Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This story really captures a child’s wonder at experiencing snow for the first time. The collage-type art is interesting and unusual, and it makes a very nice addition to your winter reading basket. Probably best for the 2-4 age range, although older children are also able to appreciate it.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. In a creative and sly twist on the traditional Red Riding Hood story, a little girl named Flossie is sent through the woods to bring the neighbors a basket of eggs, because a fox has been terrorizing their henhouse…. The book is illustrated with beautiful paintings, evocative of the historic rural American South, and the little girl is rendered charmingly in a number of pleasant outdoor scenes. The text, however, is the great drawing point of: the story is told in a warm voice characteristic of the African-influenced English that grew up in the South…. Flossie’s victory over the fox keys on her quick-witted verbal banter (a quality especially valued in African-American culture), and she demonstrates intelligence and strength of will throughout the interaction…. She has matched her wits against an animal known for quick-wittedness, and has won the day. This is a delightfully enjoyable excursion.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. A very beautiful fictionalized biography of Booker T. Washington…. the magnificent illustrations convey a tactile and visual impression of Booker’s growing-up environment that will return to the reader when they encounter more sophisticated works. In addition to its scholastic value, the story gently and vividly conveys the injustice our nation has been guilty of. In portraying Booker’s passionate longing to experience a better life, the story will cultivate compassion in the reader and an impulse to act on behalf of the oppressed. It is an excellent choice for our home library.