Award winning writer Joseph Bruchac has paired up with artist S.D. Nelson to bring children ages 6 to 9 the story of one of the best-known Native American heroes in, Crazy Horse's Vision (40 pages, Lee & Low Books Inc.).

Much thought and care was taken by Bruchac and Nelson to produce this exceptional picture book biography of a curly haired boy who tamed wild horses and whose leadership and bravery would transform a nation.

Bruchac's Native American lineage and his background as a writer, poet, and storyteller add a special dimension to Crazy Horse's Vision.  His Author's note in the back adds compelling information on the Lakota Sioux and Crazy Horse.

Nelson brings his Lakota (Sioux) upbringing and his influence of traditional ledger book style to the incredible double page spreads.  His Illustrator's Note at the end explains the history of this style adn why he chose the colors and symbols that he did.

 Meet a porcupine, zebras, baboons, a rhino, and a lion, in Manya Stojic's first book for children, Rain (29 pages, Crown Publishers, Inc.,).  Each animal uses a different sense to track a much needed rain.  The land is dry in the grasslands of Africa and the animals need water and fresh vegetation before the heat of the sun strikes again.

stojic brings her experiences in Africa to educate young children (preschool-second grade) about the five senses and the circle of life.  Stojic's illustrations fill every page with bold and vibrant colors that set the stage for each sense.  There's plenty of action in both illustrations and text.  Bold lettering is integrated into each double page spread and key words are enlarged.  Repetition, and rhythm invite participation.  This book will be read again and again.

Elizabeti's Mama has a new baby, and Elizabeti has to take care of her little brother Obedi in Mama Elizabeti(29 pages, Lee & Low Books, Inc.). She had lots of experience being a mama to her rock doll, Eva, and felt more than ready to take on this new task. But Elizabeti finds out all too soon just how difficult it is to take care of a real baby, especially when you're trying to carry a jug full of water with a wiggly one strapped to your back and no one to help you.

In this heartwarming sequel to Elizabeti's Doll(winner of five awards), Elizabeti learns problem solving skills, and the great rewards that await when patience and love bring a human connection.

Stephanie Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and Christy Hale have teamed up again with Mama Elizabeti, and the result is perfection. Stuve-Bodeen's story is packed with the truth and understanding of a child's world. The emotions and feeling portrayed in every detail of Hale's illustrations cannot be matched.

Ever wonder how a river begins, where it ends, and all the things it meets along the way? Well, you can find out by reading Meredith Hooper's River Story (29 pagers, Candlewick Press). This exciting picture book follows the course of a river from melting snowflake to the waves of the sea. As you travel over waterfalls, under bridges, through cities and marshes, you'll discover being a river is never boring. There's so much to do when you're growing and experiencing new places.

As an added bonus, the last double page spread maps a river from start to finish and defines some new river words. There's even an index of river things that you can go back in the story to find.

River Story is a great interactive read aloud. you'll find the rhythm of the river in every line on every page. Meredith Hooper's prose has made the river's life and surroundings understandable and fun.

Bee Willey's illustrations are colorful and inviting. Great care was taken to every detail. her illustrations allow readers (ages 5-8) to wonder and explore the landscapes and the river's transformations.

 Cowboy Baby has grown up and is the star of another bedtime story, Cowboy Kid (32 pages, Candlewick Press).  Sheriff Pa says it's time for bed, but Cowboy Kid just can't get to sleep.  It seems Texas Ted, Hank the Horse, and Denver Dog need help getting to sleep too.  Hugs and kisses abound in this gentle and hilarious book for children ages 3 to 7. 

Author/illustrator Sue Heap brings her soft, rich, full color illustrations to this perfect bedtime book.

First time children's book author, Max Eilenberg, weaves a wonderful and comforting sequel to Heap's award winning, Cowboy Baby.

Above reviews copyrighted.