(3) K-3 Illustrated by Manon Gauthier. The unnamed bear protagonist is a middle sibling who finds being "middle" (going to bed after his younger brother but before his older brother, etc.) dispiriting. A family emergency affords him the chance to show that sometimes big is too big and little too little. Gauthier's sketchlike pencil lines and rough-around-the-edges cut-paper collages are just right for this tenderhearted, emotions-front story.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Manon Gauthier. Common greetings, sayings, affections, and expressions are presented with simple lyrical definitions: "Please / A magic key / that opens most doors"; "Rest in peace / For eyes that have / closed forever"; "I'm sorry / I'm so sad that I hurt you." Captivating mixed-media collages add childlike authenticity to this primer and make the concepts more kid-friendly.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Manon Gauthier. Spielman's understated picture book biography covers fascinating events of Marceau's early life. At sixteen, he and his brother fled the Nazis and became active in the French Resistance. Because of his ability to entertain, Marcel was tapped to smuggle Jewish children out of France. Gauthier's softly colored line drawings perfectly capture the gentle spirit of the performer, both off and on stage.

Reviewer: Kathleen T. Horning | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Manon Gauthier. In town after having a tooth pulled, Marissa notices a homeless man. She gives him her tooth to put under his pillow "and there will be money there tomorrow." The text gently reminds us: "Now all he needed...was a pillow." The illustrations for this poignant, understated story show drab, frowning cityfolk; soft colors highlight the main characters and emphasize Marissa's generous gesture.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert