(3) 4-6 Illustrated by K. Dyble Thompson. In this collection, di Pasquale describes his childhood in Sicily. The soft, musical poetry and monochromatic illustrations are divided into four sections: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The small vignettes capture the poet's family life, Sicilian culture and community, and the island's natural landscape. Ind.

Reviewer: Marika Hoe

(4) K-3 Illustrated by K. Dyble Thompson. Simple poems describe historical events from prehistory through the terrorist attacks of September 11. Some rhymed, some in free verse, the poems range from thoughtful to clever in tone. Some may not be understandable without previous knowledge of the events. Illustrated with editorial-style cartoons, the volume features a timeline that runs across the top of the pages. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Illustrated by K. Dyble Thompson. This book awkwardly pairs bouncing, rhyming poems with informational sidebars on each page. Although the sidebars are interesting, they do not contain enough material to make the book a solid, organized overview of cat characteristics and breeds, and they interrupt the flow of the verse. However, the rough watercolors, featuring dozens of playful and reflective cats, will appeal to animal lovers.

Reviewer: Anne St. John