Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Class Pet

written/illus. by Ruth Ohi, (Annic Press, $6.95, ISBN 978-1-55451-346-8), 32p, Ages 2-5

In this latest Chicken, Pig, and Cow adventure, their mistress takes the clay animals to school, where the noise and people area overwhelming. When the students leave for recess, they venture out of their popsicle stick barn and meet Furface, the class hamster, who tries to eat their barn. Working together, they use a lettuce leaf, perched on top of Chicken's head, to lure Furface back to his cage. "Chicken, Pig, and Cow loved their day at school. And when they got home, they gave best friend Dog a full report." Preschoolers will love these popular characters, who devise clever solutions to their immediate problems.

Very Hairy Bear

written by Alice Schertle, illus. by Matt Phelan, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $7.99 Board, ISBN 978-0-547-59407-1), 32p, Ages 3-5

Now in board book format, an irresistible brown bear is covered with a great deal of hair, except on his nose. He enjoys catching silver salmon in spring and raiding bees' nests, blueberry bushes, and squirrel's acorn stashes in summer. As winter approaches and everything begins to hibernate, bear settles down and discovers a way to protect his bare nose. "So he puts his big warm bear paws, his shaggy, raggy, very hairy bear paws on top of his nose, and goes to sleep." Preschoolers will love this fluffy, beguiling, snuggly, hairy bear, and his exploits through the seasons.

Sea of Dreams

written/illus. by Dennis Nolan, (Roaring Book Press, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-59643-470-7), 40p, Ages 3-7

On a lonely beach with a seagull for company, a small girl builds an amazing sandcastle. She leaves as the sun begins to set and the tide rushes in. When a light appears in the sandcastle's tower window, the stranded inhabitants escape in a boat and navigate huge waves on their dangerous journey to safety. After mermaids rescue one of the children from an overboard accident, the small family finally arrives at a rocky outcropping not far from the shore. The following day the child returns to build another sandcastle, and the story begins again. The marvelous, engaging illustrations make this modern, wordless fairy tale one that will be remembered for a long time.

Mouse & Lion

written by Rand Burkert, illus. by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, (Michael Di Capua Books/Scholastic, $17.95, ISBN 978-0-545-10147-9), 32p, Ages 4-7

Set in the Aha Hills of Africa, this fine rendition of a classic fable explores the relationship between a well-meaning mouse, an arrogant lion, and their dramatic transformations from victim and predator to victim and rescuer. Accidentally crossing Lion's path, Mouse is almost eaten. When he begs for release, Lion has a change of heart and frees the thankful little rodent. A year later, Mouse comes across Lion, trapped in a net, and releases him by nibbling at the ropes. Free at last, Lion declares, "You shall also be free, Mouse! I grant you liberty to climb every mountain in my kingdom. Even mountains that snore and rumble in their sleep, and roll over when you climb on them." Exquisite illustrations, along with a fine retelling, make this a treasure to keep. Endpapers contain the author's explanation of why Mouse receives top billing in the title.

Scrawny Cat

written by Phyllis Root, illus. by Alison Friend, (Candlewick Press, $16.99 ISBN 978-0-7636+4164-1), 40p, Ages 4-7

Left alone by a previous owner to roam the streets, a sad, thin, orange-striped cat wanders in search of comfort and a home. When chased by an angry dog, he quickly hides in a small dingy. A sudden thunderstorm drives the boat out to sea, and it floats to an isolated island, where a lonely woman finds him, gives unconditional love, and creates a cozy home for the scrawny cat. "If you are lucky enough to go sailing someday, far out to sea, you might see them together, Skipper and Emma." Now one well-fed, orange-striped, and contented cat has his happy ending, as all great stories do.

A House in the Woods

written/illus. by Inga Moore, (Candlewick Press, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-5277-7), 40p, Ages 3-6

In autumn two small pigs find their newly built homes not only occupied, but demolished by a large bear and tall moose. Fortunately, all are friends, and at Moose's suggestion, they hire Beavers to build one big house where they all might fit. Contracting with the Beaver Builders, they reach a payment agreement (peanut butter sandwiches), and the hard-hat clad Beavers begin to chop down trees. "By lunchtime the walls of the house were up … and by dinnertime the roof was on. (The lunch and dinner times were on different days, of course. Beavers are fast, but not that fast.)" The work is divided between all, and furniture is found at the local junkyard. When finished, the Beavers receive their sandwiches, and the housemates settle into their lovely new home for a good night's sleep. Children will enjoy the detailed illustrations each time this charming and delightful story of friendship is read.

Treasured Classics

written/illustrated by Michael Hague, (Chronicle Books, $19.99 ISBN 978-0-8118-4904-3), 136p, Ages 4-8

Fourteen classic fairy tales and fables are elegantly presented in this newest collection of stories surrounding shoes and elves, billy goats and trolls, peas and mattresses, beanstalks and giants, glass slippers and pumpkins, spinning wheels and spells, gingerbread and chases, and many more. Some tales are gentled from the original telling (Little Red Riding Hood), but all possess the wisdom and drama needed to teach right from wrong. Some (The Ugly Duckling) end with moral a lesson. "It matters not to have been born in a duck nest if one has been hatched from a swan's egg." This beautifully illustrated anthology is a welcomed addition to any child's home library.

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

written by Joyce Sidman, illus. by Beth Krommes, (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-547-31583-6), 40p, Ages 4-8

By definition, a spiral is, "a shape that curls around a center point." Various spirals are examined in nature from underground animals, fern fronds, monkey tails, and elephant trunks to the expanding Milky Way, curling ocean waves, spider webs, and snail shells. The uses of spirals for protection, strength, and support (spider web , monkey tails) are also explained. Shapes are divided into categories of snuggling, growing, exploring, clever, and moving. Endpapers give further information on each spiral, including the Fibonacci spiral. After hearing this outstanding lesson on spirals in nature, young children may wish to search for their own.

Waiting for the Magic

written by Patricia MacLachlan, illus. b;y Amy June Bates, (Atheneum Books, $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4169-2745-7), 144p, Ages 8-12

Neo, Bitty, Bryn, Grace, and Lulu, 4 dogs and 1 cat, are impulsively adopted by Mama after Papa leaves for awhile. These new additions to the Watson household help 10-year-old Will and 4-year-old Elinor adjust to their father's departure, and even more so, when the children discover that they can communicate with the animals. Supplying wisdom and advice, the animals help reunite the family, especially when Mama announces that she is pregnant. Upon his return, Papa adjusts to a different family and its dynamics, as he sets up an attic office, works through his writer's block, and hilariously takes over the cooking. As communication with the animals gradually overtakes the household, Papa begins to write, relationships are healed, a new baby arrives (Elinor nicknames him Weeny), and another dog joins the household to round out a family learning to trust and love again.

Smells Like Treasure

written by Suzanne Selfors, (Little Brown & Co., $15.99, ISBN 978-0-316-04399-1), 416p, Ages 9-12

In the continuing saga of Homer Winslow Pudding, his basset hound, Dog, and their search for treasure, Homer receives a letter from L.O.S.T. ( Society of Legends, Objects, Secrets, and Treasures) stating, "Your time has come." Seeking membership in the secret society, Homer needs their financing to search for the legendary treasure of Rumpold Smeller. However, his old nemesis/friend, Lorelei, from Smells Like Dog, challenges Homer for the membership. As they begin a quest to determine who is worthy for the membership, the competition grows, and Dog, with his secret skill for sniffling treasure, is stolen. Intermingled throughout the tale is Rumpold Smeller's childhood story. From goat fields and county fairs to fantastic mansions and hidden islands, the quirky characters and heart-warming story will win kids and adults over, and they'll look forward to the third adventure, Smells Like Pirates.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale

written by Carmen Agra Deedy/Randall Wright, illus. by Barry Moser, (Peachtree Publishers, $16.95, ISBN 978-1-56145-595-9), 256p, Ages 10+

During Charles Dickens' 19th century London, a street cat skillfully lands a position as mouser at the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese tavern. Preferring cheese rather than mice, Skilley bargains with the head mouse to protect the growing mice population from harm in return for an unlimited supply of Cheshire cheese made at the inn. Skilley settles in, pretends to catch mice, befriends their extremely literate leader, Pip, and protects Maldwyn, an injured royal raven, hiding in the tavern's garret. As their friendship grows, Skilley and Pip unite to find a way to return Maldwyn to Queen Victoria, avoid a cruel alley cat, and help Charles Dickens overcome his writer's block. This fast-moving story of an unlikely friendship and alliance, it's intricate word play, colorful characters, and detailed illustrations, all combine to make this British tale an unforgettable and enjoyable read. For those who read aloud, be prepared to explain about Charles Dickens, as well as the glossary of words and definitions. Adventure, danger, and intrigue make this one a fascinating tale that kids will be reluctant to put down.