(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ayesha L. Rubio. Abby, who is avoiding doing her homework, secretly follows her physicist dad's instructions for making a black hole. But could there be a downside to entering a homework-free "baby universe"? While the story is somewhat contrived, its science is sound, as an author's note avers. The lovely swirls and hazes in the digital illustrations conjure something seemingly antithetical to science: magic.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Patton. A cat narrates this story about gassy dog Stinker, who's "lived most of his life locked up in the pound." Recounting a number of failed matches with potential owners, the upbeat cat repeatedly promises a happy ending ("I don't do depressing!"), which eventually come to pass (along with lots of gas). As farting dog stories go, this is mildly amusing; the mixed-media illustrations are more engaging.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) PS Illustrated by Diane Goode. "'Congratulations,' said the doctor...'You have a ninja baby.'" Baby Nina's ninja-like antics included escaping from her crib and side-kicking her applesauce. And when Mom and Dad bring home a newborn "Kung Fu Master," Nina's jealousy knows no bounds. Zeltser's matter-of-fact text and Goode's kicky, over-the-top pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations combine for a lively sibling-rivalry tale complete with an entertaining twist ending.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jan Gerardi. Preferring cave painting to bashing heads, Lug fails his tribe's test of manhood and is banished. With a mute exile and a girl from a rival clan, Lug must convince their tribes to unite against a ravenous pride of saber-toothed tigers and prepare for the impending Ice Age. This prehistoric romp with frantic Flintstones-style action is illustrated with expressive cave-drawing-like spot art.

Reviewer: Russell Perry