(4) K-3 Illustrated by Debi Gliori. Little Mouseling is so small that she can't keep up with her siblings. Her search for a friend is fruitless--she can't swim like Toad Flip, fly like Owl Hooty, etc.--until she meets a vole that's just her size. After they bond, the story loses steam, but the rhymes are wall-to-wall comfort, and Gliori is at her effulgent best.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Debi Gliori. Mole, Hare, and Otter are greatly saddened by the death of their family member, Fox, until friend Squirrel helps them laugh again. With a subject that could easily turn maudlin, this book speaks comfortingly of the effects of the death of a loved one on the survivors. The anthropomorphic animals and their homey existence are depicted with great affection.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) PS Illustrated by Debi Gliori. When Willa the rabbit wakes up first one morning, she wants breakfast. She wakes her older brother, Willoughby, to help her and to answer her questions about getting bigger and growing up. While cozy, the book touches on genuine concerns, from brushing teeth solo to going out into the world alone. The bright, detailed illustrations fill the pages with a warmth that complements the gentle text.

Reviewer:

(3) PS Illustrated by Debi Gliori. Giant Baby Bear finds a very small and unusual creature in the woods but can't tell him where his mother or father or home is, though he's happy to share his own. The Very Small is comforted until by luck a very big sneeze sends him on his way back to his own loving family. Young listeners will enjoy the warm tale and the large but cozy illustrations.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Debi Gliori. When Willa is afraid of having bad dreams, her understanding older brother Willoughby tells her all of the happy things that will be waiting for her when she wakes up. Endearing illustrations frame the loving and patient Willoughby's responses and comfort young readers along with Willa.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin