(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jody Wheeler. Based on the character created by Don Freeman. A prequel to the classic picture book successfully reproduces Freeman's artistic style in a story that does a fair job of explaining how Corduroy got his distinctive overalls and his name: longing for something to set him apart on the toy shelves, the bear takes his future into his own hands by roaming the store in search of an outfit.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Erwin Madrid. Hard-core map and/or monster fans may pore over these illustrations of places such as the Land of Mythical Monsters or Witchfield Village, but casual readers will likely find the directions far too complex to actually complete all of the map-related tasks. Hidden objects up the fun a bit, though many are too simple for the audience age that the maps would suggest.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Meisel. In a twist on the traditional first day of school story, this time it's the teacher who is nervous; he's shown buying new clothes, getting a haircut, and worrying about getting lost. The teacher's first lesson (about time) is also included, which is a bit much to layer on. The mixed-media illustrations show the traditional classroom setting from interesting perspectives.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) PS Illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. The positive impact an individual can have on the world--"Because of you, there is one more person who will grow and learn, and one more person who can teach others"--is conveyed to preschoolers in liltingly repetitive but bland text. Cheerful watercolors of children drawing a picture or helping a friend ice skate, etc., illustrate the text's abstract terms.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Andreasen. It's nearly Christmas, and the tree ornaments are worried: Grandma Lily still hasn't retrieved them from her attic. Finally her grown son and grandchildren, who have moved in, come for them. Lily's death is handled a bit awkwardly in the overly sentimental text, but the story has a pleasing sense of continuity and the oil paintings feature an engaging cast of characters.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) PS Illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. This well-designed book offers young readers both an example of simple prayer and an opportunity for deeper contemplation. On each left-hand page, a prayer of gratitude to God--"Thank you for good things to eat"--appears in a giant font, followed by a related request--"Help me remember those who are hungry"--in smaller typeface. The text is paired with watercolors featuring joyful kids at play.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Ana Martín Larrañaga. Each of these books tells four simple stories that usually end with an amusing twist youngsters will enjoy. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by the adult) before each story that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping their beginning reader gain confidence.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) K-3 Brand New Readers series. Illustrated by Ana Martín Larrañaga. Each of these books tells four simple stories that usually end with an amusing twist youngsters will enjoy. First-time readers are aided by short sentences and repetition, clear, entertaining illustrations, and introductions (to be read by the adult) before each story that briefly summarize the action; adults get useful tips on helping their beginning reader gain confidence.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynne Cravath. The familiar counting rhyme becomes more specific ("10 little Wampanoag boys and girls") when two cultures meet to hold a thanksgiving feast. The simple text is accompanied by bright, autumn-colored cartoonlike illustrations, which depict the work both the Pilgrims and Native Americans do to grow and gather food. An author's note provides historical information. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam