(3) K-3 The Mighty Giants, an all-animal soccer team, needs a replacement for their star player. They approach Biggie Bear, only to discover that bigger isn't necessarily better. The story's humor is enhanced by a subplot involving physically imposing Biggie's dorky zeal for stamp collecting. Chunky digitally rendered art, though less sophisticated in composition, calls to mind D. B. Johnson's work.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Collections series. Beginners can find information on how to acquire, evaluate, organize, trade, buy, sell, and enjoy their collections. Creating interest in collecting, these books are similarly organized and encourage a close examination of the history and variety of collections. Despite a tight design, the illustrations are colorful and inviting. These are thorough, complete, and readable sources of information for young collectors. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Collections titles: Cool Cards, Cool Rocks, Cool Comics, Cool Stamps, Cool Shells, and Cool Coins.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 During her physicist father's sabbatical year in Paris, ten-year-old Leslie attends French school, explores the city, and discovers the enchanting miniature world of timbres (postage stamps). Each prose vignette includes a stamp reproduction on the facing page; some images reflect plot points or themes. A large measure of nostalgia and preciousness limits the child appeal of this cleanly designed little book.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) 4-6 Costume, Tradition, and Culture: Reflecting on the Past series. With illustrations taken from trading cards printed at the beginning of the century, this volume features brief descriptions of famous and rare postage stamps such as Britain's first stamp, stamps printed upside down, and oddly shaped stamps. The trading card illustrations limit the scope of the book (no contemporary stamps are featured), but Dyson's casual tone makes for entertaining reading. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne