(1) K-3 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. This picture book biography focuses on Nimoy's upbringing in an observant Jewish household in Boston, his rise to fame on Star Trek, and the backstory behind that famous "Live long and prosper" Vulcan hand symbol. Michelson's text is warm and anecdotal. Rodriguez's unfussy illustrations, in sepia browns and out-of-this-world blues, reflect both the time period and the Trekkie universe.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2017

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez & Antonio Martorell. This valuable collection combines two previously published works (Where the Flame Trees Bloom and Under the Royal Palms) with a new set of stories from Ada's childhood memories of living in Cuba. Focusing on family and friends, the stories encourage readers to take a second look at the people and things in daily life. Black-and-white photos and illustrations are included. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Steve Jenkins & Edel Rodriguez. Told in an accessible first-person narrative by the behavioral ecologist author, this book describes the Darwin's frog, an unusual species in which the male broods tadpoles in his vocal sac until they emerge as froglets. The science is solid, and the combination of photos, sketches, and Jenkins's art brings the history of the frog's discovery and its unique behavior to life. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. A robotic mop in a basement bathroom dreams of escaping, but mops can't climb steps, and other tactics, like sneaking into an inspector's bag, prove unfruitful. Eventually he's replaced and trashed, after which a run-in with an old friend leads to an ideal home. Taylor impressively makes a mop a likable protagonist and Rodriguez's combination woodblock/digital illustrations lend the character still more personality.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. Sotomayor's inspiring life is described in this picture book biography. The story begins in a South Bronx housing project and sees her through Princeton, early judgeships, and finally the U.S. Supreme Court. Though the writing (in English and Spanish) is overblown ("her blossoming began with her mother's love and hard work"), Winter makes his subject accessible. Rodriguez's mixed-media illustrations are warmly expressive.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. A girl carrying her favorite Celia Cruz record comes upon a neighborhood dance party. This celebration of the Queen of Salsa lyrically weaves in touches of Cuban history. Sciurba's rhythmic text nicely evokes Cruz's music, and Rodriguez's supple pastel, acrylic, and oil illustrations portray a party atmosphere. Track down a Cruz recording to listen to after reading the book. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. The text, more impressionistic than informational, touches on young Cassius Clay's belief in a "colored Superman" and his questions about whether heaven is segregated, then zips through career highlights and personal challenges. The spare, lyrical prose and appealing mixed-media illustrations celebrate the perseverance, generosity, and humanity of this "hero for all time." An appended chronology fills in factual gaps. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2002

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. This heartbreaking story about loss is cleverly dressed as an ode to dancing. Sofia laments that when Papa died, her mother stopped dancing: "sometimes, I thought I missed Mama's dancing more than I missed Papa." Leiner's great achievement is how much she manages to say without words, and the story's resolution is at once bittersweet and exultant. The mixed-media artwork vividly conveys the flavors, textures, and hues of Havana.

Reviewer: Nell Beram | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2002