(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mei Matsuoka. While doing the shopping for his mom, Simon Squirrel and his friends end up in a magical balloon--riding around the solar system, picking up items on Mom's list, and having adventures. "On Neptune they hoped to get space fish and fries. / Instead all they caught was a scary surprise!" Large illustrations, featuring wacky space creatures, reinforce the zaniness of the bouncy rhymes.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mei Matsuoka. Lou Pine, "a wily old wolf," craves lamb for dinner. With Rambo the Ram standing in his way, Lou must plan a way to infiltrate the flock. He bullies Little Red's grandmother into knitting him a sheep costume, but he underestimates Granny's own trickery and is finally served his comeuppance. Inviting and humorous collage-like illustrations accompany the rollicking rhyme.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) PS Illustrated by Mei Matsuoka. Robbie Raccoon is concerned when Father Oak begins to lose leaves. Robbie's mother explains that the tree will sleep for the winter, just as they do. Warm, autumnal mixed-media pictures nicely illustrate the story that relies on raccoon behavior to explain seasonal changes but is hampered by inaccuracies (e.g., though the text references their "winter nap," raccoons don't actually hibernate).

Reviewer:

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mei Matsuoka. Picky-eater Benny consumes so many hamburgers, he turns into one. This cautionary tale's plot is stock, right down to the ending, when Benny learns to love vegetables a bit too zealously. However, Durant's writing has zest and is well supported by Matsuoka's colored-pencil, cut paper, and acrylic illustrations of the burger-ized Benny being chased all over town by hungry people and animals.

Reviewer: Nell Beram