With a clear color photos and simple interactive text on each double-page spread, the dramatic scenarios in this small, square picture book will spark discussion with young kids about standing up for a friend or family member in trouble. Part of the 21st Century Junior Library Character Education series, the issues are fundamental, drawn from daily interaction in the schoolyard and at home. In a searing photo three girls jeer and taunt a girl bent in pain (“Standing up to bullies can be hard”). With a photo of a child in Muslim dress, the question is, “Do you believe everyone should be treated the same?” Two kids do homework together (“Maybe your brother is worried about a spelling test. You are loyal when you help him study”). Or even: “Maybe your dad loses his job.” These questions make clear that being loyal is not easy; the scenarios will spark discussion, and grade-schoolers can go on from here to the many great fiction titles about friends and enemies.

—Hazel Rochman

Gr 1-3 A combination of concise text, plenty of white space, effective use of color, and crisp photography makes this series appealing and easy to read. After a definition of and discussion of the topic at hand (What is Caring?), real-world scenarios are described. Fairness, for example, may be an issue at home, during school, on the playground, or in sports. Children are asked to think beyond the text and bring in ideas from their own experiences. The color photographs show a multiethnic group of boys and girls. Boys wash dishes as well as play outside; girls shovel snow, play soccer, and cook. A Find Out More section at the end of each book lists two additional titles and two Web sites. Children will be able to understand the advice in these books and apply it to their own lives. Copyright 2009 Media Source Inc.