Glasses by Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by John Joven -

Glasses by Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by John Joven. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION Kane Press Boyds Mills Press, 2021. $18. 9781635924244 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The history of glasses - from magnifying words through a glass of water, to using a crystal lens, over a thousand years ago, inventors have helped improve people's eyesight. by the 1300s Italians had made lenses out of glass and mounted them in a frame. but it took 400 years to figure out how to keep them on. Then, in the late 1700s, Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals! Over the years, lens technology more durable, lighter weight, and better for helping people see more clearly. 

I loved the page of short facts about glasses. Joven's illustrations are whimsical and darling. I love the squinting ancient writer and the guy trying on the Italian glasses. A great book for a child who recently got their first pair of glasses. Informational and fun.

Lisa Librarian

Too Pig to Fail (Batpig #2) by Rob Harrell - HIGH

Too Pig to Fail (Batpig #2) by Rob Harrell. 248 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin). 2022. $15.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Gary Yorkshire (aka Batpig) is settling into math class which seems to go forever. Like really forever. Gary discovers that he must battle against time itself or be stuck in math class until there are no tinkle passes left. Batpig has to battle something from out of this world as well.

Bright and colorful art make the reading fun. Batpig has good friends that help him along his way, so themes of friendship help this along. Though not cerebral, the humor should appeal to the young at heart.

Michelle in the Middle 

The Little Bad Book by Magnus Myst and Thomas Hussung - OPTIONAL

The Little Bad Book by Magnus Myst, illustrated by Thomas Hussung, 120 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House). English translation 2022. $10. 9780593427613

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The book is the narrator, who wants you to pick it up and read it and help make it a bad, then evil book. In the book are stories, puzzles and riddles. The book is not read consecutively, but if you solve the challenges, it will direct you to the next page. 

The premise is fun: solve riddles and puzzles and help make the book bad. The artwork and layout are fantastic, so I really wanted to love this book. There weren’t enough stories and too much narration from the book. A young audience would probably enjoy the puzzles, but the premise grew old quickly and for me it would be a one and done read.

Michelle in the Middle 

Mummies in the Morning (GN) by Mary Pope Osborne, Jenny Laird, Kelly and Nichole Matthews - ESSENTIAL

Mummies in the Morning (Magic Treehouse #3) by Mary Pope Osborne, adapted by Jenny Laird, illustrated by Kelly and Nichole Matthews. 150 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House Children’s Books, 2022. 17. 9780593174791

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Siblings Jack and Annie have found a magic treehouse loaded with books that takes them to places in the books. In this book, Jack and Annie meet a dead Egyptian queen looking for the Book of the Dead so she can get to the Next Life. The two must navigate a pyramid’s maze and an ancient riddle.

Loved the facts presented with fiction. This is an easy read and will get kids interested in history as well as following Jack and Annie’s adventure. The art is vibrant and energetic and will totally hook the reader.

Michelle in the Middle 

Steve L. McEvil by Lucas Turnbloom - HIGH

Steve L. McEvil by Lucas Turnbloom, 230 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Crown Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House). 2022. $13. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL- ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Middle schooler, Steve L. McEvil is working toward becoming the world’s greatest supervillain. Supervillains run in his family, though it skipped his father. Steve L. is trying to balance being evil (think making it look like people farted) with impressing his classmate, Sierra. He has competition from good-guy classmate Vic Turry. The three are thrown into a science project together and must eventually save the universe.

Steve L. McEvil (ok, it rhymes) is well illustrated and the colorful graphics add to the storyline. Though I am not big into flatulence in books, it will appeal to the intended audience. Steve is a fun and conflicted character as he tries to be evil but sometimes does good. The adventure will continue, so hold on to your but and if you fart uncontrollably, it’s probably Steve L. McEvil’s fault.

Michelle in the Middle 

Pirates Past Noon (GN) by Mary Pope Osborne, Jenny Laird, Kelly and Nichole Matthews - ESSENTIAL

Pirates Past Noon (Magic Treehouse #4) by Mary Pope Osborne, adapted by Jenny Laird, illustrated by Kelly and Nichole Matthews. 150 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House Children’s Books, 2022. $17. 9780593174807

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Jack and Annie are back in the treehouse and this time find themselves on a wonderful beach. Unfortunately for them, there are pirates coming who want treasure and want Jack and Annie to find if for them. If Jack and Annie survive, they will finally get to meet the mysterious M.

The books don’t have to be read in any particular order and the combination of facts with adventure seems the perfect mix. High interest with bright and cheery art makes this a delightful read.

Michelle in the Middle 

The Flamingo by Guojing - ESSENTIAL

The Flamingo by Guojing, 142 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House (Penguin Random House). 2022. $19

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young girl visits her Lao Lao and discovers a flamingo feather. The feather prompts her Chinese grandmother to tell a story about a girl who raises a flamingo from an egg.

Gorgeously illustrated, the pictures are worth the price of the book. The story is imaginative and creative and told almost without words. I love the relationship between the grandmother and the girl. This is a beautiful story that makes you want to celebrate life.

Michelle in the Middle 

Stories to Keep You Alive Despite Vampires by Ben Acker - HIGH

Stories to Keep You Alive Despite Vampires by Ben Acker, 186 pages. Simon & Schuster. 2022. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

According to the book, you are trapped in a dark and strange house with vampires and the only way to survive is to tell them stories.

This book delves into urban legends and turns some of them on their ears. The seemingly disparate stories intertwine and I ended up enjoying the wry observations from the narrator. Fun read that will keep you hooked. No idea what ethnicity the narrator is and the ethnicities vary in the stories.

Michelle in the Middle

Camp Scare by Delilah S. Dawson - HIGH

Camp Scare by Delilah S. Dawson, 278 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House). 2022. $17. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Parker Nelson is excited to go to summer camp as a way to get away from bullies at her school. Because 7th grade was a disaster. Unfortunately, one of the mean girls from school is in her cabin. Parker tries to fit in but seems to be blacklisted by her fellow campers. The only one who listens to her is an increasingly strange camper named Jenny, and something terrible that happened at camp years ago seems to be resurfacing.

Loved the premise about a ghost camper that wants revenge, and there was some nice tension. However, Parker goes through a major pity party in practically every chapter that began to get old and it slowed the pacing.. By the end of the story, there were no likeable characters to root for, though the ending was satisfactory and anyone who has been to a summer camp can relate to the activities. Characters default to white, with nothing to note actual ethnicity and white sounding names.

Michelle in the Middle

Mayor Good Boy Goes Hollywood by Dave Scheidt and Miranda Harmon - HIGH

Mayor Good Boy Goes Hollywood by Dave Scheidt, illustrated by Miranda Harmon, 218 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House Children’s Books. 2022. $10

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Mayor Good Boy is going to be in a movie! Everything is going great until items start going missing all over town. Someone even steals the movie equipment. It’s up to Mayor Good Boy and his interns, siblings Abby and Aaron to help figure out who is stealing the town’s belongings and why. Yes, the mayor is a dog, but he’s fluffy and cute and apparently kinder than most people. Except for his weakness for food, he’s nearly perfect.

Scheidt"s story is pretty straightforward without many surprises, but it has some nice themes of friendship and second chances that are refreshing. The graphic art is well done and colorful, and I just may vote for a dog.

Michelle in the Middle 

Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth by Josh Crute and John Taesoo Kim - ESSENTIAL

Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth by Josh Crute, illustrated by John Taesoo Kim. PICTURE BOOK. Page Street Books, 2018. $18. 9781624145773

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Oliver is a huge sequoia tree, among the largest on the planet. Unfortunately, he isn't as large as Sherman. He knows what he has to do to get even bigger and tackles his task with gumption. He works hard but eventually learns a valuable lesson about no matter how hard we try, it might not be enough. Oliver learns that the most important things might have been right next to him the whole time. 

Crute has a great story of acceptance and kindness while introducing readers to the largest trees in the world. Readers will related to the feeling of being unnoticed when we anticipate we should be in the spotlight. We learn great lessons from Oliver in acceptance and understanding of something larger than just ourselves. The illustrations are captivating and readers will be enticed to learn more about sequoia trees.

Mariah Gerlach, MLS 

Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone - ESSENTIAL

Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone, 325 pages. Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2020. $18 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, battles - not graphic - melting) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Erkenwald is a kingdom ruled by the evil Ice Queen. She has kidnapped all of the adults, imprisoned them, and stolen their voices. Now, she just needs the voices of the children to become immortal and permanently take the power from the Sky Gods. But Eska, who was captured with her father, is rescued by Flint, an inventor from a warrior tribe (where his brother is now chief). If Eska and Flint can reunite the tribes, perhaps the children of the land can fight for their parents' freedom and defeat the queen. 

Sky Song is a stand-alone, but is similar in style to the Unmapped Chronicles. Elphinstone writes magical adventures so well, I loved her pacing - perfect for a read-aloud because something is always about to happen. Sky Song is also a story about belonging and friendship and being brave. Eska's memories were stolen, and she had to make her own tribe (of 3, 4 if you count her eagle). What a great message for our kids. 

Lisa Librarian

Brave Every Day by Trudy Lugwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton - ADVISABLE

Brave Every Day by Trudy Lugwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2022. $19. 9780593306376 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Camila worries a lot, she is full of "What ifs" and "I can'ts and at night she worries about the next day. Her class is taking a field trip to the Aquarium, and Camila is filled with a whole new set of worries. It doesn't help that some kids from her class are taunting her. Once she gets to the aquarium with her class, Camila decides to hide behind a plant and discovers a boy from her class that is more worried than she is! 

Barton's illustrations perfectly represent Camila's worries - I love that she wore her hoodie all tied up with just her face peeking through (so realistic) and the worries manifesting themselves in her imagination - loved it. An easy to read book about fears, I loved the list of read alikes:  Henkes "Wemberly Worried" and Santat's "After the Fall" as well as discussion questions. AJ liked it too, sometimes she can get caught up in worrying about something, and Brave Every Day gave us some context to talk about it.

Lisa Librarian 

Her Name Was Mary Katherine: The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence by Ella Schwartz, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

Her Name Was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence by Ella Schwartz, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk. PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Little, Brown and Company, 2022. $19. 9780316298322 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mary Katharine Goddard grew up in colonial Connecticut, but when she was a teenager, her father died and she moved with her mother to Providence RI to help run her brother's print shop. She followed him to Philadelphia and helped him run a paper called The Pennsylvania Chronicle, then on to Baltimore to run a different newspaper. Things were heating up with the British, and Mary Katharine made her opinions clear, printing commentaries on the unfair treatment of the colonists. In 1775, when the Revolutionary War began, Mary Katharine continued to publish her newspaper - without her brother now. She even changed his name to hers as the publisher of the newspaper. She was a very busy woman, besides running the paper, she was also the first postmaster of Baltimore. When the continental congress moved to Baltimore, asked Mary Katharine to print the first official copy of the Declaration of Independence, complete with the names of all the signers. 

Such a fascinating story! I had no idea! Beautiful illustrations complement this remarkable picture book. I especially loved the illustration where everyone in town is reading the document, and then, in black and white, the background is soldiers. Can't wait to show this to my American History teachers.

Lisa Librarian

Stand Like a Cedar By Nicola I. Campbell and Carrielynn Victor - ADVISABLE

Stand Like a Cedar by Nicola I. Campbell and Carrielynn Victor. PICTURE BOOK High Water Press 2021. $20. 9781553799214 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A child experiences nature with her Indigenous family. She tells about the animals she sees and hears, the food that is caught and gathered, and the traditions she participates in. Beautiful and thoughtful, a quiet read that reflects on all the seasons and the beauty of nature. 

Although the text is in English, many key words are replaced by Salish words. Victor’s illustrations are perfect - the story can be read just by looking at the pictures but is made so much richer by the poetic text. There is a glossary and a pronunciation guide, along with a note about the Salish languages.

Lisa Librarian

Dolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and her Big Dream by Robyn McGrath and Ellen Surrey - ADVISABLE

Dolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and her Big Dream by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by Ellen Surrey  PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Christy Ottaviano ( Little, Brown and Company), 2022. $18. 9780316324526 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Even as a little girl, Dolly loved to sing and make up songs. When her siblings weren't her audience, she was happy to perform for the chickens and the pigs. She sang in church, and she listened to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio, dreaming to sing someday. Although she was teased at school for being poor, she turned those feelings into songs. As she got older, she traveled with her Uncle Bill to Nashville hoping to sing on the radio or TV. She kept hoping and dreaming and writing songs. 

A nice story about Dolly's childhood. Includes more information about Dolly and the Grand Ole Opry, along with some of her most famous quotes, a bibliography and some websites. I didn't love the illustrations, I found her big eyes strange.

Lisa Librarian

Sidney the Lonely Cloud by Tim Hopgood - ADVISABLE

Sidney the Lonely Cloud by Tim Hopgood, 40 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Flyaway Books, 2022. $18.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVIABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Sidney looks down at the earth and just wants to see smiles. But Sidney is a rain cloud, and everyone frowns and complains when Sidney comes around. Is there anywhere for this cloud to belong?

Everyone has a place where they can shine and be appreciated – even a rain cloud. This cute story invites readers to think about what they have to offer and see those around them in a new light.

People of all skin tones are depicted in this book.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston - ADVISABLE

Amari and the Great Game (#2) by B.B. Alston, 423 pages. Balzer + Bray (Harper), 2022. $19

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some danger, magical fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Amari is so excited for her next summer training as a Junior Agent , so she is taken by surprise when she receives a letter telling her not to come. Even when things are straightened out, things are out-of-control weird at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs – Merlin and the rest of the Council are stuck in a time freeze and magicians, like Amari are the chief suspects. The League of Magicians isn’t any better. Dylan, her sworn enemy has escaped his unescapable prison and Amari is forced into a secret battle for the Crown. She has to lie to her friends, escape Acting Prime Minister Bane and his evil Director Harlowe, while juggling way too many deathly events that she is no way prepared to prevent.

Kid readers will enjoy the next book in the series. I did not as much. Amari is thrown directly into life and death situations which she has not had any training to handle and so no possible way to succeed. The evil is on more than one side and it all feels like preparatory to book three – a typical failing of second books and second movies – all action and little heart. Amari is pictured on the cover as black; other characters are various ethnicities, but that figures very little into the story.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Hocus Pocus by A.W. Jantha and Gris Grimly - ADVISABLE

Hocus Pocus by A.W. Jantha, illustrated by Gris Grimly, 231 pages. Disney Press, 2022. $25. 9781368076685 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When the Sanderson Sisters were hanged in 1693 for witchcraft, they swore that they would return. Then 16yo Max lights their candle on Halloween in 1993 and awakens the sisters, who wreak havoc on the unsuspecting Salem. Max, his little sister Dani, and the babysitter, Allison, are the only ones standing in their way – with a lot of help from Binx – the soul of a boy from 1693 caught within a body of a cat. 

Gris Grimly’s illustrated version echoes the movie without trying to match it. The text is Jantha’s original novelization – fun to read and reminiscent of the movie with skillfully added details. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Impossible Moon by Breanna J. McDaniel and Tonya Engel - ADVISABLE

Impossible Moon by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by Tonya Engel. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $19. 9781534478978

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mable is an African American girl whose Gran tells the most amazing stories. When her Gran becomes ill, she asks Mable "If we can touch the moon, that what is impossible?" Mabel dreams of traveling to the moon in hopes of helping her Gran feel better. On the way, she encounters all of the most well known constellations. The constellations help Mable on her journey to the moon.

Engel’s illustrations are very bright and appealing. It could be used by a teacher or librarian to introduce constellations to older elementary students. It could also be read to younger children because of limited text on each page and the engaging illustrations.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

If the World Were 100 Animals by Miranda Smith and Aaron Cushley - ESSENTIAL

If the World Were 100 Animals by Miranda Smith, illustrated by Aaron Cushley. PICTURE BOOK. Crown (Random House), 2022. $18. 9780593372357

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Imagine all of the animals of the world represented by 100 - then come on a journey to explore those animals. From where they live to how many are extinct, see snapshots of the creatures who share this planet with us.

Excellent thinking by Smith and engaging pictures by Cushley. Together they first paint an engaging picture of the animals around the world and then end with information of extinction and the coming extinction of so many more. Any level class that touches on the natural world and/or endangered/extinct animals should embrace this.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Exploring Sharks by Jill McDonald - ADVISABLE

Exploring Sharks by Jill McDonald. PICTURE BOOK (K-3rd grade), NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random House), 2022. $13. 9780593564813

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Welcome to the world of sharks!

McDonald gives us a nice overview of sharks as a species and then focuses on several of the standouts. There is a nod to mutualism and to extinct species, too. The illustrious are a nice touch - while she could have easily used photographs, I think students who are sparked by the book will happily look up shark photos and videos online.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

The Mystery of Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock and Erika Meza - ESSENTIAL

The Mystery of Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Erika Meza. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Knopf (Random House), 2022. $19. 9781984829566

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Fred was always fascinated by bugs and as an adult he made studying them his life's work - the monarch butterfly in particular. In his day, no one knew where the monarch disappeared to each fall - did they die off and leave eggs behind? Fred came up with all ways to mark monarchs, getting help from his wife, also a scientist. It wasn't until citizen scientists got involved in large ways that the mystery was finally solved.

While there are other books about the monarch's long journey, I love this one about Fred's scientific method and the contributions of citizen scientists - there is even a picture of the junior high kids and their teacher who tagged the exact butterfly that were found in the jungle! Rosenstock also talks about threats to the monarch butterfly and ways that the people of Mexico are preserving the butterfly habitat. So many different ways to use this in any science curriculum.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

I'm a Neutrino by Dr. Eve M. Vavagiakis and Ills Lemesis - NO

I'm a Neutrino: tiny particles in a big universe by Dr. Eve M. Vavagiakis, illustrated by Ills Lemesis. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. MIT Kids Press (Candlewick), 2022. $19. 9781536222074

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meet the neutrino - a mysterious, but essential, particle that scientists still understand little about.

Unfortunately, the book is written in rhyme. Such a silly type of writing for a subject that could have been interesting. While I liked the illustrator's personification of neutrinos in the art, the rhyming text offers very little - all of the heavy lifting is done by the few facts included in the back matter. Can I get a redo on this one?

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Exploring the Solar System by Jill McDonald - ADVISABLE

Exploring the Solar System by Jill McDonald. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Doubleday (Random House), 2022. $13. 9780593482049

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Take a little trip around the solar system and meet our immediate neighbors. A beginning informational book about the 8 planets, the sun, and some dwarf planets.

While not as engaging as McDonald's shark book, I enjoyed the illustration style and the stats box down the side of each two-page spread. I had no idea that some of the planets have many moons, for example!

Cindy, Library Teacher 

The Secret Life of the Sea Otter by Laurence Pringle and Kate Garchinsky - ADVISABLE

The Secret Life of the Sea Otter by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Kate Garchinsky. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Boyds Mill (Astra), 2022. $18. 9781635923254

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meet Lutris, a female sea otter.

Pringle writes a story-like text, accompanied by Garchinsky's dreamy illustrations that evoke a watery feeling. A simple read that children will enjoy, with detailed backwater to add the informational details kids will also enjoy. It would have been great if much of the back matter had been included on the relevant pages, instead of being a big clump in the back.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Life in Hot Water by Mary Batten and Thomas Gonzalez - ESSENTIAL

Life in Hot Water: wildlife at the bottom of the ocean by Mary Batten, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Peachtree, 2022. $19. 9781682631522

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Batten takes into the deep ocean trenches where life exists where there is no light. Plants and animals feed on the chemicals spewed from the earth's core in a process called chemosynthesis and there's a snail with a shell made of iron!

I was fascinated by all of the things I didn't yet know as I read this incredible picture book! Then I discovered that The Scientists in the Field series has a book about these scientists written all the way back in 2006. How did I miss it? Definitely a picture book that reads up to middle school and high school, too.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandoy - ADVISABLE

The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Victoria Sandoy. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic, 2022. $18. 9781338829273 

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

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Each year Norway sends a Christmas tree to the people of Britain as a thank you for their aid during WWII. And each year a poet in the UK writes a poem in tribute of that year's tree. 

This poem was written in 2020 and celebrates the life cycle of that year's Queen of the Forest. Sandoy's illustration have the perfect dreamy quality to support Donaldson's poem. I love that the author and illustrator are a UK/Norway collaboration - just like the gift of the tree. An adorable Christmas book - just not quite an essential one.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Little Polar Bear Take Me Home! by Hans de Beer - OPTIONAL

Little Polar Bear Take Me Home! by Hans de Beer. PICTURE BOOK. NorthSouth Books, 2022. $18. 9780735844933 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This is the newest edition of the fifth book of the Little Polar Bear stories, originally published in the 90's. This is a sweet story of an unlikely friendship between Lars, a polar bear cub, and Sasha, a tiger cub and the adventure they go on as Lars helps Sasha find his way home. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is gentle and sweet and could be a nice bedtime story. It would most likely appeal to younger children, but it's fairly wordy, so may not hold a younger child's attention well. 

 Reviewer: Angie Campbell, EL librarian 

Donut: The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly by Laura Gehl and Andrea Zuill - ESSENTIAL

Donut: The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Andrea Zuill. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2022. $18. 9780593376256 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Donut sees a bird flying overhead and wishes to be able to fly, too. With encouragement and help from woodland friends, and with plenty of imagination and determination, there's no giving up on Donut's dream! 

I loved the simple two-word sentences throughout the book. A few of the uncommon words might require defining if they were on their own, but the illustrations support the text perfectly and even young children can understand the vocabulary in context. There are several wordless pages that rely strictly on the illustrations to tell the story, but no worries! The illustrations are darling and colorful and move the story forward beautifully without text, and picture details add many layers to the seemingly simple story. This book can open up conversations about supporting our friends, showing empathy, having and working toward goals, persevering and thinking outside the box. 

Reviewer: Angie Campbell, EL librarian 

Secret of the Storm by Beth McMullen - HIGH

Secret of the Storm by Beth McMullen, 288 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2022. $18

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); 

Mature Content: G;

Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Middle school student Cassie King feels like the universe has it out for her. But after she gets caught in a sudden, unusual and extreme storm, she finds herself with a new friend of sorts, plus a little lost kitten to take home and love. But things, including her new kitty, definitely aren't quite as they seem. Cassie and her new friend Joe have a mystery to solve, an obsessed bad guy to evade and a seemingly impossible mission to accomplish, all while learning about and protecting their new not-so-feline pet.

McMullen writes a fast-paced, high-adventure and just plain fun. I really appreciated the developing unlikely friendship between Cassie and Joe, especially in contrast with the disintegrating friendship Cassie experienced with her long time best friend Mia. It was a very relatable, realistic representation of middle school relationships. In the story, Cassie also deals with grief after the death of her father, and navigating life with her mom whose grief is overwhelming and limiting her ability to function. Mixing these real-world topics with the fun and fantasy of dragons makes this an excellent book that I'll enthusiastically recommend to my upper elementary students.

Angie Campbell

The Hair Book by Latonya Yvette, illustrated by Amanda Jane Jones - NO

The Hair Book by Latonya Yvette, illustrated by Amanda Jane Jones. PICTURE BOOK. Sterling Children's Books, 2022. $10. 9781454944324 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The book has very few words, each page showing a new kind of hairstyle. It does not have a story. It is more like show-and-tell. The illustrations are "flat" and so is the the whole book. I have an old book I used to read to my children called "The Hair Book" by Graham Tether, from 1979. It is really worn from being read so many times. It is hilarious and fun. This new book felt flat and boring in comparison. I would not recommend it.

 Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Long Road to the Circus by Betsy Bird and David Small - ADVISABLE

Long Road to the Circus by Betsy Bird, illustrated by David Small, 244 pages. Knopf (Random), 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12 yo Suzy Bowles is tired of her boring life on the farm. Every day is the same. Chores, Chores and more chores. She yearns for adventure and she wants to see the world. Her uncle moves in with them, supposedly to help with chores. Instead he leaves the farm really early every morning. One day Suzy decides to follow him. Come to find out, he works for the mystery lady in their town, Madame Maranette who used to work for the circus. Suzy want to work for Madame too, and talks her way into training the orneriest ostrich on the farm, Gaucho. Suzy has a lot to learn, but she is determined to learn to ride Gaucho. Suzy is a spunky, fun, hard-working girl ready for adventure and she refuses to give up.

I really enjoyed Suzy's story and learned a lot about ostriches. Suzy gets to know Madame, and learns some of her story. Madame gives her lessons on how a young lady should behave. I laughed out loud several places in the book. Suzy pulls on your heartstrings. I read the book in one sitting. The book is also full of delightful illustrations that are also full of expressions. I recommend reading this, even reading it out loud to your class or your children. Follow Suzy on her grand adventure and read on to the exciting conclusion.

Ellen-Anita - Librarian 

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz - ADVISABLE

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz, 365 pages. Scholastic , October 2022. $18

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Burned bodies mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Four kids from around the world are caught up in major level calamities exascrebated by the consequences of climate change. Amira is caught in a wildfire in the mountains of California, Natalie’s family is trapped by a hurricane and swept away as they try to escape, Owen and George don’t realize that the disappearing ice shelf will bring polar bears right into their backyards.

Gratz’s aims are noble - trying to bring to life the very real effects of climate change. Each story is full of danger and near death moments, which kid will grab onto. But, 99% of all humans will lose interest in the climate change rally at the end. While the consequences are big, it is hard for us to see how little changes in our lives can bring the world back from the brink.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Ravenous Things by Derrick Chow - ADVISABLE

Ravenous Things by Derrick Chow, 311 pages. Disney, 2022. $17

Content: G (Mildly scary)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Reggie Wong has transmuted his grief at his father’s death into anger, causing trouble at school and home. Then the Conductor offers his a chance to be with Dad again, and Reggie is ready. The train is filled with 100’s of other kids, including Reggie’s nemesis, but deposits each kid at their own door. For all of the them the initial reunion is all they can hope, but Reggie quickly realizes that something is very wrong. Only with the help of a new girl and his nemesis can Reggie have a chance to set things right for everyone.

A nice remix of the Pied Piper tale, without being so obvious at the beginning. Not super scary, but the creep vibes are enough for many of your younger reads. The main characters are described as various ethnicities.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra by Stuart Gibbs - ADVISABLE

Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra by Stuart Gibbs, 367 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $18

Content: G (Mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

13yo Charlie is on the hunt and on the run again. This time she is in pursuit of her own aims - a treasure that Cleopatra supposedly left behind for her progeny. But the CIA aid after her, so are some Egyptians, and of course the remaining criminals who wants want access to Einstein’s Pandora, which only copy of which exists inside Charlie’s brain. Cue the danger and the drama!

How can Gibbs write so many high energy series and keep them all straight!? Will Charlie, Ben, and Teddy meet up sometime? 

Cindy, Library Teacher 

The Princess Revolt by Cathy O’Neill - OPTIONAL

The Princess Revolt by Cathy O’Neill, 338 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2022. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

13yo Cia hasn’t slept in 11 days. Why is her locker full of shoes? Why are woodland creatures following her around? And fairy princesses (What? They’re real?) seem to be trying to kill her? Someone must be able to help her break this curse, because it has to be a curse! Cia may be 13, but her story reads younger. 

Cute is the best word to describe it - some adventure, fairy tale characters and drama. Would be a good paperback choice. It just doesn’t stand out among the other fairy tale princess books available. I will stick with E.D. Baker.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Double O Stephen And the Ghostly Realm by Angela Ahn - OPTIONAL

Double O Stephen And the Ghostly Realm by Angela Ahn, narrated by Tony Kim, 320 pages. Tundra, 2022. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Stephen Oh-O’Driscoll is obsessed with pirates. Not the thieving dangerous types, but what he calls “piventurates”, who love discovery and travel. His obsession gets him trouble when he hurts his best friend when they are practicing their sword skills during recess. Now that he’s suspended, his mother takes him to the local museum where he learns that the founder of their town may have been a pirate himself. But Stephen will find out for himself when an encounter with a local landmark pulls him into the land of the dead, where Captain Sapperton is stuck inbetween - a dangerous place for a ghost.

Every time I heard “piventurate” I cringed. The crux of the story comes much too late - Stephen is annoying with his 5yo-like obsession and by the time I got to the ghosts I almost didn’t care. If you can get this in paperback at some time, I would recommend it, just because the set-up seems worthwhile for book #2. Stephen is half Korean, half white. Audiobook provided by Libro.fm

Cindy, Library Teacher 

1-2-3-4, I Declare a Thumb War by Lisi Harrison and Daniel Kraus = NO

1-2-3-4, I Declare a Thumb War (Graveyard Girls #1) by Lisi Harrison and Daniel Kraus, narrated by Ana Evans, 256 pages. Union Square Kids, 2022. $15

Content: G (Mildly scary)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - NOT RECOMMENDED

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The Grim Sleepers are 4 friends who once a month gather for a sleepover with scary stories. Their town of Misery, Oregon is about to celebrate Hoke Days, a festival built around their most notorious criminal - a pre-teen who purportedly perpetrated a viscous murder. Each girl has family drama that interferes with their participation in the festival - but they are also being stalked by someone who may be Silas Hoke himself.

The promise of creepy story is wasted in a book that is heavy on character backstories and short on actual scares. Every time I thought the lay-off was going to come, I was dragged into more personal drama sans ghosts or danger. Even the scary stories the girls tell are more the 8yo first time teller variety. And the girls call their club the Grim Sleepers, so why is the series called Graveyard Girls? You’ll find out at the very end. Seems like a set up to sell a poorly written series by two authors who are capable of doing so much better. The girls all default to white – I didn’t notice any ethnic differences in the narrative. Audiobook provided by Libro.fm

Cindy, Library Teacher 

The Problem with Prophecies by Scott Reintgen - ADVISABLE

The Problem with Prophecies by Scott Reintgen, 333 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2022. $17

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Celia is supposed to make a prophecy on her 4444th day - like all of the other women in her family. What she sees is the death of someone at her school. Well, Celia can help the boy avoid that. Done. But now another prophecy is predicting his death in a different way. How many times will Celia have to save him?!

I totally enjoyed Reintgen’s twist on prophecies. Kind of like the Final Destination movies, but with a much cuter payoff.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi, Joe Caramagna, and Anu Chouhan

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi, adapted by Joe Caramagna, illustrated by Anu Chouhan, 126 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Disney Hyperion. 2022. $22

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

12yo Aru Shah wants to impress her friends, who thinks she lies, though she feels she is just stretching the truth. In order to impress them, she lights an ancient lamp in a museum and in so doing, unleashes the Sleeper, a demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction.

Based loosely in Hindu mythology, this is a seriously fun and engaging adventure. The humor is delightful and the pictures bright and well-drawn. Themes of friendship, duty, fate and destiny intertwine to make for great read, while you find yourself rooting for the protagonists and gearing up for book two. Aru Shah is East Asian.

Michelle in the Middle 

Ninja Kid by Anh Do - OPTIONAL

Ninja Kid (Ninja Kid #1) by Anh Do, 186 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Ink, 2021. $7.

Content: G

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Nerdy Nelson Kane wakes up on his tenth birthday, scared by the spider on his nose and surprised that he might suddenly not be so nerdy. With the help of his inventor grandma and his hungry cousin, Nelson faces his new responsibility of protecting the world.

Waking up with sudden powers would be both incredible and frightening, and readers get to see both sides of that with the appearance of Nelson’s genetic birthday present. Silliness seems to be the name of the story. Everything goes, and the weird part is that sudden powers are the only thing treated as odd; everything else is taken in stride. Ley’s illustrations complement the story and its ridiculousness perfectly.

Nelson, his family, and everyone else in town appear to be White in the illustrations. 

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Truth or Dare…by P.J. Night - ESSENTIAL

You’re Invited to a Creepover: Truth or Dare…by P.J. Night. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Simon Spotlight (Simon & Schuster). 2022. $21

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Abby confesses her love of neighborhood hottie, Jake Chilson at a sleepover. It’s supposed to be a secret, but someone begins sending her threatening text messages on her phone. When Jake asks her to the school dance, Abby feels more threatened and she worries she may be stalked by a ghost.

A quick read, the plot pulls you in and doesn’t let go. This is a fun read and just the right mix of teenage angst and creepy. I totally love the art. Though the storyline isn’t too cerebral, I’m a fan.

Michelle in the Middle 

You Can’t Come in Here! By P.J. Knight - ESSENTIAL

You’re Invited to a Creepover: You Can’t Come in Here! By P.J. Knight. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Simon Spotlight (Simon & Schuster). 2022. $21

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Emily Hunter loves hanging out at the neighbor’s house. Drew and Vicky Strig are super cool and have the best rec room ever, even though the rest of their house seems rundown and creepy. Emily has decided to have an end of school sleepover and invite them over to meet the rest of her friends. As the sleepover approaches, Emily notices a wolf that howls on the Strig’s lawn every night and she has never met their parents. Maybe these new neighbors are not all they seem. 

Book two in the Creepover series, these books do not have to be read in any order. Great art and intriguing storyline. Even if you outguess the ending, the ride is worth the read. I will devour any and all in this series. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

A Touch of Ruckus by Ash Van Otterloo - OPTIONAL

A Touch of Ruckus by Ash Van Otterloo, 240 pages. Scholastic, 2021. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When 12yo Tennie touches something, she learns about its history – which is why she always wears gloves. Until she is sent to live with her Mimsy (grandmother) and the object she touches releases a ghost! With the help of her new friend Fox (they/them) can she harness her power and save her family too?

After reading The Clackity, I’m afraid I am spoiled for what a scary MG novel can be like. This story doesn’t have the edge for kids who want spine-tingling scares. More for younger readers who are easing into scary. Default white characters.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Fodi - ADVISABLE

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Fodi, 368 pages. Harper, 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Cara Moone hates her position as a Magical Occurence Purger or MOP. At the wizard school MOPs are considered to be the lowest. But the life of a MOP is much more important than Cara and even the others understand. The MOPs will need all their determination and skill in order to save many.

Super cute magical school book! I have many fantasy readers who will be happy to read this. Cara herself is a redhead, but her best friend is a magical fox. Ethnicity, however is not really explored beyond descriptions.

Cindy Mitchell 

Escape by KR Alexander - OPTIONAL

Escape by KR Alexander, 240 pages. Scholastic, 2022

Content: G (mildly scary)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Cody has one of 100 coveted tickets to Escape!, a long-awaited new theme park. The first 100 visitors are mostly kid influencers, artists, and performers - but not Cody. He teams up to enjoy the park with two teen stars and the rides seem like fun, with an edge - until they turn dangerous! It feels like someone evil is controlling the park and trying to kill off the kids. How can they escape Escape!

I am a KR Alexander fan, usually. This time the construction and storyline fell flat. These aren’t kids sneaking off to a secret park - their parents and guardians let them go without any supervision. And the villain’s motivation is weak - really weak.

Cindy 

Project X (Spy School) by Stuart Gibbs - ESSENTIAL

Project X (Spy School) by Stuart Gibbs, 352 pages. Simon, 2022. $18

 Content: G (mild danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 Murray Hill, Ben’s nemesis, is supposed to be in a maximum security prison, but Ben is not so sure. Someone is trying the kill Ben, again, and how could Murray orchestrate that rom prison? It will take all of the Hales, all of Ben’s friends and Ben’s ingenuity (or luck) to thwart the latest plot.

I love how Gibbs uses Internet conspiracy theory lovers as a plot point in his latest. While he might exaggerate the power the head trolls hold over their followers (or maybe not), it still feels like it could be all too real. Ben and his friends have another grand adventure in store! Default White here. Ethnicity plays no role in anyone’s actions, thoughts, or motives.

 Cindy Mitchell 

All You Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero - ADVISABLE

All You Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero, 384 pages. Farrar Strauss Giroux (Macmillan), 2021. $18

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Alba has always felt like her parents have no use for her. She soothes her soul by taking late night walks alone around her NYC neighborhood. When her mom tells her she is sending Alba away to live permanently with her grandmother in Barcelona, Alba is crushed, though she is also grateful to be away from her abusive father. But in Barcelona Alba finds a love for bread-making, learning from her mom’s childhood best friend. She just may have a soft place to land.

 While I did get a little tired of Alba literally running away from every confrontation, I loved watching her and her mother rebuild their relationship. Alba makes friends, maybe a boyfriend, and stretches her wings to bring people together to save her beloved bakery. While there is a bit of deus ex machina (rich grandmother), it ultimately is a sweet book to read.

 Cindy Mitchell