"Brilliantly sharp, close-up photos portray one season in the life of a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and their babies. The striking cover of a male in midair bringing a worm to his mate is irresistible, and the inside photos are equally engaging. ... Kirby, photographing from a blind in her own backyard, has done for the Bluebird what Nic Bishop did for The Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic, 1999). Pair the two to inspire young naturalists and photographers."

"The story itself is a carefully constructed and sweetly iced literary confection, but there’s plenty of information for non-Muslims embedded in the text, illustrations, and author’s note, and plenty of encouragement and comfort in the message for children celebrating Ramadan among those of other (or no) faiths."

"Children who have ever created anything out of a box will identify with the trio’s ingenuity. The colored pencil-and-gouache illustrations add warmth and humor to the story. Bloom’s whimsical word choice will further draw children into the story and have them rooting for the friends’ success."

“This welcome introduction to the habits of eastern bluebirds features crisp photographs of a mated pair's courtship, nesting and rearing of five babies to fledging and beyond. ... Both enlightening and invigorating.”

"Digitally created jewel-tone illustrations are airy and uncluttered against a pure white background. Shadows on the white space as [Katy] makes her highest hop above the anthill give a spread a wonderfully three-dimensional appearance. Sound effects mimic Katy’s hops, ever advancing the story, and the insect’s simplified face with round, googly eyes is especially expressive. This bright, bouncy story will be a favorite with youngsters."

“Any child who has ever built a blanket fort or played inside a box should be able to relate to these anthropomorphic animals. ... [T]his is a fun selection.”

“With lively pastel-and-pencil artwork, this warm picture book shows and tells the observance and meaning of Ramadan through the viewpoint of a Muslim child in a diverse neighborhood. ... The blend of the upbeat and challenging moments will spark discussion, and a final note fills in more about the holy month and what it means.”

“[T]he ingenuity displayed in integrating artichokes throughout the book is admirable. ... Mickelson’s offering could be used in a food-themed storytime.”

“This happy-go-lucky story provides the flavors, sounds and colors of a splendid day out while depicting a time-honored tradition. ... Fortenberry's rippling illustrations, at once serenely indistinct and lovingly detailed, combine misty, milky hues with thick, robust pastels, presenting a celebration of excitement and indulgence that can only be fully appreciated in childhood.”

“The clear text easily brings readers into the journey without actual personification. … [A] fascinating example of the phenomenon of migration in animal behavior.”

“Besides discussing individual species of animals and plants, Wechsler also addresses topics such as marsh mud, food chains and webs, and the importance of salt marshes in nurturing life and protecting coastal communities. ... Many excellent, color photos illustrate this clearly written presentation on salt marshes.”

“The story underlines the gift of sharing during a month dedicated to self-improvement and community welfare. Shimmering with moonlit hues, the attractive illustrations are done in a style that reflects one of many Muslim cultures. A helpful author's note and glossary are appended. An excellent choice for units on diversity and multiculturalism."

"A father and son go sledding in this deceptively simple tale. … The rhyme works wonderfully with the simple yet very effective paintings. A quietly exhilarating ride."

"The pacing of the spare text moves, appropriately, at a snail’s pace, conveying with a phrase or sentence per page the wolfsnail’s deliberate and single-minded focus on food. Each step is illustrated with an exceptional close-up photograph that brings into sharp focus the glistening snail body, the ridges of its shell, and every nook and cranny of the hosta leaves on which the attack occurs."