Small square books consisting of stick-figure art done in primary colors try to promote diversity. Fairly straightforward declarations, such as "It's okay to be short," coexist with sillier statements such as "It's okay to put fish in your hair." The self-esteem boosting agenda is certainly not new, but kids might find its packaging appealing. From HORN BOOK Spring 2001, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 2-Both of these small, simple, and sometimes very silly books feature brightly colored single-page cartoons of stick-figure-styled animals, people, and faces. In the first title, Parr shows that feelings are always changing. "Sometimes I feel like standing on my head" and "Sometimes I feel like celebrating my birthday even though it's not today" mix with "Sometimes I feel lonely" and "Sometimes I feel cranky." On the last page, the author encourages readers to share their feelings with "-someone you love." Overall, this is a nice addition to titles about the topic. In Underwear, Parr continues his series of books about "Do's and Don'ts." One double-page spread couples "Do Wash your underwear" with "Don't Use too much soap." Another advises, "Do Go shopping for underwear with a hippo" but "Don't Let her try it on," accompanied by an illustration of a hippo in ripped panties, size XL. This zany title is sure to send listeners into peals of laughter during storytime.-Holly Belli, Bergen County Cooperative Library System, West Caldwell, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.