My Mother’s Delightful Deaths by Carla Haslbauer - OPTIONAL

My Mother’s Delightful Deaths by Carla Haslbauer. PICTURE BOOK. North South, NOV 2021. $18. 9780735844568 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

The children’s mother is an opera singer and she best roles are the ones where she dies, so dies on stage many different ways day after day, year after year. 

As an adult, I found this reasonably funny. I am flummoxed how I would use this with children. Maybe it makes more sense in a city like NYC where the chances of having opera singers as parents is more likely? The illustrations have an odd abstract/unfinished look to them that I couldn’t connect to. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Little Elephants/Elephantitos by Susie Jaramillo - ADVISABLE

Little Elephants/Elephantitos by Susie Jaramillo. BILINGIAL BOARD BOOK. Encantos, 2021. $15. 9781945635496 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Can elephants balance on a spiderweb? According to this Spanish nursery song, yes they can. 

Even if this song isn’t familiar to the American audience, Encantos has a great website at canticosworld.com that has a video for every board book, so everyone can sing along. If you have a bilingual baby in your life, stock up on the Encantos line of board books – their parents will be delighted. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Fox and the Forest Fire by Danny Popovici - OPTIONAL

The Fox and the Forest Fire by Danny Popovici. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2021. $18. 9781797202822 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A boy and his mother have moved to a new home in a forest and the boy struggles to adapt. Then one day fire comes to the forest, chasing the family and the forest creatures away. It will take time rebuild, but the family and the forest will recover. 

I found the title of the book to be misleading – while the fox is there, this is certainly not a story about the fox. The story works just fine, but doesn’t hold up to the promise. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Something Stinks! By Jonathan Fenske - ESSENTIAL

Something Stinks! by Jonathan Fenske. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin, 2021. $13. 9781524793104 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The skunk can smell something super stinky, but he can’t figure out where its coming from. He even ask you, the reader, to help him search. 

A fun book for pre-school and kindergarten story time. As the reader, you, of course, know that it is the skunk who is stinky. Children will love talking back to the skunk and will laugh that he can never figure it out. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Wall & the Wind by Veselina Tomova - ADVISABLE

The Wall & the Wind by Veselina Tomova. PICTURE BOOK. Running the Goat Books & Broadsides, 2020. $11. 9781927917329 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In the middle of the twentieth century a little girl was born. Her parents loved her and her grandparents adored her. She and her little brother had a lot of fun together. Then the Wall went up in Berlin, separating people. People on the west side of the wall flourished; there was no way to escape the gray, hard life on the east side. Finally, the Wall was torn down in 1989. The little girl was grown by then with a little boy on her own. She left and settled in Newfoundland. This became the land of the wind. She contrasts her two "lives" behind the wall and in the land of the wind.

The story is based on the author's real life experiences. Even the illustrations show the drab and dreary existence behind the wall. It shows how people felt constantly crushed with no hope. In contrast, it also shows bright colors, gardens, flowers and beauty of the free world. I liked this book, and a lot of children will have grandparents or great grandparents who were born behind the Wall, behind the Iron Curtain. I definitely recommend this book. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

The Eyeball Alphabet Book by Jerry Palotta and Shennen Bersani - ESSENTIAL

The Eyeball Alphabet Book by Jerry Palotta, illustrated by Shennen Bersani. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2021. $18. 9781570917103 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

You would think that a non-fiction book about animal eyes would be best with photographs as illustrations. But Bersani’s illustrations are so gorgeous – they feel much better than photographs. Of course, Pallotta uses his characteristic humor to lift the information to another interactive-with-chuckles level. He even includes eye-related idioms on each page. The cover will draw the readers in, and the book itself will hold their attention. I can just imagine these pages on the big screen through a data projector. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Poojo's Got Wheels by Charrow - AVERAGE

Poojo's Got Wheels by Charrow. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $17. 9781536210361 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 A little dog named Pojo was born without his back legs. His owner made him a special cart with wheels on it. Pojo and his friends have some fun adventures until Pojo gets a flat wheel on his cart. Can his friends find another wheel the right size to fix the cart so they can resume their play?

 A cute story with cute illustrations. A lot has been said in the news over the last little while about building carts for disabled animals. Children might enjoy this book and then have fun finding true stories of pets using carts with wheels to get around. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Venetian Lullaby by Judith L. Roth and Kendra Binney - OPTIONAL

Venetian Lullaby by Judith L. Roth, illustrated by Kendra Binney. PICTURE BOOK. Page Street Kids, 2021. $18. 9781645670841 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A mother and father take their baby on a canal ride through Venice as they lull their child to sleep. 

Binney’s illustrations and nice and dreamy. I can picture a family reading this book in a darkened room with lights dancing on the walls and ceiling. The parent calls the child baby throughout, so that audience is limited. It would certainly make a great board book. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Jingle Bells/Navidad by Susie Jaramillo - ADVISABLE

Jingle Bells/Navidad by Susie Jaramillo. BILINGIAL BOARD BOOK. Encantos, 2021. $15. 9781945635380 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Encantos has created a bilingual board book that has the English Jingle Bells on one side and the Spanish Navidad on the other. The sturdy pages should hold up to lots of use. There are also flaps to lift and add interest. If you get tired of singing along, you can always go to the canticoswolrd.com website and find the video to do the singing for you. Plus you get to see the cute chick characters in action. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Great Passover Escape by Pamela Moritz and Florence Weiser - OPTIONAL

The Great Passover Escape by Pamela Moritz, illustrated by Florence Weiser. PICTURE BOOK. Kar-Ben Publishing (Lerner), 2021. $18. 9781541588974 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Elephant, Kangaroo and Chimp escape the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem to find out what Passover is all about. Elephant and Kanga get the words all wrong, but Chimp corrects them every time. They learn about the ten plagues and about Moses. They finally get to Shmulik's house (the zoo keeper) and he is happy to welcome his friends.

A cute story about Passover that is very appropriate for younger children. They will enjoy the fun illustrations and how the animals got the words wrong. is a feel-good story.. I also enjoyed the informative back matter. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Animal Architects by Amy Cherrix, illustrated Chris Sasaki - ESSENTIAL

Animal Architects by Amy Cherrix, illustrated Chris Sasaki. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2021. $18. 9781534456259 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Cherrix and Sasaki introduce us to a wide-ranging group of animals from around the world and the homes the animals build. 

Sasaki’s illustrations are GORGEOUS! The kind of art you want to hang on your walls. And Cherrix’s text is playful and informative at the same time. Together they definitely raise this book to ESSENTIAL. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Llama Glamarama by Simon John Green and Garry Parson - ADVISABLE

Llama Glamarama by Simon John Green, illustrated by Garry Parson. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2021. $15. 9781338736182

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Larry the Llama does not like to go to bed when the other llamas do. He waits till they are all asleep, then he dresses up, turns on some fun music and dances. He loves to dance. One day he notices a flyer advertising a carnival. He goes to see what it is all about. He is so excited when he sees other llamas dancing. He joins in the llama glamarama. The music is loud, the colors bright and everybody is dancing. 

The llama glamarama was awesome! A very happy book - fun, filled with bright colors. Young children will love it. They would probably enjoy having their own glamarama. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Little Sunny Sunshine/Sol Solecito by Susie Jaramillo - ADVISABLE

Little Sunny Sunshine/Sol Solecito by Susie Jaramillo. BILINGIAL BOARD BOOK. Encantos, 2021. $15. 9781945635434 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

I don’t know this particular nursery rhyme. Thankfully I found the song easily on the canticosworld.com website and now I can sing as I read. The little chicks are so cute – especially on the videos. There are also some flaps to lift, though the words under the flaps are not part of the song.For your youngest friends who love to sing along, the entire Encantos line is a treat. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Plants on the Move by Emilie Vast - OPTIONAL

Plants on the Move by Emilie Vast. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2021. $19. 9781623541484 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Vast categorizes a wide variety of plants and the different ways they move their seeds to reproduce around the land. The text is accompanied by black and white illustrations with pops of colors that look like woodcut prints. 

Very useful for a class on pollination and reproduction. The text and the illustrations are a bit dry, so I don’t think students will grab this repeatedly, but a teacher will certainly embrace it. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Thief of Worlds by Bruce Coville - ADVISABLE

The Thief of Worlds by Bruce Coville, 275 pages. Random House, 2021. $17. 

Content: G (mild danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

How can the wind stop blowing? Well, it has, and no one on Earth can figure out why. Hurricane’s mother (yes, he was born during a storm)is sickened by the lack of wind and he is desperate to help her. Little does he know that the answer to the problem is his to solve and he will have to travel across dimensions and collect a ragged group to conquer the evil that wants to rule many worlds. 

Hurricane’s journey feels epic, and it will have its fans, but it won’t attract as much attention as Rick Riordan’s books. Coville has a nice deep backlist, so hopefully this newest offering will bring attention to those classics. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? by Etta Kaner and John Martz - ADVISABLE

Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm by Etta Kaner, illustrated by John Martz. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. OwlKids, 2018. $12. 9781771474832 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Kaner uses short, informative paragraphs paired with Martz’s simple, silly illustrations to show several different ways that a variety of animals keep themselves warm over winter. A good non-fiction book to share with a class. Plus smaller readers will have fun spouting their new animal knowledge. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Not My Hats by Tracy Gunaratnam and Alea Marley - ADVISABLE

Not My Hats by Tracy Gunaratnam, illustrated by Alea Marley. PICTURE BOOK. Maverick Arts, 2021. $18. 9781848867079 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 Hettie the polar bear loves his hats. He has a lot of hats, but will not share them with anyone. Puffin comes to visit and he needs a hat because it is so cold. Hettie offers to share all kinds of thing to comfort Puffin, but not her hats. Then Puffin has a great idea, what about swapping a fuzzy scarf for a hat? Can they be friends and share hats and scarves? A darling story that shows the joy of sharing. 

I loved the story and thought it would be great for little children. The illustrations are colorful and fun. There are so many things to talk with small children about in the pictures. They could identify and locate each different hat, or many other things. Kids will love having this book read to them, I am sure. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Matzah Craze by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh and Lauren Gallegos - ADVISABLE

Matzah Craze by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, illustrated by Lauren Gallegos. PICTURE BOOK. Kar-Ben Publishing (Lerner), 2021. $18. 9781541586680 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 At lunch time all the kids enjoy swapping food, but Noa will not swap today. Her food is special and she wants to enjoy every morsel of it. The other kids are curious about the crunchy bread she is eating. She tells them of her people being enslaved by a Pharaoh. She tells them about Moses and how when her people fled there was no time to let bread rise, so they made flat bread, called Matzah. She tells them of Passover. They all want to try it. For the rest of the week Noa brings Passover food so all the students can share this special time with her.

 I liked the story and it would be a great starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about Passover and the Jewish dietary requirements. The story is written in rhyming verse, and the illustrations show Noa's very culturally diverse classmates. In the back of the book there is a small snippet of information about Passover. 

 Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Masters of Disguise: Camouflaging Creatures and Magnificent Mimics by Marc Martin - ADVISABLE

Masters of Disguise: Camouflaging Creatures and Magnificent Mimics by Marc Martin. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2021. $19. 9781536214055 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Martin takes us through twelve masters of camouflage from the animal and insect kingdoms. Each creatures has a two pages spread of information and then a second two page spread where the viewer tries to find them in their natural habitat. 

 If I were to play this game in nature itself, I’m sure I would fail to spot the animal every time! An inviting mix of information and play. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy and Felicita Sala - ESSENTIAL

The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy, pictures by Felicita Sala. PICTURE BOOK. Putnam (Penguin), 2021. $18. 9781984812698 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The octopus was perfectly happy in its ocean home until a human came by and plopped him into a glass case with the same food every day and not enough differences to keep him from being bored. Finally, he decides that it is time for him to escape and return to his own home. 

Based loosely on the real-life adventures of an octopus escape artist. Meloy does a great job of getting into the head of the octopus and building empathy in the reader. When reading this with students, do a youtube search for “escaping octopus” and you’ll find several videos showing these escape artists at work. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Emma on Mars by Billy Dunne, illustrated by Vanessa Port - ADVISABLE

Emma on Mars by Billy Dunne, illustrated by Vanessa Port. PICTURE BOOK. Maverick Arts, 2021. $18. 9781848867055 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 Emma is upset. The Earth is a mess and she blames her parents for having ruined our beautiful planet. Emma decides to leave. She decides to move to Mars, building a rocket, and bringing her teddy bear for company. Mars is beautiful, clean and dusty. She can jump high and play with the Mars Rover. However, she misses Earth, the rivers and lakes, her parents, and everything else. When she comes home, she makes a plan of things she can do to help clean up our beautiful planet.

 The book is cute and so are the illustrations. The book teaches environmental awareness and shows children several things they and their parents can do to help. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

The Ghost of Midnight Lake by Lucy Strange - ADVISABLE

The Ghost of Midnight Lake by Lucy Strange, 336 pages. Chicken House (Scholastic), 2021. 

 Content: G (mild scares) 

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Lady Agatha has been cast out of her castle home by her father’s heir – the despicable Cousin Clarence. Clarence has supposedly turned her over to her real father, Thomas Walters, a goose farmer, who won’t even tell Agatha who her birth mother is. Not only is Agatha determined to find out the truth of her history, but the mystery of the girl made of light also haunts her. With the help of Bryn, the apprentice to the local gravedigger, Agatha hopes she can unravel the mysteries and perhaps thwart her odious cousin at the same time. 

While purported to be a ghost story, Agatha’s story is much more about the adventure in figuring what family is, that also happens to involve ghostly sightings. Good for what it does. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal - ESSENTIAL

Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536208450 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 Zonia lives in the rainforest with her parents and her baby brother. She loves the rainforest and all the animals that live there. It all calls to her every morning and she goes on rounds visiting all her friends. She has a wonderful time, enjoying the vibrant colors, the abundance of plants and animals, colors and textures around her. Things change and Zonia realizes something is wrong and that her beloved home in the rainforest, the rainforest itself, and the plants and animals are threatened. All is not as it should be.

A beautiful story with spectacular illustrations. I loved how the story so well illustrates the life of indigenous people in the Amazon and how their way of life is threatened by outside forces. The back matter includes information on indigenous peoples, plus some facts about the Amazon and a list of threats to the rain forest. This is great to get children aware of the plight of the rainforest, how helpful it is to the whole Earth, and maybe make them think about way that maybe they can help. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

My Panda Sweater by Gilles Baum, illustrated by Barroux - ADVISABLE

My Panda Sweater by Gilles Baum, illustrated by Barroux PICTURE BOOK Barefoot Books, 2020. $17. 9781782859796 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little girl has a panda sweater that she wears everywhere. With a hood like a panda, she feels safe, and when she's in that sweater she doesn't care what other people think. But then, when the sweater is too small, her mother has her donate the sweater. Soon, a new girl comes to class wearing the Panda Sweater! 

What a sweet story about giving new life to loved clothes. The illustrations are so cute - makes me want to knit a Panda Sweater for my granddaughter. Includes an authors note about the advantages of donating rather than throwing away.

Lisa Librarian

Dr. Fauci: how a boy from Brooklyn became America’s doctor by Kate Messner and Alexandra Bye - ADVISABLE

Dr. Fauci: how a boy from Brooklyn became America’s doctor by Kate Messner, illustrated by Alexandra Bye. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2021. $18. 9781665902434 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A simple picture book biography of Dr. Anthony Fauci. 

Messner takes us from childhood, through the AIDS crisis and on to Covid-19. The text is fairly straightforward and simple, with the illustrations adding visual interest. The back matter adds a bit information about viruses and immunizations. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Moth & Butterfly: TA-DA! By Dev Petty and Ana Aranda - AVERAGE

Moth & Butterfly: TA-DA! By Dev Petty, illustrated by Ana Aranda. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2021. $18. 9781524740511 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The two young caterpillars are having a great time hanging out and chomping leaves together. When metamorphosis happens will the two still be friends when one turns out to be a butterfly and the other a moth? 

A cute look at the differences between moths and butterflies and how to be friends with someone who is different from you. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Bear Bottom (#7) by Stuart Gibbs - ESSENTIAL

Bear Bottom (#7) by Stuart Gibbs, 308 pages. SImon, 2021. $17

Content: G (mild danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Teddy, his parents, the McCrackens, and some other FunJungle employess have been invited by JJ to check out JJ’s latest idea – a bison ranch outside West Yellowstone. All Is not serene on the ranch, however. It turns out someone has stolen a few of the bison and that the biggest, meanest grizzly bear, Sasquatch, has been spotted around the ranch. That first night, Sasquatch breaks into the ranch house and terrorizes everyone. In the aftermath, Mrs. McCracken’s huge (ang hugely expensive) sapphire necklace is missing. Did Saquatch swallow it? JJ wants Teddy to investigate – and if he runs in the bison thieves at the same time? Well, that’s just Teddy for you. 

Another hilarious FunJungle romp. I liked the change of location – the amusement park/zoo can only have so many emergencies, right? Funny, clever – would be fun to read aloud to any age. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Pirates vs. Monsters by David Crosby and Lee Cosgrove - ADVISABLE

Pirates vs. Monsters by David Crosby, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove. PICTURE BOOK. Maverick Publishing, 2021. $18. 9781848867086 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Three pirates are bragging about monsters the have conquered. They laughed and agreed they were all great. The monsters were gone and the pirates are still around. But in comes a ship full of surprises.

The text is written in fun rhyme. It is catchy and entertaining and made me giggle and smile. The pirates are hilarious and the monsters are awesome. The illustrations are vibrant and loud, just like the characters in the book. It was a fun and entertaining read. 

 Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton - OPTIONAL

How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton PICTURE BOOK Sourcebooks, 2020.  $18 9781492680550

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a snowman is brought to life by the magical snow star, this snowman leads the children on a chase to catch him, but he always escapes! His magical powers allow him to fly, change footwear, even crash through walls. The kids don't stand a chance. 

The pictures are great, and there's interesting yet improbable catching ideas. However, it's written in verse - there is rhyme but not rhythm. Made for a weird read aloud.

Lisa Librarian

Original Cat, Copy Cat by Sarah Kurpiel - ADVISABLE

Original Cat, Copy Cat by Sarah Kurpiel. PICTURE BOOK Greenwillow Books, (Harper Collins), 2021. $18. 9781782859796 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Pineapple was the only cat, until he wasn't. The new cat did everything Pineapple did, but louder and faster. Pineapple felt bad, so was happy to return to his routine when the new cat suddenly disappeared. But soon, Pineapple was worried and went looking for Kiwi. Kiwi was hiding in a cupboard Pineapple didn't even know about. Soon, Pineapple was doing everything Kiwi did. Who is the copy cat now? 

This was a great story (don't worry, both cats are still alive at the end). I loved the illustrations - Kiwi jumping over Pineapples head was so accurate. This will be read again and again, a great choice for a child whose pets don't get along (yet).

Lisa Librarian

How to Apologize by David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka - ESSENTIAL

How to Apologize by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2021. $17. 9781536209440 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When anyone makes a mistake, they need to apologize. Apologize with sincerity and make what amends you can make. 

LaRochelle’s book is needed not just for pre-schoolers, but for every grade level and on into adulthood. I’d love to know how much collaboration there was between author and illustrator for the artwork, because the animal antics are just the right fit to get the points across well. I am planning on reading this during a faculty meeting soon! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Greatest Showpenguin by Lucy Freegard - ADVISABLE

The Greatest Showpenguin by Lucy Freegard. PICTURE BOOK. Pavilion, 2021. $17. 9781843654834

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Poppy is a show penguin. The audiences adored Poppy. Poppy worked hard so she could make her parents proud of her. Everybody loved Poppy and her acts. But, Poppy was not very happy. She was not enjoying herself. Poppy would much rather feel calm and in control, and not unsafe and unsure like she feels during her acts. On vacation, enjoying some peace and quiet, Poppy realized she missed the showy costumes and the magic of the show. She had an idea, what if she could help organize the show instead of starring in it. Read on to find out how Poppy does and if she is happy in her new and chosen role.

Oh - the penguins in this book are so huggable and cute. The book reminds me of the movie The Greatest Showman. In the book Poppy overcomes being very shy and realizes she can do it and she can do a great job. Poppy discovers that she has hidden talents and that she is very good at what she does. This was a delightful, happy and positive story. I really liked reading it. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Farm Lullaby by Karen Jameson and Wednesday Kirwan - ADVISABLE

Farm Lullaby by Karen Jameson, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2021. $18. 9781452181035 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The farm animals are preparing for bed. 

Kirwan’s illustrations are reminiscent of a classic Golden Book. Read in a slow, sing song voice, you can add this to your collection of sleepy-time picture books. While my personal favorite is “Safe in a Storm”, Jameson’s book runs a close second. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Spy School at Sea (#9) by Stuart Gibbs - ESSENTIAL

Spy School at Sea (#9) by Stuart Gibbs, 337 pages. Simon, 2021. $18 

Content: PG (some fighting and danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Ben, Erica, and Mike and headed on a cruise with Erica’s parents. Life is definitely not fun and sun for the spies in training, because Murray Hill is on the loose and the group needs to uncover and prevent his latest nefarious scheme. Little do they know that the cruise ship is a hot bed for several other illegal activities. Saving the world will come down to the last seconds – as always. 

Can you believe we’re at #9?! I keeping thinking, do I really have to read this one? But then I start and can’t stop until its finished, as do the intended kid audience. So glad Gibbs has so many great characters and plots rolling around in that brain! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

It Came From Under the High Chair by Karl Beckstrand and Jeremy Higginbotham - ADVISABLE

It Came From Under the High Chair by Karl Beckstrand, illustrated by Jeremy Higginbotham. BOARD BOOK. PremioPublishing.com, 2019. $12. 9780692220993 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A family with a baby and older children struggle to keep it clean under the baby's high chair. The thing under the high chair takes on a life of its own and it takes a superhero and cooperation to finally figure out what to do with the green blob of goo.

A very cute book with vibrant and colorful illustrations. I also liked that the text is in both English and Spanish. This is great for children trying to learn both languages. Two of my young friends (age 3 and 2) from a bilingual home, loved this story when I read it to them.

 Ellen-Anita, Librarian https://amzn.to/3wYjCYJ

Thank You, Dr. Salk! Dean Robbins and Mike Dutton - ESSENTIAL

Thank You, Dr. Salk! The Scientist who Beat Polio and Healed the World by Dean Robbins and Mike Dutton. PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Farrar Straus Giroux (MacMillan), 2020. $19. 9780374313913 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As a boy, Dr. Jonas Salk wanted to study medicine and science so he could help people who were sick. So, he studied hard, went to medical school, and, as an adult, developed the vaccine that kept people from getting Polio. 

The author's note at the end has some great extra information about Dr. Salk, and there's also a sidebar about how vaccines work, an informative timeline and resources to find out more. This picture book biography is the perfect length, and would make a great springboard for an older student.

Lisa Librarian

Bess the Barn Stands Strong by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia and Katie Hickey - ADVISABLE

Bess the Barn Stands Strong by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, illustrated by Katie Hickey. PICTURE BOOK Page Street Kids, 2020. $18. 9781624149801 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Bess is a strong new barn, and one by one the animals who will live there come and find their place: cows, a cat and her kittens, even a barn owl is welcomed by Bess. Over the years she see new life come, and old life go as well as celebrations, including the celebration of the life of the farmer who built her. One day the farm is sold to a young farmer, who builds a fancy new barn. But can it stand up in a storm like Old Bess can? 

I'm not sure if I like that the barn looks like she has a face or if it's a little creepy. That aside, I loved this endearing story about the value of old things. I've driven past many an old barn that looks like a bad storm would knock it down, but year after year, like Bess, it seems to be the sturdiest building on the farm. Well made buildings (and people) can stand up to a lot.

Lisa Librarian

Peep and Ducky Sleepover by David Martin and David Walker - ADVISABLE

Peep and Ducky Sleepover by David Martin, illustrated by David Walker. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $15. 9781536204544 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 Peep and Ducky are having a sleepover. After they have their PJ's on they play with toys. Then they use the bathroom and brush their teeth. They snuggle up to mom while she reads them a story. They tell ghost stories and get themselves scared. They decide they need a snack. Finally they fall asleep. 

 Cute story and adorable pictures. Peep and Ducky are such cute friends. The story is written in rhyming verse and it is fun and easy to read. Enjoy with your young children.

 Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

I See, You See by Richard Jackson and Patrice Barton - ESSENTIAL

I See, You See by Richard Jackson, illustrated by Patrice Barton. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2021. $18. 9781481492003 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 

When Maisie decides it is time to walk their little dog, Tinker, Jonah wants to come, too. Maisie has Tinker on a leash as she pushes Jonah in his wheelchair. When they come to a tree, Tinker barks, Maisie sees a tree, and Jonah sees a tree full of cats. On their walk, the children see all kinds of wonderful things using their imaginations. 

A delightful adventure of two children and their little dog. They use their imaginations and see wonderful things like a popsicle garden, dinosaurs on stilts and much more. The illustrations are wonderful and captures the two children so well. I loved this cute book and highly recommend it. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

The GRITTY Little Lamb by Dan Allbaugh and Anil Yap - ESSENTIAL

The Gritty Little Lamb by Dan Allbaugh, illustrated by Anil Yap. PICTURE BOOK. Green Meeple Books, 2020. $10. 9781735770840 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 Little Lamb loves to play games. He wants to beat his dad, but whenever he plays with dad, he loses. Dad plays straight and will not let Little Lamb cheat. Lamb thinks this is unfair. He thinks dad should let him win because he is young. Mom and dad teaches Little Lamb how to set a goal and to work hard for it. Little Lamb works and works. He practices and he practices. Finally he feels ready to play dad again. Will all his hard work pay off?

 Little Lamb shows that he has grit and stick-to-it-iveness. I love the bright illustrations in this picture book, and also how it is written. The book is written in rhyming verse and this makes it a fun read. I love how it teaches a valuable lesson we all have to learn. You need to set a goal, then work hard to achieve that goal. Do not give up even if it takes a long time. There is great satisfaction, and lots of feel-good feelings at a job well done. This one is a keeper! I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Touch by Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan - OPTIONAL

Touch (Baby Loves The Five Senses) by Ruth Spiro - illustrated by Irene Chan BOARD BOOK Charlesbridge, 2020. $9. 9781623541552

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Baby is helping with the laundry and touches the hard basket and the soft clothes, the wet and cold out of the washer then the dry and warm from the dryer. Babies hands and feet and face have the most receptor cells for touch.

The illustrations are super cute, but I really think it's too educational for baby.  With drawings of the skin and the nervous system, plus accurate, yet simple explanations, it's a bit much for a toddler.  I think parents will think themselves clever for exposing their youngster to this information right away.
 

Lisa Librarian

Taste by Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan - OPTIONAL

Taste (Baby Loves The Five Senses) by Ruth Spiro - illustrated by Irene Chan BOARD BOOK Charlesbridge, 2020. $9. 9781623541545

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Baby tastes a strawberry and wonders what taste is? Flavor molecules in the food attach to the receptors on babies tongue! Combined with the smell of the food, baby can taste things that are salty, bitter, umami, sweet and sour. 

Darling Illustrations, I love that the babies make faces that the reader can imitate. Accurate scientific information with scientific grown up words (molecules, gustatory cortex) I think parents will feel cool reading this to their kids, especially if their adult friends overhear the book. However, I think this is one parents will enjoy more than the children.

Lisa Librarian

The Edge of the Ocean by L.D. Lapinski - HIGH

The Edge of the Ocean (Strangeworlds Travel Agency #2) by L.D. Lapinski, 356 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2021. $18 

Content: G some mild danger) 

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

12yo Flick’s summer has been unbearable – she is in so much troubles with her parents for vanishing without explanation. But how can she tell them that she traveled to another dimension, through a suitcase(!!), and saved all the worlds? Luckily Jonathan, who runs the Strangeworlds Travel Agency is able to offer Flick a summer “job”, which her parents agree to. Little do they know that a small world of pirates and mermaids is in deep trouble and the pair will have to go out to save a world again. 

How did I miss #1 in this fantastic series?! I’m very excited to read the first to catch me up on the backstory. Your fantasy reading middle readers will eat this up. The different worlds are fun and engaging, the action hits all the right spots. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

GROW! How We Get Food from Our Garden by Karl Beckstrand and Zanara - ESSENTIAL

GROW! How We Get Food from Our Garden by Karl Beckstrand, illustrated by Zanara. PICTURE BOOK. Premio Publishing, 2021. $20. 9781951599089 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 A child and a grandfather love to work in their garden. They till the ground, plant seeds, water, and weed. As they watch the plants grow, they take good care of them. They grow all kinds of vegetables, herbs and fruits. When it is time for the harvest, they pick the produce and fill up bushels and pails.

 This will surely be a favorite of young children. The text is fun and the illustrations are vibrant and colorful. Small children love to see food they can see grow in the garden, and they love to pick and eat the food. An awesome book for sure. Have fun reading this book and plan and plant a garden with your child. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Sweater Weather by Matt Phelan - ADVISABLE

Sweater Weather by Matt Phelan. PICTURE BOOK Greenwillow Books (Harper Collins), 2021. $18. 978-0062934147 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Papa Bear has knitted sweaters for all of the cubs - 7 of them. But when the weather gets cooler and it's time for the cubs to put them on, it's quite an ordeal! 

Mostly pictures with occasional text, Matt Phelan tells more with his illustrations than words could ever convey.  Such a delightful book - oh I loved all the little cubs. When they are all outside making fog with their breath !!!  I'm certain that children, sweater wearers or not, will really enjoy this, and I'm showing my knitting friends as well. I hope Greenwillow considers publishing this in Board Book, as the limited text makes it a perfect book for babies.  I also loved that Papa Bear was a knitter!

Lisa Librarian

Shy Willow by Cat Min - ADVISABLE

Shy Willow by Cat Min PICTURE BOOK Levine Querido, 2021. $18. 9781646140350 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Willow is a little rabbit who prefers to stay in her house, an abandoned mailbox. Outside is just too scary. But, one day, someone put a letter in the mailbox and Willow reads it. it's to the moon from a little boy, asking the moon to shine especially bright on his mom's birthday. Willow decides to brave the outside and deliver the letter to the moon herself. 

Beautiful illustrations highlight this sweet story. I loved the magical elements - especially when Willow was flying on the back of a bird. Shy Willow is a perfect bedtime story.

Lisa Librarian

Lobstah Gahden by Alli Brydon and E.G. Keller - ADVISABLE

Lobstah Gahden: Speak out against pollution with a wicked awesome Boston accent! by Alli Brydon and E.G. Keller. PICTURE BOOK Sourcebooks, 2021. $18. 978-1728232461 

BUYING ADVISORY:, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Walter and Milton - 2 Lobstahs from Boston - compete for the best Gahden, they discover that their biggest gardening problem is all the garbage dropped from the boat above them. So, they join forces to help clean up their gahdens, and send a message to the disrespectful fishermen. 

It is essential to read this out loud! Oh my heavens - such fun, and a great way to learn about the devastating effects of pollution on the environment. Comes with a clever glossary (about Boston and it's unique accent) sources and more information for helping keep our oceans clean. My cheeks hurt from smiling (and from reading out loud with a Boston Accent)

Lisa Librarian

Even the Smallest Will Grow by Lita Judge - ADVISABLE

Even the Smallest Will Grow by Lita Judge PICTURE BOOK Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster), 2021. $18. 9781534457256 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A child put to bed imagines all the things that will grow - just like she will. 

Oh these illustrations - the sweet baby kitten, flying on the back of a bird, the face of the baby giraffe, and cuddling with the bear - I can't remember the text, but I remember the pictures. A nice bedtime story, quiet and lyrical.

Lisa Librarian

Something Happened in Our Park: Standing Together After Gun Violence by Ann Hazzard et al. - ADVISABLE

Something Happened in Our Park: Standing Together After Gun Violence by Ann Hazzard, Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. PICTURE BOOK Magination Press, 2021. $17. 9781433835216 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Miles' cousin Keisha is shot during a concert at the park, Miles starts to worry that it isn't safe anywhere. He daydreams at school and draws scary pictures, he stays away from windows and won't go to the park, even with his friends. Keisha is OK now, and when she's home during a break from college, helps start a community group to help stop gun violence. 

Realistic illustrations make this helpful picture book appropriate for upper elementary students. Magination Press always includes resources to go further in depth with the subject. Includes conversation starters, resources for more information and ideas to help children cope with anxiety.

Lisa Librarian

Turtle in a Tree by Neesha Hudson - OPTIONAL

Turtle in a Tree by Neesha Hudson. PICTURE BOOK Dial Book for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2021. $18. 9780593323311 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A pair of dogs are arguing about something up in the tree. One dog thinks they saw a turtle, the other is sure it was a squirrel. They each have facts to support their side, but they won't know for sure until it comes out of the tree. 

I knew where this was going on the first page, that it would culminate in a yelling match and then a big reveal, and I was right. Very simple, the pictures are cute, but this is just another book with animals arguing over something ridiculous.

Lisa Librarian