(3) K-3 Illustrated by Maria van Lieshout. In this endearing meditation, an omniscient narrator ponders the nature of kisses, both poetically ("Some are velvet / as peach fuzz") and philosophically ("Once a kiss is given...it can never be taken away"). Unassuming flowers representing smooches float through scenes--a beach, a city street, a rained-upon baseball game--in which van Lieshout makes fine use of silhouette.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Illustrated by Maria van Lieshout. This soothing text expands the Mother Goose rhyme, adding different animals but with the same comfortably predictable pattern (the rhythm occasionally stumbles). Loose-lined illustrations reflect the shifting light of the day until the sun sets and the bluish-gray nighttime descends. A sentimental but lovely presentation of an extended nursery classic.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman