(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Stacy Innerst. Jefferson's passion for agriculture takes center stage in this dense picture-book biography. Beginning with his rebuttal of foreign gibes at American wildlife, Jefferson's many efforts to promote America as a nation of farmers are chronicled, including growing new crops, smuggling rice, and commissioning Lewis and Clark's expedition. Playful gouache paintings accompany a well-researched text; an afterword considers Jefferson's slave ownership. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Laura Jacques. Thomas provides a wordy but fact-filled narrative about the life of naturalist Roger Tory Peterson, creator of the pioneering Field Guide to the Birds. Through hard work and encouragement, his childhood interest in nature and art grew into a lifelong commitment to the natural world. Synthetic-looking mixed-media illustrations work better showing the colorful birds than people. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Layne Johnson. Readers may be surprised to learn that George Washington was a dedicated farmer with a fervor for agricultural experimentation. This book uses speculative third-person narration ("George's thoughts were never far from home") and includes excerpts from Washington's letters to help elucidate his enthusiasm. Rich-hued oil paintings (some of which are stiff) and back matter help extend and clarify the text. Reading list, timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Facklam. Ruthie inspires her friends, bus driver, and teachers to perform a "snow dance" in hopes of turning a sunny day into a snow day. "Snow, snow, snow all day. / Let a snow day come our way" chant the eager singers; all daydream about activities they would enjoy while snowbound. Joyful cartoon illustrations with a 1970s vibe bolster the wordy tale.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jon Messer. Double-page spreads focus on different regions of New York State, from New York City and Long Island to the Lake Ontario Shore and the Adirondacks. While some aspects of the state might be better served with additional detail, this is a good basic introduction that conveys a clear message that New York is more that just one large city. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common forword and a short introduction specific to each volume lead to several chapters defining the disease/disorder and explaining diagnosis, treatment, current research, and the challenges faced by patients and their families. The writing is straightforward and includes scattered anecdotes and quotes from sufferers (some well known). Photos are generic or incongruous and often placed several pages away from pertinent text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Lupus, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Skin Cancer, Postpartum Depression, Sickle Cell Disease, Lung Cancer, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Science of Saving Animals series. Clearly written texts explain how veterinarians and other animal specialists track, monitor, rehabilitate, and protect such big cats as tigers, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as such reptiles as anacondas, sea turtles, and lizards. Sidebars provide details about specific species, including the scientific name and basic facts about appearance and habitat. Both books include a list of recommended websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 4-6 Science of Saving Animals series. Clearly written texts explain how veterinarians and other animal specialists track, monitor, rehabilitate, and protect such big cats as tigers, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as such reptiles as anacondas, sea turtles, and lizards. Sidebars provide details about specific species, including the scientific name and basic facts about appearance and habitat. Both books include a list of recommended websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) YA Science of Saving Animals series. By examining specific conservation programs, these cautionary but encouraging books show how the efforts of biologists, government agencies, and grass-roots organizations have helped global bird and marine mammal populations improve. The texts also describe new solutions to many human-generated environmental problems. Captioned color photos and sidebars expand the discussions. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler

(3) YA Science of Saving Animals series. By examining specific conservation programs, these cautionary but encouraging books show how the efforts of biologists, government agencies, and grass-roots organizations have helped global bird and marine mammal populations improve. The texts also describe new solutions to many human-generated environmental problems. Captioned color photos and sidebars expand the discussions. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler