Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This is another of Spier’s wonderful wordless books. In it, the two Noonan children spend a pleasant summer afternoon cloudgazing, showing each other what shapes they see in the clouds.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. There are a many well-written, poorly illustrated Bible storybooks, and even more well-illustrated versions which drift from the original meaning of the biblical text. Ruth Bell Graham’s Christmas Bible storybook, illustrated by award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson, is visually one of the best Bible picture books I have seen, while remaining close to the original text of the Bible.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Peter Spier has again brought us an enthralling rendition of a beloved Bible story.

Age 04-08. Charlotte and K.Y. Craft have produced a beautiful rendition of King Midas and the Golden Touch.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Susan Hunt, best known for her Christian ministry to women, has written a wonderful narrative exploration of Psalm 23.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Hans Christian Anderson’s story tells of a swan hatched into a family of ducks, who lives his life trying to fit into a situation where he doesn’t belong… Jerry Pinkney’s adaptation brings the story into a visual splendor, with lushly detailed watercolor paintings full of drama and life.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Peter Spier’s book presents the United States Constitution in a format that is particularly attractive to young people.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Before their parents leave the children at home to run errands for the day, Mrs. Noonan remarks to her husband that the house needs painting. When the babysitter never arrives, the three children decide to surprise their parents by painting the house themselves. The well-meaning mayhem that ensues is profoundly destructive, and the children innocently congratulate themselves for a job well done, gleefully anticipating how happy their parents will be to see their handiwork.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. While the story quality of this George book isn’t quite up to the others in the original series, it is still a great read-aloud, even when no hospital visit is imminent for the listener… George’s attitudes of bravery, cheerfulness and helping others feel better is a positive one, even if he does get into mischief.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Virginia Lee Burton, who brought us Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, brings us a cautionary tale about a little engine who runs away from her job of pulling coaches.