(4) PS Illustrated by Melissa Crowton. This sentimental story follows a mouse single parent as she or he shares with a child the love of reading, from the young one's infancy, throughout childhood, and finally to adulthood where we see the young mouse all grown up and reading to its own baby. Warm, tidy digital illustrations have appeal for both children and grownups. Tips for "Raising a Reader" are appended.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Illustrated by Katie Cleminson. Warmhearted illustrations and a tender rhyming narrative combine to create an enchanting tale of the love between a child and his beloved teddy bear, Stripy Ted. We follow the duo through various adventures, watching as Ted shows increasing wear and tear--only to become more loved by his owner.  Perfect bedtime-story material that is sure to delight listeners.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) PS Illustrated by Amy June Bates. The relationship between a single mother and her child is celebrated as viewers follow a boy growing up under his mother's tender gaze and loving touch, culminating with the child--now an adult--showing her the same loving care in her old age. Soft and lovely, Bates's watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations capture the sentimentality conveyed by the text.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jay Fleck. Curious and absentminded Flo, the smallest panda, likes taking her time and lounging ("her number-one saying is 'Get floppy!'"). Although this frustrates the other pandas with their daily tight schedule of activities, her "floppy," relaxed ways are more appealing after a near-disaster. Spare, brightly drawn illustrations and occasional speech-bubble dialogue complement the simple message that slowing down can be a good thing.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Illustrated by Scott Magoon. Monkey wants Owl's big, shiny red balloon: it's "the only thing I've ever wanted, since right now." Owl refuses each of Monkey's suggested trades (teddy bear, sunflower, ball, etc.) until Monkey offers a sock. When the tables are turned, however, Monkey decides the sock might be more fun. Magoon's expressive illustrations share storytelling duties with Bernstein's spare, well-paced text.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 4-6 Mori, Julia, Benji, and Theo try to help their "something other than human" friend, Ilana, who was created by--and is now threatened by--the founding corporation of their utopian community. The kids escape the confines of Old Harmonie and meet a group of outsiders. Sci-fi lovers and fans of the first novel (The Firefly Code) will enjoy this fast-paced, complex sequel.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Elphie the elephant is tired of being last in line just because he is the littlest. He enlists readers' help to cleverly trick the bigger elephants and move up to the front of the line: "Now can you make a loud hissing noise?" This fourth-wall-breaking story is an easy crowd pleaser, and Bryne's bright, cartoony illustrations are inviting.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Brightly colored party scenes alternate with spreads of little eyeballs on pitch-dark backgrounds every time the lights go out at Rabbit's party. While the text is minimal (consisting mainly of the repeated "Surprise!"), little ones will enjoy anticipating what will happen when the lights come back on. Each reveal is silly and engaging.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 1-3 In this fourth book, Isabel the "Bunjitsu Bunny" faces her toughest opponent ever: herself. Each of the thirteen short chapters is a vignette in itself and imparts a subtle life lesson that can be both humorous and inspiring. Both the textual format and Himmelman's spare illustrations in a limited palette are great for kids new to chapter books.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe. Things-that-go fans will be thrilled with this vividly illustrated ABC book that describes the various functions of each machine. From an ambulance and bulldozer to a yacht and "zooming rocket," each vehicle gets an energetic, sometimes-rhyming quatrain with read-aloud-ready sound effects: "Shiny red fire engine / dash, dash, dashing. / Nee-nar! Nee-nar! / Bright lights flashing."

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Mouse and Chipmunk both covet the same acorn, and each goes to great lengths to take possession of it. In the end, the nut's original owner claims it, and the friends realize how silly they've been. This lighthearted story about greed is accompanied by lively illustrations that make the most of the shenanigans.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) PS As Mr. Panda (Please, Mr. Panda) whips up something special to eat, a parade of other black-and-white animals marches through the plain light-blue background asking him what he's making. Only Penguin is willing to wait for the (surprise) answer. Mr. Panda's repeated obliviousness to Penguin's presence is frustrating, but in the end, Penguin's patience is rewarded with a giant, tasty doughnut.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 4-6 When new girl Ilana joins Mori's futuristic utopian community, Mori is fascinated by her perfection and a friendship forms. Soon the girls are drawn into an intriguing mystery as they discover the troubling origins of their sheltered community. Fans of The Giver and the like will greatly enjoy this middle-grade dystopian novel that thoughtfully explores a multitude of complex themes.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Illustrated by Jo de Ruiter. A determined dump truck–driving duck is joined by other construction ducks to create a beautiful park in this lively rhyming story. Even when Dump Truck Duck is seemingly thwarted by his broken-down truck, he still manages to get the job done. Illustrations filled with happy worker ducks moving textured dirt in colorful construction vehicles should appeal to digger fans.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) PS During school career day, a dinosaur introduces itself to the class as "Super Rawr, the superhero!" The dino does all sorts of good deeds, from rescuing kittens to slurping up water from a broken hydrant. Not much actually happens in the story, but the bright, colorful illustrations and a likable main character should keep preschoolers engaged.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) PS Illustrated by Lori Nichols. When Orq gets a new neighbor, he finds that the other boy, Torq, can throw farther, run faster, and..."You get picture: Torq #1 now." The tables are turned, though, when Orq must help his new rival by inventing the wheel to rescue him. Humorous digitally colored pencil illustrations and a snappy caveboy-voiced text bring Orq's usual appeal to a third This Orq book.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 4-6 Secret Cookie Club series. Fans of The Secret Cookie Club are sure to enjoy the second installment in this series about four diverse, strongly bonded friends as they return for another sweet summer-camp adventure at the Moonlight Ranch. This time, the girls are determined to make Flowerpot Cabin win Top Cabin and to play matchmaker for counselor Hannah, who's broken up with her boyfriend.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) YA A hilarious tale of mischief and misunderstandings as three love-struck eighth-grade boys, Sam, Duke and Chollie, each attempt to gain the favor of their shared crush, Miranda. The story is easy to follow, told in first-person narration alternating among each of the well-developed protagonists. Young teen readers will relate to and laugh at the (sometimes cringe-worthy) trials of Miranda's admirers.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brendan Kearney. Bertie the bird, tired of his cramped quarters, wants to fly. However, he is continually blocked from achieving his goal by a number of rule-mongering busybodies. Eventually he takes to the skies, realizing that he knew how all along. Alongside vibrant, bird-filled pencil and digital illustrations, Gorin's discerning story about self-confidence also contains a healthy dose of humor.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) K-3 When adventurers steal Goblin's treasure and his best friend, Skeleton, from his dungeon, Goblin courageously endeavors to save them. Chased by villagers for being different, he finds acceptance and aid from other goblins. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations depict a medieval-like setting with fantastical creatures, including friendly goblins, who upend prescribed depictions of good and evil. An enjoyable twist on the hero's tale.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear