(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sylvia Long. Larger-than-life watercolor illustrations of colorful, gem-like beetles are framed by poetic text describing their features and behaviors. This exploration of beetle biodiversity showcases their "kaleidoscopic" colors; their range of stature ("A beetle is colossal... / or microscopic"); their lively moves as they dig, run, hop, and swim; the ways they are "helpful... / or harmful" to human endeavors; and more. An eloquent blend of science and art.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sylvia Long. Gorgeously designed and illustrated with beautiful, informative watercolors, this book introduces the nests of all kinds of animals, from the tiny bee hummingbird to orangutans. However, because of the broad scope, the text raises more questions than it answers. Flaws (see the inclusion at the back of the organ-pipe mud dauber not mentioned in the text) makes it best for browsing.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sylvia Long. Factual information about rocks, rock formations, and minerals, as well as the ways in which humans have used rocks as tools and for art, are characterized with adjectives at times poetic ("A rock is helpful" or "creative") and other times straightforward ("A rock is old"). The colorful but flat artwork fails to capture fine details of the rock and mineral types portrayed.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sylvia Long. A statement, in curlicue type, stating what "a butterfly is" introduces each spread in this poetic picture book. The text that follows explains why a butterfly is "creative" (it engineers its metamorphosis), "helpful" (it pollinates plants), or "protective" (it guards itself with its wings). Nicely detailed, well-labeled illustrations--less anthropomorphized than the text--never forget to highlight butterflies' beauty.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. Through the voice of a youngster living in Watts, California (and neighbor to sculptor Simon "Uncle Sam" Rodia), Aston gives a child's-eye view of Rodia's construction of the Watts Towers and the realization of a personal dream. Roth's exquisite collages provide a fitting backdrop for the inspiring narrative. A note about Rodia and the towers and instructions for a craft project are appended.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Mae describes one day in 1969 when everyone was focused on the moon landing. Her grandfather doesn't feel the same enthusiasm, but as they watch the moonwalk, the pair share a moment of connection. Aston provides a tender, lyrical evocation of their relationship. Pinkney combines his signature watercolor scenes of family with spreads capturing the drama of the historic event.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2008

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Frank W. Dormer. Kylie Bell is a short first grader who frequently runs up against "new bully-boy" Rusty Jacks. Recalling her family motto, "Brave and smart and big at heart," Kylie musters the courage to confront Rusty. However, it's an act of kindness that wins over the bully. The text's storytelling twang and illustrations' terra cotta hues give the tale a Southwestern flavor.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Maren. First an orange tree blossoms and is fertilized by bees. Then the fruit grows, nourished by soil, rain, and sun. Finally the oranges are picked and shipped across the country. This life cycle story ends sweetly with a boy sharing his orange with friends one cold January day. Swirling double-page acrylic paintings enhance and expand the spare, lyrical text.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sylvia Long. In this beautifully designed book, each double-page spread uses a human quality ("secretive," "adventurous") to illustrate features of plant seeds and reproduction. The illustrations of botanicals, often up-close paintings filled with relevant details and beautiful colors, are magnificent. While the use of anthropomorphism can help readers interpret seed characteristics, at times the poetic artistry trumps the science.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kelly Murphy. When a drop of water falls on her head, Loony Little the loon thinks the polar ice cap is melting and rushes off to tell the Polar Bear Queen. Along the way, she meets other arctic animals, including a puffin, a seal, and a fox. Bold acrylic and watercolor paintings add personality to the animals in this enjoyable revision (refutation, really) of Chicken Little's "the sky is falling" folktale. Information about global warming and the animals is included.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley