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

Over and Under the Canyon by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2021. $19. 9781452169392 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A mother and child head down into a canyon, exploring and sighting animals of many kinds that live in the canyon, above the canyon, and under the canyon floor. 

Messner and Neal’s collaboration just get better and better. I hope so much that they continue long enough to cover every biome! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

How to Haunt a House by Carolyn Crimi and Edward Miller - HIGH

How to Haunt a House by Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by Edward Miller. PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807534267 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Their haunting teacher has challenged the ghosts to haunt three houses tonight. The first two houses are super easy, but house #3 has some surprises for the ghost students. They will have to do some research and all of their smarts to find the right way to haunt a house of ghouls. 

Crimi and Miller turn a bit about ghosts on its head with their fun look at Halloween and ghosts. The simple, cartoony illustrations make this less-scary and more accessible to a younger audience. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Jacob’s School Play: Starring He, She, and They by Ian and Sarah Hoffman and by Chris Case - ADVISABLE

Jacob’s School Play: Starring He, She, and They by Ian and Sarah Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2021. $17. 9781433836770 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As Jacob and his classmates get ready for their school play, Ari, who is playing water, informs the others that Ari’s pronouns are they/their. When Jacob looks confused, Ms. Reeves, the teacher, talks to Jacob about how pronouns reflect how a person feels on the inside. As the play goes on Jacob recognizes the “they” in Ari. 

The Hoffman’s gentle look at a classmate choosing to use “they” pronouns is relatable for any age. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Spidernaut by Jodie Parachini and Dragan Kordic - ADVISABLE

Spidernaut: Arabella the Spider in Space by Jodie Parachini, illustrated by Dragan Kordic. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807504413 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Based on a suggestion by a high school student, in 1973 Arabella, a spider, heads into space. Can a spider spin a web in zero gravity? Arabella and Anita were the first spiders to spin webs in space, but not the last. 

Students will have fun making predictions about Arabella’s ability to spin in space, plus there are other opportunities for prediction within the pages. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Norman Didn’t Do It! (Yes he did.) by Ryan T. Higgins - ESSENTIAL

Norman Didn’t Do It! (Yes he did.) by Ryan T. Higgins. PICTURE BOOK. Disney, 2021. $18. 9781368026239 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Norman the porcupine’s best friend, Mildred the tree, shows signs of being better friends with a new tree in town, Norman gets very jealous. So jealous that he digs up the interloper and rehouses it far away. But when the guilt of his betrayal gets to him, he realizes that he needs to make things right. 

Higgins sure knows how to write books that get to the heart of what friendship looks like! He must be a really good friend. His look at the effects of jealousy is a conversation starter for sure. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill and Brizida Magro - ADVISABLE

Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill, illustrated by Brizida Magro. PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807572368 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Molly’s mom tells her they are going to the food pantry the next day, Moly doesn’t understand why her mom looks so sad. Even when she sees her school friend, Caitlin, in line, Caitlin also looks embarrassed to be there. Molly’s mom has always told her that everyone needs some kind of help sometime, so why is everyone around her look so sad? 

I love Molly’s of message of dignity in realizing that you need some help. As a teacher you should be sensitive to your audience if you read it aloud – you never know what secrets your students are keeping. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Vote for Susanna by Karen M. Greenwald and Sian James - ADVISABLE

A Vote for Susanna: the first woman mayor by Karen M. Greenwald, illustrated by Sian James. PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807553138

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As they are baking a cake together, a young grandson confesses that his friends say only girls bake. Grandma proceeds to tell him the story of Susanna Salter, who was the first woman in the world to be voted the mayor of a town, even when all the men said that women couldn’t run government. 

 While slightly fictionalized, Greenwald takes great care to keep all of Susanna’s words as her own through her extensive research. A great addition to a unit on women, on government, on elections for younger listeners. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Giggles are Coming! by Christopher Eliopoulos - ESSENTIAL

The Giggles are Coming! by Christopher Eliopoulos. PICTURE BOOK. Dial (Penguin), 2021. $18. 9780593109311 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

It’s the first day of school in Miss Terri’s class and she introduces herself. When she says “pickles, but” the friends hear “pickle butts” and then here they come – the giggles! Try as they might, the kids can’t resist. Giggles become chuckles and soon the whole class is knee deep in laughs! 

Eliopoulos has created a laugh-filled look at unexpected giggles, anthropomorphizing all the different levels of laughter that any young one will love. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Girl Who Loved Giraffes by Kathy Stinson and Francois Thisdale - ESSENTIAL

The Girl Who Loved Giraffes and became the World's First Giraffologist by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Francois Thisdale. 56 pages. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2021. $20. 9781554555406 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Anne Innis was a little girl, she saw a giraffe in a zoo and decided she wanted to study giraffes when she grew up. After attending University and winning prizes in Biology, she headed to Africa - an unbelievable journey for a woman alone in the 1950s. And there for a year, she studied the majestic and beautiful animals, becoming a leading authority on giraffes. Unable to get a University position when she returned (despite her PhD) she turned to writing, authoring books about animals, women's rights and other things. The pace and the amount of information was perfect - full page, photo quality illustrations are they background to 1 or 2 short paragraphs of biography, and then a few short notes about Giraffes. 

 Oh, I want to see the movie about her now - 10 minutes ago I'd never heard of Anne Innis and now I want to meet her and see her beloved giraffes. The author's note wasn't a retelling as much as it was a more telling. The publisher's note says she is thrilled with the book and hopes it will inspire young readers to love the giraffes - I'm sure it will.

Lisa Librarian   

The Sun Shines on the Sea by Michael Slack - ESSENTIAL

The Sun Shines on the Sea by Michael Slack. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $10. 9781536215694.

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Beginning with the sun heating up the ocean, the reader follows the food chain from the phytoplankton on up to the larger creatures like sharks and whales. As the chain moves on, readers can lift flaps to see which animals (ex. sharks) have eaten smaller creatures (ex. tuna). 

I really enjoyed this early introduction to a basic earth sciences concept. The illustrations are well done and the story isn't boring but not overtly flashy, either. This is a great choice for Pre-K audiences--especially those showing an early interest in science and the marine world. 

Reviewer: TC

Maisy's Garage by Lucy Cousins - ADVISABLE

Maisy's Garage by Lucy Cousins. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $10. 9781536216837. 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Maisy, a mouse mechanic, is going to fix her friend's car. Inside her garage, the reader gets to push, slide and play with a number of interactive pieces while Maisy does her work. 

This is a cheerful little board book that kids will like for the interactive element. The illustrations are boldly colorful and the story exists in its simplest form just to serve the pushing, sliding and whatnot. Sure to be a winner with the youngest of readers. 

Reviewer: TC

Hop Aboard! (Baby's First Vehicles) by Elliot Kruszynski - ADVISABLE

Hop Aboard! (Baby's First Vehicles) by Elliot Kruszynski. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $9. 9781536217780.

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In a board book clearly designed with babies in mind, readers discover a variety of vehicles from bikes to rocket ships. Each page has one line of text, some fun onomatopoeia, and boldly colorful illustrations. The final page has a mirror "surprise" for babies to see themselves in the vehicle. 

This is the sort of board book I'd recommend giving to young families--its got that comfortable, traditional feel to it and is straightforward in what it offers a reader. I loved pretty much everything about it--a winner of a board book!

Reviewer: TC

Fish by Fish by Giuliano Ferri - OPTIONAL

Fish by Fish by Giuliano Ferri. BOARD BOOK. Minedition (Astra Publishing), 2021. $12. 9781662650550

BUYING ADVISORY: PARENTS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A small fish goes after a tiny fish in hopes of a snack. As he opens his mouth to munch, an even bigger fish shows up to scare him off. As the bigger fish opens his mouth to munch, a fish even larger than himself arrives! Through carefully designed die cuts, the fish get bigger and bigger until the surprise ending. 

This is a fairly mundane board book. The illustrations are colorful but the story is about as one dimensional a tale as you could come up. A good choice if you simply want a colorful story for babies to look at. 

Reviewer: TC

Nano: the spectacular science of the very (very) small by Dr. Jess Wade and Melissa Castrillon - OPTIONAL

Nano: the spectacular science of the very (very) small by Dr. Jess Wade, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2021. $18. 9781536217667 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Wade takes us for a quick look at what nanoscience is and some ways is currently being used and a way it might be used in the future. 

I found a disconnect between the subject of the book, the amount of content, and the illustrations. If I have a teacher specifically teaching about nanoscience, I might invest, but otherwise, I find the disconnect and the jerk from subject to subject to be off-putting. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Tu Youyou’s Discovery: Finding a Cure for Malaria by Soungju Ma Daemicke and Lin - ADVISABLE

Tu Youyou’s Discovery: Finding a Cure for Malaria by Soungju Ma Daemicke, illustrated by Lin. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807581117 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

After a serious bout with tuberculosis in the 1940s when she was 15, Tu knew that she wanted to be a medical researcher and help others heal too. When malaria made a huge resurgence in China, and wasn’t being cured by typical Western medications, Tu looked into Chinese herbal medicines. It took her and her team several years, but they finally find a plant and a preparation that did the trick. It wasn’t until 2015 that Youyou was recognized for her persistence. 

A great look at the process for compounding treatments, the contribution of herbal medicine to modern medicine, and, of course, the undervalued work of women in even the recent past. While the illustrations are childish, the information is still well worth reading with a middle school, especially if your science classes cover any of the topics. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Real Santa by Nancy Redd and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow - ADVISABLE

The Real Santa by Nancy Redd and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2021. $18. 9780593178140 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 It's Christmas, and one of his favorite traditions is the Santa figure his grandparents bring on Christmas Eve. This year it's a Santa with a list, and yes, his name is on the list. When it's time for bed, the boy wonders which is the real Santa? So, he tries to stay up all night to get a picture.

The sweetest illustrations - everyone in their matching pajamas. I loved the nod to Redd's "Bedtime Bonnet" as the family reads that a story together. A great Christmas book about Christmas traditions. and finding Santa.

Lisa Librarian

The Dog Walk by Sven Nordqvist - ADVISABLE

The Dog Walk by Sven Nordqvist. PICTURE BOOK Floris Books, 2021. $20. 9781782507437 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A child takes grandma's dog for a walk. But, this is a very unusual place, because the child boards a train into some wonderful, crazy illustrations with so much to see. 

 The child and the dog can be searched for in every illustration - sometimes they are there more than once. Lots of paths to follow in one illustration, an amazing zoo in another. A beach, a desert, my favorite was a library, (I think, maybe it was a museum?) I keep going back in to took again. A great book to get lost in.

Lisa Librarian

A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use by Sara Levine and Kate Slater - ESSENTIAL

A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use by Sara Levine, illustrated by Kate Slater. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Millbrook (Lerner), 2021. $20. 9781541587342 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Fascinating! Levine tells us about all kinds of birds and their useful beaks. Slater’s illustrations compliment the text perfectly. Any age science class that talks about adaptations can fit this in with glee. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

More Than Just a Game: The Black Origins of Basketball by Madison Moore and Lonnie Ollivierre - ADVISABLE

More Than Just a Game: The Black Origins of Basketball by Madison Moore, illustrated by Lonnie Ollivierre. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807552711 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Basketball originated within the walls of the segregated YMCAs in the late 1890’s. Soon it was played by all over the U.S. – even by Blacks, who had first been left out. Before the formation of the NBA, Black players formed Black Fives teams to play each other and also some white teams. Now more than 70% of the NBA players are Black. 

I loved the introduction to the Black Fives and their place in basketball history. The denser text makes this a book best for older elementary students, and can perhaps reach up to middle school in places with a robust picture book collection. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Long Distance by Whitney Gardner - ADVISABLE

Long Distance by Whitney Gardner, 317 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL Simon and Schuster, 2021. $22

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

  Vega's two dads have moved her to Seattle, Washington and she is struggling about leaving her best friend behind. In an attempt to help Vega get to know new people, her dads sign her up for a summer camp.  Vega feels socially awkward, and the camp has a weird vibe, but slowly she starts to make new friends. The new friends also notice that there is a boy who seems to live at the camp full time and the counselors aren't who they appear.  The clues are stacking up to make this the weirdest summer camp any of the campers have ever attended.

     I loved Fake Blood by Whitney Gardner, so I was excited to read this.  I liked Fake Blood better as this gets way out there and at a point I felt like I was watching a Saturday morning cartoon gone wrong. However, I like Vega and I think her struggles socially are something most kids can relate to.  Although the plot gets very sci-fi strange, I enjoyed the unpredictable plot.  The image are well done, bright and attractive and for those kids who devour graphic novels, this book will be a hit.

Reviewer, C. Peterson

10 Spooky Pumpkins by Gris Grimly - ADVISABLE

10 Spooky Pumpkins by Gris Grimly. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2021. $18. 9781338112443 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little girl heads outside only to find 10 pumpkins, 9 cats (loved that illustration, 8 bats (with wings that look like patchwork quilts) 7 goblins etc. 

 So many characters of Halloween represented in delightful, whimsical and a little bit creepy illustrations. The author's note at the end is a delightful nostalgic romp through his midwestern childhood. While children will like this counting book, adults and teachers will also love "10 Spooky Pumpkins"- so much fun!

Lisa Librarian

Who's Hiding in the Snow by Katharine McEwen - ADVISABLE

Who's Hiding in the Snow by Katharine McEwen. BOARD BOOK Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press), 2020. $10. 9781536220230 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The Asian tundra has many different animals hiding in the snow. Leopard seals and whales hide in the Antarctic water. In the Eurasian mountains, its baby bears and wild boars! 5 different winter places in 2 page spreads with so many flaps! The flaps fit back nicely so the animals are a surprise most every time. Well illustrated animals highlight this fun lift the flap.

Lisa Librarian

Sea Lions in the Parking Lot by Lenora Todaro and Annika Siems - HIGH

Sea Lions in the Parking Lot: Animals on the Move in a Time of Pandemic by Lenora Todaro, illustrated by Annika Siems. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Minedition, 2021. $19. 9781662650499 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When people went inside in the early days of Covid-19, the animals responded pretty quickly by moving in to the usually loud people spaces. Todaro introduces us to 12 instances of animals seen in unusual places. 

A fun look at how nature moves in when man retreats. Todaro includes a couple of paragraphs int eh back about animals who were more in trouble because poachers were bolder during this time. My only gripe – Todaro should have done a better job of citing her sources for the stories on the pages. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

We Want to go to School! by Maryann Cocca-Leffler and Janine Leffler - ADVISABLE

We Want to go to School! The fight for disability rights by Maryann Cocca-Leffler and Janine Leffler. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807535189 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As recently as the 1970’s, children in the United States with disabilities were rarely allowed inside schools, or in regular classrooms. Then a group of families in in the District of Columbia filed a class action law suit against their school district, demanding the right for their disabled children to attend school. 

Cocca-Leffler and her daughter Janine, born with cerebral palsy, give us an excellent, easy to understand look at one of the two landmark cases that changed the lives of children in the U.S. forever. I didn’t know that the seven families that started the original court case were all Black, the parents having been affected by Brown vs Board of Education. Any easy purchase for any school that covers the topic. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine by Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck - ADVISABLE

Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Jay Fleck. BOARD BOOK Chronicle Books, 2020. $8. 9781452184890 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Tiny T. Rex is making a valentine for his best friend Pointy. But Tint T isn't very good at crafting without supervision and makes a terrible mess, of herself and the valentine. 

This is an adorable series - I love the seasonal titles and the cute illustrations. Even without the text, the book makes sense. Tiny T. Rex and the perfect valentine is a great toddler board book, and a nice launch into trying to read. 

Lisa Librarian

Maybe . . . by Chris Haughton - ADVISABLE

Maybe . . . by Chris Haughton. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536220247 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When the baby monkeys' parent leave them alone, they are warned to NOT go down to the mango tree because there are tigers. So they decide tthat maybe a "look" would be ok. But a look turns into a reach which leads to actually visiting the tree where there are, of course, tigers. 

A clever book about trying to bend the rules and what might happen - don't worry, no monkeys were harmed, but the chase is exciting and dangerous. 

 I loved their justifications for going just a bit further - a great books for kids who only think they are a little naughty.

Lisa Librarian

Hannah G. Solomon Dared to Make a Difference by Bonnie Lindauer and Sofia Morre - ADVISABLE

Hannah G. Solomon Dared to Make a Difference by Bonnie Lindauer, illustrated by Sofia Morre. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. BIOGRAPHY. Kar-Ben (Lerner), 2021. $18. 9781728415734 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Born in 1858, Hannah grew up in Chicago, in a very progressive Jewish home. She saw her family protect runaway slaves and take in displaced families after the Great Chicago Fire. Because her own good works, she was asked to bring Jewish women to the 1893 Chicago Fair, where the National Council of Jewish Women was born, with Hannah as the first president. 

 I love this look at a strong woman from a less-recognized community. Hannah was a contemporary of Jane Addams (Hull House) and Susan B. Anthony. We can’t enough books that show us that women have been important in history always. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Shipwreck Reefs by Aimee M. Bisonette and Adele Leyris - ADVISABLE

Shipwreck Reefs by Aimee M. Bisonette, illustrated by Adele Leyris. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $18. 9780807512876 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

While nature can create reefs from build-ups of coral, man has helped ref building through the many shipwrecks and purposefully-wrecked items around the ocean floors. 

Bisonette’s writing makes me want to become a certified scuba diver so that I can explore reefs around the world. The variety is so enticing! She includes a lot of interesting information and includes the man-made pollution problems that are affecting reefs. This one would also be of interest to older students, I believe. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Dragons are the Worst by Alex Willan - ADVISABLE

Dragons are the Worst by Alex Willan. PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2021. $18. 9781534485112

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The little goblin is irritated because, although he has magical powers, no one fears him! But everyone seems to be afraid of Dragons -- and they are not "all that" anyway, too many teeth, can't eat ice cream because they breath fire, and so what if they can fly, so can pigeons. But when a group of knights approach in search of dragons, the little goblin has a surprise for them. 

The illustrations and the text are perfect together - and the sparkly cover is the best! I love the facial expressions on both the goblin and the dragons. The text is hilarious. A great stand alone, or perfect follow up to "Unicorns are the Worst"

Lisa Librarian

How to make a Book (About My Dog) by Chris Barton and Sarah Horne - ESSENTIAL

How to make a Book (About My Dog) by Chris Barton, illustrated by Sarah Horne. PICTURE BOOK. Millbrook Press (Lerner), 2021. $20. 9781541581289 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Chris Barton (and the whole publishing team) gives us a behind the scenes look at what it take to publish a book – this one about his dog, Ernie. With his usual wit and the support dynamic of Horne’s illustrations, we a easily understandable book, that is also a lot of fun. I would use this in any school that has a creative writing class. Truly one to share with everyone! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Second Life of Trees by Aimee M. Bisonette and Nic Jones - ADVISABLE

The Second Life of Trees by Aimee M. Bisonette, illustrated by Nic Jones. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $18. 9780807572818 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Bisonette writes a very rich book looking first, at the life of a tree as it is growing, and then at the many ways nature uses the tree after it has fallen. The book is text dense, making it best for older picture book readers, but the information is deep enough that it would be a winner for a short presentation. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Ugliest Monster in the World by Luis Amavisca and Erica Salcedo - ADVISABLE

The Ugliest Monster in the World by Luis Amavisca and Erica Salcedo. PICTURE BOOK. Somos8 2021. $16. 9788417673765 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Three monsters compare traits to see which is the ugliest. Besides their individual features, they also dress up to look more ugly. Then they look in a mirror so get a different perspective. 

The kids will think this is funny, I think it's cute. They think they are so scary! Well, to each his own. There's not much substance, however, an argument about who is the ugliest (rather than the prettiest) would make a fun read aloud.

Lisa Librarian

Just You and Me Remarkable Relationships in the Wild by Jennifer Ward and Alexander Vidal - ADVISABLE

Just You and Me Remarkable Relationships in the Wild by Jennifer Ward and Alexander Vidal. PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane Books (Simon and Schuster), 2021. $18. 9781534460997 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When animals or plants form mutually beneficial relationships, it's called symbiosis. When the Nile Crocodile needs its teeth cleaned, the Egyptian plover helps out and gets a meal for itself. The moss growing on a sloth gets a safe home, plus it's a delicious meal for the sloth, bees spread pollen as they gather nectar from the flowers, and ants protect the acacia tree from grasshoppers. 

Each relationship is introduced with a short verse, then a more "scientific" description follows. I loved that it contains how plants and animals helps each other, too. The illustrations are great, and there is an awesome statement about our responsibility to the environment.

Lisa Librarian   

Poem in My Pocket by Chris Tougas and Josee Bisaillon - ADVISABLE

Poem in My Pocket by Chris Tougas, illustrated by Josee Bisaillon. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can, 2021. $17. 9781525301452 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A young person had a poem they’d written in their pocket, until it wa ripped away by the wind, jumbled and tumbled and reworked and planted as seeds for a “poetree”. 

A darling way for new poets to look at the creative process of writing and revising and allowing creativity to flow. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Just Be Jelly by Maddie Frost - ESSENTIAL

Just Be Jelly by Maddie Frost. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2021. $18. 9780316523288 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Sardine has lost its group and is extremely stressed out. The jellyfish tries to convince that be calm, or “jelly” is a better way to react. But sardine will need some convincing before he can enact his inner jelly. 

What a cute look at another way to be mindful and to meditate. I would love to be with a group of littles and practice being jelly with them! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Rainbows in Bloom by Darroch & Michael Putnam - ESSENTIAL

Rainbows in Bloom by Darroch & Michael Putnam. BOARD BOOK. Phaidon. 2021. $17. 9781838662981 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Oh so beautiful! Colors are presented in "rainbow" order with beautiful fold open pages. The flowers vary in shade from one to the next (red to orange, orange to yellow etc.)  I loved the "can you find" parts, giving the child things to point to and discover. The pages are sturdy and the book make sense without the text if a toddler is just looking.

Lisa Librarian

The Pop-Up Guide: Vehicles by Maud Poulain, illustrated by Charline Picard - ADVISABLE

The Pop-Up Guide: Vehicles by Maud Poulain, illustrated by Charline Picard. BOARD BOOK, ACTIVITY BOOK. Twirl (Chronicle Books), 2021. (Originally published in France in 2019). $17. 9791027609994 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Some vehicles are built for the city, like garbage trucks, taxis and light rail, an excavator and a crane work on a construction site, and a tow truck and ambulance help in an emergency. How do you travel from one place to another, what vehicles help on the farm or transporting goods? There's vehicles that are used on the sea and in the sky and even in outer space! 

Vehicles was great fun. The pages pop up and give an awesome 3-D effect. There's elastic band on one end so you can hold the book open. I know a bunch of vehicle lovers who are going to read this over and over again. A bit of text at the bottom of each page sets the stage for the work all these vehicles are involved in. Well Done!

Lisa Librarian

Hold the Flag High by Catherine Clinton and Shane W. Evans - ESSENTIAL

Hold the Flag High: The True Story of the First Black Medal of Honor Winner by Catherine Clinton, illustrated by Shane W. Evans. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Katherine Tegan (Harper), 2021. $8 (paperback reprint from 2005). 9780060504304 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

William Carney was a soldier of the 54th Massachusetts regiment – an all Black Civil War company. During their most famous battle, Carney grabbed the flag when the flag bearer was shot and rallied the troops to protect it and keep fighting. 

Another nice dimension to stories of the Civil War of also of Black heroism. You should be proud to share this story with any age. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Grandpa Christmas by Michael Morpurgo and Jim Field - OPTIONAL

Grandpa Christmas by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Jim Field. PICTURE BOOK. Farshore (Harper), 2021. $7 (paperback reprint). 9781405294973 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Now a woman, every year she pulls out a letter that her Grandpa wrote to her when she was a little girl. His love for her extends to love and reverence for the world around them and the hope that she and hers will be good stewards of the land. 

I was very disappointed that a sweet letter from grandfather to granddaughter became a didactic lecture about caring for the earth. I don’t mind books about caring for the earth – I was taken aback that that was the point in a book called Grandpa Christmas. A jarring, unexpected lecture was not what I was looking for. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight by Jan Bryant and Toshiko Nakamura - ESSENTIAL

Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight: Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX by Jan Bryant, illustrated by Toshiko Nakamura. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, JAN 2022. $18. 9780062957221 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Patsy turned 8 the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite the suspicion leveled towards her family, she remained a staunch support of the U.S. troops. At each phase of her education and her career as a lawyer, men threw up barriers against not only her gender, but her ethnicity. Regardless, she represented Hawaii in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 24 years. Her greatest triumph in Congress was co-authoring Title IX, which extended equal rights to women at any school which receives federal funding. 

What an important story of grit and persistence! While I knew about Daniel Inouye from Hawaii, I don’t ever remember hearing Patsy Mink’s name. She was a force to be reckoned with and deserves to be known by every girl. I’ll be adding this to my middle school picture book biography collection 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho and Dung Ho - ESSENTIAL

Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho. Harper, JAN 2022. $19. 9780063057753 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)- ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The boy comes home from school sad, because his friend drew a picture of him with slanted lines as eyes. His Baba (dad) helps him see that his eyes can see all the way to the stars, and his Agong (grandpa) shows him how loved he is. He shares that love with his Di Di (little brother) and is proud that all their eyes look similar and they can all see miracles. 

It’s embarrassing that some adults teach children to make fun of others for a physical feature that means nothing in the long run. A wonderful celebration of grit and love. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Beautifully Me by Nabela Noor and Nabi H Ali - OPTIONAL

Beautifully Me by Nabela Noor illustrated by Nabi H Ali. PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2021. $18. 9781534485877 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Zubi is so excited for her first day of school! She has picked the cutest outfit and is all ready - but that morning, she hears her mother mention that her sari doesn't fit right because she is too big, and her sister passes up her favorite breakfast because she is on a diet, and her dad isn't wearing a new shirt because he has gained some weight. By the end of her day at school, Zubi is concerned that maybe her body isn't right, either. But when everything comes out at dinner, her family realizes they have been sending the wrong message, and they each promise to do better. 

A good reminder to adults to be careful what we say around our children - that little complaints or concerns can be taken as big problems, especially when they relate to our bodies. A lot happens in just one day - all the negative things at home and at school and then it wraps up too neatly and too quickly. Noor gets her message across, and Nabi H Ali's illustrations are great. The cover is so sparkly!

Lisa Librarian

Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack by Stacy McAnulty and Matthew Rivera - ESSENTIAL

Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Matthew Rivera. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2021. $19. 9781250304049 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The zombie chef promises she won’t eat your brain. But she has lots to tell you about brains and will trying to talk you into just a bite the entire time! 

As long as your crowd is good with zombies (come on, who isn’t), this is a fact packed picture book. I plan on buying a copy for my middle school library too, 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Good, The Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John and Pete Oswald - ESSENTIAL

The Good, The Bad, and the Spooky (The Bad Seed) by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2021. $11. 9780062954541 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Bad Seed is not ready for Halloween and since he can’t be ready with the best cotume ever, no on eels should have Halloween either. Luckily, the Pumpkin Seed knows just what to say. 

I love the message of not letting your bad mood dictate how you are going to act in a given situation. Pumpkin Seed is very wise and Bad Seed is smart for listening to its counsel. John’s Food series just keeps getting better. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wiggle by Beth Anderson and S.D. Schindler - ADVISABLE

Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wiggle by Beth Anderson, illustrated by S.D. Schindler. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (BoydsMill), 2021. $19. 9781635923155 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Tad’s father may have been the president of the United States, but the White House itself could not suppress his rambunctious side. Among his many tricks and games around the White House, Tad even made his father give Tad the turkey that was supposed to be their dinner on Thanksgiving. Tad also had a tender place in his heart for the men who were fighting during the Civil War. 

Anderson says that this was supposed to be a book about the first pardoned turkey, but as she got to know Tad Lincoln, it became much more. You can definitely tell that this is a love letter to the relationship between Abraham and Tad. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Steve Jobs by Mria Vegara and Aura Lewis - OPTIONAL

Steve Jobs (Little People, Big Dreams) by Mria Vegara, illustrated by Aura Lewis. BOARD BOOK. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2021. $10. 9780711266568 

BUYING ADVISORY: PARENTS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Welcome to a very simplistic look at the life of Steve Jobs. As a parent, you should look at all the Little People, Big Dreams books and choose the ones that interest you most. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Beach Toys vs School Supplies by Mike Ciccotello - ESSENTIAL

Beach Toys vs School Supplies by Mike Ciccotello. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar, Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2021. $18. 9780374314040 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Shovel and Ruler want to know once and for all who is best – beach toys or school supplies? Their sand castle contest should do the trick. But maybe it will really show them that everything is better is we cooperate, instead of compete. 

A super fun start for any school year. The silly illustrations and fun text remind us what reigns supreme every school day – RECESS! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Rescuing Titanic by Flora Delargy - ADVISABLE

Rescuing Titanic: a true story of quiet bravery in the North Atlantic by Flora Delargy. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Wide Eyed Editions, 2021. $20. 9780711262782 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

While many picture books and others have been written about the Titanic, with mentions of the Carpathia, Delargy gives us a look at the whole tragedy from the Carpathia’s point of view. 

The illustrations have a great old-fashioned feel and the information is well-presented, without embellishment or fluff. Because of its unique point of view, I would be happy to add this to my collection, even if I already have multiple Titanic books. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Peace Train by Cat Stevens and Peter H. Reynolds - OPTIONAL

Peace Train by Cat Stevens, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2021. $19. 9780063053991 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Reynolds applies his beautiful art to illustrating a classic song from Yusuf, who used to be known as Cat Stevens. The sentiment of the song is extremely important and Reynold’s illustration are the stuff of dreams – art for your walls, for sure. Songs rarely translate well into picture books – a song is not really a poem – and this one is just okay. Buy it for the art and play the song as you turn the pages. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Mucky Truck by Ammi-Joan Paquette and Elisa Ferro - OPTIONAL

Mucky Truck by Ammi-Joan Paquette, illustrated by Elisa Ferro. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2021. $18. 9781250263803 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Truck gets stuck in a thick mud, its friends try to help, but also get stuck. How will they get free? 

I’m all for a good mud bath and get especially dirty playing with the kids, but I was underwhelmed this time. I’ was surprised, because I normally enjoy Paquette’s work very much. Maybe I’d rather get in and get dirty myself than read about it. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS