(3) K-3 Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. In this unique alphabet book, each of twenty-five boys and one girl with alphabetically ordered names describes what makes him or her special ("My name is Moss, / I'm at a loss. / I found three tons / of applesauce"). The snappy rhymes, matter-of-factly absurd scenarios (one boy spends his time collecting fuzz), and retro-style illustrations depicting strangely proportioned kids have a truly Seussian panache.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. The flattened perspectives of the color-rich paintings have a humorous aspect, but Martha's adventures with a small, wood-eating monster who grows larger each day are not as funny as they could be. When the greedy thing eats her wardrobe, Martha exchanges him for an egg with green and purple speckles (although the pet store owner tries to dissuade her). Who knows what this one will become?

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. Sleeping over at Granny's for the first time, Patrick delays the inevitable, saying he can't go to bed because he doesn't even have a bed; or a blanket; or a teddy bear. In response to each legitimate complaint, Granny springs into action, chopping down a tree to build a bed, and so on. Lum's cumulating text is paced with panache, and Johnson's bold graphics join in the nonsensical fun.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 1999