(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dyanna Wolcott. A little girl feels every bit as gray as the sky outside, despite her parents' cheering efforts. But rushing outside to stomp in the rain helps turn this "howling, prowling, scowling" grouch calm, as the whole family joins in an exuberant rainy romp. Soft, melting watercolors echo her feelings and the weather, which grows warmer and brighter along with the protagonist.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) PS Illustrated by Dyanna Wolcott. During a day at the beach with her family, a young girl lists what parts of her body are from which relatives: "My feet are Dad's, except my funny little toe, which is a lot more like Aunt Jen's." But she's also an individual, and in the end she proudly shouts this out. Kuskin's light verse is buoyed by the lush watercolor and gouache illustrations in tropical colors.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dyanna Wolcott. Whether sledding in the middle of a January night, racing through the park in June, or scaring whomever he pleases at Halloween, the dog-author of these monthly poems enjoys himself year round. Although the mundane poems, accompanied by cheerful, vibrant illustrations, may fit nicely into school curricula about the seasons, they lack the sparkle and originality one associates with Prelutsky.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley