ending and crisp illustrations may help alleviate children's potential moving anxiety. Helpful coping-with-moving suggestions are appended.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris. Emma's little brother Henry gets rowdy when his days are "too busy and too full." Lamenting these times ("Henry's fun when he's not a hurricane"), Emma teaches the boy to chill out through simple mindful meditation. Despite a too-easy wrap-up, the story (supplemented with instructional back matter) is a welcoming introduction to the practice. Morris's illustrations capture calm and chaos equally well.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris. At cake time, all the young birthday-party guests dash over, except one--a boy who sits sadly alone because gluten gives him a "tummy ache." The birthday girl comes to his rescue, telling him "I'm the same way!...my cake's sweet and gluten-free!" Happy art matches the tone of this purposeful inclusion story in rhyme; parents may appreciate the appended recipes and tips. Websites.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey