BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
The lizard is trying to educate the reader about rocks, but what is that elf doing there? And those reindeer!
I love the lizard’s commitment to his rocks - and that Collet-Derby is as accurate as they can be in their depiction. Of course it devolves into a Christmas book, but based on community and celebration, not just about receiving gifts.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Dump Truck works around Toyville and is very helpful, but he is also stinky, dirty, and makes other messes as he works. When the other toys band together to change the rules, they don’t realize the smelly consequences of their choices.
So super cute! I love Dump Truck and the consequences of the other toys’ short-sighted rule making. It is even a good lesson for many adults (lawmakers).
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Snake and Lizard are friends who live together - they share a hole under a rock. When Lizard wants to write their names in sticks above their hole, Snake keeps asking why, which is irritating. Snake doesn't help; Lizard does all the work, but Snake is pleased. But when the wind blows down the letters of Snake's name, and in his rush to put them back, Lizard makes a mistake, their friendship might be ruined for good.
A humorous story about surviving a friendship fight. The illustrations were cute and practical - Snake would have a hard time helping with poor vision and no arms, but she still manages to get back at Lizard. An interesting conversation starter about dealing with problems in a friendship.
Lisa Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
A child watches a hummingbird while reading, um, this book, and comments on each page poetically. He tells the hummingbird about itself as he reads the information. A bit surreal, but I don't think a K-3 reader will notice. It's a sort of poetry/non-fiction hybrid. The rhymes are clever and make for a fun read; the information is worthwhile and perfect for a young reader without telling too much about the hummingbirds. However, the information text is in a lighter-colored font, while the poems are in black, I'm afraid the actual info may get skipped.
The child appears white
Lisa Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Sarah's grandfather has passed away, and the family has come to say goodbye. Everyone has stories and memories about grandpa, and Sarah does, too. She lives with her grandparents, but with everyone there, she can't tell her memories; she just cries.
What a sweet story. There are a lot of stories about grieving and losing a loved one. This is one I might share with a child who has lost a grandparent. It's not upsetting; it's uplifting and hopeful.
The family is black
Lisa Librarian
