(4) K-3 Illustrated by Song Nan Zhang. Bland prose and busy illustrations provide basic information about the festival from ancient China. Double-page spreads explain possible origins of this celebration, describe its traditional foods and customs, and discuss dragon boat racing. Though sometimes short on specifics, the book presents an adequate general overview of this annual festival.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Song Nan Zhang & Song Nan Zhang. When Emma gets upset because she doesn't look like the rest of her family, Grandma tells her once again the story of her adoption from China. There's not much tension in the text, but the description of the joyous welcome Emma received is a satisfying one. The realistic paintings have nice elements but sometimes look awkward.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Song Nan Zhang. This brief look at the life of the renowned nineteenth-century landscape architect provides background information on Olmsted's early years before focusing on the time he spent working on and designing Central Park. Though sometimes awkwardly printed over the realistic, detailed paintings, the text clearly evokes the time and place in which Olmsted lived.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Song Nan Zhang. In this retelling of a Chinese folktale, Dolma, a shepherdess in the mountains of China, befriends a white panda cub. When a snow leopard attacks the cub, Dolma gives up her own life to defend it. In mourning her death, the pandas smear themselves with ash, creating the familiar black-and-white markings. Detailed paintings evoke the lush setting. An author's note provides information about conservation efforts.

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