(1) K-3 Illustrated by Dion MBD. After reading several bedtime stories, Milo makes the mistake of reading a book about a monster under the bed. Oh, no! In his fearful dilemma, he turns to his friend Mel, who is looking out her window from across the street. Mel has many ideas about how to scare a monster away, and with American Sign Language (ASL) and his flashlight, Milo manages to sign-shout and shadow-play that monster into oblivion. At heart, this is a straightforward story of friendly help and brave problem-solving. Appropriately, given that it is expressed partly in ASL, what makes it energetic and dramatic are its visual qualities. Blues and purples create a shadowy, twilight atmosphere, out of which the imaginary monster gleams like a chortling jack-o'-lantern. The warm yellow light of Milo's flashlight gives full play to the shadows his hands cast as he signs, "Roar! Chomp! Mwuh-ha-ha!" -- a bold, visual shout that banishes the monster. Clever use of panels and framing make the children's signing particularly viewer-friendly, and illustrator MBD depicts clearly and expressively ASL's dynamism: these hands and shadows are making words, not just scary shadow pictures. Unlike so many stories that make an issue of the use of ASL, this one naturally and easily shows it as the language these children use -- allowing the drama of the story to take center stage.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(4) 4-6 After Charlie's parents dump him with his grandparents for the summer, the ten-year-old teams up with peppery deaf girl "Frog" (Francine) to learn American Sign Language and possibly solve a mystery. The story's capital-Q Quirkiness devolves from cute to irritating, but Kane's textual depiction of ASL is novel (if laborious for readers), and her portrayal of Deaf culture is highly detailed.

Reviewer: Robyn Bahr

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Photographs by Gerry Ellis. These books introduce basic information about each mammal's physical characteristics, diet, habitat, predators, and interactions with its young and with humans. The text is sometimes vague, as in Deer, in which antler growth and use is described, yet no mention is made of why bucks fight each other to "find out who is stronger." Crisp color photos appear throughout. Glos., ind. Review covers these Early Bird Nature Books titles: Chimpanzees, Cheetahs, and White-Tailed Deer.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Photographs by Gerry Ellis. Introductory information on gorillas describes their physical characteristics, habitat, family structure, and the dangers they face from humans, although the basic text sometimes oversimplifies or contains small errors. Captioned color photos show mountain gorillas in various activities. Questions at the head of each chapter reinforce comprehension, and a section tells adults how to share the book with children. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam