(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. This book provides a well-researched and accessible history of Halloween customs and celebrations, from the ancient Romans and Celts to the modern day. Halloween-themed jokes and riddles are interspersed throughout, and a chapter on party tips and ideas adds to the fun. A list of safety rules is appended.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. Luke Howard was an English Quaker, chemist–businessman, and acute observer of clouds whose Latin-based system of nomenclature eventually became standard. This biography is ably narrated, with appropriate historical context. Interspersed is a modern child's weather journal, offering facts and corny jokes, which may be more distracting than engaging. Whimsical watercolor illustrations are augmented with photos, including period ones. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. Using the rhythm of "The House That Jack Built," the text guides readers through the Seder dinner and the story behind the celebration. The softly colored, lighthearted illustrations add to the information. This picture book's informal tone makes it a good introduction to the holiday. A foreword explains the holiday in more detail.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. Ben is shy about answering riddles at the local candy store, but with his sister's help one Saturday he is brave enough to raise his hand, answer a riddle, and win a jar of jelly beans. The book has an appealing subject and an accessible writing style, and the illustrations are cheery.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. Groundhogs have reached near star status, and this book explains why. The origins of the critter's supposed forecasting abilities, the reason for seasons, celebrations around the country, corny riddles, and facts about hibernation fill the text-heavy pages with more than most people want to know. Whimsical illustrations help to pace the information.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) PS Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. From diggers with backhoes to carpenters, plumbers, and painters, this poem describes the building of a house for a couple and their new baby. Although at times the rhyme seems forced, the idea of updating the poem "Over in the Meadow" with a construction theme is original, and the cut-paper and fabric collage illustrations are cheerful and effective.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. Levine employs a "House That Jack Built" rhyme scheme to craft a warm, cheerful story about a family's Hanukkah celebration. A dreidel is retrieved from a drawer, an act that initiates such pleasurable seasonal activities as eating latkes, opening presents, and lighting candles. Illustrations in colored pencil, acrylic, and gouache add an appropriate and pleasing visual complement. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. When Gregory's family moves to Japan, he cheerfully accepts the new way of life--chopsticks, yen, sleeping on the floor--but adapting to school proves harder, especially lunchtime. His classmates find a way to share their own cross-cultural appreciation and make Gregory feel at home. Definitions and pronunciations of Japanese words are provided below the text. Lighthearted cartoonlike art suits the upbeat story.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye. Max's mom trips while carrying the Thanksgiving turkey to the table, and the bird goes flying into the fish tank. However, it doesn't really matter; as Max's grandma says, "we have all we need because everyone's here." The jaunty rhyming text reads aloud well: "This is the grandpa who takes his seat. / 'No turkey? No problem! I'm hungry--Let's eat!'" The illustrations create a lively, homey atmosphere.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert