(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ruth Ohi. A cherry tree from Japan grows in Canada, beloved of a girl named Naomi. When war erupts, Naomi's family and other Japanese Canadians are "sent away." Naomi and the tree are reunited when they're both older. The text, though lyrical, can be difficult to follow. Beautifully textured illustrations are subtle and well composed. An afterword explains the "dispersal" of Japanese Canadians during WWII.

Reviewer:

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ruth Ohi. On the way to his grandmother's house, a young boy and his goat come upon four strange items and a very unhappy baby giant. By using the four found objects, the boy transforms tears to smiles, and the three creatures fall asleep together. A large-size foldout shows the baby giant's mother with her child, surprised that "two so small" could help. The full-bleed illustrations look dated but capably portray the world of giants.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ruth Ohi. This simple story about a non-anthropomorphized mother duck--who protects her stubble-field nest almost until it's beneath the cultivator--and the farmer who moves the nest aside is heartwarming. The telegraphic free verse narration is uninspired, but the watercolor illustrations, framed in the dominant tan of the stubble field, make good use of composition and color.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ruth Ohi. In this takeoff on "Little Red Riding Hood," fearless Emily heads to her great-grandmother's house with a basket of goodies and along the way encounters various ill-mannered beasts and teaches them each a lesson. The illustrations, which have an art deco look, are as spirited as the young heroine, but the tale's focus on etiquette takes some of the fun out of the story.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli