(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jerry Smath. Grandma Lola, a shrew, recounts a childhood story of when cousin Lester came to visit--and when Lola's terrible temper met her match. Lola and Lester duel it out in the tantrum department, which leaves them hungry and exhausted; their incessant sparring may wear out readers, too. Watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations effectively reflect the volume of the cousins' verbal brawls.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jerry Smath. Originally published as The Big Golden Book of Riddles, Jokes, Giggles, and Rhymes, this book contains a wide selection of jokes, riddles, nonsense poetry, and funny stories. Much of the familiar humor will cause adults to groan but will be sure to delight young readers. Amusing cartoon-style drawings suitably express the silly mood.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 All Aboard Reading series. Illustrated by Jerry Smath. Princess Buttercup, one of six flower fairies, gets lost after following a butterfly into the woods. But the butterfly gives her a ride back to her friends, just in time for the party they have planned. The simple text is aimed at the youngest beginning readers, who will find lots of visual clues in the bright, cheerful illustrations. A few words seem difficult, but fans of flower fairies will persevere.

Reviewer: Anne St. John