(4) K-3 Translated by Laura Watkinson. Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. This book of original prayers, translated from the German, guides discussion with God. Referring to specific Old and New Testament texts, each prayer focuses on a different emotion: fear, sorrow, guilt, amazement, etc. The spare, colorful illustrations mostly refer to biblical times but occasionally show contemporary children. While the book's appropriate audience is somewhat older than its title and picture-book format suggest, it's useful for Christian religious studies and homes. References included.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Translated by Bob Gaudet. Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. Edited and abridged by Rachel Bomberger. A presumably adult narrator offers answers to questions such as "why can't I see God?" and, phrase by phrase, expounds on the words of the Lord's Prayer to teach fundamental Christian concepts. "Hallowed be thy name" opens a treatise on the many names of God. Soft, dreamy folk art–style paintings add child appeal, but they don't do enough to make the abstract text understandable.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. Over the course of forty spreads, readers get a broad idea of what God may be. Each text page begins, "God is..." ("light," "the word," "our tears," etc.); short lines then attempt to explain the ideas (not always successfully). Modern-looking, at times abstract illustrations are child-friendly. Much of the volume is applicable to many faiths; a few spreads delve into Christology.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. What if a rude mule came to your house for lunch? Why, you'd invite him in and teach him to behave politely, of course. This manners primer told in the second person puts a young boy in the role of etiquette expert ("What if he brayed a rude mule hee-haw? You'd ignore him until he stopped, wouldn't you?"). With its bold, whimsical illustrations and its prim tone offset by the silly scenario, this book will amuse young readers.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. When a small brown dog can't remember his own name, he runs around town asking his friends, whose names he readily remembers. Each tells him a different thing about himself, but no one recalls his name. Finally, he finds his collar, and everything comes back. Although the high energy illustrations and the cumulative aspect of the story are entertaining, the premise is thin.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. With help from his friend Humphrey the hippo, a selfish cat named Timothy learns about the joy of giving when Santa leaves him toys to distribute to others for Christmas. The letters between Santa and Timothy are a nice addition to the predictable but satisfying story, with illustrations marked by bright, jolly colors and robust shapes.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. What if you climbed a giant sunflower in the backyard and met a girl in the clouds who took you on cloud adventures? The whimsical story (which ends with the boy returned to earth, but on the threshold of a secret door leading into the ground . . . ) encourages creative play, but even more enjoyable are the acrylic illustrations, radiantly colorful and employing imaginative perspectives.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam