(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Barneda. Too much booty? Just head inland to bury it--that's how a band of animal pirates ends up in Old Cheyenne. The pirates can't understand the cowboys' jargon and vice versa, necessitating a intervention from Pegleg Highnoon, "the world's only pirate cowboy." Reynolds gets the language just right and Barneda's palette of browns and muted colors evokes the dusty Wild West setting.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Barneda. Rhyming text relates a typical snow-day adventure--with a robot twist. The McSqueak kid-robots sled on trashcan lids and make ice sculptures with their chainsaw hands. When a wintry blast freezes the robots, they "warm up every part and piece" with "cocoa spiked with axle grease." Rich acrylics and colored pencils add warmth to the snowbound residents of Clackentown.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) PS Illustrated by David Barneda. Barneda's acrylic and colored-pencil illustrations show a rotund, wide-eyed creature with little pointy ears getting ready for bed--and awaiting the Tickle Monster's arrival. To heighten suspense, only the Tickle Monster's shadow (also pointy-eared) is visible. Thach's jaunty rhyming text will satisfy those who relish a good tickling session: "You'll squirm! You'll dance! / (You may wet your pants)."

Reviewer: Martha Sibert