Yoshi Sea Turtle Genius by Lynne Cox and Richard Jones - HIGH

Yoshi: Sea Turtle Genius by Lynne Cox and Richard Jones. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION Anne Schwartz Books. 2023. $19. 9780593425688 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

Yoshi the turtle cracks through her egg on a beach in Australia and avoids predators until she reaches the safety of a raft of brown algae in the ocean. When she was five years old she was caught in a net . A fisherman saw her struggling and saved her. For a month, the fisherman tended to her gash and wounds feeding her squid. He brought her to an aquarium in South Africa. They decided to keep her. She lived 20 years in the aquarium until they started exercising her so that she could return to the ocean. They put a tracker on her. People all over the world watched her progress. Where was Yoshi going? She swam 22,998 miles in twenty-six months to Australia setting the record for the longest swim of any animal in history. 

Yoshi: Sea Turtle Genius is an exciting, beautiful true story. Cox teaches us facts about sea turtles in her heart-warming narrative. I also enjoyed the pretty, soothing, watery illustrations. I liked the interesting fact sheet at the end of the book for more information. There is mild violence of crabs and foxes eating baby sea turtles. 

PGPowers

Cardboardia #2: This Side Up by Richard Fairgray and Lucy Campagnolo - OPTIONAL

Cardboardia #2: This Side Up by Richard Fairgray and Lucy Campagnolo, 108 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL TGM Development Corp. Pixel+Ink.. 2022. $21 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Bird, Mac, and Maisie have been rescued in The Cardboard by the Witches. They are being pressured to play the board game, Cardboardia, so they can save the land from the Grey Queen. Unfortunately, they can't play since they don't have the rules or Mac's little sister, Pokey, who is lost. Danger only increases as the Grey Queen and her guards close in on them. 

The story is a good premise. Who wouldn't want to be able to enter a cardboard box and end up in a magical world. The art is colorful and fun. It's a little confusing in places though. The size is problematic since it's picture book size. It also seems short. I just get interested in the story and the book is done, leaving the storyline up in the air. The characters are diverse, though background is never specified. 

Michelle in the Middle

Kid Confident #2: How to Master Your Mood by Lenka Glassman, PsyD and DeAndra Hodge - ESSENTIAL

Kid Confident #2: How to Master Your Mood  by Lenka Glassman, PsyD, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge, 304 pages. NON-FICTION, Young Adult Magination Press. 2022. $17 

Content: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

If you've ever felt sad and can't explain why or wonder why you can be on a roller coaster of emotions, or even why everything embarrasses you, this book will help you understand yourself and put you in control. 

 Packed with information about brain science, true stories and mental health information. While you can skip around and read only sections that may be of most interest to you, the layout is fantastic and will suck you in. There are cool additions in every chapter of fun facts, calls to action, pro-tips, and take aways. The illustrations make this super readable, and the skills taught in this book would ultimately benefit any age group. This is part of a series, and well worth a spot on a bookshelf. Illustrations reflect a wide swath of diversity. 

 Michelle in the Middle

The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda by Shoshana Nambi, illustrated by Moran Yogev - ADVISABLE

The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda by Shoshana Nambi, illustrated by Moran Yogev. PICTURE BOOK Kalaniot Books 2022. $20. 9781735087580 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Shoshi and her brothers love the Holiday of Sukkot - where they celebrate the Jewish peoples' journey through the desert to Israel. Part of the weeklong celebration includes a competition between families in the village to see who can make the most beautiful sukkah, which is a hut. During the week, they take turns visiting each other in their sukkas. Everyone has different talents, which are reflected in their designs. But when a big rainstorm causes damage, the village works together to rebuild the one most ruined. 

I liked this story! I liked how the community was all about who would win the competition and complaining about the guy who bought all his decorations until they had to come together. Soshi's family is adorable, and the illustrations really brought that out. I loved the simple details on her dress and her beautiful eyelashes. The characters are an Abayudayan Jewish Community in Uganda. 

Lisa Librarian

Birds on Wishbone Street by Suzanne Del Rizzo - ADVISABLE

Birds on Wishbone Street by Suzanne Del Rizzo. PICTURE BOOK Pajama Press Inc. 2021. $19 9781772782196 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Moe is an elementary-aged girl who lives in a very diverse neighborhood on Wishbone Street. A new boy named Sami moves in from Syria. Moe wants to befriend Sami and share her love of birds with him. She discovers that Sami loves birds just as much as she does! 

I really enjoyed this story!  The message is that we can find similarities with anyone, even if they are from a different place. The illustrations are all polymer clay artwork made by the author/illustrator and they are so intriguing! This book would be great for a read-aloud for first through third grades. Mo is presumably white and Sami is Syrian. Many other cultures are represented in this book. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

How Birds Sleep by David Obuchowski and Sarah Pedry - ESSENTIAL

How Birds Sleep by David Obuchowski, illustrated by Sarah Pedry. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Astra/Boyds Mill. 2023. $18. 9781662650970 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Like other living things, birds need rest, too. But did you know there are birds who sleep while floating on the ocean? Birds who sleep while gliding on air currents? And what about the ones who sleep standing on one leg? Some birds sleep in groups, others all by themselves, and they sleep in nests, on branches, and on telephone lines, there's even a bird that makes its nest by sewing leaves together. 

Interesting information, and well presented. Each bird is identified by Name, scientific name, and where it can be found, and is accompanied by a gorgeous illustration of the bird (or birds) asleep - on the waves, in its nest, or wherever, in beautiful shades of night.  Includes an author's note with more information, including what sleep is. I can see some great class discussions following the sharing of How Birds Sleep. It would also make a fantastic bedtime story!

Lisa Librarian

Aviva vs. the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe - OPTIONAL

Aviva vs. the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe, 176 pages. Levine Querido. 2022. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (talk about menstruation); Violence: PG (physical altercation with an adult, anti-semitic symbols, and racist language). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Everything changed when Aviva's father died. It was years ago, but 12yo Aviva and her mother are still grief-stricken. Now they live in a small apartment above the mikveh they manage. Aviva is haunted by a Dybbuk, a ghostly figure which causes all sorts of trouble. Kayla and Aviva used to be best friends, but lately, they are practically enemies. When a game of machanayim gets out of hand and someone gets hurt, the principal punishes Kayla and Aviva by requiring them to work together. They must make the upcoming Bas Mitzvah exciting for the rest of the girls, and because Aviva's mother won't let her go to Kayla's house, Kayla must come over to the mikveh. 

Mental health, religion, a ghost story, grief, anti-semitism in the community - there is a lot going on in Aviva vs. the Dybbuk. I found the story intriguing and appreciated the glossary at the end as the plot and most of the characters are members of an Orthodox Jewish community, and I am unfamiliar with their culture. I didn't love the cover, although it represents one of the opening scenes in the story, the plot doesn't go back there, and I don't think it will draw patrons to the book. While I appreciate the story, I think it will be much more appealing to readers with more cultural background knowledge. 

Lisa Librarian 

Our World is a Family by Miry Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson - ADVISABLE

Our World is a Family by Miry Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson, illustrated by Nomar Perez. PICTURE BOOK. Sourcebooks Explore, 2022.  $18.  9781728231839

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Whitehall and Jackson wrote a gentle and welcoming introduction to the global issue of migration and the many reasons why people move to different places. They give readers lots of concrete ways to be good neighbors to those around them, even if they are different from them.

I picked up this book because I liked the multicultural and inclusive cover and I had high hopes for the story. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of migration to littles and serves as an easy entry to a lot of current events and issues. 

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illlustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter - ADVISABLE

Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illlustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter. 150 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic). 2023. $13 

Content: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Avery Lee is one of seven siblings. Avery longs for a room of her own amid the chaos, noise, and needs of her siblings. Avery is graduating into middle school, trying to balance friendships and her art, and scheming how to make money for a new room, when she finds out her family may be moving across the country. 

The depiction of Avery's family life is awesome, especially because it could have been largely negative. It was nice to see a loving and supporting large family in YA fiction, because functional families seem like an endangered species. The characters and situations rang true and Avery's story is a nice slice of life that highlights themes of growing up, friendship, and family. The culture could be Asian, but is not specific. 

Michelle in the Middle

Varenka by Bernadette Watts - ADVISABLE

Varenka by Bernadette Watts PICTURE BOOK NorthSouth Books 1971, New edition 2022. $18. 9780735845077 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - AVERAGE 

Varenka is a widow living in Russia during a time of war. She stays in her home to help others as they flee the fighting. She prays to God to build a wall around her home to hide her from the oncoming soldiers. A miracle occurs to save her and those with her from being found. 

Watts is English, but her illustrations seem to draw from Russian iconography in the appearance of the characters. I liked this heartfelt story about facing the sadness and loss caused by war with bravery and faith in God. To my limited knowledge of Russian culture and history, this seems like a well-presented tribute to both Russian art and storytelling. The illustrations are vivid and create an atmosphere that supports the emotions of the text. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Rock? Plant? Animal?: How Nature Keeps Us Guessing by Etta Kaner illustrated by Brittany Lane - ESSENTIAL

Rock? Plant? Animal?: How Nature Keeps Us Guessing by Etta Kaner illustrated by Brittany Lane. PICTURE BOOK Owlkids Books Inc. 2022. $19. 9781771474443 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

This book invites children to be nature detectives. A brief definition for rock, plant, and animal is given and then illustrations challenge the reader to decide, "Rock? Plant? Animal?" Some of the choices are familiar but a few will be new even to the adults. 

This book is challenging and would need to be read aloud to the younger grades. This is a non-fiction scientific picture book. The Lexile is higher than many picture books due to the vocabulary required to describe the entries. There is even a glossary at the end. I like the illustrations because they are accurate and help show how nature camouflages itself from predators or prey. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Josephine and her Dishwashing Machine by Katie Hannigan and Sarah Green - ESSENTIAL

Josephine and her Dishwashing Machine by Katie Hannigan and Sarah Green. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2023. $19. 9781635926217

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Josephine hated that hand-washing was ruining her fine china. She was determined to find a gentler way to clean her dishes, plus hopefully free herself from the wrinkled hands and the time commitment to handwashing. It took her more than a decade of experimentation, but she was able to patent her design and eventually find investors to bring her dream to life.

What an interesting look into the life of an unfamiliar inventor! Hannigan not only gives us a woman to emulate, but shows the highs and lows of the design and experimentation process – success does not come overnight!

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Little Red and the Big Bad Editor by Rebecca Kraft Rector and Shanda McCloskey - ESSENTIAL

Little Red and the Big Bad Editor by Rebecca Kraft Rector and Shanda McCloskey PICTURE BOOK Aladdin. 2022. $19. 9781534469297

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Little Red receives a cape as a gift from Granny. She quickly writes a thank you note, grabs a basket of goodies, and sets off to deliver them to Granny. But, oh no, Mr. Wolf is waiting along her path to eat her up. Fortunately, every time he threatens to do so, he is distracted by an error in her thank you note that must be corrected. Little Red gets away with her letter and goodies all the way to Granny's, but Mr. Wolf follows her there. 

This picture book is so clever in so many ways. Little Red is a modern heroine in her pink striped leggings and spiked skateboarding helmet. The rhythm of the text creates tension as Mr. Wolf makes his appearances. The similes used are creative and have a Southern USA flair that reflects the background of the author. Also, the book teaches letter-writing skills through the explanations delivered by Mr. Wolf, the editor. The illustrations are packed with little details that add energy and complexity. Little Red has tan skin, tightly corkscrewed red hair, and freckles. Granny is darker brown skinned. So the overall impression is that Little Red would be a biracial character. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek - OPTIONAL

Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, illustrated by Richard Jones. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2022. $20. 9781536203035

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (4-6), MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Two poets play with language and imagination in this picture book that is divided into the four elements - fire, water, air, and earth.

Even though this is a picture book, I would hesitate to use this with younger audiences because I don’t think they would fully understand the abstract nature. It could be used with older students (MS/HS) as a mentor text for creative writing classes or units on poetry, but I would imagine it would have a low appeal to most kid audiences in a school library.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

Luminous: living things that light up the night by Julia Kuo - OPTIONAL

Luminous: living things that light up the night by Julia Kuo. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2022. $19. 9781771648882

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Kuo takes us through the world of bioluminescent creatures.

If ever a book needed a little sparkle – this is it. Each time I turned the page, I hoped for a shimmery experiences. Instead, all of the illustrations are flat looking and uninspiring. While the text is well-written and informative in all of the best ways, the illustrations are disappointing.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Green Piano by Roberta Flack, Tonya Bolden, and Hayden Godman - ADVISABLE

The Green Piano: how little me found music by Roberta Flack, Tonya Bolden, and Hayden Godman. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Anne Schwartz Books (Random House), 2023. $19. 9780593479872

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The music was in Roberta from the time she was born. She was able to take a few piano lessons, but dreamed of a piano of her own. When her daddy spies a piano in the junkyard, he is determined to fix it up and save it for Roberta – her very own bright green piano. First the piano and then her song – on to become a Grammy-winning artist.

I love that Roberta wants everyone to know her story – that even someone who started out poor can still chase their dreams. Fun for a music class, Black studies, Women studies, or just for a chance to enjoy.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Real Riley Mayes by Rachel Elliott - ADVISABLE

The Real Riley Mayes by Rachel Elliott, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL HarperCollins. 2022. $13. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

5th grader Riley had one friend, but they moved. Now, everyone is already in their groups and Riley, who really likes to draw is on her own. Her favorite thing to draw? Joy Powers, a comedian. So, when the teacher assigns the class to write a letter to someone they admire, Riley knows exactly who to send it to, but Riley draws, she doesn't write, and this letter is important. But when Cate, a classmate offers to help write the letter, and a new boy moves into the class - Riley might be on track to make some friends. Until Whitney starts a rumor about her, and Riley wonders if it might be true. 

The Real Riley Mayes is a wonderful story about finding your true self. Riley learns some great lessons about navigating new friendships and apologizing when things go terribly wrong. Elliott's illustrations are darling and fun. Riley's new friend Aaron has 2 dads, and Riley questions her identity. 

Lisa Librarian    

Tiptoe Tiger by Jane Clarke and Britta Teckentrup - OPTIONAL

Tiptoe Tiger by Jane Clarke, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press), 2021.  $18. 9781536227505

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Tara the Tiger is wide awake and she wants to find someone in the jungle to play with before bed time. Will she find a playmate or will she forget to tiptoe quietly and scare everyone away?

This is a cute story for Pre-K, with plenty of opportunities for the children to be a part of the reading. It's a great nighttime story, however, the neon illustrations are a little grating on the eyes. It’s probably too young for an elementary school library.

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

A Take-Charge Girl Blazes a Trail to Congress by Gretchen Woelfle and Rebecca Gibbon - ADVISABLE

A Take-Charge Girl Blazes a Trail to Congress: the story of Jeanette Rankin by Gretchen Woelfle and Rebecca Gibbon. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2023. $19. 9781662680120

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

From her childhood on a Montana ranch, Jeanette knew hard work. From her travels to San Francisco and New York, she saw the hardships of women and children. After tirelessly campaigning for women to be allowed to vote in Montana, she decided to take it a step further and run for Congress herself – and she won! She was the first woman to be elected to Congress.

Great back matter gives more details of Rankin’s life and work. An excellent choice for any picture book collection.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ice Cream Man by Glenda Armand, Kim Freeman, and Keith Mallett - ESSENTIAL

Ice Cream Man: how Augustus Jackson made a sweet treat better by Glenda Armand, Kim Freeman, and Keith Mallett. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Crown (Random House), 2023. $19. 9780593563229

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Augustus was born to poor, free Black parents in 1808. He showed a talent for cooking and learned how to make ice cream when he worked in the White House. Later he decided to open his own ice cream store so that anyone with a. bit of money could try the creamy dessert. He is the one who learned that rock salt was the key to making ice cream faster and keeping it cold long enough to ship. His feats earned him the moniker of “Father of Ice Cream”.

Such a great story. Includes a simple recipe for making ice cream quickly in plastic bags. What a great way to share ice cream making with students. Change up that old butter making lesson plan with ice cream!

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Star Explodes by James Gladstone and Yaara Eshet - ADVISABLE

A Star Explodes: the story of supernova 1954 by James Gladstone and Yaara Eshet. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Owlkids, 2023. $22. 9781771474986

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Back in 1054, the light from a star that exploded thousands of years ago finally reached earth’s sky – seen by people all over the world. With the advent of telescopes and better technology, the remnants of that exploded star were named the Crab Nebula. Astronomers still study it today, as the nebula keeps expanding.

I love that with a little internet search I can see that the explosion was recorded in China, Japan, in European countries, and the Middle East. A nicely written, simple explanation that has many uses in various levels of science classrooms – anywhere teachers talk about space, stars, telescopes.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Kalamata’s Kitchen: Taste Buds in Harmony by Sarah Thomas and Jo Kosmides Edwards - OPTIONAL

Kalamata’s Kitchen: Taste Buds in Harmony by Sarah Thomas, illustrated by Jo Kosmides Edwards.  PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children’s Books (Penguin Random House), 2022. $18. 9780593307953

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) - OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Kalamata and her friends are trying to practice their dance routine for an upcoming talent show, but they keep getting side-tracked by different things each person wants in the performance. To solve their problem, they take a magical journey to discover how different ingredients bring different things to Malaysian cooking. Likewise, each of them brings something special to their dance performance and together they make magic. 

The illustrations are bright and engaging. This could be a fun book in a school library for Southeast Asian/Pacific Island culture, or in a secondary Foods class to talk about introductory Food science. It is sort of a niche topic, but the overall message about working together, despite differences, is one that will appeal to all ages. 

Kiera, BookswithBeddes

The Moon from Dehradun by Shirin Shamsi and Tarun Lak - OPTIONAL

The Moon from Dehradun: a story of partition by Shirin Shamsi and Tarun Lak. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2022. $19. 9781665906791

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL; MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The girl’s family has lived in Dehradun for generations. But something has changed and they must quickly, in the middle of the night, leave their home and travel 100’s of miles to a new home. They leave so fast and are so scared that she can’t even go back for her doll that was accidentally left behind. Through the days of their journey, she sees the danger, the feelings of hopelessness and sadness in the faces around her. When she finds a doll left behind by another girl, she hopes that her doll is also being cherished.

I am unsure where a picture book about the partitioning of India would go in the elementary curriculum. I will add it to my middle school collection, because we talk about refugees in several places. My World Geography teachers can also use this in their classroom library during their study of the Indian subcontinent.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781665906791

Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein and Jing Li - ADVISABLE

Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein and Jing Li. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin, 2022. $18. 9780593384459

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

As each child is teased a little about their “exotic” lunch, they go home and ask for a sandwich instead. But they quickly get bored of sandwiches and proudly bring their food of choice the next week.

Based on the real childhood experiences of four chefs! I love the heartfelt interactions and the pride each child shows in their heritage. Great for those first days of school when kids may or may not yet appreciate what each other brings for lunch from home.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee - ADVISABLE

Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee, 288 pages. Random House. 2022. $17 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (racist language). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Maizy is visiting her grandparents in Last Chance, Minnesota for the first time. They own a Chinese restaurant called the Golden Palace, and it's a town favorite. She and her mom just planned to stay for a bit - Opa is sick, and maybe Mom being there can help him get better, but a couple of weeks turns into the whole summer as he is worse off than they thought. The Golden Palace is over 100 years old and is full of history. So is Opa. Afternoons when Maizy is staying with him, he teaches her how to play poker but sometimes, he tells her about his grandfather, a Chinese immigrant named Lucky, who settled in Last Chance and made a difference. 

I loved the tidbits of history, the poker skills that worked as restaurant skills and were also people skills. I loved how brave and confident Maizy was as she stood up to bullies and made friends. There's a nice little mystery when someone steals a large bear statue that has stood outside the restaurant and leaves a racist note in its place. Readers who like Yang's Front Desk series will love Maizy, plus, there's a restaurant so there's a lot of food content as well. Minor LGBT character, Maizy is Chinese. 

Lisa Librarian 

Swim Team: Small Waves, Big Changes by Johnnie Christmas - ESSENTIAL

Swim Team: Small Waves, Big Changes by Johnnie Christmas, 248 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL HarperCollins. 2022. $22. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

After a recent move to Florida for her dad's job, Bree is excited to start at a new middle school. She makes a friend, Clara, at her apartment right away. Clara is on the swim team at school and Bree hopes for the Math Club as her elective. But, registering late, she finds Swimming 101 as her only available elective - and Bree doesn't know how to swim. After several skipped class periods where she hides in the library, afraid for anyone to know she's a non-swimmer, a neighbor (who used to be a swimmer herself in her youth) agrees to teach Bree to swim. In order to try to make up her grade, she makes a deal with the teacher to try out for the swim team and discovers that she's a fast swimmer. 

Highly recommended. I'd heard a lot about Swim Team and was excited to read it. There's a good description by Ms. Etta of the segregated pools of the south and why many African Americans aren't swimmers. I loved the theme of being a team outside of the pool is as important as what happens in the pool. Bree also has a lot of self-doubt, and I loved how those "voices" were illustrated within the panels. The main characters are Black. 

Lisa Librarian

Out of This World: Star-studded haiku by Sally M. Walker and Matthew Trueman - OPTIONAL

Out of This World: Star-studded haiku by Sally M. Walker and Matthew Trueman. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2022. $19. 9781536203561

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Trueman’s illustrations are the star here – mesmerizing and gorgeous. While Walker’s exploration of the haiku form are fine, the information is all shoved into the back matter. While the back matter is arranged in the order the subjects appear on the other pages, I think a little strategically placed info box (and a more succinct explanation) on the actual page would have been more useful.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy - ADVISABLE

Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy, 345 pages. Knopf (Random), 2023. $18

Content: G (one character mentions an LGBT crush)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mo is on the search for family recipies – mostly because she doesn’t have a single one. Her grandmother, Nan, wasn’t much of a cook. And now Nan is gone and Mo is in the foster system. She’s lucky – she’s landed with a well-off couple, June and Tate. While they don’t seem to mesh flawlessly, they are supportive of rising sixth grader Mo when she comes up with her project for a website about family recipes. Really Mo is hoping that someone from her extended family is out there somewhere and will see her site and connect with her.

Sorry I wrote such a lame summary – it really is a charming book and had me choking up a nit at the end. Even though Mo’s life journey isn’t smooth, she does find the love that surrounds her. The characters default to white, with a few ethnic side characters and recipes.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Land of Books by Duncan Tonatiuh - ADVISABLE

A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters by Duncan Tonatiuh. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Abrams/Amulet. 2022. $20. 9781419749421 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

For centuries, Mesoamerican and Aztec "word painters" created beautiful books recording the stories of their people. They were laid out flat for reading but were folded up for storage. The paper and paints were made by hand. These writers were highly educated, as they needed to understand religion, astronomy, war, and history and be able to express themselves through their drawings and paintings. The skills were passed from parents to children, and the books were often read at festivals. 

Duncan Tonatiuh includes words from Nahuatl, an ancient language which still exists today. They are set in a context, so the reader knows what they mean, however, a glossary with a pronunciation guide is included. There is also an extensive author's note and some excellent websites and sources. Tonatiuh's illustrations are beautiful, and reminiscent of the ancient carvings in Mexico. 

 Lisa Librarian

Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack - ADVISABLE

Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack, 320 pages. Versify (Clarion Books). 2022. $17.

 Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (description of amputation). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In the medieval Jewish city of Atil (in what is now Turkey), 12yo Ziva's twin brother Pesah has leprosy. He has been moved into a house of his own on the property of the family home as her Uncle Sabriel has warned that contact with Pesah may infect others. No one will care for him properly so Ziva does it. When their father plans to send Pesah to a leper colony, Ziva decides to take him and run away. He is smart and kind and she doesn't want him to die. She thinks she can find a cure in Constantinople, but she is running out of time. Pesah had a vision he would die on Rosh Hashanah, and it was only days away. When their caravan is set upon by thieves, they meet up with a boy who is half sheyd (a sort of demon) named Almas, and together they hope to find the City of Luz - where no one ever dies. 

Ziva is a feisty character, she wants to be a Judge someday, like her father, and she has a strong sense of fairness and justice. She's not afraid to speak her mind and is even willing to try to make a deal with the Angel of Death himself. The plot is strongly rooted in Jewish tradition, and, although there is a glossary, Pasternack does a masterful job of keeping the reader in the story without the need to define every little thing. There's an author's note as well which establishes the setting and time (about 1,000 years ago). While I was plenty grossed out in the first few chapters while Pesah's leprosy was described, I'm so glad I kept going, as I loved Black Bird, Blue Road. 

Lisa Librarian 

A Shell is Cozy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long - ADVISABLE

A Shell is Cozy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2023. $19. 9781797212470

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Aston and Long continue their series with a book about shells.

Long’s illustrations are gorgeous and fun to explore in detail. Aston adds just the right amount of text to explain each concept, without overwhelming, and inviting further investigation. Any class that touches on shells would need this book.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Road Trip! by Claudia Friddell and Jeremy Holmes - ADVISABLE

Road Trip! Camping with the four vagabonds – Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firesone, and John Burroughs by Claudia Friddell and Jeremy Holmes. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2022. $19. 9781684372720

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Over several years, four fairly famous men took road trips in a Model T through various parts of the USA and “roughed” it. Over the years the four attracted more attention, especially when Edison released the home movies of the adventures to the theaters and others started taking their own road trips.

The quirky illustrations are such fun – I don’t know what the style is called, but I certainly like it. I like the original photos and back matter too. I’m just not sure how this would be useful in the long term, but somebody should find this a place.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Paulina: The Story of an Almost Unlucky Pig Text by Hans Limmer and David Crossley - ESSENTIAL

Paulina: The Story of an Almost Unlucky Pig by Hans Limmer, Photographs by David Crossley. PICTURE BOOK Greystone Kids/Greystone Books Ltd. 2013, Translation Copyright 2022. $18. 9781771647885 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

Little Angela is out playing in the field when she meets the little pig, Paulina. Being a wise little girl, she knows Paulina is her Forever Friend and takes her home. They are inseparable until the farmer who lost Paulina finds her new home and plans to take her away. Angela decides, with the help of other animal friends, to run away with Paulina and keep her safe. 

The photographs in this book are charming. The setting is a 1969 rural village in Greece which is just enough different from our dress and homes to feel like a different world. Limmer creates a sassy little character in Angela who knows her own mind and those of her animal friends as well. Children will cheer for her victory in saving her Forever Friend. No location information is presented in the story; it is all in the author's notes at the end. This book was first printed in 1970 in Germany. It was reprinted in 2013 and then translated into English in 2022. It is a treasure from the past. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Bunnies in a Boat by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Ben Mantle - HIGH

Bunnies in a Boat by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Ben Mantle. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press 2022 $18. 9781536228335

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

It’s a sunny day in Sunny Bay with all the creatures who live there out playing. Penguins and turtles are swimming when the bunnies go by too fast and knock piggy into the water. The bunnies are crazily dashing and splashing having a blast but not being careful of the other creatures in the water. Then the bunnies take the boat on land and wreak havoc. On their back in the water knocking over water skiers, sailboats, and fishing vessels. The bunnies hit a restaurant on the jetty. They land on a truck and zoom off to get on an airplane. 

The antics of the naughty bunnies are very funny and they don't actually hurt anyone, but do cause a lot of chaos. The text is simple and easy for young readers. The colorful and comical well-done illustrations bring this silly story to life. 

PGPowers 

All Through the Night by Polly Faber and Harriet Hobday - ADVISABLE

All Through the Night: important jobs that get done at night by Polly Faber and Harriet Hobday. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2022. $18. 9781536227512

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The little girl’s mom goes to work when she and her dad are headed to bed. Many other people are up at night doing the jobs that to keep the city going and to get everything ready for the next day.

Nice use of diverse representation in names and illustrations. Sometimes the black words on dark scenes made it a bit difficult to read. But in all it works together for a nice read about less visible jobs.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith and Becca Stadtlander - OPTIONAL

Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards: the making of Make Way for Ducklings by Emma Bland Smith and Becca Stadtlander. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2022. $19. 9781635923926

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Robert had an idea for a book, but his artwork is not up to snuff. How can he learn to draw realistic ducks. Maybe adopt some and live with them?

While a good learning opportunity for students to hear the hard work that goes into a picture book and the work of an artist, the lackluster illustrations are a distraction. It would have been better if Stadtlander had tried to mimic McCloskey’s art style – isn’t that the point of the book – McCloskey learning how to draw ducks?

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

This Little Kitty by Karen Obuhanydh - HIGH

This Little Kitty by Karen Obuhanydh. PICTURE BOOK Alfred A. Knopf. 2023. $19. 9780593435144

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

Four little kitties get out of bed. They are given food, and of course, they only eat the middle. The kitties crouch and pounce on cat toys. They take a nap. Then they cause trouble by climbing on drapes, clawing up the chair, coughing up hair, getting on the counter, napping on house plants, and knocking over objects. One finds a box and sits in it for hours. Then they clean themselves and messily use the litterbox. Then they get lots of love and attention before bedtime. Do cats sleep at night? 

I thought this book was hilarious! If you've ever had a cat, you will know that Obuhanych has captured feline behaviors completely. Her illustrations playfully enhance the funny behavior of cats. It is a simple and delightful read. 

PGPowers

Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua - ADVISABLE

Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua. PICTURE BOOK Holiday House. 2022. $19. 9780374313722 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Violet likes Mira - she imagines all the things she could do to impress Mira, but whenever Mira comes near, Violet is so shy! Then Violet gets an idea. She makes a Valentine for Mira! But once she gets to school, she's worried that Mira won't like it and runs away without giving it to her. Even when Mira asks about Violet's Valentines, Violet panics and runs out to recess. Will she be able to give Mira the Valentine? 

Oh Violet . . . we've all been there. The sweetest illustrations accompany this darling text.  A great read for Valentine's Day or anytime. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Flying Man by Mike Downs and David Hohn - ADVISABLE

The Flying Man: Otto Lilienthal, the world’s first pilot by Mike Downs and David Hohn. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Astra YR, 2022. $18. 9781635925500

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

From the time they were young, Otto and his little brother Gustav watched birds and worked to create their own flying machine. As they grew, they worked in their free time. As Men they realize that gliding is better than flapping, but it still takes until their 40’s that they have a working glider – the glider that later inspires the Wright Brothers.

What an interesting story – it was great to read about one the intrepid inventors that pre-dated the Wright Brothers Beautiful illustrations breathe life into the text.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Cloaked in Courage by Beth Anderson and Ann Lambelet - ADVISABLE

Cloaked in Courage: uncovering Deborah Sampson, patriot, soldier by Beth Anderson and Ann Lambelet. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2022. $19. 9781635926101

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

At the age of five, Deborah was hired out as a helper because her mother couldn’t afford to keep her children. At eighteen, she took her freedom and took a chance to enlist in the Continental army. Carefully hiding her gender, she fought as hard as the other soldiers around. Even when injured, she managed to keep her secret. It isn’t until she is felled by a fever that she is finally discovered.

I love the back matter where the author talks about research – especially for someone where so little first person information exists. Great for any school covering the American Revolution or women’s history. Check out the case wrap, too.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Tooth Fairy Helper by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Brigette Barrager - ADVISABLE

Tooth Fairy Helper by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Brigette Barrager. PICTURE BOOK  Random House 2023. $11. 9780593178058 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Uni the Unicorn was picking flowers in the land of unicorns. Her friend from the real world came running up to her so excited that she had a wiggly tooth. The little girl told her that the Tooth Fairy will come and take her tooth when it falls out and leave her a prize. The little girl left and a small Tooth Fairy began talking to Uni. Tooth Fairy was too tired to fly anymore. Uni offered to help fly her around that night. The last home they went to was Uni’s little friend. But Tooth Fairy was out of prizes, Could Uni help with that too? 

I always enjoy the way Uni the Unicorn books stir a young child's imagination. Tooth Fairy Helper is fun for kids who want to believe in unicorns and tooth fairies. Delightful and whimsical illustrations dance off the page and take us on our pretend journey. 

PGPowers

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat - ADVISABLE

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat, 355 pages. Candlewick. 2022. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (some fighting and peril). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Sai is an assistant to a mapmaker. She doesn't have the lineage of the other girls her age, and worries about her 13th birthday when they will know she doesn't come from a prestigious family line. In fact, she's a skilled forger, and she is currently hiding from her father, who continues to get her involved in his criminal schemes. So, when her employer offers to let her come along on a ship voyage as the mapmaker's assistant, she jumps at the chance, maybe this is a chance for a new life somewhere else. 

The Last Mapmaker was an engaging adventure. Similar to Soontornvat's other titles, this is a "kid pulls themself out of their bad situation" story.  I really loved the idea of a lineal - a bracelet or pin which shows your family heritage, and that connection to your ancestors somehow designates your value in society. Sai is a resourceful girl and she's really smart, but she makes a bunch of questionable decisions, and while I think her heart is in the right place, it made me worry for when everything was going to fall apart. There's a little bit of magic, too. A fun read. Names and descriptions indicate that Sai is probably Asian. 

Lisa Librarian 

We Don’t Lose our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins - ESSENTIAL

We Don’t Lose our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins. PICTURE BOOK. Disney, 2023. $19. 9781368076982

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Penelope is already scared of the class goldfish, Walter, but her anxiety goes off the charts when it is her turn to take Walter home for the weekend. That first night is a horror for Penelope – she puts Walter in the kitchen for the rest of the night. When Penelope wakes, Walter is missing! What will Penelope do if she can’t find Walter?

Higgins addresses another core concept for elementary students – how to take care of the class pet. But also – how to deal with being scared of something. The case cover is can’t miss cute! Librarians – you need to leave the case cover easy to view. Can’t miss case cover!

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Coquies Still Sing by Karina Nicole Gonzalez and Krystal Quiles - ADVISABLE

The Coquies Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope and Rebuilding by Karina Nicole Gonzalez, illustrated by Krystal Quiles. PICTURE BOOK Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). 2022. $19. 9781250787187 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Elenita and her family prepare for a hurricane in Puerto Rico. They gather candles and flashlights, shut the windows, and seal the doors. During the storm, her father calms her by singing "Co-qui, co-qui. Oh, how I love thee." and the girl thinks of her beloved frogs that live below the mango tree. The storm takes the roof off their house and branches of the mango tree have broken. The family is wet and scared, but they are alive. The Mango tree is bare, there is no electricity and fallen trees have made the road impassible. The family works together to help clean up after the storm, but the coquies' song is silent. The community gets together to build a garden, but things have changed a lot. School is closed, friends have moved away, everyone is tired. Will they ever recover from the storm? 

A beautiful story of resilience - the hurricane was scary and the recovery seemed just scary - it wasn't just about cleaning up, with no electricity or safe roads, the community would have a difficult time getting back to normal. "School is permanently closed" was heartbreaking. Quiles's illustrations are fantastic; there is one illustration in particular with stars and a lamp that was particularly moving. The back matter includes information about Hurricane Maria and also addresses the environmental concern of the plight of the coqui frogs and the loss of the rainforest due to the hurricane. 

Lisa Librarian

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost and P.J. Lynch - ADVISABLE

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illustrated by P.J. Lynch. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2022. $19. 9781536229141

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A young rider stops to enjoy the still, snowy woods for a few breaths before she mounts her horse again to continue her journey.

Lynch adds luminous illustrations to Frost’s poem, bringing depth and reflection to the short verse. The beautiful case wrap and endpapers come from the interior and are lovely to contemplate. Use in your art classes or your language arts classes.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Scaredy Squirrel Visits the Doctor by Melanie Watt - ESSENTIAL

Scaredy Squirrel Visits the Doctor by Melanie Watt. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2022. $18. 9780593307434

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Scaredy Squirrel does everything he can to to stay healthy, because he doesn’t want to visit the veterinarian. But, he does want to know that he is 100% perfectly healthy. Scaredy hatches a plan, executes his plan, and – like all plans – it all falls apart in a minute. But the kind vet helps him relax and Scaredy is ready to earn his certificate.

You can’t go wrong with any Scaredy Squirrel book – always charming, always hilarious!

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land by Mirelle Ortega - OPTIONAL

Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land by Mirelle Ortega. PICTURE BOOK Cameron Kids (Abrams/Amulet). 2022. $19. 97881951836573 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A girl finds powerful magic in the place where she lives. Her Abuelo's pineapple farm, the wool blankets her mother and tia make, and how her father an architect turns drawings into buildings, but there is also magic in the hard things, storms and plagues of bugs, sickness, and grief. Magic is always there. 

The illustrations were beautiful, but the story was just a list of things from her childhood. Things she loved, or hard times she went through. I think adults will find nostalgia, but I don't see the appeal for children. The family is Mexican. 

Lisa Librarian