(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. With his long legs and strong, sleek frame, Azban the raccoon wins every race against the other animals, and he teases them. But the cocky raccoon clearly needs a lesson in the laws of physics when he challenges an old boulder to a downhill race. This pourquoi tale is alive with sound, and the illustrations humorously convey the animals' irritation and Azban's arrogance.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2005

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. When Beaver builds a dam in Turtle's perfectly shallow pond one winter, the pond is drastically deepened come spring. Beaver challenges Turtle to a race for ownership, but clever Turtle outwits Beaver and wins. Beaver is changed for the better, as well, and both agree to share the pond. This sprightly retelling is enhanced by Aruego and Dewey's characteristically winsome art.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. Bear brags that he can do anything, so Brown Squirrel dares him to keep the sun from rising. When Bear fails, Brown Squirrel teases him and gets scratched down his back. Expressive illustrations in bright autumn colors bring out Bear's anger and Brown Squirrel's sauciness. This Native American tale is great for storytelling. Source notes are included in an authors' note.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen