The Universe In You: A Microscopic Journey by Jason Chin - ADVISABLE

The Universe In You: A Microscopic Journey by Jason Chin. NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2022. $19. 9780823450701

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A calliope hummingbird is the smallest bird in the United States. But they are not as small as the smallest butterfly. The smallest bee is still smaller, but its antennae is bigger than the smallest hairs on your body. Cells on your body are still smaller. And the parts of a cell are still smaller. Melanin, organelles, Mitochondria, Lysosomes, Cytoskeleton, ribosomes, nanometers and nuclear pores are smaller still. Smaller still are molecules. Smaller still are DNA. Smaller still are atoms. Smaller still are Protons and Neutrons. Still smaller are electrons. Still smaller are quarks. All these particles are what makes up the universe and a unique human like you.

I enjoyed how Chin immediately aroused my curiosity by leading me down a trail of smaller and smaller living animals, cells, parts of cells, and ending with the elementary particles of the universe. His illustrations were interesting and informative helping the reader realize the vast universe within each of us.

PGPowers

Polar Bear by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann - ADVISABLE

Polar Bear by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann. PICTURE BOOK / NON FICTION. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House Publishing), 2022. $19. 9780823449163

Content: PG (polar bear cubs in danger)

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

It is April in the Artic, and the frozen world stretches awake. A mother polar bear emerges from her den. She has given birth to two cubs over the winter. It is now time for them to find the ice and start hunting. The cubs can’t walk very much so it takes them six days to get to the ice. Along the way wolves go after the cubs, but mother polar bear is able to scare them away. When they get to the ice, the cubs watch their mother hunt for seals. The little family is stuck on some ice that floats out to sea. They have to swim many miles back to shore. The little cubs almost don’t make it.

Polar Bear creates an endearing story to tell us true facts about the life of a mother polar bear and her two cubs with more in depth fact sheets and diagrams at the end. I enjoyed learning about the challenges that polar bears face and the ways that we can help them. Rohmann's realistic and masterful illustrations bring Fleming's text to life.

 PGPowers 

Herbert on the Slide by Rilla Alexander - ADVISABLE

Herbert on the Slide by Rilla Alexander. PICTURE BOOK. Hippo Park (Astro for Young Readers), 2022. $10. 9781662640117

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Herbert the Hippo loves everything about the slide. First the climb, then getting comfy. Then he sends his teddy bear down for a test run. He then sends down his truck and other toys. Then Herbert goes down himself with a tickle in his tummy. He also likes to use his imagination while climbing up and down the slide. He does it again and again. Herbert needs to give everyone else a turn.

Herbert on the Slide is a cute story that embraces the fun of a slide but also teaches children to share and take turns. The illustrations are very simple yet powerful in conveying this important message.

PGPowers 

Counting in Dog Years and other Sassy Math Poems by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Priscilla Tey - ADVISABLE

Counting in Dog Years and other Sassy Math Poems by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Priscilla Tey. NON FICTION Candlewick Press, 2022. $19. 9781536201161 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

They were not wrong when they called their poems sassy. The poems are simple and yet clever and funny. They explain math concepts in a simple way that clarifies the math concepts functions. The illustrations are very fun and inviting. There are silly robots, animals, people, and other unique items to help tell the story. There's so much to see you can spend time just staring at the pictures. 

 I recommend this book to math teachers everywhere. I loved the illustrations and the poems are very silly. There is not anything I didn't like about this book. The ethnicity is very diverse. The male and female genders are equally represented as well as young and old. 

Emilee-School Librarian

The Littlest Elephant by Kate Read - ADVISABLE

The Littlest Elephant by Kate Read. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2022. $18. 9781682634943

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Ellie the littlest elephant had just learned to swim and was in a big hurry to get to the pool of water in the jungle. She ran through the jungle calling out to the other animals forgetting to be careful and listen. She knocked over and almost squished the chameleon, monkeys, mangoes, spider, butterflies, birds, and landed on a tiger’s tale. Ellie stopped just in time before she squashed a tiny mouse. Ellie apologized to everyone and said she would try to be more careful. Then Ellie invited everyone to come with her to the pool. Ellie needs to be more patient and careful with the other animals. 

The Littlest Elephant is a charming story that teaches children to be more careful, patient, and think more of others around them. I enjoyed her whimsical illustrations depicting a lush and colorful jungle.

 PGPowers 

A Tulip in Winter Kathy Stinson and Lauren Soloy - HIGH

A Tulip in Winter by Kathy Stinson and Lauren Soloy. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Greystone Kids, March 2023. $19. 9781771649513 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

When Maud Lewis was young, she loved playing the piano. Soon it became too hard to play and her hands were bent and stiff. She also was smaller than the other children. Maud’s mother gave her a paintbrush to see if she could paint. Maud instantly fell in love with painting. Maud painted the world around her in joyful colors even though as she grew up her life was hard. She couldn’t get a job because she was very small, walked crooked, and her hands looked deformed. When her parents died, her brother sold their house and moved away. She was left without a place to stay and penniless. She asked a fisherman if she could be his housekeeper. He agreed. He helped her keep up her painting by getting her paint and supplies. She painted many surfaces of the house inside and out. Today she is known as a iconic beloved folk artist. The fisherman’s house was rebuilt in a museum. She was able to triumph through much adversity. 

Stinson's text simply and enjoyably grasps Maud Lewis's life story. It is easy to understand, yet compelling, and tugged at my heart. This story is great for all of us, and especially meaningful to others with disabilities. Soloy's illustrations whimsically brought the story to life done in Maud's own folk art style. 

PGPowers

Mrs. Blisswhiskers by Joseph Kayne and Brittany Gneiting - ESSENTIAL

Mrs. Blisswhiskers by Joseph Kayne and Brittany Gneiting. PICTURE BOOK World of Nin, 2021. $25. 9798218010157 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

We follow the delightful and whimsical Mrs. Blisswhiskers as she waters the fantastic and different plants in her garden. She has to water them all with moon water. We follow her as she digs her way to the moon to collect moon rocks. Then we watch as he squeezes the moon rocks to extract the precious moon water. 

Mrs. Blisswhiskers is very original and fun. The art is beautiful and the story is told in both illustrations and words. It is whimsical and original. I have read this book to many classes of children from K - grade 5. They all loved it, wanted to look loser at the pictures and they loved the easy flowing, original language. This book is a great gift to all children and I look forward to the third book from this author/illustrator combo. The book is just delightful. A treasure of words and illustrations. A "must have" for home and school! Fantasy characters and plants. 

Ellen-Anita. Librarian

The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey - OPTIONAL

The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey,  230 pages. B & H Publishing, 2020. $15. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - AVERAGE 

13yo Piper and her autistic 10yo brother Phoenix must move from Atlanta to Maine when their mother dies. Their father has been missing for two years. Piper and Phoenix have to go live with their aunt who treats them badly. Their aunt has an extensive collection of books. One of these books calls to the children. The magic begins as they read the unusual book. 

 I enjoyed the book but it took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style. It is written like the magical book is talking to the reader and the book kept using references from other children's books. I did not recognize all of the references and I have read a large number of children's books. This might be confusing for elementary-age readers. Also, belief in God is a big theme in this book. Both children are white. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

A Place for Pauline by Anouk Mahiout and Marjolaine Perreten - OPTIONAL

A Place for Pauline by Anouk Mahiout and Marjolaine Perreten. PICTURE BOOK Groundwood. 2020. $19. 9781773066097 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Pauline lives in a busy, noisy house. 5 people live there (almost 6 as her mother is expecting) and Pauline, the eldest sibling, would like a quiet spot of her own. She finally discovers a place under the stairs and her parents let her make it her own, with a mattress and bookcase, and everything she needs. It's her place and her imagination can run wild. Even better though, she imagines she could run away and jump on a passing ship and travel the world but then discovers that her family would miss her. 

Translated from French, I'm sure some kids could certainly relate. I found the story charming. The illustrations are a cross between traditional picture books and graphics and sometimes the story is told in panels. Pauline's grandmother and father are French, and some of the dialogue is in French. 

Lisa Librarian

Revenge of the Raccoons by Vivek Shraya, and Juliana Neufeld - ADVISABLE

Revenge of the Raccoons by Vivek Shraya, illustrated by Juliana Neufeld. PICTURE BOOK Owl Kids. 2022 $19. 9781771474382 

BUYING ADVISORY  EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

There are raccoons everywhere, in the trash and all over, doing things raccoons do - like eating donuts and getting into things. They've taken over! Guess what? There's a reason. I guess it's an ecological statement - that they were here first. Hence, Revenge of the Raccoons. 

 Neufeld's illustrations do justice to the raccoons. They certainly look wild and scary and bothersome. I think kids will like this. The text rhymes, and it would make a fun read aloud - especially at Halloween! 

Lisa Librarian  

Calling the Wind by Trudy Ludwig and Kathryn Otoshi - ADVISABLE

Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope by Trudy Ludwig and Kathryn Otoshi. PICTURE BOOK Knopf (Random House). 2022 $19.00 978-593426401 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A family's mother has passed away and they are grieving. When the young boy sees a flyer about a special phone, he finds the place and talks to his mother - it's a one-sided conversation, and she's not really there, but it makes him feel better and he starts to heal - bringing home her favorite color flower and telling others about the comforting phone. As other family members try the special phone, the feeling of peace happens to them too. 

Based on "The Wind Phone" a glass-paned phone booth in a garden in Japan. Originally built as a quiet and safe place for the artist to grieve, soon others found out and now many people have visited "The Wind Phone". This is one of those times that I wish the author's note had come first - the story felt odd, but now it makes more sense and is a lovely story about healing, and remembering. The characters are Japanese. 

Lisa Librarian

I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Mericle Harper - ADVISABLE

I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Mericle Harper. PICTURE BOOK Union Square. 2022. $18. 9781454945949 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

An illustrator draws a shape, and when the shape says it is a "nothing shape" the illustrator turns it into a cat. But the cat wants a horse. The illustrator says that a horse is too hard to draw, and then proceeds to demonstrate things they can draw - even helping the cat drawing escape the dog drawing. But will the cat ever get the wished for horse? 

Kids will want to try to draw all these things. I loved that the background is graph paper! I don't always like when the characters talk to the author or illustrator, but this one works. I called AJ over right away to read this with me and she loved it, too. She pointed out the simple changes that made the the shape into a cat, a squirrel, a beaver, a bunny and a dog and then looked for how that shape was incorporated into the other drawings. A bunch of fun. 

Lisa Librarian

Choosing Brave by Angela Joy and Janelle Washington - ESSENTIAL

Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Joy, illustrated by Janelle Washington. BIOGRAPHY Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). 2022 $20. 9781250220950 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mamie Till-Mobley was the mother of Emmett Till. She grew up in a town outside Chicago called Argo, where she graduated from High School top of her class. Emmett was her only child. He was a good boy, helpful, happy and responsible. After contracting Polio, Emmett had a stutter. His mother taught him to whistle to get his mind and tongue unstuck. When he visits family in the south and is killed, Mamie is brave, and does the hardest thing - she has his body sent back home and spends the rest of her life working for social change. 

There are other stories about Emmett Till for young readers (A Wreath for Emmett Till, Getting Away with Murder) but I especially loved Choosing Brave, as the focus was on Mamie and what she did rather than on the murder itself. Perfectly appropriate for a younger audience. I must say, I didn't love the illustrations, as they are a less traditional style, but they didn't detract from the story - just a personal preference. I think Choosing Brave is an important addition to both the middle school and elementary library. The characters are Black 

Lisa Librarian

Sometimes I Grumblesquinch by Rachel Vail and Hyewon Yum - ADVISABLE

Sometimes I Grumblesquinch by Rachel Vail and Hyewon Yum. PICTURE BOOK . Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2022. $19. 9781338751161

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Katie is a really nice kid. She always goes along nicely. She’s a good sport when she looses and never puts up a fuss if she can’t get what she wants. Her parents call her a pleasure. But inside, Katie has problems with her baby brother and sometimes she GRUMBLESQUICHes. She has to push her negative feelings down. One morning her brother does too many things to her, and she finally screams out her feelings. She thinks she has ruined everything with her parents. Will her parents forgive her?

Sometimes I Grumblesquinch is a great way to open up a conversation about having negative feelings. Most kids want to be good and this book normalizes sometimes feeling frustrated with others. Cute illustrations capture the concept.

PGPowers 

Holi Hai! by Chitra Soundar and Darshika Varma - ESSENTIAL

Holi Hai! by Chitra Soundar and Darshika Varma. PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman & Company, 2022. $17. 9780807533574 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

An Indian girl named Gauri is preparing to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, with her family. They each draw a color to prepare, and Gauri is upset to draw red instead of her favorite color yellow. The grandfather tells the tale of Prahlada from Indian mythology to explain why they celebrate Holi. Gauri realizes she needs to stop being angry in order to enjoy the celebration.

I had heard of the Indian Festival of Colors but had no idea why it was celebrated or what it meant. This book is a brilliant explanation of the mythology and current traditions surrounding the festival. Young children will be able to understand and appreciate the significance of this event in Indian culture. After the story, there is an additional explanation about the festival and a glossary for the Indian words used.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

I Don't Care by Julie Fogliano, +Molly Idle and juana Martinez-Neal - ESSENTIAL

I Don't Care by Julie Fogliano, illustrations by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal. PICTURE BOOK Neal Porter (Holiday House). 2022. $19. 9780823443451 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

These two girls don't care about each other's hair, or what their clothes look like or where they live or even about how they sing or draw. but they do care about the things that make them friends. I want to buy a copy for all of my childhood girlfriends! 

A beautiful book about friendship - and a guide for what makes a good friend. Molly Idle and Juana Martinez shared the illustrations (and they are actual friends.) AJ really liked it too - she thinks it would be a great book for her classroom, so the kids could see the best ways to be friends. 

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 7)  

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman - ADVISABLE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2022 (reprint, gift edition with a poster and 25th anniversary afterword). $25. 9780823452552

Content: PG (goblins, scares, gambling)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Hershel of Ostropol came into town on the first night of Hanukkah tired and hungry. But when he arrived, the village was silent and dark. Not a single Hanukkah candle could be seen. The villagers explained that they cannot have Hanukkah because of the Goblins haunting the synagogue at the top of the hill. Hershel decides to help the village. They tell him that he must spend eight nights in the old synagogue. The Hanukkah candles must be lit one by one each night. On the eighth night, the king of the goblins must light them himself to break their power. Hershel goes up to the synagogue and each night tricks each goblin and lights the candles. On the final night, will Hershel be able to trick the King of the goblins into lighting the candles himself?

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is delightful and clever. I enjoyed finding out how Hershel tricked each scary goblin. Hyman’s illustrations were magical and masterful.

PGPowers 

Drawing Outdoors by Jairo Buitrago and Rafael Yockteng - OPTIONAL

Drawing Outdoors by Jairo Buitrago and Rafael Yockteng. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2022. $19. 9781771648479

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Our school has almost nothing except a blackboard, some chairs, and a teacher. It is in the middle of nowhere. Today we are explorers and bring paper and pens to draw outside. The teacher points out a Brontosaurus. As we explore more we see a Triceratops, a Stegosaurus, a Triceratops, Pterodactyls, and a tyrannosaurus rex. On the way back to school we see other animals. As a little girl goes home she realizes that even though her school has nothing, it has a brontosaurus that’s as big as a mountain.

Drawing Outdoors has potential, but leaves the reader puzzling about the message of the story. It is too vague in conveying the message that any school with a dedicated teacher can take you on fantastical adventures and make school interesting.

PGPowers 

The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson and Leo Espinosa - ADVISABLE

The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Leo Espinosa PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin). 2022 $19. 9780399545498 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

It's the last day of school - the teachers told the kids to have a good summer, and they certainly will. Playing in the streets together from Breakfast until dinner was how the kids spent their summer days in Brooklyn. With the older kids looking out for the younger ones, the street is alive with kids. 

What an exciting time! Woodson doesn't say when, but the illustrations are evidence that it's the 60s-70s. The clothes, the bikes, the skates, the hairstyles - so nostalgic. I didn't grow up in Brooklyn, but I certainly remember having a similar experience in the summers of my childhood. Would make a fun conversation starter - do kids still play together like this? The characters are very diverse - the author is black and mentions kids speaking Spanish, English, Polish, German and Chinese. 

Lisa Librarian

My Name is Saajin Singh by Kuljnder Kaur Brar, illustrated by Samrath Kaur - ADVISABLE

My Name is Saajin Singh by Kuljnder Kaur Brar, illustrated by Samrath Kaur. PICTURE BOOK Annick. 2022 $19.00 9781773217055 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Saajin is so excited to start school. He's certain he will make a bunch of new friends. On the first day, when the teacher calls roll, she mispronounces Saajin's name. Soon all the kids are calling him Say-jin rather than Sah-jin. He doesn't correct anyone, but doesn't like the way his name sounds at school. When his dad hears him introduce himself as Say-jin they have a talk about how important Saajin's name is, and what it means. Sometimes grown-ups make mistakes and it's OK to correct them. 

Names are so important, and this is a perfect story about honoring a student's name pronunciation. Great adults, I loved the teacher's appropriate reaction when he finally said something. Kids will like this, but the message for teachers is essential. Learn to say their names! Saajin is Sikh. 

Lisa Librarian

The Twilight Library by Carmen Oliver and Miren Asiain Lora - OPTIONAL

The Twilight Library by Carmen Oliver and Miren Asiain Lora. PICTURE BOOK. NorthSouth Books, 2022. $19. 9780735844964

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

After the sun sets the animals are called to a story time. They enjoy listening to the story and then go home at dawn.

This is a dream-like reverie about story telling set in the forest woodland. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and mesh perfectly with the small amount of text to create the night time dreamlike atmosphere. There is no plot or activity in this story that will make young children interested in reading it more than once.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

Sometimes Love by Katrina Moore and Joy Hwang Ruiz - ADVISABLE

Sometimes Love by Katrina Moore and Joy Hwang Ruiz. PICTURE BOOK. Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin), 2022. $15. 9780593323823

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A young African American girl receives a puppy. The love between the girl and the dog grows as the girl gets older. The girl's mother is in the military and they have to move and leave the dog with someone else. Will they ever be reunited again?

I really enjoyed the beautiful message and pictures in this book. There are very few words but the words are very powerful. The message of the book comes from this line, "love through changes makes love grow. The author actually went through a similar experience and that is why she wrote the book.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino and Joy Hwang Ruiz - ADVISABLE

My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz. PICTURE BOOK Orchard Books (Scholastic). 2022. $18. 9781338811964 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A baby gets so much love from their mommies! Mommy and Mama each show how much love and care they give this baby in just one day. Feeding them, cleaning up after them, holding them and dancing, a car ride a bath, and all the wonderful things that accompany bedtime. Yes, this baby is certain "My Moms Love Me." 

Oh gosh! So nice. The illustrations were so sweet, a baby will love this - I read an ARC (thank you Scholastic for providing) and I hope they make a board book version. Adorable! Mommy and the baby are white, Mama is black. 

Lisa Librarian

I Want That! by Hannah Eliot and Ana Sanfelippo - HIGH

I Want That! by Hannah Eliot and Ana Sanfelippo. BOARD BOOK. Little Simon (Simon and Schuster), 2022. $10. 9781665911993

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

What does each baby want? What does the first baby want to eat? She chooses whatever food you choose for her to have by turning a wheel on the side of the book. The choices on this page are bananas, yogurt, cookie, cake, or avocados. What does the next baby want to wear on his head? What does the next baby smell that is stinky? What toy does the next baby want to play with. What will the next baby bring to play with him in the tub? The reader gets to choose each time.

I Want That! is very cute and interactive for a young child. A child can turn the wheel on the edge of each page until he finds the object that he wants the baby to choose. A child can read the book again and again and make different choices each time learning names of objects. I enjoy the creative illustrations where the object that the child chooses turns up on the next page with the baby using it.

PGPowers 

The Stars Will Be My Nightlight by Jen Halpern and Chiara Fedele - ADVISABLE

The Stars Will Be My Nightlight by Jen Halpern and Chiara Fedele. PICTURE BOOK. Kar-Ben (Lerner), 2022. $9 (paperback). 9781728439044

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A Jewish mom and her son talk about how they are going to sit in the sukkah that they have made to remind them that they are part of the Jewish people. The young boy asks if they can turn on the lights that decorate the sukkah. Then they read his bedtimes story and decide to sleep in the sukkah. It rains and the boy cries. The mother comforts him and tells him that the sukkah will keep them safe and warm like it did for their ancestors while they wandered the desert after leaving Egypt.

The Stars Will Be My Nightlight is a gentle, educational book on one of the Jewish traditions of Sukkot. I enjoyed learning about this religious tradition through a tender family story and beautiful, heartfelt illustrations.

PGPowers 

Hug a Bug: How You Can Help Protect Insects by Bonnie Worth and Aristides Ruiz - ADVISABLE

Hug a Bug: How You Can Help Protect Insects by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz. PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION, Random House. 2022. $10. 9780593487211 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The Lorax (Dr. Seuss' environmental hero) is back to teach us about insects. They pollinate, the eat other pests or weeds, and some are even food for larger animals. Insects, like monarch butterflies are losing their habitat. Butterflies are pollinators as are bees. Weed killer can also kill bees. Ladybugs help control aphids, other insects help break down dead animals. 

The text is reminiscent of Seuss rhymes, as are the illustrations. I liked the "did you know" text boxes that also show photographs of the insects. Pictures are also incorporated into the illustrations which is cool. Includes tips for how you can help, instructions for making a bee house, link to relevant organizations and websites as well as a glossary and an index. 

Lisa Librarian

The Youngest Sister by Suniyay Moreno and Mariana Chiesa - OPTIONAL

The Youngest Sister by Suniyay Moreno and Mariana Chiesa. PICTURE BOOK Greystone, 2022. $19. 9781771648752 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Picu is the youngest sister, so when jobs are assigned, she is sent on a two hour walk to pick up a soup bone. She arrives and picks up the bone, but returning home Picu is distracted by a shady tree and a flock of butterflies and loses sight of the path. By the time she finds her way home, it's much later that it should be and she knows she's in bad trouble. 

I liked that this was a depiction of an indigenous family, and I think children will relate to Picu getting distracted, and hoping to win a prize. Translated from Argentine Spanish, but written as though it were spoken in Quechua made the writing style different, the story felt choppy and disconnected. I was glad for the translators note and the glossary. 

The characters are an Argentinean Quechua community 

Lisa Librarian

Beneath the Trees: A Fine Summer by Dav - OPTIONAL

Beneath the Trees: A Fine Summer by Dav. PICTURE BOOK. Magnetic Press, 2022. $17. 9781951719548

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Owl's treehouse is right next to a swimming hole. Young animals come to swim and make quite a bit of noise. How will Owl solve this problem?

This is the third book of a four book series. Each book takes place in the same forest but is set in different seasons with different animals as characters. Each book can be read independently. Dav has written in graphic novel form with illustrations that are reminiscent of older Disney movies (like Robin Hood and The Rescuers). The book was sweet and would be engaging for younger readers, I am just not sure that I would spend my library money on it.

Tracie, Elementary School librarian 

What to Bring by Lorna Schultz Nicholson and Ellen Rooney - NO

What to Bring by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, illustrated by Ellen Rooney. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, March 2023. $22. 9781771474900 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, (K-3) EL - NO 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A wildfire is coming and the little girl’s family is packing up to leave. She wants to bring everything, because everything is important to her. But, in the end, she whispers to her mom what she wants to bring. 

I am so confused! I have read this three times – my assistant read it three times and we still don’t see what she wanted to bring. If it was her family, then clue us in, please. No need to be so secretive. While a class might discuss this and have their own ideas, I am not a fan of the guessing game for this particular book. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan (with her dad) by Channing Tatum and Kim Barnes - ADVISABLE

The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan (with her dad) by Channing Tatum, illustrated by Kim Barnes PICTURE BOOK Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan). 2022 $19. 9781250750761 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Sparkella is hosting a sleepover and needs her dad to help her build a castle. She has some very specific ideas about this castle. However, the supplies she needs are not readily available, so cardboard will have to do. But it doesn't - and Sparkella is disappointed. But dad has some great ideas! 

Sparkly and glittery illustrations that aren't actual sparkles and glitter. I'm so impressed. Sparkella is such a darling girl, inventive and imaginative. I know several little girls who will be loving this series. Sparkella and her dad are white. 

Lisa Librarian

Home of the Wild by Louise Greig and Julia Moscardo - ADVISABLE

Home of the Wild by Louise Greig and Julia Moscardo. PICTURE BOOK, Floris Books 2021. $18. 9781782507130 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a young boy brings an orphaned fawn home to care for, his mother warns him that it's only temporary - until the fawn is strong, home isn't a place for wild things. The boy and the fawn become great friends, and soon the fawn is strong enough to survive on its own. The boy is very sad. When a great storm comes, the boy tries to find the fawn, and gets himself lost in the forest. 

Beautiful illustrations - oh the landscapes and the wild places, I want to visit them! Such a sweet story about love and friendship and letting go; it's hopeful and heartwarming. 

The boy and his mother are Scottish.

Lisa Librarian

When You Take a Step by Bethanie Deeney Murguia - ADVISABLE

When You Take a Step by Bethanie Deeney Murguia. PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane (Simon and Schuster). 2022. $19.  9781534473676 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A Step begins a journey. You go out into the world, you might crunch through leaves, or make a new friend. You get braver, you learn, you see things, you may even dream. 

Brilliant illustrations in red and black and white - with only a few words on each page, the story unfolds and grows. When You Take a Step is inspirational and empowering. A diverse cast of characters. 

Lisa Librarian

My Baba's House: A Poem of Hope by Dr. Amani Mugasa, illustrated by Eman Salem - GIFT

My Baba's House: A Poem of Hope by Dr. Amani Mugasa, illustrated by Eman Salem. PICTURE BOOK,  Kube Publishing. 2022. $13. 9780860378617 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), GIFT 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A Muslim child's parent has passed away, and these words of comfort help them negotiate the grief, and directs their focus to deeds they can do that will benefit the deceased parent. The child's faithful parent, Baba, has built a house, with the help of Allah, and the good things the child does, like smile and pray help to make that house nice for an eventual reunion. 

A poem which feels very meditative, addresses the reader as You. I can see how it can help open discussion and is hopeful. Would certainly make a nice gift to a Muslim child who has lost a loved one. The characters are Islamic.

Lisa Librarian

Construction Site: Farming Strong, All Year Long by Sherri Dusky Rinker and Ag Ford - ADVISABLE

Construction Site: Farming Strong, All Year Long by Sherri Dusky Rinker and Ag Ford. PICTURE BOOK Chronicle/Blue Apple. 2022 $18. 9781797213873 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A whole year on a farm is a busy busy time. It's time to learn about all the great equipment that keeps a farm going! Tractors and a pick up truck, a dump truck, bulldozer, cement mixer a little Skid Steer and oh so many attachments - a hay baler, plow, spreader, planter and many more. 

 A farm loving kid will adore this wonderful addition to the Construction Site books. 

Lisa Librarian

A Synagogue Just Like Home by Alice Blumenthal McGinty and Laurel Molk - OPTIONAL

A Synagogue Just Like Home by Alice Blumenthal McGinty, illustrated by Laurel Molk. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2022. $19. 9781536210866

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The rabbi wants to give his congregation a gift for Shabbat, so he plugs drafty windows with tablecloths, tries his best with the creaky floorboards, and uses challah to stuff a leaky faucet. While each fix seems to hold, soon it becomes apparent the synagogue needs more tender loving care. When the entire congregation steps in to share the work, everything gets fixed correctly.

Rabbi Reuben comes off as a kind-hearted, but clumsy leader, who needs lots of help and guidance for practical matters. While not to the point of Amelia Bedelia in his antics, he comes close. If your school has a Jewish influence, this might be notable, or for a collection of wide-ranging religious picture books. Though, I wonder about treating the rabbi as a bumbler. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Small but Mighty: Why Earth's Tiny Creatures Matter by Kendra Brown, and Catarina Oliveira - ADVISABLE

Small but Mighty: Why Earth's Tiny Creatures Matter by Kendra Brown, illustrated by Catarina Oliveira. PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Owl Kids. 2021. $19.00 9781771474313 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Many of the smallest animals are called Keystone Species. This is because they are critical to the survival of other species. Krill eat phytoplankton, and then lots of other sea life eat krill. Leafcutter ants are small but mighty because they live in such large colonies. They help enrich the soil which keeps our rainforests healthy. Fireflies use a chemical reaction to produce light, scientists would love to create lightbulbs that do the same.

A combination of photographs and illustrations perfectly accompany the informative text. I love the "Actual Size" details which compare the small animal to something everyday (a termite is tinier than your pinky fingernail.). There's a reasonable amount of text, but not so much that a 3rd or 4th grader couldn't easily navigate.  Love this fun non-fiction.

Lisa Librarian

Loud Mouse by Cara Mentzel, Idina Menzel, and Jaclyn Sinquett - ADVISABLE

Loud Mouse: How a little mouse found her big voice ... by Cara Mentzel and Idina Menzel, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett PICTURE BOOK Disney/Hyperion. 2022. $18. 9781368078061 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Dee loves to sing! She sings all the time, but usually to herself. Today, however, Miss Pink has asked each student to bring something to school that symbolizes what they like to do. So, Dee brought a song, and boy, did she sing it loud! In fact, her voice was so big, Dee started to grow. By the end of her song, she was much bigger than anyone in her class (including the teacher.) Her size was a problem, in chorus class, PE, even recess. As Dee's joy faded, her size returned to normal. Now, Dee is afraid to sing again. 

A cute story about embracing yourself and your talents, and owning your joy. The illustrations were cute - all of the characters are animals, Dee and her family are mice. I was excited to see this as I am a fan of Idina Menzel. Loud Mouse is well written and sweet.

Lisa Librarian

Deborah's Tree by Jane Yolen and Cosei Kawa - ADVISABLE

Deborah's Tree by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Cosei Kawa. PICTURE BOOK. Kar-Ben Publishing (Lerner), 2022. $20. 9781728438955 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Deborah grows up living in a tent under the shade of a date palm. Her parents are religious and she learns psalms and other laws and scripture. At age five, he discovers she has a unique gift of seeing the future. At age ten she dreams a vision of a war to come. Deborah marries Lapidot who make lanterns and lights. She now lives in a house with her own grove of date palms. She loves to sit under the date palm as she studies the law. Deborah becomes the first women judge in Israel because of how well she knows the law and of her future visions. Many people come to her while she sits under her tree for her wisdom and advice. Israel is preparing for war, and she writes to the General. The general visits her and she tells him what she sees. 

Deborah’s Tree is a beautiful retelling of the story of Deborah found in the Torah and the Old Testament. It was refreshing to read about a woman judge in ancient Israel. Enjoyable soft illustrations, both innovative and colorful, envelope the reader. 

 PGPowers 

The Bad Day by Frann Preston-Gannon - OPTIONAL

 The Bad Day by Frann Preston-Gannon. PICTURE BOOK. Templar (Candlewick), 2022. $19. 9781536223781 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Each of the forest animals is in a predicament – especially little mouse who is in Fox’s belly. Only by working together can they right all of the wrongs and release Mouse, too. 

The singy-songy rhyming is a weird choice for this book about a bad day. As I read it aloud, I felt like I was being tone-deaf to the mishaps and mouse’s peril. For an older creative writing class I could see this as a good exercise for re-writing the text as a better narrative. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Mr. Grey and Frieda Frolic by Binette Schroeder - ADVISABLE

Mr. Gray and Frieda Frolic by Binette Schroeder. PICTURE BOOK. NorthSouth Books Inc, 2021. $18. 9780735844735

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mr. Grey is content to live a very structured dreary way of life. Everything in his life is fading. His canary is turning grey, and his dog no longer wags his tail. His neighbor Frieda Frolic bothers him constantly with her colorful yard and the noise she makes gardening, singing, and laughing. He feels her pig Rosa is especially annoying. One day Frieda is painting a bird and it flies off her canvas and into Mr. Grey’s window. Frieda knocks on Mr. Grey’s door to try to get her bird back. Mr. Grey is upset at first, but then Freida takes off her glasses and Mr. Grey notices that she has beautiful grey-blue eyes. Will Mr. Grey make some changes?

Mr. Grey and Frieda Frolic captures the transformation that comes when a person’s life is lifted and enhanced by another. This cute story is well written and delightfully depicted by beautiful illustrations.

PGPowers 

Diwali in my New Home by Shachi Kaushik and Aishwarya Tandon - ADVISABLE

Diwali in my New Home by Shachi Kaushik, illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon. PICTURE BOOK. Beaming Books, 2022. $19. 9781506484075 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Priya loves Diwali, but in her new American town no one else celebrates it. What can she do to help her family make this Diwali special and feel like home? Though Priya is the ony one whose family celebrates Diwali , Tandom has added a lovely panoply of diverse characters within Priya’s school and in her neighborhood. A lovely addition to any well-rounded school collection about holidays. If I taught geography at any level, I would keep this holiday on my calender. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Best Christmas Book Ever by Richard Scarry - ESSENTIAL

Best Christmas Book Ever by Richard Scarry. PICTURE BOOK. Golden Books (Random House), 1981 (reprint 2022). $18. 9780593487624

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This classic story has been reprinted with 11 short Christmas stories illustrated with charm. Lowly the Worm is a character you will see in all the stories helping everyone from Santa to other animal friends get out of Holiday predicaments. The final 2 pages have a Christmas word illustration and a song with music included of the well know song Silent Night.

I was a huge Richard Scarry fan as a child. The illustrations are still relevant and timeless. The stories are silly and charming which is what makes it such a classic. My only criticism is Santa doesn't have a beard in the illustration. I guess he is a bear though. It just threw me off a little bit. I like how the text and the illustrations run together in seeable sections so you know what to read next. Let's share this timeless tale with the next generation.

Emilee-School Librarian 

The New Rooster by Rilla Alexander - OPTIONAL

The New Rooster by Rilla Alexander. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $19. 9781534493452

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Rooster has emigrated to a new country to be the rooster at a hotel. He tries to wake up the occupants of the hotel by crowing, but it does not work. Nothing he tries makes the animals in the hotel wake up. Will he have to go back to his own country?

The New Rooster is a brightly colored book with few words. I enjoyed the message that we are all universally the same. Readers will be exposed to several different languages in this book. It is a bright and engaging with a cute message, but I don't think young readers will reread this on their own.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Dragon Noodle Party by Ying Chang Compestine and Paula Pang - OPTIONAL

Dragon Noodle Party by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Paula Pang. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2022. $19. 9780823449507 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Each of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac hurries up the hill with something for the Noodle Party – except snake, because he is the guest of honor. Each animal has a single, short sentence and two page spread and the story ends abruptly with snake being celebrated. 

I was underwhelmed by the story, and confused why a book coming out at the end of 2022 would celebrate snake, whose year isn’t until 2024. While the illustrations are cute, they don’t compensate for the unfulfilling tale. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Maurice by Jessixa Bagley - NO

Maurice by Jessixa Bagley. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, May 2023. $18. 9781797211732 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - NO 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Maurice, a dog, makes a humble living playing his accordion on the streets of Paris. His money goes to keeping his life and feeding his best friends – the birds. When the coins start drying up, Maurice has to let his friends go – but they also take the music with them. 

The cute case cover looks like an accordion. Otherwise, I don’t know why anyone would read Maurice’s story to children. The problems of adulthood will not resonate with most of them. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Witches of Brooklyn: S'more Magic by Sophie Escabasse - ESSENTIAL

Witches of Brooklyn: S'more Magic by Sophie Escabasse, 211 pages. RH Graphic (Penguin Random House), 2022. $21.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Young Effie, the witch-in-training, is not pleased that her aunts are sending her off to a sleep-away witches camp for the summer. They insist she'll learn a lot and have a great experience but they don't mention glowing green hands, mean fellow campers, swimming and the plethora of other good and not-so-good things in store. Effie finds camp to be definitely strange--but what does one expect surrounded by witches?

I absolutely love this graphic novel series and this third book has been my favorite of the bunch. Its part classic "summer camp" story mixed with the fun witch-y magic I've come to expect from Ms. Escabasse's books. Great characters, wonderful illustrations, a fun story arc--this one ticks all the boxes. This was one graphic novel I wished would go on for another 100 pages of adventure!

Reviewer: TC

The Midnight Club by Shane Goth, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang - ADVISABLE

The Midnight Club by Shane Goth, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. PICTURE BOOK. Owlkids Books, 2021. $19. 9781771473941

BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Two sisters awake at midnight to have adventures together while the rest of the house sleeps. They eat Dad's jellybeans, try on Mom's coat, and make shadows on the wall from the glare of the streetlights. The key part of the fun is keeping their "Midnight Club" a secret between sisters. 

This is a nice picture book that celebrates sibling friendship. I was not wowed by it upon a first read-through, but the sweetness of the story grew on me after a few times through the book. I think younger readers will enjoy the idea of being up when the parents are asleep, and everybody can appreciate the illustrations with their beautiful muted coloring to simulate night time light. 

Reviewer: TC

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex and Lian Cho - OPTIONAL

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex and Lian Cho. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, May 2023. $17. 9781797207940 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

You are quietly minding your business, but oh no – the aunts have arrived! They sweep into your life like a tornado and have definite plans to interrupt your life. Everything they do seems to be maximumly annoying. Then danger arrives and the aunts sweep in to save the day.

At first a very silly and funny, and not unexpected ode to aunts (think Geico aunts ad) until something very unexpected happens – laugh out loud funny. Cute end papers of t-shirts as ode to aunts. I am a bit unsure how popular it will – except among the aunt crowd. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Firefighter Flo! By Andrea Zimmerman and Dan Yaccarino - ADVISABLE

Firefighter Flo! By Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2022. $19. 9780823451579

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

When the alarm rings, Flo takes her team to the rescue. Another fun firefighting book with a woman as chief! 

The bouncy rhyming makes for a spirited read. Pair this with Fire Chief Fran by Linda Ashman and any other fun fire books you have. 

 Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck and Reem Madooh - OPTIONAL

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck, illustrated by Reem Madooh. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, March 2023. $19. 9781797202051

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The girls await the return of their father, who regales them each night with stories, especially of his youth in Old Jerusalem. Their favorite is of their grandfather – and of the last day he spent with his grandfather – a day spent together before Palestinians were driven out of Jerusalem.

Moushabeck’s story and framing are best for those familiar with Palestinian history – small children will have less context, which is why it might be of more interest to older classes, if they read it with a teacher’s direction. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS