(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pam Paparone. It's hard for Wembly, a young pig, to put up with little brother William's constant tattling, and it gets to the point where the two aren't speaking. But when neighborhood daredevil Iggy gets Wembly into a scary spot, it's William who saves the day. Siblings will be able to relate to the familiar relationship, illustrated with amusing details (picture pigs in tighty whities).

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tim Bowers. Customers at Burt's Diner overlook Matilda's slipshod waitressing because they love her stories. However, the health inspector disapproves, and he serves the diner with numerous citations. He changes his tune after Matilda foils a robbery. The folksy Western style is amusing, though the dropped g's ("duelin' pirates," "mixin' up orders") get to be a bit much. Vigorous illustrations mirror Matilda's enthusiasm.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jack E. Davis. "Who do you love most?" Mama's four little monsters ask at bedtime. Mama Monster answers carefully, praising each of her tiny beast's special skills, such as baking slimy Dragonfly Pie. Later that night, Mama's monsters "tippy claw" about, using their talents to thank her. Davis's big-eyed monsters are endearing, and Downey's use of a slightly skewed monster viewpoint will produce more giggles than shrieks.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Stacey Schuett & Stacey Schuett. Text and art work together well in this story of faith and love. On Tessa's sixth birthday, everyone is there but her father, snowed in at an airport. Tessa's birthday wish to celebrate with her father is answered--he arrives home and wakes her up for a snowy middle-of-the-night birthday surprise. Although the story may be too sweet for some, the richly colored illustrations capture the disappointment, then the joy of the reunion.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) PS Illustrated by Karla Firehammer. In a stylized "tumbledown barn," eleven animals sleep, until the flea sneezes loudly. The mouse hands over a tissue, and everyone settles down again--but now the pig's caught the flea's cold. This slender plot permits repetition of the long refrain of animals shown in the engaging earth-toned acrylic cartoons, while the verse, though sometimes forced, reads aloud effectively.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian