(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Curato. One person's angry words (a gray scribble in a speech bubble) hurt another. An empathetic witness reaches out: "One good listener...can make even the smallest voice heard." Curato's expressive mixed-media art, color illustrations with black-and-white photographic details, convey much of the quiet text's meaning, literally and figuratively. One newly blossomed friendship leads to more friends gathering to transform an abandoned space into a community garden. As for the original pair, "One sincere apology...can help heal big and little hurts." Thoughts on "Planting Seeds of Kindness in Your Community" and lists of books and websites conclude the offering.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Patrice Barton. Shy Brian often goes unnoticed by his rowdier classmates. Then Brian comes out of his shell to make a first gesture of friendship with a new student, easing him into socialization. Digitally painted pencil sketches deftly convey Brian's gradual evolution from black-and-white "invisibility" to full-color inclusion by newfound friends. Helpful discussion questions and suggestions for further reading about introverted children are appended.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. "My neighbor Jake can be a real jerk," says Tyler. Jake is constantly belittling Tyler's accomplishments and boasting about his own. With the help of his uncle, Tyler learns that Jake's bragging is no reflection of Tyler's abilities. Story line takes a backseat to the heavy moral lesson, but the book (with foreword and backmatter aimed at adults) accomplishes its goal.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Beth Adams. Continuing from Ludwig's My Secret Bully, this book feels somewhat contrived in its conception: bully Katie must right her wrongs--she thinks her diary of repentance could be a "special book for kids about bullying." Nonetheless, with doodles and the lined-paper look of Marissa Moss's Amelia journals, the book offers solid, accessible information, allowing different responses to bullies based on readers' ages and comfort level. Reading list, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey