Number Four

Dinosaurs by Bénédicte Guettier. (Kane/Miller Book Publishers; 14 pages Boardbook; ISBN: 1929132867; Ages: Baby-Pre-K.)

In this clever concept book, readers place their faces in the large center hole and become the dinosaur on the page, crunching, roaring, and flying. Wonderful choice for circle time.

I'm All Dressed! by Robie H. Harris; Illustrated by Nicole Hollander. (Little, Brown; 28 pages; ISBN: 0316109487; Ages: Baby-Pre-K.)

Getting dressed—what a milestone! This title is the fourth in the wonderful new series "Just Being Me." Here the main character, a little boy, decides to dress his way as his family prepares to venture out into the snow and wind to visit Grandpa. An afterword by Linda C. Mayes, M.D., of the Yale University Child Study Center is appended.

Flabby Tabby by Penny McKinlay; Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. (Frances Lincoln; 32 pages; ISBN: 1845070909; Ages: 4-8.)

"The trouble started the day Tabby couldn't fit through the cat-flap." While waiting for her human, she fell asleep. It was then the family decided something must be done. Off to the vet's with Tabby. The solution . . . a new "fit kit." The kitten streaks everywhere and eats everything (including Tabby's food). Tabby decides its time to get fit herself. Which she does. A delightful read aloud!

The Jokers by Chris Inns. (Frances Lincoln; 32 pages; ISBN: 1845072871; Ages: 4-8.)

"Mungo the Elephant and Mr. Thunderpants love playing jokes on each other . . . and they loved playing jokes on their friends." Their friends, of course, were not so amused with the pair's practical jokes. Together, the friends concoct a plan to teach the pair of pranksters a valuable lesson.

Red Ridin' in the Hood and Other Cuentos by Patricia Santos Marcantonio; Illustrated by Renato Alarcão. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 192 pages; ISBN: 0374362416; Ages: 9 and up.)

The author takes 11 classic European tales and moves them to Latino settings, populates them with Latino characters, and infuses them with Latino culture. Included are: Juan and the Pinto Bean Stalk, Belleza y La Bestia, Emperador's New Clothes, and The Three Chicharrones. A glossary is appended.