(2) K-3 Illustrated by Birgitta Sif. Compassionate Miss Hazeltine opens her home to so-called "hopeless" scaredy-cats unwanted by other people. When Miss Hazeltine trips and falls into a ditch while replenishing the milk supply, a particularly small and fearful cat named Crumb summons his courage to lead the others in a search party. Loose pencil lines (digitally colored in a muted palette) capture the text's gentle humor.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2015

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Tavares. This tribute to the Irish-born Patrick S. Gilmore, called the "Father of the American Band" by Sousa, focuses on his 1869 National Peace Jubilee, a five-day concert in Boston featuring thousands of musicians and singers, as well as cannons, church bells, anvils, and more. The lengthy text grows repetitive; the soft-toned illustrations show panoramic views as well as more personal details. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Ruth Harkness, newly widowed, set out in 1936 to complete her husband's mission: to fetch what would be the first-ever panda from China. Her return to America with a young panda was a triumph. The engaging narrative is illustrated with delicate watercolors enriched with collages of Chinese fabrics, maps, postcards, and more to evoke period, place, and dramatic action. Bib.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2012

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ethan Long. Rejected by his peers, fandango-dancing goat Fritz sets out to find a new herd. He's joined by a yodeling sheep and a glockenspiel-playing dog, and the three end up finding a sense of belonging with one another. Musical onomatopoeia and playful language make for a spirited read-aloud. Bright, energetic green, purple, and blue-tinged pictures illustrate this quirky tale of individuality and friendship.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi