(4) K-3 Illustrated by Judy Stead. A series of accidents prevents Dina and her family, who've just moved, from celebrating Rosh Hashanah with their former neighbors. Luckily, a new family invites them to dinner after services, making them feel welcome. The be-nice-to-your-neighbor message, reinforced by friendly illustrations, is noble but unsubtle; kids may enjoy reciting the book's exasperated refrain (also the title). An explanation of the holiday is included.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Judy Stead. Rose and Valentina compete for the most pink items. At Valentina's "Pink Party," Rose's jealousy comes to a head, and she stomps home to pout. After the party, apologies are offered. Stead's new Pepto-pink-heavy digital illustrations (some with sparkles) will appeal to girls who love the hue as much as the protagonists (who were named Lisa and Amy in the previous edition).

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) PS Illustrated by Judy Stead. In a few carefully crafted rhyming phrases, Raczka celebrates the pleasures of summer ("Divers, / swimmers, / flat-rock skimmers"; "joggers, / walkers, / sidewalk chalkers"). Summery illustrations, suitably carefree, enhance this spare paean to hot-weather leisure, which features such activities as reading, skygazing, barbecuing, and rope-jumping. A recipe for mini ice-pops is included.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Judy Stead. Because she wants to buy a doll, Isabel opens her own car-washing business with money she receives from five friends, her investors. This book, written by a former FDIC chairperson, teaches the basics of starting a business, investing, and risk. The appended explanatory note will be more interesting to budding investors than the forced story line. Brightly colored drawings illustrate events.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) PS Illustrated by Judy Stead. Words ending in –y, from "Frosty, freezy, stuffy and sneezy" to "Rosy, cozy, everyone's dozy," represent winter's spectrum. Vibrantly colored, dynamic illustrations, some contained within cloud-shaped frames, of children sledding, skating, and making snow angels, plus families sipping cocoa and reading by the fire, capture the warmth of a chilly season. A recipe for "Snowy, Blowy Ice Cream" is included.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Judy Stead. When she first meets Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, the narrator feels awkward and is afraid she'll say the wrong thing. Once the girls discover all the interests they have in common--such as collecting rocks, reading books, and ballet--they soon become best friends. The rhyming text's message is obvious, but the playful illustrations keep the tone light.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) PS Illustrated by Judy Stead. In this companion to Spring Things, spare rhyming text answers the title question, and the book ends with another question: "Don't you love the fall?" The answers are clever ("Rakers, leapers, corn-crop reapers. / Growers, pickers, taffy lickers"), and appended "fall facts" provide more specific information. Warmly colored illustrations and a varied design complement and extend the read-aloud-ready text.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) PS Illustrated by Judy Stead. Vibrantly colored drawings illustrate the many spring activities that end in -ing (thunderstorming, hatching, mowing, etc.). Double-page spreads splashed with primary and secondary colors provide a brilliant backdrop for the simple rhyming text that showcases how nature, people, and animals prepare for and subsequently enjoy the splendors of spring. A fill-in-the-blanks seasons quiz is included.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo