(3) K-3 Illustrated by Carrie Hartman. "Where are all the Minnesotans? Is it too cold to go outside?" Of course not. There's ice fishing, ice hockey, winter carnival parades, kite flying, cross-country skiing, and sledding. But when the temperature drops to thirty below, Minnesotans move indoors for baking cookies, stories by the fire, and dreams of spring. Cheerful illustrations show the undeterred attitude of the robust and resilient residents.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Karen Ritz. On Sadie's family's vacation in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, she projects her own fears onto her carefree younger brother Benjamin. As Sadie gains confidence, a thunderstorm provides her an opportunity to comfort Benjamin when he truly becomes scared. Warm watercolor illustrations capture regional wildlife and flora, as well as the family enjoying simple outdoorsy pastimes together.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Geister. Sighting nature's clues of a coming storm, Sophie warns her family and then helps her father, the lighthouse keeper, prepare. In an informative but repetitive narrative, readers learn that a dandelion closing, an extra-thick spider's web, low-flying seagulls, etc., are all signs of changing weather fast approaching. Realistic oil paintings suggest an old-fashioned setting at Lake Superior's Split Rock Lighthouse. An explanatory author's note is appended.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rachael Balsaitis. In this tall tale from Minnesota, Mama alleviates her excessive worrying by keeping busy on her farm, sewing, knitting, and cooking enough for all the family and livestock while inquisitive Baby Eli gets into all kinds of benign, folksy trouble. Watercolor illustrations capture each larger-than-life situation, and the big gathering of extended family at the conclusion radiates joy and welcome.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claudia McGehee. In a story celebrating individualism and appreciation, a girl visits her unconventional grandmother--who "dresses in Grandpa's old flannel shirts" and "never bakes cookies"--in the North Woods. When they go for walks, each season reveals something different, from spring peepers to hooting owls in moonlit snowy woods. Scratchboard, dye, and watercolor illustrations richly highlight the natural world and a loving familial bond.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Monroe. The four-year-old narrator (who sounds much older) resents his younger brother for being the larger of the two--until the toddler protects him from a bully. Lots of the story's humor (some adult-aimed) is implied rather than voiced. The illustrations have a shaky look that's a good match for the rather high-strung narrator.

Reviewer: Nell Beram