(4) PS Illustrated by Joseph Cowman. This alphabet rhyme/activity book mash-up walks preschoolers through what to expect when starting kindergarten. A generic rhyming text with awkward irregular rhythms is paired with pleasant-enough illustrations featuring a diverse group of children getting ready and looking excited; "Kinder Countdown" and "Kinder Challenge" sidebars (tangentially related to the letter) contain some useful activities and school-preparation ideas for families.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Joseph Cowman. On The Nutcracker's opening night, chaos spreads backstage in a litany of costume, set, and prop problems. It looks as though the show will be canceled--but then St. Nicholas and the (actual) Sugar-Plum Fairy come to the rescue. This ballet-centric parody capably follows the cadence and rhyme scheme of "The Night Before Christmas." Humor and holiday wonder infuse the text and dynamic illustrations.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher