Macca the Alpaca by Matt Cosgrove - HIGH

Macca the Alpaca by Matt Cosgrove. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic, March 2020. $15. 9781338602821

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Macca the Alpaca lives a carefree life until Harmer the Llama comes along and bullies Macca into a contest.  Harmer may pick challenges of strength, but Macca uses his brain to come out on top.

Macca is so fluffy and loveable! And he uses his brain to fight instead of being a bully.  I am not as in love with the rhyme scheme, however – it doesn’t track well all the way through, so in a couple of spots it is awkward to read aloud.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Bo’s Magical New Friend by Rebecca Elliott - ESSENTIAL

Bo’s Magical New Friend (Unicorn Diaries #4) by Rebecca Elliott, 72 pages. EARLY READER. Scholastic Branches, 2019. $5 (paperback). 9781338323320

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Rainbow Tinseltail is so excited because a new unicorn has appeared!  She is hoping that Sunny Huckleberry will be her extra special friend.  First, though, Bo wants to help Sunny find his talent and they all need to earn their Unicorn Power Patch.

The Unicorn Diaries are so adorable.  And even better, the stories hang together in a nice tale. If a unicorn-loving girl is ready to ready on their own, this is a fun series to enjoy.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson - ESSENTIAL

Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson, 194 pages. Bloomsbury, 2019.  $17. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Amara, 11yo, loves her family and her life in Oregon, but she also wants to meet her family in New York City – especially since she has not been getting along with her mother and is not wholly excited by her coming baby sister.  When she finally gets to NYC, though, everything is not fun and light.  Her older cousins feel like Amara is spoiled and they don’t want to babysit her around their town. And her mom has tasked her with getting her dad and his father to talk – but its been 12 years, what is Amara supposed to do in a few days?

I love that Renee wrote a heartfelt story that shows a family that has problems and tries to come together without being slave to a cultural situation or ahistorical time period. Its just a girl trying to fit in and bring her family together. Amara are her problems so relatable.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Tiny’s New Flowers adapted by Tina Gallo - NO

Tiny’s New Flowers adapted by Tina Gallo. EARLY READER (Ready). Simon Spotlight, 2019. $18. 9781534452954

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre- K - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Tiny loves flowers, but when the flowers she has start drooping, she heads off on a journey to find more flowers.

Two big problems with this book.  The illustrations seem to be stills from the tv show.  They are dark and blocked oddly – things don’t fit in the frame in a way that makes sense. Also the story is just sad.  Instead of tending to the flowers Tiny already has, she just abandons them and finds new ones?  What kind of a message is that? No thank you.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Return of Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey - ADVISABLE

The Return of Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic. 2019. $15. 9781338608892

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Thelma may no longer be a unicorn, but the world seems to want her back in overwhelming numbers. Her best friend Otis convinces her to masquerade again and promises to be by her side, even through the haters.

Otis is the star of this new chapter – if Blabey continues on with more, I hope that he gets his own book.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

If you want a friend in Washington by Erin McGill - ADVISABLE

If you want a friend in Washington: Wacky, wild & wonderful presidential pets by Erin McGill. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade (Penguin), July 2020. 9780593122693

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

McGill takes us on a quick trip through the variety of animals that have graced the halls of the presidential home. 

I love that she looks at the animals by type – not by president. It makes for a well-organized, quick, fun read. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

One Little Bag: An amazing journey by Henry Cole - ADVISABLE

One Little Bag: An amazing journey by Henry Cole. WORDLESS PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic, April 2020. $19. 9781338359978

BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A tree becomes the lunch sack for a little boy, goes with him through his life, and finally is used to grow a new tree.

You do have to accept that the paper bag got reused every day for 50 years. But it is a sweet device to look back at a life and celebrate family.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Bug Girl (a true story) by Sophia Spencer and Margaret McNamara - ADVISABLE

The Bug Girl by Sophia Spencer and Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Kerscoet.  NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade (Random), February 2020. 9780525645931

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

As kindergarteners, the other kids loved bugs as much as Sophia did.  But in the 1^st grade the other kids have moved on.  When Sophia puts away her bugs, her mother reaches out to professional entomologists to help her see that adults and even female adults also love bug and study them. Besides the attention Sophia got when her situation went viral, Sophia also realized that she can still like bugs – any maybe grow up to study them.

A nice way to start a conversation about the things that kids love and what to do when you don’t like the same things as others. It will be interesting to see if Sophia follows her passion when she heads off to college.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Love To Everyone (also published as The Skylark’s War) by Hillary McKay - ADVISABLE

Love To Everyone (also published as The Skylark’s War) by Hillary McKay, 324 pages. Margaret K McElderry Books (Simon and Schuster), 2018. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS- ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Clarissa grows up in a home with a loving brother, Peter, and an aloof father. Her best memories are spending the summers with her grandparents in Cornwall. Clarry’s favorite thing about the summers is spending time with her cousin, Rupert, who lived year-round with the same grandparents. Peter and Rupert support Clarry in all she desires, including attending school, which is not normal for a girl in the early 1900’s. When World War I breaks out, Rupert joins the army and is lost to Clarry for many years. Clarry matures as she endures the trails associated with the war and all its terrors.

This coming of age book is a sweet story of a young girl who faces loneliness and heartache with courage and kindness. Hilary McKay creates a tender backdrop to a horrifying war.  While the reader understands the seriousness of the war, there is little mention of gore and death. This book is a good introduction to this era in English history.

MOMMAC

Three Little Kittens by Barbara McClintock - OPTIONAL

Three Little Kittens by Barbara McClintock.  PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, APRIL 2020. $19. 9781338125870

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The three little kittens want pie, but they’ve lost their mittens. 

McClintock has taken the original nursery rhyme and added backstory and dialogue.  Unfortunately the nursery rhyme is mixed in with other dialogue and actions, so while sometimes you have the rhymes, they are interrupted by the other dialogue.  Had all of the original been set apart so that is was recognizable, that might have helped, instead, it is a bit of a mess.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Be You! By Peter H. Reynolds - ADVISABLE

Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books, March 2020. $18. 9781338572315

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Reynolds writes and illustrates an exuberant book all about how to be the best you possible.  Filled with bright artwork and just enough text – I can see each being its own motivational poster.  I’d love these for a nursery. This is the kind of picture book that others will gift at birthdays or graduations.  

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

A Song For Snow by Lita Judge - ADVISABLE

A Song For Snow (Hoot and Peep) by Lita Judge. PICTURE BOOK. Dial Books For Young  Readers (Penguin), 2017. $18.00. 9781101994511

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Two little owls named Hoot and Peep are waiting for snow to come. Peep has never experienced the joy of snow before and was anxiously awaiting its arrival. Hoot tried to explain the song of snow to Peep. It wasn't like the crunchy crackly sound of falling leaves, or the splitter splatter of rain, snow had a sound all its own. As the first flakes begin to drift down from the sky, Peep quietly discovers snows soft peaceful song of silence. 

I am always looking for new books that celebrate the seasons in a unique way. Judge has captured the essence of winter using two lovable owls. Hoot and Peep's songs about the different sounds we find throughout the seasons will engage readers and help to explore the concepts of weather, music and sound. This would be a great read-aloud.

Gina, Media Specialist

The Tiny Tale of Little Pea by Davide Cali and Sebastien Mourrain - ADVISABLE

The Tiny Tale of Little Pea by Davide Cali, illustrated by Sebastien Mourrain. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2017. $18.00. 9781771388436

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Little Pea was born tinier than even a mouse. However, he didn't let his size stop him from doing the things he loved. He loved to read, explore and have adventures. He even loved to swim in his little pond. As he began to grow up, but not in size, he discovered he didn't quite fit in with the bigger world. Rather than be discouraged, Little Pea followed his dreams and created his own place that was just the right size. 

Every child has imagined what it would be like to be small and explore the world. Little pea takes readers on an imaginative journey and teaches them that no matter your size, you can become something amazing. Children will love looking at the world from a different perspective and sharing in Little Peas adventures.

Gina, Media Specialist

Night of Dangers by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos - ESSENTIAL

Night of Dangers (The Adventurers Guild #3) by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos, 387 pages. Disney, 2019.  $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some fighting and danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Zed and the rest of the Adventuere’s Guild have saved the elves, but Zed is in serious trouble and no one else knows it.  In order to save the day he made a pact with the witch Malkiva and now she has complete control of his body.  And this isn’t the first time she’s done this.  Over the centuries she has possessed many other, causes havoc all over the worlds.  It may be through using Zed that she finally gets what she wants to Terryn forever.

Night of Dangers is a much stronger book than #2 was.  From the afterword it sounds like this may be the last of the series.  I’m glad it went out on a high note!

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Surf’s Up by Luke Flowers - OPTIONAL

Surf’s Up (Moby Shinobi and Toby Too) by Luke Flowers. EARLY READER. Scholastic Acorn, 2019. $5 (paperback). 9781338547528

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Moby and Toby are at the beach and plenty of people need rescuing.  It’s too bad Toby’s ninja powers are acting up.  Thank goodness Toby is there to help him pull it all together and save the day.

Flowers has written other Moby books, but this is a new series for Scholastic Acorn.  I have to wonder about the rhyming for this early reader – I think rhyming is best for books meant to be read to a young reader, not as a early book for them to read alone. This brought down its appeal for me.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

A Whale of a Mistake by Ioana Hobai - OPTIONAL

A Whale of a Mistake by Ioana Hobai.  PICTURE BOOK. Page Street Kids, MARCH 2020.  $18. 9781624149276

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

When you make a mistake it can feel as gigantic as a whale.  

There’s something to be said to the idea of seeing that others have problems too.  But the abrupt change from visualizing mistakes as a whale and then to shooting stars and what comes after that doesn’t make sense to me. I wanted it to make sense, because I love Hobai’s illustrations.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Way Home for Wolf by Rachel Bright and Jim Field - ESSENTIAL

The Way Home for Wolf by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field.  PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic, 2019.  $17. 9781338592740

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Wilf, the littlest wolf is sure he can lead the pack, but when he lingers behind on his short legs, he becomes lost.  It takes the help of some unlikely friends to help him find his way home. 

Field’s illustrated Wilf is super appealing – a perfect accompaniment to Bright charming story. After so many warnings of stranger-danger, it is a sweet reminder that strangers also have the power to save us and guide us home.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan Vaught - OPTIOANL

Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan Vaught, 304 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2019. $18. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Jesse is on the autism spectrum which makes her a target for a trio of relentless bullies she refers to as the cockroaches. Her dog Sam-Sam is her comfort animal. Springer is the shy, new kid and Jesse’s best friend. When Jesse’s dad, a high school teacher, is accused of stealing the library fund, she and Springer begin an investigation to clear his name. During their investigation, a tornado hits town, leveling their neighborhood. Jesse becomes obsessed with finding her dog and learns that he has abilities she never knew, just like people with disabilities.

The biggest problem with this book is the back and forth between the days leading up to the tornado and the day of the tornado itself. It’s confusing. It tries to bring two unrelated plots together, but it isn’t successful. The story would have been stronger without the tornado angle. The books best attribute is the accurate depiction of Jesse’s autistic character, especially her lack of filter and uncontrollable outbursts. There are some morals as well, such as don’t try to be who you are not. All in all, there are better books about autism that kids will find more readable.

Reviewer: Valerie McEnroe, MLIS

The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo - OPTIONAL

The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo, 361 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2019. $18. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Siblings Alistair and Aggie are African Grey Parrots living in a pet shop. Alistair is an intellectual type obsessed with literature. He is extremely protective of Aggie and has been plotting a plan for escape. Aggie is much more easy going and rather likes Fritz, the boy who takes care of them after school. When Alistair and Aggie end up in separate homes, Alistair becomes desperate to reunite with his sister. Amid the upheaval, Alistair is going to learn some of the simpler lessons of life. 

The beautiful cover easily sells the book. If kids can get past the slightly intellectual opening poem and flowery description of a bird hatching, they might stay with it. The writing is beautiful at times, but Alistair’s tendency to analyze literature and Bertie’s outdated conversations with her deceased husband can be boring. Nevertheless, Alistair is a great main character. It has similarities to The One and Only Ivan in that animals contemplate their situation, but it is a more advanced read.

Reviewer: Valerie McEnroe, MLIS

Sing a Song by Kelly Starling Lyons - ADVISABLE

Sing a Song : How "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons illustrated by Keith Mallett PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen Books Penguin, 2019. $18. 9780525516095

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The story of the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" told in the effect it had on one particular family, from 1900 to the present day. 

I loved so many things about this book. Keith Mallett's beautiful illustrations, the end papers with the song lyrics (all the verses) the author's note - - but most of all I so loved the family connections - the love of the song passed from parent to child, sung at family reunions and holding a special place in their hearts. I quickly found a recording and listened while I re-read. Definitely buying for my collection.

Lisa Librarian

The Princess in Black and the Bathtime Battle by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale - ADVISABLE

The Princess in Black and the Bathtime Battle by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham 90 pages CHAPTER BOOK Candlewick, 2019 $15 9781536202212

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

There's a stinky smell coming from the goat pasture. Princess Magnolia must become the Princess in Black to help the Goat Avenger blow out the stink - but the smell has to go somewhere, so as it invades each kingdom, the other masked heroes come to help. Maybe the smell isn't the problem - perhaps they need to find out what is causing the stink. 

Shannon and Dean bring us another terrific chapter book with amazing illustrations by LeUyen Pham, I love this series! Short chapters with easy text, a new reader will quickly feel confident on their own with this fun storyline. While each story reads independently, you should really get them all.

Lisa Librarian

Aunt Pearl by Monica Kulling - OPTIONAL

Aunt Pearl by Monica Kulling and Irene Luxbacher PICTURE BOOK Groundwood Books / House of Anansi Press 2019 $19 9781773061535

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Aunt Pearl is homeless. Dan and Marta have never met her, but when their mother, Rose, invites Aunt Pearl to live with them, she arrives with her "worldly goods" in a shopping basket. Marta skips day camp to go searching through trash cans with Aunt Pearl, and comes home with an old chair that Rose will not let in the house. It's good to give things a "second chance." 

Beautifully illustrated by Irene Luxbacher, homelessness is a timely topic and it is treated with kindness and respect, however, the story leaves more questions than answers. I would have liked an author's note or more information in the text, or even links to sources for helping the homeless, or mental illness or something. I was disappointed in this promising picture book.
Lisa Librarian

At the Mountain's Base by Traci Sorell - ADVISABLE

At the Mountain's Base by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre, PICTURE BOOK Kokila (Penguin Random House), 2019. $18. 978-795230606

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A Cherokee family lives in a cabin under a big hickory tree, weaving and cooking and waiting and worrying - they have a family member serving in a war. She's a pilot who prays she will return to her family safely. 

Traci Sorell's beautiful poem is accompanied by wonderful illustrations by Weshoyot Alvitre. I loved how the illustrations of the grandmother's weaving tie everything together, embracing the family and holding everything together - how important family and traditions are. The author's note about Native Women serving in wars, particularly Ola Mildren "Mille" Rexroat's story helps give perspective and makes a re-reading more meaningful.

Lisa Librarian

The Space We’re In by Katya Balen - OPTIONAL

The Space We’re In by Katya Balen, 197 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2019. $18.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

10-year-old Frank’s life has never been the same since his severely autistic brother, Max, came into his life. His once vibrant artist mother has given up her passion to take care of Max full time. She provides the structure Max needs. When she tragically and unexpectedly dies, someone must step up to restore order for Max. Together, he and his father learn to love Max.

Balen has done an excellent job describing what it’s like to live in a household with an autistic child. The normal child always takes a backseat to the child with needs. Frank’s thoughts about this are clearly conveyed, but it’s almost too much. This is a character book. The reader is in Frank’s sad, frustrated head for the entire book. Kids who want a strong plot will be disappointed.

Reviewer: Valerie McEnroe, MLIS

Spark of the Resistance by Justina Ireland - ADVISABLE

Spark of the Resistance (Star Wars: Journey to The Rise of Skywalker) by Justina Ireland, 224 pages. Disney, 2019. $17.

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Rey, along with Poe, Rose and BB-8 are finishing a simple mission to gather supplies for the Resistance, but when they receive a call for help, they decide to answer.  When they arrive at Minfar, they find the Zixon, who have been oppressed by the First Order.  In direct conflict with an advancement-hungry officer, the Rebels are determined to save the Zixon and themselves.

Honestly, I’m not sure how popular the Star Wars books are.  Those in my library don’t circulate frequently, unfortunately.  I enjoy the backstories – I hope that kids will too.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Skywalker Saga by Delilah S. Dawson - ADVISABLE

The Skywalker Saga by Delilah S. Dawson, 398 pages. Disney, 2019.  $30. 

Content: G (some fighting) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ready to catch up on the Star Wars movies?  Dawson writes interesting and succinct summaries of the stories, accompanied by many full-color illustrations, to explain the arc of the series -  each story in about 50 pages. I have a few students who are always checking out the biggest books I have, so they will be very happy to see this one.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya - ADVISABLE

Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya 249 pages. Viking Books for Young readers 2018 $17

Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Marcus Vega is the biggest kid at school, but he isn't a bully - in fact, he uses his size to start a business protecting the other students from the bully, Stephen, by walking them home (for $10 a week). He also enforces the school rules, charging kids a "tax" when he see them violating the trash rule or the cell phone rule. He's helping out - his dad left the family for Puerto Rico years ago, and mom is struggling to make ends meet. He's a nice guy, but when Stephen calls Marcus' brother Charlie, who has Downs Syndrome, the "R" word, Marcus loses his temper and punches Stephen, getting himself suspended. Since mom works for the airlines, and the suspension coincides with spring break, she packs up the two boys and takes them to Puerto Rico to visit with family, and possibly find their elusive father.

Cartaya weaves in a lot of Spanish, but it's all in context and translated by the characters when necessary, so it feels natural and it's ok that I don't understand everything, neither did Marcus. The look at beautiful Puerto Rico, it's culture and people was marvelous! I really like the sense of family being more than just your parents and siblings - Marcus found so many welcoming relatives, even distant ones. A great read for kids whose culture may be different from their parents, and I know my Spanish speakers with love it!

Lisa Librarian

Bunny Business (Mama’s Day at Work) by Lori Richmond - ADVISABLE

Bunny Business (Mama’s Day at Work) by Lori Richmond.  PICTURE BOOK.  Scholastic Press, Jan 2020.  $19. 9780545925907

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When the bunnysitter calls in sick, Mama has to take Bunny to work.  Bunny is STARVING, but mam is on a meeting.  Bunny can see the snack machine, buy how can they get money?  Bunny has an idea!

The expressions on Bunny’s face and the body posture are spot on!  And any parent who has had to take a child to work with them at the last moment can very much empathize.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

In the Jerusalem Forest by Devora Busheri and Noa Kelner - OPTIONAL

In the Jerusalem Forest by Devora Busheri, illustrated by Noa Kelner.  PICTURE BOOK. Kar-Ben (Lerner), 2019. $8. 9781541534735

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A girl and her mother are walking through the forest. They take the time to poke through a pond, but when the wind kicks up the girl wants to leave.  Back in the warm spring sun the world is less scary. And she remembers the pond reflecting the sky and their faces.

I think that creating a picture book around someone else’s poem is very difficult.  I am not sure why this is called the Jerusalem forest – except for the word Ima (which I am guessing is the Hebrew word for mother), there is nothing to place this forest geographically.  I do enjoy Kelner’s illustrations,  They are child-like without being childish and convey the movement and motion well.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Podcast 12 now available!

Are you ready for a new episode of the podcast?  Lisa and I review about 30 books from our October reviews and give you some background information, books to pair it with, and some fun resources for more in depth information.  The SHOW NOTES contain all of the links.  Among other things, we talk about some of the first Christmas books of the season and several fright-oriented novels!

Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compenstine and Yan Nascimbene

Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compenstine, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene.  PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2019 (reprint from 2011).  $7 (paperback). 9781536205602

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When Vinson wants to learn martial arts from his grandfather vistiting from China, but gets frustrated when the training doesn’t seem to include hitting anything. It isn’t until the New Year’s Eve parade that Vinson begins to understand his grandfather’s purpose.

Compenstine manages to cover a lot of ground, both time and concept, with few words. Still a worthy purchase.  Compenstine hasn’t written anything in a few years – I wish she would. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

I Love my Glam-ma by Samantha Berger and Sujean Rim - ADVISABLE

I Love my Glam-ma by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Sujean Rim.  PICTURE BOOK. Orchard (Scholastic), 2019.  $18. 9781338151831

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Glam-ma’s are fabulous, friendly, and fun.  But best of all, they are all those things with and because of their grandchildren.

Best book for a glam-ma, a glam-ma in training or the grandchildren of a glam-ma. Don’t give this to anyone who isn’t actually a glam-ma, though, because it is a lot to live up to.  

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

I’m Brave! I’m Strong! I’m Five! By Cari Best and Boris Kulikov - HIGH

I’m Brave! I’m Strong! I’m Five! By Cari Best, illustrated by Boris Kulikov. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019.  $19. 9780823443628

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A little girl is not tired at all.  As she entertains herself in her room, she sees things that might be frightening.  But she decides that  she is brave, strong, and five, so instead of calling for her parents she can investigate and uncover reality herself – until she really is tired and goes to sleep.

Much better than I thought it would be. Even though it mentions being five, it is a good read for anyone who is either not interested in going to sleep or scared of the dark.  Another good bedtime book.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart and Constance R. Bergum - ADVISABLE

Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Constance R. Bergum.  NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.  Peachtree, 2019 (reprinted from 2009). $8. 9781682631256

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Stewart’s look at what animals are doing under the snow during winter is still enchanting after 10 years. An excellent season book or science book. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Knight Owls by Eric Seltzer and Tom Disbury - OPTIONAL

Knight Owls by Eric Seltzer, illustrated by Tom Disbury. EARLY READER (Pre-level 1). Simon Spotlight, 2019. $18. 9781534448810

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The Knight Owls have much to do, bringing good to their kingdom.  Their dragon, Phil, however, has much to learn.

I enjoyed meeting the Knight Owls, but the segue to their dragon Phil was odd and didn’t make much sense.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Chicken Break: A Counting Book by Cate Berry and Charlotte Adler - ESSENTIAL

Chicken Break: A Counting Book by Cate Berry, illustrated by Charlotte Adler.  PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2019.  $18.  9781250306791

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

1 by 1, ten chickens join the group that leads to a successful chicken break!

Sure be to a hit!  Its fun to trace each chicken through the story and it will be read and reread many times.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Instructions Not Included by Brown, Duncan, and Beck - ADVISABLE

Instructions Not Included: How a Team of Women Coded the Future by Tami Lewis Brown and Debbie Loren Duncan, illustrated by Chelsea Beck.  PICTURE BOOK. Disney, 2019.  $18. 9781368011051

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The computer life that we live now is due in large part to the women who programmed ENIAC – the first electric general-purpose computer.  Even after their success with programming the machine, their continued efforts to streamline and improve computers set the stage for all the wonders that followed.

Another solid addition to the picture books that finally show the contributions to the woman who made computers possible and did incredible things with them.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Perfect Seat by Minh Le, illustrated by Gus Gordon - ADVISABLE

The Perfect Seat by Minh Le, illustrated by Gus Gordon. Disney, 2019.  $17. 9781368020046

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young moose and its parent have bought a book, but now they need to search the entire city for the perfect place to enjoy it together.

Their antics as they search high and low for their spot make for a fun opposites study. Of course you should read this while seated in YOUR favorite spot.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

If I Could Give You Christmas by Lynn Plourde and Jennifer L. Meyer - ADVISABLE

If I Could Give You Christmas by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer. PICTURE BOOK. Disney, 2019.  $18. 9781368002677

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A variety of forest animals prepare for Christmas, enjoying tender moments.

Meyer’s illustrations are a beautiful feast for eye and heart.  The tender sentiments make for a perfect lap book, whether for parent and child or grandparent and child.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

One Snowy Morning by Kevin Tseng and Dana Wulfekotte - ESSENTIAL

One Snowy Morning by Kevin Tseng, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte.  PICTURE BOOK. Dial (Penguin), 2019.  $17. 9780735230415

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

One snowy morning some woodland friends happen upon a strange sight in the woods (a snowman).  They investigate and find all kids of wonderful things – a long red curtain, six wooden shields, a dragon tooth, and even a black canoe with a golden anchor. They decide to use the tooth to make a delicious soup to share and the shields as tiny plates.  But they next day they decide to return what they can – even if they don’t remember exactly where everything goes!

A very cute look at perspective and imagination as the animals try to puzzle out the pieces they see. Make sure you check out the end papers both front and back! And then be ready to go out and create new snowman masterpieces.  If you don’t have snow, then breakout the crayons.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS