(2) K-3 Illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. Butterworth begins this overview of the crow family by informing readers of crows' ubiquity: "Wherever you are right now, there's sure to be a crow or two nearby." And although there are approximately one hundred subspecies, ranging from jays to ravens, she concentrates on physical and behavioral commonalities. Crows' big brains allow them to be clever, crafty, and playful. They are adept at solving problems, such as using tools (i.e., sticks) to pry food from tight places. They show their craftiness by pretending to hide food where others might spot it, before storing it in a more concealed area. And they show their playfulness by engaging in games, such as sliding off a snowy roof. (Butterworth tells readers that such play allows them to learn skills but does not elaborate on the specific skills they are learning.) A hint of anthropomorphism creeps in on the final pages as she declares that with these characteristics, crows are "just like you!" Still, the fact that crows are amazing in and of themselves should not be lost on young listeners and readers. The mixed-media illustrations combine realistic-looking crows against soft backgrounds with a watercolor wash that hints at avian majesty. Additional information, printed on most pages in a small font, provides scientific detail. The book concludes with advice for observing crows and drawing conclusions about their actions, and a simple index.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Olivia Sua. "Water days are busy days, grateful, laughing, thirsty days." A young girl tells of her Cuban neighborhood's experience of the "water man's" once-every-five-days visit to deliver water for all the residents' needs. Engle's narrator shares all parts of the process breezily, from the lyrical way Bisabuelita talks to her fruit trees, telling them "she'll soon get their toes wet," to less pleasant realities like having to wait "to flush the stinky toilet. Ick." The "fish lady" bikes into town next and lets the girl add mosquito larvae–eating fish to the family's water supply, helping to prevent the spread of disease. Sua's painted cut-paper illustrations in a rich pastel color palette are as inviting as the girl's cheerful voice, which grows somber when recounting Bisabuelita's memories about how the neighborhood's water has dried up since she was young. The book culminates with an image of the family using their replenished water and a line that sums up how this tightly knit group views water day: "a river of joy that flows for my whole thirsty familia." Back matter includes an author's note about Engle's inspiration for the story, as well as information on the global water crisis and mosquitofish.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Olivia Beckman. In a letter to Santa, rambunctious cat Scalawag touts his "outstanding" behavior before requesting a video game rather than more dignity-sapping catnip mice. Increasingly disruptive mishaps compel Scalawag to send follow-up letters, deflecting blame. Lively, loose-lined art captures the mischievous feline's chutzpah and the unfolding holiday slapstick. The Christmas spirit shines through--eventually--with human Miss Violet defending her pet. Appreciative Scalawag's Christmas Eve letter makes for a satisfying coda.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2018

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Olivia Holden. "Once there was a girl who had a little seed of an idea." Against a spare text, gentle, naive-style pastel illustrations show people slowly gathering in the child's gray neighborhood. A lot is cleared. Seeds are planted. Neighbors work together, talk, and share snacks. Ultimately, the dull buildings fade behind the colors of a community garden party in this satisfying tale of hope and cooperation.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Olivia Beckman. This simple introduction to the twenty-four time zones takes readers around the world, stopping in each zone to describe an event or activity concurrently happening ("And somewhere in the world..."). Beckman's gentle illustrations add warmth to the various places, all of which are realistically depicted and filled with smiling faces. Historical and scientific tidbits are appended, along with instructions for making a sundial.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. Wizard Harry Potter's marked-up copy of magizoologist Newt Scamander's compendium of magical creatures was first published in 2001. This larger-size, fully illustrated version (minus the handwritten notes) is beautifully crafted; the sketchbook-like illustrations aid in visualizing these beasts. Six creatures native to North America have been added to this edition. It also features an impressive gatefold for the Ukrainian Ironbelly (dragon). Ind.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. This book about a spring walk through the English countryside is an old-fashioned pleasure. Natural history mingles with Pippa's adventures as she gives aid to creatures she encounters. The highlight here is the inclusion of forty poems by beloved poets; artful overlays and foldout pages provide further interest. The cursive font of Pippa's narrative may make the book difficult for some children to enjoy independently. Ind.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac