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

The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey - ADVISABLE

The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey, 352 pages. Algonquin Young Readers, 2022. $18.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Guntram (21yo) leaves his little town for an offered position at the palace, Alphonsus (10yo) is given his first real princely duty, and Esme (12yo) has returned to the place her people, the magic wielders, fled, in order to complete a task. Their lives will soon intertwine, a fate set in motion by the inexplicable appearance of the Onyx Maiden ten years ago.

Everything starts a little discombobulated with the switching of points of view and skipping through time, and I doubted that it was all going to fit together. And then connections started to form. Once the jumbled parts started making sense, I couldn’t put down the book until I finished. Farrey is a brilliant craftsman of words, and I loved journeying with his characters.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

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

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland - ADVISABLE

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland, 229 pages. Disney Lucasfilm Press (Buena Vista Books), 2021. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

At age 16, Vernestra is the youngest Jedi Knight in a long time, and she’s determined to do well on her first real assignment – even if it feels like babysitting. Her task is to supervise 12-year-old Avon, a senator’s daughter, on a ship to see the new space station, Starlight Beacon. However, when the ship is compromised, Vernestra, Avon, and a couple others escape on a maintenance shuttle and fly into the unknown. At least it’s better than being dead.

The ragtag team of a mirialan, three humans, and a droid seems like it shouldn’t be as relatable as Ireland makes it. Each of them struggle to know what to do next, some thinking rationally while others want to act on their emotions – including anger and grief. Ireland includes all the fun elements of Star Wars – i.e., spaceships, new planets, lightsaber battles, and Jedi mind tricks – making the story entertaining for old and new fans.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

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 

The Die of Destiny by Frank L. Cole - ADVISABLE

The Die of Destiny (Champion’s Quest) by Frank L. Cole, 304 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2021. $18 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

7th grader Lucas Silver is poised to run away from another foster home. Instead, he finds himself, with his only friend Miles, entering Hob and Bogie’s Curiosity Shoppe and agreeing to a game of Champion’s Quest. Jasmine, from Lucas’s class joins them – after she was kicked out of the pool for fighting. The fourth member of their band turns out to be Vanessa, the daughter of their foster parents. What the kids don’t realize is that, from the first roll of the dice, they have been transported to another world – where they really do have to go on a quest and they can’t leave until it is fulfilled. They don’t really know the rules, they don’t really know how to wield their weapons, but if they are very clever and learn how to work together, they might have a chance. 

A worthy addition to the subgenre of books about kids interacting with gaming realms. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

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 

American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar - AVERAGE

American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar, 311 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2020. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0‘f’); Mature Content: PG (bullying); Violence: PG (racist incident)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Being from India, Lekha divides herself into two – at home she is a good Hindu girl and is more herself. At school she is the school Lekha. She is afraid to show her real self. She is often teased and bullied but just deals with it. Then a new girl, Avantika, moves in across the street. Avantika doesn't put up with bullies and she is just Avantika no matter where she is. She speaks with a heavy accent and is new to this country. The two girls form a neat friendship and they both help each other.

Great book about self-worth and self-discovery. I think, though, that this is one that adults will love, but students will need to be coaxed to read. Too bad, because Lekha’s troubles are every middle school student’s troubles.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The Book Cat by Polly Faber, illustrated by 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 

The Islanders by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May - ADVISABLE

The Islanders by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, 293 pages. Simon and Schuster Kids, 2021. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Jake's dad is wounded in Afghanistan and is being flown to the U.S. for treatment. While Mom goes to be with Dad during his recovery, Jake is sent off the live with his grandma on Dewees Island - a nature preserve without cars or roads - not even any stores! As if that is not bad enough, he loses his phone while on the boat over to the island. Jake has to spend the whole summer with his grandma. Grandpa died recently so Grandma is mourning and she is depressed and listless. Grandma puts him to work cleaning and being a naturalist. He is to keep a journal of everything he sees every day. He even gets put on Turtle Patrol with his two new friends.

Jake is a strong and believable character. It was fun to see his growth and maturity increase as time went by. Jake and Grandma help each other, with a little help from other people, too. I really enjoyed this book. While reading I felt like I was right with them all at Dewees Island, exploring, observing, and keeping a nature log. It would be a wonderful read-a -loud book with a class, with your child or grandchild.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

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 

It All Begins with Jelly Beans by Nova Weetman - ADVISABLE

It All Begins with Jelly Beans by Nova Weetman, 244 pages. McElderry Books, 2021. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meg tries to hide out in the nurse’s office as often as possible. In there she is safe. There other students won't comment on how she always wears the same T-shirt every day or how she wears slippers instead of shoes. Riley wants to fit in at her new school, but she is worried about her Type 1 diabetes and that the other students will not understand that she has to test her blood all the time to see what her blood sugars are. She carries a fanny pack with her testing supplies and sugar sources - she prefers jelly beans. The two girls have one class together and they often end up in the nurse’s office together. Over jelly beans, they start forming a friendship. 

 The narrative alternates between the girls. This book is full of surprises and shows how strong and tenacious kids can be. They are both great kids and we see how they work out what kind of people they want to be.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

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 

The New Brilliants by Robert Bowman - OPTIONAL

The New Brilliants (The Three Vests) by Robert Bowman, 224 pages. Smart and Smarter Publishing, 2003. $10

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Three good friends, Samantha, Jaun and George are spelunking and find a really old, really big chest with three locks. They know it wasn't there a few days earlier, but they carefully open the chest, and at first nothing happens. Then with a great swirling and a thunderous voice, each is gifted with a vest and a future. They don’t know what is in store for them, or the responsibilities that now rest on them.

A very original and fascinating tale. Great character development and really well defined good and evil. There are two more books in this series and they were all great. They are all worth reading and I think all of them, especially book 1 would be a good read aloud for a class. Only available on Amazon and unappealing covers means you would have to hand-sell this series.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

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 

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr - ADVISABLE

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr, 246 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2021. $18

Content: G (talk of death and dying) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meixing Lim and her family moved to the new house in a new land (Australia) after they inherited the house from and uncle who died suddenly. The house is big and the garden vast. In the back of the yard is a glasshous, which for Meixing is magical. She has a hard time making friends and is scared of the large new house. Tragedy strikes this family and Meixing must be brave and resilient and try to find her place in this new world that she really does not understand.

A fascinating story about one little girl uprooted from all she knows and loves and moved to a new country where she does not know anybody. She doesn't understand the culture and the language and how to be friends with other children. The books shows tremendous growth in Meixing and fantastic coping skills. Written in second person, it does take a mental switch to read it.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

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