(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes. A very proper lady penguin and a bad-mannered mouse stow away on a hot air balloon in this exciting animal adventure. When the balloon is forced to land in the Arctic, the two strangers must learn to get along in order to survive. Themes of overcoming hardship, death, and grief add gravity to this otherwise whimsical tale featuring Thermes's delicate and vibrant pencil illustrations.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes. This biography will be of interest to young fans eager to know more about Wilder and how closely her own life was mirrored in the Little House books. The accessible text is well paired with genial illustrations that call to mind Lois Lenski's art. Devoted fans will appreciate the appended recipes (gingerbread, Johnnycakes, and homemade butter), games, and corn-husk doll instructions. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes. Bird and Bear become friends and spend many summers together. One spring when Bird returns to the forest, Bear is no longer around. Bird connects with Bear's grandson and starts to forge a new relationship. It's like Mo Willems's City Dog, Country Frog but wordier. The circle of life and the passage of time are conveyed through the welcoming pastel-hued illustrations.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes. This simple biography covers the landmarks in Keller's life: her childhood illness, the arrival of Anne Sullivan, and the moment at the water pump. But it also emphasizes Helen's love for dogs and implies that a particular reward for her learning to speak was verbal communication with her favorite dog, Belle. Lightly drawn illustrations in soft colors complete the warm narrative.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes. Alternating chapters follow dog Oliver, homeless after his owner dies, and orphan Maggie, turned out onto the streets of turn-of-the-last-century Boston with only a mysterious gold locket. Pluck, gumption, and optimism help them both cope with cold, hunger, and loneliness. Things look up when their stories intersect. This is well-orchestrated, straightforward storytelling, with a bonus of warm pencil drawings.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011