(4) K-3 Illustrated by Yumi Heo. A narrator introduces the time when the story first begins: two children trade their gathered fruit with a snake, who in exchange tells them riveting stories, a concept unknown to the world. The children in turn tell the stories to their parents, and they to their neighbors. Although sometimes choppy, the narrative is elevated by the detailed pencil and oil illustrations.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith. Young Maggie wants to be "the loudest, fastest, best drummer in the State of Kansas." Unfortunately, her noise is so deafening that Mayor Plogg makes drumming illegal. When a tornado hits, Maggie breaks the law and quells the storm, thereby becoming a hero. Though humorous, this tall tale is overly wordy. The Sunday-comics-style illustrations are suitably exaggerated.

Reviewer: Nell Beram