(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. With Nathan Whitaker. Justin is nervous about seeing clowns in the parade. While he waits anxiously, he finds a colorful wallet. Tempted to keep it, he consults his siblings and ultimately does the right thing and returns it to the owner: a clown. Though accessible for new readers, the sappy story's lesson is overt; serviceable illustrations capture the energy of a parade.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. These two volumes feature children from the same family facing different troublesome issues. In Bully, Justin and his soccer team must deal with a bully in their midst. In Mystery, Jade lies about eating an off-limits cupcake and then decides to confess. Both books have serviceable illustrations and offer worthwhile messages. However, an instructive, sometimes artificial tone makes the writing less effective. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Justin and the Bully and The Missing Cupcake Mystery.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Little brother Justin is jealous of the attention his sister Jade gets during her track meet. Big brother Jordan helps him remember that he has his own special talent that the family is proud of. Although the story is a bit sugary, readers with siblings will be able to relate to Justin's feelings, which are aptly captured in the cheery illustrations.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. These two volumes feature children from the same family facing different troublesome issues. In Bully, Justin and his soccer team must deal with a bully in their midst. In Mystery, Jade lies about eating an off-limits cupcake and then decides to confess. Both books have serviceable illustrations and offer worthwhile messages. However, an instructive, sometimes artificial tone makes the writing less effective. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Justin and the Bully and The Missing Cupcake Mystery.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. A family happily welcomes home its new puppy, Ruby. At bedtime, however, each child claims, "Ruby is my dog." Mom's gentle reminder about sharing works, as everyone learns, "We can share taking care...share playing," and "Share Ruby's love, too!" Colorful illustrations of the perky puppy and loving family support the sappy story.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ron Mazellan. Jade, overcoming her initial prejudice, forms a friendship with Hannah, a new neighbor who is in a wheelchair. Having Hannah for a friend makes Jade reconsider her planned birthday celebration at a (non-accessible) water park. The wordy text's moralizing is abundantly clear--"God made everyone, and we are all special in His eyes." Warm-hearted illustrations accompany the story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy June Bates. Everyone in the Dungy family seems to know his or her "it." Everyone, that is, except Linden. With parental guidance to "Trust God and dream big!"--and the help of a sore tooth--Linden discovers his "it" at the dentist's office. Linden's soul-searching is superficial, but the text's message of faith is clear. Expressive illustrations capture the warmth of a supportive, loving family.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan