My Baby Crocodile by Gaetan Doremus - OPTIONAL

My Baby Crocodile by Gaetan Doremus. PICTURE BOOK. Enchanted Lion Books, 2016. $19. 9781592701926

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

A crocodile finds a knight alone in the swamp and mistakes him for a baby crocodile, given that the shape of his helmet looks like a crocodile. Crocodile takes care of him and falls in love with him as his baby. Then, on a swimming expedition, the crocodile realizes that his baby is really a human and the point of view of the book switches to the knight. The knight realizes that the crocodile isn’t going to eat him, but begins to think about killing the crocodile and being a hero back home. The point of view then shifts back and forth as each of them considers killing the other and then dismissing that thought. In the end, they part in peace. 

This book is quirky. I think there are a lot of layers that could be peeled back in this interesting tale. I see its potential mostly in a high school unit on war and diplomatic differences. This book does seem to require discussion around reading it, talking about what could be gleaned from a story such as this. The illustrations are pen sketches in different colors and the text is hand written. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

How to Knit a Monster by Annemarie van Haeringen - OPTIONAL

How to Knit a Monster by Annemarie van Haeringen. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), 2014. $18. 9781328842107

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Greta is a goat who knits a lot. One day she is knitting baby goats when Mrs. Sheep comes in and says that she is a better knitter. Goat is so distracted she knits until her knitting turns into a wolf and the wolf eats Mrs. Wolf. Greta knits a tiger to eat the wolf and a monster to eat the tiger. Greta gets smart with the monster and holds on to the tread so she can unravel the animals until Mrs. Sheep is free. 

My kids enjoyed this book a lot. The end has a visual joke that they laughed out loud at. The text might be a little violent for some young readers, but it is a fun story to image what could happen from getting distracted. The illustrations are a stylized but still very literal and bright.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

The Eid al-Adha Adventure by Oxley and Aronson - OPTIONAL

Peg + Cat: The Eid al-Adha Adventure by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Entertainment, 2018. $13. 9780763699321

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Peg and Cat visit some of their friends who are celebrating Eid al-Adha and admit they don’t know anything about the holiday but would like to learn. Yasmina and Amir, their friends, explain that it is a time of feasting and giving. They show some of the foods they have made and together they share some with neighbors and some with those in need. 

I love that one of the characters is wearing a hijab and even talks about picking it out. I don’t like that the religion or region of world from which Eid al-Adha comes is not named. My kids kept asking and I kept assuming the text would answer that eventually, but it never did. There are math problems sprinkled in the text, but I didn’t find them very compelling for kids to learn something new or notice something they already knew, although I’m certain a math teacher could make those connections for the readers. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Neon Leon by Jane Clarke - ESSENTIAL

Neon Leon by Jane Clarke, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press), 2018. $15. 9780763699154

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

All the chameleons are changing colors except for Leon. He is neon orange. He is orange when he is in the green trees, he is orange when he is in the yellow desert, and he is orange when he is in the mountains. Leon is starting to feel sad until he finds a plant that is just his color and as luck would have it, someone else orange has found that plant too. 

This book is beautiful. Neon Leon is darling against all the contrasting backdrops and his story is the timeless message of finding a place where you fit in.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Food Fight! A Mouthwatering History by Tanya Steel - ADVISABLE

Food Fight!  A Mouthwatering History of Who Ate What and Why Through the Ages by Tanya Steel, 153 pages.  NON-FICTION.  National Geographic, 2018.  $20.

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Look at your food in new ways as you read about the history that lead up to much of what you find on your table even today.

Steel creates a fairly simple framework for looking at different time periods from history, including a couple of recipes in each chapter.  The lens is very Euro-centric, however, so don’t expect to see South America, China, or Africa here.  Another 30 pages and this could have been comprehensive in scope.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Responsive Literacy: A Comprehensive Framework - ESSENTIAL

Responsive Literacy: A Comprehensive Framework by Patricia L. Scharer, Editor. 379 pages. Scholastic, 2018.  $53.  9781338245622

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: ADULTS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Responsive Learning is an almost monolithic resource for an elementary teacher working on creating a nurturing atmosphere for reading comprehension and writing.  I can see this being used in university level courses as a text or as a long-term professional development text for working professionals.  The information is both critical and also compelling for any elementary teacher who wants to develop lifelong readers.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

A Hug is for Holding Me by Lisa Wheeler - OPTIONAL

A Hug is for Holding Me by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Lisk Feng. PICTURE BOOK. Abrams Appleseed, 2018. $15. 9781419728266

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A little girl and her dad are walking in nature and discussing what a hug feels like and what elements of nature resemble a hug - a bird’s egg, a cocoon, a flower bud. They use each element to explain how a hug feels. 

The illustrations in this book are very sweet and the text is soothing. It feels like a lullaby and would be an excellent choice for a simple good night read. It could potentially be used in the classroom to talk about metaphors. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persisted by Susan Wood - ESSENTIAL

Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persisted by Susan Wood, illustrated by Sarah Green. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Abrams, 2018. $19. 9781419731624

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Framed around the idea of fighting, this book takes us through Elizabeth’s life through the lens of her struggles. Elizabeth’s family was happily middle class until her dad lost his job and the family struggled financially. She watched her mother go to work after years of being home and Elizabeth herself took a lot of different jobs. Elizabeth lost her teaching job after she gave birth and after staying home for a time, she went to law school while her kids were young. She spent much of her legal career learning about and representing the middle class financial experience, which in turn influenced her ideas when she ran for and won a senate seat. 

Even though women are underrepresented in government, I am so encouraged that their representation in literature is taking off. This book is well written and beautifully illustrated. The book also includes a more detailed biography in the back to talk about some of the things brushed over, given the limited space of a picture book. Elizabeth Warren is a worthy role model for, but not limited to, young female readers. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Mrs. Ashbury’s Birthday by Rekia Beverly - OPTIONAL

Mrs. Ashbury’s Birthday by Rekia Beverly, illustrated by Donald L. Hill.  PICTURE BOOK.  Upword Ink, 2018.  $12. 9781985622265

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mrs. Ashbury’s birthday tomorrow and she told the students she would bake and bring cupcakes for them to celebrate.  But she makes and mistake and the cupcakes burn.  How will the kids react when she tells them about her mistake.

I like the idea of showing a teacher outside of school and a teacher making a mistake.  In some places, though the story is oddly specific. At its core it is sweet.  With a bit more editing it could have much more appeal.  

I was sent this book as part of the  Diverse Book Box.  Find out more about Mrs. Ashbury at the author's website here.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Mouse’s Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker - ADVISABLE

Mouse’s Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk.  Zonderkidz, 2018.  $17. 9780310759003

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL, GIFT - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The Parson is ill, so he has cancelled the Christmas service.  Mouse is having none of that.  He sets up the nativity and lights a candle.  As others in the village see it, something wonderful happens.

Think of this as a Christmas Stone Soup.  With the lighting of the candle, Mouse sets in motion something wonderful.  I personally wish it had been the Parson’s daughter (there’s no daughter in the story) instead of a mouse to keep it more realistic.  But it is still a kind story.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Lions and Liars by Kate Beasley - OPTIONAL

Lions and Liars by Kate Beasley, 288 pages.  Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2018.  $16.

Content: G

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Frederick has always been a flea in the school hierarchy - never a gazelle, and certainly never a lion. Then comes the day Frederick finds himself floating down a river adrift; when he lands he is mistaken for a camper at a disciplinary camp -- and not just any camper, but a camper who already has a reputation.  As Frederick discovers what it is like to be treated like a lion, he also tries to reach out to the other campers in his group.  When the hurricane rolls through, things are bound to get interesting.

I wish there had been more hurricane.  And more of all of the boys together during the hurricane.  I felt a bit underwhelmed by the development of the relationships. I was hoping for something more like Lubar’s Hidden Talents.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Bear’s Big Tractor illustrated by Gill Guile - OPTIONAL

Bear’s Big Tractor illustrated by Gill Guile.  PICTURE BOOK. Zonderkidz, 2019.  $9.  9780310766780

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Tractor is ready to go for a ride, but as he and Bear gather more an more of the farm animals, things become much too squishy!

Bear and Tractor’s adventure is bright and silly - up to the very last page - when it becomes weird. My reading of it was Tractor wanting to take Bear for a ride and encouraging him to pick up the farm animals.  But when there are too many animals, Bear just gets a bigger tractor?  What will the little tractor do? That didn’t feel right to me.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

My Christmas Story Tree by Dr. Mary Manz Simon - ADVISABLE

My Christmas Story Tree by Dr. Mary Manz Simon, illustrated by Gavin Scott.  PICTURE BOOK.  Zonderkidz, 2018.  $9. 9780310761259

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: Pre-K - OPTIONAL.  GIFT - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

As a little boy decorates his Christmas tree, he likens each piece the the original Christmas story, Jesus’ story.

The boy’s sincerity shines through, even the the rhyming lines are a little awkward.  A sweet little Christmas book to add to a perosanl collection.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers and Genevieve Godbout - ADVISABLE

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout.  PICTURE BOOK.  Houghton Mifflin, 2018.  $18. 9781328916778

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mary Poppins has come to Cherry Tree Lane to care for Jame, Michael, and the twins and to bring magic and wonder to their lives.  But she can only stay until the wind changes.

I love that this short version touches on some of the Mary Poppins parts that didn’t make it into the movie! I hope it spurs people to read the original -- what a great read aloud that it is.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmere - OPTIONAL

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmere, illustrated by Richard Jones.  Peachtree, 2-18.  $18. 9781682630488

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When Caro moves to a new house in a new town, her first friend of a snow white lion who she finds in the white walls and ceilings of the empty rooms.  As they play together, the lion encourages Caro to meet new people, try new things, and even though they love each other, one day they inevitably part.

I tried to love the Snow Lion as a make believe friend or mentor, I really did.  I loved the illustration with their dreamy color palette. And I loved the message as the Snow Lion gives Caro the lessons and the encouragement that she needs to make friends of her own and grow away from him.  I just think that as an adult I like better than a child will.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Jelly Bean Tree by Toni Yuly - ADVISABLE

The Jelly Bean Tree by Toni Yuly. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2017. $18. 9781250094063

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jelly Bean the giraffe loves trees. In fact, leaning on a tree is her favorite way to nap. But when she wakes from one of her naps, she discovers that a bird thinks she is a tree and built a nest on her head! Jelly Bean is kind, and so she is determined to provide a good spot for the bird's nest. Luckily, she has friends who can help her do so.

This is a sweet story about kindness and friendship, and it left a smile on my face. The large font and simple text get the point across well, but are still accessible for newer readers.

Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist

Potion Problems by Cindy Callaghan - ADVISABLE

Potion Problems (Just Add Magic #2) by Cindy Callaghan, 201 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2018.  $18.

Content: G

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Kelly and her friends love their potion-making recipe book.  But then Charlotte, Kelly’s evil next door neighbor gets her hands on the book and threatens to expose them.  The trio needs the help of the original recipe crafters, but they have no idea how to find them!  Plus, Charlotte’s dad is raising the rent on shop where they buy their special ingredients -- what will they do if Mrs. P. has to close the doors?

I wish this had stayed under the Mix imprint -- much more a paperback worthy book.  Plus, now I’ll have two different bindings.  Nothing special about the girls’ problems.  I keep wondering if they are ever going to get into serious trouble for playing with magic.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Never Satisfied: The Story of the Stonecutter by Dave Horowitz - ADVISABLE

Never Satisfied: The Story of the Stonecutter by Dave Horowitz. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Book (Penguin Young Readers Group), 2018. $17. 9780399548468

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A frog named Stanley starts this book as a stonecutter. When he sees a businessman in a cafe, he wishes, and is granted, to be a businessman. Being a businessman is great until he sees a king and wishes to be a king. He is grated this wish, but then realizes that the sun in the sky has more power than he does. This goes on until he wishes to be a stone and realizes the stonecutter has more power than he.

This is a great book with a simple message, simple text, and simple illustrations that all work together well. This would be a great addition to a unit on fables or folktales. I think a wide range of ages will be able to follow along and understand the message of this story, although appreciating the value of the lesson will land better with older readers.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Lafayette (Hazardous Tales) by Nathan Hale - ESSENTIAL

Lafayette (Hazardous Tales) by Nathan Hale, 127 pages.  GRAPHIC NON-FICTION.  Amulet, 2018. $14. 

Language:  G; Mature Content:  G; Violence: PG (war scenes, some dead)

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Meet the Marquis de LaFayette – friend to the American colonists as they fought against England during the Revolutionary War.  

Hale uses his familiar graphic novel style, with plenty of pizzazz, some blood, and a healthy dash of excitement to tell the tale.  This one is a bit more confusing – mostly because LaFayette is less familiar to American children.  I really wish these books were a larger format – better to see and enjoy the illustrations.  But every single one of them is highly popular.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros - ESSENTIAL

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte.  PICTURE BOOK.  Simon, 2018. $18.  9781481489157

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

James and Grandpa have always loved sharing their remember balloons.  When Grandpa starts letting go of his balloons, however, James is sad, especially when it’s one that they shared.  

What a tender way to teach children about memory loss and old age.  I love the idea that we share balloons of common memories and that even if the other person forgets, our version of the book is still in our own hands.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hardscrabble by Sandra Dallas - ADVISABLE

Hardscrabble by Sandra Dallas, 240 pages.  Sleeping Bear Press, 2018.  $16.  

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.  

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Belle arrives in Mingo, Colorado with her ailing mother and brood of siblings to meet up with their father who has been starting their homestead while they moved from Iowa.  Even though Belle is only twelve, Belle and her older sister quickly fall into the mother roll and help around the farm.  They befriend a woman homesteader, Lizzie, who is a bright spot in their bleak environment and helps them figure out life on the prairie.  When Belle’s mother’s health doesn’t improve, Belle, her father and her sister feel hopeless and have to depend on each other and their kind neighbors to survive.  

Sandra Dallas does this setting (Midwest) and time period (1910) so well, whether she is writing for adults or middle readers.  I loved the Martin family and wanted them to succeed and was totally caught up in their struggle.  Two little things bugged me: first, there were times in the story that felt rushed (including the ending) and second, the back cover of the book refers to a hardship that the family faces in the last forty pages of the book which is anti-climactic.  That said, I really loved this historical fiction for middle readers.  

C. Peterson

Surfer Chick by Kristy Dempsey - ADVISABLE

Surfer Chick by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Henry Cole.  PICTURE BOOK Abrams Books, 2012.  $17.  9781419701887  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Chick lives with her dad who is a surf legend and he has decided to teach Chick how to surf.  Chick picks out her surfboard and is excited to learn, but is soon discouraged when it’s not as easy as she hoped.  Chick keeps trying though and pretty soon she learns her own tricks and is a legend in her own right.  

The illustrations are the best part of this book.  The colors are bright and the expressions on Chick’s face add humor.  The text reads in a sing song rhythm, making it a fun read aloud.  The moral of the story, which is to keep trying even when at first you don’t succeed, never grows old.  

C. Peterson

Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker - ESSENTIAL

Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by AG Ford.  PICTURE BOOK.  Chronicle, 2018.  $17. 9781452139111

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

All of the working trucks are extremely busy the day before Christmas as they work hard to get a very special building built.  As each finishes their tasks, they find special gifts waiting for them.

Rinker doesn’t disappoint in her latest Construction Site book.  So cute!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

All Aboard the Christmas Train by Nichole Mara - ADVISABLE

All Aboard the Christmas Train by Nichole Mara, illustrated by Andrew Kolb.  FOLD-OUT BOARD BOOK.  Abrams Appleseed, 2018.  $10. 9781419732959

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Santa is on the Christmas train, but he has lost his boot.  Can you help him find it?

I think this is sturdy enough to survive folding and unfolding into one long train for reading. The only quibble I really have is that there are several “”how many” questions on the pages, but there are no answers.  How are you supposed to know if you found them all?

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Zola’s Elephant by Randall De Seve – NOT RECOMMENDED

Zola’s Elephant by Randall De Seve, Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski.  PICTURE BOOK. Houghton . 2018. $18.00. 9781328886293

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – NOT RECOMMENDED

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A sad lonely little girl notices something new going on in her building. A new family is moving in and they have a little girl her age, named Zola. This lonely girl takes bit of things she see’s and hears and imagines a plethora of reasons why Zola would not need or want her as a friend. Eventually Zola comes to her. Mostly it has to do with the idea that Zola must have moved in with her pet elephant. Large bright illustrations of Zola’s imagined life are interspersed with the lonely girls very blue, sad, and empty life.

This book was sort of sad and depressing. The little girl never did get up the pluck to meet Zola –in fact Zola had to come to her. I like the idea of a big imagination, but the rest was so blue and sad that it was kind of cold and off putting. Normally this is one of my favorite illustrators, but the circus like clown theme was not great. The cover does have appeal though- it actually bright and gorgeous.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Where Did You Come From, Baby Dear? By George MacDonald - ADVISABLE

Where Did You Come From, Baby Dear? by George MacDonald, Illustrated by JaneDyer. PICTURE BOOK. Random House . 2018. $18.00. 9780553509199

BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This book is an illustrated poem about where babies come from –turns it very mysterious and religious. The illustrations are soft and muted.

I was hoping this was a bit more realistic, seeing as how I am currently expecting and it’s a lot of work –the baby is certainly not falling gently from the clouds to be placed in my arms. I don’t expect to read a super realistic book to a youngster about conception, but this was a bit off putting for me at this moment in time. The vocabulary in the poem would be confusing to a young reader/listener. Some of the illustrations are just darling and some kind of creep me out. This would book would function better as a gift from a fan of the poem to a religious parent.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Stick by Irene Dickson - ADVISABLE

Stick by Irene Dickson. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick) . 2018. $15.00. 9781536200164

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This is a very wholesome and simple story about a boy and his dog. They find a stick and use it for a wide variety of purposes, like tossing it, drawing with it, and stirring with it. Eventually it helps them both make a friend. Features large incredibly colorful and bright summer day illustrations.

This is a fun book to read with pre-k and help them to brainstorm uses for everyday objects. Its very simple and easy to understand. One use that was left out was swordfighting –honestly that would be one that little kids would think of, which makes this book very sweet and sedate, no parent would object to this book being in a school library or classroom. The illustrations are fantastic and quite large –easy to share with a group for a read-aloud.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Imagine by Raul Colon - ESSENTIAL

Imagine by Raul Colon. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2018. $18.00. 9781481462730

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young boy heads into New York City to visit the Museum of Modern art.  As he begins looking through the museum, the artwork comes to life and joins him on his tour.  Musicians, lions, and dancers follow the boy through the museum and out the doors. Together they discover and enjoy the many sights to see throughout New York City.  Finally, it is time for the boy to go home.  He takes each of the characters back to their paintings and says farewell.  

This is a captivating wordless picture book that captures the wonders of New York City.  It also showcases some of the beautiful works of art that can be enjoyed at the Museum of Modern Art.  At the back of the book there is an authors note that chronicles his own experiences with art and what inspired him to become an illustrator and develop his own artistic style. 

Gina, Media Specialist

The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker -ADVISABLE

The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker. PICTURE BOOK. Abrams,  2018. $17.00. 9781419725746

BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Everyone in town is a bit afraid of the very last castle which despite being closed up- emits a variety of creepy sounds. Ibb is little girl who is curious about what could be going on in there. One day, she knocks, and soon finds herself invited inside. What she discovers surprises her and changes the town.

This is a large book with great illustrations that could easily be shared with a large group. The story itself, I have seen many times, (spoiler), a lonely old man cooped up –an artist even, who finally learns it ok to be around others and share. I like that the book features sound and explanation for strange noises actually being normal things, this is a great lesson for young readers and a fun teaching tool for librarians and teachers about sounds used in literature.  I think the cover is very appealing and would get many checkouts .

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Edison: The mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure by Torben Kuhlmann -OPTIONAL

Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure by Torben Kuhlmann. PICTURE BOOK. North South . 2018. $30.00. 9780735843226

BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Pete the Mouse wants to know more about his ancestor who traveled across the ocean, during which time his ship was sunk and a treasure lost. He goes to the mouse Professor for help. Together they work on design after design on how to get to the sunken ship and find the treasure. They also look for clues and plan. When they finally get their chance, there is much risk involved –especially if they have to dive to the bottom of the sea.

First off, the illustrations in this book are top notch incredible. They are utterly enchanting. The plot though –while interesting in theory, it plays out as overly long and a bit boring. I understand that the scientific process is not going to be action movie fun, but I have seen a happy medium in children’s picture books a couple of times. This book would also take a special audience because it is text heavy and quite long –a first or second grader who is interested in history and science. A teacher could use it as a read-aloud but it would take multiple sessions.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

The Phantom Tower by Keir Graff - OPTIONAL

The Phantom Tower by Keir Graff, 266 pages.  Putnam (Penguin), 2018.  $17

Content: G

BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Colm and Mal, twins, have just moved with their mother to Chicago - a job offer she couldn’t resist and an apartment in a well-underpriced downtown building.  As much as the twins detest each other, the mystery of their building is more intriguing.  Why are there so few tenants?  Why are most of the apartments furnished -- with really old junk?  And why does the number 13 appear on the elevator buttons for only one hour a day?

A decent mystery with a spooky twist.  This would be great in paperback.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Bands of Bravery (Knights Club) by Shuky, Waltch, and Novy - OPTIONAL

The Bands of Bravery (Knights Club) by Shuky, Waltch, and Novy. INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL. 

Quirk Books, 2018. $10. 9781683690559

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Three young farmers are determined to leave their laborious lifestyle for the life of a knight. To do so they must go through knight training and each brother has different strengths to bring to the journey - agility, strength, or intelligence. The reader picks which boy to follow through his journey and jumps to different frames based on the decisions the reader makes. Along the way the reader keeps track of the things they collect and the time it takes. 

There is a lot of flipping back and forth throughout this book. The tracker is at the front of the book and as you pick your journey in this book, you have to hunt for the correct numbered panel. I think this could be a turn off for a young reader, but I like that you could get through the adventure in one sitting and come back another time and have a new experience. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

No Swimming for Nelly by Valeri Gorbachev - ADVISABLE

No Swimming for Nelly by Valeri Gorbachev. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2018. $18. 9780823437801.

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Nelly is a little pig who loves her new swimsuit. She wears it playing basketball, eating out at the restaurant and even when she sleeps, but Nelly won't go swimming. Nelly's dislike/fear of swimming is challenged when they go visit her grandma--a champion swimmer! Grandma helps Nelly see there is nothing to fear and under her guidance, Nelly learns to swim.

This is a great story about overcoming our fears and trying new things. I really liked the character of Nelly--she is super cute!--and I feel like many kids will relate to her fear of swimming. The text is simple and straightforward, making it a great read aloud, and the illustrations are fun. I especially like the cover and I think it will draw many a curious young reader.

Reviewer: TC

I am Small by Qin Leng -OPTIONAL

I am Small by Qin Leng . PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press. 2018. $17.00. 9781525301155

BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Mimi is a very short child. She spends half the book bemoaning all of the reasons why being short isn’t great. Such as not being able to see all the choices at the bakery. Then her friends remind her of all the reasons why its fun and beneficial to be short. Such as getting to be in front for class pictures. At the end of the story she is no longer the shortest one in her family. Features soft water color illustrations.

The cover appeal of this book for young readers is not great, showing a depressed looking child sitting on a step holding a branch. I am not sure that it would get much circulation. I liked that it showed a flip side of a perspective and it could help young readers do the same. Might be used by a teacher for an activity on pro’s and con’s. The illustrations are small and watery though –not easily shared with a group.

Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.