Cowboys Can Be Kind

PreS—Jack, the cowhand hero of Cowboys Can Be Kind, makes the playground even more dangerous than the old West. He zips around on his bike, stealing and causing general disorder. Then he gets a taste of his own medicine when an even naughtier boy splashes him with a puddle. Jack decides that being "brave and true" like all cowboys is a better way of life. Bella, the protagonist of The Friendliest Ballerina, learns that life in the spotlight can be quite lonely, especially when you behave like a diva. Her reform means that she smiles, is helpful (especially to new students in her ballet class), and makes lots of new friends. In the third title, Jim fancies himself a pirate king of the seven seas and used to be a downright scourge to both his family and friends. Things got so bad that he was abandoned on a deserted island (depicted in the illustrations as a lonely sandbox). Once he realizes that saying "please" and "thank you" and treating others the way you would like to be treated is the way to go, boundless treasure and mates are his reward. The rhyming texts and vibrant illustrations make these books perfect picks for the young children. An appendix provides suggestions for activities and discussion. Engaging updates for manners collections.—Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA