The self-confident little pig of I Like Me (1994) returns with a group of friends. They take a spirited journey through the alphabet during which they proclaim that they are awesome, brave, and cheerful, and later that they are good at sharing and that they eat all their vegetables. The alphabet connection is a little strained, but kids will enjoy this more for the exuberant pictures. Along with the vivacious pig, a mouse, a frog, and other animal friends raise their self-esteem and send positive messages. Carlson has a talent for producing art that looks deceptively simple, and that is especially true here. Actually, each page is meticulously designed, brightly colored, and executed to achieve a sense of motion and motivation. It's hard to be down around a book this up. (Reviewed April 1, 1997)

A companion to 'I Like Me!' this book is more a lesson in fostering positive self-esteem than it is an introduction to the alphabet. An affable pig and her animal friends delineate intangible qualities--cheerfulness, kindness, and sharing--that allow youngsters to feel good about themselves. Big bold illustrations, done in bright colored markers, are unremarkable in their rendering.

The self-reliant pig, star of I Like Me! (1988), is back in a cheery companion book that celebrates the self. I am Awesome,'' proclaims the star-shirted pig to introduce the letter A. Mice in Swiss-cheese boxer shorts and juggling frogs join her in a romp through the alphabet. Pig and company help a sick Friend, act with great Imagination, Kindly feed the birds, and sometimes make Mistakes, but are always Polite and good at Sharing. The self-reliant pig, star of I Like Me! (1988), is back in a cheery companion book that celebrates the self.I am Awesome,'' proclaims the star-shirted pig to introduce the letter A. Mice in Swiss-cheese boxer shorts and juggling frogs join her in a romp through the alphabet. Pig and company help a sick Friend, act with great Imagination, Kindly feed the birds, and sometimes make Mistakes, but are always Polite and good at Sharing. Carlson's bright yellows, greens, and magentas express the joy of a child trying out a brand-new set of felt markers, and bouncy animal characters fairly vault off the pages in the sheer delight of self-expression. (Picture book. 2-5)"

Gr 1-3-While some of the selections in this collection are memorable, others will be over the heads of the intended audience or simply aren't funny. One riddle appears per page, accompanied by a large, full-color illustration and the answer. Dialogue balloons often enhance the humor. Other riddle books about monsters are available; this is not one of the best.-Sharon R. Pearce, formerly at San Antonio Public Library, TX