Swap'd by Tamara Ireland Stone - ESSENTIAL

Swap'd by Tamara Ireland Stone, 323 pages. Disney Hyperion, 2019. $17. 9781484786963.
Language: G (1 swear, 0 'F'); Mature content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Allie's newest assignment in Computer Science challenges her to mix up and reuse code from a variety of different projects--hers and friends--to create something new. With her CodeGirls friend, Courtney, she creates a new app called Swap'd that allows kids at school to buy and sell things in an auction-based game. Swap'd is an overnight success and Allie thinks it could make her a shoo-in for the summer Hackathon program--if she can finally decide to apply. The money from Swap'd will help her bring Courtney out for a visit during the Game Con weekend, and she might even be able to use the app to finagle a meeting with the cute boy she's flirted with on the bus! Everything seems to be falling into place--until it becomes apparent Allie hasn't actually thought of everything to make all these perfect plans work.

I loved Stone's first book featuring Allie and the CodeGirls--Click'd--and this one is no different. Its a great story that will appeal especially to a rising generation of computer coders, but really any young reader can appreciate it. I also really love that the book is totally clean (there is only one super tame swear toward the very end) and feels very realistic in its telling. I hope she writes more!

Reviewer: TC

How Do You Say Goodnight? by Cindy Jin - OPTIONAL

How Do You Say Goodnight? by Cindy Jin, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez. BOARD BOOK. Little Simon (Simon and Schuster), 2019. $8. 9781534431591

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

How do parents say good night to their little ones all over the world? Simply and sweetly, but in many different languages. 

 Featuring "good night" in 10 different languages, each is introduced with a short poem that usually rhymes with the pronunciation. Illustrated with full color renditions of cultural families enjoying the end of the day together, the name of the country and a phonetic spelling helps the novice language speaker say it right.

Lisa Librarian

Babymoon by Hayley Barrett - ADVISABLE

Babymoon by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2019. $17. 9780763688523

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a new baby arrives, a young couple spend their babymoon getting to know this new member of their family. 

Hayley Barrett's lyrical poetry and Juana Martinez-Neal's soft illustrations invite the reader to share a peaceful, beautiful day - witnessing a circle of love, sharing, learning and experiencing the babies first days. Both mother and father are enjoying the baby as they are falling in love during this special time. The perfect gift for first time parents.

Lisa Librarian

I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt - OPTIONAL

I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt, PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop, 2017. $15. 9781524788223

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

10 worms - the artist can only draw worms, so this counting book illustrations are just that, worms. Mostly pink, one yellow, and the author makes up a silly story including flying unicorns and a terrible accident. 

Will Mabbitt has given budding artists confidence. If you can only draw one simple thing, you can write your own picture book. The text is cute, as though a 5 year old is explaining the story.

Lisa Librarian

Good Night, World Illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt - ESSENTIAL

Good Night, World, illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt, BOARD BOOK. Flowerpot Press, 2019. $8. 9781486715602

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Animals from all over the world say goodnight in their native languages. 

Each animal is "ready for bed," there's a sign indicating their country and a word bubble with both the spelling and pronunciation. The last 2 pages show each animal again with their name and the language they speak. "I'm a capybara and I speak Spanish." A super fun way to try to learn a common greeting in several languages - 15 in all!

Lisa Librarian

The American Indian Rights Movement by Eric Braun - ADVISABLE

The American Indian Rights Movement by Eric Braun, 32 pages. NONFICTION. Lerner Publishing Group, 2019. $28. 9781541523333


BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

This nonfiction book gives an overview history of the fight for Civil Rights by American Indians throughout US history. There is some discussion of how the US government made treaties and then broke those, and the various aspects of equality American Indians have protested and fought for even until the present day.

I think this is an important book to have in libraries. When we discuss civil rights we so often focus solely on the 1960's movements with Martin Luther King, Jr. and that is ignoring large swaths of America's people. I liked the simple way this story was written--clearly an elementary or low middle level--and the number of pictures included. There are also individual activists highlighted throughout. This is a short read but valuable to introducing young readers to the American Indian Rights movement.

Reviewer: TC

Meet Miss Fancy by Irene Latham - ADVISABLE

Meet Miss Fancy by Irene Latham, illustrated by John Holyfield. PICTURE BOOK. G.P. Putnam's Sons (Random House), 2019. $18. 9780399546686.


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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Frank loves elephants and is thrilled when he hears that the local park in Alabama where he lives could be getting one. But when the elephant--dubbed Miss Fancy--arrives in town, Frank is devastated to see that Avondale Park where she lives is closed to people like him because of Jim Crow segregation laws. Frank tries a variety of ways to get to meet and pet Miss Fancy but has no luck--until one day when Miss Fancy escapes and comes to see him!

This is a based-on-a-true-story picture book with fictionalized characters helping to tell Miss Fancy's story. I loved the illustrations and books about elephants are always fun. It was interesting how the story turned out--because though Frank does eventually meet Miss Fancy, it does not result in the park being desegregated or anything, like I sort of expected. Overall, this is a fun elephant book that touches on the Jim Crow era; maybe it could be used to introduce the idea of Jim Crow segregation but you'd need something else to actually talk about the Civil Rights movement.

Reviewer: TC

Hats Off to Mr. Pockles! by Sally Lloyd-Jones - ESSENTIAL

Hats Off to Mr. Pockles! by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by David Litchfield. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade Books (Random House), 2019. $18. 9780399558153

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Mr. Pockles is a shy dog who loves hats. He spends so much time with his myriad of hats (he has one for every occasion from eating cornflakes to taking a bath) that he doesn't really have any friends and is often lonely. One day at the bun shop he encounters the well-to-do Lady Coco Fitz-Tulip in the midst of a hat disaster; she is late for Hat Day at the exclusive PandaPolitan Club and her hat has just been ruined! Realizing he can help, Mr. Pockles leaps into action and hurries not only Lady Coco but the rest of the bun shop patrons to his home and provides hats for all. In the end, Mr. Pockles gets to attend Hat Day with ALL of his hats--and friends!

This is an entertaining book with a sweet message and awesome illustrations. The cover is brilliant and will grab the attention of many readers, and the story itself is fun and well-told. I loved Mr. Pockles and his many hats--this is the kind of book I will happily read aloud over and over again! I think this would be a great book to use in a citizenship lesson--talk about being kind and then have kids design their own awesome hat!

Reviewer: TC

Stardust by Jeanne Willis –OPTIONAL

Stardust by Jeanne Willis and Illustrated by Briony May Smith. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2019. $17.  9781536202656

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This story features a little girl who is envious of the attention that her sister always seems to get. One evening her granddad comes out and explains how the stars were born, creating planets, habitats, and even sisters. He explains that the two girls are both stardust but shine in different ways.

I really want to like this book, especially because the illustrations are quiet nice, but it just has some holes for me. The explanation of the big bang creating everything doesn’t get nicely tied into the concept of  we are all made of stardust. Additionally,  I don’t see how the revelation led to the girl feeling better about herself. How does she shine differently? Does her family appreciate it? I know the whole ‘we are all made of stardust’ saying is popular right now, but this book is just confusing.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

Everybunny Dreams by Ellie Sandall – ADVISABLE

Everybunny Dream! by Ellie Sandall. PICTURE BOOK. Margaret K McElderry Books (Simon), 2019. $18.  9781534440043

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K –ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Bunnies play all day and when its time to get ready for bed, they wash, put on pjs, brush their teeth, and snuggle up for bed. Then there is a big surprise! Artwork is big bright adorable bunnies and other critters (don’t want to ruin the surprise).

This is an adorable story with a cute surprise –which is just right for pre-k readers, not scary. It would work for a lesson on bed time routines. It would also make a great bedtime story. The illustrations are just incredibly snugly.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

Hibernate with Me by Benjamin Scheuer – OPTIONAL

Hibernate with Me by Benjamin Scheuer, illustrated by Jeminma Williams. PICTURE BOOK. Simon, 2019. $18.  9781534432178

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K, EL(K-3) –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This story has a message from a mama bear to her baby bear; I will always be there for you. She talks about all the ways she is there for the bear and that if he is ever confused, lost, scared, she will help him in any way she can. Little lightly rhyming sections end with ‘you can hibernate with me’. Features stunning illustrations of the bears, forests, homes, and skies.

This is an adorable book with a heartwarming message. The artwork is stellar and large enough to share with a group. It would be a discussion starter for mother’s day. My only qualm is that young readers may not know what hibernating is quiet yet. This is a key part of the book.  If they do know its meaning, it might make the story even more confusing. Why would they go to sleep for the winter ever time the baby bear is lost or sad or just needs his mom? I could see kids taking it literally. That being said, its just heartwarming and I adore this book.  Would also make a great gift for a new mom.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

The Book in the Book in the Book by Julien Baer – NOT RECOMMENDED

The Book in the Book in the Book by Julien Baer and Illustrated by Simon Bailly. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019. $19.  9780823442430

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Thomas goes on a vacation to the seaside with his family. When his parents take a nap, Thomas gets bored and goes exploring. There he finds a book and reads it. The book is a smaller book set inside the actual book you are reading. Its about Thomas, but this time his family has gone to the Alps, and when he wanders off, he finds yet another book. This time the book is a tiny book set inside the medium size book you were just reading. In it Thomas and his family go to outer space. Eventually his parents wake up and come looking for him.

I was excited to read this book, as I had fond memories of reading the tiny book that is inside of the classic Pat the Bunny books. But this one disappointed as it is the same exact story three times with only a different setting. Not only that, but the story is not that interesting, so reading it three times wasn’t that fun. I found myself wishing the story inside of a story thing had something magical about it, or it changed the other story, or the three together made some sort of convergent storyline. But it didn’t, so I wouldn’t spend money on this book for a library collection.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

Star Wars Galactic Adventures Storybook Collection by Various –ADVISABLE

Star Wars Galactic Adventures Storybook Collection by Various – 303 pages. Disney, 2018 $17

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (silencing a person w/o details, weapons, weapons fighting).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This is a collection of star wars stories that span the in-between spaces of the Star Wars movies. There are stories about Poe, Rey, Rose, Leia, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Chewbacca, and more. Each story is short and heavily illustrated, so each one could be read as a bed time story. The illustrations are large, vivid, the characters resemble their movie counterparts, and feature a lot of action and adventure.

I loved reading this book and could see a young fan really enjoying this as well. The stories would best be understood by a reader who has seen ALL of the star wars movies, so maybe a first thru third grader depending on what they are allowed to watch. The most incredible part of this book are the AMAZING illustrations, which are some of the highest quality I have ever seen, completely bringing the stories to life. Although it’s a large book, its affordable, so it could be a great part of your library collection. Would also make a great gift, as the short stories could be read one at a time for bedtime.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

Running with Wolves by Jim and Jamie Dutcher –OPTIONAL

Running with Wolves by Jim andJamie Dutcher. 158 pages.  NON-FICTION. National Geographic, 2019 $17

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This is the true account of a national geographic study on wolves. Jamie Dutcher and his colleagues set up a giant enclosure in the Idaho wilderness and keep adding wolves until there is a pack, including the raising of multiple puppy litters. They film, study, and engage with the wolf pack in order to learn more about them. Eventually Jamie, a zoologist, joins the study and the reader hears her perspective as well. Includes lots of photographs and information on keystone species and how the readers can help.

Well I was a bit shocked to read how artificial the whole set up was. I always imagined wild life documentaries taking place in the true wild, but this was a manmade pack given road kill to eat, with puppies raised by human hands. The authors did a great job conveying the personalities of the wolves and making the reader feel present for the big events. That being said, the information about why studying wolves and preserving them as a part of their habitat was left mostly until the ending. The authors write about how there is a misperception about wolves, especially by farmers, but not how this study or the authors actions, were used to help remedy that viewpoint. I do think an upper elementary student who is interested in wolves might like this book.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

The Arabian Nights collected by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora A. Smith –OPTIONAL

The Arabian Nights collected by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora A. Smith, illustrated by Maxfield Parrish. 384 pages, Atheneum, 2019 $30.  978-1534430181

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This is a collection of twelve stories adapted from Tales of a Thousand and One Nights. There are the memorable Aladdin, Sinbad the Sailor, and The Story of Ali Baba and Forty Thieves. There are others that are less known but give us characters we know –The Story of the Fisherman and the Genie. There are several color illustrations by famous artist Maxfield Parrish.

This book is gorgeous and a wonderful selection of stories, however, I don’t think it would be a big sell for its intended age group: 8-12year olds. I think the vocabulary, cadence of the storytelling, and the vernacular would be comprehensible for most younger readers. Older readers may be off put by the horrible introduction by the women who collected these stories in 1909. A better intro would be the history of Tales of a Thousand and One Nights, with maps, fun facts, and why the selection was chosen for young readers. Maxfield Parrish is one of my favorite artists but those included in this edition leave much to be desired.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

National Geographic Kids: Make This! By Ella Schwartz – ESSENTIAL

National Geographic Kids: Make This! By Ella Schwartz. 154 pages. National Geographic Kids, 2019 $17

Content: G

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This fun how-to book is all about making and exploring makerspaces. It features chapters about Materials, Systems, Optics, Energy, Acoustics, Forces, and Motion. An example project is the pencil pusher, where makers put pencils under stacks of books to act as a roller. This project is awesome because it shows students how ancient people could have move heavy objects, like for the building of Stonehenge. It is also easy to do with readily available supplies. Another project I liked was reflective target practice: using mirrors and flashlights in the dark to make light change direction. There are also solving problem challenges: like How to design a visitor center at a desert sanctuary without using too much energy.

What a great book for young makers and thinkers! Teachers and Librarians should pick this up for lesson ideas and makerspace ideas! Student readers would have fun trying out the projects, many of which they could do without any help or extra supplies. The layout is fantastic and engaging. The projects are so appealing –like the ball launcher, walking water, roman arch using ice, and so many more. The writing is clear and easy to understand. I also like that many of the projects reference things happening in today’s world; like conservation, which is a great topic for today's young makers.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

The Sea Mammal Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta - ADVISABLE

The Sea Mammal Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Tom Leonard. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION. Charlesbridge, 2019. $18. 9781570911480

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

More than 2 dozen sea mammals are featured in this fully illustrated picture book. From Atlantic Spotted Dolphin to Ziphius, the reader will learn about different varieties of whales, dolphins, seals, and more. 

Complete with descriptions and interesting facts, the sea loving reader will love Tom Leonards illustrations. However, the alphabet is 4 short - either replaced by animals that aren't sea mammals or a silly explanation about all the places the author researched and came up empty. Really? I wish there were source notes, or an author's message, it would make this book more useful for older students.

Lisa Librarian

Poop or Get Off the Potty! by Margaret McNamara - OPTIONAL

Poop or Get Off the Potty! by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Allison Black. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2019. $17. 9781250124401

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mason and Mia have done a lot of pooping in their life - all sorts of poops! Now it's time they did their pooping on the potty. First they have to understand what the potty is for, then they have to learn to wait . . . 

An interesting toilet training books, focusing entirely on poop. The most memorable picture? When they are both pooping - not gross or funny about that, the humor is when they are trying different things with their potty. A nice story featuring both a boy and a girl - plus they also remember to wash up and congratulate each other.

Lisa Librarian

When You're Scared by Andrée Poulin - ADVISABLE

When You're Scared by Andrée Poulin, illustrated by Véronique Joffre. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids Books (Bayard), 2019. $18. 9781771473651

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A mother and her boy are camping, the boy is scared of jumping into the lake. A mother bear and her cub are scavenging, the cub is scared about jumping into a dumpster. But when the boy takes a load of trash to the dumpster, he discovers that the baby bear can't get out and the mother bear is worried. So the boy and his mom come up with a plan. 

Told mostly through the illustrations, this nearly wordless book can spark great discussions about empathy, fear, even cause/effect.

Lisa Librarian

Just Like Rube Goldberg by Sarah Aronson - ADVISABLE

Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines by Sarah Aronson, illustrated by Robert Neubecker. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Beach Lane Books (Simon and Schuster), 2019. $18. 9781481476683

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Rube Goldberg always wanted to draw, but his german immigrant father insisted that Rube get a college education, so Rube became an engineer. But after a few years of crawling through mines and drawing pipe systems, Rube moved to New York and got a job with a newspaper as a cartoonist, becoming famous for is drawings of outlandish inventions for doing simple things the hard way. 

Sara Aronson's simply told biography is carried beautifully through Robert Neubecker's illustrations. Keeping with Goldberg's style, we see Rubes' life as well as fun examples of his machines. I really love these picture book biographies which are so accessible for a wide audience. Includes a more thorough biography as well as source material. Adding this to my middle school biography collection today.

Lisa Librarian

Bright Shining Moment by Deb Loughead - OPTIONAL

Bright Shining Moment by Deb Loughead, 170 pages. Second Story Press, 2018. $8  

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying; teacher hitting student hands with a stick/belt)          

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The story takes place in Canada during the winter 1942-1943. We meet Aline, a 12 year old girl and her family. They live in a stone house her dad built by himself. They are poor, and Aline is constantly remind of how poor they are. Aline feels bad she cannot bring any money to the school to be donated to the poor and needy. One day she steals a dime from her mom's purse. When she comes to school it is too late to donate. Aline is torn with what to do now with the dime. Her decisions haunt her for a long time and she starts seeing her life, and other people's life in a different way.

I liked this book, and I felt for Aline. She is a very believable character and I could picture her and feel her torment as she goes through the winter months of that year. The second world war is raging and this book describes another war - the war inside of Aline. The story is heartwarming and a great feel-good story. This would be a wonderful read-aloud in a classroom as well as a good read for students to read on their own. I would recommend this book to students grade 3 -   7.       

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr - OPTIONAL

Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr.  306 pages. Candlewick Press, 2009; U.S. 2018. $17                 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Astrid is the only child in her small community in Norway. She lives in Glimmerdal with her mom and dad. Mostly her dad, because her mom's work keeps her away sometimes. Astrid's best friend is a 70-something man. He builds fantastic sleds and Astrid loves to test run the sleds for Gunnvald. Gunnvald has been keeping secrets and one of those secrets will really  strain their friendship. A family with children visit the community and Astrid loves playing with children her own age. Another visitor comes that Astrid does not know, but all the grown-up knows.             

Having grown up in Norway myself this book brought back many childhood memories. Of course I loved the story. It was an easy read, and a good translation from Norwegian. I loved how Astrid always looked on the positive side and she was never afraid to give it everything she got. She is a believable character, and the reader is with her in good times and hard times. Astrid sounds like a fun kid and I feel like I know her and Gunnvald after reading this book.   I have recommended this title to several students at my school, and have only heard positive comments back.             

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Matzah Belowstairs by Susan Lynn Meyer - OPTIONAL

Matzah Belowstairs by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Mette Engell.  PICTURE BOOK.  Kar-Ben (Lerner), 2019. $18.  9781541521681

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Eli and his family are getting ready for the Passover seder, but in the floorboards below, Miriam Mouse is sad because she hasn’t been able to forage any matzah for her family. Maybe when Eli’s father goes to hide the matzah it will be her chance, but can she and Eli share?

For children accustomed to the traditions around seder, this is a cute twist on the holiday.  For children unfamiliar with seder, it is a simple introduction to part of the tradition.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Bruce's Big Fun Day by Ryan T Higgins - ESSENTIAL

Bruce's Big Fun Day by Ryan T Higgins. EARLY READER. Disney Hyperion, 2019. $15. 9781368022811

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Bruce does not enjoy big fun days, but his friend Nibbs has planned just that. It seems to be one disaster after another, from spilling his breakfast all over, to carrying all the stuff himself and even sinking the boat, Bruce has an awful day! 

The details of the story are in Higgins hilarious illustrations. Bruce does not like picnics - - well, everything is covered in ants! The child will get that right away. I love it when the pictures help the text make sense, I love it even more when the pictures add to the text. A terrific early reader, and an essential pick for your library.

Lisa Librarian

Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! by Dan Santat - ESSENTIAL

Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! by Dan Santat, PICTURE BOOK. Hyperion (Disney), 2019. $10. 9781368027168

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Harold and Hog are a "real" elephant and a "real" pig who love Mo Willems characters Elephant and Piggy so much, they decide to pretend they ARE Elephant and Piggy. The problem is, Hog's personality is not like Piggy's and Harold is too carefree to act like Elephant. Can they pretend to be best friends when they are not like their counterparts? Wait . . . they are already best friends!

Dan Santat has adapted these characters perfectly. I love their cartoon masks (Piggy's cartoon nose, Elephant's line drawn glasses), their word bubble conversations and the silly situation they are in. Perfect for fans of Mo Willems.

Lisa Librarian

Wee Beasties: Touchy the Octopus Touches EVERYTHING by Ame Dyckman - ESSENTIAL

Wee Beasties: Touchy the Octopus Touches Everything by Ame Dyckman illustrated by Alex G Griffiths. BOARD BOOK. Simon and Schuster Kids, 2019. $9. 9781534410824

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Touchy the Octopus loves to Touch things - but sometimes he touches things he shouldn't like bubblegum and wet cement. Can the reader show him the proper way not to touch a beehive??? 

Dyckman and Griffiths series (see Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard) about learning appropriate behavior is both useful and entertaining. Whimsical illustrations, funny situations and a predictable format make this book and the others a sure hit with the wee folk.

Lisa Librarian

A Voice for the Spirit Bears by Katy Dockrill - ADVISABLE

A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal by Carmen Oliver illustrated by Katy Dockrill. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Kids Can Press, 2019. $17. 9781771389792

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Simon was 7 years old, he fell in love with Grizzly bears while on a trip to Yellowstone Park. Then, he saw a new report that deforestation in Alaska as limiting their habitat, and started raising money, writing letters and speaking out for the Bears. When he was 13, he shifted his focus to the rare Spirit Bears, even starting a youth organization to raise awareness and help ensure their survival. All this speaking out was difficult for him, as Simon had a stutter, but he found ways to combat his speech problem and to make a big difference. 

A true story about Simon Jackson's conservation efforts, this book can inspire other young people to raise their voices and speak out. Includes a good sized biography giving more detail about his organization and how to get involved yourself. This would be nice to use as a resource when teaching "Touching Spirit Bear" or as part of a conservation unit.

Lisa Librarian

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn - ADVISABLE

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn, 291 pages. Bloomsbury, 2019. $12.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Cat just finished 5th grade. She is excited for the trip to Atlanta where her mom will teach a writing class for a few weeks. Cat (Caterpillar) is always looking out for her younger brother, Chicken. When her brother was born, Cat thought he looked like a chicken. The name stuck. Chicken has some problems, but Cat can always make him feel better and she understands him. They live in San Fransisco with mom. Dad died of cancer and they all miss him. Instead of seeing her friend in Atlanta, Cat and Chicken are dropped off at Gingerbread Island with a grandma and grandpa they do not know.            

This was a most wonderful book, and I could not put it down. Gillian McDunn writes 11 year old girls so well! Cat is bright, hardworking and does her best to please the grown ups in her life. She will do anything to watch and protect her young brother, no matter how difficult it is or how much she just wants to do what girls her age do. She is great. The adults in the book are also great, and I liked the way they helped Cat and allowed her to sometimes just be a young girl. This is a heartwarming story. The way Gingerbread Island is described it made me want to visit there some time. It is an island off the coast of North Carolina.      

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Dave’s Rock by Frann Preston-Gannon - OPTIONAL

Dave’s Rock by Frann Preston-Gannon.  Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2019.  $16. 9781536202717

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Caveman Dave and his friend Jon are in a contest to see whose rock is bigger, taller, prettier, etc., until they decide that there is something better than can make with their rocks.

This follow-up to Dave’s Cave doesn’t quite match the charm of Dave’s Cave.  Dave and Jon come off as braggarts and of low intelligence – especially compared to the animals shown on the final pages.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

A Little Chicken by Tammi Sauer - ESSENTIAL

A Little Chicken by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Dan Taylor.  PICTURE BOOK.  Sterling, 2019.  $17. 9781454929000

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Dot the Chicken it a little chicken.  But when her own actions cause one of her mama’s eggs to roll away, she screws up her courage and rises to the occasion.

Sauer writes a terrific story about screwing up your courage and Taylor’s details add to the perfection. I love seeing Dot in her pink underwear superhero costume, and being afraid of the occasional lawn ornament made me snort!  Such fun to share – you will needing this for story time.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Last of the Name by Rosanne Perry - OPTIONAL

Last of the Name by Rosanne Perry , 322 pages.  Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2019.  $18.

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (rioting and implied beatings)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When their Grandmother dies on the ship on the way to America in 1863, Kathleen and Daniel are the only two left of their whole family.  Kathleen is desperate to keep Daniel out of the hands of the recruiters for the Army, which is fighting the Civil War in the South, and she needs to keep both of them off the streets.  Luckily she finds a place as a housemaid, but she can only bring her “sister” as a cook’s helper.  Danny is disgusted by the ruse, especially when the mistress of the house hears his singing and insists that “Mary” be a star of her upcoming musical evening.  As preparations continue, no one knows the wild days that are coming as Irish community becomes angry about the large proportion of them who are having their names dawn in the draft, because they can’t afford to buy their way out, like the rich, and Irish lives don’t seem to be worth as much as a black.

This is only the third novel I have seen about the New York Draft riots (Isabelle Holland’s Behind the Lines and Walter Dean Myers Riot).  The tale is told from the point of view of Irish Americans, which I liked, especially since Irish and Catholics were not really “accepted” until JFK won the presidency – another 100 years later. Neither the title nor the cover will help this find readers, though.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Poison in the Colony: Jamestown 1622 by Elisa Carbone - OPTIONAL

Poison in the Colony: Jamestown 1622 by Elisa Carbone, 297 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2019.  $18.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (deaths mentioned, dogs hanged)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Virginia was the first baby born in the Jamestown colony.  She was three when Pocahontas was taken prisoner by the settlers and six when the renamed Rebecca died on her only visit to England.  While there has usually been peace with the natives and the settlers, but the policies of the ever-changing colonial governor and the arrogance of the noblemen towards their plantation slaves (criminals from England, indentured servants, and blacks purchased from slavers) are always creating tension. Virginia has always been able to keep her visions secret from everyone but her family, but what if she sees something that could affect the entire colony?  Is that worth being hanged?

I think it always worth working hard with the Language Arts department or Social Studies department to make sure the historical fiction books in the library get used.  The addition of Virginia’s gift make this a little more mystical than historical, but there is plenty of great history included. I liked learning more of the details of the colonists’ lives.   

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Another by Christian Robinson - OPTIONAL

Another by Christian Robinson, PICTURE BOO. Atheneum (Simon and Schuster, 2019. $18. 153442167X

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little girl follows her cat through a hole in the wall to another world where there's another cat and even another little girl that looks just like her, only opposite. In fact, everything is opposite! 

This wordless picture book is an adventure, and also strange. It reminded me of Coraline (but without the danger). What if? What happens at the end is totally up to the reader, so it can be a different story every time. Christian Robinson's art is great, but the story concept is a little trippy.

Lisa Librarian

Red Light, Green Lion by Candace Ryan and Jennifer Yerkes

Red Light, Green Lion by Candace Ryan and Jennifer Yerkes. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2019. $17. 9781525300158

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

So, a Green Lion is waiting at a red light, but, as you turn the page something happens that starts with li- , like lightning, or livestock, or even a lilac. The lion is contending with one crazy thing after another, just rolling with what happens in his day - as you do!

I liked this lesson about dealing with the unexpected. The artwork is simple in Red and Blue and Green - when you're done reading - you can practice drawing a simple lion!

Lisa Librarian

Woke Baby by Mahogany Browne - ADVISABLE

Woke Baby by Mahogany L. Browne, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2018. 17. 1626722951

Pre K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Woke Baby does all sorts of things - waking up early, reaching out for justice, wiggling, using his loud voice, reaching for what is his. 

Large sweet pictures accompany this empowering text. So much fun to read to a baby!

Lisa Librarian

Let 'er Buck: George Fletcher, the People's Champion by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson - ADVISABLE

Let 'er Buck: George Fletcher, the People's Champion by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by Gordon C. James. PICTURE BOOK/ NON FICTION. Carolrhoda books (Lerner), 2019. $19. 1512498084

BUING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When George Fletcher was a little boy, he lived near a reservation, and made many friends there. One game he love to play was riding a barrel pulled back and forth like a bucking bronco. Eventually he was riding the real thing and entering Rodeos and shows. At age 21, he made it to the final three of an important Saddle Bronc competition. It was George, Jackson Sundown (a Nez Perce Indian) and a white rancher named John Spain. Whether or not George can win this competition has more riding on it that a wild horse or a cowboy's skill. George was African American, and the cards were often stacked against him.

Gordon James beautiful and expressive illustrations bring the reader right into the action. A wonderful story of triumph and succeeding against the odds.

Lisa Librarian