Baby Loves Political Science: Justice! by Ruth Spiro and Greg Paprocki - OPTIONAL

Baby Loves Political Science: Justice! by Ruth Spiro and Greg Paprocki. BOARD BOOK Charlesbridge, 2020. $7. 9781623542283 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When baby doesn't follow the rules, he has consequences. At school, baby learns that rules keep everyone safe. Grownup's rules are called laws. The constitution lists many laws and rights. A lawyer can help explain the laws and courts are there to ensure fair treatment for all. This is called Justice. 

As a board book for babies, I love the illustrations, I love that there are people of all different cultures. The simple explanation of laws and justice is probably better for a bit older child, but this series is fun. You can't get them started too soon learning about how the government works.

Lisa Librarian

She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer by Kathryn Lasky and Julianna Swaney - OPTIONAL

She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer by Kathryn Lasky and Julianna Swaney. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Harper Collins, 2021. $18. 9780062849304 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Little Mina's father was a photographer. She was curious and had lots of questions about how everything worked. She taught school and at 20 married and moved to Boston. She got a job working for the director of the Harvard College Observatory. She was his maid, but again was full of questions. Soon she was working for him as a calculator, creating a map of the Universe. Wow, oh wow. She wasn't allowed to look through a telescope! 

The things we learn about women in these wonderful picture book biographies are remarkable insights into the 20th century. I had to re-read parts several times and am still not sure I understood exactly what she was doing, it's a bit technical. Kids who are into this will really love learning about Williamina Stevens Fleming.

Lisa Librarian

Geraldine and the Anti-Bullying Shield by Sol Regwen and Denise Muzzio - NO

Geraldine and the Anti-Bullying Shield by Sol Regwen, illustrated by Denise Muzzio. PICTURE BOOK. Schiffer Kids, 2021. $17. 9780764361135

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

When Jimmy steps up his playground bullying, Geraldine decides to build a anti-bullying shield to show him what he looks like.

From calling the other child “Jimmy the Bully”, to an odd shield covered with mirrors to reflect Jimmy’s mean face, and on through poorly drawn illustrations – I cannot recommend this.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS h

All We Need by Kathy Wolff and Margaux Meganck - ADVISABLE

All We Need by Kathy Wolff, illustrated by Margaux Meganck. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2021. $18. 9781619638747

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Wolff’s ode to the little things in life is a beautiful tribute to first the basics – air, water – moving on to food and family, through a prompting to share with those around us.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Christina’s Carol by Tomie DePaola - NO

Christina’s Carol by Tomie DePaola. PICTURE BOOK. Simon, 2021. $18. 978-1534418486

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

DePaola illustrates Christina Rosetti’s poem “In the Bleak Midwinter”. For those who collect Christmas picture books, this may be an option. However, there is no backmatter to act as context for the poem, or even Rosetti’s full name, so it is not helpful.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Capybara is Friends With Everyone by Maddie Frost - ADVISABLE

Capybara is Friends With Everyone by Maddie Frost. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, 2022. $19. 9780063021020

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Capybara knows all about being a friend – they have more than 4000 of them, after all. After showing us how good of a friend they are, they run into sloth, who seems to be resistant to capybara’s charms. Maybe Capybara needs to rethink his ideas about friendship.

Capybara’s energy is infectious – quite the drama queen (Capy’s gender is actually unspecified). I love the slight contrasts between Capy’s first ideas about being a good friend and their new perspective – instructive without being didactic.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman and Joseph Kuefler - ADVISABLE

The Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman and Joseph Kuefler. PICTURE BOOK Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2020. $18. 9780062912534 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

2 children start off on a road tip with their dad at night.  It's very late as they are the practically the only ones out on the road. They see deer crossing the highway, rabbits running alongside their car. They pass through woods and see animals hiding in the trees. It rains and they play with flashlights in the car. As they arrive, they see bats in the sky and hear the sounds of the night. But the house they arrive at is bright and mom is inside waiting for them. 

The Night is for Darkness is a perfect bedtime story - the illustrations with their shafts of light through them are great. The beautiful text is calming and happy. Includes prayers and tucking in; gorgeous.

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 6)

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day - OPTIONAL

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day, 250 pages. Heartdrum (Harper Collins), 2021. $17 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

For 12yo Maisie, ballet was everything. But she's been working on recovering from a painful knee injury for months now and her hopes of dancing again in time to audition for summer ballet camps or even fall classes are dwindling. The longer it takes, the more anxious and moody she becomes. Soon she's ghosting her best friend, and hurting the people who love her the most. 

Maisie's little brother Conner is the comic relief to this serious story of a girl struggling with disappointment, mental illness and chronic pain. Middle grade readers will enjoy the friend drama and the optimistic ending. Maisie is a Native American. 

Lisa Librarian

Awake by Mags DeRoma - OPTIONAL

Awake by Mags DeRoma. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2021. $19. 9781250753199

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The little girl is ready to go to bed, but --- SPIDER!! She doesn’t know what to do! She thinks of and discards many plans, before she is successful. BUT – looking into the little spider’s eyes – maybe some kindness is necessary?

While I don’t love the scattered beginning of the read (perhaps echoing the scattered panic thoughts of the girl?), I do like the ending very much, complete with instructions for rescuing insects without killing them. That could be very comforting for kids who are skittish around insects.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Antoinette the Tree Frog by Géraldine Elschner Xavière Devos - NO

Antoinette the Tree Frog illustrated by Géraldine Elschner Xavière Devos. BOARD BOOK. Schiffer, 2021. $9. 9780764361104

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Antoinette has a favorite lily pad for her daily sunbathing. When a breeze blows Mr.Claude’s hat off, Antoinette decides that she has found a new perfect lounging spot. 

Antoinette’s story is just too short. It is part of a series called First Steps in ART, but this first step doesn’t really connect to the art in a meaningful way.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

ABC Factor by Katrina Charman and Tony Neal - ESSENTIAL

ABC Factor by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Tony Neal. PICTURE BOOK. Farshore, 2022. $10 (paperback). 9781405298575 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Dog is famous for appearing in alphabet books, but she wants to create her own ABC with unique animals. The Stick Bus is sure that he can make the cut, but it may take all the way to the end of the alphabet. 

A darling take on an ABC book. Neal’s illustrations add that extra humor with great expressions and interactions amongst the animals. Kids will have so much fun learning the odd animal names and enjoying the pictures. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Legend of the Dream Giants by Dustin Hansen - OPTIONAL

The Legend of the Dream Giants by Dustin Hansen, 235 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2022. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Berg the giant wanders alone, trading for the food he needs, but Berg really wants to be friends with the people who chase him away. They hurt Berg when they call him “Ünhold,” the name of a terrible giant. If only Berg could show them that he isn’t like Ünhold, then maybe they would be kind to Berg and let him stay.

The young giant, Berg, is simple in language and desire, and the simplicity is what makes his story relatable. His is a tale of belonging, of struggling to understand why what he thinks of as kindness is rejected by people, of wondering if he can be true to himself as well as the demands of those that are willing to call themselves his friend. Hansen writes beautifully in the descriptive way of Berg’s simpler language to illustrate this fantasy world from Berg’s point of view, but there are pieces of the story that don't make sense to me. The violence rating is for repeated attacks and death.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Little Angry Cat by Audrey Bouquet and Lambert Fabien Öckto - ADVISABLE

Little Angry Cat (A Big Emotions Book) by Audrey Bouquet and Lambert Fabien Öckto. PICTURE BOOK, ACTIVITY BOOK Sounds True, August 2022. $16. 9781683648352 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When little cat doesn't wake up on time, he is in a bad mood. He is mean to the cheerful cats, he stomps and breathes hard and scratches things, then he climbs a tree to avoid playing with anyone. Up in the tree, his breathing slows and he's able to pull himself back together. 

A cute story about resolving a bad mood. I love that it described what he was doing - like stomping and breathing hard. A nice way to address emotional intelligence.

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 6)

Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young - ESSENTIAL

Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young, 362 pages. Heartdrum (Harper Collins), 2021. $17 

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; (child offered alcohol) Violence: PG (Fight, injuries, peril). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

11yo Nathan is spending the summer with his grandmother (Nali) in her mobile home on the reservation. 3 months without electricity or running water may be inconvenient, but he's got a science experiment (growing corn) and is excited to spend time with Nali and his Uncle Jet. One evening, while trying to figure out what is stealing his corn seeds, Nathan finds a Holy Being - a water monster from the Navajo Creation story. The water monster is sick, and Nathan, who is able to communicate with the Holy Beings, is charged with undertaking a dangerous task to help him. But the timing conflicts with a special ceremony for Uncle Jet - and Nathan needs to choose between helping his new friend and being there for his uncle. 

An amazing adventure, full of magic, tradition and family. I started telling people how much I loved this book before I was even finished. It catches the reader right away and the adventure is fast paced and exciting. Contains a lot of Navajo, but includes a glossary - I didn't need to use it, as Youngs writing has put everything in context. The author's note talks about how careful he was as a storyteller to respect the Holy Beings, and how traditional stories are special and sacred. Young's debut middle grade novel will appeal to the fans of Riordan's "Lightning Thief" and Calejo's "Charlie Hernandez." I know my students will love "Healer of the Water Monster." 

Lisa Librarian

Nom Nom Nom by Jeffrey Burton, illustrated by Sarah Hwang - ESSENTIAL

Nom Nom Nom by Jeffrey Burton, illustrated by Sarah Hwang. INTERACTIVE BOARD BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2021. $8. 9781665900102 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The child is presented with 7 different animals - and one alien. Each is hungry and the child has 3 or 4 choices to choose for them; one of the choices is silly, none of the choices are wrong. Lift the flap and read Nom Nom Nom - they like whatever gets picked! 

So fun! AJ liked "making the animal talk" by moving the flap just a bit. The illustrations are helpful for an early reader, and AJ especially liked that Nom Nom Nom was there for every flap. The size of a board book, but without the heavy pages and cover it may need to be reinforced for library use.

Lisa Librarian (and AJ age 6)

Red, White and Whole by Rajani Larocca - ADVISABLE

Red, White and Whole by Rajani Larocca, 213 pages. Quill Tree Books (Harper Collins), 2021 $18.00 

Language: G - (no swears);

Mature Content: G;

Violence: PG (medical discussions - mostly blood related.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Reha lives in 2 worlds - at home, she's Indian - her parents immigrated from India before she was born. they are very strict about school and have high expectations that Reha will do well. But at school, Reha wants to be a regular middle school kid, worried about much the same things as other middle schoolers, her clothes, friends, boys, dances, but because there are so few students like Reha, she feels like she doesn't really fit in at school.  When her mom is diagnosed with Leukemia, her home world starts to crumble. She thinks that maybe being the perfect daughter will make everything OK, but soon she realizes that what his needed most is the support of her friends and her family - but accepting that support is so hard.

Set in 1983, I loved all the references to movies, music, MTV, even videotape! Funny how so much has changed in the last 40 years, but how much stays the same - family relationships, friendships, even middle school. Her mother's Leukemia journey was heartbreaking; Reha feeling like she could make things different, and having to accept the way things were.  I think that both culturally and socially (dealing with cultural differences, having a parent with a life threatening diagnosis) my students would enjoy it. However, I do wish it wasn't in verse - that's such a hard sell for middle school students,

Lisa Librarian

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper - ESSENTIAL

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Carolrhoda Books( Lerner, 2021 $18.00 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma had a thriving African American community called Greenwood. Separated from the white community of Tulsa by railroad tracks, Greenwood was independent - with its own schools, hospitals, churches, everything a prospering town needs. Until the residents were attacked by angry white men who killed hundreds and burned down the whole town, leaving thousands homeless. 

Floyd Cooper's illustrations are magnificent - a beautiful tribute to the town  of Greenwood, and to his grandfather who grew up there. As we just passed the anniversary year, I have seen (and purchased) several books about the Massacre for my library, but this is the best. Accessible to every student, the text is straightforward and simply told. Unspeakable addresses the successes and the spirit of the people of Greenwood. It's a positive book recounting a terrible event. A must have for your school library.

Lisa Librarian

Herizon by Daniel W. Vandever and Corey Begay - OPTIONAL

Herizon by Daniel W. Vandever, illlustrated by Corey Begay. PICTURE BOOK South of Sunrise, 2021. $20. 9781737496403 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Grandmother sees through binoculars that the boys are sleeping when they should be watching the sheep, she shows the young girl who notices that coyotes are watching. So Grandmother ties a scarf on the girls head and sends her to save the sheep. She is magical, and flies, eventually catching a wild horse which she rides until she falls into a river and then rides the scarf to safety, fights off the coyotes and tells off the boys. Returning home, grandmother pays a special tribute to the girl. 

Heizon is a wordless picture book, which, on the surface is a story about family/community responsibilities, but, thanks to the Author's Note, the themes and imagery of the story is defined, and the reader sees it's really about female empowerment and intergenerational strength. I loved the discussion guide, based on principles of Diné philosophy. Be sure to scan the QR code at the end it links to teaching resources, more information about the author, interesting learning activities and coloring sheets. I feel the appeal of Herizon is mostly for indigenous children, especially Diné as it represents their culture.

Lisa Librarian

Ty's Travels: All Aboard! (My First I Can Read) by Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata - ADVISABLE

Ty's Travels: All Aboard! (My First I Can Read) by Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata EARLY READER Harper Collins, 2020 $17 9780062951120 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ty can't find anyone at home who will play with him. Everyone is busy! But then he finds an empty box. A few strokes with a crayon and Ty has a train! It's so much fun, everyone else wants to play too. 

I love these Ty books - he has the best imagination. I love how the illustrations are crayon drawing when he's imagining and more real  pictures at his house. Very fun to read, either with a child, to a child or independently.

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 6)

Ablaze with Color: the story of painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise - ADVISABLE

Ablaze with Color: the story of painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise, PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Harper Collins, 2022. $19. 9780063021891 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As a young girl, Alma Thomas loved all the colors around her, the flowers the leaves the grass and the sunsets. She didn't like to cook or sew, like her sisters, instead she used the clay from the banks of the brook to make bowls and cups. Because of Segregation, she and her sisters couldn't attend the local school, but her parents invited people into their home to tell stories and teach the girls. While she was still young, Alma and her family moved to Washington DC, where she graduated from Art college and became a teacher. Access to art and museums for black people was still limited, so Alma opened her home so children could learn about art there. In her 60s she stopped teaching and focused on making art, eventually having her work shown in important galleries. The Obamas purchased one of her paintings to hang in the White House. 

Loveis Wise's illustrations are perfect - representing the time period's art and so like Alma's actual paintings. A nice addition to your picture book biographies, and I also this Art teachers could use it in the classroom.

Lisa Librarian

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs - ADVISABLE

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs, 288 pages. Sourcebooks, 2021. $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (injuries described, death of a child, war) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In 1913 Mexico, 12yo Petra has lost almost everything. Her mother died shortly after her baby brother was born, and her father has been forced to fight for the Federales in the Mexican Revolution. Living with Abuela, her sister and baby brother was hard enough, but when they are forced out of their home - which is burned - Petra and her family cross the desert looking for a safe place, hoping to possibly end up in the United States. 

A heart breaking refugee story, showing the difficulties faced by Mexican immigrants over 100 years ago. I liked that Petra was old enough to take on family responsibilities, but still a young narrator elementary and middle school readers could relate to. She is resilient and responsible and makes some pretty tough choices. Based on events experienced by Dobbs great-grandmother, I'm so glad I read the author's note - I loved hearing about her research and the importance of not only telling your stories, but the connections we make when we listen to our grandparents. 

Lisa Librarian

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll - ESSENTIAL

A Kind of Spark: Being different doesn't mean your voice doesn't count by Elle McNicoll 179 pages. Penguin Random House, 2020. $17 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Bullying, verbal abuse, used of the “r” word) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Addie is Autistic. She's very smart, loves to read and wants to be a good student, but her teacher, Mrs. Murphy, has no patience with Addie, tearing up her writing and treating her differently than the other students. When Mrs. Murphy tells the class about Witch Trials that happened in their Scottish Village over 300 years ago, one of the students says Addie would have been killed then as well, and Mrs. Murphy laughs along with the others. No wonder Addie has meltdowns in class. Eager to learn more about the witch trials, Addie reads what she can in the library and, feeling a kinship with them, decides to ask the Village Council to erect a memorial to the witches. Although she is told no, Addie is undaunted. She won't give up until they take her seriously, and not set her ideas aside because she is autistic. 

I’m so happy to see more books about neurodiverse kids, where they are the main character. Addie is great, I loved her right away. It was difficult to read about Ms. Murphy’s treatment of Addie. I liked the realistic depiction of middle grade friendships, and unfortunately the bullying was typical as well, children can be very mean to each other, especially when they see similar behavior from the adults in their lives. McNicol’s "ownvoice" debut is engaging, heart breaking and perfect for upper elementary or middle grade students.

Lisa Librarian

Trusting True North by Gina Linko - ADVISABLE

Trusting True North by Gina Linko, 176 pages. Shadow Mountain, APRIL 2022.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Since the virus struck, 10yo True feels like she is responsible for her family – her younger brother has bad asthma, her older sister has retreated into her cell phone, her dad is busy at the hospital, working long hours as a nurse, and her mother is on the other side of the border – in Canada – so, Mom can’t help at home. Not understanding really why she should remain distanced for others, True creates a treasure hunt for Georgie, which not only leads them to a neighbor’s barn which has kittens (!), but also they find Kyler, a bigger boy who has been labeled a bully. When Kyler contracts the virus, True feels like there is no one she can turn to – she must solve the problem herself.

I think Linko has done a great job of reflecting the concerns of many families who felt they have had to navigate lockdowns, absent parents, overworked parents, and more during Covid times. When parents are overworked, who can children really turn to?  A sweet book that reads as modern history. True and her family are white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson - ADVISABLE

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson, 336 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2021. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Poppy loves her family’s bookshop Rhyme and Reason.  She knows how important it is for them to keep to their mission – welcome readers from all over the world and all throughout time, but never use the magic for themselves.  They are centered in 1944 Ney York. But something is wrong with the bookshop – the magic isn’t working correctly, and something evil seems to be seeping in.  Her older brother, Al, has been distraught since his best friend was killed in the current war, but would Al really endanger all that they have to find a way to use time for himself? Poppy will to be brave, to find allies, and step forward into danger in order to save all that she loves.

If you have a group of students who love fantasy books centered on bookshops, like Pages and Co, they will enjoy Poppy’s bravery and sheer gumption. It does get a bit dark – especially when more secrets are uncovered, but we all love a bit or direness and anger, right?

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

How to Catch A Witch by Alice Walstead and Joel and Ashley Selby - ADVISABLE

How to Catch A Witch by Alice Walstead, illustrated by Joel and Ashley Selby. BOARD BOOK. Sourcebooks Wonderland, 2022. $6. 9781728240916

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K   ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE       

A spooky Halloween book! Children dressed in their Halloween costumes go out to go Trick-or-Treating. suddenly there seems to be so many more walking with them. They didn't think there were enough people in their town to account for all the people trick-or-treating with them. Who are all these strange creatures?  

A delightful book written in verse. The illustrations are bright and colorful and very attractive. Small children love this, and like to point to everything on the page. I would recommend this book for pre-school aged children. It was a fun read and the illustrations were amazing.

Ellen-Anita, LMS

Goodnight to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by Joann and Terrence Deak and Neeley Daggett - ESSENTIAL

Goodnight to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by Joann Deak and Terrence Deak, illustrated Neeley Daggett. NON FICTION. Sourcebooks Explore, 2022. $19. 9781728220284

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Learn all about your brain, what it does, how it functions, about different parts of your brain, and how important sleep is to your brain. Did you know that when you sleep, your brain takes a bath? How cool is that. Learn about that and many other things about your wonderful brain. 

What an amazing book! I loved it, and I think it is essential to have this book in the school library. Children seem to always be interested in their body and in their brain. The illustrations in the book showed what the text was explaining. It was great. I learned a lot from reading this book and I loved it. This is a must read.

Ellen-Anita, LMS

 

I'll Hold Your Hand by Maggie Rudd, Elisa Chavarri - ESSENTIAL

I'll Hold Your Hand by Maggie Rudd, Elisa Chavarri. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $17. 9780374314132

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Children often are afraid of all kinds of things. The unknown. Parents are there to help them through all these difficult situations, from the time they are first born and all the while they grow up.  

This was a wonderful book, full of vibrant illustrations. I loved how it showed that when thing are difficult for the child, they need not fear - Mommy or Daddy are there to hold their hand. The text and illustrations together show the very strong, unbreakable bond between parents and their child. I loved this book. Be sensitive for your students who do not have such a loving, supportive family life, though.

Ellen-Anita, LMS

          

Becoming Miss Navajo by Jolyana Begay-Kroupa - OPTIONAL

Becoming Miss Navajo by Jolyana Begay-Kroupa PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Salina Bookshelf 2020 $22. 9781893354340 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Jolyana Begay-Kroupa tells about her preparation for and participation in the 2002 Miss Navajo pageant. She had to wear traditional clothings and jewelry, talk to the judges in both Navajo and English, be well versed in the culture and traditions of the Navajo people. She demonstrated her ability preparing and cooking a sheep, demonstrated her talents and sang a traditional song. Begay-Kroupa became an ambassador for the Navajo nation. 

I'm not sure who is the intended audience, there's quite a bit of text with a lot of Navajo words and phrases making it a challenging read for a child. I loved the photographs throughout the book, scenes from her childhood or the pageant. Becoming Miss Navajo would be a wonderful souvenir if you were able to attend the Navajo Nation Fair in Arizona.

Lisa Librarian

Hardcourt by Fred Bowen and James E. Ransome - OPTIONAL

Hardcourt by Fred Bowen, illustrated by James E. Ransome, 112 pages. NON-FICTION. Margaret K. McElderry Books, Inc. (Simon & Schuster), 2022. $20. 9781534460430

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Sixteen stories from throughout the 75 years of the National Basketball Association are the basis of this 90 page picture book. Brightly colored, hand painted illustrations fill the entirety of almost every page.  

Third grade students were excited about this book from their first look at the cover art. The illustrations are truly beautiful in a sporty, eye-catching, colorful way. Even without reading the text (the stories are VERY wordy), the reader can glean a lot of information from the vibrant pictures that cover nearly every page. Both the pictures and the story about how basketball came to be were crowd favorites, as was the picture and story of Air Jordan. 

Mrs. V and her third-grade students.

Hide and Seek with Little Hippo by Gerladine Elschner and Anja Klauss - OPTIONAL

Hide and Seek with Little Hippo by Gerladine Elschner, illustrated by Anja Klauss. BOARD BOOK. Schiffer, 2021. $9. 9780764361111

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Little Hippo is playing hide and seek with a butterfly, but his mama makes him wash up.

Another First Steps in Art book. While the story and illustrations is kind of cute, there is a lack of actual art information. A picture of the inspiration would be a nice addition.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Franz-Ferdinand the Dancing Walrus by Marcus Pfister - NO

Franz-Ferdinand the Dancing Walrus by Marcus Pfister. PICTURE BOOK. North South, 2021. $18. 9780735844698

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

While Franz-Ferdinand seems to be a delightful walrus who just wants to dance, the formatting is awkward – the text is set apart from the illustrations in blocks of white. The text itself is dense and in an unappealing font. Franz might be cute, but the editor and art director did not do their job.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

I Want an Apple: How My Body Works by David L. Harrison and David Catrow - OPTIONAL

I Want an Apple: How My Body Works by David L. Harrison, illustrated by David Catrow. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2021. $19. 9780823441044  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW  

A young girl is hungry for an apple. She takes the reader (and the apple) on the journey from being found to being fed.  

Colorful illustrations are the highlight of this tale and were my students' favorite part. The author worked diligently to keep the writing short and meaningful, tied to a simple lesson of the body's biology while eating. The students were not equally diligent in their enjoyment of that story and ignored the point of the story. The only thing they remembered after a reading were the pictures they found funny.  

Mrs. V, and her third-grade students

North & South: A Tale of Two Hemispheres by Sandra Morris - ESSENTIAL

North & South: A Tale of Two Hemispheres by Sandra Morris. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536204599 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Animals, insects, and plants of each hemisphere make their appearance on the pages of this book.  Side by side illustrations allow the reader to compare and contrast the creatures of each hemisphere.

Appealing to those who have an interest and love of learning about living things, this book provides both a picturesque look and a brief synopsis of information about various creatures of each hemisphere.  This is a lovely book, and will be interesting to those who have an interest in this specific topic.  It is unlikely, however, to attract a large audience of elementary school readers. 

Mrs. V, third-grade teacher

I Am Golden by Eva Chen, illustrated by Sophie Diam - ADVISABLE

I am Golden by Eva Chen, illustrated by Sophie Diam. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan. 2022. $15. 9781250842053

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meet Mei and her parents - newly immigrated from China. Mei is well immersed in both Chinese culture (at home) and American culture (at school and with friends.) She has some sad and scary experiences because she looked different from others. Her parents are wonderful and supportive.

Mei’s name means beautiful. Being an immigrant is not always easy, and I can speak to that from my own experiences. Immigrant children often serve as helpers, translators and guides for their parents in a new country. It is almost as if the book is a letter of love from Mei's parents to Mei. The illustrations are beautiful and I love the warm colors in the pictures.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The Whale That Swam Through Time by Alex Boersma and Nick Pyenson - ESSENTIAL

The Whale That Swam Through Time by Alex Boersma and Nick Pyenson. NON FICTION. Macmillan, 2022. $20. 9781250803023

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A bowhead whale was born about two hundred years ago. Through its long life it has seen a lot of changes. Oceans used to be a quiet place where the whale could hear the sound of other whales, and boats like rowboats and sail ships. Now, the oceans are becoming a noisy place, making it hard to hear her baby, number five now, and other whales with all the noise. The water is also warmer now that it was 200 years ago when she was born, with less ice floating in the water.

I learned a lot from this book. The author and illustrator take you on a journey through those 200 years from the perspective of a bowhead whale. It was very interesting and I would highly recommend it. The story was interesting; however, the print was too small and at times hard to see.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Frankenslime by Joy Keller, illustrated by Ashley Belote - OPTIONAL

Frankenslime by Joy Keller, illustrated by Ashley Belote. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2021. $19. 9781250765802

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Victoria is determined to experiment and create a fantastic brand-new slime. What she gets, however, is way more than she bargained for. 

Belote’s illustrations are adorable and a lot of fun to examine – lots of entertaining antics and silliness. The story, however, fell flat for me. It was actually too whacky for me lean into and enjoy.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Dippy’s Big Day Out by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley - NO

Dippy’s Big Day Out by Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Whatley. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, 2018. 9781460708514

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Dippy is forced awake by the other animals and fumbles its way through the jungle searching for food and a new place to sleep undisturbed.

I usually like French’s books, but this one leaves me confused, rather than entertained. Dippy’s antics are not particularly funny or charming. It comes off as befuddled, instead.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Piatti for Children by Theo van Hoijtema, Ursula Piatti, Aurel von Juchen, and Celestino Piatti - OPTIONAL

Piatti for Children by Theo van Hoijtema, Ursula Piatti, Aurel von Juchen, and others, illustrated by Celestino Piatti. PICTURE BOOK. North/South Books, Inc., 2022. $35. 9780735844759 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Seven stories for children, all illustrated by Swiss designer Celestino Piatti, comprise this large (216 total pages) picture book. Ranging from an "Animal ABC" to a Christmas story about the Christ child's birth and written by multiple authors, the stories exhibit a variety of topics and writing styles. 

The students who read and reviewed this book all gave it 5 full stars for the illustrations throughout the book. However, the stories in the book only received half-hearted, mixed reviews. Students described the stories as "weird," "confusing," and "too hard to follow." That being said, most of the students also said that they would check this book out of the library to look at the pictures, or that they would like this to read in the classroom. 

Mrs. V and her third-grade students.

Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba and Miho Satake - ADVISABLE

Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba, illustrated by Miho Satake - Translated from Japanese by Avery Fischer Udagawa, 232 pages. First Restless Books, 2021. $18 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (children in peril, animal attack). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Stuck inside at recess, 5th grader Kazu and his friends are trying to find their streets on an ancient map, and Kazu discovers his street name has changed. It used to be called Kimyo Temple Alley. Temple? He didn't know there used to be a Temple on his street! And Kimyo means "back from the dead" But when he starts asking some of the older community members about it, they seem to ask him more questions than they answer. Now, there's a new girl living in a house near his, a girl he saw come out of his own house in the middle of the night. Could she be a ghost "back from the dead?" A series of emails with his uncle confirms that there is a connection between his house/family and this Kimyo Temple, but Kazu soon finds out the truth is hard to discover, and lives may be at stake. 

What a terrific ghost story! Not scary or creepy all, but mysterious and exciting. Kazu is a feisty kid, not afraid to tell off an adult when he feels he can get away with it. There's a story within the story, a fairy tale of sorts that was also really good. I struggled a bit initially engaging with the cultural references, as I have limited knowledge of Japanese customs, but the story pulled together quickly and I found myself immersed. Sachiko Kashiwaba is a renowned children's author in Japan, I'm so happy to see "Temple Alley Summer" translated and available for US readers, too. 

Lisa Librarian

Parfait, Not Parfait! by Scott Rothman and Avery Monsen - ADVISABLE

Parfait, Not Parfait! by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Avery Monsen. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $19. 9781250265814

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A fun play on words. Words that sound like parfait and words that do not. Lots of new words to learn for pr-school children, with some that even rhyme with parfait.

A fun read, and cute pictures. I recommend this for preschool children because I think they would like the play on words. An extension would be to come up with other words that rhyme with parfait and then go on to new words.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Constantia Manoli and Magdalena Mora - ADVISABLE

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Constantia Manoli, illustrated by Magdalena Mora. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $19. 9781250763129

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A little girl has left her country and moved to the U. S. Her teacher can't say her name and it makes her feel weird. She wishes she had a name like the other girls - like Emma or Chloe. However, her name is special and holds so much in it. She finally makes a friend and they discover they have a lot in common. Her friend helps her connect to her new country and life seems nicer and brighter with a friend. She no longer feels like an outside, but starts to feel like part of the class, community and her new country.

I really like that the little girl found a friend and that she became comfortable with her own name and with the new culture in her new country. I can be hard, I know, when people have a hard time saying, or even accepting you name. It is hard to figure out how to fit in. I was so glad the two little girls found a common ground and became friends. It also helps to make friends with people who have had the same kinds of experiences. I loved the bright and happy illustrations. I love when the two girls both share the tomatoes, and they both like it.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Can You See Me by Gokce Irten - NO

Can You See Me by Gokce Irten. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can, 2021. $19. 9781525308376

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Irten explores perspective.

While the illustrations are kind of interesting, the font is impossible to read. While kids might look at the pictures, I doubt they will read the story. Stick with Zoom and Rezoom for a classic look at perspective. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Early One Morning by Lawrence Schimel, illustrated by Elina Brasalina - OPTIONAL

Early One Morning by Lawrence Schimel, illustrated by Elina Brasalina. BOARD BOOK. Orca, 2021. $10. 9781459826700

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

While his moms and his sister are still asleep, the boy makes breakfast for himself and the cat.

The illustrations in this board book frighten me – I know the boy is trying to smile, but his giant eyes come off as angry. And since this is a board book, are you encouraging your 2yo to make their own breakfast? Clean-up in the kitchen, please.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Pineapple Princess by Sabina Hahn - ESSENTIAL

Pineapple Princess by Sabina Hahn. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $19. 9781250798367

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A little girl just wants to be a princess, so she finally settles on a pineapple for her crown. She calls herself the Pineapple Princess. Even though she is all sticky with fruit juice, she is having a great time. Pretty soon, though, she had a lot of “subjects”. After a while the followers became pesky and she has to decide what to do with them.

A hilariously cute book about small children and their quest to have some power over their situation and their surroundings. I loved it. The illustrations are awesome and the protagonist willful and strong. I highly recommend this book to parents of pre-schoolers. I think little kids will love having this read to them over and over.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Duck, Duck, Dad? By Lorna Scobie - ADVISABLE

Duck, Duck, Dad? By Lorna Scobie. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2021. $18. 9781250822734

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ralph, the dog, strolls past a nest of duckling eggs which hatch and bond with him. The noisy group meets a duck which is being followed by a rowdy tumble of puppies.

A cute story with darling pictures. I think a lot of small children would like to have this book read to them. There are a lot of things to talk about from both the text and the pictures.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

We Wait for the Sun by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Katie McCabe and Raissa Figueroa - ADVISABLE

We Wait for the Sun: The Story of Young Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Her Grandmother's Enduring Love by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Katie McCabe, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2021. $19. 9781250229021 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Dovey and her grandmother leave their home before dawn to hunt berries with other ladies from the community - it's dark, but grandmother tells her not to be afraid. Soon, they hear birds flying - and that's the spot where they will find the best berries. Dovie gets to eat the first one Grandma picks, but that's not even the best part of the morning. 

Illustrated in blues and purples, the shadows and bits of moonlight turning into early day are magnificent. I wanted to whisper the whole story. Includes an extensive author's note with information about both Roundtree and her grandmother as well as a timeline and a nice bibliography.

Lisa Librarian

I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade - ADVISABLE

I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade.

 

PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown and Company, 2021. $19. 9780316493161 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A young mother prepares a special collection of medicines, sews a beautiful quilt, even a special stone for her soon to be born baby. She presents them to the baby and explains what everything in the bundle means and how important that child is to everyone.

Based upon sacred Inniniwak  traditions, this is a beautiful story about waiting for and loving a new baby, and recognizing that baby has gifts, too. Both the author and illustrator are indigenous. So beautifully illustrated, and such a great look into the culture. A wonderful book for anyone, and would even make a nice baby gift.

Lisa Librarian

Annie's Cat is Sad by Heather Smith, illustrated by Karen Obuhanych - OPTIONAL

Annie's Cat is Sad by Heather Smith and Karen Obuhanych. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $19. 9781250806840 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

When Annie comes home she finds that her cat, Delilah is sad. Annie tries many things to cheer her cat up, she even makes a warm milk cattucino, but nothing seems to help. Obuhanych’s illustrations follow Smith’s story really well. This would not be super high on my list, but I can see some small children that love cats would love this book. 

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Listen Up, Louella by Ashley Belote - ESSENTIAL

Listen Up, Louella by Ashley Belote. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $19. 9781250812797

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Louella the elephant needs to learn to listen and to take turns. She needs to learn to wait for her turn. The other animals are having no fun at the Roar Scout Camp until they sit down with Louella and have a talk with her.

The illustrations are darling and show how Louella is acting and how it is affecting the other animals at camp. Louella needs to learn to listen. A super little book about good behavior and good listening skills.

Ellen-Anita, LMS