(3) K-3 MathStart series. Illustrated by Barney Saltzberg. In Bigger, siblings fighting over the size of their rooms learn the concept of area. In Sassafras, cousins line up by age for a photo and learn about ordering cardinal numbers. In Car Wash, a baseball team raises cash for new uniforms and learns about counting money. Spirited images, Murphy's wit, and simple math problems played out in familiar settings make these series books painlessly educational. [Review covers these MathStart titles: Bigger, Better, Best!; One...Two...Three...Sassafras!; and Sluggers' Car Wash.]

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Barney Saltzberg. Each of the books in this series contains four simple stories that usually end with a satisfying twist or joke youngsters will enjoy. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by an adult) that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping beginning readers gain confidence. Review covers these Brand New Readers titles: Kazam's Magic, Hurray for Rosa!, Beep! Beep! It's Beeper!.]

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Barney Saltzberg. Twenty-seven alphabetically arranged poems describe an eclectic array of classroom pets including Ralph, a lab rat appointed science-fair advisor; Claude, a cat who performs acrobatics; and Tom, a turkey disguised as the school principal to escape Thanksgiving. The poems consistently rhyme, feature whimsical humor, and are illustrated with energetic cartoon-style illustrations.

Reviewer: Aishah Abdul-Musawwir