(3) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Garland. This biography of the early-twentieth-century photographer--whose work brought attention to inhumane child-labor practices--incorporates some of Hine's own words (italicized) in the free verse text (a "fusion of history and storytelling...grounded in careful research"). Readers meet some of Hine's (fictionalized) young subjects at an oyster cannery, a cranberry bog, a shoe factory (where he's denied entry), a cotton mill (where he deceives the overseer to gain access), and more. Together the impressionistic text and sepia-toned illustrations convey the work's drudgery and dangers. Ten pages of back matter feature (small) reproductions of Hine's work along with cultural and historical context and reflections on using art to affect social change. An annotated timeline traces the history of child labor and important dates in Hine's life.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Garland. The title's pun refers to the five classes of vertebrates--reptiles, fish, mammals, amphibians, and birds--that are here presented in rhyming verse that's sometimes clever, sometimes forced (e.g., "deers" with "ears"); the demands of verse can also lead to partial information. "Digi-woodcut" illustrations are colorful and appropriate, including the way they show motion. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Garland. As Santa embarks on his Christmas Eve journey, a string of mishaps await. Luckily, each problem ("Oh, that's bad") easily resolves itself ("No, that's good!"). Cuyler's slapstick humor and Garland's trademark garish digital illustrations paint Santa as a sort of bumbling buffoon: stumbling, splitting his pants, and being stranded by his reindeer. A slew of sound effects--"WHOOSH!," "BRRRR," "WHEEEE!"--will energize storytime.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Green Light Readers series. Illustrated by Michael Garland. When her teacher doles out classroom jobs, Beth is bummed to be plant waterer; she'd rather be flag holder, pet monitor, line leader, etc. Her job just doesn't seem important enough--until one day a beautiful yellow flower sprouts. The story, accompanied by synthetic-looking illustrations, is slight but entertaining. Four "What Do You Think?" questions are appended.

Reviewer: Alissa C. Salamone

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Garland. This third That's Good! That's Bad! book (the first not illustrated by David Catrow) follows a boy on an adventure-filled trip to D.C. The titular refrain propels the narrative forward, as the boy visits familiar monuments, the White House, and the National Zoo in this entertaining introduction to the nation's capital. Garland's synthetic-looking illustrations lack warmth.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Garland. Feeling constrained by a mom who checks homework and packs healthy lunches, Goldilocks builds a spaceship and travels to Mars. The rhymed text follows her as she visits the home of a Martian family and, of course, tries their food, chairs, and beds. Illustrated with what look like airbrushed images, the slight story may appeal to those who like fractured fairy tales.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Garland. In her introduction, Tompert admits that while much of the material surrounding the life of Saint Nicholas is legend, aspects of his life can be considered fact. The strong text is readable but complex--and children who do not know some church history will be left with many questions. Garland's illustrations appropriately recall both mosaics and the formal composition of traditional stained glass windows.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Based on a letter that Saint Patrick wrote late in life, this picture book biography makes the saint's life intelligible to children, though quotes from Patrick are somewhat stiffly interjected into the narrative. Mixed-media illustrations use computer-generated patterns and hyper-saturated color, sometimes producing an oddly contemporary look. Gilded Celtic knots frame the text.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.