(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Cheryl Kirk Noll. During the American Revolution, Rhode Island enlisted slaves to fight against the British because the state had too few available soldiers. Brennan discusses the development of the Black Regiment, its success in battle, and what life was like for troops after the war was over. A crowded book design includes sidebars, maps, and illustrations. A list of places to visit is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: KaaVonia Hinton

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jun Matsuoka. Michi does her best sewing for Mistress Shinyo; this excellent work elevates her over more senior apprentices, who retaliate by attempting to sabotage her most prestigious project. Michi's skill prevails and everyone's talents are eventually recognized. Illustrated by soft watercolors whose proportions are occasionally skewed, this story is gracefully told; a short list of translated Japanese words concludes the book.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell. Fatuma and her mother visit the market to buy Fatuma a new kanga, a traditional East African cloth. Though the story is somewhat contrived, the explanations of the cultural attributes of kangas, including the proverbs printed on them, are clear and engaging. The watercolor illustrations incorporate kanga patterns into the borders. An author's note and recipe for East African tea are appended.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sandra Salzillo-Shields. In this wintertime fantasy, all 172 of the tiny polar bears on Jacob's new pajamas magically come alive and search for cool water in which to frolic. The cool-toned illustrations, while amateurish in their depiction of human beings, feature detailed frames that enhance the seasonal pleasures. Some of the writing is precious, but the plot twists culminate in a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) K-3 A father declares that the man whose arrow pierces the trunk of the ebony tree will win his daughter's hand in marriage. Many try and fail, but a hunter enlists the help of three animal friends and proves his strength and, more important to the girl, his wisdom. The mixed-media illustrations set this story from the Zarma people in the West African countryside. An endnote provides details about sources and the region.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith