(3) K-3 Illustrated by Niamh Sharkey. Eilenberg's retelling is sprightly; any collection not already overloaded with Cinderella stories would do well to add this witty contribution. The writing is appropriately matched with Sharkey's light, delicately translucent oil paintings. And in a refreshing twist, Cinderella's father redeems himself by speaking up for her at the end of the story.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(2) PS Illustrated by Patrick Benson. Squeak's elephant family is too busy to go outside with him, so he ventures out alone, and he walks "one step at a time" to the edge of the back yard. Discovering pleasant weather, he removes layers of outdoor gear just as his family arrives to join him for a picnic--a clear affirmation of his "good idea." Cheery watercolors accompany this simple story that gives due respect to a small child testing his independence.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2002

(3) PS Illustrated by Sue Heap. In a pleasant variant of the won't-go-to-sleep bedtime ploy, Cowboy Kid keeps kissing his toy friends (Texas Ted, Denver Dog, Hank the Horse) goodnight. This has the same theme (and characters) if not the same degree of action as Heap's Cowboy Baby; Sheriff Pa is once again a comforting presence, as are the contours and warm southwestern shades of the illustrations.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton