Barstow, retired head of youth services for Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library, profiles some 3,600 of the best books for emerging readers. Entries cover titles published mostly within the past decade, with a few classic and benchmark titles included as well. Each entry offers bibliographic information, a brief plot summary, information on lexile level, and a description of illustrations and other features. A list of outstanding books, chosen for their exceptional language and treatment of subject, is included. Title, illustrator, series, and reading level indexes are also included. The book can be used by librarians and teachers to encourage independent reading skills in children ages 5-8, to develop collections for this age group, and to plan thematic literature-based programs. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)