(2) K-3 Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. Presented by American Ballet Theatre. A Clement C. Moore–inspired text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of "tomorrow's opening night" for four young dancers. From auditions to learning the steps, from "rehearsals...with the pros" to backstage jitters, before finally: "Tchaikovsky's music sets a mood of jolly jubilation." The seven ensuing double-page spreads provide front-row seats to the performance, including a glimpse behind the scenes during intermission. A story synopsis and original costume illustrations from the ABT's 2010 world premiere of the ballet end this engaging look at the seasonal staple.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. Born in Scotland in 1857, Fleming faced many obstacles in her life but a curious mind kept her focused on "decod[ing]...the secrets of the universe." After moving to Boston with her new husband (who then disappeared), she worked as a maid for the Harvard College Observatory's director. Eventually, she became one of the observatory's "human computers"--women whose work "laid the groundwork for twentieth-century astronomy." Lasky includes context for the women's accomplishments: they had to use data collected by male astronomers because women were considered too fragile to use the telescope. Astronomical concepts might challenge some, but overall, the text is accessible. Swaney's inviting mixed-media illustrations capture Fleming's tenacious spirit. A short timeline, glossary, and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. This enlightening and inspiring biography highlights Dr. Sara Josephine Baker's work with impoverished women and children in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Hell's Kitchen. Dr. Jo's public-health breakthroughs included heatstroke-safe infant clothes, antibacterial eye drops to prevent blindness, and training requirements for midwives. Swaney's watercolor, gouache, and colored-pencil illustrations contribute both context and emotion. "More about Dr. Jo" is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. All goes swimmingly for narrator Molly at her first day of Mermaid School. The teacher, Miss Marina, leads her multicultural fish-tailed students (both female and male) through familiar-with-a-twist activities, from storytime ("of boys and girls who have no tails") to singing the "A-B-Seas." Soft, aquatic-hued illustrations suit the reassuring rhyming verse. Tips in the appended "Mermaid School Handbook" could help land-dwelling new students, too.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. Nine-year-old Yasmin is horrified when her friend Book Uncle, who runs a free lending library on a street corner in her neighborhood, is told he must shut it down. She enlists friends, teachers, and the media to fight the ban. Krishnaswami effortlessly evokes everyday life in this Indian import, incorporating details of India's food, transportation, commerce, and more to paint a vibrant picture of Yasmin's world.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016