(4) Following introductory pages about birdwatching, bird anatomy, and eggs, this field guide introduces a variety of birds, including “Fluttering Hummingbirds,” “Pretty Parrots,” “Crafty Crows!”, and “Outstanding Owls.” The cleanly designed, if bland, pages include large color photos and various sidebars with simple text, and facts that are relatable to young readers (e.g., a great blue heron is “about as tall as a six-year-old child”). A broad introductory guide for young bird enthusiasts. A glossary and index are appended.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Freeman. Jazz drummer and swing-band leader Chick Webb had big challenges--and big dreams. Spinal tuberculosis caused him constant pain and stunted his growth at four feet, one inch. Nevertheless, this gifted African American musician grew up to form his own band (with singer Ella Fitzgerald), winning a legendary "battle of the bands" against Benny Goodman in 1937. Donohue's upbeat text includes lots of onomatopoeia, emphasizing the rhythms that kept Webb's "heart beat[ing] in swing time." Freeman's energetic illustrations keep pace with the narrative and ably convey Webb's indomitable spirit. An endnote provides some historical context.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 National Geographic Kids Chapters series. These nonfiction chapter books focus on animal behavior. Readers are introduced to three human-dolphin relationships (a trainer at a marine mammal institute, a scuba instructor and his dolphin best friend, and an underwater photographer), and three stories of animal troublemakers (an ill-mannered cat, a thieving emu, and a destructive-when-lonely puppy). Engaging photographs and sidebars complement the heartwarming texts. Websites. Ind. Review covers these National Geographic Kids Chapters titles: My Best Friend Is a Dolphin! and Terrier Trouble!.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) K-3 National Geographic Kids Chapters series. Three sections comprised of short chapters showcase pets or domesticated animals with unusual talents--Norman, a bicycle-riding pup; hoops-shooting aquarium sea otter Eddie; and Kidogo, a tightrope-walking zoo gorilla--and the humans they're devoted to. High-interest, easy-to-read text filled with amusing anecdotes traces the animals' paths from obscurity to performing fame; color photographs and fact boxes are sprinkled throughout. Websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) 4-6 Presidential Perspectives series. These books look at significant events by focusing on the sitting presidents' actions and motivations. The simply written texts are informative; some events are presented out of chronological order, but timelines help reorient readers. Sidebars include opposing viewpoints, primary source quotes, writing prompts, and critical-thinking questions. The open design includes archival reproductions and photos. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Presidential Perspectives titles: The Civil Rights Movement through the Eyes of Lyndon B. Johnson, World War I through the Eyes of Woodrow Wilson, September 11 through the Eyes of George W. Bush, and The Louisiana Purchase through the Eyes of Thomas Jefferson.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) K-3 National Geographic Kids Chapters series. In this nonfiction chapter book, Donohue relates stories about animals (one kangaroo, two dogs, three pigs) that rescue their owners from danger, medical emergencies, and accidents. The choppy text is accompanied by winning photos of the heroic creatures; the high interest topic will draw in readers. Sidebars offer related information; "Did You Know?" boxes extend the text. Reading list. Ind.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) K-3 National Geographic Kids Chapters series. A National Geographic photographer recounts four adventures photographing leatherback turtles, harp seals, a beluga whale, and sharks (Hearts). Readers meet three charismatic and talented animals: a talking parrot, a skydiving pug, and a counting pig (Genius). The stories provide humor, action, and food for thought. Both books include photographs, fact boxes, and sidebars. Perfect for animal-obsessed new readers. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these National Geographic Kids Chapters titles: Parrot Genius! and The Whale Who Won Hearts!.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jenny Law. Penny (a period), Quentin (a question mark), Elsie (an exclamation point), and other punctuation characters compete in a "punctuation bee." Elsie brags that exclamation points always win, but Penny's final sentence includes two periods (one after "Mr.") making Penny the champion. The story itself is slight, but the presentation amusingly reinforces usage rules and the vibrantly colored illustrations are engaging.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo