(4) K-3 Illustrated by Frané Lessac. Much context is needed to make sense of this story set in Australia, Turkey, and Egypt. Spare, elegant text tells of a 1917 battle of the Australian Light Horse Regiments, focusing on the relationship between a lieutenant and his horse, Midnight. Detailed folk art–style paintings add some clarity to the plot, as does an author's note containing historical background and photographs. Bib.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Frané Lessac. Clear text (playing second fiddle to the art) describes the 1620 journey from England and the difficulties of establishing a home in the New World. Gouache paintings in deep hues interpret the oft-told story with a folk-art feel; images capturing the ocean voyage, especially one depicting a small ship in the desolate nighttime sea, are particularly arresting. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Frané Lessac. Real-life charlatan "Louis de Rougemont" stunned turn-of-the-twentieth-century London audiences with tales of strange creatures and fantastic adventures. Through the episodic text and folksy gouache illustrations, readers are given a glimpse into the life of this obscure historical figure and his ultimate downfall; epilogue notes suggest that some of Louis's tales were based on fact, leaving readers to ultimately draw their own conclusions. Bib.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) K-3 Steel drums and Caribbean Carnival are tied into this imagined story about Winston "Spree" Simon, a real-life Trinidadian creator and promoter of the instruments originally made from junkyard items. Lively music exudes from the text through onomatopoeic refrains, and Lessac's unique, vivid gouache illustrations will make readers focus on the details. An author's note offers background on the story's inspiration. Glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Frané Lessac. Jack Simpson was a soldier who, along with his pet donkey, came to the aid of more than three hundred wounded British soldiers on the bloody battlefields of Gallipoli. Though the events can be difficult to follow, the story is poignantly told. Gouache illustrations offer a strong visual sense of the setting. Bib.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee