(4) K-3 Illustrated by Migy Blanco. The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair introduced many wonders, but fictional attendees Lillie and Aunt Mae are focused on an electric candy machine that spins sugar into fluffy threads of "fairy floss" (what we now call cotton candy). Candy-colored illustrations are a bit garish and the telling somewhat over-sweet, but this picture book introduces an appealing little bit of history. Reading list.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Writing Builders series. Illustrated by Karen Lee. Each book in this series features a fictional story in which the title student duo produces a writing project. Colorful cartoon illustrations (of ranging quality) combine with perky, helpful narration to show how the multicultural cast of students organize, write, and revise; pictures, format, and tone seem aimed at an audience too young for some of the projects. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Writing Builders titles: Isabella and Ivan Build an Interview, Seth and Savannah Build a Speech, Ben and Bailey Build a Book Report, Leah and LeShawn Build a Letter, Bridget and Bo Build a Blog, and Evan and Erin Build an Essay.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) 4-6 Writing Builders series. Illustrated by Melanie Siegel. Each book in this series features a fictional story in which the title student duo produces a writing project. Colorful cartoon illustrations (of ranging quality) combine with perky, helpful narration to show how the multicultural cast of students organize, write, and revise; pictures, format, and tone seem aimed at an audience too young for some of the projects. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Writing Builders titles: Isabella and Ivan Build an Interview, Seth and Savannah Build a Speech, Ben and Bailey Build a Book Report, Leah and LeShawn Build a Letter, Bridget and Bo Build a Blog, and Evan and Erin Build an Essay.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Giselle Potter. When her family moves to Pittsburgh, seven-year-old Mary must leave behind her beloved organ and cope with the "bad sounds"--unkind words and actions--in her new neighborhood. Invited to play piano again, Mary soon earns citywide recognition for her talent. Illustrated with Potter's vivid gouache paintings, the exuberant narration is based on the life of the African American jazz pianist.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith