(3) K-3 Bunnies enthusiastically warm up for a ballet class that begins with work at the barre, moves to the center, and ends with a réverénce. Each step is explained in very simple language and demonstrated with black, white, pink, and brown acrylic drawings in a clean layout. This fittingly fanciful book could be used as a basic guide for young dancers. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dominic Catalano. Elephant Bernard wants a new baby, but one to his liking--a brother that doesn't cry, spit up, or poop. Instead his mother gives birth to triplet elephant babies who manage to foil his wishes. The plot adds little novelty to the many stories about new babies, except for the triplets angle and the ensuing extra chaos. Pastel illustrations picture a setting suggesting India.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) YA In 1542, sixteen-year-old Marguerite, eager to escape her joyless, restrictive French home, leaps at the chance to sail to the New World. When she is discovered with her stowaway lover, they are put ashore in disgrace upon an inhospitable Canadian island. Heightened prose emphasizes Marguerite's passionate, romantic nature in a compelling and dramatic survival story.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(4) PS Illustrated by Dominic Catalano. On Bernard's first day of school, his accompanying family becomes overly engaged in the classrooom activities: block building, painting, and having a tea party. Once Bernard makes a new friend, he promptly asks his family to go home. The commonplace story, illustrated in warm red and purple hues, offers reassurance about the new school experience.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) 4-6 Great Explorers series. Illustrated by Tom McNeely. In this biography of the French explorer who attempted to become the first European to navigate the Mississippi River, La Salle's weaknesses (aloofness to his men) as well as his strengths (courage and determination) are revealed. The text is lengthy but reads well; the paintings are detailed, if somewhat static; and a foldout map enables readers to follow along easily. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Great Explorers series. Illustrated by Tom McNeely. Lush watercolor illustrations and a regal design add drama to the story of Vasco da Gama's voyage in 1497 from Portugal to India and back again. Goodman tells the story with flair and balance, emphasizing the bravery and resilience of da Gama and his crew without failing to address his use of violence to gain control of the competitive spice trade. Ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 4-6 In this sequel to The Winter Hare, newly widowed but plucky Lady Edith of Cheswick, fifteen, pilgrimages to Jerusalem in 1144 with a retinue that soon includes a mysterious Welsh girl, Rhiannon. Edith escapes an unwanted suitor and finds personal solace, but forced meetings of historical figures, uneven narration, and abrupt resolutions beget labored reading. A map is included.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Great Explorers series. Illustrated by Fernando Rangel. Recounting each of the four voyages Henry Hudson undertook in hopes of discovering the Northwest Passage, the book presents a clear, if undramatic, overview of the explorer's accomplishments and sad fate. Excerpts from the diaries of Hudson and some of his shipmates accompany the text, which is illustrated with occasionally static full-page paintings. A complete list of Hudson's crew is included. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) PS Illustrated by Dominic Catalano. Bernard the elephant bounces on his bed while his mom, dad, and grandma each put themselves to sleep trying to get him to nap. He takes special care of each of them before finally settling down to sleep. Although the story offers nothing new, the text is well written, and the illustrations convey a soft, cozy world of soothing color.

Reviewer: Suzy Schmidt

(4) 4-6 A lively tale, this is the story of Hope Wakeman, daughter of a prosperous officer in General Washington's army, who is kidnapped by Tory raiders from her Connecticut home. Taken by the nefarious Mr. Thomas to be a lowly servant, she manages to escape to New York City with the help of Thomas's mother. Although all the loose ends are tied up rather neatly in the end and the characters lack real depth, readers will enjoy Hope's spunk and adventures.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) PS Animal parents from owls and bears to rabbits and mice croon sleep songs to their babies in this sugary collection of eleven woodland lullabies. A brief note about the appearance or behavior of each animal baby appears at the back of the small, squarish book. Both the poems and soft pencil illustrations depicting benign-looking animal families appear against pastel backgrounds stamped with gold stars.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.