(4) 4-6 The genetically modified beetles from Beetle Boy have been further, diabolically altered in this sequel. Lucretia Cutter's plot for world domination is thwarted by the usual gang of kids. Unless prospective readers are as besotted with coleoptera as the book's characters are, they're apt to find the plot of this dark sci-fi comedy pretty over-the-top. Future installments appear likely.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) PS Illustrated by Erica Sirotich. In this picture book built for transportation-loving preschoolers, repetitive rhyming text with a "House That Jack Built" rhythm tells of the construction machines that build a new road when there is too much traffic on the old one. The trucks, pictured in candy colors and with big googly eyes, are a happy bunch. The book includes a guide to the vehicles with simple diagrams.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 This glimpse into the development of Johann Sebastian Bach's musical genius emphasizes that sometimes "words weren't enough" for him. The spare first-person text gives way to bright, almost dizzying spreads, where notes make more than music as the illustrations entwine concepts of pattern, sound, and imagination. A somewhat cerebral but quite enthusiastic portrait, with a biographical afterword and suggested listening. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Anastasia M. Collins

(3) 4-6 Shades of Kafka: the villain of this trilogy-opener deliberately transforms herself into a human-beetle hybrid through genetic engineering. Seemingly bent on world domination, she kidnaps thirteen-year-old Darkus's father, a famous archaeologist. To stop her, Darkus and his friends must face the dangers of entomology run amok in this funny, fascinating, and unsettlingly insect-ridden sci-fi adventure.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) YA In this trilogy-ender (Crusher; Incinerator), Finn Maguire finds himself caught between the heads of the two warring factions of London's underworld, who will stop at nothing for control, including blackmailing Finn and taking his girlfriend. Gritty, gripping, and violent action and a lack of character development are trademarks of this series intended for mature readers.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) YA After discovering his stepfather brutally murdered, dyslexic dropout Finn, the main suspect, must delve into London's underground criminal circles to find the real murderer; dangerous run-ins, deceit, violence, and mayhem ensue. What this dark, fast-paced thriller lacks in character depth and true suspense it makes up for in copious plot twists, explicit language, and mature sexual situations.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. Thinking Punxsutawney Phyllis's April first blizzard warnings are a prank, the town goes ahead with its spring treasure hunt; throughout the story are clues readers can follow. When the groundhog kits are caught in a snowstorm, it's clever Phyllis who leads them back to the burrow. The accompanying brown-hued acrylic illustrations are rich in detail and texture.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) 4-6 Oz finds a dead body in his family's restaurant. After his older brother is detained by police as the primary suspect, Oz launches his own investigation, discovering the truth about his long-dead father along the way. Oz's story is a run-of-the-mill tale of a kid solving a case the police can't crack, with just enough suspense to propel reluctant readers.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Ava's busy mind won't let her sleep. What's worse, the sheep, tired of jumping over fences, threaten to quit. Finding replacements proves difficult--the chickens are too clumsy and the pigs are too slow--and Ava realizes how good she had it with the sheep. Acrylic illustrations depict a humorous menagerie of animals lining up to help.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nicole Rutten. Fluctuating between excited anticipation and flat-out anxiety about her new sibling's birth, hamster Rose imagines what life will be like as a big sister. When baby Luke finally arrives, Rose, accompanied by her grandparents, gets to greet him at the hospital. Cozy watercolor and pencil illustrations portray a loving home and comfortable hospital setting in this satisfying sibling tale.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(2) 4-6 Marcus presents a gathering of essays on seven of the Caldecott honorees, one from each decade: Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, David Wiesner, and, in this updated edition, Mordicai Gerstein. The text is remarkable for the smooth integration of explanatory material with overall commentary, and selective detail creates a sense of intimacy and understanding. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1998

(4) K-3 Illustrated by True Kelley. Banned from sword fighting indoors, Arthur and Lance take their jousting outside. It's a good solution, but Arthur's steed (the neighbor's cow) tramples Mom's daffodils--right before "Daffodil Days." Though the brothers can't fix the mess, Mom wins for "most room for improvement." It's all a bit random, but both text and art have some entertaining moments.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(2) 4-6 Marcus looks at four families of picture-book artists (and one writer/artist family). He provides glimpses into their lives, leaving it to the reader to spot the similarities and differences between them. Photos of the book creators and reproductions of their work illustrate the text. The only disappointment is a truncated list of published works by each family.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2007

(4) YA Roots of Terrorism series. These books examine the history of terrorism, both nationally and internationally. The authors name individuals and groups (past and present) engaged in terrorist acts, explore their motives, and probe the causes of terrorism. The books are informative, but the drab textbook format fails to generate interest. Photos, charts, maps, and numerous sidebars enhance the series. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Roots of Terrorism titles: Domestic Terrorism, The Roots of Terrorism, Middle Eastern Terrorism, Will Terrorism End?, and What Is Terrorism?

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(2) 4-6 Leonard brings his considerable talents for distinctive, quirky characters; snappy dialogue; short, visual scenes; and tight plotting to this blue-ribbon, canine version of The Prince and the Pauper. Coyote Antwan, gang leader of the Howling Diablos, switches places with Buddy, a German shepherd movie star. Retro red-and-black illustrations break up the text.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2004

(4) K-3 Each of thirteen colorful spreads names one or more gods or goddesses of ancient China (e.g., Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy; Guan Gong, God of War), describes their purviews and perhaps relates an abbreviated story about them, and features a somewhat bland portrait. While the context is skimpy, the tales are entertaining and offer a small window into Chinese culture. A pronunciation guide is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Science Links series. Hurricanes and Wildfires look at these natural disasters and their aftermaths; Ring discusses volcanoes; and Water introduces various bodies of water. Though superficial, the easy-to-read texts offer basic information, providing report writers with a good starting point for research. The vivid photos and occasional sidebars are appealing and add some depth. Websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Science Links titles: Hurricanes, Ring of Fire, Wildfires, and World of Water.]

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Vivid images of the Norse pantheon grace the pages of this beginning guide to the mythology of Scandinavia. Each arresting double-page spread is devoted to one or two of the major gods or goddesses, accompanied by a succinct description that includes significant characteristics and responsibilities. A pronunciation guide and family tree are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Andree Prigent. In this French import, Tibili, an African boy, asks Crope the spider how to get out of going to school. Crope's answer is in the Box of Knowledge, but Tibili can't open it because he can't read the directions. The smudgy crayoned illustrations are unpolished, but the taut writing and simple story form a pleasant whole.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 As a boy stares out to sea from his favorite jetty, a late summer storm creeps up, wreaks havoc, and quickly slips away again. Fisher's characteristic solid forms, with their dramatic play of light and shadow, are the perfect match for the churning seas and skies. The use of chocolate tones lends an appropriately eerie feel. The text is quiet and thoughtful.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin