(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Ashley Spires. June is on the lookout for a new friend. Two things happen: a new family moves in across the street (including a girl her age named Mae) and free-spirited Grandma Penny sends June a "Wonder Wheel," which provides lighthearted challenges for June. The book's short chapters, comic illustrations, and generous-sized font add to its appeal for newly minted independent readers.

Reviewer: Viki Ash | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2017

(3) 4-6 Quiet and reserved, Evelyn is the product of a strict and structured home life. Newcomer Queen, on the other hand, revels in his uniqueness and remains unfazed by the bullying his name inspires. While the friendship that develops between these two can only be expected, it is Evelyn's emerging acceptance of her own creativity that brings the novella to a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(2) 4-6 Arcady's parents were declared enemies of the state, resulting in his assignment to prisonlike orphanages. Now twelve, Arcady is a gifted soccer player. When former schoolteacher Ivan Ivanych wants to adopt Arcady, the boy is sure his soccer skill is the only reason. Although writing in the first person from Arcady's point of view, Yelchin has created two complex and evolving characters.

Reviewer: Viki Ash | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(1) PS A boy wants to take his dog for a walk, but, confoundingly, Santiago refuses. The reason for Santiago's stubbornness is eventually revealed: he's watching over the baby. "Good boy, Santiago." The illustrations, in pencil, marker, ink, tissue paper, and digital color, capture the boy's persistence and the bulldog's dug-in resistance; the warm palette is perfect for this affection-filled, simple, and satisfying family story.

Reviewer: Viki Ash | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(3) PS Illustrated by Peskimo. In this inviting board book, the leading edge of each page is die-cut to form the shape of the highlighted letter, giving children something to touch and trace as the pages are turned to reveal an object beginning with the appropriate sound. Most items (apple, balloon) will be familiar to the audience; some (violin, yachts) are less familiar; and some (ice cream, underwear) are just fun.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS Illustrated by Stephen Savage. A young polar bear sets off alone on a wonder-filled walk among sleeping animals and falling stars, returning to snuggle into her "mother bear's soft, warm fur." This story is tailor-made for toddlers who are working hard to establish independence without giving up security. The board book version maintains the original picture book's emotional warmth and the artistic integrity of its evocative illustrations.

Reviewer: Viki Ash | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004

(3) PS Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. This board book introduces six animals, including a crab, a fish, and a butterfly. The answer to an introductory question ("Can you spot the green animal?") is revealed by lifting an often leaf-shaped flap to see the answer underneath (a snake). Additional information about the hidden animal is shown in smaller type. The colorful and multi-layered collage illustrations add context and content.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. Bites taken out of the pages provide young dinosaur lovers with a tactile shiver as they count through this collection of prehistoric beasts (pronunciation guide for the five dinosaurs included). The board book's back matter includes age-appropriate information on what the dinosaurs really ate and a one-to-ten review of items within the illustrations that can be counted. An impressive introduction to nonfiction.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS The fun here lies in a participatory text and oversize gatefolds. The art is colorful; while not always realistic (e.g., the lion's grassland is purple), this whimsical break from realism doesn't detract from the pleasure of the shared reading experience, and the whole joyful romp ends with a flap revealing all the featured animals and their sounds.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS Illustrated by Sara Gillingham. Krensky celebrates the increasing independence of toddlers and their pride of accomplishment. The rhyming texts are accompanied by Gillingham's retro illustrations that feature dots, spots, and crosshatching patterns. The less-than-saturated colors add a used-and-loved feel to the books that is sweetly nostalgic without being overly sentimental. Review covers these titles: I Can Do It Myself! and Now I Am Big!.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS Illustrated by Sara Gillingham. Krensky celebrates the increasing independence of toddlers and their pride of accomplishment. The rhyming texts are accompanied by Gillingham's retro illustrations that feature dots, spots, and crosshatching patterns. The less-than-saturated colors add a used-and-loved feel to the books that is sweetly nostalgic without being overly sentimental. Review covers these titles: I Can Do It Myself! and Now I Am Big!.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS Illustrated by Lois Ehlert. This favorite of young children, parents, and preschool teachers since its original publication is now available in full in a standard-size board-book format. (A previous edition included only half the story.) This version contains the entire tale, from the trek up the tree through the pileup and rescue, to the letter A's "dare double dare" in the moonlight.

Reviewer: Viki Ash | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 1990

(3) PS Neither the mood of Shulevitz's story nor the magic of his illustrations is lost in the board book edition of this Caldecott Honor book. The optimistic anticipation and joyful exhilaration of "boy with dog" are undiminished by the smaller trim size. Young listeners will certainly delight in the transformative power of "snow, snow and snow" that brings the story to a close.

Reviewer: Viki Ash | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 1999

(3) PS Despite their subtitles, these are not the number and color books one might expect. Instead, these are simple stories, with texts in English and Mandarin Chinese, that include colors and numbers and thus nod quietly to their conceptual underpinnings. The final spread in both books provides English-language readers with an explanation of Mandarin's tonal subtleties and assistance with pinyin pronunciations. Review covers these titles: A Nest in Springtime and Summertime Rainbow.

Reviewer: Viki Ash

(3) PS Despite their subtitles, these are not the number and color books one might expect. Instead, these are simple stories, with texts in English and Mandarin Chinese, that include colors and numbers and thus nod quietly to their conceptual underpinnings. The final spread in both books provides English-language readers with an explanation of Mandarin's tonal subtleties and assistance with pinyin pronunciations. Review covers these titles: A Nest in Springtime and Summertime Rainbow.

Reviewer: Viki Ash