(3) PS Illustrated by Nick Maland. When an alligator creeps into the apartment of three siblings, "Were the children scared? / YOU BET THEY WERE!" The repeated refrain adds suspense; the lighthearted illustrations make the story not too scary. The children finally order the alligator out "and was the alligator scared? / YOU BET IT WAS!" (In an urban legend nod, he retreats to the sewers.)

Reviewer: Angela Leeper

(4) 4-6 DK Biography series. These biographies trace the private lives and political careers of two U.S. presidents. The readable texts incorporate anecdotes (e.g., in a letter, a young girl suggests Lincoln grow a beard) into the presentation of basic facts. Period photographs, reproductions, an illustrated header, and sidebars appear on almost every page, making the layouts busy and crowded. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these DK Biography titles: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Reviewer: Angela Leeper

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. Simon introduces examples of early skyscrapers before focusing on present-day construction and modern buildings. Many, but not all, difficult terms are defined within the text, which is accompanied by uncaptioned photographs in an accessible design. The construction process is painted in broad strokes.

Reviewer: Angela Leeper

(4) 4-6 DK Biography series. These biographies trace the private lives and political careers of two U.S. presidents. The readable texts incorporate anecdotes (e.g., in a letter, a young girl suggests Lincoln grow a beard) into the presentation of basic facts. Period photographs, reproductions, an illustrated header, and sidebars appear on almost every page, making the layouts busy and crowded. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these DK Biography titles: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Reviewer: Angela Leeper

(3) K-3 Dial Easy-to-Read series. Illustrated by Ann Schweninger. In four short chapters, Amanda Pig gets a cooling "hot-day surprise" in the garden; she and best friend Lollipop trade lemonade for entry into the boys' fort; Amanda and Lollipop open a lemonade stand, then drink the stock; and she waits with her family for a cool evening breeze. The combination of simple text and expressive illustrations will encourage new readers.

Reviewer: Angela Leeper