(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Gammell. The Frazzle family members can't remember sunscreen, grocery lists, or pants. Aunt Rosemary comes to the rescue, but her many organizational efforts fail. The Frazzles eventually discover they can remember anything if they put it in a song. Gammell's frenetic illustrations perfectly express the Frazzle family's frazzled world. The happy ending leaves the whole family celebrating Rosemary's birthday--which they remembered.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. Bonwill presents a series of interconnected rhymes about sleep: one about mermaids lulled by waves leads to one about "those same waves" that carry ships sailed by pirates "abed in bunks, asleep on trunks," and so on. The rat-a-tat rhymes are the work of a pro, and illustrators Johnson and Fancher make every spread a gorgeous, fantastical sleepscape.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Simon Rickerty. Pals Hugo the hippo and Bella the bird (I Don't Want to Be a Pea!) are bickering again as Bella annoyingly mimics Hugo's water ballet moves; of course it pays off in the end ("You two are amazing synchronized swimmers!"). The duo's wry repartee pairs well with digital illustrations that capture the nuances of the characters' frenemy dynamic.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) PS Illustrated by Simon Rickerty. Bickering besties Hugo Hippo and Bella Bird are attending the "Fairy-Tale Fancy Dress Party." But they can't agree on a joint costume (e.g., Bella won't be the pea while Hugo's the princess; Hugo won't be a pumpkin while Bella's Cinderella). The clever resolution provides a happy ending. The comical banter is just right, and Rickerty's digital art is equally funny.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Layn Marlow. Although Bear tells Bug she's too tired to play, Bug relentlessly pursues her. Finally Bear explodes, "Go and jump in a lake!" As Bear tries to sleep, she worries that she should have been nicer. She goes to find Bug--who's stuck in the middle of the lake--and rescues him. Playful mixed-media illustrations add interest to the bland story.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Teresa Murfin. Chloe's sister, Belinda, is a natural ballerina; Chloe, on the other hand, has "naughty toes" and a more flamboyant style. Mr. Tiempo, the piano player for the class, inspires Chloe to "follow her feet" in tap shoes. The loose illustrations capture the sisters' differences and the story's humor, but at times it's difficult to tell the characters apart.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Russell Julian. This sentimental British import describes little rabbit Pocket's search for the meaning of Christmas. Following footprints in the snow, Pocket finds joy in a bird's song and the promise of falling snowflakes, then takes special pleasure in sharing food with a mouse baby. Purple-tinged snow-filled pictures set in a woodland forest reflect the comforts of the Christmas season.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty