(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christiane Engel. In this companion to What's on Your Plate?, readers learn basic information about fourteen different holidays from around the world, including Carnaval (Brazil), Fastelavn (Denmark), and Dangpai Losar (Bhutan). Each spread includes a short list of holiday-specific traditions, historical or religious context, and a cooking or craft activity. Cheerful, color-filled illustrations and a magazine-style layout make this an approachable introduction to cultural understanding. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christiane Engel. In this basic introduction to international foods, readers can travel to fourteen countries located in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Each double-page spread includes a brief general synopsis of the country's cuisine; a stylized map featuring major food products; three small, full-color snapshot photos of popular foods plus pronunciations and descriptions; and a simple recipe (many requiring no cooking). Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christiane Engel. Here and There are pen pals because Here can never be There, and vice versa. That is until There devises a clever plan to bring the friends together at a county fair. Both Here and There feature cheerful smiles, friendly eyes, and expressive arms on their uppercase first letters. Vivid colors and textures invite readers to linger over the whimsical illustrations.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Christiane Engel. Aspiring magician Gabriel's mother scolds him for being mean, so Gabriel decides to use his magic to do mitzvot, or good deeds, instead. Using new magic words ("One-wish! Two-wish! Jew-wish!") he cleans the kitchen, picks up his toys, and sets out cookies for his family. The moralistic but energetic text is accompanied by friendly collage illustrations that emphasize Gabriel's helpfulness.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) PS Illustrated by Christiane Engel. Each double-page spread showcases four barefooted children in their apparel of choice: "Hot hats / Cold hats / Silver hats / Gold hats." Flip the bottom-third of the right-hand page to see the fashionista outfits complete with "polka-dot boots!" The acrylic and digital collage illustrations are a playful accessory to the rhyming text.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) PS In Engel's interpretation, "this old man" is a white-haired, grandfatherly Pied Piper figure. Banging on a drum, he leads a cast of children of different ethnicities playing various musical instruments all through town. Acrylic and digital collage pictures illustrate the merry scene. Sheet music and a CD performed by SteveSongs are included.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin