Galloping Gertie by Amanda Abler and Levi Hastings - OPTIONAL

Galloping Gertie: The True Story of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse by Amanda Abler, illustrated by Levi Hastings. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Little Bigfoot (Sasquatch). 2021. $19. 9781632172631 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

In the early 1940s a new suspension bridge built between Tacoma Washington and the Kitsap Peninsula was nicknamed Galloping Gertie because it swayed and bounced in the wind. Cars driving across rose and fell, some saying it was like driving on a roller coaster track. Just a few months after opening, as autumn winds picked up, the bridge buckled and pieces of the bridge fell into the Tacoma Narrows. 

The bridge disaster is told through the eyes of a young boy who watched it being built from his home and then also watched it collapse - on his birthday! He was so excited to watch the bridge twist and turn - even visiting with a neighbor where they could get a better view. Illustrations are good - reminiscent of children's books of the time period. I am concerned about audience appeal, and whether reading about a bridge collapsing might cause alarm in young children. The book shows all the people who were on the bridge getting rescued, but it talks about a dog trapped in a car there but doesn't tell what happened to him. Back matter includes information about what caused the disaster, other "bouncing bridges" and, yes, how to find film footage on Youtube of the actual collapse, and other scary bridge videos. The boy is white. 

Lisa Librarian

Headstrong Hallie! by Aimee Bissonette and David Hohn - ADVISABLE

Headstrong Hallie! The Story of Hallie Morse Daggett the First Female "Fire Guard" by Aimee Bissonette, illustrated by David Hohn. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Sleeping Bear. 2021. $17 9781534110618 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Even as a young girl, Hallie Morse Daggett was a nature lover. She hiked with her sister and brother, and was a fisher and hunter, but she fear fire. She decided that when she grew up she wanted to help the forest service. But they weren't hiring women. Hallie finally convinced Ranger M. H. McCarthy that she was the best person for the job. And she was, her first season at the lookout station, she spotted 40 fires and only 5 acres of forest burned. 

Another delightful picture book biography! David Hohn's illustrations are great, I love all the animals in the pictures, and I want to visit Hallie and her cabin in the woods. Working for the Forest Service was my dream, too. So happy to learn about the woman who started it all! Hallie Morse Daggett is white. 

Lisa Librarian

I am Smoke by Henry Herz and Merce Lopez - ADVISABLE

I am Smoke by Henry Herz, illustrated by Merce Lopez. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Tilbury House. 2021. $19. 9780884487883 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Narrated by Smoke itself, we learn all the ways smoke is helpful, warming pumpkin seeds which encourages their growth, smoke can rid an area of bugs and other vermin, it can be used as a signal, or to calm bees. Smoke can flavor or cook food, be used in religious ceremonies and is even used in healing. 

Not what I was expecting - such an interesting picture book about the benefits of smoke!  Merce Lopez's illustrations are gorgeous - in grey and browns, well, smoke colored. The reader seems to look through the smoke. A fascinating perspective. Includes an appendix on Smoke and Civilization - perfect to use in a class when studying ecology. Greenhouse gases and climate change are covered as well. 

 Lisa Librarian

A Breath of Mischief by MarcyKate Connolly - ADVISABLE

A Breath of Mischief by MarcyKate Connolly, 224 pages. Sourcebooks Young Readers, 2023. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Aria is a windling, living in her cloud castle with her parent, the Wind, and her gryphling friend, Gwyn. But then they wake up one morning with cloud castle on the ground and no breeze to be felt. They must find the Wind and nothing is going to stop Aria from completing her quest.

Each element is a parent in this story, and Connolly’s imaginative personification of them in Aria’s world is breathtaking. Aria’s self-imposed quest highlights the pros and cons of her determination, teaching readers valuable lessons alongside the characters.

Aria is depicted as White on the cover, but she is described as “pale” but with a “faint bluish tinge” in the text. The violence rating is for fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Little Mole Goes to School by Glenys Nellist and Sally Garland - ADVISABLE

Little Mole Goes to School by Glenys Nellist and Sally Garland. PICTURE BOOK Beaming Books. 2022. $18. 9781506478593 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Little Mole is going to school for the first time. He is very nervous because he doesn't see or hear well. He goes to school and finds that other animals have special talents that he wished he had. Will Mole discover that he has special talents too? 

I feel that "Little Mole Goes to School" would be an excellent one to read at the beginning of the school year to younger grades. I think it could bring up good conversations about how everyone has special talents and that starting a new school year can be scary. It even has tips for parents in the back about helping their child feel more comfortable about starting school. The pictures are adorable and engaging. 

 Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

On Air with Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington #2) by Janae Marks - ADVISABLE

On Air with Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington #2) by Janae Marks, 304 pages. Katherine Tegen (HarperCollins). 2023. $18. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Zoe is now 14 - Marcus, her birth dad has been exonerated and is out of prison. But he’s having a hard time getting on his feet. With no job and no credit for more than a decade, he’s getting by with 2 part-time jobs and is living at his mother’s house. Zoe wishes the two of them could start a restaurant together, but no bank will give him a loan, yet. It’s hard to restart your life if you’ve been in prison. So, Zoe reaches out to Boston Public Radio to see if they will do a series on exonerees and how difficult life after prison is for them. When they turn her story idea down, Zoe decides to start a podcast of her own, to raise awareness and hopefully kickstart the restaurant. 

I loved “From the Desk of Zoe Washington,” and “On Air with Zoe Washington” is just as good. Zoe is still tenacious and intentional. There’s some best-friend drama, as Maya and Trevor have discovered they like each other. I love that Zoe is tackling an adult problem and that Janae Marks has made it thought-provoking and completely age appropriate. Although Zoe is 2 years older, I would still recommend for upper elementary as well as middle school. Zoe is Black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Honey and Me by Meira Drazin - ADVISABLE

Honey and Me by Meira Drazin. 304 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic). 2022. $18.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Milla is so excited that her best friend Honey Wine will finally be going to school with her this year! Sixth grade will be the best. But then it isn’t. Honey seems to be everything Milla isn’t - she makes friends easier, she’s a better student and Honey’s relationship with her mom seems so much better than Milla’s is with hers. This causes some friction between the girls and they have a huge fight. With so much going on in 6th grade (bas mitzvahs and a speech contest) Milla really needs her best friend by her side. 

Plenty of best-friend drama, and lots of Jewish culture. The sections of the stories revolve around the holidays. I loved the growth the girls experienced, and how important their faith and community were to their lives. A great story, but would definitely be more poignant and relatable for Jewish children. 

Lisa Librarian 

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang - ADVISABLE

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang, 304 pages. Simon and Schuster. 2023. $18 

 Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (reference to racial based bullying). 

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Lina was left in China with her grandmother when her parents and younger sister moved to the states so Lina’s father could get his college degree. She hasn't seen her family in 5 years but Linas grandmother is moving to a care facility, so Lina needs to join her parents and sister in California. New to the country, and with limited English skills, Lina discovers that her family wasn’t honest about their situation in California - they are struggling to make ends meet. Entering 5th grade with limited English skills, Lina finds herself struggling to make friends, and even communicate. Lina’s art skills put her in direct competition with Jessica, the class “mean girl,” and the boy who is supposed to help translate only speaks menu Chinese. 

I love all the book mentions! "Swing it Sunny", "Pie in the Sky", "The first Rule of Punk" and several others. I loved her sessions with the ELL teacher. I love that the kids saw lessons in the books they were reading. There's a "book challenge" within the story - I love that Yang used a fictional book for this one. "Finally Seen" would be a great read aloud for a class needing to build empathy, or as a recommendation for a bilingual student who can read it on their own - I hope Simon and Schuster translates into several different languages. Lina is Chinese. 

Lisa Librarian

Nesting by Henry Colé - ADVISABLE

Nesting by Henry Cole. PICTURE BOOK Katherine Tegen (HarperCollins). 2021. $10. 9780063021709 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Two robins build a nest and raise their chicks. The chicks learn to fly and eventually are on their own. 

Nesting is a pretty standard story about birds, but the illustrations make this one special. Mostly in grey tones, the sky has a soft blue hue and the eggs themselves are a beautiful blue. I worried so much when a snake got to the nest, and was happy to see the adult birds fight it off, but didn't count 4 chicks after that. I hope it wasn't the snake. 

Lisa Librarian

Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin, cuteness by Dan Tavis - OPTIONAL

Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin, cuteness by Dan Tavis. PICTURE BOOK Margaret K. McElderry (Simon and Schuster). 2021. $18. 9781534441453 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Fluffy McWhiskers is so cute, if you see him you will explode! Because of this, Fluffy is sad and lonely, so she gives herself a bad haircut, and makes an ugly sweater, but even with a bag over her head, she's still so cute. She can't go anywhere or "Ka-Boom"! So, she heads to a desert island where she is completely alone, but is she????

Well? The premise is cute, and the illustrations are adorable (not so much that I exploded), but there's not much to it other than cuteness and explosions. Lots of explosions. It stopped being silly after a whole street blew up after the newspaper published her picture. I don't want this cat. However, kids will probably find this funny, the cover is certainly eye-catching. 

Lisa Librarian

A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Korwin Briggs - ADVISABLE

A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Korwin Briggs. PICTURE BOOK Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). 2022. $19. 9781250766496 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The history of underwear is humorously presented by Professor Chicken. From the earliest known underwear - a leather loincloth and on to the linen underwear worn by ancient Egyptians, there are so many things to learn. There's a discussion of diapers, of class and gender differences, and a series of pictures of women's underwear through the ages (worn by chickens of course). There are even bits of historical underwear news. 

Funny illustrations, putting the underwear on chickens is genius. I liked the puns in the illustrations like 'Fruit of the Tomb" when they were referencing Egyptian underwear. Not a thorough reference, but a delightful book full of interesting facts and dates and silly illustrations. A great launch into a discussion of fashion, or cultural styles. I liked that women's fashion through the ages included European Fashions as well as Asian. 

Lisa Librarian

Bake Infinite Pie with X+Y by Eugenia Cheng, illustrated by Amber Ren - OPTIONAL

Bake Infinite Pie with X+Y by Eugenia Cheng, illustrated by Amber Ren PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown and Company/Poppy. 2022. $18. 9780759556867

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

X and Y are kids who dream of making a pie infinitely wide and infinitely tall, so they ask Aunt Z for help. She explains that there are infinite ways to make a pie. Aunt Z helps them make pie crust - which they roll out in different shapes, a triangle, a square and a circle. They choose fillings that match their shapes. When the pies are ready, they discuss how to eat them - there is a way to make them last until infinity. And what about the extra dough, how many corners can we make, and how many circles? 

The story presented the concept of "infinite" in an understandable way. Calling the children X and Y and the aunt Z however, really made this a book just about math. I wish there was a different way to have expressed their personalities other than doing that. It limits the interest. I don't see kids picking this up on their own. There was no identifiable culture or race of the characters. 

Lisa Librarian

Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett - ADVISABLE

I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett. PICTURE BOOK Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). 2021. $19. 9781250785633 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Dougie Dungbeetle loves poop. He eats it for every meal, it's his favorite. But he's worried what might happen if he eats his lunch of poop juice and a poop sandwich in front of the other kids. So he hides his lunch under a pebble and doesn't eat lunch at all. But, when the popular kids invite him to eat with them, Dougie has to pretend he's not hungry, and someone catches him sneaking his lunch from its hiding place. 

Well, the title alone will generate interest in I Eat Poop. Pett's story is relatable, I think every kid feels they don't fit in from time to time. I loved the endpapers with everyone's school pictures. AJ thought the story was pretty gross - eating poop and all - but she thinks kids who like bugs or who think it's silly to read about poop will love it. I agree. I think I Eat Poop has a great blend of story with a bit of teaching when you least expect it. (Moths have ears in their armpits?) 

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 7)

A Grand Day by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill - ADVISABLE

A Grand Day by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill. PICTURE BOOK Paula Wiseman (Simon and Schuster). 2022. $19. 9781534499768 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A Grand Day is any day spent with grandparents. At least 3 sets of grandparents and their grandkids are featured, playing in the yard, working in the garden, drawing on the sidewalk, at the park or at a cookout. So many things to do on a grand day! 

I loved the mixed-media illustrations. I was lost in the pictures - part drawings, part fabric, they have depth and energy. A darling book to share with your grandkids. 

 The characters are a mix of ages, cultures and races - and there's also a same-sex pair of grandpas.

Lisa Librarian

Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract by Mirka Hikkanen - HIGH

Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract by Mirka Hikkanen. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press. 2023. $19. 9781536223675  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Cat is old. His family brings a new kitten to the house. Cat arches his back and looks scary, while cute little Kitty looks friendly. Cat is grumpy sitting in a box and Kitty is happy exploring. Kitty is energetic playing with a ball of yarn while Cat is exhausted. Cat is asleep while Kitty is awake. Cat goes up when Kitty pounces down on his tail. Cat pulls Kitty and then pushes him outside in the rain through the cat door. Will Cat and Kitty ever be friends? 

Hokkanen has crafted a clever book of opposite words that create a wonderfully interesting story. She uses just one word to describe what each cat is doing. It does have simple text but the words are sometimes complex. I was delighted with what was going on in the illustrations on each page. The illustrations tell most of the story. 

PGPowers

Bug Scouts: Out in the Wild! by Mike Lowery - ESSENTIAL

Bug Scouts: Out in the Wild! (Bug Scouts #1) by Mike Lowery, 59 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic), 2022. $8. 9781338726329.

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A group of bugs--the Bug Scouts--are headed out on a wilderness adventure. Like any scout troop, some of the bugs are enthusiastic while others are not. While they strive to find all the items on their scavenger hunt list, they'll also need to avoid dangers (frogs!) they might meet along the way. 

I loved this graphic novel aimed at younger readers. The whole short story is told in 4 short chapters and the plot is simple and...short! But I really liked it. The characters are funny and kids will definitely appreciate the humor and adventure in the tale. I look forward to reading the next books in this series. 

Reviewer: TC

 

Symphony for a Broken Orchestra by Amy Ignatow and Gwen Millward - ADVISABLE

Symphony for a Broken Orchestra by Amy Ignatow, illustrated by Gwen Millward. PICTURE BOOK Walker (Candlewick). 2022. $18. 9781536213638 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Philadelphia is a noisy place, but some of that is the joyful sounds of kids playing instruments they learn in school. Until something happens and their instruments break. Then it doesn't sound joyful at all, it's pretty dull and can be annoying. No one wants to play a broken instrument. So, a group of musicians got together to play a benefit concert with a special symphony inspired and played by the broken instruments. 

What? This happened? Oh, I loved this story - the written sounds of the instruments playing (and how that sound changed once it was broken) and the inspiring ending were all perfect! Gosh, can't wait to show my favorite music teacher. Includes an author's note about the organization with a link to hear the symphony. Definitely buying. 

Lisa Librarian

AWOL by Marla Lesage - HIGH

AWOL by Marla Lesage, 220 pages GRAPHIC NOVEL Orca. 2022. $20 

Language: G (1 swear); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Leah is an 11yo and lives on an army base. She knows what it's like to move around a lot, but this year her best friend is leaving, her sister is going to be a counselor at summer camp and her mother will be in reserve training. This leaves Leah home with her dad who just returned from deployment, and his moods have been unpredictable. 

 This would be a good read for kids whose parents are in the military as well as giving insight for the rest of us into some of their challenges. Leah's father is suffering from PTSD and that makes things difficult for their family. Although this is a fast read, it addresses some deeper topics of loss and relationships and mental health. Leah and her family are Caucasian. 

Michelle in the Middle

Max Meow: Taco Time Machine by John Gallagher - ADVISABLE

Max Meow: Taco Time Machine (Max Meow #4) by John Gallagher, 227 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House, 2022. $13

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Max Meow and his best friend Mindy (aka Science Kitty) are off an another adventure after they discover Mindy's famous scientist father is missing. The key seems to be a time machine in the form of a giant taco, and with the help of an older once-retired hero, Steel Skunk, the heroes try to fix time and bring back Mindy's dad. 

Like the other Max Meow books, this is a story aimed very much at elementary readers. The jokes are corny, the plot a little slow moving, but kids will get a kick out of the adventure. My own kids loved it and we're now reading the entire series. I really like the illustration style and its bright colors, and there's a bonus "how to draw" page at the back so readers can try their hand and drawing one of the characters. 

Reviewer: TC

The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown - ADVISABLE

The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown, 246 pages. Shadow Mountain, AUGUST 2023. $19 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Juniper Berry loves her life in the woods – her parents moved to nature-based life when they were young and now have three lids. But when Juniper’s little brother gets really sick, they need to stay close to the hospital. Not only do they find out their mother has a brother, but they also have two cousins! The family has to be in town long enough that their dad decides to enroll them in school – a place probably as deadly as the woods if you act like prey instead of predator. 

I really like Juniper’s comparison of humans to chickens – peck at the one who is different or injured – at least when it comes to the mean kids at school. Some kids, the kind ones, will see themselves here and continue to be kind. The kids who really need this message won’t ever see themselves, at least not without a lot of coaching and introspection. I Juniper’s journey – the highs and the lows. If you want an updated Stargirl, share this with your teachers. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

No Nibbling! by Beth Ferry, art by A.N. Kang - ADVISABLE

No Nibbling! by Beth Ferry, art by A.N. Kang PICTURE BOOK Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). 2022. $19. 9781250762412 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Derwood the goat has been carefully tending his garden, so when he spots a dandelion puff he is quick to act. But, a close inspection reveals it's not a weed, it's a bunny! He assures the bunny he isn't gardening, just doing soil experiments and sends her on her way. She returns near harvest season, and, just wanting to "chat" engages Derwood in conversation, and when she offered to weed the garden . . . 

Tabitha the bunny responds in malapropisms that are so funny because they are garden related. "I'd butternut, . . . I'd butter bean home soon." Terrifically clever, a great story about gardening, friendship and word choices. 

Lisa Librarian

Seen and Unseen by Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki - ESSENTIAL

Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal about the Japanese American Incarceration by Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki, 123 pages. NON-FICTION Chronicle/Blue Apple. 2022. $22 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (protesting resulting in people shot and 1 death). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

After the Japanese Military bombed the American base at Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese and Japanese Americans along the west coast of the United States were gathered up and imprisoned in camps for the duration of the war. Lange, Miyatake and Adams were photographers who documented this experience. 

The text on the pages is brief, with the pictures telling the bulk of the story. I loved that one perspective was Japanese, and that Lange and Adams had differing opinions about the imprisonment. Tomaki's illustrations are great, my favorite is when she finished a photograph, showing the reader what wasn't in the picture the public saw. A great book for a student who wants to learn more - easily accessible for upper elementary, or could easily be used in a class to introduce this element of WWII. 

Lisa Librarian

A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin by Carole Boston Weatherford, Rob Sanders, and Byron McCray - ADVISABLE

A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the man behind the 1963 March on Washington by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, illustrated by Byron McCray. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2022. $20. 9781250779502 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As the morning dawns on the day of the March on Washington in 1963, no one yet has arrived, except for Bayard Rustin, who was instrumental in organizing the rally. As he looks back on the life and the events that brought him to that place, slowly people start to arrive, until the crowd is 250,000 strong. Even though as a gay, black man he is forced into the shadow, his fighting spirit and his hope have never been diminished. 

Weatherford and Sanders sprinkle the text with key song titles for the Civil Rights Movement – I can see playing at least snippets of each song as it appears. The book is quite text heavy, So either a long period read or spread out over a couple of days. It does mention that Bayard was gay and how that affected his acceptance into the civil rights movement. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Wreck the Halls by Melinda Lee Rathejn and Gareth Williams - ADVISABLE

Wreck the Halls by Melinda Lee Rathejn and Gareth Williams. BOARD BOOK. Worthy Kids, 2022. $8. 9781546002260 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The trucks and others are ready to decorate and get all ready for Christmas. The Wreckers are ready to tout their special skills during the preparations. 

Young ones will love a good truck book – the adults will appreciate Rathjen’s skill at weaving in the puns! 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Where Butterflies Fill the Sky by Zahra Marwan - ADVISABLE

Where Butterflies Fill the Sky: a story of immigration, family, and finding home by Zahra Marwan. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2022. $19. 9781547606511 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The girl loves her home with her aunties close by, the beautiful, blue waters, the butterflies – home. But, her family has been kicked out of their home and have landed is much different, new place. Eventually, she discovers a sense of community and belonging, while still longing for her old home and her family. 

Marwan’s epilogue is a must read – she brings light to one of the ways that people become homeless and need to leave what they thought was their home. If your school has a refugee and/or immigrant population, if you address immigration, nations-statehood, refugees in your curriculum, you could easily share this to add ore dimension to any discussion. Marwan’s illustration are unlike anything I remember seeing before – they are whimsical and concrete simultaneously – everything is dreamlike, but also identifiable. Her color palette enhances that dichotomy in only the best ways. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Time to Celebrate by Kate Baker and Ya-Ling Huang - OPTIONAL

Time to Celebrate: explore festivals from around the world by Kate Baker, illustrated by Ya-Ling Huang. Lift-The-Flap BOARD BOOK. Lonely Planet Kids, 2022. $13. 9781838695323 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Baker’s board book is very text dense – it doesn’t make sense for the format, not matter how cute the pictures are. As much as I enjoyed the information about each holiday, it misses the mark on its audience. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Hoops by Matt Tavares - HIGH

Hoops by Matt Tavares, 222 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Candlewick. 2023. $23 

Language: PG (4 swears. 0'f')  Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Historical fiction, this story is based on the 1976 Warsaw High School girls' basketball team. Friday nights in Warsaw see the community come together to watch boys' basketball. The girls finally get a chance to start their own team, but they don't get much support. They have no transportation, uniforms, or a place to practice at the high school until after all the boys' teams are done. The girls want more support, but what will it take to get it? 

A great read. A graphic novel works well in presenting the story and you will find yourself cheering for these girls. The art is bright and colorful and the frames are easy to follow. You may find yourself dumbfounded at girls who play games in tee shirts with electrical tape for numbers. This would be great for women's history month or for anyone interested in sports or succeeding against all odds. Though hard to tell from just the graphic art, the characters seem to be diverse as well as Coach Montez. 

Michelle in the Middle

Call Me Gorgeous by Giles and Alexandra Milton - ADVISABLE

Call Me Gorgeous by Giles and Alexandra Milton. PICTURE BOOK Boxer Books. 2022. $13. 9781912757954  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

On each page, there are a few words and a beautifully illustrated picture of a certain part of an animal. The body parts combine at the end to make a totally unique animal. 

I enjoyed the simplicity of this book and the beauty of its message. I feel that the purpose of this book is to help children understand that we are all unique in important ways. It would be a great book to read to a class and then discuss what makes each student unique. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Silent Night illustrated by Sara Gianassi - ADVISABLE

Silent Night illustrated by Sara Gianassi. BOARD BOOK. Running Press, 2022. $9. 9780762479771 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Just looking at the pictures in this board book made me calmer – in a library filled with 3 classes playing Gimkit. So, it accomplishes its purpose of bringing a sweet, quiet atmosphere with the classic Christmas song. The sweet animal illustrations are in moody blues and are utterly charming. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Inflatables in Bad Air Day by Beth Garrod & Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Chris Danger - OPTIONAL

The Inflatables in Bad Air Day (The Inflatables #1) by Beth Garrod & Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Chris Danger, 128 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic, 2022. $7. 9781338748970.

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A company of inflatable toys in the lost & found area of a water park are off on an adventure when they catch wind of an exciting new opening happening on the other side of the park. Determined to see the party, they hatch a daring plan to get in, get out, and hopefully not get caught. 

As a great lover of graphic novels I was disappointed by The Inflatables. I was underwhelmed by the over-the-top corniness of the jokes (even my kids rolled their eyes) and legitimately just couldn't care about the non-adventure "adventure" our unbelievable group of heroes headed off on. There will undoubtedly be some kids who will love this, but its not one I'd be quick to recommend to anyone. 

Reviewer: TC

One Good Night ‘til Christmas by Frank J. Berrios and Eduardo Marticorena - OPTIONAL

One Good Night ‘til Christmas by Frank J. Berrios and Eduardo Marticorena BOARD BOOK. Little Brown Kids, 2022. $8. 9780316119443 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

With one sleep to go until Christmas, the children are excited about family and food and presents – all the things they have to do to be ready. 

Simple illustrations portray a wide range of diversity. The rhyming text works. The audience is pretty limited, though, because it is a holiday book and doesn’t lend itself to repeat reading. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Bug (Little Life Cycles) by Maggie Li - ADVISABLE

Bug (Little Life Cycles) by Maggie Li. BOARD BOOK (Pre-K) Templar Books. 2023. $10. 9781536230222 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K  - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APEAL: AVERAGE 

Bug is a tiny, furry very hungry caterpillar. Bug needs to be careful while he is eating. He could be eaten by a frog, stepped on by a person, or eaten by a bird. After bird is done eating, he climbs up until he finds a place to make his house called a chrysalis. Bug goes through changes for many days. Something magical has happened to bug. 

Bug is a great way to teach a young child about the life cycle of caterpillars. Li made her book cute, colorful, fun and interesting for small children. I also like the caterpillar hole cut in the cover of the book that shows Bug on each page until he is changing in his chrysalis. 

PGPowers

Lou by Breanna Carzoo - ESSENTIAL

Lou by Breanna Carzoo. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2022. $18. 9780063054059 B

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Lou the fire hydrant believes his purpose is to be a toilet. Every day, all day, that is how he is used. Then, an emergency happens and Lou remembers, if but a bit slowly, the greatness he is actually meant for. 

Poor Lou is so adorable. I love that I was so fixated on Lou that I completely missed the background drama. But I could begin again and really appreciate the illustrations the second time. Kids, of course, will giggle with delight at the pee talk – as did I. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9780063054059

For Your Smile by Loryn Brantz - ADVISABLE

For Your Smile by Loryn Brantz. BOARD BOOK. Harper, 2022. $9. 9780063086340 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

What would you do to see your baby smile, hear them laugh? 

At first I was ready to dismiss this simple book, but, what parent has continued antics just so that their baby will laugh, giggle, smile, and squeal? So much fun to act out. Not as enamored with the stark black and white illustrations, but the text is enough to save it. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9780063086340

Ducks! By Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth - ESSENTIAL

Ducks! By Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth. BOARD BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2023. $9. 9781250863775 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The young duck has wandered away from the pond and when they return, their family is gone! The duck follows various sounds and sights that MIGHT be their family, but which is right? 

Pretty dang cute is exactly the right description for Underwood’s latest. If you have a someone who appreciates a board book, snap this one up! 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Frog (Little Life Cycles) by Maggie Li - ADVISABLE

Frog (Little Life Cycles) by Maggie Li. BOARD BOOK Templar Books. 2023. $10.  9781536230239 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Can you see the Jelly dots floating in the water? Inside one of those dots is Frog. Each egg is a tiny dot called frog spawn. Which egg will grow into a frog? The eggs go through a journey. They could be washed away, blown far from water, eaten by fish, or swept onto dry land. But Frog lands in just the right place and hatches. He grows a tail, then two new legs. Then he grows four legs and gets stronger while his tale shrinks. Will frog make it onto land? 

Frog is a fun and clever way to teach young children about the life cycle of a frog. One of the frog's eyes on the front cover is a hole that becomes the frog egg on the subsequent pages until frog is fully grown. The illustrations are cute, simple and colorful with enough detail to depict each concept. 

PGPowers

The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess by Shannon & Dean Hale and LeUyen Pham - ESSENTIAL

The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess (Princess in Black #9) by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, 89 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2022. $15

BUYING ADVISORY - EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH

The Princess in Black and her friends are sailing on a boat named Lively Turnip. As princess heroes, they are always on the lookout for monsters, but what the Princess in Black would really like is to see a mermaid. People say mermaids don’t exist, but the Princess in Black is hopeful. When something crashes into the side of the boat, everyone believes it’s a monster and they chase after it. Much to her delight, the Princess in Black discovers it’s a mermaid, a princess mermaid to be exact, and she needs their help.

Hale writes a very likable series with such fun illustrations. The princess and her friends work together to defeat the monsters they encounter. In this case, the monster is a big, blue kraken they fight underwater and discover fighting underwater is hard. So amusing. If the series is popular in your library, you’ll want to get this one as well.

Reviewer: RB 

The Hope of Elephants by Amanda Rawson Hill - OPTIONAL

The Hope of Elephants by Amanda Rawson Hill, 475 pages. Charlesbridge, 2022. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

12 yo Cass’s dad has had cancer almost every other year throughout Cass’s life. On her 12th birthday she finds out that not only does her dad have cancer again, but he has Li-Fraumeni syndrome which means he will continue to get cancer throughout his life. After reading a pamphlet the doctor gives her, Cass learns that she has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the mutation. She also learns that not only do elephants have the p53 gene that can help fight cancer, but 20 of them. With that knowledge she goes to the zoo and finds an emotional connection to the elephant there while wondering how the elephant could potentially help her and her dad. Cass struggles to figure out if she should get tested to see if she also has the syndrome. Cass wants to live a life with hope for the future, but often has a hard time throughout the book living in the moment and remaining optimistic.

Hill does a good job at showing the perspective of a white, Christian, 12 year old girl who has a family member experiencing cancer. The Hope of Elephants is written is a novel in verse, which makes it a fast read. Hill, however, never really digs deep into various plot areas - like Cass’ struggle with getting tested or the hope the elephants bring to Cass. Hill does well in showing that there can be various support for people and their family members going through cancer. Since Hill showed so many though, it feels like she never was able to deepen Cass’ connection with any certain group, making some relationships not fully developed.

Jaime Tuttle, Librarian

Nubby by Dan Richards and Shanda McCloskey - ESSENTIAL

Nubby by Dan Richards, illustrated by Shanda McCloskey. PICTURE BOOK. Knopf (Random House), 2023. $19. 9780593381090

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Nubby has had enough of being treated roughly by his person. A stuffed bunny can only take so much, so he runs away. Is the wide world out there really better than what he had?

So many cute things about this! Each illustrations lends itself to much exploration and discussion. Utterly charming!

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Learning to Carve Argillite by Sara Florence Davidson, Robert Davidson and Janine Gibbons - OPTIONAL

Learning to Carve Argillite by Sara Florence Davidson, Robert Davidson and Janine Gibbons. PICTURE BOOK Highwater Press (Orca). 2021. $22. 9781553799849 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A young artist is carving a piece of argillite rock into an eagle. He has been taught by his father and grandfather to carve and remembers walking with his father all the way to Slatechuck Mountain to collect the special rocks. But when he shows his carving to his grandfather, he still has a lot of work to do - and his tsinii makes some changes and then they work together. 

Based on the story of master artist Robert Davidson, an indigenous artist from Canada. I appreciated the story told by his own children. The perspective of the illustrations was too close. I wanted to love this, but am afraid I will pass on this purchase. The characters are of the Canadian Ts'aahl (Eagle) Clan in Massett.

Lisa Librarian

The Digger and the Duckling by Joseph Kuefler - ADVISABLE

The Digger and the Duckling by Joseph Kuefler PICTURE BOOK Balzer/Bray (HarperCollins). 2022. $19. 9780063062542 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The big construction machines are very busy working on the site, but when a small duckling arrives, it's trouble for everyone. Everyone except Digger, who tells the other truck that the ducking is probably looking for its mother. Now, the Duckling is following Digger. When the other ducks complain, Digger and Squirt (the water truck) get an idea to keep her out of the way. But after many days, with the dicking helping everyone, and no mother duck coming to claim her, the trucks make her part of the crew. But when a big storm comes to the site, the trucks can't protect her anymore, and the wind might just blow her away. 

I loved all the trucks and their gruff attitudes. The illustrations were great - the tiny duckling first in the way, then helping! It was so cute. A nice length for a read-aloud or a bedtime story. 

 Lisa Librarian

Bigger Than a Bumblebee by Joseph Keufler - ADVISABLE

Bigger Than a Bumblebee by Joseph Keufler. PICTURE BOOK HarperCollins. 2021 $19.00 9780062691651 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A mother tells their small child all the things they are bigger than, like bumblebees and frogs, nests, starfish, and butterflies. But, they are smaller than bears, icebergs, a whale, and love. 

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations that a reader can lose themselves in. The purple, blue, and yellow solar system illustration was my favorite. I love the message, and I also loved the rhythmic text - written in stanzas, but doesn't rhyme. A perfect bedtime story - quiet and calm and about love. The illustration of the child on the cover indicates that he may be white. 

Lisa Librarian

I Like the Rain by Sarah Nelson and Rachel Oldfield - ADVISABLE

I Like the Rain by Sarah Nelson and Rachel Oldfield. PICTURE BOOK Barefoot Books. 2021. $10. 9781646860982 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

An ode to Rain - how it sounds, how it feels, and how to play in it. Even includes a verse about lightning and thunder and questions for a Rainy Day. Cute illustrations and a sweet poem - one I would have probably memorized as a child. Part of a series - see also Sun, Wind, and Snow. 

Lisa Librarian

I Like the Snow by Sarah Nelson and Rachel Oldfield - ADVISABLE

I Like the Snow by Sarah Nelson and Rachel Oldfield. PICTURE BOOK Barefoot Books. 2021. $10. 9781646860968 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A cute poem about all the things the child likes about the snow. The illustrations were so cute, reminding me of those first snowy days of winter and how excited we were to do all the snow stuff. Told in 1st person, I expected to see the same character among the children on every page, but there is a variety of children throughout. 

 Lisa Librarian

What if, Pig? by Linzie Hunter - ADVISABLE

What if, Pig? by Linzie Hunter. PICTURE BOOK HarperCollins. 2021. $20. 9780062986092 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Everyone likes Pig. He has all the best qualities, he is kind and generous. Pig has even planned a party and invited everyone, but, what Pig's friends don't know is that Pig is a Worrier! He's planned this party, but now all he can think about are the what if's? What if something goes wrong? What if everyone has a terrible time? What if no one comes? Pig is so worried he's ready to cancel the party. But Pig has a friend: Mouse. And Mouse has a great idea! 

Oh dear, I think I'm just like Pig! I'm a worrier, too! Oh how I wish I'd had this book when I was a kid. Hunter's illustrations are whimsical and the story is so cute! I loved the "What if" thought spiral and all the other animals telling Pig their worries. (I'm worried that I said too much, or too little, or that you might not like this review.) 

Lisa Librarian

Carnival Quest by Brandon Mull - ADVISABLE

Carnival Quest (The Candy Shop War #3) by Brandon Mull, 400 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2023. $20.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

When a carnival comes to town, it’s obvious that magic is involved – and there are rumors that not all of it is fun and games. Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon (now sixth graders) are able to go through the magic barrier that surrounds the carnival to investigate where their magician friends cannot. But every secret they find leads to more – can they stop the malevolence before it stops them?

While I’m sure that reading the prequels makes the magic candy more relevant, I enjoyed this conclusion to the trilogy even without that context. I love the concept of the magic carnival and the secrets around every turn that felt natural in such a chaotic and mischievous setting. The characters are clever and dedicated to their quest, even as they tease and try to be home in time for curfew. Mull has put together a fun magical adventure that is enjoyable for all ages.

Nate, Summer, and Trevor are depicted as White on the cover, though skin tones were not mentioned much in the text. The violence rating is for mild fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Noodleheads Take it Easy by Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss - ADVISABLE

Noodleheads Take it Easy by Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, illustrated by Tedd Arnold CHAPTER BOOK Holiday House. 2022. $16. 9780823447589 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The Noodlehead brothers want to just take it easy, - anything they do should be easy-peasy so when mom sends them to the store to buy ingredients for pie, they take a list and get a ride back on Farmer Spud's Mare singing all the way. While mom is making the pie, she tells them stories about when they made something that should have been easy hard. While they wait for the pie to cool, their friend meatball tells them a story, but he's really playing a trick on them so he can eat their pies. 

The Noodleheads do silly things and make funny mistakes, but so does everyone. This series helps teach children they can laugh at themselves. I loved the author's note and loved that he told us about the sources for his stories. I loved that the folk songs they sing aren't parodies. I liked that the idioms "falling off a log", and "easy as pie" (among others) are incorporated into the story, as well as their definitions. I believe there are 6 books in this series now, and all should part of an elementary school library. So silly and fun.

Lisa Librarian

We Laugh Alike (Juntos Nos Reimos) by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez -

We Laugh Alike (Juntos Nos Reimos) by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez.  PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine. 2021. $18. 9781623540968 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

3 English-speaking kids and 3 Spanish-speaking kids are in the park together. They don't understand each other's words, but they like each other's songs and dances and jump rope rhyme, and soon, the two groups are playing together! 

Written in parallel dialogue, it's not a translation, the text is each group telling their story. As they start to play together, the English and Spanish phrases are all mixed together - just like the kids. Includes a glossary, but the story stands on its own (in either language) even without looking up the translations. There's a great note at the end as well about language, communicating, and making friends. 

 Lisa Librarian

A Funny Thing Happened After School ... by Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud - ESSENTIAL

A Funny Thing Happened After School ... by Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud. PICTURE BOOK Chronicle/Blue Apple. July 2023. $13. 9781452183008 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When 2 kids are asked why they didn't do their solar system homework, they explain how busy their afternoon was, and why, no matter how often they tried to start, they didn't get their homework finished. 

A Funny Thing Happened After School is magic! The story is perfectly normal, mom picked the kids up in her car, stopped at work, got some gas etc. but, the illustrations reveal that mom is an alien, her car is a spaceship, she works in outer space and the kids have a very unusual, quite remarkable day. Benjamin Chaud's illustrations are whimsical and fun. I called in the grandkids and read them the story first without showing them the pictures, and then again with the pictures - a completely different story! They were delighted! Oh, how much fun this would be in a classroom, letting the students create their own story in pictures of a fantastic/ordinary day. 

Lisa Librarian