Smelly Kelly and His Super Senses by Beth Anderson and Jenn Harney - ESSENTIAL

Smelly Kelly and His Super Senses: How James Kelly’s Nose Saved the New York City Subway by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Jenn Harney. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Boyds Mill), 2020. $19. 9781684373994 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

After James Kelly came to New York, he got work on the New York Subway and spent his entire career tracking down leaks of various kinds and sizes – tirelessly saving the system and the people of New York from many possible explosions and interruptions – disaster small and large. 

Don’t worry if you aren’t teaching in NYC – Kelly’s story is universal fun and interest. I was rapt and kids will be too. The publisher chose just the right illustrator and style to complement the story, too. There is a little backmatter and a photo of Kelly to round things out. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS