(2) K-3 Illustrated by Leanne Hatch. "Not-so-good" thoughts flutter and flap around a child's head at bedtime: "What if there are spiders in the house? What if I have a scary dream when I fall asleep?" Mom senses these worries and offers a soothing concept: "'Thoughts are like birds,' she says. 'Some fly away quickly...but others build nests in our heads.'" Smith (known for her adult poetry and memoir) thoughtfully uses this comparison to encourage readers not to simply ignore their negative emotions but rather to counter them with happy memories that these birds can use to "build nests." The specific, affection-infused memories on which the narrator and Mom reflect -- catching fish in a creek, eating banana bread still warm from the oven -- acknowledge the joy and peace that readers of all ages can find in simple, everyday occurrences. Hatch's use of hand-painted textures in the digital art enriches the book's comforting atmosphere, letting warm colors increasingly brighten the at-first gray birds that represent the narrator's worried thoughts. This book serves as an accessible and empathetic look at the impact that anxiety has on children, while celebrating the loving bond between a mother and child as they choose to face their fears together.

Reviewer: Ed Spicer | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(4) PS In a reassuring rhyming text with a trite premise, a mother assures her baby that "wherever you go and whatever you see, / I'll always have you / and you'll always have me." Sentimental watercolor and acrylic illustrations include portrayals of a parallel series of loving animal mothers and babies, while the primary visual narrative follows the human baby growing from newborn to preschooler.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 A little girl wants to welcome her new baby brother home. With her grandmother's help, she sews a toy similar to her own beloved stuffed bunny, Bubbit. The pencil, fabric, painted-paper, and digitally assembled illustrations are inviting and full of details, as is the sensory-infused text: Nonni "smells like lemon candies," and an old sewing machine goes "Whir, whir."

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) PS The letter P is prominently placed at Penelope Pig's pajama party. Smith's piggies celebrate as a parrot provides commentary. A bouncy (but forced) rhyming text and cheerful acrylic and photo-collage illustrations document the fun. Readers wanting the party to go on will appreciate the appended list of objects beginning with P found in the paintings.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(2) K-3 This attractive picture book tells the story of a mouse family's homey Christmas preparations. Double-page spreads of detailed directions for making crafts and cookies alternate with spreads showing the Mousekin family busily baking, painting, sewing, knitting, and more. Even the noncrafty may be inspired by Smith's pattern-filled illustrations to take scissors in hand and cut out some snowflakes.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(3) PS As the rhyming text counts various familiar things from one to ten and back down, a toddler jumps out of the bath, gets ready to go outside, then frolics in the yard until he needs another bath. Although a few of the items may be too small for preschoolers to count, the gentle watercolor illustrations are warmly age-appropriate. Each spread includes an unobtrusive number line.

Reviewer:

(3) K-3 A paisley-patterned stuffed elephant describes his "lengthy and perilous quest" for his own special friend. The narrative contrasts humorously with the illustrations, which show events in a somewhat less heroic light. When Paisley meets his "Perfect Match," it's easy to tell they are meant for each other--her clothes and bedroom decor display an attractive assortment of large and small paisley patterns.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 A young girl describes the life of her cat, from his kitten days until his death at an old age. Numerous rectangular pictures of Desser and his family are arranged on each page, reminiscent of a scrapbook, and the abundant use of calico patterns in the artwork creates a comfortable and homey mood. Pet lovers will enjoy this paean to a beloved furry friend.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) PS The young narrator's friend, Daisy, is confined to her house with the chicken pox for a week. The slight tale, illustrated with playful watercolor pictures, emphasizes counting. Each day the boy sends special treats to Daisy in care of his stuffed animals (who, in the illustrations, come to life): one letter, two bunches of flowers, three coloring books, four apples, and so on.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 As a young girl tends her garden with love and patience, she watches her seeds sprout and then bloom in a profusion of flowers. Although the story has a gentle, nurturing feel with touches of whimsy, the use of the second person may be confusing. The illustrations, in crayon and watercolor, show the garden growing lusher and brighter.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.