(4) PS Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke. "A is for Auto Train / Load your car on the track." Despite the somewhat uneven text--comprised of short rhymes of descriptive train information arranged alphabetically--vehicle enthusiasts will enjoy learning about the various types of trains (bullet, elevated, freight) and famous route trains (Italy's Leonardo Express, California Zephyr); more information about each is appended. Sunny digital illustrations further the alphabetical theme with cleverly incorporated letters.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke. In this cheerful rhyming book, twenty-six trucks, each associated with a different letter (from apple truck to zipper truck) go about their work. The A-to-Z tour is almost too quick, and some of the verses scan more successfully than others, but the perennially popular subject matter and sprightly oil and acrylic illustrations should please young truck lovers.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rafael López. This fresh take on the "House That Jack Built" rhyme chronicles the making of a delicious pot of arroz con leche (rice with milk). All of the farm animals, from the hen to the goat to the burro, find a way to contribute to the farm maiden's recipe (appended). López's rich-hued, beautifully textured acrylic-on-grained-wood illustrations are standouts. Glos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) PS Illustrated by Santiago Cohen. A mother lovingly relates to her new baby all that happened "before you were here." The flowing narrative, sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases ("...you lived in mi barriguita, sleeping, eating, and growing..."), emphasizes the love of the extended family all awaiting baby's birth. The illustrations contain striking colors, simple shapes, and fluid dark lines. Glos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham