(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. This picture book biography spans Abraham Lincoln's life, emphasizing his passion for books, learning, and sharing knowledge. The first-person narrative is both an asset (for the strong voice) and a liability (for the potential confusion caused by fictionalizing Lincoln's thoughts yet still using direct quotes). Full-page, earth-toned oil paintings extend the simple text. The Gettysburg Address is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. This picture book biography of George Washington provides a unique glimpse into his life and career, from childhood to his role in the American Revolution to his presidency. The first-person narration and supplemental quotations from his "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation" present an insightful introduction to the Founding Father's character. Lush oil-on-canvas paintings add weight and drama. Bib.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. This picture book collaboration successfully captures the tension, excitement, and national pride as Armstrong and Aldrin descend the ladder of the Eagle onto the surface of the moon. Wimmer's rich oils and broad palette provide spot-on drama for Burleigh's poetic text. An author's note underscores the achievement and its history while speculating about future space exploration.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. Subdued yet striking oil paintings accompany poetic text to portray something wondrous: Jackie Robinson stealing home during the 1955 World Series. Inset boxes on each page relate (in tiny print) a more detailed history of how Robinson helped desegregate major-league baseball. Read the narrative first for its beautiful simplicity, then go back for the facts. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. This famous song from the opera has been transformed into a lushly illustrated picture book. The book casts a nostalgic look back at a simpler time when good hammocks or swimming holes were tickets to a peaceful summer's day--a far cry from the original context of the song. The melody line and guitar chords are included on the final page.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. Rockwell-esque oil paintings and a reverent poem combine to pay tribute to Babe Ruth, baseball's renowned Sultan of Swat. Children are likely to find the straightforward, though still enthusiastic, informational text block on each spread of more interest than the poem, although a tiny typeface makes for difficult reading.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne