(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Michael Paraskevas. These handsomely designed and illustrated books introduce the work and lives of these masterful poets; each book's editor explains the poet's intentions and much of the difficult vocabulary and ideas found in the verses. Frost's poetry is probably most accessible, though none of them were writing for youngsters, and many of the poems and excerpts may remain challenging. No harm in trying, though! Ind. Review covers these Poetry for Kids titles: Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg and Walt Whitman.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Paraskevas. Livi, who last procrastinated in On My Way to Bed, doesn't want to go to school. "I already know lots of stuff." To put off the inevitable, she lets her imagination run wild (she's a snail, pirate, mountain climber, etc.) as an off-page adult urges her along. The energetic digital art and lively text make this another delightful celebration of imagination.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(3) PS Illustrated by Michael Paraskevas. In this cute- and funny-enough successor to On My Way to the Bath, Livi again postpones a dreaded nighttime ritual through her creative stalling tactics: she must perform a circus act, do a magic trick, etc. The loud comical art alternates between showing Livi's fantasies and depicting real life, complete with her harangued mom's dialogue-balloon nags.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Michael Paraskevas. At bath time, Livi stalls by imagining--and enacting--other destinies ("I am a professional gymnastics girl"; "I am in a marching band!"; etc.); the note-perfect ending has her not wanting to leave the tub ("I am a shark..."). The art--especially the image of defeated, diminutive Livi splayed on top of her beleaguered mother's head--is quite funny.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Paraskevas. Nibbles O'Hare says he's the Easter Bunny to appease local rabbits who aren't thrilled that he and his friends have taken over an abandoned country playhouse for themselves. Forced into proving his claim, Nibbles is at first challenged but is finally accepted by the locals. There are some gaps in this unorthodox holiday story, but the irresistibly bright, textured illustrations enhance the text.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Paraskevas. A horse named Marvin, who dances in the carnival, dreams of starring on Broadway. He's whisked off to the Big Apple by a talent agent where, after much struggling, he gets his big break and becomes an overnight sensation. But his success is bittersweet because Marvin misses his friends. Though the story is somewhat underdeveloped and unfocused, the acrylic illustrations are rich, moody, and offer lots of variety.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Paraskevas. An eagle makes an appearance in New York City while the tall ships sail into the harbor for July 4th. The author's patriotic song contains some nice turns of phrase but too often succumbs to predictable rhymes and sentiments. The acrylics are bold and painterly, combining large brush strokes and loose, well-placed lines. The melody and guitar chords provided fail to flesh out a simple and repetitive tune.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson