(3) PS Illustrated by Mary Lundquist. Apples hold the idea of a tree; eggs hold the idea of birds; people, young and old, hold ideas of all sorts. Wild's upbeat, poetic text elaborates on this nature-centric metaphor; Lundquist's delicate pencil and watercolor illustrations depict the growth and change of animals, children, and families. An abstract but approachable celebration of transformation, birth, and human potential.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) PS Illustrated by Mary Lundquist. Told from the perspective of a mother watching her young daughter grow, this cheery, lyrical seasonal picture book documents what occurs in their lives from when they plant bulbs in autumn to when the flowers bloom in spring. Delicate illustrations marking important events in the girl's life--such as Halloween, a lost tooth, a broken arm, and a birthday--keep the story child-focused.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) PS Illustrated by Mary Lundquist. DiPucchio rewrites a controversial children's rhyme, "Ten Little Indians," to be about the diversity of children and families, concluding with "one BIG family 'round the world." Soft pencil and watercolor illustrations convey the point (despite some missteps, such as the inclusion of a tipi), depicting happy, rosy-cheeked people of many colors. The book aims for a celebratory and inclusive vibe.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mary Lundquist. A numbered command on every page gives readers straight-faced instructions for a "mission," while corresponding illustrations show an everyday school-related activity. The agents "gather for debriefing" (sit in a circle), "practice decoding" (reading), "raid supplies" (eat lunch), and lastly "issue a final report" (share their day with family at dinnertime). Pair this appealing first-day-of-school book with genre favorites such as Ganz-Schmitt's Planet Kindergarten.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mary Lundquist. It's a big sibling's mission to train a new baby, and it's a tough job. Among other tasks, the big brother or sister must "introduce associates" (show off pets, toys, and grandparents); "share intelligence" (read stories aloud); and "complete covert operation" (sneak cookies from the cookie jar). The soft illustrations, showing loving, rosy-cheeked families, humorously belie the text's stern instructions.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith