Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis - ADVISABLE

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis PICTURE BOOK 2021 $20 9781324015741 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In 1938, Nicholas Winton, fearing for the children of Czechoslovakia, rented a room in Prague and carefully collected names and prepared for the evacuation of hundreds of children. He wanted to find them foster families in England and get them out of harm's was. Vera was one of those children. 

Beautifully and richly told, in Peter Sis' creative style. The author's note at the end adds richness to the story of both Nicky and Vera. (and tells about others who were rescued and what they have grown up to become) Although a picture book, I find it more appropriate for a middle school or upper elementary student, and in the classroom I would pair this with Bradley's "The War that Saved by Life"

Lisa Librarian

Nothing Fits a Dinosaur (Ready to Read level 1) by Jonathan Fenske - ADVISABLE

Nothing Fits a Dinosaur (Ready to Read level 1) by Jonathan Fenske EARLY READER Ready to Read (Simon and Schuster), 2021 $18 9781665900652 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A child is told to take a bath and get ready for bed, but imagines themself as a dinosaur with all the giant sized things needed to get dressed, like sleeping bags instead of pants and a blanket for a shirt, because a dinosaur is just so big. 

Darling illustrations and a nice rhyming text makes this a great early reader choice, especially for a dinosaur loving reader.

Lisa Librarian

Grandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate - ADVISABLE

Grandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate. PICTURE BOOK, GRAPHIC NOVEL little bee books, 2021. $18. 9781499811933 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A child is visiting Grandad, and while looking through a photo album with him, learns all about his travels with his partner Gramps, including time spent on the beach and driving to the places in a fabulous pink camper van. 

I loved that this book featured an older LGBT couple, it's the first I've seen this. Hooray, Harry Woodgate! Woodgate's illustrations are so fun, I loved following the roads through the town with the camper van, I loved the illustrations that looked like vacation photos, and I loved the young version of grandad. A fun book about dreams come true and good memories.

Lisa Librarian

Have You Ever Seen a Flower by Shawn Harris - OPTIONAL

Have You Ever Seen a Flower by Shawn Harris PICTURE BOOK Chronicle Books, 2021. $18. 9781452182704 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A child sees flowers - through all the senses, even her imagination, even becoming the flower! 

Have You Ever Seen a Flower is all about the illustrations. Drawn with brightly colored pencils and a mix of colors, I kept thinking about my art teacher and how Harris uses negative space as both shapes and outlines. I found the colors overwhelming, and the text - well, I liked the idea but I don't think it hit the mark.

Lisa Librarian

Let’s Play: a book about making friends by Amanda McCardie and Colleen Larmour - OPTIONAL

Let’s Play: a book about making friends by Amanda McCardie, illustrated by Colleen Larmour. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2021. $17. 9781536217650 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Suki has moved to a new school and wants to make friends. 

Instead of showing us the ins and outs of friendship, McCardie tells us instead, making for a didactic book. The information is all good, and might be useful for class discussion, but that style of teaching through picture book doesn’t make for repeat reading. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Unlikely Friends (Beak & Ally #1) by Norm Fueti - ADVISABLE

Unlikely Friends (Beak & Ally #1) by Norm Fueti. EARLY READER Harper Alley (Harper Collins), 2021. $13. 9780063021570 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

On day, while Ally the alligator is resting in the water, Beak flew in and landed on his nose - the beginning of a friendship - well, one that Beak wants more than Ally. Beak is a little much. Beak invites Ally to a party, which is abruptly cancelled giving Ally the opportunity to be a friend and help Beak with a problem. 

I love these "conversational" early readers. The new reader can read along with a more experienced reader, and the pictures are so helpful - I love Ally's face when he's irritated. I love the sound of Beak's song "Fee Boo" and the darling story. Oh, the illustrations are great! Looking forward to sharing this one.

Lisa Librarian

Coqui in the City by Nomar Perez - ESSENTIAL

Coqui in the City by Nomar Perez. PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2021. $18. 9780593324073 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Miguel lives in Puerto Rico and takes his pet frog, Coqui, everywhere. At night Coqui and the other frogs sing Miguel to sleep . One day, Miguel's parents announce that they are moving to mainland US. He will miss so many things, especially Coqui, who he leaves behind with his Abuelo. After unpacking, Miguel and his mom take a walk around the neighborhood of their new apartment while Papa is at work, and Miguel hears a familiar sound that helps him miss home less. 

I loved this great story, from the wonderful sights and culture of Puerto Rico, to finding familiarity in his new community, Nomar Perez's text and pictures are perfect. I can imagine that a child from Puerto Rico will get additional happy experiences reading Coqui in the city, and maybe the adults will, too. Highly recommended, especially if your school has an immigrant population.

Lisa Librarian

Sabrina Sue loves the City by Priscilla Burris - ADVISABLE

Sabrina Sue Loves the City by Priscilla Burris. EARLY READER Simon Spotlight (Simon and Schuster), 2022. $18. 9781665900386 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Sabrina Sue is a chicken who loves the city, although she has never been, she dreams about it all the time. Even though her farm friends have told her that it is noisy and busy and far away, Sabrina Sue plans a trip and stows away in the farmer's truck. 

This Level 1 Early Reader is so fun. A beginning reader will will enjoy the delightful illustrations - I love the little frog that is Sabrina Sue's sidekick. A clever story about following your dreams.

Lisa Librarian

Off the Beaten Track by Maylis De Kerangal and Tom Haugomat - OPTIONAL

Off the Beaten Track by Maylis De Kerangal, illustrated by Tom Haugomat. PICTURE BOOK. Aldana Libros (Greystone Kids), 2021. $25. 9781771646857 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Paul and a family friend, Bruce, are going on a long-awaited backcountry skiing trip. During their trip, danger arises and it is up to Paul to get help and save the day. Can they both survive the wild? 

What an odd little book. The behind-the-scenes blurb at the back explained that the pictures came first, and the story came second. For me, that was why the story felt disjointed and incomplete at moments. The visuals were very interesting from a design point of view, but the overall story was lacking. This might not be a book a child would read on their own but might serve as a good supplement to Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or something along those lines. 

BookswithBeddes 

Earmuffs for Everyone by Meghan McCarthy - OPTIONAL

Earmuffs for Everyone: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs by Meghan McCarthy. PICTURE BOOK. A Paula Wiseman Book (Simon and Schuster) 2021. $8. (Originally published in 2015 - this is a paperback edition) 9781534495760

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When Chester Greenwood was a kid, he had large ears that were sensitive to the cold, and while there were many different kids of ear warmers, he found them scratchy and uncomfortable. As a young man, he devised an invention that, patented, made him the "father" of earmuffs (even thought he really didn't invent them.)

"Earmuffs for Everyone" doesn't live up to the title, there's nothing about how they are so ... versatile? stylish? commonplace? that everyone has a pair. In fact, it was all over the place, mostly about Greenwood, yes, but the timeline wasn't linear, there was information about other inventors, Greenwood's Suffragette wife, and "fun facts" about other inventions. I didn't like that the author commented on dress shields, and referred to women's sweat as "ew" (what?) Includes an author's note and a bibliography, but I'm going to pass on purchasing "Earmuffs for Everyone."

Lisa Librarian

Go Be Wonderful by Donna Gephart and Francesca Chessa - ADVISABLE

Go Be Wonderful by Donna Gephart, illustrated by Francesca Chessa. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2021. $18. 9780823445110

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The story follows a new baby, Daisy, from birth to the start of school. We see her adventures, her ups and downs and we all agree at the end that she is wonderful. Cute illustrations, full of bright colors and magical things. A thoroughly enjoyable book for a new baby. 

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Dragons are the Worst! By Alex Willan - OPTIONAL

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The goblin is upset because the dragons get all the love (fear?) and the baddest, most dangerous creatures in the forest. Maybe circumstances will help him have a change of perspective. I

 love the end papers that look like dragon scales! Otherwise, the illustrations are fairly simple and the energy is silly, but not so silly that you’d laugh out loud. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Grumbletroll by aprilkind and Stephen Pricken - ADVISABLE

The Grumbletroll by aprilkind, illustrated by Stephen Pricken. PICTURE BOOK. Schiffer Kids, 2021. $17. 9780764361173 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Troll is having a terrible day – his cottage falls down, he can’t get an apple, and his boats all sink. Even a rock gets in his way when he tries to huff away. He has a bad case of the Grumbles. When his friends try to console him, he grumbles at them, driving them away. After a while, he realizes that he needs to make amends. Grumbletroll is adorable even in his snit. 

I like that Grumbletroll realizes on his own that he needs to make amends for his bad behavior – that no one needs to point out his bad behavior or lecture him. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay and Matt Ottley - HIGH

How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Matt Ottley. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2020. $17. 9781536215267

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 If you were going to make a bird you would need a lot of very light, small, hollow bones so the bird would not be heavy. Then you would need feathers for warmth and feathers for flying. Birds need sharp eyes to see with, and strong claws. But can you really build a real bird? Birdwatching is fun and when the birds come really close to you it is like a special treat. Birds are fascinating and fun. 

Ottley's illustrations are beautiful. The pictures look like photos! Read this your child, or your students and hear all that the children have to say about birds, and birds they have seen. A delightful book. I highly recommend it.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

A Poem is a Firefly by Charles Ghigna and Michelle Hazelwood Hyde - ESSENTIAL

A Poem is a Firefly by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Michelle Hazelwood Hyde. PICTURE BOOK. Schiffer Kids (Schiffer Publishing Ltd), 2018. $17. 9780764361081 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Join a host of woodland creatures as they explore what makes a poem. Each creature offers up what they see a poem is, although, in the end, the reader comes to understand that a poem can be all these things and more. 

This short and sweet picture book is chock full of metaphors of what poems are as a bear walks in the woods. I loved it. It simultaneously charmed me and made me think about the nature of poetry. It would be a great text to use in a high school ELA class when talking about poetry, and obviously with younger grades as well. 

BookswithBeddes 

First Notes of Spring by Jessica Kulekjian and Jennifer Bower - ESSENTIAL

First Notes of Spring by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Jennifer Bower. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, FEB 2022. $18. 9781547604739 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Juniper the badger is excited – this is the first year she feels ready to join the musicians who will play the first notes of spring. Her loud, exuberant drum beats doesn’t seem to fit with the light, graceful notes of the others and she is turned away. Then she finds others who also are loud percussionists. When the two groups get together, they realize that they really can work together – beats and notes in harmony. 

A very fun, ebullient book about literally marching to the beat of your own drummer, but then seeing you can work together too. Bright, cheerful illustration strike just the right tone for a read aloud or to support a percussion lesson. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS https://amzn.to/3GrCK7f

Eve's Ducklings by Maria Monte and Emelie Wiklund - OPTIONAL

Eve's Ducklings by Maria Monte and Emelie Wiklund. PICTURE BOOK. Bonny Books, 2021. $7. 9780987513038

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Eve and her grandfather like to go to the pond in the park and look at the ducklings. Eve want to be friends with the ducklings and she keeps trying. Will she succeed?

Darling illustrations and a cute story. I am sure small children would love to curl up on your lap and have this story read to them. Then afterwards you go to a duck pond and maybe feed the ducks.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Dragonboy by Fabio Napoleoni - ESSENTIAL

Dragonboy by Fabio Napoleoni. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2021. $18. 9780316462167 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Dragonboy and his faithful companions head out for a day of adventure. In each of their unique ways, they enjoy the day, helping and laughing along the way. When they meet a very sad unicorn, they teach her that she is also unique and just right in her own way. 

The bright, lively colors will catch kids’ eyes first. Teachers will enjoy little details like the several ways the friends move through the forest (dashed, pranced, marched, etc.). And everyone will enjoy the message that who you are is enough. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

We Are One: How the World Adds Up by Susan Hood and Linda Yan - ADVISABLE

We Are One: How the World Adds Up by Susan Hood, illustrated by Linda Yan. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536201147 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

This is a counting book that covers some basic mathematical principles that govern our universe. Counting up to ten, each number gets two or three real-life examples that illustrate that number and how it is used in the world. The breadth of topics that are covered in this simple book is amazing - ballet to Shakespeare, geography to the rules of baseball - it’s all in here. There are also a host of sources that a student can use to dive deeper into the topics. 

If you, like me, were intrigued by the thought of a mathematical picture book, this may be the one for you. The universe is a very broad topic for a children’s picture book. However, the overall message of community and union is like a silver thread throughout the whole piece. The art is unique and ties in perfectly with the whole feel of the book. It may be too broad a topic to do adequately, but this would be a great read, especially for a STEM-focused student. 

BookswithBeddes 

Crinkle, Crinkle, Little Car by Laurel Snyder and Jay Fleck - ADVISABLE

Crinkle, Crinkle, Little Car by Laurel Snyder and Jay Fleck. BOARD BOOK. Chronicle, MAY 2022. $9. 9781452181660 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The Little Car has zoomed up into the sky and is keeping the moon and stars awake. 

The pages of this board book are made of a crinkly fabric that little ones will delight in scrunching along with the reading. The pacing of the words works fairly well with the traditional rhyme, though I would caution you to practice reading it out loud first. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

I Was Born a Baby by Meg Fleming and Brandon James Scott - ESSENTIAL

I Was Born a Baby by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Brandon James Scott. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, APRIL 2022. $18. 9780063157217 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

An utterly delightful exploration of all of the names baby animals are called. Even though it had a baby on the cover, a K-3 teacher could also use this to talk about animal baby names as part of a lesson. A great read aloud rhythm and filled with cuddly animals! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick - ADVISABLE

Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick. PICTURE BOOK. Kalamus (Akkadia Press), 2019. $19. 9781999926700 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Danny is a writer who is about to share his book with his class for show and tell. However, his characters try to make an escape during the night! Can Danny convince his creations to get back in the book in time? This is a gorgeously illustrated story about the magic of stories and where they can take you. This would be a great story for those on the cusp of reading, as the book makes space for the reader to be part of the story. 

BookswithBeddes 

As Large as Life by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat - ADVISABLE

As Large as Life by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY 360 Degrees (Tiger Tales) 2021 $25 9781944530341 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

26 different habitats for the reader to explore, each with a number of its resident animals illustrated with a most interesting fact included. 

I was so engaged! Because of the nature of the book, it can be opened on any page and perused. I learned so many new things! The only drawback, for my library, is the fact that the book is oversized - at 13" tall it won't fit on my shelves where it belongs unless it's placed on its side. Includes a table of contents.

Lisa Librarian

Chickadee: Criminal Mastermind by Monica Silvie and Elina Ellis - ESSENTIAL

Chickadee: Criminal Mastermind by Monica Silvie, illustrated by Elina Ellis. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, JUNE 2022. $19. 9781525303388 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The black capped chickadee views himself as a rapscallion, a bad seed. He explains how is life took him down this path. But it turns out that he was stealing from ---- a bird feeder! 

Silvie and Ellis combine to give a unique look at the life of this “masked” bird. The back matter includes relevant facts. A fun way to learn facts! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Elefantastic: a story of magic in 5 acts by Jane Yolen and Brett Helquist - ESSENTIAL

Elefantastic: a story of magic in 5 acts by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Brett Helquist. PICTURE BOOK. CHronicle, MAY 2022. $18. 9781452176819

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A baby elephant is captured and brought to a circus where it is trained and then performs, and after many years taken to a sanctuary to live out its days. Sub-subtitle: Light Verse on a Heavy Subject

Yolen uses few, but very expressive words, to convey the story, while Helquist’s eloquent illustrations show the elephant’s wide variety of emotions - students will understand the anguish and the moments of happiness in the elephant’s eyes. If you were to read this out loud to a class, be prepared to talk about captured elephants and circuses. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Book Cat by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliam - ADVISABLE

The Book Cat by Polly Faber, illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. CHAPTER BOOK Faber and Faber (Bloomsbury House). 2021. $17 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Morgan was a cat, born near an air raid shelter in London near the beginning of WWII. He and his little sister were safe in the Underground Station where the kittens played. Soon, their mother brought them up to the street where things were more dangerous - one afternoon while Morgan was chasing a butterfly, a bomb dropped which killed both his mother and sister. Now he was on his own. Cold and hungry one evening, he followed the sound of mice down a chimney, and ended up in the Faber and Faber publishing house, and became their book cat. Now, safe and sound himself, Morgan needs to help the new generation of kittens get away from the dangerous streets of wartime London. 

Historical fiction is a hard sell these days to young readers, however, this one is about cats and it's just delightful. Yes, there's the background of WWII London and the cats are in danger, but the story is so sweet and the illustrations are lovely. I loved the tie in to Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" and that real places were mentioned. With a bit of talking it up The Book Cat will get checked out.

Lisa Librarian

Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies - ESSENTIAL

Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books, JULY 2022. $15. 9780358269854

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Little Bat is determined to stay up all day. A little squirrel shows him all of the fun things he does each day, but Little Bat has a very hard time trying to stay awake. 

Lies uses his trademark humor and adorable illustrations to show Little Bat’s daytime adventure. This will be as popular as Lies original Bat books. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Better Together, Cinderella by Ashley Franklin and Ebony Glenn - OPTIONAL

Better Together, Cinderella: a big sister fairy tale by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn. PICTURE BOOK. Harper Collins, 2021. $18. 9780063029545 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Tameika is trying hard to be a good big sister to twins, but when everything seems to go wrong the night of a big ball, she has to learn to not be selfish. 

The Cinderella connections are less important than Tameika learning early to enjoy her siblings. I get the feeling that she will still have her difficulties, but Tameika will still keep trying. Tamieka’s family is Black – I love seeing fairy tale themes being applied to a wider, not just white, world. I don’t see this as a tour de force, but a quiet secondary read. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

What Can You do with a Rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller and Katie Kath

What Can You Do with a Rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Katie Kath. PICTURE BOOK. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2021. $18. 9781728217635

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Rocks are fascinating in so many ways. They can tell about history of the rocks, you can find fossils in rocks, you can skip rocks, paint them, make rock people and so much more. It is a wonder not everybody notices all the wonderful rock all around. You and build things with rocks and use them for decoration. You could even have a rock collection.

A cool book. I am fascinated by rock, there are so many and they are varied. Some are smooth, some are rough. They come in all kinds of sizes and shapes. A fun book to read aloud and then go find rocks and try to identify them with the pictures in the back of the book.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything by Laura Alary and Ellen Rooney - ADVISABLE

The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything: the story of Maria Mitchell by Laura Alary, illustrated by Ellen Rooney. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, MAY 2022. $19. 9781525303487 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

 Maria wanted more than a life as a quiet homemaker on her island of Nantucket. Her astronomer father shared is love for the stars and his skills with her. She tried several ways to make a living, but once she discovered a new comet, more doors were opened to her – at least as wide as the doors would open for a woman of the 1800’s. 

A nice picture book biography – perfectly on point for its intended audience. Women in science are still an important subject that needs more entries. The only thing it is missing is a timeline. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Song for Jimi by Charles R. Smith Jr. and Edel Rodriguez - OPTIONAL

Song for Jimi: the story of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Neal Porter (Holiday House), 2021. $23. 9780823443338 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: EL – LOW; MS, HS - AVERAGE

Jimi Hendrix came into this world as Johnny Allen and lived a hard, chaotic, and wandering life before he became the famous, raw-toned guitarist. 

Smith uses long form poetry with a raw edge that feels like Jimi’s music for his narrative. He includes a lot of detail. My only problem is that the audience doesn’t fit the material. I will probably buy a copy for my middle school library, because we do share many picture book biographies. But I can’t understand why an elementary school would carry this. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Whale, Quail, Snail: A Whale of a Tea Party by Erica S. Pearl, Illustrated by Sam Ailey - NO

Whale, Quail, Snail: A Whale of a Tea Party by Erica S. Pearl, Illustrated by Sam Ailey. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight (Simon and Schuster), 2021. $18. 9781534497306 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Whale lives near a tiny island inhabited by Rocks and two trees. She has named the rocks and has tea parties with them, but when a bird arrives to explore the island, and a surfing snail also finds their way there, Whale might get some real friends after all. 

I didn't like the story - found it too silly, the perspectives were all wrong, the square whale, the underwater kitchen, a surfing snail? It was all too strange - it's not the snail's fault a wave hit the island. Going to pass on a recommendation for this one.

Lisa Librarian

The Runaway Pea Washed Away by Kjartan Poskitt and Alex Willmore - ESSENTIAL

The Runaway Pea Washed Away by Kjartan Poskitt, illustrated by Alex Willmore. PICTURE BOOK. Aladdin (Simon), 2022. $18. 9781534490161

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

After the pea is washed down the drain, he meets up with a spider who needs some help. Together they try to get to dry land, but some hungry critters are standing in their way. Poskitt’s rhyming couplets make for a bouncy, easy read aloud that will delight listeners.

The pea’s wide-eyed optimism is a nice counterpoint to the pessimistic spider. Willmore packs a lot of color, fun, and expression into their illustrations.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ear Worm! By Jo Knowles and Galia Bernstein - ESSENTIAL

Ear Worm! By Jo Knowles, illustrated by Galia Bernstein. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2022. $18. 9781536207835

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Little Worm can’t get a little ditty out of his head! Every animal he comes across also has such an “ear worm”, but none of them are the same. Where did this “worm” come from and how can he get rid of it!

Be ready for lots of dancing and shimmying if you read this aloud to a group of children. It would be really fun to play some ear worms and have the students report back the next day. Here is a link to an article about the ultimate ear worm songs, with a scientific formula! https://www.nme.com/news/music/queen-1203599

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Pill Bug Does Not Need Anybody by Jonathan Fenske - ESSENTIAL

Pill Bug Does Not Need Anybody by Jonathan Fenske. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight (Simon and Schuster), 2021. $18. 9781665900683 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Pill Bug doesn't need anybody, he likes it that way. He rolls alone, and swings alone, and uses the see-saw alone. But each activity has a unique problem, and Pill Bug realizes that a friend makes a big difference. 

This Pre-Level One early reader is great! The illustrations are funny - I love Pill Bug's faces, and the little pink pill bug . . . so cute. My 6yo grand daughter is just starting to read and hasn't tried a book on her own yet - I think this one will be perfect. Can't wait to give it to her.

Lisa Librarian

What Isabella Wanted by Candace Fleming and Matthew Cordell - OPTIONAL

What Isabella Wanted: Isabella Stewart Gardner Builds a Museum by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Matthew Cordell. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2021. $19. 9780823442638 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Once Isabella Gardner was bitten by the art collecting bug, she was committed – she wanted all kinds of paintings and other object d’art for a home that she had specifically built for her to enjoy it. Twenty days each year she even allowed the public to view her home. After her death she willed the home to the city of Boston. More than a dozen paintings were stolen in 1990 and they have never been recovered. 

Boston school teachers will definitely like this – especially as they read it before they take the students on a field trip to the museum. In other parts of the country, it would be useful as a jumping off point to talk about why museums get started, about cultural raiding, or about art theft. Outside of Boston it really is only mildly useful for using with children. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Winter Lullaby by Dianne White and Ramona Kaulitzki - HIGH

Winter Lullaby by Dianne White, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2021. $18. 9781536209198 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The bear cub asks his mama bear why they have to go to sleep while the other animals seem to be awake and playing. 

Kaulitzki’s atmospheric illustrations evoke the coming winter and are an excellent counterpart to White’s rhyming story. The words read out loud in an easy rhyme and rhythm. Great for a winter story time. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ella’s Night Lights by Lucy Fleming - ADVISABLE

Ella’s Night Lights by Lucy Fleming. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2020. $17. 9781536212693 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Tiny Ella has the delicate wings of a moth, so she can only go about at night. As she gathers bits of light from candles and such, she shares that light with those who need just a little help. Her friends know that her greatest wish is to see the sun, so they concoct a plan to help fulfill that dream. 

Sparkles on the cover! Yeah! Ella is so sweet and her friends so kind. Sharing the light can be a simple message, or it can become a metaphor for kindness. Sweet, adorable, lovely. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird by Paul Meisel - ESSENTIAL

My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird by Paul Meisel. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2021. $18. 9780823443222 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A new hummingbird has been born and he (only males have the ruby throat) gives us a close-up look at a year in his life. 

Meisel has really hit upon a great series with these books that give us a “First-person” look at the life of an animal. All four books would be a solid investment for any elementary library. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths and Parwinder Singh - ADVISABLE

Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illustrated by Parwinder Singh. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2021. $17. 9781623541194 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

For the first time, Archie has invited some friends from school to celebrate Diwali with her family. First a storm ruins the decorations, then the power goes out. Archie shares the meaning of the celebration with them, and when the storm stops and the power comes back on they enjoy the rest of their time. 

I like that Ruths gives us a combination of the story behind the holiday and a look at how a modern Indian family celebrates. Plus, the added treat of inviting friends to try something new – lots of subplots all woven skillfully together. The multicultural group blends well and the illustrations bring out the feeling of light. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale by Sam Wedelich - ESSENTIAL

Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale by Sam Wedelich. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2020. $18. 9781338359015 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Chicken Little gets hit on the head and talks to the sky to investigate. Another chicken happens by, mishears Chicken Little and sets off a panic in the hen yard. It will take several tries to calm everyone down enough to hear the truth. 

A great twist on the traditional Chicken Little story, but also an excellent look the importance of fact-checking and how hard it is to get people to acknowledge the truth. Not just for elementary students! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galiza, Defender of Free Speech by Gattaldo - ADVISABLE

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galiza, Defender of Free Speech by Gattaldo PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536219180 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Daphne grew up hearing stories about her 4th great grandfather who fought against Napoleon's army when they invaded Malta. She was a girl who knew her own mind, and like her grandfather, fought against injusstice. At 19yo she was arrested during a peaceful protest on false charges and spent 2 days in jail. As an adult, she wrote for a national newspaper and was not afraid to tell the truth. 

The author, Gattaldo was a close friend of Galiza and wrote/illustrated this to honor her memory. I loved it. The illustrations are just a little abstract, which gives the book its poetic feel, even though the text is in prose. I will enjoy introducing my middle school students to this important journalist. Contains some elements that may be upsetting to a younger child.

Lisa Librarian

What is Love? By Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis - OPTIONAL

What is Love? by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2021. $18. 9781452176406 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

The boy asks his grandmother what love is, but she says she doesn’t have an answer for him. So he goes out into the world to see what answers he can find. 

While this will be a good book to start a conversation with children about love, it will not help them feel like they know any more about it afterwards. And if a child reads it alone, they will probably just become confused. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman, Olga Pastuchiv, and Susanna Chapman - OPTIONAL

Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman and Olga Pastuchiv, illustrated by Susanna Chapman. PICTURE BOOK. MIT Kids, 2021. $18. 9781536215618 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Through all the other things Ada and her grandfather do during the day, Ada only wants to see the stars. But then the fog rolls in. Poobah (grandfather) tries to distract Ada with pictures and info about far-off galaxies. 

I read this more then several times to see if it was more compelling than I was feeling, but I just couldn’t find the charm in it. It’s an okay book about a trip to the grandparents with a side story about the stars. But it just lacks that wow-factor that makes me interested in sharing it. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Lars and the Reindeer by Hans de Beer - HIGH

Lars and the Reindeer (Little Polar Bear) by Hans de Beer. Translated by North South Boks. PICTURE BOOK. North South Books, 2021. $18. 9780735844513

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Lars, the little polar bear, meets a reindeer who has lost his mother on their long migration south for the winter. He and a musk ox help the reindeer find his mother. But trouble lurks at the border. A tall fence for an oil pipeline blocks the herd’s way to safety. What will little polar bear do to save the day?

De Beer created a charmingly illustrated story for children while focusing on the problems of oil pipelines in the artic without being preachy.

MOMMAC 

The Longer the Wait, the Bigger the Hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dubar - ESSENTIAL

The Longer the Wait, the Bigger the Hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dubar. PICTURE BOOK. Faber and Faber, 2021. $17. 9780571370382 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Hibernation time is over for Hedgehog and they march off to find Tortoise for their long awaited hug. The other animals try to keep Hedgehog company as they search, but they just aren’t the same as Tortoise. 

The third in the author/illustrator’s hug series! A sweet story – a sweet series. Also a great gift for a absent loved one. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Free by Sam Usher - ADVISABLE

Free by Sam Usher. PICTURE BOOK. Templar (Candlewick), 2021. $17. 9781536217049 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Granddad and the boy rescue a little bird, which seems determined to hang around as the pair work their way through their day. While the boy wants to keep the bird forever, Granddad insists that the bird needs to remain free. 

While I’ve loved Usher’s other books about weather, this book about being free slips into magical realism and silliness. I just think it needs to be a very different looking book so that readers don’t think that it is part of the series. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Little Polar Bear and the Pandas by Hans de Beer - HIGH

Little Polar Bear and the Pandas by Hans de Beer. Translated by Henry David Wilson. PICTURE BOOK. North South Books, 2021. $18. 9780735844285

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Lars is a curious polar bear. When he sees a tourist ship ramp, he hops aboard. Little did he know it would take him to China. Friends, in the form of two panda bears and a river otter help him to find his way back home.

Best yet of the Little Polar Bear series by De Beer. Although the story line is similar to the first Little Polar Bear book, the story and/or translation are much improved. De Beer’s illustrations are the icing on the cake.

MOMMAC 

Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin and Adam Rex - ESSENTIAL

Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin and Adam Rex. Putnam (Penguin), 2021. $19. 9780593325605 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Gladys the Chicken may or may not grant wishes. But situations around her do get very exciting. Follow her from her humble beginnings as the companion to a lonely shepherd, through the Palace of the Purple Poo-bah, and back around to her shepherd. 

I needed a second reading to see the charm in Gladys’ story and to succumb to the absurdity of this new “ancient” story. It just gets better with re-readings - especially Gladys’s propensity to plop out an egg in any situation. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

I’m Trying to Love Garbage by Bethany Barton - ESSENTIAL

I’m Trying to Love Garbage by Bethany Barton. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2021. $18. 9780593207031 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Nature’s garbage collectors have a lot to teach all of us about their place in the food chain and their role in keeping the earth free of organic debris of all sorts. They also explain why inorganic waste is such a problem worldwide. 

An excellent addition to any grade class that covers earth science.  Sure to be a hit and repeat favorite. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS