(4) K-3 Illustrated by Liz Pichon. This cheerful but slight spin on a classic tale reimagines Jack squandering his family's dwindling money on a big bag of glittering jelly beans. Descriptions of jelly bean feasts may appeal to sweet-tooth readers, but the story offers little new substance. Still, kids will enjoy ogling the eye-popping, rainbow-hued illustrations in which Pichon sweetly captures the familiar characters.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Maddy McClellan. A princess, her best friend, and a small bird love language. When her friend moves away, the princess's sadness affects all the birds in the garden. Although the larger birds try to help, it's the smallest one who is best able to comfort her with his collected words promising friendship and cheer. Colorful mixed-media illustrations nicely incorporate the words and their moods.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman