(4) 4-6 Writing Builders series. Illustrated by Yu-Mei Han. These five installments introduce fictional duos of kids tackling various writing projects. Though the series' solid information and writing tips are mostly suited to middle graders, they may not appreciate the childish framing stories and illustrations (unattractive in some books). Concise, helpful step-by-step instructions for building the titular piece of writing conclude each volume. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Writing Builders titles: Rick and Rachel Build a Research Report, Frank and Fiona Build a Fictional Story, Jesse and Jasmine Build a Journal, Nell and Nan Build Narrative Nonfiction, and Olivia and Oscar Build an Opinion Piece.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) PS Illustrated by Yu-Mei Han. Corbett's nonsensical poem, written in the late 1800s, tells of three ladies (silly, not wise) who set off to pick berries and cherries, taking with them a basket, a ladder, and a fan. Han's three women are extravagantly foolish, and she uses equally extravagant colors with lots of turquoise, orange, and bright pink, just shy of garish for a very cheery effect.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2004

(3) PS Illustrated by Yu-Mei Han. While the text explores the concept of roundness ("Round is a pancake, / round is a plum. / Round is a doughnut / and the top of a drum"), the exuberantly colored illustrations show a lively court preparing for the king's feast. The book does a nice job of stretching definitions ("Round is a puppy, / curled up on a rug"), while the pictures burst with patterns, colors, motion, and intriguing details.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam