(3) K-3 Illustrated by Scott Nash. While walking in the desert, the Cat and his animal friends land in trouble; among the passersby, only the Cat's mortal enemy, snake Del Moore, offers help. It's no surprise that the unequivocal message (of forgiveness) and the easygoing but right-on-the-beat rhymes, illustrated with dignified humor, call to mind a country song: the author is the Man in Black's son.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ron Mazellan. Jade, overcoming her initial prejudice, forms a friendship with Hannah, a new neighbor who is in a wheelchair. Having Hannah for a friend makes Jade reconsider her planned birthday celebration at a (non-accessible) water park. The wordy text's moralizing is abundantly clear--"God made everyone, and we are all special in His eyes." Warm-hearted illustrations accompany the story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy June Bates. Everyone in the Dungy family seems to know his or her "it." Everyone, that is, except Linden. With parental guidance to "Trust God and dream big!"--and the help of a sore tooth--Linden discovers his "it" at the dentist's office. Linden's soul-searching is superficial, but the text's message of faith is clear. Expressive illustrations capture the warmth of a supportive, loving family.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan