(2) K-3 Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. This story begins on the title page, where a gift-wrapped package sits on a white background. The following wordless double-page spread shows an outdoor street scene, where an adult hands the package to a child while a second child passes by. The two kids meet up on this rainy morning when one loses her hair ribbon to the wind, and the other unties the gift's ribbon and offers it to her. "Sometimes bad things happen. / Give what you have." This act of kindness is the first link in a chain of events throughout the school day. Each double-page spread advances the story, showing the previous recipient engaged in an act of generosity.­ The spare text clarifies that there are many kinds of gifts to give, including help, time, and attention. And that one wrapped up on the title page? It's a box of cupcakes, a gift for everyone. Bell's (illustrator of To Change a Planet) eye-pleasing textured illustrations feature a diverse classroom and bring liveliness to a story that works non-didactically to instill values of kindness and generosity.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(4) PS Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez. A host of nursery-rhyme and fairy-tale characters (including Goldilocks, Prince Charming, and Little Boy Blue) prepare for bed in this collection of silly four-line rhymes: "Want a fella, / Cinderella? / Eight hours' sleep / will make you bella." The vibrant, rich-hued illustrations have a mid-century modern edge, depicting characters with different skin colors; their appeal far surpasses that of the sometimes awkward couplets.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(2) PS Illustrated by Angela Dominguez. This concept book teaches both opposites and simple vocabulary words--in English and Spanish. Marta is "grande" to a bug but "pequeña" to an elephant, etc. All's well until she's up against a snake who finds her "sabrosa" (tasty). The story, with energetic and no-frills art, concludes with a glossary, likely to be followed by requests to hear the book de nuevo.

Reviewer: Nell Beram | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2016

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Hunt. Tired of standing in one position for a hundred-plus years, Lady Liberty sets off on foot to see America. Will she make it home by July fourth, or will the holiday be canceled? It's rewarding armchair sightseeing, and Hunt injects humor into the illustrations of Liberty making the rounds (she's an impressive fifth head on Mount Rushmore). Historical information is appended. Reading list.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. "One lonely snowman has a carrot nose. / Two other snowmen join him when it snows. / 1+2=3." In the ensuing spreads, the number of snowmen climbs ("9+10=19") and then drops until the combined tally is, as the title promises, one hundred ("1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+9+8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1=100"). This painless lesson in simple addition is bolstered by engaging illustrations of snowmen in berets, peacoats, and more.

Reviewer: Nell Beram