(3) K-3 Illustrated by Judith Gueyfier. At their Nepali market, Chandra and her sister Deena see a tuki lantern that doesn't need fuel--it's solar. Thinking such a lamp, rather than their smoky kerosene one, might cure their baby brother's cough, the girls earn money to buy one by selling flowers. The story's unusual subject matter, afterword on Nepal, and bright illustrations with pleasing swirled designs create interest.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sheila Moxley. Sating Ravi's curiosity about India, Grandfather describes his homeland using rich metaphors that evoke native Indian elements such as tigers, saris, saffron, and the Himalayas. Bright illustrations expertly mingle Ravi's western world with grandfather's India, but the plot is not firmly rooted in either land, making the story less cohesive. Endnotes further explain India's geography, culture, and animals.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio