(4) K-3 Illustrated by Yuyi Morales. After Paloma wishes she weren't the only kid at the beach without a sibling to play with, she draws a girl in the sand. Her sand sister comes to life--until the tide comes in--and Paloma's parents announce that she'll soon have a permanent sib. The characters aren't developed and the ending narrows the story's appeal, but the acrylic spreads in lush oranges and blues are absorbing.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Illustrated by Debbie Harter. Near-identical twin-dog brothers Rip and Rap have different temperaments. When Rap plays in the mud, he obscures his distinguishing mark (washing doesn't remove the mud), and he feels that he has lost his identity. The premise of this up-with-individuality fare is promising, but the resolution is anticlimactic. However, the tidy, bright, and bold illustrations of the barnyard gang are winning.

Reviewer: Nell Beram