I’ll Take Care of You by Maria Loretta Giraldo and Nicoletta Bertelle - OPTIONAL

I’ll Take Care of You by Maria Loretta Giraldo, illustrated by Nicoletta Bertelle. PICTURE BOOK. Blue Dot Kids Press, 2022. $19. 9781737603238

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A tiny seed is taken care of by Earth, Water, and Sky. It becomes a tree who then takes care of a bird and its baby. When the tree’s apple seed falls on rocky ground, the bird finds it and carries it to good ground where the circle of life begins again. 

There are many books about seeds that appeal to my grandchildren and myself much more than this story. It is told in a simple style with simple illustrations. The appealing part is that it tells the circle of life of a seed clearly.

MOMMMAC 

It's a Sign by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey - ADVISABLE

It's a Sign by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey. PICTURE BOOK. Hyperion Books for Children (Disney), 2022. $11. 9781368075848

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Four animal friends decide to start a club. They want to make a sign. During the book, they decide what the sign will say. They work together to make the sign. Surprise characters make an entrance at the end of the book!

The Elephant and Piggie series is very popular in my library. This is a book in that series. It's a Sign has the same style as the other books with some rhyming words thrown in. I think that this book will be popular too!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Joy to the World (VeggieTales) by Pamela Kennedy - ADVISABLE

Joy to the World (VeggieTales) by Pamela Kennedy. BOARD BOOK. WorthyKids, 2022. 9781546002857

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The Veggies are putting on a Christmas show with song and dance. The final number harks back to the birth of Jesus – reminding everyone who the season is about.

I have loved the VeggieTales since I first met them when my kids were little. They are a nice mix of cartoon fun and a focus on Christianity, for those who follow the beloved vegetables.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Season of Light by Jess Redman and Ramona Kaulitzki - OPTIONAL

Season of Light by Jess Redman, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2022. $19. 9780374314606

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

What is the Christmas season? It is a time to sing, to share, to celebrate, and care. 

A sweet book about the Christmas season – evoking the feeling of the time through gentle emotions and dreamy illustrations. Includes faith, without being a Jesus book. A nice addition for a collection that leans to the religious side.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The One and Only Sparkella (and her dad) by Channing Tatum, illustrated by Kim Barnes - ESSENTIAL

The One and Only Sparkella (and her dad) by Channing Tatum, illustrated by Kim Barnes PICTURE BOOK Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan). 2021 $19.00 9781250750754 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Ella (who likes to go by Sparkella) has the most amazing dad. he'll dress up in a sparkly boa to take her to school. She's heading off to a new school this year, but even though she sparkles, she needs a pep talk from her dad. The other kids don't appreciate her sparkly clothes and accessories. When she worries that maybe she sparkles too much, so the next day she is just Ella - no sparkles. But she's not herself and has a terrible day. Maybe dad can help? 

The One and Only Sparkella is a delightful story about being true to yourself and is also a great view of a dad who goes all in. I hope Channing Tatum based this character on himself, because what a fun dad! A perfect book for a sparkly girl. 

Lisa Librarian

Horse & Buggy on Ice by Ethan Long - ESSENTIAL

Horse & Buggy on Ice by Ethan Long EARLY READER Holiday House. 2022. $16.00 9780823447688 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Horse is so confident on the ice! He can do lots of tricks, like leaping and spinning. But then a fall on the ice finds Horse needing Buggy's help. 

Ethan Long's illustrations are the greatest. I loved Horse & Buggy on Ice so much! Part of Holiday House's I Like to Read guided reading series, the text perfectly accompanies the illustrations. A delightful winter read, but also a great story of helping out a friend in need. 

 Lisa Librarian

Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy and Brian Lies - HIGH

Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Brian Lies. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2022. $19. 9781682633212

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Wombat realizes that a wildfire is raging above, but he feels safe in his underground burrow. Just as he’s about to lie down with his favorite quilt, he hears the frantic voice of his friend Wallaby and lets him into his home. Wallaby falls asleep with Wombat’s quilt. Soon other friends need help as well. Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider all need help and Wombat welcomes them in as they mess up and take over his neat burrow. Wombat is very bighearted, but will he ever be rid of his guests?

I was very impressed with Wombat Said Come In. I enjoyed Wombat’s big heartedness, and the way he sacrificed his own comfort to help his friends. Masterful illustrations visually tell the story. Brian Lies incredibly captures the anxiety and relief in the body language and face of each animal.

PGPowers 

Logan's Greenhouse by JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy - ADVISABLE

Logan's Greenhouse by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Samara Hardy. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2022. $17. 9781682631676

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

It is winter, and Logan, who uses a wheelchair, has many cool weather plants in his family’s greenhouse. Logan is planning a pet playdate in the greenhouse with some friends, and wants to find some carrots for his party. He finds sweet potatoes, leeks, brussels sprouts, garlic bulbs, radishes, oranges, beets, pears, and turnips. Will he ever find carrots for his pet party?

Logan’s greenhouse is meant to be interactive for young nature lovers as they hunt for visual clues to find the carrots. A whimsical gecko helps them out. I enjoyed the cute story, and I really adored the fun illustrations. I expected to see a bunny eating the carrot at the party but instead, it was offered to a dog who also surprisingly enjoys a carrot snack. Logan is white.

PGPowers 

Trek the Halls by Robb Pearlman and Luke Flowers - OPTIONAL

Trek the Halls by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Luke Flowers. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2022. $18. 9780316361187

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Little Gorn is excited to hear about Spacefleet holiday celebrations, but Big Gorm tells him a cautionary tale of celebrations all over the Starfleet Universe, scary Little Gorn away from trusting Starfleet ever.

I wouldn’t advise actually trying to sing this – it would take a lot of practice to get it right. It is a fun celebration of every Star Trek incarnation – villains included. A great gift for Star Trek fans.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Twelve Green Days of Christmas by Barry Timms and Sian Roberts - OPTIONAL

Twelve Green Days of Christmas by Barry Timms, illustrated by Sian Roberts. PICTURE BOOK. $7 (paperback). 9780008498993

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

As Santa is preparing for Christmas, he can’t see the bright snow and greenery for all o fthe trach that is scattered on the forest floor. When he gets sick, he lays in bed wracked with grief over his forest – not knowing that his forest friends got his message and have a surprise for him.

The illustration are vivid and cheerful, making up for the heavy-handed way the subject is treated. I like the Christmas treatment of recycling and reusing – a fun picture book for a more world-minded celebration.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Big Tree by Laura Knetzger - OPTIONAL

The Big Tree by Laura Knetzger EARLY READER Holiday House. 2022 $15. 9780823444458 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Three friends play in the shade of a huge tree. One day they learn that the tree is sick and will need to be cut down. What can they do, they will miss the tree so much! 

OK story and meh illustrations. I was hoping for a little stronger ecological ending, or at least a ring counting of the tree (they wondered about it, but never gave a count.) The characters are cats. 

Lisa Librarian

I Did It! by Michael Emberley - ADVISABLE

I Did It! by Michael Emberley EARLY READER Holiday House. 2022 $15. 9780823446513 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Confidence is a big part of feeling successful. But when things don't go smoothly, and everything they try ends up in a mess, friends are needed to help. A great first independent read with lots of repetition, and delightful illustrations. The graphic format helps with context. 

 Lisa Librarian

About Waterfowl by Cathryn Sill and John Sill - ADVISABLE

About Waterfowl: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John Sill. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Peachtree, 2022. $19. 9781682632345

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Waterfowl are birds that live on or near the water. Waterfowl live on lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans. They have many different physical characteristics that help them eat, hunt, and stay warm. Each waterfowl has a different kind of nest to raise their babies.

Waterfowl is perfectly simple and easy to understand. There are just a few words on each page and the illustrations are informative and beautiful. I felt Cathryn Sill did a good job of informing children all about waterfowl. There is an Afterward that explains more detailed information about the various subjects on each page if more knowledge is desired.

PGPowers 

The Courage to Dream (Wakanda Forever) by Frederick Joseph and Nikkolas Smith - HIGH

The Courage to Dream (Wakanda Forever) by Frederick Joseph, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. PICTURE BOOK. Marvel, 2022. $18. 9781368076739

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Assata wants more than anything to join the Dora Milaje, the team of warriors that protects Wakanda just like her cousin and grandmother. But Assata was born with a disease that disabled her. She now needs a wheelchair and feels like her dream is impossible. She excels with her mind in science and technology. Her idol Shuri is so impressed that she asks Assata to be her assistant and join the Wakandan Design Group. Assata searches her sole and wonders if people should walk away from their dreams because they seem impossible?

I really liked The Courage to Dream. The message of not giving up on your dreams just because it seems impossible is a challenge facing all of us. Kids and adults will be inspired to do hard things. The beautiful detailed illustrations bring Assata’s dilemma to life.

PGPowers 

The Smallest Snowflake by Bernadette Watts - ESSENTIAL

The Smallest Snowflake by Bernadette Watts. PICTURE BOOK. NorthSOuth, 2022. $18. 9780735845084

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

All of the snowflakes are excited about their trip into the world below, but the littlest snowflake has a secret wish that she doesn’t want to share. So many different ways to share and talk about this lovely book.

It’s a world traveler book as snowflakes land in different countries. But it is also a celebration of how winter turns to spring when it is time for the smallest snowflake to say goodbye. The end papers are backdrop-worthy! While a longer read than we may be used to, it is well worth the time.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Oona in the Arctic by Kelly DiPucchio and Raissa Figueroa - ESSENTIAL

Oona in the Arctic by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa. PICTURE BOOK. Katharine Tegen (Harper), JAN 2023. 9780063222328

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

When Oona finds a lost baby beluga whale in her water, she is determined, with the help of her friend Otto, to return the baby home – no matter what it takes!

Oona just gets better and better. While her hair is still that dramatic focal point, the glowing colors of the oceans they travel and landscapes they pass have their own drawing light. Oona is Black, with the most magnificent afro, while she finds a new friend who is Asian. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Meet the Super Duper Seven by Tim Hamilton - ESSENTIAL

Meet the Super Duper Seven by Tim Hamilton. EARLY READER Holiday House. 2022. $15. 9780823449101 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Electro elephant can charge your phone with his trunk. Hypno-Hippo can put bad guys to sleep. And Hungry kitty . . . um, Hungry kitty ate the rest of the Super Duper Seven, now they need to recruit new members of the Super Duper Seven! 

"Meet the Super Duper Seven" is another I like to Read Comic - Told through dialogue in graphic comic format, it's a little all over the place, but that's part of the humor. The illustrations are clever, I love the mouse who makes stuff out of string. 

Lisa Librarian

Holler of the Fireflies by David Barclay Moore - ADVISORY

Holler of the Fireflies by David Barclay Moore, 360 pages Knopf (Random House). 2022. $18. 

Language PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (racist language including the N word). 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Javari got into a 2 week STEM camp in West Virginia, sponsored by a small Christian College in the town of Horsewhip Holler - a far cry from his hometown of Brooklyn New York. Javari is super good at science, but is shy and doesn't make friends soon enough to get into a good group for the final project. He does, however, meet a local boy named Cricket, who gives him a look at what the black community of Horsewhip Holler is like. Javari gets more than a stem education that summer. He also learns about racism, activism, and sees that some things aren't all that different away from home. 

Javari's experience at camp is complicated - I think my middle-grade gamers will like the story, as there is a cool game the kids are beta testing. I wonder, though, when he sleeps - sneaking out at night to meet up with Cricket after his roommate has gone to sleep, even attending a late-night book club? I wish he had been a bit older than 12 - sending him alone on a bus with transfers to make and then to arrive at the destination with no one there to meet him felt irresponsible, so I was suspect of the whole program. Setting aside these issues, I think it will be a good addition to a middle school library.  Interesting that the cover reflects (pun intended) Moore's "The Stars Beneath Our Feet," and it contains some interesting elements of the history of African Americans in the Appalachians.

 Javari and Cricket are black, Veer is Indian culture, Tuyet is Vietnamese culture. Rebecca is white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Super Gross What's that Smell? by Ximena Hastings, illustrations by Alison Hawkins - ESSENTIAL

Super Gross What's that Smell? by Ximena Hastings, illustrations by Alison Hawkins, 32 pages EARLY READER Simon and Schuster. 2022. $18. 9781665920766 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Dr. Ick and his dog Sam teach the reader all about smells. Did you know that humans are sensitive to certain smells like bananas and urine? That skunks are some of the smelliest animals, so are stinkbugs? There are plants that smell, and there are cheeses with a strong odor (like Limburger). We even learn why our bodies sometimes stink! 

The title alone makes this a high recommendation. A fun and informative read, this level two Ready to Read book is sure to catch a reluctant reader. Includes an experiment involving stinky socks. 

Lisa Librarian

It’s Diwali by Kabir and Surishtha Sehgal and Archana Sreenivasan - ADVISABLE

It’s Diwali by Kabir and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2022. $19. 9781534453654

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Count up to ten and then back down to one as you learn about Diawali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Short and sweet and bright. A panoramic look of Diwali traditions and decorations – and especially food! Good as a basic look at a holiday. The characters are in India.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

No Peeking at Presents by Alastair Heim and Sara Not - ADVISABLE

No Peeking at Presents by Alastair Heim, illustrated by Sara Not. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion (Harper), 2022. $19. 9781328809599

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The older boy of a blended family is trying to keep his siblings in bed until Christmas morning has really arrived. When the young ones hear a squeak, they try to sneak past, but each time he intercepts them. Then HE hears the squeaks and investigates and finds the happy present for them all.

SPOILER:

Ok – who puts a puppy into a box and leaves it under the tree all night? NOBODY! That’s who. Maybe a small pic of the parents sneaking down to place the pup in the middle of the night? Otherwise – pretty funny about the stress of keeping little ones in bed all night before the big day.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani and Supriya Kelkar - ADVISABLE

My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani and Supriya Kelkar. PICTURE BOOK. Littl Brown, 2022. $18. 9780316339339

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A little girl is getting ready to celebrate Diwali with her family and friends. The bright colors of the illustrations echo the spirit of the festival of light, with lots of touches to bring to life living in a Hindu household.

While I might wish for back matter explaining each reference I don’t understand, this is also an excellent opportunity for teacher and students to use their research skills and share explanations with each other. The girl and her family and Indian, while some friends are other ethnicities.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

I’m a Little Snowman by Hannah Eliot and Anna Daviscourt - OPTIONAL

I’m a Little Snowman by Hannah Eliot and Anna Daviscourt. BOARD BOOK. $7. 9781665919166 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre- K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The snow people are celebrating the season and invite the reader to join in.

Sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”, the rhymes and rhythm don’t always work without practice. An okay board book, but not a must-have.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781665919166

I will not Lose in Super Shoes by Jonathan Fenske - ADVISABLE

I will not Lose in Super Shoes by Jonathan Fenske, 32 pages. EARLY READER Penguin. 2022 $5 9780593384534 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Book-it Bunny is so fast in her brand new shoes - and they challenge the reader to a reading race! But the brand new shoes have some problems. 

Rhyming text and silly pictures make this a fun easy read. The illustrations tell a bit more than the text, so it's also a fun read together. 

Lisa Librarian

Hoggy Went-A-Courtin' by Ethan Long - ESSENTIAL

Hoggy Went-A-Courtin' by Ethan Long EARLY READER Holiday House. 2022. $15. 9780823451487 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Hoggy really wants to join the kids playing basketball across the street, but they don't want to play with him because he's a ball hog, a showboat, and a sore loser. 

"Hoggy went-a-courtin'" is an "I Like to Read Comic" so it looks like a graphic novel. So much fun, I love the illustrations - I love the movement and the onomatopoeia. Highly recommended. 

Lisa Librarian

Piney the Lonesome Pine by Jane West Bakerink - NO

Piney the Lonesome Pine by Jane West Bakerink. PICTURE BOOK. Running Press, 2022. $19. 9780762481804

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Georgie’s grandfather owns a Christmas tree farm and she decides to grow her own special tree from a seed. When the year comes to harvest Piney, the tree lot guys haul Piney off forst. Even after they chase him down to the right lot, Piney again disappears. Maybe Georgie won’t ever see him again.

I managed to avoid the 2019 cartoon short that this book is created from, because this is pretty awful. The book uses the cheap budget computer animation and a weird paneled format to squish more on the page. I can’t go into the rest of the weirdness. Please just avoid this.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Christmas Princess by Mariah Carey, Michaela Angela Davis and Fuuji Takashi - NO

The Christmas Princess by Mariah Carey and Michaela Angela Davis, illustrated by Fuuji Takashi. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250837110

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The little girl lives in a rickety valley house in the shadow of a pristine house on the hill. The spoiled children in that house tease Mariah about being poor. She runs away into the woods and finds a magical stone that summons the Butterfly Fairy Queen, who makes everything better.

I have read a few celebrity picture books that know what they are doing (John Cena, Paul McCartney), but this one has an identity crisis. Please don’t waste your money on this chaotic mess. The story makes absolutely no sense – skipping from scene to scene with little cohesion and way too many words to enjoy. Shame on whomever gave this the green light.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Fox and Bear by Miriam Korner - ADVISABLE

Fox and Bear by Miriam Korner. PICTURE BOOK. Red Deer Press, 2022. $22. 9780889956469 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Fox and Bear are friends who live happily in the forest hunting eggs and gathering berries. Bear loves to take a nap at noon and watch the sunset in the evening. Fox decides one day that they should come up with inventions that will help them store up more food so they can rest more. The inventions actually make more work for them and bear never gets to take a nap or watch the sunset. Bear is faced with the decision about what is important to him.

Fox and Bear is uniquely illustrated, using recycled paper cut-outs and cardboard dioramas that enjoyably tell the story. They emphasize Korner’s underlying theme of preserving forests. The storyline is cute and helps us realize that a simple life can often be better than a complicated one.

PGPowers 

Not Starring Zadie Louise by Joy McCullough - ADVISABLE

Not Starring Zadie Louise by Joy McCullough. 247 pages. Atheneum (Simon and Schuster). 2022. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Family budget cuts have left 10yo Zadie Louise Gonzalez stuck at Bainbridge Youth Theater this summer instead of tae kwon do and Science Kidz camp like last year. Her mom is the director of BYT, so she and her older sister 12yo Lulu can spend the summer there. Lulu is thrilled - she loves acting and is excited about this year's show, but Zadie isn't at all interested in performing, she'd rather learn to work the light board - but her mother says tech is off limits for kids. Zadie helps where she can - handing out snacks and staying out of the way. The future of the youth theater program is in doubt, so this show has to be perfect. But Zadie's help often turns into a disaster.

Theater school is so much fun, and I loved McCullough's viewpoint. The mean girls who don't like their part, the bored director's kid getting in trouble, even the costume parade - it fealt authentic and realistic. Although the trouble Zadie caused was unintended, it was still pretty bad stuff to happen (she nearly fell from the light rail - oh my heart!) the adults handled it sensibly and Zadie didn't get away with anything. Theater kids will like "Not Staring Zadie Louise". Zadie is American, her father is Guatemalan, her grandmother is Scandinavian.

Lisa Librarian

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar and Molly Mendoza - ADVISABLE

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar,  art by Molly Mendoza PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Scholastic Press (Scholastic). March 2023. $20. 9781338283419 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Jovita grew up on a farm with her Abuela who made her wear long full skirts - she couldn't keep up with her brothers in a skirt, so, once her Abuela couldn't see her, she'd stuff her skirts into her bloomers. When her father left the farm to fight a war, and took her brothers to fight a war, Jovita wanted to go too. She knew the countryside, she would ride as well as her brothers and she would be a good soldier. But she would have to wait. Women did not go to war. But after a family tragedy, Jovita disguises herself as a man and organizes an army of her own. 

Jovita Valdovinos was quite a remarkable woman. I really liked this picture book biography. Molly Medoza's illustrations are vibrant and artistic, and accompany the text beautifully. The biography is thorough, but is made richer by the "more about" and the author and illustrator's notes. Characters are Mexican.

Lisa Librarian

Hope is an Arrow by Cory McCarthy and Ekua Holmes - ADVISABLE

Hope is an Arrow: The Story of Lebanese American Poet Kahlil Gibran by Cory McCarthy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Candlewick. 2022. $19. 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The poet Kalil Gibran was born in Lebanon in the late 1800s. His family moved to Boston when he was 12, and he began to produce art but returned to Beirut to study. His dream was to bring people together despite their differences, and after returning to America, moved to New York and wrote a book called "The Prophet." He was a respected and important poet. 

Hope is an Arrow is interspersed with Kahlil Gibran's poetry, reflecting his feeling related to the difficulties of his life. Ekua Holmes' artwork - beautiful collage - is detailed and reflects the time period. Although I had read The Prophet in college, I was not familiar with the life history of its author, nor did I know he was also an artist. Includes an extensive author's note which connects a broader story to the passages introduced in the text.

Lisa Librarian

Key Player by Kelly Yang - ADVISABLE

Key Player (Front Desk #4) by Kelly Yang, 274 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic). 2022 $18.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The World Cup is coming to Los Angeles, and Mia is so excited because the Chinese Women's team will be playing against the Americans! She has started playing soccer in P.E. (after years of avoiding sports because they were dangerous and her parents didn't have insurance) but Mia's athletic confidence is low and she really needs a passing grade. Maybe she can get an interview with one of the world cup teams and publish her story in the school paper! Also, her parents are looking for a house - no more living in the motel - but they are running into roadblocks as real estate agents don't seem to want to represent a Chinese family. 

 I continue to love this series. I love that the books stand alone, resolving nicely, but then Kelly Yang gets Mia and her friends into another pickle and away we go! Mr. Yao is back - ooh, I didn't like him in book one - but we start to see him differently. So many parts of Key Player are directly connected to the others in the series, so be sure you have 1-3 on your shelves as well.  Mia and her family are Chinese, as are Jason and his father. Lupe is Hispanic, Hank is Black. 

Lisa Librarian

The Three Billy Goats Gruff retold by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen - ESSENTIAL

The Three Billy Goats Gruff retold by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. PICTURE BOOK Orchard Books (Scholastic). 2022. $19. 9781338673845 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A troll waits under the bridge, hoping to eat something that is crossing. A small goat convinces him to wait for his older brother, who does the same when he is challenged. Finally, the largest goat arrives and bests the troll. 

I love that the troll sometimes speaks in verse! A fantastic retelling that would be a fun read-aloud. Klassen's illustrations are great. I laughed out loud several times. A great addition to a fairy tale section, or put it in your picture books.

Lisa Librarian

Tumble by Celia C. Perez - ADVISABLE

Tumble by Celia C. Perez . 352 pages. Kokila (Penguin). 2022. $18. 

Language: PG (5 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG pro wrestling bouts described 

EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Addie is seeing some changes in her life. Her mom is about to have a new baby with Addie's step-father Alex. Addie loves Alex, he's been a great father to her, but when he tells her he'd like to adopt Addie. - to make him her legal father as well, Addie wants to find out about her birth father - her mother has told her nothing. So, Addie and her best friend Cy start doing some snooping and discover that Addie's real dad is a locally famous wrestler called Manny the Mountain. Addie wants to meet him, and find out for herself if he wants to give up his parental rights and let Alex adopt Addie. 

There was a lot to love about Tumble. The family dynamics, and discovering a whole new set of grandparents and cousins etc. was delightful. I loved that the Bravo family wasn't perfect, the grandfather had memory issues, an Uncle who performs in drag, the family is complicated.   I especially loved Abuela, she was the traditional family caregiver who makes delicious foods and holds the family together, and the fact that she had a hidden past was great too. I think the Nutcracker with a twist (letting the students cast in the show decide what the theme is going to be) was fun for the story, but would be problematic from a production perspective. Oh, and Addie's research! Visiting an archive! Ahhh - I loved that readers will see what a deep dive like that looks like. The Latinx culture will also be a great draw to Tumble, and the cover picture is great. I'm excited to recommend it. 

Lisa Librarian

The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore and Kitty Moss - ADVISABLE

The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore, illustrated by Kitty Moss. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2022. 9780374388997 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Each year the people prepare to choose the books they will gift to family and friends during the yearly Christmas Book Flood. The world may be snowy and chilly, but hearts are warmed as every tries to pick the perfect gift and then get ready to open and read – all night long! 

Moss’s illustrations evoke a wondrous feeling, with luminescent colors and magical touches. I would buy prints of several of the pages. It’s a charming holiday tradition that I love much more than what I’m doing right now myself! The illustrations are populated with a wide variety of skin tones. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9780374388997

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast: Short and Sweet by Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney - ADVISABLE

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast: Short and Sweet by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney. PICTURE BOOK. Union Square, 2022. $17. 9781454934271

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Pancake and French Toast are getting a little whiffy, so they go to Professor Biscotti’s lab for a refresher. Instead, the pair gets regress to childhood. When they see their best friend, Baron von Waffle, they run away in fright. Can the Baron lure them back and help Biscotti restore them? 

Written in verse and a bit long on text – you’d better practice this one out loud a few times before performing in front of a crowd. But everyone will have so much fun on the adventure. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

You So Black by Theresa Tha SONGBIRD, illustrated by London Ladd - ADVISABLE

You So Black by Theresa Tha SONGBIRD, illustrated by London Ladd. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2022. $19. 9781665900348

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Songbird and Ladd have created an enthusiastic celebration of Black-ness with joyful words and bright collages of color. It may be hard to choose between all of the lovely PBs that have come out lately of similar theme, but give this one a long look and just buy it. Make sure you check out the end papers and case wrap – unique and beautiful.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee and Molly Brooks - ESSENTIAL

Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee and Molly Brooks, 340 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House Graphic, 2022. $21. 9780593301289 

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: ; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Rising 6th grader Katie and her best friend Kacey were headed off to summer camp together, but Kacey resents Katie’s friendship with another camper. When their homeschool co-op starts up again, Kacey starts freezing Katie out. If that weren’t enough drama for Katie, she also starts having buzzing thoughts that won’t go away – thoughts that make her do weird things to make them go away. 

What an excellent book for students to discover the transitory nature of friendships, and such a gentle, but important introduction to OCD. A friendly, honest, and heart-warming look at the confusion of growing up. Katie has red hair, a few of the secondary characters are not white, but ethnicity doesn’t guide anyone’s actions. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Working Boats: An Inside Look At Ten Amazing Watercraft by Tom Crestodina - NO

Working Boats: An Inside Look At Ten Amazing Watercraft by Tom Crestodina. PICTURE BOOK. Little Bigfoot (Sasquatch Books), 2022. $20. 9781632172594

BUYING ADVISORY: EL , MS – NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Take an in-depth, illustrated, inside look at 10 different watercraft that sail the seven seas. 

This is a very niche topic, one that I’m not sure many students in landlocked Utah would appreciate. There is a lot of information in the book, not just about the layout of the boats, but lots of technical information about engines and fish habitats, and fishing equipment. I appreciated the reading, but I don’t think it would be very engaging for most readers and I don’t see how it could be easily used in the classroom.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

This Will Pass by J. Donnini and Luke Scriven - ESSENTIAL

This Will Pass by J. Donnini, illustrated by Luke Scriven. PICTURE BOOK. Bushel & Peck Books, 2022. $18. 9781638190899

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Little Crue is on the adventure of a lifetime, sailing the high seas with his Great-Uncle Ollie. Despite the many scary events and storms that arise, Great-Uncle Ollie teaches Crue how to face each challenge with serenity and peace of mind.

This is a charming little book that helps address anxiety and stress with little audiences. The illustrations are so adorable, and I loved the overall message of the story. It would be a great addition to the SEL collection in your library.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

It's Christmas Everywhere by Hannah Barnaby and João Fazenda - ADVISABLE

It's Christmas Everywhere: Celebrations from Around the World by Hannah Barnaby, illustrated by João Fazenda. BOARD BOOK. Phaidon Press, 2022. $20. 9781838665395

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This board book describes 10 different Christmas-time traditions around the world.

More than other board books I’ve read, I could see this being in a school library. I appreciated the wide variety in Christmas traditions from lots of places in the world. The interesting shape of the book would draw kids in and I think it would see a lot of use during the holiday season.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

 

The Poem Forest by Carrie Fountain and Chris Turnham - OPTIONAL

The Poem Forest: Poet W.S. Merwin and the Palm Tree Forest He Grew from Scratch by Carrie Fountain, illustrated by Chris Turnham. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2022. $19. 9781536211269

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (4-6) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Fountain details the life of poet and ecologist W.S. Merwin, who by the end of his life had planted over 3,000 palm trees on his Hawaiian property, later turned into a nature conservatory.

I loved reading William Stanley’s story. I didn’t know that much about him, so I felt like the book did a great job of providing background, while also connecting his love of poetry and nature together in a lyrical, beautiful way. I don’t know what elementary kid is going to be super into a book about a Poet Laureate, however I also could see it being used in a science class to introduce a conservation project.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

Fox Explores the Night by Martin Jenkins and Richard Smythe - ADVISABLE

Fox Explores the Night by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Richard Smythe. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2022. $9. 9781536227765

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Watch how the science of light plays throughout the story as we follow along with Fox as she explores her environment and sources something to eat for the night. 

This is a really cute picture book that would be perfect for introducing little scientists to the study of animals and the patterns of light in the physical world.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

You Can! Kids Empowering Kids by Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony - ESSENTIAL

You Can! Kids Empowering Kids by Alexandra Strick, illustrated by Steve Antony. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2022. $19. 9781536225433

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The story follows 14 young people from birth to eighteen and shares positive, uplifting messages about what people can be and do.

The art style isn’t my favorite, but the overall message is so good that I have to heartily recommend this book for your library. I loved the inclusiveness of the illustrations - everyone is represented - and it was so fun to watch them grow up over the course of the book and try new things. 

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

I am the Walrus (N.O.A.H. Files #1) by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman - ESSENTIAL

I am the Walrus (N.O.A.H. Files #1) by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman, 389 pages. Little Brown, APRIL 2023. $18. 9780759555242

Language: G (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (crocodile bite with some blood)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The worst thing 14yo Noah Prime has to worry about is that his favorite motocross course is being demolished – just as he was starting to get really good and gather attention, too. Noah loves physical activity, even if his best friend, Ogden, is no athlete at all. But when Noah decides to try out for school sports, he seems to instantly be good at everything. And when he tries the rings at a gymnastic meet – well hair sprouts on his arms and his whole body bulks up. What is going on! Way more than Noah and Ogden could have dreamed of. Turns out Noah has a destiny. It may involve Samantha, the girl at school that usually stays away from everyone, but it mostly involves forces that Noah had no idea existed. When you are working off of limited information, how can you decide to trust?

Shusterman and Elfman have written another multi-layered book which will challenge you in unexpected ways. Their Accelerati trilogy was soooo good and NOAH looks to be another homerun. I really can’t tell you too much – but authors and cover artist have done their best to prepare you. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Good Night Little Bookstore by Amy Cherrix and E.B. Goodale - ADVISABLE

Good Night Little Bookstore by Amy Cherrix, illustrated by E.B. Goodale. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2022. $18. 9781536212518 BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE A love poem to indie bookstores and readers of every shape and size, Good Night Little Bookstore follows the end of day process for a little bookshop on a neighborhood corner. The book is clearly a pastiche, not a parody, of the classic Goodnight Moon. It’s a lovely little homage and I loved the multicultural and inclusive community illustrated throughout the story. I don’t know how useful it could be in a school library, but it does celebrate books and the people who read them, so it could be very happy on any reader’s shelf. Kiera, BookswithBeddes

Mama’s Home by Shay Youngblood and Lo Harris - ESSENTIAL

Mama’s Home by Shay Youngblood, illustrated by Lo Harris. PICTURE BOOK. Make Me A World, (Penguin Random House) 2022. $19. 9780593180228

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Our young Black protagonist shares with the reader the community that helps raise her when her mother has to be someplace else. A celebration of food, language, and culture that binds people together into a family, blood or otherwise.

I loved this picture book. I loved the bright, bold illustrations. I loved the message about found families and the wide variety of caregivers in the little girl’s life. I loved how the author and illustrator were able to create a vivid, authentic, relevant world between the pages of this book.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

Art Attacks! by Chad Sell - OPTIONAL

Art Attacks! (Doodleville #2) by Chad Sell. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House, 2022. $21. 9781984894731 

Content: PG (mild violence, baby from painting “stolen”) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Drew may be part of the Art Club, but she still has issues to deal with that endanger everything. One of her self-aware doodles, Levi, has taken a baby from a painting in the Art Institute of Chicago. When Drew and others try to return the baby, the other paintings have also come alive and now everything is royally mixed up and messed up. And the director is so mad at Drew – that even if she doesn’t know what Drew actually did, Drew is not allowed into the Institute. 

There’s a whole lot more going on here in a big, chaotic mess that I think kids will understand and like way more than I do. One of the characters is non-binary. While an ethnic mix is portrayed in the illustrations, it is not a plot point. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS Nonbinary character