(4) K-3 MathStart series. Illustrated by John Speirs. Each hour in a boy's day is represented by images of analog and digital clocks ("1:00 P.M."), a simple matching text ("Story time--my favorite time"), and a lively illustration. The concept is clearly relayed, although younger readers may not understand that the boy is dreaming during the wee hours, when he's shown partying with monsters. Suggested activities are appended. Reading list.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Illustrated by John Speirs. An anthology of silly short poems about wild and domestic animals, this collection will no doubt amuse young readers but is very similar to many other books of verse. Borrowing their forms from nursery rhymes and riddles, many of the poems have a jaunty, catchy tone. The illustrations feature happy children and dapper, anthropomorphized animals. Ind.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Speirs. A donkey reflects on the "magnificent golden light" that he experienced on the night he was born, the same night (and stable) of Jesus' birth. The donkey's name (Bethlehem), the long but gentle text, and the Bruegel-inspired illustrations maintain the connection between the donkey and Jesus. An artist's note and illustration reference are appended.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by John Speirs. A trio of swashbuckling cats, Askia, Paco, and Lacy, defend the feline inhabitants of Granada against the encroaching Fidorean Guards, who are portrayed as dogs. Though young readers are unlikely to understand the historical allusions to actual medieval events, black-and-white illustrations help break up an engaging if somewhat slow narrative, which will still likely hold readers' attention to the end.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 MathStart series. Mama Bear promises her four cubs "a fair bear share" of her special Blue Ribbon Blueberry Pie if they gather enough ingredients. Clear graphics show nuts, seeds, and berries in piles of tens and ones as the bears total the amount of each ingredient. Friendly watercolors accompany this introduction to the concept of regrouping. Follow-up activities are included. Bib.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.