(3) K-3 Illustrated by S. Saelig Gallagher. Young Luisa wants to see her mama smile again. With the help of the staff and customers at the beauty salon where Mama works, Luisa plans a surprise party for her. The oil paint illustrations deftly capture the family and community love in this feel-good story that also stresses the importance of education and includes some humorous touches.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by S. Saelig Gallagher. Kung Shi Fair's wealthy widower father says he won't approve of her marriage to humble fisherman Chang the Good unless various unlikely events occur; after they do, he still won't sanction the union, to disastrous end. The shimmery illustrations, featuring a cast with hyper-expressive features, underscore the pathos of this bittersweet drama. Its refreshing moral? Parents should listen to their children.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by S. Saelig Gallagher. Lila has one ambition: to be a master firework-maker like her father. Sent to distant and dangerous lands to gather rare ingredients, the plucky heroine is helped on her journey by her friend Chulak and his white elephant. Most amusing is a comic troupe of losers--sometimes pirates, sometimes restaurateurs, always changing but always failing--that she meets again and again.

Reviewer: Ann A. Flowers