(4) K-3 Illustrated by Allan Drummond. This is not a full-fledged story collection per se, but rather an assembly of brief inspirational parables using Mother Teresa's work with the poor in India and around the world to illustrate the power of love, generosity, and faith. The accompanying watercolor and ink artwork is warm and attractive, although not gritty enough to echo the extreme hunger and homelessness conveyed in the anecdotes.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Valeria Petrone. This anthology--which includes both original tales and spirited retellings of such favorites as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Frog Prince"--explores different kinds of love. Zestfully illustrated, each story ends with a sometimes clichéd aphorism ("Love is learning to give" or "Love hurts"), which undercuts the sometimes subtle tale.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) 4-6 Colorfully and imaginatively illustrated double-page spreads, thematically arranged, address a variety of topics in a loosely organized presentation. From the perspective of major world religions, Ganeri discusses Heaven, heavenly beings and bodies, life after death, and Hell, among other subjects. She also includes folktales from many religious traditions. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mary Claire Smith. A favorite holiday poem about a child's tender ministrations to a Christmas tree is illustrated in a pleasantly airy but restrained style. Elongated figures and wide borders of white space lend a slightly whimsical and uncluttered look to the book. Still, the pictures don't especially capture the feeling of the touching poem or the glory of the tree "quite dressed."

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 4-6 Including work by well-known poets as well as such pop-culture icons as John Lennon and Bob Dylan, this anthology (probably peripheral to most library collections but of interest to some families) encourages young readers to explore their inner lives. Each of the ten sections is illustrated by a different artist and ends with a meditation designed to invite children to practice imaging and breathing techniques to develop their ability to find inner peace and solace. Ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Chris Perry. One side of each double-page spread features a painting of an animal (a giraffe, a lion, an alligator, etc.) that is colorful and clear, but amateurish. On the facing page are step-by-step instructions for a yoga position based on the animal, accompanied by stick-figure diagrams and a photo of a child demonstrating the position. Some yoga philosophy and explanation of techniques accompany each of the thirteen postures, which vary in difficulty.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn