(3) K-3 Illustrated by Maggie Smith. It's bedtime after a day at the beach--"You must be tired, from your head to your toes," says Fiona's mom. Under Fiona's direction (e.g., "Toes, go to sleep!"), Mama adds some description: "Toes were for gripping flip-flops on the way to the beach," and so on. It's original, affectionate, and loaded with merry illustrations of exhaustion-making beachside scenes.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. Spring, summer, winter, fall: the best of times in every season are those spent with a loving mommy or daddy. In these companion books, two children use metaphors to express their feelings for their parents. Realistic, perky illustrations capture the affection between the boy and his father and the girl and her mother, but the rhyming text borders on syrupy. Review covers these titles: Daddy Is a Cozy Hug and Mommy Is a Soft, Warm Kiss.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. Spring, summer, winter, fall: the best of times in every season are those spent with a loving mommy or daddy. In these companion books, two children use metaphors to express their feelings for their parents. Realistic, perky illustrations capture the affection between the boy and his father and the girl and her mother, but the rhyming text borders on syrupy. Review covers these titles: Daddy Is a Cozy Hug and Mommy Is a Soft, Warm Kiss.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Maggie Smith. After finding out that the library has to close due to lack of funds, a young raccoon takes up the cause of saving it. How does he know what to do? By reading library books on such topics as construction, fundraising, and diplomacy. Bunting's public-service-announcement message is soft-pedaled by the story's humor, also evident in Smith's friendly watercolor and acrylic illustrations.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. What big brother hasn't been frustrated by his sibling? In this story the "monster" is a pesky little sister, whose antics include throwing things and pulling hair. Luckily, the brother doesn't give in to his urges to "tease it and poke it and call it bad names," instead figuring out how to turn tantrums into tickle-time. Colorful angular illustrations enhance the humor.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(2) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. A smoothly written, snappy cumulative rhyme lists the layers of clothing a mother is attempting to put on her not-so-cooperative child. Busy prints and patterns accentuate the action as the colorful illustrations extend the story, which ends with a toddler striptease. Young listeners will cheer along; with luck, that'll be the extent of the audience participation.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004

(3) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. A young girl can find only one of her mittens, but she cleverly invents plenty of uses for it. "One mitten is a hat / for a rooster's head, / or a very small / mitten-bag bed." When the lost mitten turns up, she finds "lots of / two-mitten things" to do as well. Cheerful illustrations with well-chosen details complement this sprightly rhyme.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. This amiable, reassuring book highlights the excitement young Donny feels when he moves into his new big boy bed. Now he has lots of room and new places to play--and "I can get out...anytime I want." Bunting's simple text and Smith's bright, appealing illustrations recommend this book to toddlers ready to take the leap from crib to bed.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. When the young narrator receives a book as a gift, he discovers its many functions: he can read it himself, wear it like a hat, and entertain the baby. Finally, it inspires the cuddling session that precedes his nap. The meticulous, candy-colored illustrations are inviting, and preschoolers will enjoy tracking a busy cat and stuffed elephant who appear on nearly every page.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. A boy who complains about getting dressed, riding in his car seat, and more is answered with funny worst-case scenarios: "You don't like to take a nap? It's a good thing you're not a bear. If you were a bear, you would have to nap all winter long!" The tone is silly, and the cheerful illustrations convey the absurdity in the text. This book may just do the trick for some contrary toddlers.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. Roosa's happy verse perfectly captures a sunny beach day full of salty splashing and play: "Sandy knees / Foaming seas / Insects dancing / In the breeze." With warm, bright watercolor illustrations that are packed with inviting, authentic detail, this book presents an ideal visit to the shore.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(2) PS Illustrated by Maggie Smith. The young heroine hauls her overnight bag up to Grandpa's porch, more than ready for her sleepover. Comical watercolors get this duo just right, and the rollicking, rhyming text suits the lively grandchild, who parades around with Grandpa--and stalls for time--unearthing letter by letter the contents of her bag. This charmer may keep young readers up at night stalling for bedtime with their own alphabetical treasures.

Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 1999

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Maggie Smith. As they do each year, a little girl and her parents take a ferry ride out to their summer island. The story line is simple but includes many details about the boat ride and conveys the flavor of the exciting ritual. Smith's illustrations of round-faced, cheerful people are as comfortable as the anticipated vacation.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth