(4) K-3 Illustrated by Marty Kelley. Santa can't find his special red Christmas long underwear! The watercolor and pencil illustrations show the elves making mischief as Santa gets ready: eating, bathing, and finally trying on possible alternatives, including Valentine's Day boxers and Easter briefs. Undies are always funny, but this offering lacks the over-the-top hilarity of some similar undergarment offerings.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Catherine Stock. Figley provides a fictional glimpse into a lesser-known part of Emily Dickinson's life. Stock's watercolors capture the sloppy enthusiasm of the poet's enormous Newfoundland dog; the text details their cross-species devotion, with the occasional sprinkling of Dickinson's own words. This story will appeal to children too young for Dickinson's work. More information on the reclusive poet and her pet is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) K-3 History Speaks: Picture Books Plus Reader's Theater series. Illustrated by Craig Orback. This series informs readers about specific events in American history through vignettes starring made-up or real characters. The texts, though easy to follow, include unconvincing invented dialogue. Illustrations of varying quality accompany the stories. Appended "Reader's Theater" sections provide room for further research, elaboration, and performance. The series could be useful in classrooms to engage reluctant historians. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos. Review covers these History Speaks titles: Annie Shapiro and the Clothing Workers' Strike, John Greenwood's Journey to Bunker Hill, and Lizzie Newton and the San Francisco Earthquake.

Reviewer: Ashleigh Finn

(4) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Craig Orback. During the American Revolution, James Forten, a free black teenager, was a powder boy on the Royal Louis until the British captured his ship. Though vague on details, this historical account (with invented dialogue) is simple enough for early readers to tackle independently. The author's note and afterword provide essential context. The realistic illustrations give life to Forten's tale. Bib.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(2) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Shelly O. Haas. A fluent text retells the story of Nebraska heroine Minnie Freeman, who led the students of her one-room schoolhouse to safety during the deadly snowstorm of January 12, 1888. An excellent companion to Carla Stevens and Margot Tomes's Anna, Grandpa, and the Big Storm as well as a read-it-yourself step toward Wilder's more harrowing The Long Winter.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2004