(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. In this complicated retelling about the traditional Hindu tale of the origin of Divaali, the Festival of Light, Prince Rama wins his wife, Sita; loses her to the Demon King Ravana; defeats Ravana; and assumes the throne with Sita as his queen. An author's note explains the holiday customs, and a list of characters (and how to pronounce their names) is provided. The gouache illustrations, while vibrant, verge on cartoonish.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(3) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. These two books describe the habitats, unique characteristics, behaviors, and body parts of silkworm moths and octopuses. Both books feature clear color photos and accurate diagrams. While the information is accessible, the text in Silkworm Moths isn't as focused as in other books in this series. A concluding note to adults includes suggested activities and gives tips on how to share the book with children. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Early Bird Nature Books titles: Silkworm Moths and Octopuses.]

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(4) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Patrick Joseph. "Find the word HAT. Off goes the H. Cart in the C. Yikes! Now it is CAT!" Mouse carries letters around, changing the first letters of three-letter words to make new ones. Each word is paired with a visual clue to help newly emergent readers. The rhyming text and cartoony illustrations are uninspired, but the book's simplicity offers encouragement for this phonics lesson.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(4) YA Oxford Portraits series. Abolitionist and crusader for racial justice, as well as a writer for children and adults, Lydia Marie Child's life and accomplishments are outlined in this dense text. Although the chronology of historical events is hard to follow, her literary achievements, rocky marriage, and bouts with depression are portrayed honestly. Readers might balk at the detailed narrative, but excerpts from Child's work and black-and-white reproductions will engage those who persevere. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(4) PS Translated by Joan Sandin. Three little hippos enjoy swimming at the riverbank, but they wish they could go to Tall Cliff. They finally get permission and make a trip to the cliff, but on their return home, the hungry hippos forget to watch out for trouble. Luckily, Mrs. Hippopotamus is there to watch out for them. The expressive illustrations add humor to the flat text.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(3) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Photographs by William Muñoz. These two series titles introduce llamas and giant pandas, describing each animal's habitat and unique characteristics. Both volumes include clear, captioned color photos and diagrams. Conservation efforts are addressed in Giant Pandas; Llamas discusses how these animals herd sheep on farms. A note to adults includes suggested activities and gives guidance on sharing the book with a child. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Early Bird Nature Books titles: Llamas and Giant Pandas.]

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bob Marstall. In this detailed and informative book about these intelligent birds, Pringle discusses crow relatives, behaviors, characteristics, communication, and survival techniques. Pringle's text is accessible, and Marstall's colored-pencil illustrations contrast soft details of the natural world with realistic depictions of black crows. An author's note is appended.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Megan Halsey. Monarch butterfly development is explored by an elementary school class. The direct text explains metamorphosis as the students make observations and drawings, ask questions, and learn from one another. An appended author's note explains the process more fully. The pale watercolors are engaging but don't provide much detail.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(3) K-3 Cycles series. Illustrated by Gustav Moore. A tree sprouts, grows, ages, dies, and is reclaimed by the forest. A water droplet journeys to a stream, the sea, a cloud, a puddle, and a snowy mountain. Ross's simple, direct text and Moore's realistic illustrations follow these events and provide a clear introduction to water, soil, and compost cycles. Tips for composting are included.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(3) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Photographs by Keren Su. These two series titles introduce llamas and giant pandas, describing each animal's habitat and unique characteristics. Both volumes include clear, captioned color photos and diagrams. Conservation efforts are addressed in Giant Pandas; Llamas discusses how these animals herd sheep on farms. A note to adults includes suggested activities and gives guidance on sharing the book with a child. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Early Bird Nature Books titles: Llamas and Giant Pandas.]

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(3) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Photographs by Norbert Wu. These two books describe the habitats, unique characteristics, behaviors, and body parts of silkworm moths and octopuses. Both books feature clear color photos and accurate diagrams. While the information is accessible, the text in Silkworm Moths isn't as focused as in other books in this series. A concluding note to adults includes suggested activities and gives tips on how to share the book with children. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Early Bird Nature Books titles: Silkworm Moths and Octopuses.]

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(4) PS Illustrated by Jane Chapman. "In a cave in the woods, / in his deep, dark lair, / through the long, cold winter / sleeps a great brown bear." On a stormy night, while Bear snoozes soundly, Mouse and a few other forest animals congregate in Bear's den for shelter. Soon they're eating popcorn, drinking tea, and having a party while "the bear snores on." The rhyming text is forced at times, but the vibrant acrylic paintings are engaging.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne