(4) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Jacques. In this "Emperor's New Clothes" adaptation with tornado facts forced in, weasel Travis the Tornado Tamer offers to protect an all-animal town by creating a magical cover that only the smart and special can see. After a tornado hits, the trickster moves on (as "an Earthquake Ender"). Slick illustrations include animals humorously wearing old-timey costumes. Tornado information and activities appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Laura Jacques. Thomas provides a wordy but fact-filled narrative about the life of naturalist Roger Tory Peterson, creator of the pioneering Field Guide to the Birds. Through hard work and encouragement, his childhood interest in nature and art grew into a lifelong commitment to the natural world. Synthetic-looking mixed-media illustrations work better showing the colorful birds than people. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian