The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story by Thao Lam - ADVISABLE

The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story by Thao Lam. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781881473637 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE; MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little girl and her family are fleeing their war-torn country and must make a fraught journey across an ocean to a safer home. 

Drawing upon her own experience and family stories about fleeing Vietnam with her mother when she was only 2yo, Lam creates a wordless panorama of a headlong flight. The added detail of a group of ants also fleeing add an interesting detail. The dangers the ants suffer during the voyage will be easier for smaller readers to process. With the too abundant number of refugees around the world currently, there is certainly room for more picture books about them. A teacher could easily pair this with Ziba Came on a Boat by Lofthouse and Vanishing Colors by Orbeck Nilssen. Secondary teachers should also look at this for a current events unit. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Raj’s Rule (For the Bathroom at School) by Lana Button and Hatem Aly - ESSENTIAL

Raj’s Rule (For the Bathroom at School) by Lana Button, illustrated by Hatem Aly. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781771473408 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Raj is firmly in the camp of “don’t use the bathroom at school”. He is happy to share all of his tips for avoiding the bathroom all day. Until an unexpected sneeze forces him to -- you know. What a great conversation starter! 

A wonderful melding of bouncy illustrations with a rhyming text that works well for a read-aloud. Parents who are worried about their child starting school should read this to their kids. And pre-school or kindergarten teachers will want this for their class library for yearly reading. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

You’ll Find Me by Amanda Rawson Hill and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff - ESSENTIAL

You’ll Find Me by Amanda Rawson Hill illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2020. $17. 9781433831263 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A loved one may not always be there – but if you listen and feel and think, you can still find them in the many things you enjoyed together. 

A beautiful ode to remembering the precious things a child may have shared with a loved one who is no longer around. A fitting addition to the few books there are now about the death of beloveds. A very good gift to read together. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

She Persisted in Sports by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger - ESSENTIAL

She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Philomel (Penguin), $18. 9780593114544 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Clinton presents another wide-ranging biography of women – this time athletes – for modern girls to emulate. The group is diverse, but still mostly American in focus. They do range from the 1900’s to the modern day. A great addition to Clinton’s series of mini bios. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Sometimes a Wall by Dianne White and by Barroux - OPTIONAL

Sometimes a Wall by Dianne White, illustrated by Barroux. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781771473736 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

As the children work on a wall, one child takes control and freezes the others out, almost instantly regretting their decision. 

White attempts to write a book discussing the positives and negatives of walls.  I actually wish it were a wordless book – as the words seem coy and vague, rather than enlightening. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Where is Our Library? By Josh Funk and Stevie Lewis - ADVISABLE

Where is Our Library? By Josh Funk, illustrated by Stevie Lewis. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2020. $19. 9781250241405 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Patience and Fortitude, the lions who guard the steps of the New York Public Library are upset when they find the shelves of the children’s area empty during their nightly prowl through the library. They race through the streets of the City to consult with the wise man in Central Park. 

 Another ode to New York City – it will mostly be appreciated by those who live there or who have visited. Funk does a great job of writing in rhyme without become sing-songy or awkward phrasing. Lewis’s illustrations contain many of NYC’s iconic spaces and buildings. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The B on Your Thumb by Colette Hiller and Tor Freeman - OPTIONAL

The B on Your Thumb by Colette Hiller, illustrated by Tor Freeman, 80 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Quarto, 2020. $20. 9780711254602 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Hiller has written 60 poems illustrated by Freeman that briefly talk about the idiosyncrasies of the American English language. Each poem is very short – giving just a framework for a further discussion of each peculiarity. Because of this, it is more for a dedicated teacher to use as a lesson introduction, rather than for a student to read on their own. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Invisible Alphabet by Joshua David Stein and Ron Barrett - ESSENTIAL

The Invisible Alphabet by Joshua David Stein, illustrated by Ron Barrett. Penguin, 2020. $18. 9780593222775 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Gone, clear, disappeared – an ode to many ways that something is not there. 

Stein has a deft collaborator in the illustrator of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs for his book about many words and situations that can describe something that is not there. I would to share this with almost any age of reader or writer – if only high schools would embrace picture books more frequently! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Animals Brag About Their Bottoms by Maki Saito - ADVISABLE

Animals Brag About Their Bottoms by Maki Saito. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2020. $17. 9781771647106 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A variety of animals show off their bottoms, bragging about their beauty. 

 While not a masterpiece like Everybody Poops, it is still amusing and with cute drawings. I can see this being a hit as a board book. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Cone Cat by Sarah Howden and Carmen Mok - ESSENTIAL

Cone Cat by Sarah Howden, illustrated by Carmen Mok. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781771473613 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Jeremy the Cat wakes up with a Cone around his neck, he believes that his glory days as a pouncing trickster are over. A fortuitous discovery helps him make peace with the Cone, however. 

Jeremy and his Cone friend are awfully funny! While the cat antics with the cone are not particularly realistic, it is an imaginative look for a silver lining to a humiliating situation for the cat. I’d love to see a dog version! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Pretty Tricky: the sneaky ways plants survive by Etta Kaner and Ashley Barron - ESSENTIAL

Pretty Tricky: the sneaky ways plants survive by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Ashley Barron. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOKS. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781771473699 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Kaner and Barron have crafted a beautiful collaboration celebrating a variety of plants that use a variety of methods to survive, thrive, and procreate. Each bright illustration is accompanied by a few paragraphs – enough to share with interested students or for a budding botanist. I would even love to buy a couple of copies of the book and -- after getting permission from the publisher – separating the pages to create a set of study pages to share out with a class and have them gather info to share with the rest of the class. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Endangered Animals and How You Can Help by Sam Hutchinson and Sarah Dennis - ESSENTIAL

Endangered Animals and How You Can Help by Sam Hutchinson, illustrated by Sarah Dennis. PICTURE BOOK. Princeton Architectural Press, 2020. $18. 9781616899400 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Hutchinson and Dennis have crafted a beautiful snapshot of the range of endangered animal around the world, organized by biome – which is an important science concept – Hutchinson supplies short bits of information, while Dennis crafted cut papers illustrations, complete with and seek-and-find page for each biome. I appreciate the scale explaining the categories of risk. I could see kids doing research and creating their own set of risks for a biome. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Thank You, Miyuki by Roxane Marie Galliez and Seng Soun Ratanavanh - OPTIONAL

Thank You, Miyuki by Roxane Marie Galliez, illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh. PICTURE BOOK. Princeton Architectural Press, 2020. $18. 9781616899011 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Miyuki is eager to get out and have adventures with her Grandpa. He, on the other hand, wants to slow down and complete his meditation. Miyuki follows along with him, asking questions, wondering when they will begin to meditate, as they gaze at the water, smell their tea, and follow the clouds. 

Ratanavanh’s illustrations look like beautiful Japanese papers. Galliez’s story would be a good introduction or refresher on mindfulness and meditation – about how simple it can be. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Small History of a Disagreement by Claudio Fuentes S. and Gabriela Lyon - OPTIONAL

A Small History of a Disagreement by Claudio Fuentes S, illustrated by Gabriela Lyon. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2020. $19. 9781771647076 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

When the students return to school, they find out that the prominent monkey puzzle tree is to be cut down to make way for a new science building. Some of the students are for this and some of them are against. Which side will prevail in the ensuing disagreement? 

There isn’t anything in the material to suggest that this is based on a real disagreement. If it were, I would be much more interested. It does very clearly show how a reasonable disagreement can proceed – much differently from what we see in today’s media circus. But it will only be interesting to students if they read it with an adult. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Put Yourself in My Shoes by Susanna Isern and Mylene Rigaudie - OPTIONAL

Put Yourself in My Shoes by Susanna Isern, illustrated by Mylene Rigaudie. PICTURE BOOK. NubeOcho, 2020. $16. 9788417673376 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Cricket is preoccupied with his own problems and brushes off each of his friends as they appeal to him for help as he rushes by. When he is in turn need of their help, thankfully they come through for him, teaching him an important lesson. 

 The illustrations are adorable, the lesson is very apt, but I had such a hard time with Cricket (just as I am supposed to, I know), that I have a hard time loving this. This is a translated book and I wonder if the translator was more literal than was advisable for that one phrase the cricket keeps repeating – “I don’t think they’re that important”. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Every Little Letter by Deborah Underwood and Joy Hwang Ruiz - ESSENTIAL

Every Little Letter by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin, 2020. $18. 9780525554028 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Each letter is segregated inside their own walled town and have remained that way for a very long time. After an “h” and an “i” see each other through a hole, they and the other small letters try many different ways to be together. 

What a cute, clever book! It can be a surface story about letters learning to spell words, but it is also a deeper metaphor for breaking down walls of all kinds. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Nasla’s Dream by Cecile Roumiguiere and Simone Rea - OPTIONAL

Nasla’s Dream by Cecile Roumiguiere, illustrated by Simone Rea. PICTURE BOOK. Princeton Architectural Press, 2020. $18. 9781616899509 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Nasla is trying to fall asleep, but she had her father put her toys away because she thought she was a too big for those. Now something seems to be stirring on top of her wardrobe and she’s not so sure. 

Sometimes Nasla’s musings seem child-like but other times they are way too deep for a child. Similarly, the illustrations are somewhat simple – maybe reaching towards child-like, but in reality, they are oddly sophisticated. The disjointed words and pictures don’t allow th reader to settle into the story. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Tiny Chef and da mishing weshipee book by Rachel Larsen, Adam Reid, and Ozi Akturk - ESSENTIAL

The Tiny Chef and da mishing weshipee book by Rachel Larsen, Adam Reid, and Ozi Akturk. PICTURE BOOK. Razorbill (Penguin), 2020. $19. 9780593115053 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Tiny Chef is ready to cook, but his recipe book is missing! Well, cooking must be accomplished, so perhaps his expertise and imagination will be enough – and hopefully his book will reappear. 

I have never met The Tiny Chef before, but I am now following him on Instagram and twitter and settling down to catch up on his adventures! What a great way to look at cooking with children. And funny, funny, funny. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights by Deborah Hopkinson and Kristy Caldwell - ADVISABLE

Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kristy Caldwell. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2020. $19. 9781682631362 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Whenever Frances Perkins had a chance, she would do everything she could to help others – even if that took her into government, where it was rare to see a woman in the 1910’s. When President Roosevelt asked her to be his Secretary of Labor in 1932, Frances was the woman he wanted as his Secretary of Labor – the first woman ever to hold a Cabinet position. 

A nice succinct look at Perkin’s life. Hopkinson engages the reader from the start by having them do just a tiny bit of math at the beginning (No, I’m not going to tell you what for). Very useful addition to a picture book biography collection for upper elementary and middle schools. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Duck & Penguin Do NOT Like Sleepovers by Julia Woolf - HIGH

Duck & Penguin Do NOT Like Sleepovers by Julia Woolf. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2020. $17. 9781682632017 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Betty and Maud are having a sleepover, but Duck and Penguin do not want to be stuck together in a tiny tent. When the girls go into the house for final preparations, the two stuffed animals head off on their own adventure – and maybe a chance to again be kind to each other. 

Another cute riff on two opposites who are having a hard time getting along. Plus ducks and penguins are so absolutely adorable! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

When Pumpkins Fly by Margaret Lawrence and Amana Sandland - OPTIONAL

When Pumpkins Fly by Margaret Lawrence, illustrated by Amana Sandland. PICTURE BOOK. Inhabit, 2020. $17. 9781772272499 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

What is Halloween night like in a community isolated by miles and miles of frozen land? Fulof fun, candy, and scary stories – just like everywhere else. 

Without some backstory that the book is set in an isolated Inuit community, parts of it will seem very odd to readers from the lower 48 states. So kids reading this on their own will probably be puzzled at times. Better to read it as a class. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Something to Say by Lesa Moore Ramee - ADVISABLE

Something to Say by Lesa Moore Ramee 304 pages Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2020 $17 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Janae thinks when she makes a wish out loud it comes true, but in a bad way. She wished her parents would stop fighting and then her dad moved out; she wished her brother didn't go away to college - when he did, he was injured in a basketball game and is back home, angry and recovering. Janae is anxious about an assignment in her English class - she has to give a speech. What if she says the wrong thing? When her school is considering a name change - from John Wayne Middle School to Sylvia Mendez Middle School, she supports the idea and wants to get involved, but holds back because her words have unintended and unexpected power. 

I loved the themes of fitting in, being your best self, and standing up for what you believe in. Janae has a friend, Aubrey, who likes the same online comic character as she, but otherwise, they have nothing in common - however, Ramee has done a brilliant job of building a friendship between two very different people, Aubrey loves debate, he's very outgoing and friendly, and likes Janae despite her reluctance to engage in conversation, or help much with the language arts speech - they are partners. I think middle school kids will enjoy Something To Say, it is engaging and thought provoking - and they'll learn a bit of history as well. 

Lisa Librarian

The Ocean Calls : A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho and Jess X. Snow - ADVISABLE

The Ocean Calls : A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow. PICTURE BOOK. Kokila, 2020. $18. 9781984814869 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Dayeon loves and admires her haenyeo Grandma, but is still a little afraid of the deeper ocean. On this trip to the sea she stays near the shore, trying to muster up the courage for a final deeper dive. 

A lovely introduction to a microculture centered around the Jeju Island of South Korea. There are many videos of the divers online. If your school teaches Asian culture, or if you just want to increase cultural connections, this is a must. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Eek! A Noisy Journey From A to Z by Julie Larios and Julie Paschkis - ADVISABLE

Eek! A Noisy Journey From A to Z by Julie Larios, illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Peachtree, 2020. $17. 9781682631690

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A mouse sneezes (achoo) and sets off a chain reaction of hilarity that ultimately results in a new friendship. 

I love that Larios and Paschkis have woven together an abecedarian of onomatopoeia with words and illustrations weaving together a coherent whole. Kids who read carefully and pay attention to the pictures will love it, but I don’t think most will try that hard on their own. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

I’ll Believe You When.. Unbelievable Idioms From Around the World by Susan Schubert and Raquel Bonita - ADVISABLE

I’ll Believe You When.. Unbelievable Idioms From Around the World by Susan Schubert, illustrated by Raquel Bonita. PICTURE BOOK. Lantana, 2020. $18. 9781911373490 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A boy sees a dragon but no one will believe him until… 

I was a bit slow on the uptake. Each of the subsequent sayings (…pigs fly, …when fish climb poplars) comes from a different country, the name of which is written on a tree trunk in the scene. Now you won’t be as confused as I was. Fun to read with children and talk about the different sayings. What I don’t know is where to find other similar sayings from other countries. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Heart on Pluto by Karl Jones, illustrated by Andrew J. Ross - ESSENTIAL

Heart on Pluto by Karl Jones, illustrated by Andrew J. Ross. Penguin, 2020. $9. 9780593096291 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

New Horizon, an interplanetary space probe, is on its way to the far reaches to our universe to check out Pluto. When it finally arrives, a big surprise awaits – a large part of Pluto’s surface is covered by a planet-sized heart! 

Sparse on text, but oh so cute – I had no idea that Pluto has a giant heart on its surface! A great introduction to space science – and sure to bring up lots of possible research questions. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Pooka & Bunni by Jennifer Zivoin - ESSENTIAL

Pooka & Bunni by Jennifer Zivoin. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2020. $17. 9781433832147 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Big sister Bunni has built herself a castle and told little sister Pooka not to touch – which she of course does, bringing the cushion castle crashing down. Is there anyway that Pooka can repair the damage in her small way? 

Bunni and Pooka are absolutely adorable! I am not familiar with any of the books that Zivoin has illustrated, but her exuberant style is perfect for this very cute look at the relationship between siblings. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant and Merrilee Liddiard - OPTIONAL

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant, illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard. PICTURE BOOK. Dial (Penguin), 2020. $18. 9781984815491 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Leif is not ready to fall with all the other leaves of Autumn. He devises all kinds of hopefully clever plans to soften his fall, but none of them seem to work. 

While the story is at times charming, Leif’s machinations get a little grating. I must admit, I am not fond of the illustration style; for me it feels stiff in a way that doesn't add any appeal to the story.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Butts are Everywhere by Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox - ESSENTIAL

Butts are Everywhere by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox. PICTURE BOOK. Putnam (Penguin), 2020. $19. 9780525514510 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Stutzman and Fox write an ode to butts! With words for butts from different languages and all sorts of slang terms also, I think kids will have a blast picking out all the “butt” words. The cartoon illustrations add to the silliness of the whole. Of course the author manages to include a tribute to flatulence too. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Hans Christian Andersen: The Journey of His Life by Heinz Janisch - ADVISABLE

Hans Christian Andersen: The Journey of His Life by Heinz Janisch, 56 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. NorthSouth Books, 2020. $19.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

On her way to Copenhagen with her mother, seven-year-old Elsa asks the man in their carriage a simple question. She learns that the man’s name is Hans and that he writes fairy tales. Elsa asks him to tell her a story, and Hans starts to tell her about a boy who learned how to fly.

Janisch cleverly tells the story of Hans Christian Andersen by having Hans himself tell his story to a child, a role that Hans was adept with in life. As Hans tells his story, hope is given to each reader that, no matter our trials, we can find fairy tale qualities in our lives, too. The wonderful illustrations masterfully blur the lines between reality and fairy tale throughout the story, and they are my favorite part of the book.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

We are All Equal by P. Crumble and Jonathan Bentley - OPTIONAL

We are All Equal by P. Crumble, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley. PICTURE BOOK. Philomel (Penguin), 2020. $18. 9780593202555 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Using comparisons throughout the animal kingdom, the author tries to show that no matter where and who you are, we are all the same under our skin. Unfortunately, the awkward rhymes and clunky sentence structure are hard to read aloud. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Owl Always Love You by Patricia Hegarty and Bryony Clarkson - ESSENTIAL

Owl Always Love You by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Bryony Clarkson. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2020. $9. 9781680106404 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

As a little one is tucked into bed, they compare their child to a variety of baby forest animals who are also headed to sleep. 

As an affirmation of love, this little board book is a sweet offering. I would love this for a new baby present or any early childhood gift for any occasion! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Welcome to Kiss the Book Jr.!

Welcome! Kiss the Book Jr. is for board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books.  Also, any novels and non-fiction that we agree are specifically Pre-K - 6 related.

Go to the original blog at  Kiss the Book for your middle school and high school review needs.

Too Far From Home by Naomi Shmuel - ADVISABLE

Too Far From Home by Naomi Shmuel, illustrated by Avi Katz, 89 pages. Kar-Ben Publishing (Lerner), 2020. $16               

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL- ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meskerem (Macy) was born in Israel to an Ethiopian mother and an American father. Her mother gets a promotion and they move from Katzrin to Tel Aviv. They pack up, say their goodbyes and travel to their new home. Their new home is in a high-rise apartment building, not a house. She didn't know anybody and the students at her new school made fun of her name and the way she looks. Meskerem is miserable; it has been hard for her fitting in with children who are meeting a dark skinned person for the first time in their lives. She decides to go see her grandma on her own, and bravely gets on the bus. Grandma is surprised to see her and helps her work through some of her problems.

I learned about Operation Solomon where thousands of Ethiopian Jews were helped so they could escape out of Ethiopia. It is a wonderful, heartwarming little book. The story will stay with me for a long time.  

Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   

Space Shuttle Scam by Ron Roy - ADVISABLE

Space Shuttle Scam (A to Z Mysteries Super Edition 12) by Ron Roy, illustrated by John Steven Gurney. 132 pages. Random House, 2020. $13                 

Content: G

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose are excited to visit Aunt Alice in Florida to spend some time exploring her space museum. The kids find lots of cool things there, including a space shuttle simulator. Mysterious things start to happen and the kids discover someone is sneaking around. Can the Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose solve the mystery? What does the intruder want?

A fast paced, cute mystery for younger students. I would have loved to have books like this when I was in first and second grade! Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose solve mysteries from A to Z. I highly recommend this book to younger students. I thought it was a fun read.

Ellen-Anita   LMS

Jed and the Junkyard Rebellion by Steven Bohls - ESSENTIAL

 

Jed and the Junkyard Rebellion by Steven Bohls, 282 pages. Disney-Hyperion, 2019. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (fantasy war violence).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL; HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In his debut novel, Jed and the Junkyard War, Steven Bohls created a unique steampunk world of junkyards, battling barges, and memorable half human-half gear characters. This follow-up is even better than the original with Jed coming to realize his true potential after only just learning of his true half-gear self in the first book. The young protagonist battles the evil Lyle while also coming to understand how to control his own power, and eventually save the world where he now truly belongs.

 I enjoyed this sequel even more than I did the original book. I think Bohls had to spend too much time in the first novel building up this crazy world, but the sequel gave him a full book to explore an interesting story of a young man coming into his own power and standing up for himself and those he loves. Once I started it, I did not want to put it down! The book is 100% clean and is really suitable for readers of all ages--I think this could even be a fun read aloud for younger elementary audiences. 

 T.C.
 

Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome - ADVISABLE

Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome, 103 pages. Holiday House, 2020. $18            

Language: G (0 swears, 0“f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Child abuse, severely beating a little boy with a belt)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lymon is left in the care of his grandparents when his mom abandons him right after he is born and his dad travels with his band. Eventually Lymon ends up in an orphanage and people are strict there, the food is not very good, but Lymon loves music. He does not have his guitar anymore (it was smashed by his mother’s latest boyfriend), but the music teacher gives him a trumpet and teaches him to play. Lymon is musically gifted and learns really fast.  

The story of Lymon is so sad.  I loved the story, even though I was horrified at how he was beaten by his stepdad. I really recommend this book. It is a great read, and fast."

Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   

Taking the Reins by Jane Smiley - ADVISABLE

Taking the Reins by Jane Smiley, 198 pages. Knopf (Random), 2020. $17                     

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE        

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ellen has own horse, Tater, and takes riding lessons. She loves it so much that she even works on the farm to earn an extra day of lessons. Da comes to visit the farm where the horses are and Ellen learns a lot about riding just by watching him. Ellen yearns to ride Ned, and feel like she is even communicating with him. 

I learned a lot about horses, care of horses and even what it feels like riding a horse. I know a lot of students that have horses of their own and I think most students will love this story. Reading this book made me want to read the first two books. I liked how the book explained how to get the horse out of the corral, grooming the horse, saddling and the relationship between horse and rider. I have always loved horses, and even took horse back riding lessons with my children. This is just a darling book and I recommend it.

Ellen-Anita, LMS

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard - ADVISABLE

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard, 300 pages. Disney Hyperion, 2019. $17.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

6th grader Kick Winter is staying with her grandmother in Bohring, Georgia - home to 453 people, 2053 alligators, and one monster curse - while Kick’s parents are away with their jobs.  Kick just wants to fit in at school, but it’s hard to blend in when your grandmother is the town psychic and your cousin is dressed in weirdly frilly dresses for school.  In order to survive the school year, Kick announces she is psychic, and soon has to start using her science obsession/psychic abilities, to figure out why students are disappearing as the curse seems to be coming true. 

Kick is a charming character and her struggles to fit in while also discovering truths about others is relatable.  Each chapter title is an applicable if appropriately vague, prediction from Grandma Missouri.  The Swamp, the Hollows, and Bohring make for a great setting, and there are even science experiments to try in the back of the book.  With this fun read, may the curse be with you.  

Michelle in the Middle

Odd Squad: Agent’s Handbook by Tim McKeon and Adam Peltzman - OPTIONAL

Odd Squad: Agent’s Handbook by Tim McKeon and Adam Peltzman, 152 pages. Imprint (Macmillan Publishing), 2020. $14.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

From the universe of the television show Odd Squad, this would be the handbook every new recruit receives.  It’s a how to book with tips and tricks to be the best agent possible, with secrets of the squad and highlights from their adventures.

Written by the writers of the show, this book has enough humor to keep you hooked.  If you have never seen the show, you might think the authors were smoking something at a frat party.  There are lots of illustrations, so true fans will find this awesome fun, but it’s a targeted audience.   

Michelle in the Middle

Three Keys by Kelly Yang - OPTIONAL

Three Keys (Front Desk #2) by Kelly Yang, 288 pages. Scholastic Press, 2020. $17.    

Content: G     

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL   

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE       

Mia Tang and her parents have worked really hard since arriving in the U. S. from China. They are now proud owners of the Calivista Hotel together with other immigrants. Mia, 11yo, is in charge of the front desk. She works hard at the hotel and at school, even working separately with her teacher to get better at writing. Mia want to be an author. At the Calivista they welcome all kinds of immigrants that need a place to stay. Room cleaning, laundry and repairs are never-ending. They endure bullying and racial injustice. Mia is perpetual optimist and sees the good in people. She thinks she can fix anything and everything.    

       

Mia is very mature for just being 11yo. I loved the story of Mia, but realistically, having worked with 11-year old children for years and years, I have never met a child at that age with Mia's very mature thinking processes and actions. The book is fast moving, and a page turner. I wanted to see how Mia reacted to all the problems that came way. Mia, her parents and their fellow hotel owners do a lot of good and they are all like one big, happy family that stick together and help each other out.          

Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   

Not Your All-American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang - ADVISABLE

Not Your All-American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang, 256 pages.  Scholastic Press, 2020. $18                       

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lauren and Tara are best friends and they do everything together. Tara has it all; she has designer jeans (Lauren wants some), she even has blue eyes and freckles! Lauren is Chinese American and Jewish. When they both try out for the school musical, even though Lauren has the best voice, Tara is picked for the lead because she looks like the All-American girl - blond and blue-eyed. The teacher even tells Lauren to her face that that was the reason she did not get the part. Lauren finds comfort and support in an unlikely place -- the radio show hosted by Nash. She calls him and talks about music and songs. Lauren loves the sound of Patsy Cline songs. Can Lauren and Tara manage to remain best friends through the upcoming trials they are facing? Will the strain on their relationships have an effect on the school musical?        

Lauren is a great protagonist. She is strong and hard working. Even with a blow like the one delivered by her teacher, she works through the challenges both with Tara, her other friends and the kids in the play, and with her teacher. I just hope that some teachers do not say those kinds of things to students. Lauren has a button machine and she makes buttons to show her moods and her goals. She even starts a little button business to save up for designer jeans. I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well written with a sense of humor. Lauren realizes what it really means to be All-American. I loved it!        

Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   

Love, Love by Victoria Chang - ADVISABLE

Love, Love by Victoria Chang, 224 pages. Sterling Children's Books, 2020. $17           

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Francis lives with her older sister, Clara, and their parents. They are Chinese-American. Francis deals with bullying and watches her sister get bullied because they look different. She feels pressure from her parents to always get A's in school and be more like Clara, who is in the gifted program. Francis feels that everything revolves around Clara. Clara is losing her hair and has a big bald spot on her head. Doctors do not seem to be able to help. Mom buys a lot of Chinese herbal medicines, but nothing helps. Francis is lonely both at school and at home. She has a friend, Annie, and they like to go to the library and they like to play tennis together. Francis finally feels like she fits in when she is invited to join the school tennis team. She is a great tennis player. Francis loves to read, and the Nancy Drew books are her favorite.

I loved how strong and resourceful Francis is, and how she goes from not fitting in, to having friends and feeling a sense of belonging. I also loved how Francis went about solving the mystery of her sister's illness. The book is written in verse and is a fast read. I could not put it down. I even brought it in the car just to finish the last few pages! This is definitely a "feel good" story and I highly recommend reading it.           

Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   

Seaman and the Great Northern Adventure by Helen Moss - HIGH

 

Seaman and the Great Northern Adventure (Time Dogs #2) by Helen Moss, 138 pages. Godwin Books (Macmillan), 2019. $16   

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (non-swears, implied adult drunkenness); Violence: PG (fight, dog fight, guns)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

The aging dogs once again time travel thinking they are going back to Alaska to see Balto. Instead they find themselves transformed to young pups near the Missouri River where they meet Seamus. Seamus is traveling with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The dogs find themselves surrounded by the many dangers of wildlife during the time of 1805.      

Students love adventure stories about dogs. The dogs face many dangers and must use problem-solving to survive. The author's note at the end tells true facts about the Lewis and Clark expedition.    

Molithia Spencer, Media Specialist