Christine Davenier

When Ms. Cherry’s class goes on a field trip, the children are reminded to stay together and with their partner. But the aquarium intrigues Walter until he becomes separated from the group. His friend Iris and the rest of the class find Walter, who remains oblivious to all except the aquarium. Brief text and cheery illustrations keep the tone light while introducing a very engaging field trip destination.

Eight little girls study ballet with Miss Lina in the town of Messina — and happily arrange themselves in four groups of two. There’s a bit of concern upon the arrival of ninth girl until Miss Lina suggests a new configuration. The light, lively illustration, rhyming text, and school of girls are reminiscent of the Madeline books.

In the midst of a whirling snowfall, a girl and her father pile into their big red snow plow. Through slippery streets, up winding hills, they race — clearing the snow and heading for the train station to meet a very special traveler. The rhyming text is just right for one or two readers.

He is known by different names by each of the people who feed him, but Regis winds up bringing isolated individuals together to make a real neighborhood. Soft wash illustrations and recognizable characters — including Regis, the well-fed cat — comes together in a gratifying conclusion.

Geraldine is a princess, a fairy princess with a crown and lots of sparkle. Her life as a fairy princess is filled with ballet (where she sparkles a lot), school, and with friends. Muted illustrations and an innocent narration combine to present a loving family whose child is indeed a very fairy princess.