(3) K-3 Illustrated by Daniel Miyares. After his wife's death, Samuel Clemens became reclusive, with pet cat Bambino his only welcome company. Based on a true story, this fictionalized account of Bambino's disappearance (and return) is as much about finding joy after grief as it is about the famous author. The dark colors and sharp angles of the art match the somber tone of the story. Bib.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) YA World Writers series. While Twain was best known for his humor and wit, Caravantes shows in this enjoyable biography that his life was marked by tragedy, financial worries, and artistic difficulties. The text is solid and sheds new light on this well-known subject. The portrayal will make readers want to experience Twain's writing directly. Occasional photographs break up the pages. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(2) YA Twain's early years, adventurous travels, writing career, and popularity as a lecturer are examined in this biography. The text explores how his experiences informed his writing, with particular emphasis on "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." Fleischman, an accomplished humorist himself, keeps the tone light through narrative wit and judicious use of Twain's sayings. Archival photographs are handsomely showcased on sepia-toned wallpaper. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2008

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Andreasen. Anderson's picture book biography provides an appealing sketch of the colorful life of Samuel Clemens. Written in affectionate prose, the text makes clear connections between Clemens's experiences and his writing. While Andreasen's illustrations exude a warmth that matches the tone of the text, they aren't quite lively enough to capture the exploits of one of America's most famous writers.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Brown nicely paces Sam Clemens's boyhood escapades as an adventure story that turns into a descriptive biography as Sam grows older. Soft watercolors create a temporal metaphor through changing hues that metaphorically parallel Sam's early life as if it were played out over the course of a day. Author's note included. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Childhood of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Frank Habbas. Each of the books in this series intended for emerging readers fictionalizes a childhood episode from the life of a notable historical figure. Earhart, which is divided into chapters and intended for proficient readers, is longer and more detailed (and includes more exclamation points) than the other titles. Illustrated with cartoony color art, the books provide adequate introductions. Timeline. [Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Mark Twain at Work!, Thomas Edison to the Rescue!, Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed, and Amelia Earhart.]

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth