Here We Are: Book of Opposites by Oliver Jeffers - ADVISABLE

Here We Are: Book of Opposites by Oliver Jeffers. BOARD BOOK Philomel (Penguin), 2022. $10. 9780593527856 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Jeffers' Book of Opposites is all about the illustrations! Based of scenes in or about nature, baby will see night/day, big, small, wet/dry, hot/cold and so much more. 

Jeffer's illustrations, as always are beautiful, fun and a bit quirky. At 26 pages, it's full of fun reading and imagining experiences. The fishing one, above and below the lake is my favorite. 

Lisa Librarian

Playdate!: (With Bear, Too?) by Jamie Michalak and Katie Mazeika

Playdate!: (With Bear, Too?) (Chicken Soup for the Soul BABIES) by Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Katie Mazeika BOARD BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2023. $9. 9781623542870 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Bear wants to play with the smaller animals in the forest, but his size causes problems in every game and Rabbit is starting to get irritated. Making new friends sometimes needs guidance. 

I'm happy to see a note to parents with helpful tips. A cute board book with a sweet message. Of course, it's from the Chicken Soup for the Soul people. 

Lisa Librarian

Goosebumps House of Shivers: Scariest.Book.Ever. by R.L. Stine - OPTIONAL

Goosebumps House of Shivers: Scariest.Book.Ever. by R.L. Stine, 160 Scholastic, 2023. $8 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Thinking they are in for a boring summer, twins Betty and Billy have to spend time with Uncle Wendell in his secluded house at the edge of the Wayward Forest. The twins don't have a chance to get bored before discovering that Uncle Wendell is the keeper of the most scariest book in the world, and they have to face their own scares to keep it safe. 

This is standard R.L. Stine fare, so fans of his will probably enjoy it. The storyline was okay, though Stine has better books. But if you want a quick read that brings back Goosebump nostalgia, then read on. The culture and race of the main characters is never mentioned. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Ham Helsing: Raising the Stakes Rich Moyer - HIGH

Ham Helsing #3: Raising the Stakes by Rich Moyer, 236 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic (Random House), 2023. $14 

Language: G Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Ham Helsing wants to visit the old family homestead, Helsing Manor, but he and his pals get snowed in and discover they are not the only ones haunting the halls. Ham has to keep his friends safe from the world's oldest vampire and his monster-huting dad. 

 Bright and colorful art and easy-to-follow panels make this an enticing graphic novel. Add in Ham Helsing and his cohorts and you have a recipe for fun. The storyline has some unexpected twists and offbeat humor. 

Michelle in the Middle

Big Truck Little Island by Chris Van Dusen - ADVISABLE

Big Truck Little Island by Chris Van Dusen. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2022. $18. 9781536203936 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a big rig truck carrying an oversized load gets stuck on a switchback road, traffic is completely stopped and the island residents have no way to get to their destinations. The grown-ups may be grumpy about the situation, but the kids are creative and find a solution. 

This is a delightful story of problem-solving and community cooperation. Big Truck Little Island is based on a true story, with some fictional details and characters added. I thought this was a wonderful story, with absolutely gorgeous and detailed illustrations. The story is told in carefully crafted, easy-flowing rhyme. An author's note at the end of the book made the story even more enjoyable - I loved finding out that this was based on a true story! This will be a great read-aloud and I know my elementary students will thoroughly enjoy it. This book features a beautifully diverse cast of characters. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

No Horses in the House by Mireille Messier and Anna Bron - OPTIONAL

No Horses in the House!: The Audacious Life of Artist Rosa Bonheur by Mireille Messier illustrated by Anna Bron. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Orca Book Publishers, 2023. $22. 9781459833524 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Once there was a girl named Rosa who loved to draw animals, especially horses. Her mother insisted on teaching her to read and let her draw an animal for every letter in the alphabet. As Rosa grew older she didn't want to sew, embroider, cook, and garden like the other girls. Eventually, her father taught her to draw, paint, and sculpt at home like her brothers. Rosa wanted to go to the horse market to draw horses, but only boys were allowed. So Rosa dressed in her brother's clothing and went to the horse market. A policeman caught her. So Rosa got a permit from the government to dress any way she wanted. She started showing her paintings. Some ridiculed her but others thought her animals were very lifelike. Then one year her newest painting, The Horse Fair, was so beautiful that she became one of the most famous artists in France. 

No Horses in the House is an interesting account of the life of famous French artist Rosa Bonheur. Messier's text portrays a woman willing to take surprisingly bold risks, and dress as a man to be able to do things that only men were allowed to do in 1829 in France. I enjoyed the story and the storytelling illustrations. the fact sheet at the end includes more detail to her life and alternate lifestyle. 

PGPowers

Piggy: Permanent Detention by Vannotes - HIGH

Piggy: Permanent Detention by Vannotes, 128 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL graphix Scholastic, 2023. $13 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The world is in disarray after an outbreak of a zombie-like disease. Willow and her team, the Silver Paw, do what they can to survive, which is not easy when there are the Infected and their leader PIGGY, who seems bent on taking them out. Willow and teammate Cami, are separated from the others and have to make their way through an abandoned school filled with a barbarian clan of kindergartners, a gladiator pit in the cafeteria, and an infected-filled gym. 

This seems like "The Walking Dead" for elementary students. The art is bright and colorful and will most likely entice readers. However, there wasn't a lot of plot besides getting away from the mysterious infected PIGGY via an old school building, and anyone who can't get past kindergartners probably deserves to let Darwinism take over. There is no clear culture or race since the characters seem to be a mashup of weird animal creatures. Think not-so-adorable stuffed animals come to life. 

Michelle in the Middle

Looking Up by Stephan Pastis - ADVISABLE

Looking Up by Stephan Pastis, 228 pages.  Simon and Schuster, 2023. $14 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Saint is a girl facing lots of changes. The neighborhood she loves is disappearing. But it is when her favorite and ancient toy store is demolished, that she realizes she must take action. Enlisting the help of a quiet neighbor boy whose house is also in danger of being torn down for newer buildings, she hatches a plan to save her hometown from realtors. 

Okay, my description of the book doesn't capture the quirkiness that makes reading a Stephan Pastis book an adventure in joy. Saint is a great character who is relatable even in her oddness, which makes her more endearing. Her observations about life are truthful from a child's perspective. While mostly funny, the book also touches on real issues such as change and loss. The line drawings add a lot to the tone of the book. Sign me up for another one! The culture or race of the main characters is not specified. 

Michelle in the Middle

A Brave Bear by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Emily Hughes - ADVISABLE

A Brave Bear by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Emily Hughes BOARD BOOK Candlewick, 2023, First Boardbook Edition, originally published 2016. $10. 9781536229639 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

It's a hot day, so the kid bear suggests that he and the dad bear go for a splash in the river. But getting to the river, the little one gets hurt, and now needs to show that he is brave. 

Oh! The story was precious, and the illustrations were wonderful. A darling read with a little one. AJ recommends it even to her 2nd-grade friends, it was that cute. I'm so happy to see a board book has given this older story new legs. 

Lisa Librarian and AJ Age 7

Get Up, Stand Up adapted by Cedella Marley and John Jay Cabuay - OPTIONAL

Get Up, Stand Up: Based on the song by Bob Marley adapted by Cedella Marley, illustrated by John Jay Cabuay. BOARD BOOK Chronicle/Blue Apple, 2023. $8. 9781797219424 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The kids should stand up for what's right, despite what others say. Be true to themselves and be a friend. Stand up for their rights. 

I think the parents will appreciate this more than the child, and it's really just the chorus of Marley's song as the text, with new verses written by his daughter Cedella. I really liked the message: to be kind. Cabual's illustrations are colorful, with multicultural kids!

Lisa Librarian

Puppy Cam by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino - OPTIONAL

Puppy Cam by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight, 2023. $18. 9781665927383 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A puppy has a cam recorder on his head. It records everything he sees. He sees a ball. He gets the ball. He barks at the birds. He chases a squirrel. He scratches. He digs for a bone. He gets scared by the cat. what else will the puppy see? 

Although Puppy Cam is an interesting idea, it lacks a story of any interest. The text is easy for children to read themselves. 

PGPowers

A Is For Australian Reefs by Frane Lessac - ADVISABLE

A Is For Australian Reefs by Frane Lessac. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Candlewick Press, 2022, $19. 9781536228304

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Along the Australian Coastline, underwater reefs are bustling with the most amazing sea creatures and many are found nowhere else on earth. Incredible facts are found throughout the rest of the book. The sea creatures mentioned are different kinds of dolphins, eels, fish, handfish, jellyfish, kunes, kanga nudibranchs, leafy sea dragons, mollusks, giant tritons, cuttlefish, giant clams, octopuses, parrotfish, peacock mantis shrimp, Queensland groupers, rays, sea stars, turtles, urchins, violet sea apples, whale sharks and more. 

A Is For Australian Reefs is a fascinating book about sea creatures that live around Australian reefs. The text is full of incredible facts. I enjoyed the beautiful colorful illustrations along with the fun facts. I thought I would brush through it, but I found myself wanting to read every fact on every page. 

 PGPowers 

Big Green Garage by Jen Arena and Mike Dutton - HIGH

Big Green Garage by Jen Arena, illustrated by Mike Dutton. BOARD BOOK Chronicle Books, LLC, 2022. $20. 9781452170749

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

At the Big Green Garage, they fix cars. With durable levers and gears, readers pick up a car with a tow truck. They gather tools to fix the car. They check the tires, fix the muffler, and many other things. Will they get the car working? 

Big Green Garage is a delightful board book for young children interested in tools, cars, and fixing things. Throughout ten of the pages, children can lift flaps, pull tabs, and turn wheels to fix vehicles. Cute interesting illustrations and activities will engage a young child. Men, a woman, and all colors of people work at the Big Green Garage. 

PGPowers

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman - ADVISABLE

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman. PICTURE BOOK Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2023. $10. 9781665942447

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Bear is alone in his cave and is missing his friends. He decides to make a big dinner and invite everyone over, but he has no food. Mouse stops by with huckleberry pie. Bear says "Thanks!" He feels bad that he has nothing to give back. Then Hare brings muffins, Badger brings fish, Gopher and Mole bring nuts, and Raven and Wren bring pears and tea. Bear says, "Thanks!" but he is still sad that he has nothing to contribute. Then his friends tell him about something he can share. 

Bear Says Thanks reminds us that we all have something to share even if it's not something you can hold, and how important it is to be gracious and thankful to others. Children will enjoy the text and cute artistic illustrations. 

 PGPowers 

Danbi's Favorite Day by Anna Kim - ADVISABLE

Danbi's Favorite Day by Anna Kim. PICTURE BOOK Viking, (Penguin Random House LLC), 2023. $19. 9780451478931 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Another lovely story about Danbi, a young Korean American girl who shares her culture with her friends and classmates. In Danbi's Favorite Day, Danbi shares the excitement of Children's Day, a day where families gather to celebrate and honor children as the leaders of tomorrow. Danbi promises a day of excitement, but a storm disrupts her plans and forces her to get creative in order to save the day. 

 

Anna Kim's illustrations are gorgeous and filled with wonderful details and expression. The story itself is fun, and very Danbi - a little precocious, with lots of energy and creativity. There were a few disconnects in the story that made me feel like I'd skipped a page, but overall the story was a fun celebratory day with Danbi, her parents and friends. I would have loved some backmatter explaining a bit more about the tradition of Children's Day. Danbi and her family are from Korea, while her friends are illustrated as a beautifully diverse cast of characters. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

Next Door To Happy by Allison Weiser Strout - ADVISABLE

Next Door To Happy by Allison Weiser Strout, 184 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2022. $18 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12 year old Violet is not especially happy. Things aren't great at her house. Her father just moved out and her mother suffers from crippling anxiety. She has no siblings and nobody to play with. She will start middle school and she will not know anybody there. Then, one day the Walker Family moves in next door. They have several children and Reggie is the same age as Violet. Actually, Violet gets along with the whole family and often eats dinner with them. Mrs. Walker bakes lots of treats and they always include Violet. One day Violet accidentally overhears Mrs. Walker telling Reggie that she does not think that Violet is an "appropriate" friend. Violet discovers that no family is perfect as she struggles to find a way to fit in and be a friend. 

I think there are a lot of children like Violet who struggle to fit in, find friends, and feel secure in who they are. Violet is going to have to face some hard truths and come to terms with how her life is. A great read and I highly recommend this book. Characters are default white.

Ellen-Anita. Librarian 

She Holds Up the Stars by Sandra Laronde - ADVISABLE

She Holds Up the Stars by Sandra Laronde, 187 pages. Annick Press, 2022. $18 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G (mistreatment of horse) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Misko is 12 years old. She is First People Canadian and she lives in the city with her aunt. She does not want to move back to the reservation to live with her grandmother. All her friends, her school, all the stores she knows are here in the city. But, she has to move back. She feels a certain kind of pull from the reservation, She is not happy to be there until she meets a most beautiful horse she names Misthdim. Mistadim is being violently broken by his new owner. The owner has a son named Thomas. At first Misko and Thomas do not get along, but after awhile a friendship starts to form between them. Misko has a special bond with the horse, Mistadim. This bond helps her understand the world around her and the beauty of the world. Can Misko and Thomas stop his father from being so hard on the horse? Is there another way? 

She Holds Up the Stars is a quick read, and a beautiful story. I read it all the way through, I could not put it down. This would especially appeal to children who love horses, and maybe children who own horses. I recommend the lovely little story and I hope you will enjoy it, too. Main character in Native American. 

Ellen-Anita. Librarian 

Nina Soni Snow Spy by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky - OPTIONAL

Nina Soni Snow Spy by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky, 183 pages. Peachtree Atlanta, 2022. $16 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nina is in the fourth grade. Nina is excited about the really snowy weekend ahead. Her little sister Kavita will be there and Kavita is really into big words. Nina helps her with meanings all the time. Their friends Priya and Nayan are going to visit and there is going to be a big snowstorm. Priya and Nayan have just moved with their families from Florida to Wisconsin. Nina is excited to introduce them to lots of winter fun in all the new snow. She is planning to build a snow fort have snowball fights, and make snow angels. The neighbors are out of town, so Nina is supposed to keep an eye on the house next door. Somebody had been there, so maybe Priya and Nayan could help identify the mystery person (MP.) As the girls try to spy on MP they are in for a surprise. 

The book is filled with so many fun things to do in the snow and the cold. I grew up in Norway, so I can easily picture the fun things the girls are doing. It made me remember the cold, the smell of the biting cold and the snow, snow forts, snowball fights, snow angels, and all the other things we did under the dark afternoon sky in the winter and the snow.

This was a fun, easy-to-read book, with realistic characters. I enjoyed this book. All the main characters in this book are immigrants from India. 

Ellen-Anita. Librarian  

Dare to be Scared (Pizza and Taco #6) by Stephen Shaskan - ESSENTIAL

Dare to be Scared (Pizza and Taco #6) by Stephen Shaskan, 60 pages. CHAPTER BOOK, GRAPHIC NOVEL (Graphic) Random House, 2023 $11. 9780593481288 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Pizza challenges Taco to a Dare to Be Scared Challenge to see who gets the most scared. They try the dark, scary movies, scary tv . . . but neither will admit when they are afraid, even when headed to the cemetery to hunt for Ghost Peppers! 

The movie Parody titles were fantastic. I love these characters, they are so much fun. Dare to be Scared is a great read for Halloween. I'm so glad to see so many titles in this series, and I want to read them all. 

Lisa Librarian

Too Cool For School by Stephen Shaskan - ESSENTIAL

Too Cool For School (Pizza and Taco #4) by Stephen Shaskan CHAPTER BOOK, GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2022 $10 9780593376072 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Pizza and Taco think they are the coolest kids at school - until they arrive, and there's a new kid! B.L.T. seems really cool, but he says stuff Pizza and Taco like to do is for babies, but they think he's cool and want to be with him. Being cool with BLT is boring, and hanging with him gets them in trouble. 

The food characters are the best part of the story. So funny to have everyone be a food, even the teacher. I liked the message about it's not always cool to be cool and the twist at the end was great. Shaskan's illustrations are clever, the faces on the Taco and Pizza are so simple, yet expressive. I bet readers will try to draw some of the characters. Highly recommended. 

Lisa Librarian

Lake Life With You by Cindy Jin and Andres Landazabal - OPTIONAL

Lake Life With You by Cindy Jin, illustrated by Andres Landazabal. BOARD BOOK Little Simon, 2023. $8. 9781665935142 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A mixed race family of four and their dog go out early at their lake house to watch the sunrise. Later that morning they feed the ducks and listen to frogs croak. Later, they canoe and swim. There's nothing better than life together. The family does many other fun things together throughout the day until the moon stars and lake say goodnight. 

Lake Life With You is a peaceful sweet book about a family enjoying each other centered around nature, but there is nothing really to engage a young child. The Illustrations are dark and not very engaging either. Father is white, rest of the family is dark skinned. 

PgPowers 

Search for Treasure by Mary Alice Monroe, Angela May, and Jennifer Brickling - ESSENTIAL

Search for Treasure (The Islanders #2) by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, illustrated by Jennifer Brickling, 259 pages. Aladdin, 2022. $18 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Jake Potter, now 12, is on his way to spend the summer with his grandmother and his best friends Macon and Lovie at Dewees Island. It was hard to keep in touch over the whole school year with letters and texts. Jake never knew what to write. It was awkward. Last year they had a great mission, saving baby turtles. Jake is determined that this year they will have another great mission. His dad always tells about all the fun he had in his tree fort on the island. It was built in the biggest tree. The directions to the tree are quite specific and Jake is sure the three of them can find it. Maybe they will find old pirate treasure too? Some people claim to have found some treasure on the island, so maybe Jake and his friends will find some too. Life isn't just sunshine and roses for Jake and his friends. Some new boys are on the island and the adults like them, but Jake and his friends are being bullied by them. Jake hopes he can find the treasure and make his dad happy again.

I was so excited to see this book in my box. I loved the first book. This one does not disappoint. Tell the kids about this book and I think they will like it. Maybe boys will like it more than girls. My grandson loved the first book and is eagerly waiting for this one. The characters are strong and very realistic. The setting is real and the adults give the kids a lot of freedom to explore by themselves. It is a small island, so it would be hard to get lost or get to any harm without being found quickly. I loved both Treasure Island Books and look forward to more adventures with Jake, Macon and Lovie.  All three children have personal problems in their families. Together they are stronger, they can talk about their problems and help each other find solutions. 

Ellen-Anita Librarian 

My Uncle is Coming Tomorrow by Sebastián Santana Camargo - OPTIONAL

My Uncle is Coming Tomorrow by Sebastián Santana Camargo, translated by Elisa Amado. PICTURE BOOK Greystone, 2022. $17. 9781778400063 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - NO, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A child is told his uncle is coming to visit and he waits, his whole life. 

My Uncle is Coming Tomorrow is more about the afterward than the picture book. *Spoiler* the uncle never arrives because he is one of the "disappeared" from the Cold War or organized crime. The illustrations are simple line drawings. I think the subject matter is more appropriate for an older audience, maybe a high school class talking about political terror. 

Lisa Librarian

Ours by Ruth Forman, illustrated by Talia Skyles - OPTIONAL

Ours by Ruth Forman, illustrated by Talia Skyles. BOARD BOOK (Little Simon) Simon and Schuster, 2022. $9. 9781665903059 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Confidence and acceptance surround the children who go to the park. There's a great mirror in the middle where the child can see themself. 

Honestly, though, I was lost. The text is unclear. "He loves his" - and a boy is looking in the mirror. I had to explore a bit to figure out where Forman was taking the reader. I believe, based on Forman's dedication, that the theme of the book is loving your skin color. The characters are all children of color 

Lisa Librarian

Nothing is LIttle by Carmella Van Vleet - ESSENTIAL

Nothing is Little by Carmella Van Vleet. 215 p. Holiday House, 2022. $19 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f');  Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

11-year old Felix lives with his mom and his stepdad. He has never known his dad and he and a friend start investigating to see if they can find any clues to who he is. Felix is short, and he finds out that his dad was really short too. Felix has Growth Hormone Deficiency, which means his Growth Hormone tells bones and muscles and everything in your body how to grow. If you do not have enough Growth Hormone, you will not grow. Felix and his very pregnant mother go to see a specialist. It is decided that Felix will start Growth Hormone treatments. In the meantime his baby sister, Boo, keeps growing and making his mother very uncomfortable. On top of everything else, his mom and step day want Felix to change his last name so that the whole family will have the same last name. Felix struggles with all these things; starting middle school, being short, not knowing his father, getting a new stepfather, and waiting for the new baby to be born. 

I loved this book. I loved how Felix rises to each new challenge and makes good decisions. He does not especially mind being short, it is just the way he is. He has some good friend and a mom and a stepdad who love him and want what is best for him. The was a very heartwarming story about how children, and all of us, can overcome hardships in our lives, learn to live with it, and keep doing our best. I really recommend this book. It is a good read-aloud, or, book talks to students and they will all want to read it. Happy reading everyone. 

The characters are default white.

Ellen-Anita. Librarian 

Greenlee is Growing by Anthony DeStafano, illustrated by Louise A. Ellis - OPTIONAL

Greenlee is Growing by Anthony DeStafano, illustrated by Louise A. Ellis. PICTURE BOOK Convergent Books. 2023. $13. 9780593577967

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Greenlee is Growing is a book about seasons, as well as seasons of life. The book features brightly colorful, joyful illustrations and a rhyming story about a girl named Greenlee as she grows from childhood to old age. Different stages of life are compared to the various seasons of the year (spring = childhood, summer = adolescence, fall = adulthood, winter = old age). There is a subtle religious undertone in the story, with churches in the background of several illustrations, and mention of God having created the year. 

I think this might be a lovely book to read as a grandparent with a child on your lap. I wouldn't likely use it as a read-aloud in my school library though. I think the comparison of the four seasons to different seasons of life would be confusing to or lost on young readers. Additionally, there are only six pages representing childhood (the season most appropriate for and appealing to young readers), but eight pages representing each of the other stages of life. The season of old age actually has 16 lines of poetry, whereas youth only has 10. This may be a nice gift to a high school graduate or a new young mother, but aside from the wonderful art I don't think this book will appeal highly to most children. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

The Art of Magic by Hannah Voskuil - ADVISABLE

The Art of Magic by Hannah Voskuil 315 pages. Lerner Publishing Group, 2022. 18 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Mild Magical fighting and monsters)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Between her best friend moving and the mean kids at school, Zuzu isn't excited about her 3rd-grade end-of-the-year picnic, but her mother has insisted.  Once the rain started and the picnic moved to the Mapleton Mansion, Zuzu thought she might have lucked out.  She has always wanted to visit the mansion.  It's supposed to be haunted, after all.  First chance she gets, Zuzu wanders off to explore the areas that have been blocked off and runs into someone else exploring.  He tells her his name is Andrew Chang and his family just moved into the area.  Unbeknownst to Zuzu and Andrew, their exploring has disturbed an angry spirit trying to return and take revenge on everyone in the town and only Zuzu and Andrew will be able to stop him.

Boy, creating magical creatures through art and music takes great responsibility, but also it’s awesome, especially when you didn’t know you had a touch of magic.  This was a fun fantasy that had likable characters and great magical creatures, plus an ending that cleared up all the loose ends.  What I liked best was Zuzu finding a new friend, when she didn’t think she would, and giving the class mean kid the chance to change, when everyone said he couldn’t. Things to think about.  

Characters are of various ethnicities.

Reviewer: RBenson

Catch That Chicken by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank - ADVISABLE

Catch That Chicken by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank. BOARD BOOK Candlewick, 2022. $9. 9781536228045 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Lami lives in a compound with several families and lots of chickens. She's the best at catching the chickens. But when she gets carried away with the chasing and does something dangerous, everyone has to tell her to slow down, and Lami must find another way to catch them. 

Brooksbank's illustrations are so much fun - we loved looking for Lami grabbing or chasing a chicken on every page. I'm glad AJ didn't ask why Lami needs to be so good at catching chickens, I'd hate to explain that to a pre-schooler. The story takes place in West Africa, and includes a West African expression. 

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 7)

Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis - ADVISABLE

Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis. CHAPTER BOOK Candlewick, 2023. $16. 9781536228328 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Bear doesn't realize the talking flower is really Bird, who fell into it and couldn't get out. Bear forgets to pack all the things for a picnic; Bird loves painting and teaches Bear who is a natural; Bear doesn't want to leave his cozy home to do stuff with Bird. 

Four darling stories featuring these 2 sweet friends. I liked that they were sometimes making choices that weren't always the best - great discussion points with the child - "Is it OK to be dishonest to keep from hurting someone's feelings?" - "Is it OK to tell your friend you just want to be alone for a while?" Jarvis' pictures are great. A fun Picture Book / Chapter Book. 

Lisa Librarian

Henry the Snail by Katarina Macurova - OPTIONAL

Henry the Snail by Katarina Macurova. PICTURE BOOK (K-3rd grade) B4U Publishing for Albatros, Albatros Media Group 2023 $17 9788000067933 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Henry the Snail is excited to climb plants and see the brilliant view of the garden, but Henry doesn't have any slime to help him stick to the plant stalks in order to climb. He decides that if he's strong enough, he can climb plants without slime, so he exercises until he's strong enough to climb. Even with his newly developed strength, he can't quite make it to the top and he learns to rely on garden friends to help him. In return, Henry teaches his friends some of the skills he'd developed. 

The illustrations are fun and with plenty of details to enjoy, and I especially enjoyed Henry's great facial expressions that convey his determination and frustration. The story is a unique little tale for teaching the importance of not giving up as well as celebrating differences. The ending had some fun potential, but despite teasing the reader with something fun and exciting, the final page was a bit of a letdown. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

Hooray for Fall by Kazuo Iwamura - OPTIONAL

Hooray for Fall by Kazuo Iwamura. PICTURE BOOK NorthSouth Books, Inc, 2009. $20. 9780735845435  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Hooray for Fall! is a sweet story about a family of mice preparing for winter. The little mice siblings do some exploring and discover other creatures and woodland things during the fall season as winter approaches. The animals are anthropomorphized, wearing little red sweaters knit by Mama mouse, and various animals talk to one another about their preparations for winter. 

This is a gentle, simple story with pretty illustrations in a predominantly yellow, orange and red color palette, appropriate for fall. The story includes very basic details about ways mushrooms, berries, trees, birds, and bears adapt to the changing seasons. It would make a sweet read aloud with young listeners, but wouldn't likely keep older students' attention. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

Tiger Trouble (Tig and Lily Book 1) by Dan Thompson - ADVISABLE

Tiger Trouble (Tig and Lily Book 1) by Dan Thompson. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House Graphic Random House, 2023. $11. 9780593486283 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Tig - a cat - gets into the tiger's cage at the zoo - she tries to convince Lily that Tig is a Tiger, but Lily is not convinced. 

Such a darling graphic novel about being whatever you want to be. I loved Lily (the tiger) so much. Dan Thompson has drawn her a bit like Hobbs, but she isn't mischievous, she's cute and clever and a good friend. I'm glad to see book 2 is already out, excited to see more of their adventures. 

Lisa Librarian

Great White Shark by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Cindy Lane - ADVISABLE

Great White Shark by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Cindy Lane. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Candlewick, 2023 $19. 9781536225037 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A shark roams the ocean looking for food and a place to birth her babies. 

Originally published in Australia, American children may need to understand that swimming north from Australia is toward warmer water. Lane's illustrations are gorgeous! Even the one showing the shark's scary teeth. I liked that it was a story, with different text for the information. Quite engaging - shark-loving kids will read and re-read. 

Lisa Librarian

Wolves by Gail Gibbons - OPTIONAL

Wolves: New and Updated by Gail Gibbons. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Holiday House, 1994/2022 $19.00 9780823452538 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Wolves -they hunt in packs, can be many different colors, are members of the dog family, and are losing their habitat. Gibbons describes how they communicate, raise their young, and tells about some of the myths and legends surrounding wolves. 

I didn't love the illustrations, they felt - messy. The text was written in very short sentences, reminiscent of a child standing in front of the class giving their report on wolves. So, although it was thorough, it wasn't very interesting. 

Lisa Librarian

The Big Cheese by Janee Trasler - ADVISABLE

The Big Cheese (Figgy & Boone) by Janee Trasler EARLY READER Simon Spotlight ( Simon and Schuster, 2023 $18. 9781665914529 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Figgy is hungry but they are out of cheese. When truck drives by and spills a big roll of cheese, the two mice try to figure out how to take it home. 

A Ready-to-Read Graphics Level , The BIG Cheese is darling. Told mostly through the illustrations with lots of repeated words (especially the names Figgy and Boone) an early reader will love the story and feel super confident. AJ thought it was really funny and she recommends it to her friends.

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 7)

I am Made of Mountains by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs and Vivian Mineker - ADVISABLE

I am Made of Mountains: An Ode to National Parks - The Landscapes of Us by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs, illustrated by Vivian Mineker. PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge, 2023. $19. 9781623542603 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

16 different National Parks are celebrated each with a short lyrical poem and a few quick facts. I am made of ... begins each poem, and in very few words Hinrichs introduces the park. Her poems are lovely and poetic. A nice tribute to our beautiful places. Mineker's illustrations are so fun and include multicultural children and their families. I'm sure we will see this soon in (at least 16 of) the National Parks. I love it! I loved the endpapers which show where all the national parks are, too. 

Lisa Librarian

Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska, illustrated by Hatem Aly - ADVISABLE

Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska, illustrated by Hatem Aly. PICTURE BOOK Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2023 $19. 9781250222497 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Auntie Fatma comes to visit, she brings Egypt with her. The little girl misses Cairo so much, and for 2 weeks, her home feels different. They eat special foods Auntie brought and speak in Arabic, but best of all is the song Auntie sings every night - bringing the city of Cairo, with its sights sounds, and memories. 

A darling story - utilizing the pattern of "The House that Jack Built" the song grows and grows. We really liked it, and I can imagine that a child who has lived in Cairo or even visited would love it even more. The illustrations are interesting, ranging from colored pencil sketches to detailed drawings. Some Arabic words are woven into the text, and there's a glossary and author and illustrator notes as well. A nice addition to your picture book collection, and a great representation of an Egyptian child. 

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 7)

Not a Monster by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez and Laura Gonzalez - ADVISABLE

Not a Monster by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, illustrated by Laura Gonzalez, NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2023. $18. 9781623543037 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

An axolotl isn't a monster! It's actually a type of salamander that lives in the canals around Mexico City. Once plentiful, now pollution in the water has made them rare - but the community is doing its part to restore the canals, and make them more environmentally friendly - better water = more axolotl. 

Laura Gonzalez's illustrations are beautiful! The axolotl is so cute, at every stage of life - my goodness! There's Spanish throughout the text, with a vocabulary list at the back. Also contains an author's note and photographs! 

Lisa Librarian

The Great Ghost Hoax by Emily Ecton and David Mottram - ADVISABLE

The Great Ghost Hoax (The Great Pet Heist #2) by Emily Ecton, art by David Mottram Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2021. $18.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mrs. Third Floor's apartment seems to be haunted - at least that's what she thinks. But Butterbean, Walt and the other animal friends want to investigate. There's certainly weird stuff going on, strange sounds, food tasted, and the fishtank is empty of fish. But is it a ghost? 

Ecton's group of furry detectives are hilarious. Makes me wonder what kind of mischief the pets at my house are getting into all day while we are gone. Not so much mystery as adventure, but an engaging read all the same. Mottram's illustrations are the perfect complement to the story. I'm hoping this is a nice long series. 

Lisa Librarian 

Dear Brother by Alison McGhee and Tuan Nini - ADVISABLE

Dear Brother by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tuan Nini, 192 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Atheneum (Simon), 2023. $14 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Sister is sick and tired of older Brother getting all of the attention at home and always getting his way. Case in point - Sister wants a dog, but the family gets the bearded dragon that Brother wants instead. She expresses her displeasure vocally, but also through a long succession of notes and letters and drawings. When Brother goes off for a month of summer music camp, Sister is forced to take care of the hated lizard. 

A super quick read, with very little text on each page. Lovely that the illustrations tell as much of the story as the text. 

 Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

All Aboard the Schooltrain by Glenda Armand, illustrated by Kisha Morris - ESSENTIAL

All Aboard the Schooltrain by Glenda Armand, illustrated by Kisha Morris. PICTURE BOOK Scholastic Press, 2022. $20. 9781338766899 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

As the kids come along the sidewalk, single file, they are the school train. Thelma gets on in her place. They have to hurry because the school bell rings at exactly 8:30. This is the train the children go in. But one day, Thelma will go on a real train. She is sure of it.

I loved this story! From the back matter I learned that children used to not be allowed on the bus! Wow! This is a story for the author's real life. She finally was allowed to go on the train, all the way to California. Read and enjoy this book. The kids on the train are all African American.

Ellen-Anita Librarian

Lovely Day by Bill Withers and Olivia Duchess - ESSENTIAL

Lovely Day by Bill Withers illustrated by Olivia Duchess. PICTURE BOOK Scholastic Inc., 2023. $19. 9781338815382 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This is originally a song, for the first time published as a picture book. It is happy and bright, full of life a light. The writing is simple but beautiful. When a young boy finds things wrong with the world, all he has to do is look at his little sister, and all is right with the world. What a beautiful sentiment. 

I love this simple, yet most beautiful book. I hope it will become a treasure in your home for years to come. I loved the bright illustrations and the happiness that runs through the whole story. Happy reading! The main characters are African American. 

Ellen-Anita Librarian

All the Love on This Island by Natalie Davis and Minji Kim - ADVISABLE

All the Love on This Island by Natalie Davis, illustrated by Minji Kim. PICTURE BOOK Disney Press, 2022. $18. 9781368078009 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Moana and her grandmother try to tell each other how much they love each other by using items found at the island. 

This was a very cute story and I think small children, especially, would love to have this cute story read to them over and over. It would be great to have this book on a bookshelf in your child's room. The protagonists are Pacific islanders. 

Ellen-Anita Librarian

When a Friend Needs a Friend by Rozzeboos - ESSENTIAL

When a Friend Needs a Friend by Rozzeboos. PICTURE BOOK Scholastic, 2023. $19. 9781338813944  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Aya and Oskar a best friends and they love to do things together. they like to explore, build things, and play. One day Oskar didn't want to play anymore. Oskar seemed sad, but aya knew that sometimes Oskar just needed to be alone for a while. Aya sent notes to Oskar and tried to cheer him up. 

I think we can all recognize ourselves in Oskar from time to time. Sometimes we all need some time alone to think, to process all the things that are happening around us, and to figure things out. Soon enough Oskar is ready to play again and all is well with their world. Sometimes we all just need time to work through our big feelings. We all need some time alone. I highly recommend this book and it will teach children that it is OK to need some alone time from time to time. 

Ellen-Anita Librarian

The House Swap by Yvette Clark - ADVISABLE

 The House Swap by Yvette Clark, 285 pages. Harper, 2023. $20. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Allie from England and Sage from California are swapping houses for a week. Red-headed Allie feels out of place in her family of five, and refuses to leave when their dog Max gets sick just before they are to leave. She gets a chance to meet blond Allie and her mom - dad isn’t coming on this vacation. While the two girls are completely different in personality, meeting gives them both a chance to help the other. 

A sweet book about finding friends in unexpected places. While not a stand-out must read for every student, certainly has plenty of charm. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

In the Holly Jolly North Pole by by Joel Stern and Nancy Leschnikoff - OPTIONAL

In the Holly Jolly North Pole by by Joel Stern, illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff.  BOARD BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2023 $13. 9781665933315  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Everyone is busy at the North Pole as Christmas draws ever closer. Stern and Leschnikoff use five pop-up spreads to go through Santa's workshop. 

Each spread has a four line poem narrating the scene. The illustrations are not as clean, bright, or sparkling as my heart wanted for a Christmas book. I almost wonder if the illustrations came first and Stern had to write a poem to go with them - the whole thing just doesn't work for me. The elves are a variety of skin tones, but add nothing to the story. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O’Leary - OPTIONAL

The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O’Leary, 40 pages. PICTURE BOOK, NONFICTION. Tundra Books (Penguin Random House), 2023. $19. 9780735263697

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The four Brontë siblings were always telling each other stories, and the first books they wrote were handmade for Branwell’s toy soldiers. But they didn’t stop there!

O’Leary gives a short history on the Brontës and the trials they faced and overcame together as they story told together. After the short anecdote—illustrated with adorable pictures of them as children—O’Leary includes a simple book making activity. I appreciate that this book encourages children to play outside and use their imaginations, but the story itself felt purposeless.

The characters are depicted as White.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

So Not Ghoul by Karen Yin, illustrated by Bonnie Lui - NO

So Not Ghoul by Karen Yin, illustrated by Bonnie Lui. PICTURE BOOK. Page Street, 2022. $19. 9781645675570

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The girl ghost is not happy with her new haunting assignment - the local school. Not because of the kids, but because of the mean ghoulmates who roam the halls and make fun of her robes that she inherited from her ghost ancestors. Is changing her outfit, forbidden by her ancestors, or changing her attitude the way to change her circumstances?

I was looking forward to a Halloween picture book, but translating the mean girl/fashion dilemma to ghosts didn’t work for me. There was no chill or thrill to it - just an awkward try at a familiar problem in a new setting. I do like Lui’s illustrative style.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS