(4) K-3 On My Own Holidays series. Illustrated by Joni Oeltjenbruns & Joni Oeltjenbruns. These books offer basic descriptions of the three religious holidays in a beginning reader format with stiff illustrations in subdued colors. Hanukkah gives a detailed account of the historical significance of the holiday, while Ramadan focuses on the events of each day from morning prayer to the evening celebration. Christmas covers customs in eight different countries. Hanukkah and Ramadan contain glossaries. [Review covers these On My Own Holidays titles: Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Christmas around the World.]

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Joni Oeltjenbruns. Charley dreads trick-or-treating with his goofy new stepfather on his boring new street, but to his surprise, this Halloween turns out to be the best one yet. All adults, particularly Charley's stepfather, are positively depicted in this reassuring and upbeat story. The illustrations, while disappointingly muddy, feature expressive characters and varied layouts.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin