(3) PS Illustrated by Nancy Speir. Oh, the many things librarians do for their patrons, as readers of this celebration will learn. From helping with schoolwork to dressing up for a book parade, this librarian does it all with a smile--and then goes home to read some more. Sprightly rhymes and approachable acrylic illustrations combine to pay warm tribute to librarians.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Speir. Eliza is frightened of her kindergarten class pet, a guinea pig named Cookie who wiggles and squeals and has sharp teeth. When Cookie disappears, though, Eliza is surprisingly worried about her. The reasons for Eliza's turnaround are unclear, but the story may appeal to readers who are themselves unsure about unfamiliar creatures. Speir's acrylic illustrations feature comfortingly soft hues and rounded edges.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Speir. This lucky teacher only has four students, so making every day a "learn-and-fun day" is a snap. The text describes a week of school in rhymes that are occasionally a stretch ("At music time, she sings a song. / Helps us share, tells right from wrong"). Lively acrylic illustrations gratifyingly culminate in a visit from a surprise end-of-week guest.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(3) PS Illustrated by Nancy Speir. "Grandma says, 'Come visit me!' / Time to go! Lots to see!" A boy narrates his first airplane trip with his parents: waiting at the gate, boarding the plane, looking out the window, etc. Reassuring text provides an account of what young travelers can expect. Cleanly composed acrylic illustrations include kid-pleasing details (e.g., the boy's unmatched socks revealed at security).

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Speir. On the first day of kindergarten, Eliza's mother puts a kiss in Eliza's pocket, but her pocket still feels "empty, too empty inside." Things look up when, using found objects, she makes a pocket-size mini-mom for comfort. Eliza's idea may reassure hesitant kindergartners, though her repeated refrain ("empty, too empty inside") verges on melodramatic. Colorful and clean illustrations aptly chronicle Eliza's emotional day.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi