(3) PS Illustrated by Anne Möller. This minimal, carefully constructed text begins with a child and a glass of water, expands to consider the earth, and returns to the child. Weninger explains that water is necessary for life, mentions the different forms it takes such as ice and snow, and expresses hope for a continuing supply. Textured, paint and collage illustrations help make this simple book accessible to very young readers.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Anne Möller. In this linear first-person narrative, a girl describes the life cycle of an apple--from seed to tree to fruit--and concludes blandly, "I am so thankful for this little apple." The text is neither particularly poetic nor especially informative. However, the painted paper collages are consistently appetizing.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler

(4) K-3 Translated by Sibylle Kazeroid. Illustrated by Anne Möller. Too poor for Christmas gifts, Oliver attaches a letter for Santa to a balloon. When it travels south instead, a grumpy old man named Nicholas finds the wish list and has a change of heart, not only bringing Oliver and his mother gifts, but inviting them to live with him. While the artwork is attractive, young readers may be confused as to why Nicholas is "really and truly Santa Claus" on one page and "Grandfather" on the next.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey