Simple rhyming text and beautiful collage illustrations combine to share the story of kittens walk through the woods on a winter day, and what all the animals she passes are up to.  It’s a very simple story, but it’s charming, and it’s useful for teaching rhyming as well as nouns & verbs.

The text is simple and straight forward, and does a thorough job of describing different aspects of this career, from different roles aboard ship, dangers faced, and living conditions.  Full-color photos support the text.  Especially here in the Northwest, it’s informative both for people who want to consider possible careers, as well as folks who want to know more about where their food comes from.

This is an important book for all school counselors, and school libraries to have access to, for those kids who need it.  The main character is a young bunny rabbit sharing his own story of what he experienced when his dad was arrested.  Without going into any details as to what his father was accused of, he very matter-of-factly describes what he saw, the people he encountered, and how he felt along the way.  Sidebars share information about what laws are, statistics about parents in prison, etc. The story continues on through the teasing he experiences at school, visiting his dad in jail, and how his life has changed since.  It is realistic and comprehensive, and will be useful for sharing with students who may face similar circumstances.

This volume does a good job of thoroughly covering a mysterious topic, without getting too bogged down in speculation.  Beginning with the first references in the works of Plato, this book traces the different descriptions and theories about this mythical island, right up through those of twentieth century spiritualists & her celebrity followers.  It includes the viewpoints both of those who believe Atlantis is real as well as skeptics.

Text all in Spanish.  This is an early reader non-fiction describing different ways we have of measuring time.  One to two sentences per page are supported by full-color illustrations and diagrams to convey the meaning of key vocabulary, making it useful both to emergent readers or for those just learning Spanish. And it’s got a really sturdy cover/binding

It’s got a lot of good information for young readers, describing different types of farms found throughout the colonies, and what daily life was like for those who lived on them.  The text is simple, and supported by colorful illustrations.  Vocabulary words are highlighted in red and defined right on the page where they are used.  The information is accessible without being watered down.

Since all the Christmas books in a library are in demand at the same time, you’ve got to have plenty on hand to offer, and if your collection is low, this is one more that could help round things out.  When the reins to Santa’s sleigh break, and the reindeer fly off, he’s got to make new arrangements with the barn animals whose barn he crashes near.  It’s cute, and it’s got the customary bright and cheerful illustrations, but the plot is a little too weak to really make it an actual recommendation.

A very simple, very sweet little story accompanied by very simple, very sweet illustrations tells the story of a little rabbit who has a hard time being little, and is rather lonely, until he makes a friend. Most small children will be able to relate to Squish’s problems.

Vivienne is a cute little pig who is messy and proud of it, no matter how much it bothers those around her.  But when she loses her favorite necklace she must tackle the task of cleaning her room in order to find it, and (surprise, surprise) she finds it right where it’s supposed to be, in her jewelry box.  After that she’s still a messy eater and a messy painter, but she keeps her room clean.  It’s got cute illustrations, the text flows well, and of course it’s got a nice little message, but speaking as someone with lots of experience with messy rooms, come on… it’s completely unrealistic.  And every kid who reads it is gonna know it’s completely unrealistic.

I know it’s intended as an early-reader version of the fairy tale, but the language is stilted and the re-telling is a strange one: the princess breaks the witch’s spell by throwing the frog agains the wall, and she never once exhibits any kind of redeeming qualities, but then after the spell is broken they get married and live happily ever after? Why on earth would the prince want to marry her?  I know it’s good to have several different versions of folk tales, but I wouldn’t waste money on this one, even if it does have a pretty, shiny cover.