(4) PS Shalom Sesame series. Illustrated by Tom Leigh. "Shalom everybodeee!" With this constant (quickly tiresome) greeting, Grover writes emails to his Sesame Street friends about his travels in Israel: climbing Masada, wishing at the Western Wall, floating in the Dead Sea, etc. The writing approximates Grover's enthusiastic speaking style ("Is that not totally awesome?"), and the bright, flat illustrations ("photos" of Grover enjoying himself) showcase the country's geographical diversity.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Leigh Walls. Following their last time-travel adventure (Chronal Engine), Max and Petra set out to rescue the teenage versions of Max's uncles, who are stranded in prehistoric times. Their dangerous mission is complicated by a revenge-seeking adventurer who blames Max for her father's demise. Despite flat characters and a sudden ending, the time travel, action, dinosaurs, and high-octane illustrations will satisfy returning readers.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) PS Shalom Sesame series. Illustrated by Tom Leigh. Sesame Street characters in Israel relate two stories involving doing good deeds. In Mitzvah, Grover and friends clean up a playground after a storm, though Moishe the grouch hesitates to participate. In Passover, Big Bird joins Grover and learns about Passover as they do mitzvot en route to a seder. The tone is un-preachy and preschoolers will recognize the friendly cast of characters. Review covers these Shalom Sesame titles: Grover and Big Bird's Passover Celebration and It's a Mitzvah, Grover!.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) PS Shalom Sesame series. Illustrated by Tom Leigh. Sesame Street characters in Israel relate two stories involving doing good deeds. In Mitzvah, Grover and friends clean up a playground after a storm, though Moishe the grouch hesitates to participate. In Passover, Big Bird joins Grover and learns about Passover as they do mitzvot en route to a seder. The tone is un-preachy and preschoolers will recognize the friendly cast of characters. Review covers these Shalom Sesame titles: Grover and Big Bird's Passover Celebration and It's a Mitzvah, Grover!.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(2) PS Illustrated by Tom Leigh. Grover and the Count star, with Israeli friends Avigail and Brosh, in this Shalom Sesame celebration of Hanukkah. Friends and family come together to light the menorah, feast on latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and listen to a retelling of the Hanukkah story. Bright illustrations complement the text, which features a successful imitation of Grover's singsong cadence. Bold-face numbers emphasize the Count's favorite pastime.

Reviewer: Allison Cole | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012

(4) PS Illustrated by Tom Leigh & Josie Yee. Sesame Street personalities Grover and Elmo welcome guests to the Good Eating Café and introduce eight "hints" for healthy eating. The concepts seem more appropriate for older kids, but preschoolers will recognize many of the fruits and vegetables in the brightly colored illustrations and they'll love spending time with their TV friends. A four-page "Note to Parents" is included.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Tom Leigh. In a Maine farm story that evokes Charlotte's Web, Angus is a strong, confident border collie pup; his sister Sadie is an endearing klutz. When Sadie's heroic rescue of a stray sheep upsets the natural order of things (as Angus sees it), it sets off a sibling crisis, which is satisfyingly resolved.

Reviewer: Vicky Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2005