(4) K-3 Illustrated by Aaron Boyd. After misbehaving, African American Melena wakes up "with a song in her heart" and prepared to be good. She helps Grandma, forgives a loan, and pools money to share a sundae. While didactic, this book, illustrated with vivid mixed-media art, celebrates forgiveness and the concept of Jubilee; an author's note explains the religious and historical significance. Tips for a "fresh start day" are appended.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Aaron Boyd. Traveling from Haiti to America in a small rowboat, Henri loses his parents; saved by another immigrant boat, Henri is eventually brought to New York by his uncle. Through a friendship with neighbor Karrine, who lost her father during Hurricane Katrina, and by playing his water bucket as a drum, Henri slowly regains his voice and joy. Expressive watercolors evoke the emotions of displacement.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Aaron Boyd. Luigi, "legendary barefoot racer of Regent Street," is tricked into racing a dog; remarkably, Luigi wins. The dense, nostalgic text is slow moving; the unremarkable illustrations keep the identity of Luigi's opponent hidden for dramatic effect. Information about tall tales (the note is coy about whether this is one) and Philadelphia (where Paley grew up on Regent Street) is appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Aaron Boyd. Young Panda wants to present the perfect Valentine's Day card to his mother. Though his homemade card is clumsily crafted ("I tried to make it pretty and fun like you, but it just kept falling apart"), Panda learns, with the help of Mama, that his thoughtful words and acts are what counts. The text and illustrations are bland but heartfelt.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS Illustrated by Aaron Boyd. Panda's excitement over his beautiful Easter basket gets the better of him, and soon he's munched his way to a stomachache. Luckily, Mama knows how to soothe the "rumble in his tummy." The story, though slight, is warm-hearted. Easter-hued illustrations capture the little panda's experience of learning that it's possible to have too much of a good thing.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Aaron Boyd & Aaron Boyd. Janna is happy spending Saturdays with her grandfather walking through their African-American community. They end up in Terrell's barbershop, talking with Grandpa's friends, the "kings," who always treat her like a princess. When Grandpa passes away, Janna can't find solace until she returns to the barbershop, where the kings welcome their princess back. The neighborhood stores and characters are warmly rendered in detailed watercolors.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Aaron Boyd. Longing to own a soccer ball, Bernardi, a boy in modern-day Tanzania, sells a keepsake music box made for him by his mute grandfather, Babu. Saddened by his poor judgment, Bernardi confesses to Babu, who forgives him and uses the money to send Bernardi to school. The story is sentimental, but both Bernardi's situation and the warm, realistic watercolors accurately depict modern rural Tanzanian life.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam