(3) PS Illustrated by Ashley Barron. New lyrics, set to familiar tunes (such as "B-I-N-G-O" and "Happy Birthday"), urge young children to be kind, manage their anger, accept mistakes, etc. Bright collage illustrations mirror the messages, showing expressive kids from many cultures and with varying abilities. Back matter provides rationale for caregivers and storytime tips. Sheet music and sound files can be downloaded for free.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Everyday Feelings series. Illustrated by Mike Gordon. Young Diego is always there to help others face their fears (public speaking, thunder and lightning, dogs), but he must talk himself down the night he becomes convinced that there are monsters under his bed. Barnham's mission to enlighten readers bogs down the writing, but Gordon's illustrations are emotionally rich despite being cartoonish. A note for adults concludes the book. Reading list.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Charles Lehman. Tessie's loud, fast, nonstop talking drives everyone away--especially when her mouth is full of food. Her teacher and school counselor help Tessie visualize her runaway tongue and give her techniques to become a good listener. Bright cartoon illustrations show Tessie's tortured--then relieved--family and classmates. Three pages of "tips for helping talkative children" are appended to the purposeful story.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Zach Rules series. Illustrated by Darren McKee. Zach can't figure out how to traverse the playground trapeze rings, resulting in frustration and disappointment. His best friend Sonya suggests formulating a plan and reflecting on previous successes to boost his confidence. This is a cheery and realistic, if transparently message-driven, bibliotherapy story illustrated with cartoony digital pictures. Back matter includes tips and detailed strategies for "helping children persevere."

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Darren McKee. Zach forgets to wear his required orange school shirt on a field trip, touching off a day-long series of mistakes. His teacher shares her "Key to Success" technique for dealing with errors big and small: "Detect, Correct, Reflect." This strategy will help children learn from mistakes, and the story, though hokey, appropriately frames the lesson. Cartoon-style digital illustrations round out the presentation.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Elizabeth Allen. This accessible book, with an obvious message about doing what's right, explores the many levels of integrity, from standing up for oneself and others to being trustworthy to thinking through decisions. The simple text and unremarkable illustrations follow a girl of color as she navigates situations at home and at school. A discussion guide for adults and related activities "to reinforce the ideas" are appended.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) PS Illustrated by Melissa Iwai. These purposeful stories will be appreciated by adults who want young children to examine their behaviors and improve relationships. Each double-page spread features a colorful background, simple line drawings, and a cheerful full-color illustration. The characters' diversity (e.g., a girl with a headscarf, a boy in a wheelchair) is a plus. A substantial "Note to Caring Adults" and many related activities are appended. Review covers these titles: Just Because I Am and We Can Get Along.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) PS Illustrated by Melissa Iwai. These purposeful stories will be appreciated by adults who want young children to examine their behaviors and improve relationships. Each double-page spread features a colorful background, simple line drawings, and a cheerful full-color illustration. The characters' diversity (e.g., a girl with a headscarf, a boy in a wheelchair) is a plus. A substantial "Note to Caring Adults" and many related activities are appended. Review covers these titles: Just Because I Am and We Can Get Along.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Armond, a boy with Asperger's syndrome, goes to Felicia's birthday party but is nervous about popping balloons, strong smells, and more. When the chaos is too much, Armond takes "a break" in a quiet room and then rejoins the party. Carlson's gentle, if purposeful, approach and childlike storyboard illustrations may help readers empathize with what Armond is experiencing. A note to adults is appended.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Daydreaming of adventures to Mars and the sea causes Sam to miss the bus and words on his spelling test. A doctor's suggestions on how Sam can improve his attention include avoiding junk food, staying organized, and getting enough sleep. While no mention is made of medication or therapy for ADHD, the basic advice and Carlson's child-friendly art make the book a good starting point.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey