(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ashley Spires. Even though his mom says they're lots of work, Dog wants a boy. As he searches for the perfect one, he ends up in the pound, where the perfect boy finds him. Retro 1950s-style illustrations in ink, watercolor, and digital collage add humor to this clever twist on the familiar boy-wants-dog tale, but the role reversal leads to some plot inconsistencies.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Gillian Newland. Intrigued by the Christmas preparations in her new French town, Charlotte wants to participate--but learns that her family will observe Chanukah instead. Bringing presents and food to a poor classmate, however, Charlotte gets the best of "Christmas and Chanukah together." The text is a little wordy and the muted illustrations somewhat dreary for an otherwise optimistic tale of compassion and celebration.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) PS Illustrated by Melanie Watt. Caught without Mama in a snowstorm, Bearcub uses what she taught him to take shelter and comfort himself until she arrives. That's when he realizes that Mama will always be with him, even when he's alone. Watt uses a rich, eye-catching orange-brown for the two bears in her handsome, skillfully composed paintings for this heartwarming story.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brenda Clark. Franklin the turtle needs an operation, and everyone keeps telling him how brave he is. However, when it's time for x-rays, Franklin worries they'll reveal how frightened he really feels. The pleasant but didactic story delivers a comforting message about courage and provides very basic information about having an operation. Illustrations show unfailingly friendly animals.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brenda Clark. Franklin the turtle gets nervous about touring the museum after Beaver tells him there are "real dinosaurs" inside. When he arrives at the exhibit, Franklin is surprised to discover only bones on display--not live dinosaurs. Readers may be more dinosaur-savvy than Franklin, but they can still enjoy his relief. The bland, amiable illustrations show a group of backpack-toting animal children.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert