Field Trip to the Ocean Deep by John Hare - ESSENTIAL

Field Trip to the Ocean Deep by John Hare. PICTURE BOOK. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2020. $18. 9780823446308 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A group has descended to the depths of the ocean. One of the members wanders away and finds an amazing new friend in the ocean depths. 

So, so cute! My favorites are the giant isopods that follow the explorer (who turns out to be a young boy) around – how can you make something that looks like a rollypolly bug have such expression? Well, Hare does it! I hope he has several more field trips planned, because I want them all! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Eleanor, Alice, and the Roosevelt Ghosts by Dianne K. Salerni - ADVISABLE

Eleanor, Alice, and the Roosevelt Ghosts by Dianne K. Salerni, 240 pages. Holiday House, 2020. $18 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

There are three kinds of ghosts – Unawares, Friendlies, and Vengefuls – if a Vengeful invades your house, you’d better just vacate and tear it down immediately! 13yo Eleanor Roosevelt lives with her stuffy grandmother in their New York house with a couple of Unaware ancestors. When her cousin Alice, 14yo, is sent to live with their older, preganant, Aunt Bye, a new ghost erupts in that house – a ghost which is diagnosed by Nellie Bly herself as a Friendly. But Eleanor and Alice feel that something is wrong, and Alice, for one, is determined to find the root of the problem and banish the ghost for good. With the help of their other cousin, Franklin, the girls might be successful – if they can avoid the very real danger. 

A solid ghost story offering. I don’t think that the historical characters add anything to the story – only adults will really know who the characters are – and only adults will probably do any research to understand the futures of all of them. But the girls have spunk and I enjoyed the alternate history. I hope that there may be more books with the two girls ghost-hunting together. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Goodnight Mermaid by Karla Oceanak and Allie Ogg - ADVISABLE

Goodnight Mermaid by Karla Oceanak, illustrated by Allie Ogg. PICTURE BOOK. Balliwick Press, 2020. $18. 9781934649800 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Oceanak’s mermaid lullaby is a fun read to send your own mermaid off to sleep. If you have a young one with a mermaid tail blanket, this is an even better choice! Or take the opportunity to gift a mermaid blanket with the book as a holiday gift. Oceanak’s rhyming text flows beautifully. Ogg’s illustrated mermaids are delightfully multicultural. The images are colorful, but without any depth – had they been just a little more dimensional this could have been an ESSENTIAL. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Stick With Me by Jennifer Blecher - ADVISABLE

Stick With Me by Jennifer Blecher, 256 pages. Greenwillow (Harper), 2020. $17 

Content: G (4 swears) 

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Izzy and Phoebe used to be best friends, but now Phoebe hangs out with the school’s queen bee. Wren, also 12yo, is on her way to being an Olympic ice skater, but her little sister has cancer and their family is headed to Boston for Hannah to have surgery, which means Wren can’t get the training she needs before sectionals. Wren’s family is renting Izzy’s house, while Izzy’s family stays above the garage for the week. The two girls make tentative inroads into friendship, but both girls are signed up for theater camp for the week – not only is Phoebe there, but so is Daphne, and the two are ready to make Izzy miserable – and maybe use Wren to help along their schemes. 

 I was so glad that Izzy didn’t have a psychosis – she’s just a girl who is trying to figure out life and friendship. Despite their misunderstandings, the two girls become friends – and they find a very clever way to put the mean girls in their place and give Izzy the courage that comes from true friendship. An excellent paperback choice. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson - ADVISABLE

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson, 176 pages. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2020. $18 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When ZJ was 10yo, his family started seeing the first effects of the multiple concussions his father, a tight end on a professional football team, suffered. At first the memory lapses are a bit embarassing, but now, 2 years later, the effects are debilitating – and everyone knows that Zachariah 44 will never be back on the field. 

 Set in 1999, before the devastating effects of concussions were acknowledged, Woodson takes us through the descent of one man. She is a master of unfolding the emotional tidal wave. I didn’t even mind that it is written in free verse. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

I Love My Fangs! By Kelly Leigh Miller - ADVISABLE

I Love My Fangs! by Kelly Leigh Miller. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781534452107 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a young vampire loses one of his fangs, he is freaked out and despondent. And when the Tooth Fairy comes to take it away, he is even more upset. Finally, his parents step in and explain what’s happening. 

Though the main character is a vampire, this is not a Halloween book. It is a fun, silly way to talk to young ones about losing a tooth. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

How to Find a Bird by Jennifer Ward and Diana Sudyka - ADVISABLE

How to Find a Bird by Jennifer Ward, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781481467056 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ready to foster a new generation of birdwatchers? Ward’s book introduces kids to a wide variety of places (not just up) to look for birds. The illustrations include a lot of different birds and thankfully each is identified. Includes some of the most adorable endpapers that I’ve seen. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Shuri: a Black Panther novel by Nic Stone - OPTIONAL

Shuri: a Black Panther novel by Nic Stone, 272 pages. Scholastic, 2020. $18 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Shuri has been asked by her brother, the Black Panther, the King of Wakanda, to make him a new Black Panther suit. Shuri knows that the high-tech Vibranium fabric needs the help of the Heart-Shaped herb, the herb that every king ingests to give him is super powers. There are only 5 days to Challenge Day – when anyone can try to take Wakanda’s throne. Unfortunately, the Heart-shaped herb is dying. If Shuri doesn’t move fast, there may be no herb forever. In order to find answers, Shuri and her Dora Milaj in training, K’Marah, will need to go outside Wakanda’s borders – where new friends and new dangers lurk. 

If the various Marvel books circulate well in your library, add this offering. I will probably cross my fingers for a paperback later, because they just haven’t found their audience here. The only grating note to Stone’s novel is Shuri’s mother – I don’t understand how she can see how important Shuri’s work is, and yet thwart her at every turn with her superficial orders. I would be happy with a Wakanda without the Queen Mother. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Tiny Baker by Hayley Barrett and Alison Jay - OPTIONAL

The Tiny Baker by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Alison Jay. PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Books, 2020. $18. 9781646860708 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The baker bee is ready for a new day of dispensing treats to her any customers. When her ladybug helpers all swarm, leaving behind a kitchen catastrophe, the ants pitch in and clean everything like new. 

As much as I love Alison Jay’s adorable illustrations, but I am not a fan of the text set up as rhyming couplets. I tried reading it out loud and it was a disaster as I couldn’t figure out whether to follow the sentence structure or stay true to the couplets. As nice as the story is, the rhyming text just makes it difficult to read. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Bread Pet: a sourdough story by Kate DePalma and Nelleke Verhoeff - OPTIONAL

The Bread Pet: a sourdough story by Kate DePalma, illustrated by Nelleke Verhoeff. PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Books, 2020. 9781646860654 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Uncle JB has left his “Bread Pet” (sourdough starter) with Cora to tend while he is gone for a few days. Things get very out of control and now the bread pet is many bread pets. Cora will have to be very clever to save her home from being completely overrun – sharing may be the best way to go! 

I’m a little torn about this book – I really don’t get why JB tells Cora to feed the bread pet twice a day. I get that the author wanted to multiply the pet as quickly as possible – but this amount is extremely over the top. And there are some other contradictory statements, too. But Cora is clever and it all comes right in the end. And it is a fun opener for a baking lesson, or a math lesson about doubling. Plus bread baking has become quite a thing during the pandemic. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Rot: The Bravest in the World by Ben Clanton - AVERAGE

Rot: The Bravest in the World by Ben Clanton. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781481467643 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Rot wants to bask in the stinky, slimy pile of muck, but his big brother Snot warns him to watch out for “the Squirm”. Rot can’t stay away, though and worried about what The Squirm really is. 

“The Bravest” is the second book about Rot – He is a gross character, but his messages are on point. This time about kind-hearted teasing between siblings and not letting someone else steal your confidence. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

It’s Only One! By Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal - ESSENTIAL

It’s Only One! by Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2020. $18. 9781680102277 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Sunnyville was a tidy, pretty town, until Rhino casually tosses trash on the ground – it’s only one, after all. But when others follow, the garbage stacks up quickly. Then Giraffe picks just one flower from the park – it’s only one – right? How can Sunnyville get back on track and become lovely again? Timely, sincere, simple – an adorable book for the heart and the eye. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Calvin Gets the Last Word by Margo Sorenson and Mike Deas - ADVISABLE

Calvin Gets the Last Word by Margo Sorenson, illustrated by Mike Deas. PICTURE BOOK. Tilbury House, 2020. $18. 9780884488224 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Calvin is frustrated with his older brother – and all of the frustration shows on the pages on the dictionary Calvin carries, looking for the perfect word to describe that brother. Through a very busy day – both for Calvin and the dictionary – Calvin finds the perfect word and the dictionary gets some well-deserved rest. 

Librarians be aware – the important words and their definitions are on the end pages of the book – so DON’T COVER THEM UP! Kids will need help pronouncing the words and understanding the definitions. A silly book about sibling dynamics and also about some great words to learn. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Wherever I Go by Mary Wagley Coop and Munir D. Mohammed - ADVISABLE

Wherever I Go by Mary Wagley Coop, illustrated by Munir D. Mohammed. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781534419193 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Abia and her family have lived in the refugee camp for more than seven years. It is the only home Apia knows, and she is the queen of what she does – playing in the dirt, pumping water, pounding cassava root, and much more. And when she and her family get a chance to resettle, she will take that queenly spirit of hope with her. 

 A great story to read with your students. The back matter mentions than only 1% of refugees get resettled! It also includes an excellent list of supporting books – picture books, and secondary level. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Hurry, Santa by Tomie dePaola - ESSENTIAL

Hurry, Santa by Tomie dePaola, BOARD BOOK Little Simon Simon and Schuster, 2020. $8. 9781534464056 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Santa is getting ready to go. He puts on his coat, hat, gloves and belt, but oh no! Santa has to go, so off comes the coat, hat, gloves and belt and Santa runs to the bathroom! Phew! He gets dressed again and heads off to deliver Christmas. 

Oh so cute. The snow on the cover literally sparkles, Santa has a dog and a cat who play in the clothes, but the best illustration is Santa - looks just like Tomie dePaola - no better character to self portrait. DePaola passed away this year. He will be missed.

Lisa Librarian  

Our Favorite Day of the Year by A. E. Ali, and Rahele Jomepour Bell - ADVISABLE

Our Favorite Day of the Year by A. E. Ali, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell PICTURE BOOK Salaam Reads Simon and Schuster, 2020, $18. 978481485630 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

On the very first day of kindergarten, Musa's teacher tells the class that her favorite day of the year is the first day of school! She then invites the students to present their favorite days as part of show and tell this year. Musa's favorite is Eid, so when it is his turn, his mom brings food and decorations to the class and Musa shares why Eid is his favorite. Then, when it is Mo's turn, he tells about Rosh Hashanah, Moises brings food and decorations for Las Posadas, and Kevin teaches the class how his family celebrates Pi Day.

Such a great idea - I love that this classroom celebrates everyone's special days.  Some are religious, some are memorable, but all are important. Bell's illustrations are great, making Our Favorite Day of the Year a terrific springboard to a similar year long activity in any classroom.

Lisa Librarian

Kindness Grows by Britta Teckentrup - ESSENTIAL

Kindness Grows by Britta Teckentrup. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2020. $18. 9781680102291 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Is that a crack formed in anger or a tree growing in kindness? Each of us makes that choice as we decide how to act and react each day. 

First – a CUT-OUT COVER! Fun! and then each page also has a cut out! If you want to add another book about kindness (because we definitely need more of that!), Teckentrup’s has a lovely message paired to her beautiful illustrations. Honestly – I think more adults need to read this picture book too. Read it for the message – love it for the illustrations! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ella’s Night Lights by Lucy Fleming - ADVISABLE

Ella’s Night Lights by Lucy Fleming. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2020. $17. 9781536212693 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Tiny Ella has the delicate wings of a moth, so she can only go about at night. As she gathers bits of light from candles and such, she shares that light with those who need just a little help. Her friends know that her greatest wish is to see the sun, so they concoct a plan to help fulfill that dream. 

Sparkles on the cover! Yeah! Ella is so sweet and her friends so kind. Sharing the light can be a simple message, or it can become a metaphor for kindness. Sweet, adorable, lovely. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Maurice and His Dictionary by Cary Fagan and Enzo Lord Mariano - OPTIONAL

Maurice and His Dictionary: A True Story by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Enzo Lord Mariano. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781771473231 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Maurice has lived most of his life in Belgium, but when the Nazis invade, they escape and eventually end up in an internment camp in Jamaica. Maurice is determined to become a lawyer, so he finds teachers willing to help him in the camp – spending a lot of time each night with a dictionary to improve his English. Eventually he gets permission to immigrate to Canada to fulfill his dream. 

Based on the life of the author’s father, Mariano illustrated this like a graphic novel. It is very text heavy, so not suitable for lower elementary grades. It is a great addition to a Holocaust picture book collection, though, adding more dimension. The dictionary does not play a very prominent part in the narrative, so I don’t really understand the title. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Blue Skies by Anne Bustard - ADVISABLE

 

Blue Skies by Anne Bustard, 218 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Eleven-year-old Glory Bea is excited for the Friendship Train that is making it’s way across America to Texas because there is an advertised surprise coming on the train.  Glory Bea is convinced that the Friendship Train surprise will be her father who was “lost” on Omaha Beach.  As Glory Bea prepares for her father’s return, she is upset that her father’s best friend from the war is courting her mother and hopes that the train comes soon.  

Although the storyline is predictable, Glory Bea is an endearing character.  Her grandparents, mother, friends and even her father’s war buddy all support her throughout the book. Even though I could see the end coming, I cried like a baby. A feel-good read for your middle readers.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Elizabeth Warren's Big, Bold Plans by Laurie Ann Thompson and Susanna Chapman - ADVISABLE

 

Elizabeth Warren's Big, Bold Plans by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Susanna Chapman PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 2020. $18. 9781534475809 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Senator Elizabeth Warren grew up in a middle class family, and wanted to become a teacher. But, when her father suffered a heart attack when Elizabeth was 12, she saw what was like to be poor, and to worry about losing your home when you can't pay bills. She became a teacher, a lawyer, a US Senator, and in 2019, campaigned for President of the United States! Always looking for ways to help people, Elizabeth Warren is full of big, bold plans. 

I loved this book about making plans and then following through - even if your plans change. Susana Chapman's illustrations are great, active and colorful - I loved how Warren aged from little girl to woman. Another great addition to my picture book biographies.

Lisa Librarian

Lift As You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell and R. Gregory Christie - ADVISABLE

Lift As You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell and R. Gregory Christie, PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon and Schuster), 2020. $18. 9781534406230 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ella Baker asked herself "What do I hope to accomplish?" And then she did - Ella spent her life working against racial injustice and empowering African Americans. She fought for justice, equal pay, voting rights. She helped form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and worked from the bottom up, helping people solve their own problems. She listened to and helped the students involved in the sit-ins, bringing them comfort in jail. Her motto: Lift as you climb. 

I love picture book biographies - especially those that introduces remarkable women who helped create change and made a difference. Includes a nice author's note, a description of the organizations Baker was involved in (YNCL, WPA, NAACP etc.) a timeline and a bibliography.

Lisa Librarian

Mouse’s Night Before Christmas by Tracey Corderoy and Sarah Massini - ESSENTIAL

Mouse’s Night Before Christmas by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Sarah Massini. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2020. $18. 9781536214406 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

While the classic tale says that not even a mouse was stirring that Christmas Eve, that wasn’t completely true. There was one little mouse who had a wish and maybe Santa could fulfill it. 

 This Christmas mouse is so sweet! Corderoy has managed to write in the same rhythm as the original classic – the reading flows smoothly and fun. Mouse is so cute and earnest. An instant Christmas favorite. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Sea Knows by McGinty, Havis, and Stephanie Laberis - ESSENTIAL

The Sea Knows by Alice McGinty & Alan Havis, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781534438224 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The authors’ rhyming text and the illustrator’s vibrant pictures will help you fall into the book and fall in love with the sea. Whether you live next to the water or far away, you can’t help feeling mesmerized and calmed by these pages. And the end papers are a delight! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken - ESSENTIAL

 

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, 165 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL Disney Hyperion, 2020. $22.  

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

14yo Sydelle lives a quiet life, until Wayland North shows up out of thin air.  Wayland is a wizard and he is trying to get information back to the royalty in an effort to thwart a war, but he is being chased by a dark wizard and Wayland’s magical cloak needs mending.  Sydelle is a weaver and is able to help Wayland and as they journey towards the capital, Sydelle starts to realize that she too might also have power. 

I am impressed that this story conveys a clear plot with characters that have depth in just 165 pages.  I totally enjoyed this read and the illustrations are bright and attractive.  Sydelle and Wayland are great characters and the conflict is well defined as they journey towards a resolve. I hope this is the beginning of a whole graphic novel series by Bracken, because it is fun and entertaining.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson    

Heart of the Moors by Holly Black - HIGH

 

Heart of the Moors by Holly Black, 310 pages. Disney Press, 2019. $18. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Aurora is the queen of Perceforest and the queen of the Moors which causes a problem because the people from the Moors don’t trust the people of Perceforest and vice versa.  Aurora knows that if she can get the people to talk and learn to appreciate their differences that they would get along, but every effort she makes to help them understand each other is thwarted.  Prince Phillip is a good friend, and she has her advisor, Lord Ortolan, but someone is exaggerating the rift between the two kingdoms and trying to push them towards war.  

Holly Black creates a fantastic fantasy world once again.  I felt like I was in a movie while I read and could visualize the setting and the characters.  I enjoyed the conflict and the hint of romance while I cheered on Aurora.  Fun read and a great cover.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson   

I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood and Julianna Swaney - ESSENTIAL

I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood, illustrated by Julianna Swaney. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781534430617 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A young girl was not expected to live even one minute, but now it has been 10 years – 10 years in a wheelchair, because she can only move her body a little bit. She yearns to dance, but it is only when she finds the Young Dance Company that she truly finds a dance home that truly works to incorporate every person type into dance. 

The Young Dance Company is a real place – a place that should be replicated in every dance studio in the world! From the first page you can feel the girl’s yearning and Swaney really visually shows us the magic of connecting through dance. I would pair this with Birgitta Sif’s Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Very Quacky Christmas by Frances Watts and Ann James - ESSENTIAL

A Very Quacky Christmas by Frances Watts and Ann James. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random), 2020. $18. 9780593173770 

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

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 Samantha Duck not only loves Christmas for herself, but she also wants to spread the love to very animal in the world. Her best friend, Sebastian Turtle is skeptical, but goes along to help. Eventually all of the animals on the farm get involved and they are ready for Christmas Eve – but there is one last hurdle they need to overcome. 

The cover looks festive and silly, but the book inside is touching and sweet. I love Sebastian’s skepticism, because he is also willing to be supportive all along the way. He is a good balance for Samantha’s enthusiasm. I will be getting a copy for my personal collection! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Will You Be My Friend? by Sam McBratney - ADVISABLE

 

Will You Be My Friend? by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram.  PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2020. $18.  9781536217476  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Little Nutbrown Hare wants to play, but Big Nutbrown Hare is too busy.  As the little hare tries to find someone to play with or something to do, he happens upon a Cloudy Mountain Hare.  The two quickly become friends, but due to a misunderstanding of who is hiding during hide-and-seek, they lose each other.  But at the end they find each other and are friends again.  

The sweet illustrations that made Guess How Much I Love You a hit, with adorable hares can also be found in this picture book.  The touching and simply formed friendship helps young readers to not overcomplicate making friends. Sweet, simple and appealing.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! by Kelly Bennett - OPTIONAL

 

Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! by Kelly Bennett, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones.  PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2020. $17 9781536206715  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Norman the goldfish does all sorts of amazing tricks.  Norman’s owner enters Norman and himself into a pet contest, but Norman gets stage fright and can’t perform his tricks.  When his owner starts to play his tuba, Norman starts to sing and then Norman is shaken from his stage fright and shows everyone what he can do.  

Norman is the cutest goldfish, and the illustrations are bright and attractive.  The storyline seemed a bit far-fetched and there wasn’t an applicable strategy for overcoming stage fright for readers.  Cute pictures, but just an okay story.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Mistletoe: a Christmas Story by Tad Hills - ADVISABLE

Mistletoe: a Christmas Story by Tad Hills. PICTURE BOOK. Schwatrz & Wade (Random), 2020. $18. 9780593174425 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Little Mistletoe, a mouse, loves the snow, but her best friend, Norwell an elephant, does not. Mistletoe is sad, but she has a great idea to help Norwell get out in the snow – but it involves A LOT of yarn! 

Knitters will definitely love this (“You can never have too much yarn”), but kids will also like that Mistletoe finds a problem and tries to come up with a solution. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Imogene’s Antlers by David Small - ADVISABLE

Imogene’s Antlers by David Small. PICTURE BOOK. Knopf (Random), 2020. $18. 9780375810480 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Antlers? Imogene has woken up with antlers! At first everyone is startled, but as the day goes on, her family settles into the idea of the antlers and even find them helpful. The next morning, however, while Imogene’s antlers are no longer there, something may still be different. Small’s illustrations have a charming old-fashioned feel to them – like books from the 1960’s. Kids will be amused by the grandiose nature of Imogene’s antlers – I’d love to talk to them about other ways to make use of them. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins - ESSENTIAL

 

What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins.  EARLY READER Hyperion, 2020. $10. 9781368045735  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Tiger is petrified of worms.  He loves flowers, but can’t enjoy them because what if they have worms in the dirt?  He loves apples, but when he bites into the apple he fears there might be worms.  And Tiger also loves books, but again, he is scared of worms (book worms).  Tiger runs away from his pile of flowers, an apple and a book.  A bunch of worms find the pile and they decide they like the tiger because he gave them everything they love, so they think the tiger needs a hug. 

Adorable!  I love all of Ryan Higgins books, and this is no exception.  The tiger’s increased worrying is funny, but the worms are so endearing.  The moral of the story is that when we take the time to learn about others and see the good that they do, then we can appreciate our differences.  Fantastic!  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azua - ADVISABLE

 

The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azua Kramer, illustrated by Cindy Derby.  PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2020. $17. 9780763698324 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE   

A little boy’s mom dies. As he deals with his grief, he talks it out with a beautiful black gorilla.  The little boy is able to express his feelings and the things he liked and misses about his mom. Eventually the little boy comes around to sharing those memories with his father and the black gorilla fades away.  

This is a beautiful picture book that depicts what grief feels like and also shows a way through the sadness. This book is essential, except because it’s such an emotional read, I put it as advisable because it’s not one you would want a child to happen upon without some guidance. It’s such a touchy-feely book, it might need some explaining or guided reading with an adult, but I think it’s a great resource for young kids who are grieving. Simple, yet I felt all the feels—very well done.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Wheels on the Bus Christmas, illustrated by Sarah Kieley - ESSENTIAL

The Wheels on the Bus Christmas, illustrated by Sarah Kieley. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random), 2020. $11. 9780593174852 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When I saw the title I was a bit skeptical, but I quickly feel in love with this silly Christmas book. Kieley’s illustrations are the perfect ultra bright cartoony style that will amuse little readers to no end. And they will definitely want to sing along! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Princess Before Dawn by E.D. Baker - ADVISABLE

 

Princess Before Dawn (Wide-Awake Princess, #7) by E.D. Baker, 212 pages. Bloomsbury, 2018. $17. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Princess Annie and Liam are trying to prepare for their upcoming coronation in Liam’s kingdom of Dorinocco, but Annie’s parents are in need of Annie’s magic dispelling abilities.  Annie and Liam arrive at Treecrest to help her parents, to find the Treecrest castle overrun with unwanted guests. Annie helps disperse the witches, but the bats in the basement are more than Annie knows what to do with.  When Annie realizes they are vampires and seeks help from her friends, she is drawn into the vampire politics of a neighboring kingdom.  

I enjoyed all the books in the Wide-Awake Princess series, and this one is action packed.  Vampires are creepier than any of the villains in the past books, but they make for a suspenseful read.  The violence is PG because the vampires turn some people into vampires without permission, and it never addresses what happened to those characters. This is a great series for readers coming out of the early chapter books because they are short in length and have a lot of action, but also good for middle readers who like plot-driven adventures.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Princess and the Pearl by E.D. Baker - ADVISABLE

 

The Princess and the Pearl (Wide Awake Princess, #6) by E.D. Baker, 226 pages. Bloomsbury, 2017. $17. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Princess Annie’s father and her uncle both have a frightful disease in which their skin is turning blue.  The blueness makes it’s way from their feet to their heads, and if it reaches their head, then they will die. Annie asks her friends to help her find a healer who can help, but the only one in the kingdom who can help is on a far-off island called, Skull Cove.  As the friends embark on their adventure, they are in a race against time, as well as the thwarting efforts of Liam’s brother.  

Annie and Liam are fun to follow on most any adventure, and this book is no exception.  I enjoyed the suspense of saving her father, and the creative ways in which Liam’s brother throws obstacles in their path.  A great series for newer readers with a fast plot line and likable characters, and equally unlikable villains.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Princess Between Worlds by E.D. Baker - ADVISABLE

 

Princess Between Worlds (Wide Awake Princess, #5) by E.D. Baker, 210 pages. Bloomsbury, 2016. $17. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Princess Annie and her husband Liam are married and looking to go on a honeymoon.  When a witch gives Annie and Liam some magical postcards for their wedding gift, Liam and Annie are excited to visit all the beautiful places pictured.  They quickly find out, however, that the places they are visiting all have danger in different forms and that there may have been evil intent behind the gift.  

I enjoy the Wide Awake Princess stories, and this journey was creative and enjoyable.  Annie and Liam aren’t deeply developed as characters, and the story is largely plot driven. The series will make the most sense if read in order and the cute cover will appeal to reader’s who love a good princess story.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Princess in Disguise by E.D. Baker - OPTIONAL

 

Princess in Disguise (Wide Awake Princess, #4) by E.D. Baker, 215 pages. Bloomsbury, 2015.  $17.  

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Princess Annie is excited for her long awaited wedding day to Liam, but everything that could possibly go wrong happens.  Annie and Liam end up on a quest to save the castle against a magical wizard, instead of celebrating their marriage.  They scour the kingdom looking for the help of the powerful fairy Moonbeam, and uncover the plot that is causing the attack on Annie’s family’s castle.  

I usually love the Wide-Awake Princess series, but half of this book was Annie and Liam going from place to place, running into characters from previous books, and it got boring fast.  The second half of the book was the best part of the story and I loved it, but I don’t know if readers will keep reading long enough to get to the good part.  The mention of characters from the other books was also distracting to this storyline because it had been awhile since I read them and couldn’t remember their story.  Overall, not the best book in the series, but I have enjoyed the series until now.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson   

If Winter Comes, Tell It I'm Not Here by Simona Ciraolo - ADVISABLE

If Winter Comes, Tell It I’m Not Here by Simona Ciraolo.  PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2020. $17. 9781536215304  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

An older sister tries to warn her little brother that summer is coming to an end.  She tells him that he can’t swim anymore and that when the cold comes, they are stuck at home.  The little boy is upset, until the winter actually comes and then he loves the snow and snuggling with his family for a movie night. As the little boy grasps the concept of changing seasons, he starts to worry that winter will be over soon.  

What a great take on the traditional seasons’ books.  This story deals with the emotions that come with the seasons and not the science behind it. The illustrations weren’t my favorite, but they story is well done, and I liked the way it helps younger kids talk about the emotions of changing seasons. 

Reviewer, C. Peterson           

The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem by Shannon Hale - HIGH

The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem (Princess in Black, #8) by Shannon Hale, illustrated by Dean Hale, 90 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2020.  $15  9781536202229  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

The Princess in Black is excited to play in the snow with her two friends.  Just as the fun is getting underway, a giant comes along and starts squashing everything it sees.  Princess and Black and her friends can’t stop the giant on their own, so they call in back-up from their other friends.  Eventually the baby giant’s mother finds the giant and takes it home.  

I think the Princess in Black series is fun for new readers and if you have success with the other books in the series in your library, then this will get attention as well.  You would have to read this book in the right order in the series to know the backstory and at one point I felt like there were too many characters. Not my favorite book in the series, because the action gets interrupted too many times as new characters are introduced.    

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Missing by Michael Rosen - ADVISABLE

 

The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II by Michael Rosen, 94 pages. NON-FICTION Candlewick Press, 2020. $17.  

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Michael was young, he never knew what happened to all of his aunts and uncles during World War II.  He knew that they were Jewish and had lived in Poland, but he wanted to know where they went and what happened to them.  This is an explanation of Michael’s search for his family’s story.  He doesn’t have all the details that he would like, but he has a better understanding of what happened and a determination to remember them which he writes about.  

Michael Rosen mixes facts with poetry as he writes the chapter recounting his search for his family and then writes a poem that expresses his emotions and feelings about them and the war.  The poetry is beautiful and moving.  The facts and search for his family isn’t overly compelling, but it does emphasize how so many people lost their families and loved ones during the Holocaust. There is nothing in this book that an elementary age child couldn’t read, but they might need some background on the Holocaust to truly appreciate the story.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Horse's Haiku by Michael J. Rosen -- ADVISABLE

 

The Horse's Haiku by Michael J. Rosen. POETRY. Candlewick Press, 2018. $18. 9780763689162

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The Horse's Haiku is a collection of haiku poetry all about the aspects of working with horses, from watching them graze, to riding them in all seasons, to observing them at rest after a long day. An afterword describes the author's approach to haiku.

The haiku presented in the pages paints a perfect picture of life with horses, and the pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are lovely. Fans of horses and poetry are likely to enjoy this one. It would also add interest to a poetry unit.

Sydney G., Elementary Library Media Specialist

A Thousand Glass Flowers by Evan Turk - ADVISABLE

A Thousand Glass Flowers: Marietta Barovier and the Invention of the Rosetta Bead by Evan Turk, PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 202. $18. 97815344

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Marietta Barovier was a girl, her father was one of the best glassmakers in Murano, He and her brothers worked very hard while she stayed at home; 15th Century Italy only let men make glass. Until one day, her father gave her the opportunity to watch, which eventually turned into glassmaking lessons and trips to Venice to see the beautiful glass there. As her skills improved, she worked alongside her brothers, experimenting and honing her own techniques. Scholars believe she invented the colorful Rosetta Beads. 

I so enjoy these biographies of women who did amazing things. I know about Rosetta beads but had no idea they were probably invented by Marietta Barovier. Includes an author's note with details and dates and such, and an illustrator's note about his inspiration.

Lisa Librarian  

Dinosong by Tim McCanna and Richard Smythe - ADVISABLE

Dinosong by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Richard Smythe PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781534430020 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When three little dinosaurs meet up, they stick together to find safety from a volcano, a storm, a dangerous path, giant rocks and a dark cave. 

Tim McCann's text is simply the sounds the dinosaurs and the objects around them are making, the sound of footsteps, eruptions, rolling rocks etc. A fun, practically wordless picture book with large colorful illustrations.

Lisa Librarian

Flying Paintings by Amy Alznauer - ADVISABLE

 

Flying Paintings: The Zhou Brothers: The Story of Revolution and Art by Amy Alznauer, illustrated by ShanZuo Zhou and DaHuang Zhou.  NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2020. $18. 9781536204285  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

The two Zhou brothers were born in China and loved hearing their grandmother, Po Po’s, stories when they lived in her bookstore.  But when Chairman Mao infused communism into China, the brothers lose the rest of their family to labor camps and illness. The boys have always used art to depict their lives and emotions and would try to make something terrible, into something beautiful through their art. The two brothers work on their paintings together, telling their story and inspiring others to create.  

The history of the Chinese Revolution threads throughout this story of two brothers.  The illustrations are completed by the Zhou brothers themselves, adding to the feel of the biography. Although the pictures are unique, if students listen to the story they will begin to appreciate them more. There is an author’s note that gives more of the history of the Zhou brothers picking up from the end of the story and it tells where the Zhou brothers are now. 

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable -- ADVISABLE

Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second (Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck), 2018. $18. 9781626725614

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Best friends Peter and Ernesto love to hang out together in the top of the tree, watching the clouds pass by. Peter thinks they have the perfect life, and is stunned when Ernesto says he wants to see other patches of sky. Can the two remain friends while far apart? More importantly, will Ernesto make it home safely so they can be together again?

Peter and Ernesto are great characters, endearing in their own ways and good at making friends. The simple phrasing, large font, and easy-to-follow panels make this a good introduction to graphic novels for younger readers. The conclusion satisfies, while a preview for the next book hints at more to come.

Sydney G., Elementary Library Media Specialist

Find Fergus by Mike Boldt - ESSENTIAL

 

Find Fergus by Mike Boldt.  PICTURE BOOK  Doubleday (Random House), 2020. $18.  9781984849021  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Fergus the bear is playing hide and seek with the reader.  In the beginning, he is really bad at hiding and it’s easy to find him.  But with some coaching from the narrator, Fergus starts to camouflage himself very well. 

Fergus is hilarious.  The book has the feel of when you are playing hide and seek with a little kid who thinks if they close their eyes, you won’t see them.  As Fergus follows the directions of a good way to hide, it becomes a spot it book which is also fun. The illustrations are fun and appealing.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Puppy Prince by Melody Mews and Ellen Stubbings - ADVISABLE

The Puppy Prince (Itty Bitty Princess Kitty #3) by Melody Mews, illustrated by Ellen Stubbings 120 pages PICTURE BOOK, EARLY READER Little Simon Simon and Schuster, 2020 $18 9781534463585 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Princess Itty is very excited. The royal family from Wagmire is coming to visit Lollyland, and there's a prince, just Itty's age. Although she prepared everything she thought would be perfect, when the puppy prince arrives, he's more concerned about how Itty isn't following the "rule book" of being royalty than he is in trying to be a friend. 

 I love the social messages in this series - be yourself, but follow the rules when expected. Early readers will love the super short chapters and the darling illustrations. Also a fun read aloud or bedtime story - I can see this series becoming a favorite. 

Lisa Librarian

Star Showers by Melody Mews and Ellen Stubbings - ADVISABLE

Star Showers (Itty Bitty Princess Kitty #4) by Melody Mews, illustrated by Ellen Stubbings 120 pages EARLY READER Little Simon (Simon and Schuster), 2020. $18. 9781534463615 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

After a fun afternoon of dressing up with her friend Luna, Princess Itty discovers that she has misplaced her tiara! When the King and Queen announce a special star shower, which includes a wish granting search, Itty knows just what she'll wish for, and tells her friends they can get their wishes, too. But Itty and her friend's wishes get all mixed up! 

For an emerging reader, this series is great! Most of the pages are at least 50% Ellen Stubbings cute illustrations, and the story pace is perfect! It's also a series, so there's lots of opportunities for more time to spend with Princess Itty and her darling friends.

Lisa Librarian