(3) 4-6 Leo, able to hear sounds from the past, agrees to use his ability to help his unscrupulous uncle Crane retrieve a valuable mask from Borneo in exchange for information about his parents' plane crash. While, like Sound Bender, the premise of this sequel is pretty out-there, preteens will love the fast-paced action, the relatable protagonist, and the plot's unusual musicology threads.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) 4-6 Theater is outlawed for the humans of Zombay. But when orphan Rownie flees witch Graba's custody, he joins a performance troupe of goblins he hopes can help locate his brother (who disappeared after illegally acting); the goblins hope Rownie can prevent catastrophe from befalling the city. Rownie's journey is obscured by too many fantastical elements, but the setting is imaginative.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(3) K-3 Toon Book series. In this comic-style reader based on two French books, friends Chick and Chickie make masks together and then "play school"--sort of. A large letter A joins them, and Chick and Chickie tickle, throw, and scare him before leaving him alone. New readers will enjoy the friends' humorous repartee while conquering the simple, straightforward sentences. The cleanly rendered illustrations help convey meaning.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) 4-6 Goosebumps series. This compact chiller links tales of a haunted mask and a possessed pumpkin patch into a single Halloween episode, striking a balance between true horror and lighter camp. There are no surprises in this dedicatedly formulaic series milestone, but the short chapters, nonstop cliffhangers, and wealth of red herrings make it an accessible and addictive read.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(4) 4-6 Amos Daragon series. Translated by Y. Maudet. Gorgons, evil sorcerers, and vicious lords meet their match in twelve-year-old Amos Daragon. Endowed with a magical mask and sharp wits, Amos must lead an army against dark forces. The story expends more energy generating rather thin subplots than developing the crop of characters, but the adventure sequences and array of mythical creatures may appeal to fantasy fans.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 4-6 World of Design series. Photographs by Neil Thomson. [diff. ill by2=Diff. photographs by]Each volume presents examples of crafts made around the world, then offers six simple items inspired by these goods that children can make (mostly using recycled materials). The directions allow for easy replication, while information about the crafts provides a window into world cultures. Somewhat busy page design can be forgiven, as the colorful close-up photographs provide such interesting details. Glos., ind. Review covers these World of Design titles: Bags and Purses, Bowls and Boxes, Festival Decorations, Masks, Musical Instruments, and Toys and Models.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Super SandCastle: Super Simple Crafts series. These books include step-by-step directions in easy-to-follow language accompanied by photos illustrating the steps. Each volume presents seven to nine projects to be made from materials that are generally easy to acquire. Crafts include safety-pin and clay-bead jewelry, jar snow globes, colorful magnets, masks, and wearable art. The books' bright colors and child-friendly design will pique the interest of young crafters. Glos. Review covers these Super SandCastle: Super Simple Crafts titles: Super Simple Art to Wear, Super Simple Glass Jar Art, Super Simple Jewelry, Super Simple Magnets, and Super Simple Masks.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 On Halloween, Kimin sneaks out of the house wearing his grandfather's Korean dancing costume and tal (mask). When he falls and scratches the mask, he worries about his mother's reaction. The story realistically reflects Kimin's fears and struggles. The muted autumnal illustrations move seamlessly between depictions of traditional Korean culture and those of modern-day America, invoking both solemnity and humor.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 1-3 Ready-for-Chapters: A Fletcher Mystery series. Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. When preparations for a masked ball to celebrate the opening of a new park are sabotaged (masks made by kids for their pets are chewed up, a fire is set, the electricity is shut off), it's up to sleuthing basset hound Fletcher to solve the mystery. Levy's simple story, though a bit thin, is fast paced and humorous with a distinct cast of likable characters and illustrated with black-and-white pictures.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(4) K-3 A colony of mice decide to have their own Mardi Gras celebration. Hidden behind fierce masks, they begin to believe that they really are ferocious animals. Their community is filled with hate and suspicion until a mouse from outside convinces them to take off their masks and become themselves again. The art is gorgeous, but this fable's message is unclear.

Reviewer: Terri Schmitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: April, 1974

(2) K-3 Niño wants a mask to wear to his village fiesta; if he had one, perhaps he'd be the one to capture the jaguar, thus ensuring an abundant corn crop. After watching the mask maker at work, Niño carves and paints a mask and, sure enough, becomes the hero of the day. This affectionate portrayal of a Mexican tradition is told in dialogue balloons in partnership with the art, which makes the meanings of the Spanish words clear. Glos.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2003

(4) 4-6 Kids Can Do It series. Puppets contains historical background, detailed directions, templates for nine puppets (and several variations), and hints for props, scenery, and successful performances. The thirteen projects in Masks are more complicated and the directions are less specific. Both begin with materials and basic techniques and show finished projects with illustrated instructions. [Review covers these Kids Can Do It titles: Making Shadow Puppets, and Making Masks.]

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Art Around the World series. Breadth rather than depth marks this survey of masks from three regions of Western and Central Africa. First giving a thumbnail sketch of the culture that made each mask, Finley then describes the mask and its use in religion or ritual. Color photographs and maps accompany the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Crafty Kids series. Masks helps crafters create masks from different cultural traditions; Puppets focuses on finger, sock, and mitten puppets; and T-Shirts offers template and stencil patterns for painting designs on T-shirts. While some instructions are vague and some projects are repetitive, the books offer plenty of ideas and basic techniques and are illustrated with sharp color photos. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges