(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lin. When scientist Tu Youyou had tuberculosis as a child, she was given western antibiotics in the hospital and traditional herbs at home. Grounded by that experience, Youyou tapped traditional Chinese medicine when she was called to lead a research group to cure malaria. Her 1971 discovery, a malaria-killing extract of qinghao (sweet wormwood), eventually became the standard treatment worldwide and earned her a Nobel Prize in 2015. The straightforward text is closely focused on Youyou's discovery and celebrates her persistence, problem-solving ability, and teamwork. Gentle cartoon illustrations with rounded figures and stylized faces show the earnest research team in their laboratory. A timeline, bibliography, author's note, and a step-by-step explanation of the scientific method conclude the book.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Wing & Claw series. Illustrated by James Madsen. In this trilogy finale, apothecary Raffa and the Afters--refugees from a great quake--resist the Chancellor who's trying to exterminate them. With his talking bat and human friends, Raffa uses herb lore to generate nonviolent ways to disarm the guards and drugged animals sent to attack them. Although Raffa isn't a believably childlike character, his team's creative solutions keep the story moving.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Wing & Claw series. Illustrated by James Madsen. Apothecary apprentice Raffa (Forest of Wonders) attempts to rescue enslaved animals used by Senior Jayney to attack recent immigrants. After a botched raid, Raffa's father is accused of setting the fire Raffa created as a distraction. Despite some heartwarming teamwork among Raffa's friends, the amount of contrivance needed to keep the plot moving hampers a sense of rising tension.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Garden to Table series. Each book provides a brief description of the vegetable or herb; how to plant, grow, and harvest it; followed by lengthy picture lists of ingredients, cooking tools, and cooking terms. While not go-to gardening books, the six relevant recipes in each title (e.g., "Creamy Carrot Soup," "Berry Good Vinaigrette Salad") with easy-to-follow steps may help young readers accomplish their cookery goals. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Garden to Table titles: Cool Basil from Garden to Table, Cool Carrots from Garden to Table, Cool Green Beans from Garden to Table, and Cool Leaf Lettuce from Garden to Table.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) K-3 In this tale featuring the Fuzzheads, a society of creatures that resemble cats and have the intelligence of humans, Little Yau disguises herself as a human so that she can retrieve the herb that saves her sick friend. Drama, humor, and a likable protagonist create a satisfying story for those who can suspend disbelief. Cannon renders her imaginary species in soft, detailed images.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin