(3) 4-6 Translated by Joan Sandin. Illustrated by Lena Anderson. This twenty-fifth anniversary edition (in a revised format) introduces a new generation of readers to artist Claude Monet and the Impressionism movement through art- and flower-lover Linnea's exuberant description of a trip to Paris. The book's engaging mix of photographs, watercolor illustrations, and reproductions of Monet's paintings pull readers into the story, which smoothly incorporates facts and information.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) PS Translated by Joan Sandin. Franny decides to take her animal pals on an outing; during a hike two friends get (temporarily) lost. This is a fine introduction to picture books with story lines: there's lots of activity, but the drama isn't overly taxing. The delicate illustrations feature lots of calm yellow and pale green.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Translated by Joan Sandin. Lost piglet Fia finds comfort and hospitality with Hedgehog and her friend Pig. The next day they find Fia's relieved mama at her bakery and thus earn a reward of one hundred sweet rolls (though why Mama's baking while her child is missing is unclear). The rhymes falter, but readers will enjoy Anderson's delicate watercolor illustrations depicting the animals' cozy environs.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) K-3 Translated by Joan Sandin. Illustrated by Emma Ǻkerman. Andy is fascinated by his "old guy" neighbor's amazing junk collection--fishing poles, soda bottle labels, even empty toilet paper rolls. Andy enrolls in "Jake's Junk Collector School" then struggles to find a unique collection to call his own. The translation can be awkward; some sentences are stilted and don't flow. Cheerfully cluttered illustrations aptly depict this quirky tale.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Translated by Joan Sandin. In order to maintain solitude, handy Mrs. Hippopotamus builds a private bathhouse for herself. Turns out, though, that if you build a high place over the river, young hippos will want to come and jump from it. Mrs. H's compromise, which allows her to stay true to herself, pairs well with Landström's muted ink and watercolor art.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(1) PS Translated by Joan Sandin. Illustrated by Olof Landström. This Swedish team's droll sensibilities are on display here, in a larger format than the previous board-book–like Boo and Baa titles. When the noodle-headed sheep try to rescue a cat from a tree, comical misadventures ensue, with a slightly quirky but satisfying ending. The larger format means more space for the pictures and the comic possibilities; the text remains as brief as ever.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2006

(4) K-3 Translated by Joan Sandin. Illustrated by Olof Landstrom. After Boris gets glasses, his life is turned around--"I had no idea there was so much to look at!"--and he decides that he should get a job. But his eyes get tired at work, so he quits, realizing that he prefers life blurry. Boris is only one of various anthropomorphized rodents depicted in detailed settings throughout this charming if morally opaque tale about the perks and drawbacks of seeing clearly.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) K-3 Translated by Joan Sandin. A hippo mama and her little one find it's not easy being new to the riverside community in which they've decided to set up house. They know they've been accepted when, after a trip to pick fruit, their neighbors make them promise to "always tell someone before they leave the riverbank." Illustrations in muted colors render the stolid hippos with goggly eyes; they add a comic element to this slightly preachy but oddly appealing story.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) PS Translated by Joan Sandin. Illustrated by Catarina Kruusval. One by one, a group of farm animals creeps into Bubble and Pearl's tent looking for a place to sleep. From small mice to a big horse, each animal finds a cozy spot to sleep without any objections from the two children. A simple text with an unfortunately abrupt ending is accompanied by lighthearted illustrations suitable for preschoolers.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) PS Translated by Joan Sandin. Three little hippos enjoy swimming at the riverbank, but they wish they could go to Tall Cliff. They finally get permission and make a trip to the cliff, but on their return home, the hungry hippos forget to watch out for trouble. Luckily, Mrs. Hippopotamus is there to watch out for them. The expressive illustrations add humor to the flat text.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(3) PS Translated by Joan Sandin. In Get Wet, the two plucky sheep brave a midnight storm to rescue their croquet set; unfortunately, they've been reading ghost stories. In the Woods has them searching for berries, running from ants, and pole vaulting, unnecessarily but with great gusto, over tiny streams. Comical, expressive illustrations paired with brief, direct text continue to make this Swedish series appealing.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) PS Translated by Joan Sandin. In Get Wet, the two plucky sheep brave a midnight storm to rescue their croquet set; unfortunately, they've been reading ghost stories. In the Woods has them searching for berries, running from ants, and pole vaulting, unnecessarily but with great gusto, over tiny streams. Comical, expressive illustrations paired with brief, direct text continue to make this Swedish series appealing.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander