(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ted Rand. In 1915, when the song "Danny Boy" first comes out, Grandpa Danny and Kathleen sing it together when she visits. As time passes, Grandpa's mind becomes "shadowy," and he moves in with Kathleen's family. Still, Kathleen connects with him through their song. The quiet language, echoing the words of "Danny Boy," and the expressive illustrations make this a touching if sentimental story.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. A pioneer family in Utah thinks up riddles about the origins of items they use every day. "What is a broom before it's a broom?" "A birch branch, sweeping clouds away." Though the text is slightly self-conscious, hints of humor keep the tone light, and some of the expressive oil paintings add a note of exuberance. Endnotes supply information about pioneer life.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Young Filbert MacFee is sick of being in the hospital, so he eats some magic animal crackers. He changes into different animals at will to avoid shots, medicine, and other hospital discomforts. After a lot of monkey business, kindly Dr. Kebob diagnoses Filbert's real affliction--homesickness. Although overly long, the outlandish story and cartoon illustrations make this an entertaining read.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.