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 

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King - ADVISABLE

Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King, 272 pages. Scholastic, 2022. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

12yo Mac is excited for the Lit Circles in his class – his group gets The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen. Plus his group has his best friend in it. But when Mac opens the book, he notices a few of the words are blacked out. Who did that? Their teacher Ms. Sett? Around town she has definitely woeked to manipulate the town to do things her way. But Mac was brought up by a mother and grandad who raised him to speak out. Brushed off by the principal, Mac and his friends decide to take it problem of the rectangles straight to the school board. 

King is very timely with her look at another form that censorship in the classroom can take. Adults will definitely embrace this, and I think kids will too. My only problem with it is that the other kids in the class seemed to just accept the black rectangles without question. I just don’t think that many kids would be so acquiescent. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

City of Speed by Alex London - ADVISABLE

 City of Speed (Battle Dragons #2) by Alex London, 272 pages. Scholastic, 2022. $18. 

Content: PG (danger and fighting) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Abel and his siblings are in dire trouble again. After an incident at the dragon races, his sister Luna is on the run and Silas, their brother who works for the secret police, is out to catch her. He will only keep her safe is Abel will help him crack a dragon-napping ring. Abel is forced to enter illegal dragon races in order infiltrate or expose those who are genetically manipulating dragons. 

Fast-paced and full of danger. The mix of dragons and racing is heady. I am hoping that book three (should there be one) will have all the dragons being freed – because the way they are treated by humans is disgusting! I do love Abel’s new dragon – great attitude and amazing skills. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ice Cream Face by Hedi Woodward Sheffield - ADVISABLE

Ice Cream Face by Hedi Woodward Sheffield. PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin Random House), 2022. $18. 9780525518488 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little boy loves ice cream so much! He loves all the cones and all the flavors and all the toppings. But what he doesn't like is waiting. Especially when he has to watch the faces of all the people who have already got their cones. But when he finally gets his, he can't enjoy it, it's a hot day and the worst thing happens. 

Sheffield's collage illustrations are so cute! I love that the scoops of ice cream look like actual ice cream! We're an ice cream family, and this is already a family favorite. So much fun. What kind of Ice Cream face is yours?

Lisa Librarian

Winterkill by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch - HIGH

Winterkill by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, 288 pages. Scholastic, 2022. $21

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content:G ; Violence: PG (wars deaths mentioned, some shot on pages) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL. MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

12yo Nyl lives with his family on their farm in the 1930s in the area of the Soviet Union that used to be Ukraine. The USSR has sent in “shock” workers into their village to inventory goods and eventually force private farmers to consolidate with the communes. After their harvest is stolen, Nyl’s family realizes that the ultimate goal of the USSR is to drive them from their land – now the only rule of the game is survival. 

Skrypuch gives us a look at Stalin’s 5-year plan to starve out ethnic Ukrainians and move in Russian nationals, the Holodomor, or the Great Famine. Again Skrypuch pulls us into the complexity of Russian/Ukrainian history as she has through her other books. Gut-wrenching and oh so interesting! I have several students who read every one of her books. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Race for the Escape by Christopher Edge - OPTIONAL

Race for the Escape by Christopher Edge, 166 pages. Delacorte (Random), 2022. $17. 

Content: G (mild danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Five strangers have been thrown together to play an escape room. Each puzzle they encounter seems to be trying to kill them! Then members of the group start to disappear. 

Edge’s book is very shallow, with a twist at the end that is so unseen that it is shocking and off-putting. While the characters have multicultural names, they have no descriptions, manners, and or cultural characteristics beyond that. Obviously meant for the very immature reader who wants nothing but action. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Walk in the Deciduous Forest by Rebecca L. Johnson and Phyllis V. Saroff - ADVISABLE

A Walk in the Deciduous Forest by Rebecca L. Johnson, with illustrations by Phyllis V. Saroff. 48 pages PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Lerner, 2021 $30 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Climate change is endangering our natural deciduous forests. Have you ever visited one? Rebecca L. Johnson's walk takes the reader through the seasons in the forest, introducing the foliage, the insects, and the animals. 

Lush photography is paired with detailed drawings to give the reader a realistically imagined walk. A mindful practice I used to do with my students came to mind while reading. I felt like I was in the forest. Although it talks about predators and prey, none of the photos are violent or disturbing in any way. A simple read for 3rd grade and up.

Lisa Librarian

Thirst by Varshi Bajaj - ADVISABLE

Thirst by Varshi Bajaj, 179 pages. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2022. $18. 

Content: G (mild danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Minni “Meena” and her family eke out a life in the slums of Mumbai, India – within site of some of the richest people in the world. They have little access to clean water and no access to a chance to make a better life for themselves. When Meena’s mother becomes sick, Meena has to perform her job for a rich family or mom will be fired. When Meena’s brother are seen by a gang of water stealers, he and his best friend are sent into the countryside with relatives to hide. 

 While the publicity I’ve seen talks all about the water thieves angle of this book, I found that part to be the least realistic sounding – the gangsters’ speech felt contrived and I never felt that water was what the book was about. On the hand, the rest of the book was wonderful – the look into Meena’s life was golden – her struggles, the neighborhood banding together to help each other, family problems – all of it was rich and rewarding as a look into a life so different from what my students see. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Birders by Rob Albanese - ADVISABLE

The Birders by Rob Albanese. PICTURE BOOK. Little Bigfoot (Sasquatch), 2022. $17. 9781632173638 

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

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Mr. Flynn is old and bored. Across the street, Ollie McPhee is young and bored. Mr. Flynn sees a snowy owl outside his window and runs outside with birding equipment to search for it. Ollie’s mother sends him out at the same time and they crash into each other. Ollie is interested in Mr. Flynn’s binoculars and follows him into the woods to look for the snowy owl. Mr. Flynn climbs a tree, falls, and ends up stuck on a branch. Ollie saves Mr. Flynn in more ways than one.

The Birders is very humorous and engages the reader in the first few pages. I was constantly interested in what was going to happen next. The illustrations are fun, interesting, well done, and comical. This book is a great way to create in children a desire to observe nature.

 PG Powers 

Sour Cakes by Karen Krossing and Anna Kwan - ADVISABLE

Sour Cakes by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Anna Kwan. PICTURE BOOK Owl Kid's Books, 2021. $19. 9781771473972 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Two siblings wake up, one in a sweet mood, the other sour. Everything the sweet sister suggests is met by an opposite reaction from the other. Nothing will cheer up the sour sister, even the prospect of making a sweet cake together. But when the cheerful sister embraces her sisters mood and allows her to feel her feelings, it gives her a safe space to express herself. 

A darling story! I loved the illustrations, especially when the younger sister would say, "you do it" the emotions in the illustrations were right there too. Oh my, what a sweet book!

Lisa Librarian

You are Here by Zach Manbeck - OPTIONAL

You are Here by Zach Manbeck PICTURE BOOK Chronicle Books, 2022. $18. 9781797210100 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Everyone is on a different journey, some are going faster or slower than you. But begin, explore, take your time, fall down but keep going. Be patient and find your way. 

Busy illustrations will keep the intended audience on the page longer than needed for the short text. I really think this is meant for adults to give as a gift to children and teens who are reaching milestones (Oh the places you'll go?). I just don't think picture book readers will care for this. 

Lisa Librarian

Saving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper and Gill Smith - ADVISABLE

Saving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper, illustrated by Gill Smith. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Studio, 2022. $18. 9781536220551

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A young brother and sister survived a harrowing boat ride to a new place. Luckily they were rescued and were given shelter in a dilapidated house. Soon, the younger brother began to venture out and make friends, while the older sister only felt safe staying inside. One day, her brother brought her a butterfly. She wanted him to set it free, but the butterfly didn't seem to understand how to escape their house. The older sister had to face her fears to help the butterfly.

I liked that Cooper wrote about refugee children. It would help young kids understand what other young kids are going through. It wasn't extremely engaging though. 

 A. Criswell, English Language Teacher 

Frog vs Toad by Ben Mantle - ADVISABLE

Frog vs Toad by Ben Mantle. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2022$18. 9781536223699

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Frog and Toad accidentally meet one day when they both are trying to eat the same fly. They begin arguing who is the better species. Frogs are slimy while toads are dry and lumpy. Toads have small eyes and frogs have eyes that swivel. They continue to argue until they encounter an alligator. He helps them realize that frogs and toads belong to the same family. 

 I enjoyed this book, but thought the banter between the two was a little prolonged. It had humor that my 3yo enjoyed. I liked at the end how the frog and toad mistook the alligator for a crocodile and how annoyed the alligator was at that. 

 A. Criswell, English Language Teacher 

Hold that Thought! by Bree Galbraith, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield - OPTIONAL

Hold that Thought! by Bree Galbraith, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield PICTURE BOOK Owl Kid's Books, 2021. $20. 9781771472944 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In the middle of the night, Finn had a great idea! They tried to tell their brother about it, but Oscar said to go back to sleep, so Finn did. After dreaming about it, and thinking about it on the way to school, Finn was able to share with their best friend. As the day progresses, the idea grows as does Finn's excitement. A bully tried to put doubt in Finn's head, it worked. Finn put the idea away for while, but maybe getting it back out and sharing will do the trick. 

I liked the message that ideas grow and change, and that sharing helps them evolve. Finn is non-binary, and I loved that the story wasn't about that, that Finn is just a regular kid. I was expecting a big idea reveal at the end, and was disappointed there. It may be too vague as an independent read picture book.

Lisa Librarian
 

Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby by Sheila Bair, illustrated by Amy Zhing - ADVISABLE

Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby by Sheila Bair, illustrated by Amy Zhing PICTURE BOOK Albert Whitman & Co., 2021. $17. 9780807508121 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Billy likes to sleep in the afternoons, but it rains a lot on the Galápagos Islands. He visits the Selling Seal to buy an umbrella and finds out an umbrella costs 10 sardines. Billy doesn't have it, but the Seal lets him have the umbrella on credit - take it now, but pay 20 sardines in a month. Billy agrees, and works hard to pay off the loan - the next month, with the hard-caught sardines in hand, he chooses to buy something else rather than pay the loan, which will double again the next month. Each month, Billy chooses to buy something he wants right then, rather than paying the mounting loan. Even with his family helping him fish, Billy continues to buy more and more expensive items and fails to pay off the loan. Eventually, Billy is in over his head, and has to pay the consequences - Selling Seal calls the cops. 

I loved that Billy had really good intentions, He worked so hard to pay back the loan every month, but just couldn't resist wanting the latest thing. Part of the "Money Tales" series, Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby is a great introduction to loans, debt, interest, and accountability. While 1200% is a crazy interest rate, Bair's message is easily understood. Her text is written in verse, helpful to a new reader, but also fun as a read aloud. I also loved Zhing's silly illustrations.

Lisa Librarian

How Old am I? 1-100 Faces From Around the World by The Inside Out Project, Julie Pugeat and JR - ESSENTIAL

How Old am I? 1-100 Faces From Around the World by The Inside Out Project, Julie Pugeat and JR, 216 pages. NON-FICTION Phaidon, 2021. $20 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The artist JR has created this amazing visual reference book with 100 portraits and 100 stories of people from around the world from age 1 through age 100 (and a bonus "author's note" of JR) For each individual's entry, JR has provided a portrait of the person, then the reader is greeted by hello in the native language, how old they are, where they live, where they were born, what makes them happy and their "story." 

I'd call this a coffee table book - one you can pick up and open to any page, but AJ and I have been reading it together as part of our bedtime routine when she sleeps over. We read about 5 people each time, and it's been fascinating. We've traveled all over the world to meet people of every age and hear them tell us about themselves. It's been a great read. AJ has loved comparing the person in the book to someone she knows who is that age. And she's also commented that some of the older people had her same dreams and wishes when they were her age. How Old Am I has been just as interesting to me. Although marketed to 4-8yo audience, it's great for readers of all ages. 

Lisa Librarian (and AJ age 6)

A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story by Elisa Boxer and Laura Freeman - ADVISABLE

A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Laura Freeman PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Crown Books (Penguin Random House), 2021. $18. 9780593372517 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nancy Pelosi's father was the mayor of Baltimore. He would often invite the people of the community to talk with him at his dining room table. Nancy saw her mother support him, not only by continuing the conversations but by actively working in the background to help. When Nancy was an adult, she continued her mother's legacy by supporting causes and political candidates in her own town. Eventually running for office herself. Nancy Pelosi is currently the most powerful woman in politics. 

An inspirational and thoughtful biography. Freeman's illustrations are realistic and powerful. Includes an author's note, a short interview with Pelosi (with a link to the full conversation) and a great bibliography. I love these short biographies, just perfect for an elementary or middle school student getting to know or understand an important person.

Lisa Librarian