(3) K-3 Illustrated by Russell Ayto. Addressing the reader, elderly Old Misery explains how she trapped Mr. Death in her apple tree and forced him to promise her eternal life--"which is why Misery will always be found in this here world." The rewardingly macabre story features predominantly black-and-white art exhibiting crosshatching (perhaps a nod to Edward Gorey's work) and the light touch of a New Yorker cartoon.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Pierre Pratt. When Swanda moves to Brooklyn, she misses wildlife. She puts a bird feeder on the fire escape--good for her, good for the pigeons, bad for her neighbors, who don't appreciate all the pigeon poop. It's an endearing yarn, complete with a deliciously foreboding ending. Pratt's cozy urban neighborhood recalls that of great twentieth-century illustrator Bernard Waber, this time with a multiethnic cast.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Russell Ayto. When mice invade three neighboring farmers' cornfields, Farmer Bluster and Farmer Boast (who have personalities that suit their names) construct elaborate but ineffective traps. Farmer Smart's method--a fat cat--is far more successful, and when the cat has kittens, there are plenty of mousers for everyone. Spiky ink and watercolor illustrations, happily reminiscent of early Raymond Briggs, accompany this lively, funny tale.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Featuring bold, bright illustrations as plucky as their heroine, this is the tale of a cook's helper who can't stop herself from dancing in her big red shoes ("clunkety-clunk") and eating what she has cooked for a dinner party. When the guest arrives, Gracie finds a way to keep out of trouble and away from blame. Energetic fun.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.