Friday, September 22, 2023
Give This Book Away! by Darren Farrell and Maya Tatsukawa - ADVISABLE
A Flower is a Friend by Frieda Wishinsky and Karen Patkau - ADVISABLE
The Library Fish Learns to Read by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Gladys Jose - ADVISABLE
What Will I Discover? by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and Rachel Qiuqi - ADVISABLE
Thursday, September 21, 2023
This Story is Not About a Kitten by Randall de Seve and Carson Ellis - ESSENTIAL
Black Gold by Laura Obuobi and London Ladd - OPTIONAL
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
The Brilliant Calculator by Jan Lower and Susan Reagan - ADVISABLE
Love Without Bounds by Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi, and Ashley Seil Smith - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Each of them is meant to be cherished and to be a place where each member can feel cherished. Sometimes laws and the attitudes of others make some families feel less-than.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? by Junauda Petrus and Kristen Uroda - NO
Stars of the Night by Caren Stelson and Selina Alko - ADVISABLE
Monday, September 18, 2023
Hooked on Books by Margaret Chiu Greanias and Kristyna Litten - ADVISABLE
Border Crossings by Sneed Collard III and Howard Gray - ADVISABLE
Border Crossings by Sneed Collard III, illustrated by Howard Gray. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2023. $18. 9781623542382
Sunday, September 17, 2023
How Does Santa Get Down the Chimney? By Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen - HIGH
Five Little Penguins by Lily Murray and Holly Surplice - ADVISABLE
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Great Carrier Reef by Jessica Stremer and Gordy Wright - ADVISABLE
Great Carrier Reef by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Gordy Wright. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2023. $19. 9780823452682
Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem by Melissa Stewart and Rob Dunlavey - ESSENTIAL
Friday, September 15, 2023
Train (Baby on Board) by Sebastien Braun - HIGH
Where’s the Snowman by Ingela P. Arrhenius - HIGH
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Sensational Senses: amazing ways to perceive the world by Rebecca E. Hirsch - ADVISABLE
Secrets of the Lost City by Sandra Markle - ADVISABLE
Secrets of the Lost City: a scientific adventure in the Honduran rain forest by Sandra Markle, 49 pages. NON-FICTION. Millbrook (Lerner), 2023. $32
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Operation Pangolin: saving the world’s only scaled mammal by Suzi Eszterhas - ADVISABLE
Hidden on the High Wire by Kathy Kacer
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Poop for Breakfast by Sara Levine and Florence Weiser - ESSENTIAL
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass - ADVISABLE
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Mexikid by Pedro Martin - ESSENTIAL
Hush-A-Bye by Jody Lee Mott - ADVISABLE
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Picture Day by Sarah Sax - ADVISABLE
Friday, September 8, 2023
Time After Time (Best Wishes #3) by Sarah Mlynowski and Christina Soontornvat - ADVISABLE
Thursday, September 7, 2023
The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson - ESSENTIAL
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Part of Your World by Liz Braswell and Stephanie Kate Strom, Kelly Matthews & Nichole Matthews - ADVISABLE
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
I Am Not an Octopus by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Marc Boutavant - HIGH
Monday, September 4, 2023
Why Not You? by Ciara and Russell Wilson and Jessica Gibson - ESSENTIAL
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Rainbow Fish and the Storyteller by Marcus Pfister - ADVISABLE
The next day Humbert tells a story about a blue whale nearby who will eat up all their food. The fish no longer believe anything Humbert says. All the fish won't talk to Humbert any more. Rainbow Fish sees Humbert alone by the rocks. She has an idea that will help Humbert have friends again." Rainbow Fish and the Storyteller is a nice story about helping someone with an annoying problem turn it around and find acceptance and friendship. The story seems a bit wordy, but the message is good. The illustrations and shimmery scales are still delightful.
Saturday, September 2, 2023
A Terrible Tide by Suzanne Meade - OPTIONAL
A Terrible Tide by Suzanne Meade, 185 pages. Second Story Press, 2021. $12 (paperback)
Friday, September 1, 2023
Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont by Nick Brooks - OPTIONAL
Thursday, August 31, 2023
The Sister Switch (Best Wishes #2) by Sarah Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud - ESSENTIAL
Party Animals: Cranky Chicken #2 by Katherine Battersby - ADVISABLE
Party Animals: Cranky Chicken #2 by Katherine Battersby, 103 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. McElderry Books, 2022. $13. 9781534470217.
Content: GBUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3)--ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Cranky Chicken and her best friend, Speedy the Worm, are back at it in new adventures. Speedy is ever the optimist to Cranky's grumpy character and helps her out of a hangry mess, helps celebrate her birthday and finally drags her off to an excellent beach day.
My reaction to Cranky Chicken is one of mild amusement but I'm an adult. The funny bits and jokes throughout this short graphic novel are the sort that will make young readers giggle and suggest the book to their friends. Its not my cup of tea but will be enjoyed by its target audience.
Reviewer: TC
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Boo! Hiss! by Cyndi Marko - ESSENTIAL
Boo! Hiss! by Cyndi Marko, 70 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Aladdin, 2022. $20. 9781534425453
Content: GBUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Phyllis the ghost and Sheldon the snake are best friends who happily live together in an abandoned/creepy home on the hill. One day a human family moves in and the two friends band together to try and spook the family out. When all their efforts go awry, the friends bicker loud enough to scare the family into leaving--an event the friends now realize they don't want! Phyllis and Sheldon will have to change tack and figure out how to convince their neighbors to stay.
This is flat out the most adorable graphic novel for kids I've picked up in a while. The story, the illustrations, the writing--all of it is absolutely top notch, spot on. I can't say enough good about it. Highly recommended--especially for spooky season!
Reviewer: TC
Adventures and Daydreams: Bug Boys #3 by Laura Knetzger--ESSENTIAL
Adventures and Daydreams: Bug Boys #3 by Laura Knetzger, 272 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. RH Graphic, 2022. $14. 9780593309520
Content: GBUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) - ESSENTIAL, EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Stag-B and Rhino-B are best beetle friends from Bug Village and in this new episode of their hit series they embark on a number of adventures together in a variety of short graphic stories. From meeting a long-asleep Cicada to venturing on a backpacking trip, the friends always stick together.
My daughter beat me to the punch on reading this one and read it 3x's before I could get my hands on it. I'm not surprised however, as this is a sweet graphic novel that just feels so nice as you read it. The stories about Stag-B and Rhino-B do not fit together in any sort of story arc, but each is standalone and delightful in its own way. This is definitely a book aimed at elementary readers and the messages and fun stories are the kind parents will appreciate, too. This is the kind of graphic novel you want your kids to read!
Reviewer: TC
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Dear Unicorn by Josh Funk and Charles Santoso - ESSENTIAL
Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone and Ashlyn Anstee - ADVISABLE
Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Ashlyn Anstee. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Books, 2021. $18. 978771646208.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Little Narwhal likes to explore and see new things. One day, he strays too far from home and before long he encounters danger and gets lost! While trying to find his family, Little Narwhal runs into a pod of beluga whales. He doesn’t eat like them, or speak like them, but he knows how to play like them! Before long, Little Narwhal loves traveling with his newfound friends and can’t wait to explore with them.
This book is based on a true story about an uncommon relationship between a pod of belugas and a narwhal found in Canada. It teaches that although there may be differences in people you meet, there is always something you can relate to. The story is simple and the characters are charming. The text has slight rhyme to it which would help a younger child get interested in the story. The illustrations are not as invigorating as the story, the pages seem to blend into one another. But, overall, I think this is a fun book with a true story connected to it.
EllsBells
Monday, August 28, 2023
Here We Come! by Janna Matthies and Christine Davenier - ADVISABLE
Here We Come! by Janna Matthies, illustrated by Christine Davenier. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books, 2022. $18. 9781534417878.
BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Take a moonlight adventure with a young boy and his many friends! Hum to the beat as he and his friends invite all who come along to participate in their fun musical parade.
This book features lively rhyming text that almost any parent or child would enjoy. Its repetitive nature and beat would help any little child be excited to know what is going to be on the next page. The characters are quirky and original and the illustrations are simplistic to the eye. No major theme or lesson seems to be taught in the book, the story is simply for young children to enjoy the rhythmic nature of the text.
EllsBells
Little Animal Hugs by Hans Wilhelm and Wednesday Kirwan - ADVISABLE
Little Animal Hugs by Hans Wilhelm, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan. BOARD BOOK. Chronicle Books LLC., 2022. $10. 9781797207179.
BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Through this interactive die-cut page board book, learn about ten little animal friends and find out what sound each animal makes while giving hugs!
This cute board book does a great job of teaching toddlers about animal sounds. The die-cut board pages can keep the child engaged by mixing and matching the different animals together. One drawback is that it’s a very simplistic book and, similarly, has simplistic illustrations. However, due to its simplicity, it is a great option for a starter book.
EllsBells
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Once Upon a Forest illustrated by Pam Fong - ADVISABLE
Once Upon a Forest by Pam Fong. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2022. $18. 9780593380147.
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) -ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When a little marmot sees her forest home go up in flames she becomes determined to fix it. With the help of her friend, a charming bird, they resourcefully nurture a set of trees. Although the work is challenging, they find happiness by realizing that their piece of home has started to flourish once again.
This book teaches children of all ages the importance of taking care of our environment and that a small good deed can make all the difference. This book only has pictures, no words, therefore, it is easy for almost any child to understand. The illustrations in the book, particularly the marmot and the bird, are charming and easily followed. The big drawback is the lack of color. The majority of the pictures are black and white with the exception of one or two objects to emphasize the book's theme of environmental awareness.
EllsBells
Our Roof is Blue by Sara E. Echenique and Ashley Vargas - ADVISABLE
Our Roof is Blue by Sara E. Echenique, Illustrated by Ashley Vargas. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge Publishing, 2023. $18. 9781623542337
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Antonio and his sister live in a home with a blue roof in Puerto Rico. One year, a hurricane blew toward their island. Their family prepared food, batteries, and toilet paper. They felt they were ready for the storm. But, when it hit, it took the roof off their house. They were very frightened. After the storm, they had to clean up and wait for the house to dry. Would their house ever be the same?
Echenique tells her story of living through a hurricane in her homeland of Puerto Rico with clarity and emotion. At the end of the book, she shares how we can help the environment so there are not as many hurricanes. She published this book in Spanish also.
MOMMMAC
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Big Stuff-Dozer, Excavator, Mixer and More by Joan Holub - ADVISABLE
Big Stuff-Dozer, Excavator, Mixer and More by Joan Holub, Illustrated by The Little Friends of Print Making. BOARD BOOK. Little Simon, 2023. $9. 9781665917896
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
The Excavator, Bulldozer, Mixer, Borer, Crane, Backhoe, Dump Truck, Paver, and Forklift introduce themselves. They each describe a bit of their history, their purpose, and what they can do.
The introductions and short explanations with their bright, bold illustrations held my attention. Then, a whole page gives detailed information on each subject. Sharing all this detail in a board book felt overkill. This would have been better presented in a picture book.
MOMMMAC
Cargo by Adele Tariel and Jerome Peyrat - ADVISABLE
Cargo by Adele Tariel, illustrated by Jerome Peyrat. PICTURE BOOK. Orca Book Publishers, 2023. $22. 9781459833760
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
A seagull watches the activities and movements of a cargo ship. It watches as the cargo ship is loaded, set sail, moves through storms and calm, angles into port, and unloads. The captain watches over the ship through all stages.
While the illustrations are enjoyable, the author jumped from the bird's perspective to the captain's perspective at the end, which seemed jumbled. The prose plodded to the end.
MOMMMAC
Friday, August 25, 2023
Little Dumplings by Jekka Kulmann, Kriisy Kuhlmann, Haley Hazel, and Manita Boonyong - ADVISABLE
Little Dumplings by Jekka Kulmann, Kriisy Kuhlmann, and Haley Hazel, illustrated by Manita Boonyong. BOARD BOOK. Chronicle Books LLC, 2023. $9. 9781797216928
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre K- EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
There are all kinds of dumplings in the world. They have different names such as Gyoza, Pieroge, Samosa, etc. They can be filled with meat or vegetables. They can be steamed, fried, or baked. They create connections at celebrations.
Boonyong created cute illustrations of the many different kinds of dumplings around the world. At the end of the book, the author listed the names, with pronunciation, and regions of 33 kinds of dumplings so that anyone can be a connoisseur.
MOMMMAC
A Wee Boo by Jessica Boyd, Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan - ESSENTIAL
A Wee Boo by Jessica Boyd, Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan. PICTURE BOOK. Orca Book Publishers, 2022. $22. 9781459827639
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Boo is small and cute; not what is expected of a ghost. She struggles to get her haunting license because she is just too cute. The ghost committee gives her one last chance to scare a family. Boo tries everything she can think of but to no avail. Until she sees a baby and decides she can scare him, but she can only make him laugh. The parents become frightened when they can’t figure out what the baby is laughing about. The committee decides to grant her a license of haunting. Boo finds her place in life.
Each page of Boyd’s book brought a smile to my face! Who can resist an adorable little ghost? Boo finds a purpose in a life full of sweetness making a perfect ending to this delightful story.
MOMMMAC
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Hooray for Spring! by Kazuo Iwamura - ESSENTIAL
Hooray for Spring! by Kazuo Iwamura. PICTURE BOOK. North South Books, 2023. $19. 9780735845213
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Mick, Mack, and Molly, little squirrel siblings, rush out to enjoy spring. They notice what the caterpillars and bees eat. Later, they find a little bird that is hungry and try to offer it the same kinds of food, but it won’t take any. Mommy bird finally flies in to show them what baby bird eats.
Iwamura illustrates a delightful story for old and young. The reader is instantly attached to the three siblings and their adventure. This treasure for the eyes by a famous illustrator should not escape perusal.
MOMMMAC
Welcome to Kiss the Book Jr.!
Welcome! Kiss the Book Jr. is for board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books. Also, any novels and non-fiction that we ag...