Colette's Lost Pet by Isabelle Arsenault - ADVISABLE

Colette's Lost Pet by Isabelle Arsenault, PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2017. $18. 97805535369591

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Colette has just moved into a new neighborhood, so when her mother sends her out exploring and she meets some new friends they help her look for the "pet" she said she lost. Each new friend asks a question and Colette adds a detail, soon the whole neighborhood is looking for her lost parakeet, but as the description of the bird becomes rather, well, unusual, her friends get more and more interested - do they know she's inventing this pet? 

Arsenault's delightful story of getting to know new friends is beautifully illustrated in shades of yellow and grey (except for the bird of course). The story is graphic novel style with dialogue carrying the story, and makes a wonderful easy read.

Lisa Librarian

Scout Moore Junior Ranger Yellowstone by Theresa Howell - ADVISABLE

Scout Moore Junior Ranger Yellowstone by Theresa Howell, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. PICTURE BOOK. Muddy Boots, (Rowman & Littlefield), 2019. $16. 9781630763459

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Scout Moore is the perfect Junior Ranger. She knows how to preserve our environment and all about the National Parks her family will visit, so she’s very excited to visit Yellowstone, the first National Park ever. She visits a ranger at the beginning of her trip, and learns all about the park and all its features. Of course, Scout earns her junior ranger badge and so does her brother Wesley. 

Theresa Howell’s second Junior Ranger book (the first is Grand Canyon) is a fun and lightly educational read. The illustrations are perfect - those familiar with Yellowstone will know just where she is, and the posters on her wall are a tribute to all the young junior rangers and their hopes to visit every park. I appreciated the author's note at the end which gives safety tips, and a little extra information about Yellowstone. I would have loved to see a “further reading” list or a link to the NPS website.

Lisa Librarian

Courageous: A Novel of Dunkirk by Yona Zeldis McDonough - ADVISABLE

Courageous: A Novel of Dunkirk by Yona Zeldis McDonough, 177 pages.  Scholastic, 2018.  $17.  

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Aiden and his best friend Sally live in England during World War II.  Aiden has lost one brother to the war and his other brother, George, sends home letters as frequently as he can.  Sally and Aiden like to listen to the radio, so when in May 1940 they hear a cry for citizens to help pick up troops from across the water at Dunkirk, Aiden wants to take his father’s fishing boat convinced that he will be helping his brother George.  Aiden’s father refuses to get involved, so Aiden and Sally sneak the boat out and follow the other people across the water to help in Dunkirk.  

At first I was bothered that Aiden was only twelve-years old, but I actually think younger readers would relate to Aiden and Sally and their need to contribute to the war effort.  I enjoyed the adventurous story, especially because it’s historical fiction and I felt like it was realistic.  At times it was neatly wrapped up, but there is still un-graphic deaths from wounds, shootings and bombings.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Wild Blues by Beth Kephart - OPTIONAL

Wild Blues by Beth Kephart, 317 pages.  Atheneum Books, 2018.  $18.  

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Thirteen-year old Lizzie loves visiting her Uncle Davy, so when Lizzie’s mom gets cancer and has to take a radioactive treatment, Lizzie chooses Uncle Davy’s place.  Lizzie and her best friend, Matias, love discovering all the beauty of the woods around Uncle Davy’s, but one day when Matias isn’t at their meeting place, Lizzie starts to realize that something is very wrong.  

This book has a compelling storyline and I don’t mind the stream of conscience writing style, but I’m not sure young readers will be patient with that style.  There were also a couple of turns in the plot that were unrealistic and frustrating and I was disappointed in the weird ending.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett and Sarah Jacoby - ADVISABLE

The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett and Sarah Jacoby, PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2019. $18. 9780062393449

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Although Margaret Wise Brown only lived 42 years, she wrote over 100 books. I'm sure you've read some. She raised rabbits, she loved nature and she did some strange things. 

Margaret Wise Brown is quirky and unusual - very different from what I expected! Who would have known that the author of Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon lived a story worthy life. Mac Barnett has chosen to reveal wonderful tidbits about Brown; some gross, others endearing, all perfect. Although this is a picture book, I would be more likely to recommend this to a bit older audience - Barnett's humor deserves to be appreciated.

Lisa Librarian

Music for Mister Moon by Philip C. Stead - ADVISABLE

Music for Mister Moon by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2019. $19. 978082344160

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Harriet Henry wants to play her cello, but not for anyone, just for herself. So, when an owl outside her window interrupts with its hooting she throws a teacup at it, knocking the moon from the sky. The moon is friendly, and the two of them visit places in the town the moon would like to experience. 

I'm sure there's a message or a meaning I'm not seeing - it's a bit absurd and unpredictable, however, it's also sweet and charming. The illustrations are soft like a dream, and the story is too.

Lisa Librarian

Quiet by Tomie dePaola - ESSENTIAL

Quiet by Tomie dePaola, PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2018. $18. 9781481477543

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A grandfather points out how everything seems to be in such a hurry! The birds are flying fast, the bees are working so hard, the dog is running around, even the leaves on the trees are waving. "Let's not be so busy" he says and invites the children to sit on a bench with him. The children recognize how nice it is when everything calms down. "To be quiet and still is a special thing." 

Tomie dePaola has given us a lovely, simple book. His sweet illustrations perfectly complement the text, and the message that we need to slow down and experience quiet is timely and important.

Lisa Librarian

Dragon’s Fat Cat by Dav Pilkey - OPTIONAL

Dragon’s Fat Cat by Dav Pilkey, 54 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL/CHAPTER BOOK. Acorn (Scholastic), OCT 2019 (reprint).  $5 (PB). 9781338347463

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Pilkey’s classic has been repackaged as part of Scholastic’s Acorn series. It’s a good fit to bring Dragon to a new generation.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Pug Blasts Off by Kyla May - OPTIONAL

Pug Blasts Off (Diary of a Pug) by Kyla May, 72 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL/CHAPTER BOOK. Acorn (Scholastic), OCT 2019.  $5 (PB). 9781338530056

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The Inventor Fair is coming up and Bub the Pug’s human, Bella, is working on her invention. When Bub ruins it, he has to work really hard to help Bella succeed. 

A good buy in paperback. Bub is pretty cute and his earnestness when he tries to help Bella is adorable. Get all of the Acorns for those slightly older students who just haven’t bloomed into readers.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Why? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger - OPTIONAL

Why? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.  PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter (Holiday House), 2019.  $19. 9780823441730

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

As Bear walks through the forest Rabbit keeps asking Why? Bear answers as best as it can, but when Rabbit sees a dead bird on the snow, Bear answers truthfully, I don’t know.

Seeger’s illustrations are beautiful as usual – they’d make great wall art.  The byplay between Rabbit and Bear just doesn’t spark as much interest, though.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

On the Playground : Our First Talk About Prejudice by Dr. Jillian Roberts - ESSENTIAL

On the Playground : Our First Talk About Prejudice by Dr. Jillian Roberts, illustrations by Jane Heinrichs. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Orca Book Publishers, 2019. $20. 9781459820913

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a child sees a boy getting bullied, she feels bad, and Dr. Roberts explains about Prejudice. She acknowledges that it's hard to know what to do, and that even adults say mean things sometimes. She defines harassment, and prejudice; explains racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism and ableism in simple terms a child can understand. She also talks about diversity and what the child can do to help including what inclusivity and respect mean. 

Dr. Jillian Roberts has a whole series of these timely titles, "The World Around Us" covering Prejudice, Tragedy, Online Safety, and body image. Important words and ideas are clearly explained in sidebars. Jane Heinrichs' cute illustrations accompany photographs of children and adults. Although the children are youngish, this is perfectly appropriate for upper elementary, and even middle school if needed. Includes resources both print and online, and a great author's note.

Lisa Librarian

The 47 People You'll Meet in Middle School by Kristin Mahoney - ADVISABLE

The 47 People You'll Meet in Middle School by Kristin Mahoney, 304 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random House), 2019. $20.

Language: PG (2 swears (Diety) 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Augusta has had a rough year, her parents got a divorce and she has started 6th grade in middle school. Both cause lots of life changes. She has to split her time between her mother's and father's homes, and money is tight, so the promised contact lenses are out of the question. Her sister Louise is in 4th grade and is always asking Gus what middle school is like, and this novel is a letter from Gus to her sister describing her first few months. One of Augusta's teachers challenges the kids to "find their tribe". Her best friend Layla is going to a different middle school and has already made new friends. Other kids changed over the summer and have different friend groups, so Gus is on her own to make new friends or find old friends she had taken for granted. 

Does Kristin Mahoney teach middle school? She's got this, the representations of all the different kids, the kind teachers and the strict ones, what happens in the halls, problems with lockers and lunch - a well rounded representation of middle school with a great story line. I liked that each chapter introduced another character, some stayed with the story and others didn't, but that wasn't a problem.  I think this will be liked more by upper elementary, but I'm certainly buying a copy for my 7-9 middle school.

Lisa Librarian

River by Elisha Cooper - OPTIONAL

River by Elisha Cooper. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), OCTOBER 2019.  $19. 9781338312263

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A woman starts at the head of the Hudson River in her canoe for the long journey all the way to her family in New York City.

I love Cooper’s lush drawings – they are evocative and iconic.  Any of them would make an art gallery worthy painting. This time, however, Cooper seems so enamored of the topic that the details of the journey weighs down the story.  

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Boy and the Bear by Peter Stein - ESSENTIAL

The Boy and the Bear by Peter Stein.  PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019.  $18. 9780823440955

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A boy and his bear are inseparable as they wander here and there.  Then the boy starts seeing more animals and brings them along until he can’t hold them all.

There is a fun twist to the near end of this story that heightens the adorableness factor.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Let’s Scare Bear by Yuko Katakawa - ADVISABLE

Let’s Scare Bear by Yuko Katakawa.  PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019.  $18. 9780823439539

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Four forest friends are enjoying their manju cakes when Bear stomps by.  Each of them try to scare bear in turn, but Bear tells them what he is really afraid of – manju cakes.  They friends pelt Bear with manju – but maybe the joke is on them?

Based on a traditional Japanese story, the sly twist at the end makes for a great tale. A definite good addition for an international story collection.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Give Me Back My Bones! By Kim Norman and Bob Kolar - ESSENTIAL

Give Me Back My Bones! by Kim Norman, illustrated by Bob Kolar.  PICTURE BOOK.  Candlewick, 2019.  $17. 9780763688417

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The bones have been scattered all over the ocean floor and the skeleton needs to gather them back together.

Not just for Halloween! What a great replacement for the old Dry Bones song.  But someone needs to write the music first.  I love that the rhyme is AAAB CCCD, etc.  It stops it from getting too bouncy but is still fun. Kolar’s illustrations fit just right.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Right One for Roderic by Violeta Noy - ADVISABLE

The Right One for Roderic by Violeta Noy. PICTURE BOOK. Kings Road Publishing (Candlewick Press), 2019. $17. 9781536205725

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Roderic is a little ghost in a big family and he feels like no one sees him. He tries to get noticed by wearing hats and extravagant clothing. Finally he finds a sheet that has patterns on it and realizes this is his perfect fit. 

The humor in this book was a bit lost on my young reader because I had to keep explaining that ghosts wearing sheets is itself a joke. As a more mature reader, I found it funny, but it is a weakness of an author to not be able to take a child through the humor.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Holy Squawkamole! Little Red Hen Makes Guacamole by Susan Wood - OPTIONAL

Holy Squawkamole! Little Red Hen Makes Guacamole by Susan Wood, illustrated by Laura Gonzalez. PICTURE BOOK. Sterling Children’s Books, 2019. $17. 9781454922537

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A little red hen is trying to make guacamole and asks for help from a variety of friends. They are each unwilling to help but want to be notified when the guacamole is done. Little Red Hen does include them when it is time to eat, but the guacamole is very spicy. 

It was unclear to me if the spiciness of the guacamole was meant as a punishment, which would be an inappropriate reaction to others not helping. I liked that the book included an informational section in the back with a recipe and the history of guacamole as well as a glossary of the spanish words used.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Go For the Moon by Chris Gall - ESSENTIAL

Go For the Moon: A Rocket, A Boy, and the First Moon Landing by Chris Gall.  NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2019.  $20. 9781250155795

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young boy follows the journey of the Apollo 11 astronauts on their trip to the Moon.

Gall’s illustrations are so gorgeous!  He hasn’t written very many picture books and that is a total shame! This one interweaves the true story of Apollo 11 with the fictional story of the boy and includes a treasure trove of facts about rocketry and the mission.  Space-minded kids will love it!

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Grandpa Cacao by Elizabeth Zunon - ESSENTIAL

Grandpa Cacao: A Tale of Chocolate from Farm to Family by Elizabeth Zunon. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2019.  $18. 9781681196404

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A girl and her father are baking a chocolate cake for her birthday celebration.  While they are getting ready, they talk about what she wants for her big day and her father reminds her of her own Grandfather who makes a living growing cacao in the Ivory Coast.  When mom returns, she has a very special surprise for her.

Another perfect lesson opener.  For elementary it can be a starter for a cooking lesson, a chocolate lesson (plus tasting!), or a discussion about the connectivity of the world’s economy. Same for middle school. I love it!

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Moth: An Evolution Story by Isabel Thomas and Daniel Egneus - ESSENTIAL

Moth: An Evolution Story by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus. NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2019.  $19. 9781547600205

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A certain species of moth used to be a combination of black and white, mostly, but when the Industrial Revolution hit and the trees and buildings became covered with soot and ash, the darker version became more prevalent.

That’s a pretty utilitarian summary, but Thomas’s book is very lyrical and Egneus’s beautiful illustrations make for a wonderful read. A great opener for a lesson on adaptation. I’m hoping my Biology teachers will embrace this.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Colors by Shelley Rotner and Anne Woodhull - ADVISABLE

Colors by Shelley Rotner and Anne Woodhull, photographs by Shelley Rotner.  NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019.  $18. 9780823440634

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Rotner’s vivid photograph are the highlight of this simple book showing the variety of shades in just the basic colors. 

The makings of a great chunky board book.  The photos are so gorgeous that I had to up the appeal.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty - ESSENTIAL

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis.  NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK.  Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2019.  $18. 9781250199348

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

McAnulty applies her talents to teaching us about the moon.

I was a bit surprised, because I guess I am a bit behind on my moon formation theories – I had no idea that the prevailing theory is that the moon formed from Earth debris after a collision billions of years ago. But McAnulty explains just enough for any young reader to get the gist of Moon facts in a very interesting way.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

I am a Super Girl by Kelly Greenawalt - AVERAGE

I am a Super Girl (Princess Truly) by Kelly Greenawalt, illustrated by Amariah Rauscher, 44 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL/EARLY READER. Acorn (Scholastic), SEPT 2019. $5 (PB). 9781338339987

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Princess Truly is going to use her superpowers to help a friend when a birthday party goes awry. Then she can show her friend how to use her own superpowers.

I would buy these books as paperbacks. The reading level is good for any early reader.  I found the bouncy, sparkly, rainbow girly power coupled with rhymes a bit cloying.  

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Why? by Lila Prap - ESSENTIAL

Why? by Lila Prap. PICTURE BOOK. Firefly Books, 2018. $15. 9780228101222

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Each spread in this book includes a question about some animal behavior and then several answers that are silly or funny. Noted by a star is a scientific answer that answers the question. 

This book is both fun and interesting. The illustrations are on the bland side, most in browns with a brown background. The font makes the text seem like it is for little readers, but I think slightly older kids will enjoy the information the most. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

The Wild Wombat by Udo Weigelt - ESSENTIAL

The Wild Wombat by Udo Weigelt, illustrated by Melanie Freund. PICTURE BOOK. Minedition, 2018. $18. 9789888341795

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A parrot in the zoo overhears the zookeepers say that they need to be careful with the wild wombat who will be arriving soon. The parrot passes this information on to a polar who passes it on to other animals and each time the description of the wombat gets more and more scary. 

My favorite part of this story was the very understated ending in which the wombat asks where all the animals, who are apparently too scared to welcome him, are. I think young readers will be able to relate to the way stories morph as they are told and see the humor in this. They will also learn a little about an actual wombat.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Let’s Have a Sleepover! by Norm Feuti - AVERAGE

Let’s Have a Sleepover! (Hello Hedgehog #2) by Norm Feuti. 44 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL/EARLY READER. Acorn (Scholastic), SEPT 2019. $5 (PB). 9781338281415

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Hamster is sleeping over at Hedgehog’s house, but Hamster hides his sleeping friend so that Hedgehog won’t see it. As the sleepover continues, Hedgehog and Hamster solve problems together and learn about being friends.

It’s probably best to buy these in paperback unless you are buying a library. A decent bridge book to chapter books for 1^stor 2^ndgraders.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Where’s the Witch by Ingela P. Arrhenius - ESSENTIAL

Where’s the Witch by Ingela P. Arrhenius.  BOARD BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2019.  $9. 9781536207538

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Who doesn’t need a fabulous Halloween board book? I know I do! Arrhenius continues with the sturdy felt tabs for a fun game of hide and seek.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Liberty Arrives! by Robert Byrd - ADVISABLE

Liberty Arrives! How America’s Grandest Statue Found Her Home by Robert Byrd.  NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.  Dial (Penguin), 2019.  $18. 9780735230828

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Bartholdi’s dream of an epic, grand statue for his friends the Americans took the work of two countries to make it happen.  Even after France did its part, however, it took America longer to get its act together.

Byrd has written a highly detailed about the history of the Statue of Liberty.  The detailed info makes it best for upper elementary or even middle school.  It isn’t quite as dynamic as Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers nor as accessible for younger students like Doreen Rappaport’s Lady Liberty, but if you need a new Statue of Liberty book or supplemental materials, this contains everything that anyone needs to know about the statue.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Music for Mister Moon by Philip C. Stead - ESSENTIAL

Music for Mister Moon by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019. $19. 9780823441600

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A young girl only wants to play her instrument alone and not in front of others, so when an owl interrupts her she gets frustrated and throws her tea cup out the window. Her cup hits the moon and the moon gets stuck above her house. Harriet, who also goes by hank, helps the moon enjoy his time on earth and helps him return to the sky. 

I love the magical realism of this book. The book starts with Harriet turning her parents into penguins, setting the tone for a gently absurd story with real emotions, but magical events. This might be a little disorienting for young readers, but they will hopefully also be delighted by it.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Birthday on Mars! by Sara Schonfeld - ADVISABLE

Birthday on Mars! by Sara Schonfeld, illustrated by Andrew J. Ross. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop (Penguin Random House), 2019. $9. 978152479122

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Curiosity is the name of a robot that is exploring Mars and sending photos back to the humans. Curiosity is also having a birthday and sends a message back to earth that we should all be a little more curious about the world around us. 

This is a short and easy book that will encourage readers to keep learning about Mars and the efforts we all make to understand our world. The only part that was a bit lost of me was why they oriented the story around the birthday of the robot. I think the book would have been better oriented around the name of the robot, Curiosity.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Paper Mice by Megan Wagner Lloyd - NO

Paper Mice by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2019. $18. 9781481481663

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - NOT RECOMMENDED

AUDIENCE APPEAL: Low

An elderly woman cuts out two paper mice from old envelopes and sticks them between the pages of a couple of books. At night, the paper mice come alive and begin to explore the house by themselves. But the real magic happens when they meet up and become friends.

The story itself is okay but pretty forgettable. (Though it does beg the question: WHY does the old woman cut out the mice, paint them, and then put them in the pages of two separate books? They don't need to be flattened. They don't seem to be used as bookmarks. They can't be a surprise, since her grandchild watched her the whole time? So why?) Anyway. It's the dark and dismal illustrations that brought this book down into NOT RECOMMENDED territory. They are pretty unappealing, and are reminiscent of a 1950s picture book, but without the excuse of lack of printing capabilities to justify it. In addition, there is a scene with a half-naked doll -- the top half, shown in great enough detail to make an impression. I understand that dolls sometimes show some skin when kids are changing their clothes, but this was completely unnecessary. Leave something to the imagination, please.

Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist

The Friendship War by Andrew Clements - ADVISABLE

The Friendship War by Andrew Clements, 168 pages, Random House, 2019, $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Sixth grader, Grace has just happened upon a windfall of buttons.  Really cool buttons.  When she inadvertently starts a fad at her school with buttons, she could be the queen bee.  Unfortunately, it would mean dethroning her best friend Ellie in the process, but maybe Ellie deserve to be dethroned.   After all, Grace has always been Ellie’s sidekick.

Clements delivers on another great story.  Through the button fad and Grace’s scientific mind, we get to observe as she does, what makes something a fad, perhaps how to stop it, and what it means to be a friend.  The book also briefly addresses loss of a loved one and hope, intertwining them into a great read.  Anyone who has ever been caught up in a fad (Pokemon cards anyone?) or has had friendship troubles can relate.  Nice book on taking the higher ground to cope. 

Michelle in the Middle, Teacher

Here Comes Trouble by Kate Hattemer - OPTIONAL

Here Comes Trouble by Kate Hattemer, 309 pages, Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2018, $17. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Soren Skaar’s life has changed.  His best friend and pranking partner, a girl named Alex, has moved before he begins 6th grade.  If that weren’t bad enough, his cousin, Flynn comes to spend the school year with him. Flynn is nothing like Alex.  Flynn is hip and serious about school, whereas Soren is only concerned with pranking. As Soren tries to find ways to prank without Alex, he makes some interesting allies but puts other relationships at risk.

At over 300 pages, this book felt long.  I also struggled with the pranking.  No one seemed to have a real problem with it.  As a middle school teacher I would have to find a job elsewhere than Soren’s school.   I would have liked to see Flynn’s character explored more in depth.   He seemed to have some serious issues that were glossed over.   This book was a fun premise that left me wanting more character growth.  

Michelle in the Middle, Teacher