(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Ajhar. Library Lou promises treasure to pirate Big Pete, but only if he'll behave himself and let her teach him to read; otherwise, he's banned from the premises. Through a lengthy rhyming text that maintains its meter impressively, Pete learns that books are the real treasure. Cartoonish illustrations use light and shadow well to create dimension.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Ajhar. Bernice Sparklestein, Fairy Godmother, has lost her magic power, so Edith B. Cuspid, Tooth Fairy Second Class, endeavors to find her friend a new calling: fairy duster, snowflake creator--whatever. The humorous story is abetted by comic illustrations. Its two mature protagonists, who call to mind a pair of Golden Girls, are more attuned to adult, rather than child, concerns.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Ajhar. When Mr. Mack applies for a bank loan for his invention (a saw that resembles a machine gun), he gets arrested. Meanwhile, his sons dig a tunnel to his jail cell, and his dog, his daughter, and her friend search for Mrs. Mack, who is secretly setting a world record. Fans of the silly and gross will enjoy the somewhat uninspired but fast-paced nonsense.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Ajhar. From the biggest bubble-gum bubble to the first child to integrate an all-white school, these poems celebrate a wide range of noteworthy achievements. The brief rhyming verses and humorous illustrations depict each historic accomplishment. Children fascinated by remarkable events and people will appreciate this lighthearted romp through history.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire