(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dušan Petričić. "A is for atrocious" begins this alphabet text starring mischievous kids. Each page highlights one letter of the alphabet and includes a nonsense sentence featuring as many words as possible beginning with that letter ("A kingdom of kooky kids is called a kindergarten"). Spiky line drawings selectively shaded in green give these devilish children life and add a vintage look.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Liz Milkau. Beachcomber Jessica uses her finds to create the totem-polelike Sea Crow. The text is slow going, but patient readers will be rewarded: Sea Crow gives Jessica the confidence to confess to a friend her new-kid-in-school anxiety and to reveal that she has a prosthetic leg. The softly hued paintings are not accomplished, but they are as thoughtful as the unusually perceptive text.

Reviewer: Nell Beram