(4) PS Illustrated by Judi Abbot. This love letter in rhyme describes just how much a parent loves his or her child: e.g., "Hide-and-seek and peekaboo--we find fun in all our play. / If there are tiny tumbles, my love kisses them away!" The exclamation-point-laden text is cloying, though the colorful illustrations, depicting various smiling animal parents tenderly caring for their offspring, provide genuine warmth.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) PS Illustrated by Judi Abbot. Rhino Gloria scatters glitter wherever she goes. The other animals object, but glitter has an uncanny way of spreading, and soon there are sparkles on everyone and everything: "Oh, no!" But instead of getting angrier, the townsfolk embrace the glitz. With razzle-dazzle language and occasional rhyming, the story is entertaining if not entirely convincing; glitter fans will enjoy the raised-glitter accents in the perky illustrations.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) PS Illustrated by Judi Abbot. "I'm off to Gran and Grandpa's, / with a big smile on my face." A zebra child describes the delights of visiting with Gran and Grandpa: reading books, building a rocket, riding the splish-splash ride at the fair. Though it's aimed more at doting grandparents than their grandchildren, bouncy rhymes and bright illustrations featuring boldly striped zebras make this a pleasant-enough book for sharing.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) PS Illustrated by Judi Abbot. In this follow-up to I Love Mom, a dino child describes the ways that Dad is a rock star parent ("Who can make... / a lion's roar so enthusiastic, / a plastic man's / kung-fu kick / so slick?"). The uneven quasi-poetic text is illustrated with happy scenes showing the father-offspring pair engaged in a variety of activities, from bicycle riding to brushing "teesh."

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Illustrated by Judi Abbot. Two tiger cubs offer a glowing and loving tribute to Mom, highlighting her considerable talents at playing, baking, bathing, and tucking into bed. Both the uneven rhymed text flavored with cuddly, snuggly imagery and Abbot's warm and sunny color illustrations offer an idealized picture of motherhood that may resonate, especially come Mother's Day.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS Illustrated by Judi Abbot. A little panda searches for its ideal hug in this warm celebration of the embrace. The quest takes the cub through the animal kingdoms' many brands of hug and into the galaxy for a simple resolution (that's right under its nose). The cuddly read-aloud rhymes don't always scan, but Abbot's cute-as-can-be illustrations will please preschool viewers.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) PS Illustrated by Judi Abbot. Abbot's deep-hued, soft-edged illustrations join Walsh's playful text to explore the world of kisses, from "kisses on noses" to "kisses on toes-es," frogs, dogs, elephants, and fish kisses. The rhythm falters at times, but it's a quick read-aloud that will likely find an appreciative market among parents and grandparents, especially around Valentine's Day.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby