See the Cat by David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka - OPTIONAL

See the Cat by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. 64 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2020. $9. 9781536204278

 Content: G 

 BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Max is a little dog. In the book the reader is told to see the cat. Max needs to convince the book that he is not a cat, but a dog.

Cute story and illustrations. This is a great book for first-on-my-own book. It is very cute and I think young children will like the adventures of Max.

 Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Grow: Secrets of Our DNA by Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton - ESSENTIAL

Grow: Secrets of Our DNA by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton. NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2020. $18. 9781536212723

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

All living things on our Earth has DNA in its cells. DNA is different for everyone, and we grow and develop according to the information in our own DNA. Once you are born, you do not even think about growing. You just grow! All the information about you, what you will look like, the color of your eyes, how tall you will be, and much more is embedded in your DNA. 

This is the coolest book! DNA is explained in easy and understandable language. The illustrations are simple, but fantastic. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. It will help give children insight into how they grow, and why they grow the way they do. Wow! Read this, it is awesome. 

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

One Boy's Choice: a tale of the Amazon by Sueli Menezes and Annika Siems - ADVISABLE

One Boy's Choice: a tale of the Amazon by Sueli Menezes, illustrated by Annika Siems. PICTURE BOOK. Minedition, 2020. $18. 9781662650031

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little boy is excited to go fishing with his grandfather. He has told all his friends that he will catch the biggest fish! He learns about daddy fish that takes care of their babies until the babies are big enough to live on their own in the river. A beautiful book with the most amazing illustrations. The story is beautifully told and I learned that there are fish in the Amazon that protect their babies thill they are big enough to survive in the river on their own. these daddy fish are really big. I could feel the little boys excitement at catching the biggest fish and understand the decision he made. A really good read. I highly recommend this book. Read it to children, grandchildren and students.

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

Rare & Blue: Finding Nature's Treasures by Constance Van Hoven and Alan Marks - ESSENTIAL

Rare & Blue: Finding Nature's Treasures by Constance Van Hoven, illustrated by Alan Marks. NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2020. $19. 9781623540975

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This book was a great learning experience. It was fun to learn about animals and plants that are blue and in danger of disappearing. I loved reading about blue lobsters, Karner Blue Butterflies and blue whales. I did not know that some black bears are actually blue! I have read the book many times now, just to enjoy it and the beautiful illustrations. I loved reading about eight rare and endangered species. I had never even heard of blue bears! Now I want to plant Lupines just to see if I can get some Karner Blue Butterflies to visit my yard. The illustrations are beautiful, spectacular. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. It is important that we all know how to preserve the beauty all around us.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Rockin' Rockets by Stephanie Calmenson and Joanna Cole - OPTIONAL

Rockin' Rockets (The Adventures of Allie and Amy #2) by Stephanie Calmenson and Joanna Cole, illustrated by James Burks. 84 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Aladdin Quix (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781534452534 

Content: G 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Allie and Amy are best friends. They do everything together. Their favorite band is the Rockin' Rockets. They are in town and the girls are so excited. The concert is sold out and a new girl in town has one extra ticket. But one ticket won't help both of them go to the concert. Can they find another ticket so they will both be able to attend the concert?

 A cute, fun read. It is a happy, easy read and would be good for a first on-my-own book. I enjoyed reading it. Good theme of friendship and sticking up for one another.  

Ellen-Anita LMS 

Ghostology by Lucinda Curtle - ADVISABLE

Ghostology: A true revelation of spirits, ghouls and hauntings by Lucinda Curtle and Dougald Steer, Yvonne Gilbert, Garry Walton, Doug Sirois. ACTIVITY BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2020. $28. 9781536209150

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Have you ever heard unexplained noises at night? footsteps across an upstairs floor when no one was there? Doors opening and closing? I would like to put together my own ghostologist field kit just for fun. The books tells of a set of trickster twins, a woman ghost screaming for help and much, much more.

Definitely a fun read! It is also a great addition to the other -ology books. Several years ago students made me aware of these books. My libraries had copies of all of -ologies and it was hard to keep them on the shelf. I was worried about my young grandson (age 8) finding Ghostoloy and being scared. It is like he had a radar zoomed in on this book. He went for it and loved it. He was not scared at all and we have already had several phone conversations about this book. I highly recommend it. What a fun book to read!  

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Grasping Mysteries: Girls Who Loved Math by Jeannie Atkins - ESSENTIAL

Grasping Mysteries: Girls Who Loved Math by Jeannie Atkins, 285 pages. NON-FICTION. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The book, written in verse chronicles the lives of seven remarkable women. They grew up loving math and for the most part were encouraged by their families, even when some of their teachers told them math was not for girls. They kept going, even when it got hard. Math helped them put things into place and answered their questions. These girls helped put rockets into space and on the moon, discovered and proved the existence of dark matter, start a school for nurses, discovered comets and so much else.

This was such an exciting read! I loved it and could not put it down. I felt like I got to know these women and loved them for not ever giving up, even when things were hard. I know from teaching myself that it is easy for students to give up on math because it is hard and not "cool." I loved helping all my students see the beauty of math, and how math was so dependable, and how we use it in our lives, everyday. 

Ellen-Anita LMS 

Beyond Me by Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu - ESSENTIAL

Beyond Me by Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu, 290 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Maya and her friend Yuka are just at the end of 5th grade when the big earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011. Maya feels scared, lost and worried. Then she learns that the worst of the quake and the tsunami hit northeast in the country. She helps in relief efforts, collecting food, clothing and other essentials with her mom. School is closed. Maya and Yuka decide to fold 1,000 paper cranes to help. Maya hears that sunflowers can help absorb radiation. She starts growing sunflowers and plans to send the seeds to the northeast. 

Maya's story is heart wrenching. Reading this I felt that I was right there with her. She is an amazing girl, and keeps going even when she is so frightened. It is very touching. I highly recommend this book. Read it out loud to your children, your students. It is amazing. I could not put it down! The book tells the story from Maya's point of view, in verse. Dates and times are added for each aftershock and tremble. 

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The Last Tree Town by Beth Turley - ADVISABLE

The Last Tree Town by Beth Turley, 262 pages. Simon and Shuster, 2020. $24

 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 Cassi is part Puerto Rican, but people always comment that she does not look like the rest of her family. Life can be sad and cruel, but she has good support from her family. She takes comfort in math and the Math Olympiad. There she meets Aaron, who shares stories with Cassi about all the different Tree Towns that he and his author dad have lived in. 

I liked how Cassie worked through her problems and found ways to make her happy. She forms a cute friendship with Aaron and I think she even has a crush on him and that the feeling might be mutual. She can tell him things, and he understands. He tells her things about his life and she understands. I also liked that the two main characters both liked math. The book is full of interesting, colorful and strong characters. I recommend this book. 

Ellen-Anita LMS 

Saltwater Secrets by Cindy Callaghan - ADVISABLE

Saltwater Secrets by Cindy Callaghan, 275 pages. Aladdin, 2020. $19 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Half-sisters, Stella and Josie live on different continents, but every summer they spend with their dad at the Jersey Shore. They love the ocean, the waves, the boardwalk, all the little shops and especially their secret spot under the pier. There they have box, buried in the sand, with memories from all their summers together. It is their secret. They discover that something is killing the jellyfish and eroding the wooden supports for the pier. As they work on unraveling this mystery, they realize they might be in over their heads. Can they solve the mystery before the whole pier collapses and injure or kill a lot of people?

A fast read and fun mystery. The sisters clash a little at the beginning and summer isn't off to the start they usually have. With all the things going on, they realize they must work together if they are going to figure out who is poisoning the sea. I love mysteries and this was a fun and easy read. I liked how the Stella and Josie realize that they need to trust each other and rely on each other to work out what is going on. The story is told by Josie and Stella, in alternating sections. 

 Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill - ADVISABLE

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill, 117 pages. McElderry Books (Simon), 2002, 2020. $18. REPRINT 

Content: G 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

10yo Fred (Fredericka) lives in Alaska - far away from large cities. So far that school teachers do not last long in their village with just a one-room school. In November of 1948 Sam, the pilot, brings a new teacher. He promises that she will be strict. Her name is Miss Agnes. To the delight of the children, she takes a real interest in them and their lives. She teaches them to read and write in innovative and new ways. Miss Agnes even pays special attention to Fred's deaf sister, Bokko.

A great story about the impact one teacher can have in the lives of children. Miss Agnes taught them to read and write. She showed them the world through microscopes, worlds that were so much smaller than them. Then she talked about the universe and things that were so much bigger than them. She opened their eyes to so many new things and showed them that there is so much to the world, outside of their little village. She loved the students and they in turn loved her. It was a great year for Fred, and for Bokko. This is a "must read." It was a fast and easy read and would be a great read-aloud.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Nature All Around: Bugs by Pamela Hickman - ESSENTIAL

Nature All Around: Bugs by Pamela Hickman, illustrated by Carolyn Gavin. NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2019. $18. 9781771388207.

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Bugs--be they true bugs, insects, or other creatures disguising themselves a bugs--live all around us. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers are offered a broad introduction to the world of bugs. Topics covered include metamorphosis, what makes something an insect, what is a True bug, and even how bugs exist as the seasons change. There is a helpful glossary and index included at the back. 

We are big bug fans at my house, and this book is a winner in all the best ways. The information shared in the book is accurate but not so detailed that its out of place in a picture book. Rather than going in-depth, this book is definitely an introductory look at the world of bugs with really wonderful illustrations throughout. This is surely a book that should be in every school library. 

Reviewer: TC

Dinosaur Feathers by Dennis Nolan - OPTIONAL

Dinosaur Feathers by Dennis Nolan. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2019. $19. 9780823443307

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago came in all shapes and sizes. Most of them died out, but some of them evolved into birds. Birds today come in all shapes and sizes, too! This wonderfully illustrated picture book celebrates dinosaurs and the birds that came after them. 

This is technically a nonfiction picture book, but its lilting text could make you think it was just a fun rhyming picture book featuring dinosaurs. In truth the book is basically just a list of dinosaurs followed by a list of birds, all of it illustrated well. The author does include more detailed scientific lists in the back, but again its basically a book of rhyming lists followed by alphabetic lists. Fans of dinosaurs will probably enjoy it for its simple premise, but this is not a "must buy" by any means. 

Reviewer: TC

Ivy in Bloom by Vanita Oelschlager - OPTIONAL

Ivy in Bloom by Vanita Oelschlager, 40 pages. PICTURE BOOK, POETRY. VanitaBooks, 2009. $16.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This winter is cold and gray, and all Ivy wants is for spring to come. With the help of some poets, Ivy talks about the joy of March and April.

Oelschlager’s idea of putting a story together with the words of past poets is appealing, but I think it was poorly executed.  The illustrator did a beautiful job in bringing the poetry to life for readers, but the words don’t fit together nicely, confusing me as I read. Honestly, my favorite part was the bibliography, which is probably the least appealing part for the intended audience.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill - ADVISABLE

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill , 117 pages. McElderry Books (Simon), 2002, 2020. $18. REPRINT 

Content: G 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

10yo Fred (Fredericka) lives in Alaska - far away from large cities. So far that school teachers do not last long in their village with just a one-room school. In November of 1948, Sam, the pilot, brings a new teacher. He promises that she will be strict. Her name is Miss Agnes. To the delight of the children, she takes a real interest in them and their lives. She teaches them to read and write in innovative and new ways. Mis Agnes even pays special attention to Fred's deaf sister, Bokko.

 A great story about the impact one teacher can have in the lives of children. Miss Agnes taught them to read and write. She showed them the world through microscopes, worlds that were so much smaller than them. Then she talked about the universe and things that were so much bigger than them. She opened their eyes to so many new things and showed them that there is so much to the world, outside of their little village. She loved the students and they in turn loved her. It was a great year for Fred, and for Bokko. This is a "must read." It was a fast and easy read and would be a great read-aloud.

 Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The Language of the Universe by Colin Stuart - ADVISABLE

The Language of the Universe: A Visual Exploration of Mathematics by Colin Stuart, 77 pages. NON-FICTION. Big Picture Press (Candlewick Press), 2019. $25.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Math can be found everywhere: in the smallest pieces only seen with a microscope and planets larger than Earth and beyond! Everything from ants to computers are most effective at their jobs when they use math. Where will math take you?

Stuart breaks down math, biology, chemistry, physics, space, and technology into easy-to-be-understood parts. Big words are bolded and explained as readers go, introducing the vocabulary necessary to describe these principles of math and science. Readers of every age can learn a lot from the information packed into this colorful manual of mathematics.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Evelyn Del Ray Is Moving Away by Meg Medina and Sonia Sanchez - OPTIONAL

Evelyn Del Ray Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2020. $18. 9781536207040 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Daniela's best friend, Evelyn Del Ray, is moving away. They have been best friends for a long time. They live across the street from each other in mirror image apartments. They know that everything will be different now, because this afternoon Evelyn is moving. They promise to keep in touch. No matter what, they will always know that they were each others first best friend.

 The two girls share a really special and cute friendship. The illustrations add to the story and show the friendship in pictures, even expressions. This would be a great gift to a little girl who has a best friend moving away, or a girl who just moved away from her best friend. I loved the story, their cute friendship and the bright illustrations. 

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

Slow Samson by Bethany Christou - ADVISABLE

Slow Samson by Bethany Christou. PICTURE BOOK. Templar Books, 2019. $17. 9781536215472

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 Samson's friends have invited him to a party. Samson starts out in plenty of time, but no matter how fast he moves he can not make it to the party on time. Everyone likes Samson, he is friendly and kind and always willing to help his friends. Can Samson's friends figure out a way to make sure he arrives to a party on time?

 I loved the story of Samson and his friends. I liked the illustrations - the map showing where all the animals live and cute Samson. The story has some creative problems solving, too. I think students will love reading this book and that they will even ask for it. Sloths seem to be popular with children right now. Everywhere items with pictures of sloths are being sold. I recommend this cute book.  

Ellen-Anita LMS 

I See by Joe Cepeda - OPTIONAL

I See by Joe Cepeda. EARLY READER LEVEL B. Holiday House, 2019. $16. 9780823445042

 BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 While exploring the attic two boys find a magnifying glass. They start looking through it and discover a lot of things that are hard to see with just your eyes. They see a mall ant, all the details on a butterfly, a snail and many other wonderful things.

 The illustrations in this book are so happy and fun. I could feel the boys' excitement as they were looking through the magnifying glass. This is a great book for beginning readers, with the happy illustrations and big print. It would be so fun, after reading this with a child, to go out and look at things in the garden or the park through a magnifying glass. Those experiences and discoveries are magical. 

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

Rocket Loves Hide-and-Seek by Tad Hills - OPTIONAL

Rocket Loves Hide-and-Seek by Tad Hills. EARLY READER (STEP 1). Schwartz and Wade Books (Random), 2020. $13. 9780593177921 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 The little dog Rocket loves to play hide-and-seek with his friends, Bella and Owl. But, when it is his turn to hide, his friends find him right away. He is too big to hide like they do. Can the three friends come up with a way to help Rocket hide?

 The three little animals have such a cute friendship. They like to play games and have fun. They want everyone to be included and they help each other. The writing is simple and this might be a good beginning reader. The illustrations are cute and small children will have fun finding Rocket, Bella and Owl in the pictures. I think this book will be a hit with pre-schoolers and even children in Kindergarten.

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

Early Sunday Morning by Denene Millner and Vanessa Brantley-Newton - ADVISABLE

Early Sunday Morning by Denene Millner, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2017. $18. 9781534476530 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

June is getting ready for church with her family. They prepare ahead of time, even making dinner early Sunday morning so they can eat when church is over. June is nervous because she has a solo part with the youth choir. Will she be able to reach the right high notes in front of the whole congregation? She is so nervous and a little scared to sing in front of everyone. June has a lot of support from her family. 

I loved the story and the beautiful and vibrant illustrations. It is a heartwarming and precious story of how June learns to believe in herself and her ability to sing beautifully. She has a wonderfully supportive family. 

Ellen-Anita LMS 

Hot Pot Night by Vincent Chen - OPTIONAL

Hot Pot Night by Vincent Chen. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2020. $17. 9781623541200 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Everybody wants dinner in the apartment building. However, nobody has enough food for a whole meal. A child suggests they have a Hot Pot Night. Everybody brings what they have and drop into the electric pot. In a short time there is enough dinner for everyone and good company, too.

 Everybody knows the story Stone Soup. Here is a Chinese version of that story. I like folk tales and fairy tales from different cultures. I like to see how they are alike and how they are different. This was a cute story, with nice and bright illustrations. More people should get together like that and make friends. A good story with cute illustrations.

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

The Lost Egg (Gigantosaurus) by Johny Doddle - OPTIONAL

The Lost Egg (Gigantosaurus) by Johny Doddle, illustrated by Cyber Group Studio. PICTURE BOOK. Templar Publishing UK, 2019. $13. 9781536212068

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little dinosaur named Rocky, finds a lost dinosaur egg. He looks for the mom of the egg and asks every dinosaur he meets. Rocky is way too tough to care for a little egg. Can he even find a dinosaur that will care for the lost egg?

 I think very young children would like this book read to them. They might really enjoy pointing out all the colorful dinosaurs Rocky encounters on his journey to find someone to care for the egg. The illustrations are bright and colorful. 

 Ellen-Anita LMS

Runaway Pumpkins by Teresa Bateman and Stephanie Fizer Coleman - ADVISABLE

Runaway Pumpkins by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. PICTURE BOOK . Charlesbridge, 2020. $17. 9781580896818

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A class of school children go on the field trip to a pumpkin farm so they can all pick out their own pumpkin. They have so much fun choosing just the right one. While on the way back to school, the pumpkins fall off the bus, one after the other. Only the really big one, strapped to the top of the bus remains. How can they make this come out all right? 

 I loved the bright and colorful illustrations accompanying the delightful story. The solution is ingenious and I loved how everyone came together to help the children. This would be a fun read-a-loud and at the end you could make the pumpkin cookies, following the recipe provided at the back of the book.

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery and Jessie Hartland - ESSENTIAL

Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery, illustrated by Jessie Hartland. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781534402317

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Tony Hillery tells his story of his Harlem Garden. Across from a public school, in Harlem, was a vacant lot filled with trash and refuse. He enlisted the students to help clean it up plant a garden. This is a true story and to this day the students help grow fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. The book takes you through how it all came about, their failures and successes. The delightful illustrations help tell the story.

I remember hearing about this on the news. It was fun to read about it and I would recommend this book to students. It is a great way to show that they can impact and change their environment. Exciting projects like this make it easy to enlist the help of friends and neighbors. I loved this book.

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

Ground Zero: a novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz - ESSENTIAL

 Ground Zero: a novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz, 336 pages. Scholistic, FEB 2021. $18 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (deaths; describes true events of 9/11) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

2001 - Brandon is in trouble, so he is going to work with his dad today, where he works as a chef at the restaurant on the 107th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 2019 – Reshimina is a poor village girl in Afghanistan, just trying to survive the skirmishes between the Afghan rebels and the American soldiers – the Americans who killed her older sister on her wedding day. Why are they even here? 

Wow! Wow! Gratz could have written a whole book about each of these characters separately. Instead in entwines their stories to create an even more powerful narrative. Students who weren’t yet born that day, who don’t understand the lasting scar that these events created on the American psyche, will now have a stark frame of reference. But everyone who reads this, no matter what age, will also be amazed by the power of Reshima’s story. Wow! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Girl with the Cat by Beverly Brenna and Brooke Kerrigan - ADVISABLE

The Girl with the Cat by Beverly Brenna, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan. PICTURE BOOK. Red Deer Press, 2020. $20. 9780889955318

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 Caroline has just moved to a new city with her family. She has not made any new friends and she is lonely. On a visit to the local art museum she sees a bronze statue of a girl about her age, sitting in a rocking chair with a cat on her lap. Caroline feels a connection to the girl in the statue and tells her all her secrets and dreams. One day there is a notice that the statue will be moved. Can Caroline do anything to keep that statue where it is? 

 Caroline is a cute heroine, resourceful and strong. This is a book that shows that one person can make a difference and be a force for good. The illustrations are beautifully done, with so much feeling and insight. I think if this book is book talked up to students they will be very likely to want to read it. 

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

I am Defiance by Jenni L. Walsh - ADVISABLE

I am Defiance by Jenni L. Walsh, 320 pages. Scholastic, FEB 2021. $18. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Brigitte enjoys the picnics, games, and other fun activity at her Hitler’s Youth group. However, as she gets older, she wonders about the deeper purpose behind the group. Does she really want to turn in her neighbors or admit that their family received suspicious fliers? Then she finds out that her parents and her older sister have bigger secrets to keep – does she remain loyal to the Fuhrer, or to her family? 

I love WWII books, I really do. And Walsh’s look through Brigitte’s eyes is just fine – a nice, skeptical look at Hitler’s propaganda machine, secrets within a family, and going to great lengths to keep those secrets. It’s just that there are other important events to look at throughout history than just WWII. Can we branch out a bit and give a wider historical and cultural perspective? 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Amelia Six by Kristin L. Gray - OPTIONAL

 The Amelia Six by Kristin L. Gray, 250 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18

 Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Millie (Amelia) gets a chance to spend a night in Amelia Earhart's childhood home with five other girls. They are all in awe of Amelia Earhart and of her childhood home. Little do they know that during the night they will be embroiled in a big mystery of intrigue and crime. There is a lot of things going on, including Amelia Earhart's favorite flying goggles disappearing. Who can they trust? Can the girls discover who stole them and get the goggles back before they are gone forever? 

 A cute, fast moving story; reminds me of a modern-day Nancy Drew. Kids that like mysteries will love it. I have always been fascinated by Amelia Earhart and I had to read everything I could find about her while also reading this book. It was a lot of fun. I have always loved mystery stories the very best so this was right up "my alley." 

Ellen-Anita LMS 

The Teachers March! by Sandra Neil Wallace, Rich Wallace and Charly Palmer - ADVISABLE

The Teachers March! How Selma’s Teachers Changed History by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace, illustrated by Charly Palmer. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Boyds Mill), 2020. $19. 9781629794525 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Selma, Alabama, 1965 – Martin Luther King, Jr. and Reverend F. D. Reese call upon the black teachers to march from the school to courthouse to lobby for the right to vote. As professionals employed by the city, they have stayed out of the way before. But 104 teachers answer the call and show their students, present and past, that they are all somebodies. 

This little known act during the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement is a hopeful note for #BlackLivesMatter protesters now. A great companion to Lillian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter, too. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

B is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet by John Robert Allman and Rachael Dean - ADVISABLE

B is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet by John Robert Allman, illustrated by Rachael Dean. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random), 2020. $19. 9780593180945 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Allman and Dean take us through an ABC of interesting, important ballet terms and people. 

Younger dancers will need you to read this to them – older dancers will enjoy the wide-ranging look at parts of ballet. The models for the illustrations are artists and ballets performed by the American Ballet Theater – both past and present – each labelled for identification. The rhyming text is thoughtful and flows well for a read aloud. And the multicultural cast of characters is inspiring – I just I could figure out who in on the cover! Does anyone know? 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Night Walk to the Sea by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Daniel Miyares - ADVISABLE

Night Walk to the Sea by Deborah Wiles and Daniel Miyares. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade (Random), 2020. $18. 9781524701475 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Little Roger is afraid of the stormy night. After the storm passes, his mother Rachel takes out into the dark for a walk to the sea, where Roger rediscovers his love for nature, for the beauty in the dark. 

Don’t be confused – this is not really a true story of a time in Rachel Carson’s life – it is an amalgam of a couple of different incidents culled from her correspondence and writings. I tis, however, a great look at the mystery and beauty of a walk in the dark – something that is difficult for children raised in the city, with all its light pollution, to understand. It is very gentle and calming. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Fast Friends by John Cena and Howard McWilliam - ESSENTIAL

Fast Friends (Elbow Grease) by John Cena, illustrated by Howard McWilliam. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2020. $19. 9780593179345 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Bo (Elbow Grease) and Mel head to the junkyard for some new parts. There they find Chopper, a motorcycle, who seems like a whole lot of fun. When Chopper meets the rest of the brothers, though, jealousy ensues, because she seems to better than every one of them. 

Cena has hit upon a very important emotion for kids to deal with – jealousy. And shows that you can talk it through, see each other’s point of view and be better friends than before. Plus it is monster turcks and motorcycles – an exciting combo for everyone! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Stay Curious! A brief history of Stephen Hawking by Kathleen Krull, Paul Brewer and Boris Kulikov - ADVISABLE

Stay Curious! A brief history of Stephen Hawking by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer. Illustrated by Boris Kulikov. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Crown (Random), 2020. $18. 9780399550287 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Wife and husband duo Krull and Brewer page through the life of Stephen Hawking. 

At first I wasn’t fond of the illustrations, but realized that they mimic photographs and the feel of space – a place that Hawking spent his life bringing to us here on Earth. The ethereal quality as lends itself to highlighting Hawking’s playful nature. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

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. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781534475809 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Thompson shows us the important notes in the life of Senator Elizabeth Warren. Chapman’s illustrations hit just the right note – capturing Warren’s energy and spirit. A welcome addition to a picture book biography collection. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Gurple and Preen by Linda Sue Park and Debbie Ridpath Ohi - ESSENTIAL

Gurple and Preen: a broken crayon adventure by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781534431416 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The robots Gurple and Preen are in big trouble! They have crash landed and their “pods” (crayons) are scattered all over the terrain. They need help! However, as they break the pods, nothing that comes out seems to be helpful. As Gurple frets, Preen has a flash of an idea. 

 I heard Park talk about this book a bit over a year ago and was so excited to see it! The concept of breaking a crayon to release the item inside is going to lead to many, many more broken crayons – but crayons get broken all the time anyway. So cute! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

My Favorite Book in the Whole World by Malcolm Mitchell and Michael Robertson - OPTIONAL

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole World by Malcolm Mitchell, illustrated by Michael Robertson. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), DEC 2020. $18. 9781338225327 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Henley hates reading – no matter how hard he tries, he can’t find a book that speaks to him. When his teacher asks the class to bring their favorite book to school the next day, he goes many places searching and asking for help. Finally, something his mother says strikes a chord and he has an idea. 

Robertson’s illustrations are bright and cheerful. The story is kind of interesting, but I feel like the idea of writing a picture book about yourself in order to have a favorite book in the world is just okay. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes and Laura Freeman - ADVISABLE

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Laura Freeman. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781534462670 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Grimes takes us on an overview of Kamala Harris’ life from birth to her run for the Presidency. 

The book is quite wordy – making it almost a perfect example of a child-sized biography. Freeman’s illustrations are lush and beautiful – I can’t imagine how many hours they took to create. I bet Grimes and Atheneum are kicking themselves that they couldn’t wait just another month to get this book out with the Biden-Harris victory. Wouldn’t it be cool if they could print a tip-in page to make the story complete? 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Fairy Science: Solid, Liquid, Gassy by Ashley Spires - ADVISABLE

Fairy Science: Solid, Liquid, Gassy by Ashley Spires. PICTURE BOOK. Crown (Random), 2020. $18. 9780525581444 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The fairy Esther and her fairy friends are dedicated to study the world in a scientific way, while the other fairies experiment with their magic. When the local pond dries up, Esther and company are able to provide a scientific explanation – discovering the water cycle – even though they will have to wait for the pond to return from the clouds as rain. 

The illustrations are just as cute the second time around. This time however, it feels like Spires is deliberately making the other fairies look stupid – saying things like “the moon sneezes make the ice disappear”. Good science – but it needs to make room for science and magic to coexist. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Chicken Who Couldn’t by Jan Thomas - ADVISABLE

The Chicken Who Couldn’t by Jan Thomas. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781416996996 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When chicken is bumped out of Farmer’s truck, she has to make her own way back to the farm. With some aid of various animals, including some intensive life-coaching from Turtle, she will still need to overcome her self-doubts to evade Fox and find her way home. 

Normally I love Jan Thomas’s animal books – Is Everyone Ready For Fun? is one of my personal favorites – but I am a life coach skeptic, so Turtle’s affirmation method didn’t appeal to me. But if that point of view is part of your school and personal philosophy, then the message will delight you – as much as the illustrations delight me. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Night Bear by Ana de Moraes-ADVISIBLE

The Night Bear by Ana de Moraes, illustrated by Thiago de Moraes. PICTURE BOOK. Andersen Press USA, 2019. $18.

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The Night Bear arrives on the night bus looking for nightmares to eat. Luckily there are many delicious offerings that have been left out for his snacking. Snakes taste like cake and a howling ghost like cheese on toast.

Lovely illustrations outmatch average writing in this tale of a nightmare eating bear. The idea is creative and the overall book will engage little readers, but the telling is too brief to create a magical feeling leaving it just out of reach. It could be a useful book as young ones may find solace in the possibility of a way to rid themselves of scary dreams. The clever illustrations inside the front and back covers that show how to fold a takeout box to leave out for the Night Bear with nightmare offerings and a list of frights and the corresponding flavors is delightful.

Reviewer: AEB 

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman-ESSENTIAL

 

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young, 128 pgs. HarperCollins, 2014. $7. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A family is out of milk. When the father sets out for the corner store to save breakfast, his return home will be delayed by time travel, pirates, a hot air balloon flying stegosaurus, vampires, and aliens who dream of redecorating the galaxy.

An absurdly hilarious tale that will have readers shaking their heads and laughing in turn. Brilliant illustrations match perfectly to the farcical plot creating an experience that will delight readers of all ages.

Reviewer: AEB

William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad by Don Tate - ADVISABLE

William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad by Don Tate. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Peachtree, 2020. $19. 9781561459353 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

William’s parents escaped slavery in the late 1700s – before he was born and he was brought up in the free state of New Jersey. He didn’t attend school regularly until he was 17 and almost starved to death when he moved to Philadelphia. He worked as a clerk for a group of white abolitionists, and as blacks arrived in the city, he took down their stories in hopes of reuniting them with their families – even one of his own brothers. The Fugitive Slave Act made his job even more dangerous, but he continued on. After the Civil War he published a book of the stories fugitives told him. His life’s work gave him the name Father of the Underground Railroad. 

Tate has given us a look at another black who was an important part of the Underground Railroad. We normally connect it with the Civil War directly, but it actually was operating for decades before that. Though this is a picture book, it is a must have for any school have covers the topic. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Life in a Frozen World: Wildlife of Antarctica by Mary Batten and Thomas Gonzalez - ADVISABLE

Life in a Frozen World: Wildlife of Antarctica by Mary Batten, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2020. $19. 9781682631515 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Though picture book in format and with gorgeous, colorful illustrations that look almost like photographs, Batten has included a long paragraph of fascinating information on each page. Younger students can have a teacher read the text to them, while an older students could do a short report from the information. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Teatime Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth and Chelsea O’Byrne - ADVISABLE

Teatime Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Books, 2020. $18. 9781771646017 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Waissbluth explores the many different ways people around the world drink their tea. There is a very simple text – one or two words on a page. But each page also has a few sentences with more detail about the country and their tea. It is a fun look at a common treat that is so different from country to country. Most of the interest will come if this is read with a class. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal - ESSENTIAL

Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. PICTURE BOOK. 9781452169408 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A child is walking through the rainforest and takes careful note of all kinds of wildlife – both high up in the trees, on the ground, and in the water. 

 Lush illustrations – perfect for the rainforest backdrop. I love that the creatures are all mentioned within the book and then the backmatter gives you a tidbit about the animals – especially since the animals will be unfamiliar to most students. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Spacebot by Mike Twohy - ADVISABLE

Spacebot by Mike Twohy. PICTURE BOOK. Simon, 2020. $18. 9781534444362 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When the robot dog arrives from space, Earth dog finds out that it is there for the – kitchen appliances! The appliances enjoy soaring around the night sky, while the Earth dog watches glumly from the ground. 

Delightful illustrations – but I wish it were wordless, rather than the choppy two-word rhymes on most of the pages. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Discovery of Anime and Manga by Phil Amara and Oliver Chin - ESSENTIAL

The Discovery of Anime and Manga (The Asian Hall of Fame) by Phil Amara and Oliver Chin, 36 pages. Immedium, 2019. $17.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The red panda Dao You takes Emma and Ethan through time to learn about the history of anime and manga. Starting in the 12th century and going through to the present, Emma and Ethan discover how these Japanese cartoons came to influence the world!

The Asian Hall of Fame series is a wonderful addition to every library since schools tend to focus on the Western world and cut out how amazing Asia is. While the text is brief and not very in depth, the illustrations bring history to life and engage readers. Amara and Chin have put together a wonderful introduction that will start a new anime-loving generation.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen