(4) K-3 Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. A little girl dramatizes the advantages of bringing one's child to work (e.g., "Grown-ups love it when kids push elevator buttons for them"). While most of the winking humor is aimed at adults, kids will appreciate narrator Violet's self-assured presence. The mixed-media art sticks with a subdued palette, except for irrepressible Violet whose bright colors play up her unbusinesslike boisterousness.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. The Cat in the Hat plot--merry madness ensues when a parent is absent--gets a cynical update: this time the mother isn't away from home but on the phone while her young daughter tries fruitlessly to get her attention. The rhymes herk and jerk throughout this tale, which grows tiresome. The chaos is capably illustrated with art deco-inspired watercolors.

Reviewer: Nell Beram