(3) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. Lola (Lola at the Library, etc.) has a successful first day of school in which she reads stories, enjoys snack time, and plays with classmates. As in the other books about this energetic, confident heroine, Lola expands her world by building on earlier experiences (e.g., she compares school to storytime at the library). Cheerful, bright illustrations invite the listener into Lola's special day.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) PS Illustrated by Ruth Hearson. Baby Leo, now "a big boy," goes for a checkup at the doctor. As in the other books about brown-skinned Leo (and his sister, Lola), the illustrations radiate diversity and sweetness: the waiting room shows a range of skin tones, a mother nursing, etc. The book's thick cardstock pages and rounded corners will make it one young readers-to-be will want to hold themselves.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. Lola wants a cat, but first she must learn about them in books and practice with toy cats. When Mommy thinks Lola's ready, Lola visits a shelter, where one special kitty picks her. McQuinn's fifth series entry (Lola at the Library, et al.) concludes with Lola and cat Makeda learning how to be friends. Beardshaw's warm acrylic illustrations complete this simple, sweet story.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) PS Illustrated by Ruth Hearson. "Leo loves the water. He is like a little fish!" Leo (brother to McQuinn's Lola) and his daddy are off to baby swim class, where they kick, splash, and play. Thick pages with rounded corners, soft colors, and a simple text make this an inviting book for sharing. The casually inclusive acrylic illustrations show a diverse group of young swimmers and caregivers.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) PS Illustrated by Ruth Hearson. Leo loves Wednesdays, when he goes to Baby Time at the local library. There, he and his young peers participate in all kinds of baby-friendly activities with their caregivers and with each other. Playful, happy, and bright acrylic paintings accompany the simple text about the joys of a babyhood routine and of early social interactions.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(3) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. Book-loving Lola (Lola at the Library) wants to plant a garden. Naturally, she and her mom go to the library to research flowers before planting the seeds. When the flowers are finally blooming, Lola invites her friends to enjoy their beauty as well as her mom's homegrown strawberries. Good-natured Lola's latest story, with its gentle art and appropriately simple text, will appeal to her fans.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) PS Translated by Yanitzia Canetti. Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. This Spanish-language edition of Lola Reads to Leo brings the endearing tale of story-loving siblings to a new set of readers. Some of the charm of the original rhythm is lost in translation, but overall, the calm sentences continue to lead children through the simple plot with a light hand. Beardshaw's warm acrylics keep this book cozy in any language.

Reviewer: Siena Leslie

(3) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. As Lola's latest outing begins, she's on the brink of big-sisterhood; after her brother is born, he monopolizes much of their parents' time, although Lola is never without a smile and an offer of help. The sibling dynamic may seem idealistic, but McQuinn makes it endearing; Beardshaw's acrylics, which depict nursing, diaper changing, and potty sitting, are homey and sweet.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. In this companion to Lola at the Library, Lola checks out books on Saturdays. Each day thereafter her parents read to her, and the stories inspire Lola as she plays: she becomes a princess, an adventurer, a tiger, etc. McQuinn's straightforward text is ideal for group sharing. Beardshaw's round-edged acrylic illustrations effectively depict a child's real world--and her imaginary ones.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Hannah Shaw. Sleep-averse Sylvie tries to count sheep, but they take off for the beach on rollerblades and other wheeled vehicles, thwarting her efforts. When the sheep finally conk out, Sylvie's counting (which ultimately proves soporific) can really begin. The book's final twist--the sheep have been conspiring to tire out Sylvie--will outsmart most readers, and Shaw's illustrations manage the merry mayhem beautifully.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Countries of the World series. This book provides basic information for elementary school research assignments. The photographs (especially those of the countryside) and maps are nicely reproduced and are larger and clearer than in most reference books. The text is succinct but gives an adequate overview of major historical events, economic trends, geography, ecology, and other topics. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) PS Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. In this amiable picture book, Lola and her mother visit the public library each Tuesday for a morning of stories, songs, and book borrowing. A snack at a café and the walk home complete the ritual. Beardshaw's cozy paintings, with their soft edges and bright colors, convey Lola's love for her mother and their library visits.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth