(4) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Illustrated by Colin Paine. Tired of being picked on by the class bully, third-grader Tim organizes an "Annoying Team" to get back at Jon. After its initial success, the group gets out of hand: it harasses a substitute teacher, holds up the school lunch line, etc. Illustrated with serviceable line drawings, this simple story has an intriguing premise but is too easily resolved.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Colin Paine. Out plowing on his tractor, Arthur keeps stopping to fix troubling sounds in the engine, never noticing that the sounds are really from a princess, a dragon, and a knight playing out their usual drama behind him. His mechanical-mindedness wins him the princess in the end. The conceit is too thin to sustain the book, but the cheerful art, filled with humorous visuals and a light touch, helps it along.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 1-3 Road to Reading series. Illustrated by Colin Paine. Tired of being picked on by the class bully, third-grader Tim organizes an "Annoying Team" to get back at Jon. After its initial success, the group gets out of hand: it harasses a substitute teacher with bird calls, holds up the school lunch line by dropping coins, etc. Illustrated with serviceable line drawings, this simple story has an intriguing premise but is too easily resolved.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta