(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi. Tama herself narrates the story of how she first came to live with a poor Buddhist monk in Japan, then persuaded a wealthy samurai to take shelter from a storm in their crumbling temple by lifting her paw. Cat lovers will especially enjoy this story's delicate watercolor illustrations showing dainty Tama in the temple and outside surrounded by luscious cherry blossoms.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Butler. This fictional account of fifty-year-old elephant Anju's transfer from zoo to animal sanctuary tacitly criticizes the confinement and use of wild animals for entertainment. The sentimental text, which incorporates information about real-life elephant behavior, is supported by soft-focus illustrations that play up emotions. "Elephant Facts" and "Ways You Can Help Elephants" are appended.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian