(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claudio Muñoz. Tía Isa wants a car so that she can drive her niece to the beach. This story, narrated by the unnamed niece, is about Tía Isa's dreams, but it's also about the dreams of immigrant families who are often separated for financial reasons, working to be reunited. Just as in the English version, this Spanish edition speaks to the emotional experience of immigration.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Claudio Muñoz. The young narrator, who lives in America with her aunt and uncle, describes how Tía Isa wants a car, one that's "the same shiny green as the ocean." However, they don't have enough money--yet. The narrator incorporates Spanish words naturally, giving the dialogue an authenticity that is neither laborious nor stilted. Soft watercolor illustrations mirror the text.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2011

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Claudio Muñoz. Thumb-sucker Jake is teased by his kindergarten classmate Cliff--until Jake learns that Cliff keeps a scrap of security blanket in his pocket. Though it's a too-familiar plot twist, Cooper distinguishes her story with lots of up-front characterization. Using soft colors and a few black lines, Muñoz subtly reveals personality traits.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Claudio Munoz. "The day begins as many do: / I find myself inside a zoo." A little boy imagines his home as a wild place, complete with giants (his parents), a monster (the vacuum cleaner), a snake (the garden hose), and other wondrous features. Singsong rhyming text narrates this appealing demonstration of creative play, which is captured with spirited images reminiscent of Marc Simont's work.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claudio Munoz & Claudio Munoz. Normally a stay-at-home cat, Flute decides to join her canine companion, Daisy, on a nightly adventure in the park. After encountering some threatening cats and rescuing Daisy, Flute decides their quiet home is the best place for her. Set against a white background, the watercolor and line illustrations form endearing vignettes that subtly reveal setting and character.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) PS Illustrated by Claudio Munoz. Unable to sleep, Pig Figwort goes looking for fun, but everyone under the sea and at the North Pole wants to sleep, not play. Then Pig Figwort flies to the moon, where he frolics with wakeful moon pigs until he's ready for bed. Rich language makes this a good read-aloud, and the spirited illustrations, a combination of imaginative spreads and Olivia-style vignettes, bring Pig Figwort and his adventures to life.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claudio Munoz. Lily loves to dance. She dances everywhere--at home, school, the sea--until a bad fall leaves her with a broken leg and spirit. The dancer's dream is rekindled with the help of a doll, who dances when Lily cannot. Sincere text and soft illustrations introduce the reader to the gracefulness and dedication of Lily's character and to the fluidity of her dancing.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(2) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Claudio Munoz. Four brief, spirited chapters detailing the lighthearted adventures of pirates Captain and Matey feature short, simple sentences with helpful repetition--often used to humorous effect--and loose, breezy watercolors that provide visual clues to help new readers decode the text. Those embarking on their own first literary voyages will welcome Captain and Matey aboard.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2002

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claudio Munoz. As Rosy describes the trauma of moving to a new home, watercolor and India ink illustrations shroud each page with gloomy grays and spooky, oversized shapes. Warmer hues surround Rosy when she finds a pet rabbit and meets Nancy, a new friend. The simple text and expressive illustrations convey the fears and anxieties a child may experience when leaving friends and familiar places.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger