(2) K-3 Illustrated by Richie Pope. Mary Seacole was raised by a Jamaican Creole mother who taught her herbal medicine and a Scottish soldier father whose stories inspired her to see the world. After using her skills during a cholera outbreak, Seacole is determined to volunteer as a nurse in the Crimean War, but first in London and then again on the battlefield she is turned away--by Florence Nightingale herself--because of her skin color. But Mary Seacole is not easily stopped, and she becomes a familiar sight welcoming people to her guest house/hospital and bringing her supplies to the battlefield, where she becomes known as Mother Seacole and eventually gains fame when a British journalist tells her story. Rubin sprinkles Seacole's own words throughout the book, bringing in some of her larger-than-life personality. The text is longer than a typical picture-book biography, making this a good choice for readers who may be ready for but intimidated by chapter-book biographies. Pope's illustrations have the difficult job of showing the devastating circumstances Seacole often finds herself in as a battlefield nurse, and his soft, cartoony watercolors deftly walk that line. Back matter includes source notes and a brief bibliography.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2021

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair. Downing uses the tune of the folk song "Aiken Drum" (not always successfully in terms of rhythm) to describe a man made entirely from traditional New Orleans and Louisiana foods (hair is rice, eyes are red beans, body is a king cake, etc.). Collage illustrations showing Chef Creole growing bit by bit help identify unfamiliar foods. Music is included. Glos.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. After losing his voice, a blue-headed rooster is headed for "quiet rooster stew," until Cleoma the hen enlists fiddler Joe Beebee's help. Though a bit on the long side, Martin's lilting, rhythmic tribute to Cajun and Creole music scans well. Bits of bright cloth in Sweet's mixed-media collages add texture; her expressive pencil-drawn characters bring the story to life. Reading list.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams

(4) 4-6 World Cultures series. This book discusses the lives and customs of Creole people on the islands of Guadeloupe. Topics include history and community life. Celebrations are also touched on, with a special emphasis on Mardi Gras. The large-font text can be simplistic, but the many photographs are engaging. A carnival headdress craft is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan