(3) K-3 Illustrated by David McPhail. "The bear often came down to the beach to stand...under the waterfall and wait for the fish to come tumbling down." Lamb launches right into this story about a bear, a boy, a rowboat, and a lighthouse. Lyrical text describes, without sentimentality, how the characters come together, then go their separate ways. McPhail's textured illustrations are as nuanced as the satisfying story.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) PS Illustrated by David McPhail. At bedtime, a mother bear and her cub recollect for each other the events of the day, working backward from evening toward morning. There are enough details--including a hibernation twist--to keep readers interested; Lamb succeeds in making the ordinary elements of a young child's day seem special. McPhail's soft, dreamy watercolor and sepia ink illustrations suit the text's loving warmth.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David McPhail. Absent-minded Sam Bear loses track of his coat and mittens with little concern. But when his new hat from Grandma goes missing, he's determined to find it. This sweet, sprightly tale's humor is so subtle that it's easy to miss; happily, author Lamb isn't interested in turning the book into a take-care-of-your-things harangue. McPhail's warm, old-fashioned art is as understated as the story.

Reviewer: Nell Beram