Pin Pon : Learn about manners in English and Spanish by Susie Jaramillo - OPTIONAL

Pin Pon : Learn about manners in English and Spanish by Susie Jaramillo BOARD BOOK, ACTIVITY BOOK Encantos Media 2020 $15 9781945635281 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Pin Pon is a paper doll (well, cardboard cut out), who knows all the best manners, like holding his milk with both hands so he doesn't spill, doing all his homework before bed and going right to sleep. 

Uniquely designed with English on one side and Spanish on the other, this cute lift the flap story is fun for little hands. Because of the nature of the two-sided book, it actually can fold out all the way, which makes it rather ungainly as a library book.

Lisa Librarian

Feed Your Mind : A Story of August Wilson by Jen Bryant and Cannaday Chapman - ADVISABLE

Feed Your Mind : A Story of August Wilson by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman, PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Abrams, 2019. $18. 9781419736537

Language: PG (2 instances of the "n" word).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

August Wilson was a very smart boy - he was reading by the age of 4, and was a smart student, but racial prejudice by both students and teachers, kept him from regularly attending school. He was a brilliant writer - loved writing poems. As an adult, he listened carefully to the conversations going on around him, writing down snippets and incorporating them into his writing - eventually using them in his plays. 

It's a long read for a picture book. Too long for a read aloud - unless you do it in parts - Bryant has divided the story into acts, like a play. Chapman's illustrations are so expressive. I liked the use of shadow to direct the focus. It reads like a play with free verse narrative, and creative staging in the illustrations.Includes an author's note, an extensive timeline, bibliography and list of plays. The "n" word is used twice as August is confronted by racial prejudice.

Lisa Librarian

16 Words : William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" by Lisa Rogers and Chuck Groenink - ADVISABLE

16 Words : William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" by Lisa Rogers and Chuck Groenink, PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Schwartz & Wade (Penguin Random House), 2019. $18. 9781524720162 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

William Carlos Williams was a country doctor, and a respected poet. Lisa Rogers imagines what might have inspired his poem "The Red Wheelbarrow." He travels around town, making house calls, caring for sick or injured folks, delivering a baby and occasionally typing a poem on his typewriter. William Carlos Williams wrote about regular, ordinary things, in few words - beautiful. 

Chuck Groenink's illustrations are soft and sweet - like watching a turn of the century small town in action. The present tense narrative brought me right into the pictures. More about the poem than a biography, this is a fine companion to the actual poem. Includes an author's note, bibliography and a list of some of his most well known poems.

Lisa Librarian

Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell by Selina Alko - ADVISABLE

Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell by Selina Alko PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Harper Collins, 2020. $18. 9780062671295

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Joni Mitchell grew up in Canada and was a very artistic child, playing music and painting.  Even a bout with polio didn't shut her down. As a young adult, she moved to Toronto and wrote music and sang in cafes. Eventually moving to New York, she started signing her own songs in Greenwich Village, then on to California.  Her friends were the legends of folk music. She missed Woodstock but wrote a memorable song about it. Joni Mitchell did what she liked best, and she did it her way.

Selina Alko's picture book biography of Joni Mitchell is very nostalgic - I loved the lyric speech bubbles, the connection of certain songs to her life events and the collage illustrations particularly those of her contemporaries. The style of illustration suited the subject. I think adults who love Joni Mitchell will find this engaging - it's a great introduction to Mitchell for kids and references some of her most popular songs. Includes author's note, a bibliography and a discography.

Lisa Librarian

Althea Gibson : The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Foot Girl by Megan Reid and Laura Freeman - ADVISABLE

Althea Gibson : The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Foot Girl by Megan Reid, illustrated by Laura Freeman, PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Harper Collins, 2020. $18. 9780062851093

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Althea was a kid, she played in the streets of Harlem with her friends and excelled at everything. But by 13 - it wasn't enough to just play during the summer, so she joined the Cosmopolitan Tennis Club and worked odd jobs there to pay for her lessons. She was really good at tennis, but because she was black, she could only play people in her own league. She beat everyone there - and wanted to be a world champion, but the laws in the United States were not on her side. By 1950 she was invited to play in the US championships against white players, she toured Europe and by 1957 was invited to play at Wimbledon. She was a true champion. 

Laura Freeman's illustrations are colorful and active. Reid's text is concise. A fun read for the tennis enthusiast. Althea Gibson is a great example of grit, perseverance and courage. Includes an extensive author's note, timeline and further reading.

Lisa Librarian

Finally, Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett - ADVISABLE

Finally, Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett, 244 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2020. $17.

Language: G (1 swear); Mature Content G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

Fifth graders, Paul Marconi and his two friends call themselves the One and Onlys, because they have no siblings.  Even though the town of Bellwood is already strange, things only get stranger when a load of rubber ducks end up on a neighbor’s lawn, a former babysitter sneaks off into the forest at night, and the town gets caught up in the frenzy of the annual Bratwurst Bonanza.  So it’s up to the amateur sleuths to figure out the mysterious happenings.

As someone who dreamed of finding a mystery to solve, I liked this story because the mystery was not so dangerous that it would be out of the realm of fifth graders.  The adults in the story are likeable and Paul even has two competent parents. There is humor and adventure as Paul, Shanks, and Peephole work together and deal not only with the mystery but friendship and change.  And if you like small town festivals and Bratwurst, it’s an even bigger bonus.

Michelle in the Middle

Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega - OPTIONAL

Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega, 256 pages. Scholastic, 2020. $18.

Language: G (1 swear); Mature Content G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

Twelve-year old best friends, Lucely Luna and her friend Syd, cast a spell shortly before Halloween that could destroy their Florida town, as it unleashes an army of ghosts.  Syd and Lucely visit cemeteries after dark to try and find pieces to a spell that could save their town.

I loved the Spanish words sprinkled throughout and the infusion of culture.  If you liked Coco then you will like that Lucely sees her family’s ghosts and that they protect her.  This book needed more tension.  It was hard to believe that Lucely and Syd would be giggling before going into a haunted mausoleum or that with an army of ghosts facing them they wouldn’t ask for help from Syd’s witch grandmother for fear of getting in trouble and landing dusting duty.  Facing death or dusting?  But if that doesn’t bother you, Grandma Babbette makes a cool addition to the ghost squad.

Michelle in the Middle

The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo - OPTIONAL

The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo, 284 pages.  Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2019.  $17.  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

A teen named Vincent finds himself in a small town in southern France, where he meets two people, who have been lifelong friends, who share their experiences during World War II.  The war story of Kezia, a young Roma girl, and Lorenzo, a special boy, is shared with Vincent.  Kezia’s parents ran a carousel in town that Lorenzo and his family would often visit.  When a storm destroyed the carousel, around the same time German soldiers came to their small town, Lorenzo’s family hides Kezia’s Roma family. 

I loved the story of Kezia and Lorenzo, but it was a bit confusing to have the story told to Vincent.  I was never sure what Vincent added to the book.  I think the setting of Camargue, France with the flamingos was portrayed so well and I loved the minor characters (a German soldier, Kezia and Lorenzo’s parents) as much as Kezia and Lorenzo.  I had never imagined what it would be like for Roma families during World War II, so I enjoyed this historical fiction.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Lost Kitten by Leyla Torres - ADVISABLE

The Lost Kitten by Leyla Torres, 32 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Reycraft Books, 2019. $7. 978-1478868675

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Emilia loves the lost kitten she and her papa found, but Papa isn’t sure they can keep him. Together, they go to all the neighbors asking if the kitten is theirs. When they find a boy looking for his lost kitten, Emilia isn’t sure she can give up the kitten.

This is a delightful story, not only for the cute story about the love of a kitten but also for the relationships between the people. I love seeing Emilia’s relationship with her father, her father’s relationship with his wife, and their relationships with their neighbors. Community and connection with both the people and animals around us uplift our spirits.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Sing With Me - Canta Conmigo by Jose-Luis Orozco and Sara Palacios - ADVISABLE

Sing With Me - Canta Conmigo by Jose-Luis Orozco, illustrated by Sara Palacios PICTURE BOOK Scholastic Press, 2020. $18. 9781338121186 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A bilingual brother and sister spend their day singing songs in both English and Spanish. They sing The Alphabet Song at school, Where is Thumbkin (Pulgarcito) at recess, Las Ruedas Del Camion (The Wheels on the Bus) on their way home, Old MacDonald (Juancho Pancho) as they help their father around the farm, La Arana Peguenita (The Eensy Weensy Spider) when it starts to rain, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Estrellita) right before bed. 

Recording Artist Jose-Luis Orozco has translated these standard American children's songs into Spanish. The lyrics are side by side so children (and adults) can compare as they sing. The authors note talks about the benefits of music and singing, and the gift of bilingual songs. The illustrations are joyful and colorful. I'm ready to start a sing along!

Lisa Librarian

Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe - ADVISABLE

Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe, PICTURE BOOK Paula Wiseman (Simon and Schuster), 2019. $18. 9781481480390 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Pokko is a little frog. When her parents gave her a drum, they quickly realized that it was very noisy. Too noisy in fact for their little house inside a quiet mushroom, so they tell her to go outside to play her drum, but not to make too much noise, so that she doesn't draw too much attention to the family. But with the forest so quiet, Pokko starts softly playing her drum, but then she is joined by other animals playing instruments and eventually it turns into quite a noisy crowd of animals. Just what Father Frog feared. 

Forsythe's story is a little dark and rather humorous. The watercolor, gouache and colored pencil illustrations are expressive and funny, the text simple and clever. I think it will be loved by both parents and children - oh the folly of making mistakes - and do we ever learn from them?

Lisa Librarian

The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Miguel Ordonez - ADVISABLE

The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Miguel Ordonez PICTURE BOOK G. P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin Random House), 2020. $17. 9780399547393 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff with a twist! You see, these goats figure out why the troll is so mean and angry and they do something about it! A great lesson in kindness and empathy.

Ordonez's illustrations are delightful. Susan Middleton Elya incorporates Spanish vocabulary into her poetry like a pro! I love her other titles - La Princesa and the Pea and Madre Goose, and this is just as fun. Often the Spanish words rhyme with each other - which makes the poem so easy to read - even if you aren't a Spanish speaker. 

"Wait!"said the little goat. "I'm not sabroso. 

Try my big brother. He's so delicioso!" 

Includes a glossary right at the beginning with both pronunciation and translation.

Lisa Librarian

How to Solve a Problem : The Rise (and falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi and Yao Xiao - ADVISABLE

How to Solve a Problem : The Rise (and falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi, illustrations by Yao Xiao, PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Make Me World (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9781524773274

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ashima Shiraishi is a rock climbing champion. She calls it solving problems. When she looks at a rock or boulder, she sees the problems that need to be solved so she can climb it - she maps out the problem in her head and learns from her mistakes. She tries again, climbs, falls, learns and tries again. Broken up into pieces, the difficult climb - full of problems, is eventually achieved.

What a great metaphor for looking at life's problems and learning from them. Ashima is a remarkable young lady. Writing this picture book while still a teen, she is a world champion climber. I loved the time line of her life (so far) represented with Yao Xiao's beautiful illustration of Ashima climbing through the stars.

Lisa Librarian

This is Gus by Chris Chatterton - ADVISABLE

This is Gus by Chris Chatterton PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2019. $18. 9780593097366 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Gus is a dog who really doesn't seem to like anything. He doesn't like to be pet, or to go for walks, or play, or even birthdays. But the new puppy seems to think Gus likes everything that he does with him, including baths, hugs and especially sausages. 

Oh, social cues! I loved this story - it's so obvious that Gus still doesn't like things but the new puppy just believes the best, and readers, you are in for a treat, because, like my grandpa, Gus will surprise you in the end. The illustrations are hilarious and the story is so sweet.

Lisa Librarian

The Power of Her Pen : The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome and John Parra - ADVISABLE

The Power of Her Pen : The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome and John Parra PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781481462891 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ethel L. Payne knew how to tell a story - she sold her first to her school newspaper. She also knew how to speak up about injustice and discrimination, traveling to Japan after WWII and writing about black American Soldiers. She was a feature reporter for the Chicago Defender, eventually reporting for them from Washington D.C. She knew just the right questions to ask, fought hard for civil rights and made a difference. 

Great illustrations highlight this well narrated biography. A bit long for a read aloud, but a thorough age appropriate life story of the "First Lady of the Black Press". Includes a bibliography, sources credits and a list for further reading.

Lisa Librarian

By and By : Charles Albert Tindley the Father of Gospel Music by Carole Boston Weatherford and Bryan Collier - ADVISABLE

By and By : Charles Albert Tindley the Father of Gospel Music by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Bryan Collier PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Antheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2020. $18. 9781534426368 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Born free in 1851, Charles Albert Tindley heard the African American Spirituals when he worked - hired out to help in the fields. He learned to read by walking 7 miles after work each night to get lessons from a school teachers. By age 17 he could read and write. In 1901 he began composing hymns and is now considered the father of gospel music. 

I have always loved Collier's illustrations, these are watercolor and collage. Weatherford's rhyming text is well done - telling his story simply. Includes a longer bio in the author's notes, illustrator notes with Collier's personal connection to Tindley's music, a list of popular hymns by Tindley, bibliography and resources.

Lisa Librarian

When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman and Taeeun Yoo - ADVISABLE

When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo, PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9780399546099

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A storm is coming, and what do we do? We prepare by checking supplies and getting ready, we find a safe place, we bring things inside and we wait and watch.  So do the animals. They find a safe place to wait out the storm, too.  When it's over, everyone helps clean up.

I was expecting this to be a metaphor about "weathering a storm" it's not - it's about preparing for and riding out and repairing from an actual storm.  I loved how no one was afraid, I liked the parallel with the animals. Also, Taeeun Yoo's illustrations are great.  The animals are darling and I love the pictures of them safe in their dens.  The text is very cute rhymes, a perfect read aloud (especially before a storm).

Lisa Librarian

Extinct : An illustrated Exploration of Animals That Have Disappeared by Lucas Riera and Jack Tite - ADVISABLE

Extinct : An illustrated Exploration of Animals That Have Disappeared by Lucas Riera and Jack Tite 50 pages. PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Phaidon Press, 2019. $20. 9781838660376 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

With a focus primarily on animals which have gone extinct in the last 100 years, Riera and Tite gives us beautiful illustrations with succinct descriptions of the animal, when they were last seen and the possible reason they died out. Some, like the California Grizzly and the Thylacine have a whole spread to themselves. Includes information about conservation groups, how the reader can get involved and how to be responsible and help the environment. Oversized, this will look great on display.

Lisa Librarian

Josie Bloom and the Emergency of Life by Susan Hill Long - OPTIONAL

Josie Bloom and the Emergency of Life by Susan Hill Long 278 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2020 $18.00 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

When 11yo Josie was 9, her mom unexpectedly dies from a heart attack, so her grandpa moved in. But lately, Grandpa is starting to act strangely, hiding money around the house, not paying the bills and feeding squirrels whose numbers increase by the day. Josie is afraid that without Grandpa, she will be alone, taken in by child protective services. If only she knew who her father was, he would take care of everything. In the meantime, she uses the "found money" to pay the bills and has figured out how to write a check to pay the mortgage - but taking care of grandpa when he should take care of her is a difficult task for an 11yo, especially when Josie hasn't told anyone except her best friend. 

There's baseball in this book - Winky her best friend is a baseball fan and he's losing his eyesight, so getting him to the annual Beep Ball Bash in Boston was a fun subplot. However, I just wasn't enthused, there were a lot of towns people who didn't do much to advance the story, plot devices that solved problems or made matters worse. And, on a personal note - Winky tells her he doesn't like his nickname, and Josie, his only friend continues to use it. 

Lisa Librarian

A Portrait in Poems : The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas by Evie Robillard,and Rachel Katstaller - ADVISABLE

A Portrait in Poems : The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas by Evie Robillard, illustrated by Rachel Katstaller, PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Kids Can Press, 2020. $18. 9781525300561

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Gertrude Stein lived in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. She had many friends who visited her apartment often, many of them came to see the wonderful paintings that Gertrude and her brother had purchased over the years. One artist, Pablo Picasso, liked Gertrude so much, he painted her portrait and gave it to her! She lived with her partner Alice B. Toklas, and Gertrude, a writer, wrote an autobiography of Alice (but it was really about Gertrude)! 

Told to the reader, this delightful biography of Gertrude and Alice is in free verse. A little longer -page wise - than other picture book biographies, but, because of the verse, it reads quickly. The illustrations are great! Gouache, colored pencil and graphite, they were perfectly paired with the engaging text. I'm excited to add this to my biography section.

Lisa Librarian

Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor - ADVISABLE

Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor, PICTURE BOOK Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2020. $18. 9780062878007 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a very brave snail spots a field of cabbage on the other side of the highway, he is determined to cross, despite danger, weather, cars and birds. He stops halfway when it begins to rain, offering shelter and a cup of tea to some ants also caught in the storm - but when he gets going again, a hungry bird gets him disoriented, and he ends up back on the same side where he started. What's a determined snail to do now? 

Such clever illustrations! Tabor's view inside the snail shell was delightful - I laughed out loud. A great story of grit and kindness. Happy and upbeat - I worried every time a car passed over or nearby the snail, but, it has a very happy and unexpected ending.

Lisa Librarian

Child of the Universe by Ray Jayawardhana,and Raul Colon - ESSENTIAL

Child of the Universe by Ray Jayawardhana, illustrated by Raul Colon, PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2020. $18. 9781524717544

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

As a child readies for bed, her father compares her to the universe: She lights up a room like the sun, her curly hair is like the milky way, her atoms spin like Saturn's rings and so much more. This child will have beautiful dreams of stardust and planets.

Breathtaking illustrations - although the poetic text is brief, the reader will stay on each page and lose themselves in the pictures. Beautiful! They almost seem to sparkle.  I also loved the message - we are connected to the universe, so we are special. Oh!

Lisa Librarian

Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez - ADVISABLE

Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez, 432 pages. Rick Riordan Presents (Disney Hyperion), 2020. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Sal Vidon and his best friend Gabi are in a race against time and Sal's Papi. Remember the wormholes Sal created in book 1? Well, his Papi a calamity physicist,  has created a machine to shut them down and fix the wormholes. But it isn't working because a Rogue Gabi from another Universe keeps popping in, trying to stop him - her world has been destroyed and it's all Papi's fault! Now, Sal and Gabi are trying to keep everything under control, but multiple Sals and Gabis (especially Rogue Gabi) are quite a handful - plus, there's the regular drama of being in middle school.

My favorite characters were all the AIs - especially the Artificial Intellligence Toilet. I laughed out loud so many times! Still lots of Cuban culture - the extended description of empanadas was perfect. Lot's of pop culture references - I appreciated the literary ones make this series so much fun. Fast paced with a ton of characters - it matters that you read Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, so start there first. Note: Some of the characters are gender creative.

Lisa Librarian

Not Playing By the Rules : 21 Female Athletes Who Changed Sports by Lesa Cline-Ransome - ADVISABLE

Not Playing By the Rules : 21 Female Athletes Who Changed Sports by Lesa Cline-Ransome, 48 pages. NON-FICTION Penguin Random House, 2020. $19.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ever since Constance Applebee brought field hockey for women to Harvard in 1901, athletic women have been blazing trails, being the first to break into men only sports, and crossing age, race and ability barriers. Each athlete has a 2 page spread - a full page picture with a inspirational quote, and a full page bio/historical contribution. Like Ethelda Bleibtrey who was arrested twice for swimming nude (because she took off her stockings to swim); Nadia Comaneci, first to receive a perfect score in Olympic Gymnastics; Joy Johnson who started running marathons after she retired and continued until age 86; Mia Hamm, soccer sensation; and Ibtihaj Muhammad - first Muslim American to wear hijab while competing for the US Olympic team.

 I really liked this collected biography - it is a great spring board to build interest in an individual and inspire research to learn more about them. I loved the quotes - it reminded me of the teen magazines of the 70s where you could take out the page and put it on your wall. The text is engaging with lots of good information about each woman. Includes an appendix with "just a little bit more" about each athlete.

Lisa Librarian

Helen's Birds by Sara Cassidy, and Sophie Casson - ADVISABLE

Helen's Birds by Sara Cassidy, drawn by Sophie Casson, PICTURE BOOK Groundwood Books, 2019. $19. 9781773060385

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a little girl moves in, she befriends an elderly neighbor who teaches her how to care for the birds and appreciate the quiet things. Together they hang bird feeders, share books, build bird houses, and watch chicks hatch. Through the seasons and the years, they cultivate a wonderful friendship - but when the neighbor passes away, and her house is torn down to make room for an apartment building, the girl decides to honor her friend by hosting the birds in her own yard.

Wordless, Cassidy and Casson tell this poignant story through panels like a graphic novel. The color pallet is blue, green, yellow and red, which gives the illustrations an old fashioned look. I loved the sweet relationship between the young girl and the old woman. I liked that it was wordless - I felt like another neighbor, watching them from my own window.

Lisa Librarian

My Bison by Gaya Wisniewski - NO

My Bison by Gaya Wisniewski, PICTURE BOOK Princeton Architectural Press, 2020. $18. 9781616898861 

EL (K-3) - NOT RECOMMENDED  

A little girl befriends a Bison. It spends the winter with her, but returns every year. As she grows old, their friendship continues until one day, he doesn't return, but she realizes, now an old woman, that he will always be with her. 

While I understand the spirit of the story, I couldn't get past the idea that a small child is not only approaching a wild bison, but spoon feeding it and cuddling with it. Not a great message to send to a child. Bison are unpredictable, dangerous animals. The fanciful pictures of the bison in a bed, by the fire, drinking tea were strange. I hoped it would be "all a dream" It wasn't. My Bison is difficult to recommend.

Lisa Librarian

The Proudest Blue : A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad, and Hatem Aly ESSENTIAL

The Proudest Blue : A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali illustrated by Hatem Aly, PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown and Company, 2019. $18. 9780316519007 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Faizah is so proud of her big sister Asiya because it's her first day of hijab and she has chosen the most beautiful fabric - it's the proudest blue - like the ocean or the sky! Walking to school with her she feels like a princess, she can't help but run to the big kids side of the playground to give her another hug and see her big smile. Even though some boys say mean things, Asiya and her friends turn away so it's easy for Faizah to be strong, too. 

Two sisters taking pride in hijab. What a beautiful story! I'm so excited for my students to see themselves or each other in this sweet picture book. Author Ibtihaj Muhammad is the first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete for the US in the Olympics. 

Lisa Librarian

The Seedling that Didn't Want to Grow by Britta Teckentrup - ADVISABLE

The Seedling that Didn't Want to Grow by Britta Teckentrup PICTURE BOOK Prestel Publishing 2020 $15 9783791374291 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A tiny seed is the last to start to grow, and so she must find the sunshine, weaving through the undergrowth in the meadow, with the help of a cricket, a mouse, a ladybug and a butterfly. Once she reached the sunlight, she began growing quickly, becoming a home for all kinds of animals By autumn, her leaves turned gold and the wind blew her seeds far and wide. Her friends said goodbye, but next spring . . . 

I loved the metaphor that everyone grows at their own pace, and patience pays off. Beautifully illustrated, we learn the life cycle of a plant, from seed to seedling, to vine to healthy plant which produces seeds for next spring. I loved the transformation of the meadow through the seasons, and how the healthy plant was appreciated by all the different kinds of animals - butterflies and birds, crickets, moths, ants, bees and so many more.

Lisa Librarian

Night Animals Need Sleep Too by Gianna Marino - ADVISABLE

Night Animals Need Sleep Too by Gianna Marino, PICTURE BOOK Viking (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9780425290651

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Possum and Skunk are so tired, it's daytime and they are night animals and need to find somewhere quiet and dark to sleep! They try a cave, but there's bees - and they find their friend bear! They squeeze into a hollow tree, but beaver cuts it down. Climbing into a den is a bad idea, wolf was already in there, but he scared skunk so now it smells bad.Will they ever get to sleep? 

So silly - I'm glad I've read "Night Animals" because this is a follow- up. Possum is hilarious - he keeps "dying" at each scare, so they drag him to the next place where he wakes up. As a bonus - and I'm interested to see how librarians will facilitate this - the inside of the book jacket has fun facts about where night animals sleep.

Lisa Librarian

Happy : A Beginner's Book of Mindfulness by Nicola Edwards and Katie Hickey - ADVISABLE

Happy : A Beginner's Book of Mindfulness by Nicola Edwards and Katie Hickey, PICTURE BOOK Rodale Kids (Penguin Random House), 2018. $18. 9780593121191 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mindfulness - it's all about being happy. Listening and being still, feeling our feelings, relaxing, discovering, loving, appreciating, even breathing - when we do these things with mindfulness we can connect ourselves to the moment. A great way to feel happy. 

Nicola Edwards primer on the basics of mindfulness is great! Simple explanations with a application question for practice makes this a perfect introduction for a class or even a child. I can see reading this with a child who needs some centering, or calming - helping them appreciate and acknowledge what's happening now. I really liked the illustrations. The paper was natural, so the illustrations are soft. The pictures are expressive and fun.

Lisa Librarian

Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick - ADVISABLE

Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick, 286 pages. G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2020. $18. Content: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

13yo Frankie is neurodiverse - she is very different from her twin Tess. Frankie doesn't like to be touched, is distracted by noises, has special accommodations in school and has only 1 friend. Colette. But Colette is also friends with Tess. When Frankie overhears Colette say something mean about her, Frankie stops hanging around with them. Now Colette is missing. The police found a clue in her locker, a notebook Frankie, Colette and Tess used to write in years ago. But the only thing Frankie can see is that a page is missing - an important page. Maybe Frankie holds the key to what happened - but no one seems to listen.

I really liked Frankie's voice, I loved being in her head and discovering how she thinks. The mystery was exciting, the friend drama was great.  Their family dynamics were realistic,  supportive mom, but a bit impatient (or so Frankie feels that way.), and the sister relationship was perfect.  Frankie visits a therapist who helps her work through things productively. My middle school girls will love this.

Lisa Librarian

Dirt Cheap by Mark Hoffman - OPTIONAL

Dirt Cheap by Mark Hoffman PICTURE BOOK Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random House), 2020 $18. 9781524719944 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The cost of a new soccer ball is about $25, so this little entrepreneur has some great ideas to raise some money. When a yard sale doesn't do it, she decides to sell dirt, by the bag for .25 a bag. Boy, is she popular! People are coming from all over to buy her dirt and soon she raises enough capital to buy the soccer ball. But now, she has no yard to pay with it in - she sold it all as dirt. Now she'll have to think of something else, because replacing her yard with topsoil is expensive. 

An interesting way to teach children the value of money. There was a clever illustration that showed all the different ways to make .25 no one paid in paper money so she had to drag a huge bag of coins to the sporting goods store. That's a heavy bag. While I applaud her ingenuity, I didn't love the story - the voice that explains things to her "there's lots of ways to make 25 cents" was strange - I wish it had been a character - if it's an adult, they certainly weren't very helpful as the girl got herself into quite a pickle.

Lisa Librarian

Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd and Nneka Myers - ADVISABLE

Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2020 $18 9781984895240 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

"When the sun goes down, our hair goes up!" Part of this family's bedtime ritual is preparing their hair for the night. Everyone combs or brushes or smooths or braids or curls (except Grandpa because he doesn't have hair on his head), and then they protect their hair with a durag or a wrap or a cap or a scarf, but the little girl telling the story can't find her bonnet! What will cover her braids?

I loved being part of a whole family bedtime routine. The sweet illustrations were perfect, bright and colorful with great details. Grandpa tells a very funny joke, and everyone is so loving and kind. A great bedtime story for any child.

Lisa Librarian

Can I Play Too? by Samantha Cotterill - ADVISABLE

Can I Play Too? by Samantha Cotterill, PICTURE BOOK Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2020. $17. 9780525553465 

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

 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Two boys are playing together building a train track. But when one of the boys takes control and doesn't respond well to the other boy's body language, the play escalates to argument, and both boys are mad. So, the librarian (or mother or teacher) intervenes and explains about social cues, using red yellow and green cards. 

 "Can I Play, too?" is part of Samantha Cotterill's "little senses" series. Useful when working with children on the autism spectrum, I loved the way social cues were addressed and that the boys had another chance to play and get along. The illustrations helped the reader focus on the story by including only the important parts of the picture. I think this is an important lesson for all the children, and Cotterill's idea is great.

Lisa Librarian

Who Will You be? by Andrea Pippins - ADVISABLE

Who Will You be? by Andrea Pippins PICTURE BOOK Schwartz & Wade Penguin Random House, 2020 $18 9781984849489 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A parent wonders about her own child and what she will be like - reflecting on the fine qualities of the people in her life: Bold like her grandma, kind like her father, loud and joyful like a cousin, curious like her uncle, maybe she will cook, or be compassionate. Best of all, she hopes the child will be her own self.

Andrea Pippins has given us such a beautiful message - it got me thinking about the people who influenced my own children and what they have become because of the great examples of the people in their lives. A gentle, loving, anytime book that remind the child they are loved.

Lisa Librarian
 

Cat Dog Dog : The Story of a Blended Family by Nelly Buchet and Andrea Zuill - ESSENTIAL

Cat Dog Dog : The Story of a Blended Family by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Andrea Zuill PICTURE BOOK Schwartz & Wade Books (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9781984848994

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

He has a dog, she has a dog and a cat. When he moves in with her, suddenly there is a "blended family" and the three pets must learn to get along with each other. Nearly wordless, the pets are identified by name dog cat dog, and the occasional distraction of a bird or frog.

I am a pet owner - in fact I have a cat and 2 dogs, so I completely relate to this story. The food protecting, the toy sharing - or not, the sniffing, the trouble oh my! I loved the illustrations - whimsical and fun - you can see the personality of each pet, some of the situations made me laugh out loud. Blended family? You better believe it! 

Lisa Librarian

The More We Get Together by Celeste Cortright and Betania Zacarias - ADVISABLE

The More We Get Together by Celeste Cortright, illustrated by Betania Zacarias, PICTURE BOOK Barefoot Books, 2020. $17. 9781782859338 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The more we get together, the happier we'll be, but that's not enough - we also need to save fuel by walking and riding bikes and scooters so our air will be cleaner. We need to help each other out and give back to our community. We should recycle to limit our waste, and we can share ideas, meals and our time! 

This re-imagined sing along of the familiar song comes with a CD and a link to barefoot books audio singalong and video animation online. Includes the music with ukulele or guitar chords and detailed ways to make a difference. Betania Zacarias' illustrations are colorful and fun, the communities are multicultural and diverse - I loved the illustration in the care center. A cute multilayered picture book - fun to read and sing; try the helpful project ideas.

Lisa Librarian

Bee & Me by Alison Jay - ESSENTIAL

Bee & Me Alison Jay. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2017. $16. 9781910646052

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A story of a girl, a boy, and a bee. When a bee becomes trapped in an apartment the young girl who lives there is able to see beyond the threat and help the bee learn to navigate the big city. As the girl learns about friendship and kindness, she reaches out to a lonely boy in her building and together with the bee, they make the city bloom.

Beautiful illustrations move this wordless picture book forward allowing for the imagination of young readers to take center stage. Each read could lead to new versions of the story, but always the themes of friendship and compassion will prevail. The last page provides information on the environment and the impact of bees giving a nice finishing touch.

AEB

Stretchy McHandsome by Judy Schachner - ADVISABLE

Stretchy McHandsome by Judy Schachner PICTURE BOOK Dial Books for Young Readers  (Penguin Random House), 2019. $18. 9780803741218 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Stretchy McHandsome is the butterscotch colored brother in a family of nine cats. One day he's had enough of "too many siblings" so he ventures into town, experiencing a fountain, leaving scratch marks on a tree, visiting a tiger in the zoo, and stretching out to get some sun in a bookstore window. While in the window, he is spotted by a little girl who is smitten! She takes him home, but - what happens when his cat family starts to miss him? 

Super cute whimsical illustrations highlight this darling story. His 2 colored eyes, expressions, his heart-shaped nose, I want this kitty, too! The poetry reminded me of T.S. Elliot's "Old Possums Book of Practical Cats". Cat lovers will adore this.

Lisa Librarian

Bee Heartful : Spread Loving Kindness by Frank J. Sileo and Claire Keay - OPTIONAL

Bee Heartful : Spread Loving Kindness by Frank J. Sileo, illustrated by Claire Keay PICTURE BOOK Magination Press, 2020. $17. 9781433831577

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Bentley the Bee is going to have a bee-utiful day. He's wearing his favorite red scarf and starts his day with a meditation in the meadow, sending loving-kindness thoughts to himself, to his friends, even to friends he doesn't know very well. but when Willie Wasp takes Bentley's scarf and flies away. Can loving kindness and some breaths to calm down help Bentley deal with his anger? I usually like these books - but this one was too cute. 

 Everything works out for Bentley because he is mindful? I'm all about teaching children mindfulness, it's important, but this goes a bit too far. I think there are better examples out there. However, it includes notes for parents and teachers for presenting the concepts in this book to children, and a meditation script. That is valuable for a teacher with no experience in Metta.

Lisa Librarian

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Willis Hudson - ESSENTIAL

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by Erin K. Robinson, 128 pages. NONFICTION. Crown Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2020. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This collection of one page biographies is a collaboration with the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. Each biography includes an illustration and a quote. Some of the biographies are of very popular women such as Harriet Tubman, Serena Williams and Oprah, but many are lesser known women.

This anthology of short biographies and full page illustrations is very engaging. It would be fun to read one a day in the classroom, during Black History Month or at any other time. At the end of the book there are photographs of the artifacts of these women that are housed in the museum, giving this virtual field trip potential.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Noise Makers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World - ESSENTIAL

Noise Makers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World, 223 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL/NONFICTION. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2020. $26

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This unique format book is a collection of graphic novel style biographies done by a variety of authors. The biographies are divided by the topics grow, tinker, play, create, rally, and explore. For each biography there is a short summary of the woman’s life, a list of ways that the reader may be similar to the woman, and a six to seven page graphic novel biography. 

I loved the different styles of the artist/authors and I learned a lot reading this book; I didn’t know many of the women included. My favorite part was the list of ways you may be similar to the incredible woman you are about to read about. For Eugenie Clark the list includes: “I’ve visited aquariums. I like to swim. The ocean is my happy place...I am brave. I am curious.”  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Girls Who Run the World: 31 CEOS Who Mean Business by Diana Kapp - ESSENTIAL

Girls Who Run the World: 31 CEOS Who Mean Business by Diana Kapp, illustrated by Bijou Karman, 308 pages. NONFICTION. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House), 2019. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

These biographies each have a mix of first person responses to questions and third person biographies along with one main illustration of the women and mini illustrations along the way. Each biography is around eight pages long. 

This is a very powerful exploration of women in power. The anthology is interesting and inspiring. I love that the illustrations of the woman show openness but the women aren’t all smiling and cheery, as women are often asked to be. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher