Bottle caps, old ice-fishing decoys, broken toys… items destined for the wastebasket? Hardly! Author and illustrator Lois Ehlert considers such items tools of her trade and inspiration for her colorful and quirky illustrations. In The Scraps Book (Beach Lane, $17.99), Ehlert uses her signature collage technique to tell her own story, and includes photographs of her family, childhood home, and workspace. Ehlert’s whimsy and sense of humor are evident as she describes her blending of miscellany from nature, discarded household items, and just plain color, from wherever the source. References to her inspiration for particular books and a spread of all her book covers will delight current fans and send others to the bookstore! Ages 5-9. Renée Bosco