(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andy Rowland. Gorilla Esther tries to be a good friend for Hanukkah, but the gifts she chooses are all spectacular failures, from huge socks for a diminutive monkey pal to a jogging suit for a slow turtle. Esther feels terrible--until she throws a Hanukkah party at which everyone swaps presents. Vivid mixed-media illustrations filled with amusing details accompany this silly, engaging story.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2013

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Renata Gallio. Sidney the pig loves to write poems for his friends. When he realizes that nothing rhymes with his own name, he changes it to "Joe." Sidney's new name takes some getting used to, and ultimately his mother's sadness makes him rethink the switch. The solution? A "rhyme-able nickname": Sid. Sidney's verses are bumpy, but the acrylic illustrations have loads of personality.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan