Nat the Cat Takes a Nap by Jarrett Lerner - ADVISABLE

Nat the Cat Takes a Nap by Jarrett Lerner EARLY READER Simon Spotlight, Simon and Schuster, 2023. $18. 9781665918916

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nat the Cat is trying really hard to take a nap, but is unsuccessful, mostly because the narrator keeps, well, narrating. He gets angrier and more tired as even his friend Pat the Rat comes to help. 

A pre-level One reader with short rhyming words and lots of repetition. Jarrett Lerner is such a great illustrator, this magic is in his pictures. I love the faces on Nat. Please write more books about this frustrated kitty.

Lisa Librarian

Worm and Caterpillar are Friends by Kaz Windness - ADVISABLE

Worm and Caterpillar are Friends by Kaz Windness EARLY READER, GRAPHIC NOVEL Simon Spotlight, 2023. $18. 9781665920018 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Worm and Caterpillar are friends. They are different in some ways - what they eat and how they look, but they are the same - both are afraid of birds. Worms hopes Caterpillar stays just the same, worm is in for a surprise. When Caterpillar changes in to a pupa, both worm and caterpillar wonder if their friendship can endure the change. 

Oh - I was so surprised by this story and enchanted! I loved it! What I thought would be a friendship story was also a great depiction of the science of both worms and caterpillars and butterflies. Highly recommend. Windness' illustrations are fantastic! 

Lisa Librarian

Earth School (Marshmallow Martians book 2) by Deanna Kent and Hooson - ADVISABLE

Earth School (Marshmallow Martians book 2) by Deanna Kent, illustrated by Neil Hooson, 60 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2023. $11. 9780593566107 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When the Marshmallow Martians want to learn more about earth bugs, the portal sends them to a school that is hosting an entomologist visit. But in Snug's excitement, she releases the bugs from the display and causes quite a problem. Good thing the kids are helping get the bugs back, because the Martians also want to learn about lunch. And, escaped ants really like lunch. 

I suppose readers will find Earth School exciting, but I didn't love bugs exploding out of the band instruments and the science experiments. I hope the Marshmallow martians don't visit my school - they sure caused a lot of trouble at this one. Each episode contains a butt joke - there was one in the last book as well. 

Lisa Librarian

Marshmallow Martians: Show and Smell by Deanna Kent and Neil Hooson - ADVISABLE

Marshmallow Martians: Show and Smell by Deanna Kent, illustrated by Neil Hooson. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2023. $11. 9780593566077 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The Marshmallow Martians get sent to Earth through a portal to learn about Show and Smell! They want to learn about the smells - like onions and cheese and farts, so they are delivered to an amusement park. They collect the scent of smelly shoes, find out you have to cut onion to release their aroma and learn what makes a burp, but can they discover the stinkiest smell? 

Martians interacting with Earth kids - and the kids don't freak out. This might be quite a fun series. Show and Smell is Book 1, and I suspect the appeal is solidly lower elementary. I loved the art lesson at the back and the sneak peak to book 2. Hooson's illustrations are clever adaptations of colorful marshmallows. 

Lisa Librarian

Housecat Trouble: Lost and Found by Mason Dickerson - ADVISABLE

Housecat Trouble: Lost and Found by Mason Dickerson. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2023. $14. 9780593173480 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Buster the cat finds a lost kitten in the house, Buster calls it Onion and they try to find its home, but the search turns into quite an adventure as they find themselves in a yard with a dog, running from the dogcatcher, and getting help from some "otherworldly" cats. 

Manga style illustrations and a magical story make this easy to read graphic novel a hit with either upper or lower elementary. I loved the darling cats with their different personalities. The story had plenty of twists which will keep the readers engaged. 

 Lisa Librarian

Super Gross: Into the Deep by Maria Le and Alison Hawkins - ADVISABLE

Super Gross: Into the Deep by Maria Le, illustrated by Alison Hawkins. EARLY READER, NON-FICTION Simon Spotlight, 2023. $18. 9781665933575 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Today, Dr. Ick is describing the strange creatures of the sea. The deeper you go the stranger they are, because they have adapted to their ecosystems. Readers meet an oarfish (photo included), blobfish, and the red-lipped batfish among others Rather than having a glossary, unfamiliar words are defined with pronunciations in context. Hawkins utilizes a combination of photography and illustration to represent the sea creatures. There's a fun "create your own sea creature" activity included. 

A read-to-learn level two - has a lot of text, but the level isn't too difficult - a great confidence builder. Dr. Ick is illustrated with brown skin. 

Lisa Librarian

Pizza My Heart: a Norma and Belly Book by Mika Strong - ADVISABLE

Pizza My Heart (Norma and Belly #3) by Mika Strong. EARLY READER, GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2022. $13. 9780593479728 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Norma and Belly discover a new pizza shop in town, only to find it's not a restaurant but a vending machine. When Norma manages to squeeze inside the machine, she finds herself in the pizza kitchen! Belly needs to get her out, but Norma may be in more trouble than she thinks. 

These two squirrels as so cute! What a fun series. The text is simple, but it doesn't feel like an early reader. I love the illustrations and the silly plot line. So far there are 3 books in this series - I think your K-3 kids will "eat them up" (they are all food related.) 

Lisa Librarian

Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure by Leigh Luna - ADVISABLE

Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure by Leigh Luna GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2023 $23.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Clementine Fox is always looking for a way to get out of going to school. So when she finds out Jessie Otter is taking his giant turtle over to the island where Great-Aunt Marnie lives, Clementine can't resist - and stows away with a couple of friends to spend an adventure-filled day away from school. But when plans go awry from the get-go, Clementine and her friends find themselves in the middle of an unplanned and difficult adventure. 

Clementine is a funny and spunky main character. As an adult, I struggle with her decisions and the fact that she brings her friends along for the ride. Luna's illustrations remind me of cartoon network shows, which I think readers will find appealing. The story is full of fairies, all sorts of animals, and a lot of twists and turns. An engaging read with some nice life lessons. The characters are animals. 

Lisa Librarian

Flashback to the . . . Fly '90s! by Patty Michaels and Sarah Rebar - OPTIONAL

Flashback to the . . . Fly '90s! by Patty Michaels, illustrated by Sarah Rebar. EARLY READER NON-FICTION Simon Spotlight 2023 $18. 9781665933506 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Let's take a look at the 1990s! Beanie Babies, Tamagatchis, Build-a-Bear, and upgraded gaming systems from Nintendo and Sony top the toy charts. Music was being purchased on CDs , and rap, grunge and hip-hop were popular. Kids were watching Rugrats and Barney on TV while they ate Lunchables. We see the trendy clothes, hairstyles and accessories, and there's a nod to the art of Lisa Frank. Communication was changing too, with email, cell phones, and caller ID. The 90s also introduced affordable personal computers. 

This Level 2 Ready to Read begins with a glossary, which I love - helps introduce the content as well as activates background knowledge. I don't see a kid picking this up, there's a lot of text and it's mostly lists - but I think their parents would think it's fun and enjoy telling them all about the movies they went to and the weird things they wore. Quite nostalgic, the photos are cool and the illustrations are silly. Multi-cultural kids are represented in the illustrations, as well as in the photos. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Night Sky by Marion Dane Bauer and John Wallace - ESSENTIAL

The Night Sky by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by John Wallace. EARLY READER, NON-FICTION Simon Spotlight, 2023. $18. 9781665931496 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The night sky allows us to see the stars and planets. During the day the sun outshines them! Some nights the moon is round, other nights its just a sliver. Some of the stars make up constellations. Falling stars are really a meteor shower, and the northern lights . . . spectacular. 

Wow, this level one reader was full of great information. John Wallace's watercolor illustrations featured kids looking at the night sky and were the perfect addition. I loved that it contains a glossary - provided at the beginning - what a great idea for new readers! Plus there's a collection of interesting facts at the end. I'm so excited to recommend this wonderful early reader! The illustrations feature multicultural children. 

Lisa Librarian

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance by Kat Zhang and Charlene Chua - ADVISABLE

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance by Kat Zhang illustrated by Charlene Chua PICTURE BOOK Simon & Schuster 2023. $19. 9781665916721 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Amy Wu loves to move. She just can't keep still. When she sees Chinese ribbon dancing, she has to try. But she has a small problem. What ribbon is right? 

The illustrations are colorful and bright. I like learning about Chinese culture and the value they place on family. 

WKS 

How to Count to 1 by Caspar Salmon and Matt Hunt - ADVISABLE

How to Count to 1 by Caspar Salmon illustrated by Matt Hunt PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crown, 2023. $18. 9798887770246 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

You know how to count, right? There are so many fun things to count. Here's the catch. You can only count to one. And only just 1. So, no big numbers! 

Matt Hunt's illustrations and end pages are fabulous and colorful. I love that it's kind of an "I Spy" book. It's really cute and fun. 

Wendi Stewart

Ode to a Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallace and Hyewon Yum - ADVISABLE

Ode to a Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallace illustrated by Hyewon Yum. PICTURE BOOK Chronicle Books, LLC, 2023. $17. 9781797210803 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Sometimes the little bumps in our days can feel much bigger than they are. And sometimes they multiply. And what a bad day it can become. 

Ode to a Bad Day helps us to see the humor and the bright side of any bad day. And it helps us look forward to tomorrow. Hyewon Yum's are lovely and almost tell the story themselves. I liked the good things that are pointed out in the storyline. It's just a fun and light story. 

Wendi Stewart 

Sora's Seashells by Helena Ku Rhee, Stella Lim and Ji-Hyuk Kim - ADVISABLE

Sora's Seashells: A Name Is a Gift to Be Treasured by Helena Ku Rhee illustrated by Stella Lim with Ji-Hyuk Kim, PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2023. $18. 9781536209938 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Every summer, Sora's grandmother visits and they spend their days at the beach. Sora likes to keep the shells, adding to her collection. Her grandmother always leaves the prettiest for someone else to find. Summer ends and Sora returns to school and is teased about her name. When her grandmother dies, she learns the truth of her name and shares it with her classmates. 

I love the beach so this made me feel close to home. When the family learns the sad news, they choose to find healing at the beach. And that's where the meaning of her name is learned. I love that the illustrations depict a loving family and their interactions at different times of their lives. 

Wendi Stewart 

How to Make a Memory by Elaine Vickers and Ana Aranda - ADVISABLE

How to Make a Memory by Elaine Vickers illustrated by Ana Aranda,  PICTURE BOOK Simon & Schuster,  2023. $19. 9781534494411 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Days go by. Life is always moving along. This means that something you love will come to an end. That means you'll have to learn to remember. But how do you make a memory? 

I love the storyline full of suggestions. Mentioning writing down things to remember can promote of love of writing. Meditating and breathing also bring mindfulness to the story. 

Wendi Stewart 

I'm a Great Friend! by Lauren Stohler - ADVISABLE

I'm a Great Friend! by Lauren Stohler PICTURE BOOK Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2023 $19. 9781665918336 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Baby Capybara is a great friend. No one creates an obstacle course as well as he. He makes perfect mud pies. Why is he the only capybara without a flock of birds? He tries every trick to find some feathered friends. Then one day.... 

I liked the use of the idea bubbles, interwoven with the standard dialog text. The illustrations add a lot to the story. I also liked the way Stohler uses different sizes of fonts to emphasize things in the story.

Wendi Stewart 

Welcome, Dark by Charis St. Pierre and Rachel Wada - ADVISABLE

Welcome, Dark by Charis St. Pierre, illustrated by Rachel Wada. PICTURE BOOK Orca Book Publishers, 2022. $20. 9781459831315 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Welcome, dark. Cook and gray. Come and tuck the world away. Explore the magic and mystery of the world at night. Explore the world that exists while we sleep. 

The color scheme represents the night, using gold, white, blues, and blacks It's absolutely beautiful. Welcome, Dark has a peaceful flow. 

Wendi Stewart 

Critter-Cam: Kitty-Cam by Margie Palatini and Dan Yaccarino - ADVISABLE

Critter-Cam: Kitty-Cam by Margie Palatini illustrated by Dan Yaccarino EARLY READER Simon Spotlight, 2023. $18. 9781665927321 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Today Kitty is wearing a Kitty-Cam as he hunts for something to eat. We see him spot the fish, but also witness kitty not liking wet paws - on to a container of snacks, a ball of yarn, but wait . . . a mouse! 

I kinda like these animal perspective stories. The pages show the kitty-cam view on one side and the "regular" view on the other, so the reader has a bit of storyline. I don't know how many books are in this series but I think they are fun. 

Lisa Librarian

Critter-Cam Shark-Cam by Margie Palatini and Dan Yaccarino - ADVISABLE

Critter-Cam Shark-Cam by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino EARLY READER Simon Spotlight, 2023. $18. 9781665927352 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A shark wearing a "critter-cam" is disappointed because all the fish run when they see him coming, until a friendly octopus agrees to dance. But after filming a whale catching a bunch of fish - Shark decides he may be hungry after all. 

A cute, simple story, told in short sentences and one word expressions. Yaccarino's illustrations are the best part. I think beginning readers would find Shark-Cam to be a fun story. 

Lisa Librarian

This Is Not A Unicorn by Barry Timms and Ged Adamson - ADVISABLE

This Is Not A Unicorn by Barry Timms illustrated by Ged Adamson PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crow Ltd. 2021 $16. 9798887770017 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This unicorn has a horn that turns into a magic wand, a key, a helicopter, and many other things. He's truly a magical, but not a unicorn. He and his little girl have many adventures. They visit magical places and their friendship grows, as well as her imagination. 

The illustrations are colorful and add depth to the story. It's a sweet story, simple and cute. I loved the adventurous side of the story. 

Wendi Stewart 

The Real History of the White House by Cicely Lewis - ADVISABLE

The Real History of the White House by Cicely Lewis 32 pages NON-FICTION Lerner Publications, 2023. $25. 9781728475875 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

This discusses the history of the White House and the enslaved people who labored there. It recounts how the land for Washington DC was stolen from indigenous peoples and how many of them chose to leave due to violence. The enslaved households of the presidents are discussed. Also discussed is the rebuilding of the White House after it was burned by the British. The story then continues with the Civil Rights movement and peaceful protests that were held. 

I liked the Reflect questions, as they made me stop and think. There was a lot of thought put into the pictures used throughout the book. It also highlights the contributions of African Americans to American history. 

Wendi Stewart

Day at the Beach by Tom Booth - ADVISABLE

Day at the Beach by Tom Booth, PICTURE BOOK Jeter Publishing, 2022. $14. 9781534444232 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Every summer, Gideon and his sister build a sand castle together. This year Gideon wants to build the best sand castle ever without his sister. Will he learn that it is more fun to work together? 

I really enjoyed this book! It teaches that we all have our own unique talents that are important. It would be a great book to teach the benefits of working together and sibling bonding. The main characters in this book are presumably white. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Animal Atlas by Ingela P. Arrhenius - NO

Animal Atlas by Ingela P. Arrhenius, BOARD BOOK INTERACTIVE NON-FICTION Candlewick Press, 2023. $20. 9781536231236

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This is a pop-up book. It covers the continents with the animals that live there. Facts are presented about each continent. It's a very simple book with only 1 pop-up per page. 

I like that facts about each continent were presented, and the illustrations are cute. 

Wendi Stewart 

From Shore to Ocean Floor: The Human Journey to the Deep by Gill Arbuthnott and Christopher Nielson - OPTIONAL

From Shore to Ocean Floor: The Human Journey to the Deep by Gill Arbuthnott, illustrated by Christopher Nielson. 77 pages.  NON-FICTION Big Picture Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, 2021. $25. 9781536229745

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

From Shore to Ocean Floor is a reference book. Incorporating some graphic novel elements, the history of sailing is presented including some origin stories. It covers myths, legends, and investigations of the salty seas. The undersea world is explored as well as how we stay underwater. The book takes us into the abyss. Then discoveries from the deep are covered, as well as why our oceans matter to us. 

I like the illustrations and the timeline. The illustrations are in-depth and thorough. However, I don't see it checking out a lot. I see kids who are interested in the sea reading some parts of it. 

Wendi Stewart Elementary Library Media Specialist

Grumpy Monkey: Don't Be Scared by Suzanne Lang and Max Long - ADVISABLE

Grumpy Monkey: Don't Be Scared by Suzanne Lang illustrated by Max Long. PICTURE BOOK Random House Studio New York, 2023. $11. 9780593486955 

Content: PG (includes the words and concepts of butt, farts, and it is scary, and contains peril) 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

It was Halloween in the spooky jungle when Jim Panzee and his friends braved the dark to get some treats. Everything looked eerie and Jim kept hearing a strange knocking sound.  Jim said he wasn't scared. Then they heard a creepy cackling. Porcupine looked behind the tree and discovered Hyena. Hyena tossed rotten meat for treats to the friends. Something grabbed a hold of Jim. It was Aardvark who gave them bugs for treats. Then they smelled rotten eggs and accused each other of farting, but it was just Polecat who chased the friends away. All of a sudden two glowing eyes flashed overhead. Jim screamed and admitted that he was scared until Aye-Aye revealed himself and gave the animals some fruit for treats. They started to relax until something really scary happened. 

Grumpy Monkey: Don't Be Scared is a very fun Halloween read. I found myself anxious every time there was a new noise in the jungle. Suzanne Lang's text was very spooky while Max Lang's illustrations transported me to a very eerie jungle. I would now be interested in reading more Grumpy Monkey books. 

PGPowers 

How to Survive in the Age of Dinosaurs by Stephanie Warren Drimmer - ADVISABLE

How to Survive in the Age of Dinosaurs by Stephanie Warren Drimmer, 96 pages NON-FICTION National Geographic Kids, 2023. $10. 9781426372827 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As the cover says, this is a "handy guide to dodging deadly predators, riding out mega-monsoons, and escaping other perils of the prehistoric." A guide to surviving in the wild, it's full of information on how to survive in each of the specific geologic eras in which dinosaurs lived. 

How to Survive in the Age of Dinosaurs covers the globe making use of maps and charts to provide information in a way that is visually appealing and flows. I liked the bold and colorful graphics. There is an index and a glossary which is handy. I like the illustrations 

Wendi Stewart Elementary Library Media Specialist

I Have a Question by Andrew Arnold - ADVISABLE

I Have a Question by Andrew Arnold, PICTURE BOOK Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrink Publishing Holding, 2023. $19. 9781250838247 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)  - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Stevie, following a lesson in class, has a question but doesn't want to ask. In his head, he goes through what can happen if he raises his hand. He then imagines what he'll have to do if those things happen. Then he realizes the problems this would cause. In the end, he makes his choice. 

I liked that it's relatable; everyone has probably had a question but kept their hand down. 

Wendi Stewart Elementary Library Media Specialist

Looking For True by Tricia Springstubb - ESSENTIAL

Looking For True by Tricia Springstubb, 273 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2022. $19

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

11yo Gladys, small for her age, quite eccentric in her dress and vocabulary use, meets Jude, also 11yo, but he is quite laid back, easy going and tries to always be obedient. Both kids live in a ramshackle neighborhood. Gladys’ mom runs a daycare and Gladys often has to help out; her dad works all day. Jude has a mother and a little brother, but no father. Jude's mother works at the rest-home and takes every shift she can get. She is always exhausted and not always very nice. Jude is mostly responsible for his little brother. A chance meeting with a neglected dog brings these two kids together. They name the dog True. They find out where the dog lives and go by to visit as often as they can. One day True is gone. They set out to find True, and when they do they decide to hide the dog in a safe place, and visit every day. They even make a schedule. Things do not go as planned and the kids panic a little, then come up with a new plan.

I loved this book; it touched my heart. Here are these two kids who really have nothing, doing all they can to save this dog. The story is told by both Gladys and Jude in alternating chapters. Gladys is extremely bright and Jude is so level headed. It really is great to see how these two, very different kids end up working together. It is great, this way you get the perspective of both the children. I would highly recommend this book. It might even want you and your children to get a dog of your own.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

A Season Most Unfair by J. Anderson Coates - ADVISABLE

A Season Most Unfair by J. Anderson Coates, 273 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2023. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Scholastica (Tick) has learned all there is to learn about the candle-making trade in 13th-century England. If she is doing all the work, and has learned all that she has, is she not a real apprentice? One day she finds a young boy at her workstation - her father's new apprentice. She is no longer allowed to help with the candle-making, just because she is a girl. Instead, she is expected to help in the house and hang out with other girls in the village. She learns that she will not even be allowed to go to the big fair in September. She looks forward to the fair all year! Will she be able to convince her father to let her come?

Life in the Middle Ages was hard for many reasons: not only for the strict roles imposed on girls and boys. The story is both interesting and captivating. I loved this book. The characters are all English. I don’t know how much your students read Middle Ages set books - but if they do read Karen Cushman, for example, they would also enjoy this. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Star Wars The Battle of Endor by Ella Patrick - OPTIONAL

Star Wars The Battle of Endor by Ella Patrick EARLY READER (K-3rd grade) Disney, 2023. $5. 9781368093477

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Luke, Han Solo and Princess Leia, along with the Ewoks, battle Darth Vader for the fate of the empire. The rebels are trying to destroy the Death Star that the empire is building. While Luke is facing Darth Vader, Han and Leia are captured. That's when the Ewoks step in. 

Star Wars The Battle of Endor follows closely to the movie. The artwork is great. It will keep the attention of readers, especially if they are Star Wars fans. 

Wendi Stewart 

Animal Doctors by Libby Romero - OPTIONAL

National Geographic Readers: Animal Doctors (Level 1/Co-Reader) by Libby Romero, 48 pages. CHAPTER BOOK, NON-FICTION National Geographic Kids, 2023. $5. 9781426373640

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Animal Doctors describes what a veterinarian is and what they do. We learn about the different types of vets, such as farm vets and ocean animal vets. 

Animal Doctors has a "your turn" section where children decide where different vets would treat different animals. There are great color photographs, giving a great insight into the veterinarian world, which students will enjoy.  If a child likes animals, they may enjoy the book. I don't see many children choosing to read this title, but rather I see this one being an assigned book. 

Wendi Stewart, Elementary Library Media Specialist 

The First Magnificent Summer by R. L. Toalson - HIGH

The First Magnificent Summer by R. L. Toalson, 336 pages. Aladdin Books (Simon), 2023. $18

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (first period mentioned); Violence: PG (father hits her)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

12yo Victoria Reeves lives in Texas with her mom, her brother Jack, and her sister Maggie. Their parents split a couple years ago because their dad cheated on their mom. Now, the kids have to go spend the summer with their dad in Ohio, along with his new family. Victoria is excited and wants to show her dad that she is grown up now. She also brings her journals, which she loves to write in all the time. However, her summer does not go according to plan. She gets her first period, her dad doesn’t welcome her the way she expected, she misses her mom, and more.

I thought it was a really cool idea that the author chose to write this from the perspective of you reading Victoria’s journals, however that did make it slightly confusing at times but overall it worked. I also liked how there were poems, quotes, and definitions included because it made you think more deeply.

The ethnicity of the main character isn’t described, but on the cover she is depicted as white.

Student Reviewer: Sophia, 9th Grade Student

The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf - ADVISABLE

The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf (The Clackity #2), 300 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2023. $18.

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Evie promised her aunt she wouldn’t go through any more magical doors without backup.  And as soon as she promises, the same day she has to break that promise. Though, to be fair, she was mesmerized and tricked.  Now on the Dark Sun Side again, Evie hopes that she can solve the mystery of Blight’s missing ghosts - and maybe find a clue to what happened to her parents.  The Nighthouse Keeper is out to bend Evie to her will, but perhaps with the help of Lark, a ghost, she will be able to find some answers. 

I had a harder time loving this one as much as the first.  Evie’s mistakes were much more obvious this time and her ending was more deus ex machina. The Nighthouse Keeper is nowhere near as scary as The Clackity, but I am sure Clackity will be back in force in book #3.  Oh yes - Evie has very good reasons for another trip to the Dark Sun Side.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The Umbrella House by Colleen Nelson - ADVISABLE

The Umbrella House by Colleen Nelson, 218 pages. Pajama Press, 2023. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Roxy and her best friend Scout are eager to enter their YouTube channel EaVillKids, where they report their East Village neighborhood happenings, in a contest to win a documentary made of an idea they submit. Life is all too real for Roxy, who is raised by her grandmother in Umbrella House, a reclaimed tenement building.  Developers have their beloved building in their sites and the local Council may side with the developers. Roxy wishes that the Midnight  Muralist, who was big in the East Village in the 1980’s could come to save the day this time, too.

Roxy’s enthusiasm is fun to experience and she has moments of stretching and growing, especially with her relationship with her best friend. A good way to inspire young people to see that they can influence their world. Umbrella House is a real place in NYC’s East Village and the tenants acquired the building just as described - though Roxy and the Midnight Muralist are not real people. I missed any reference to ethnicities within the book.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

When Giants Burn by Beth Vrabel - OPTIONAL

When Giants Burn by Beth Vrabel, 238 pages. Atheneum, 2023. $18. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Gentry has been living with her prepper parents, I mean with Alex and Jennifer, on property near her maternal grandmother in rural Utah. Secretly Gentry has been building her own ultralight aircraft - using money she stole from secret caches buried by Alex. Gentry desperately wants to fly - but she has promised Nanny Pat that she won’t until she is 12. Hayes has been living with his Grandma Louise and his younger brother, but his mom is out of prison now and Hayes is able to forgive her. The unlikely duo are drawn together - the overbold Gentry and the withdrawn, anxious Hayes. Also drawn near them - a fire happening near Bryce Canyon - in the way of Gentry getting to see Pando, an aspen organism that is considered to be the largest organism on earth.

The addition of the kids’ lives being in danger feels like overkill when you consider the other problems they are dealing with feel huge enough to carry the book. The title and cover art will catch eyes for sure, but I like Two Degrees by Alan Gratz more.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler - ADVISABLE

Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler. GRAPHIC NOVEL Alfred A. Knopf New York, 2023. $11. 9780593487822 G 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 

Gnome and Rat live in the Enormous Forest in Gnome's tree stump home. Gnome loves his red coned hat. Gnome is so excited one day because it is his red hat's birthday. Rat teases Gnome that he doesn't remember this special day but then he pulls out cute signs and treats. Gnome sees rabbits disappearing and jumping out of hats using a magic wand. Gnome decides he wants to fit in his hat with magic. He ends up stretching out his hat. While his hat is getting fixed, he tries hair tonic on his bald head and grows a lot of white hair to match his white beard. His hair gets mistaken for many things including a duck's bottom before he gets his red hat back. Then Gnome loses his red hat. He tries buying a hat from a hat salesman but the hat is too silly. Rat kindly buys the salesman's hat. Will Gnome ever get his hat back? 

Gnome and Rat is a funny graphic novel for younger kids. The foolish antics of Gnome brings chuckles while Rat seems to have more brains. The illustrations are very humorous, and bring to life Gnomes silly ideas and how much he loves his hat. 

PGPowers

Stickler Loves the World by Lane Smith - HIGH

Stickler Loves the World by Lane Smith PICTURE BOOK Random House Studio New York, 2023. $19. 9780593649831 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Stickler is a strange woodland creature covered in sticks. Stickler found 3 new sticks! He loved sticks more than anything except for everything else in the world. He went through the forest naming everything with excitement! He wished he could see it all again as if for the first time. Then Stickler noticed something that looked like a small alien. He couldn't understand the alien's language, but he decided to show the alien the wonders of his planet. After showing the alien everything, Stickler adjusted the helmet on the Alien and got a wonderful surprise. 

Stickler Loves the World is a positive book about looking at the overlooked wonders of the earth with new eyes instead of taking everything for granted. I enjoyed the cute one-of-a-kind creature named Stickler. The illustrations are captivating. Children will enjoy Stickler and his energetic optimism. 

PGPowers

The Many Masks of Andy Zhou by Jack Cheng - OPTIONAL

The Many Masks of Andy Zhou by Jack Cheng, 309 pages. Dial (Penguin), 2023

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

6th grader Andy’s grandparents are visiting from China, so his room is now the couch. His best friend, Cindy has ideas - bleaching their Asian hair (hers looks fab, while Andy’s is a disaster) and ditching mathletes to join the school dance company to take part in the school musical. Andy’s lab partner is science is Jameel, who both scares Andy and fascinates him. Between family problems, friendship drama, and his own shy personality, Andy will be stretched in many ways.

You probably have a few students who will be willing to give this long read attention.  Cheng manages to address some tough issues in subtle ways - such as Andy pulling out some hairs to a bald patch as a coping method and Andy realizing that Cindy is struggling with eating issues. But as I said, it is a long read and the interactions between Andy and his parents can be decidedly awkward.  

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door by Cary Fagan - OPTIONAL

Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door by Cary Fagan, 160 pages. Tundra Books, 2023. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When a man with the initials HCA moves in next door, Andie decides that he is Hans Christian Andersen. She asks him questions about his work, rereads his stories and writes her own poems expanding on and retelling the stories in new ways. Her poetry even helps her find a new friend. Then one day Andie tricks her neighbor into coming to school with her for a show and tell - and Andie’s invented reality comes crashing down.

What I felt for Andie was pity. I could see reading this with an elementary class to open up some really interesting discussions - not just about Andie’s naivete, but also about her relationship and resolution with the girl bullying her at school.  I couldn’t tell how old Andie is, and she defaults white. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Wake Me Up in 20 Coconuts by Laurie Keller - ADVISABLE

Wake Me Up in 20 Coconuts by Laurie Keller PICTURE BOOK (K-3rd grade) Little, Brown and Company 2022 $19. 9780316311960  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Apartment 2C is the resident Know-it-all and can't admit to not knowing everything. This becomes a problem when neighbor 2B asks for a wake-up call in "20 coconuts." What in the world does that mean? How can you tell time in coconuts? 2C doesn't know and has to learn a lesson about admitting when we don't know something. 

"Wake Me Up in 20 Coconuts" is meant to be a funny, interactive read-aloud. There is a large cast of apartment residents who all need different voices. 2C experiences ridiculous events that are meant to have young children giggling with delight. This little story is a morality play about the benefits of admitting, "I don't know." The characters are all different non-human shapes and colors. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

Happy by Miles by Van Hout - HIGH

Happy by Miles Van Hout, PICTURE BOOK pajama press, 2023. $20. 9781772782875

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A beautiful colorful fish swims in an ink black sea. Many other fish follow showing the emotions of feeling curious, nervous, brave, shy, amazed, sad, furious, proud, jealous, loving, angry, glad, confused, content, afraid, confident, startled, perplexed, bored, and finally delighted. 

First, if you appreciate art you will love Happy just for the beautiful and delightful illustrations. Second, you will love the fantastic capture of emotion in each picture. Children will enjoy its simplicity, and adults will want to use it to introduce the vocabulary of emotions to small children.

PGPowers

Heroes Like Us by Onjali Q. Rauf - ADVISABLE

Heroes Like Us by Onjali Q. Rauf, 165 pages. Delacorte Press, 2022. $17 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

This book actually contains two novellas. The first novella is a continuation of the book called "The Boy at the Back of the Class." In that book, Ahmet, a 10yo refugee has fled his home country and now lives in Britain. Ahmet and his new school friends stand up for refugee children because they feel that the laws concerning letting refugees into the country are unfair. In this book, their actions gain the attention of the queen and they are able to have tea with her. In the second novella, Nelson and his family use the food bank when they can't afford to buy food. When someone starts stealing from the food bank, Nelson and his friends are determined to find the culprit. 

I thought that the message of these two novellas is an important one for today's children. It is possible for anyone to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference. I do think that you need to read The Boy at the Back of the Class before you read the first novella in this book. Ahmet, is a from Syria. His friends are from Britain and America. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus - ADVISABLE

Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus, 288 pages.  Margaret Ferguson (Holiday House), 2023. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Dory lives with her older (17yo) and her younger brother in a small apartment in New York City.  Dory’s mother is dead and her father is away fighting during WWII. The families within their apartment and others extended through the neighborhood are very supportive of the children while their father is away.  However, when a new landlord arrives, the kids are in trouble - if he finds out they are alone, the family will be split up into the foster system. But Dory has an idea. Maybe they can find a way into the abandoned and sealed hotel above their favorite restaurant! 

I love Dory’s spunk and ingenuity.  And I love that the narrator has included some particular asides, breaking the fourth wall with the reader. Good look at life in NYC in the 1940’s and lots of tension and adventure to move the story along. While I would love to rate this ESSENTIAL, I know that historical fiction is not a huge draw usually. Dory and her family are white, and their neighborhood is diverse.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote by Traci N. Todd and Laura Freeman - ESSENTIAL

Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote by Traci N. Todd illustrated by Laura Freeman PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Harpercollins Children's Books, 2022. $19. 9780063139770 

Content: PG (mention of racism and misogyny)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote is a picture book biography introducing the current political figure, Stacey Abrams. Her life is discussed by the angels of former suffragettes watching over her; Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Events from their lives are presented as well, as they discuss the fight for equal voting rights that endured for so long. 

I liked the presentation of Stacey Abrams as a bright girl who decided what she wanted to achieve from life and set out to do that. She is an example of courage, perseverance, and dedication for all students. The illustrations show these women so accurately that students will be able to identify them in the future. Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote is a picture history book about the crusade for equal access to voting rights in the United States. It is not explicit in any way, but there is mention of the racism and misogyny that has prevented many from being able to vote . These topics raise questions that a child will need a loving adult to discuss with them.  Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote has a cast of Black American women. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Squash the Cat by Sasha Mayer - ADVISABLE

Squash the Cat by Sasha Mayer. PICTURE BOOK Random House Studio New York, 2023. $19. 9780593566534 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Squash the cat looks like a squash, takes lots of naps, and is Maggie's very best friend. He helps her get donuts off of the top of the fridge. He makes sure she wins building block contests, and coughs up hairballs on the piano so that she can get out of lessons early. He hides under the table and eats the food she doesn't like at dinner and keeps her warm while she walks the dog. But one day, Squash made a mistake and attacked her new toy tunnel when he thought it was a snake. Now Squash can't eat or sleep. Will Maggie ever forgive him? 

Squash the Cat is a fun and creative book about perfect-for-each-other friends who learn that they aren't always perfect, and how to forgive. I was impressed with the expressive, cute, and colorful storytelling illustrations. Kids will enjoy the cat's funny antics. 

PGPowers 

Top Story (Front Desk #5) by Kelly Yang - ESSENTIAL

Top Story (Front Desk #5) by Kelly Yang, 304 pages. Scholastic, 2023. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mia is excited to be in San Francisco’s Chinatown for journalism camp at the Chronicle. Even though it occupies her winter break, she is ready to go. Plus her best friend Lupe is attending her own mathematics camp across the bay at Berkeley and Mia’s mom is getting for her first major mathematics lecture - IN ENGLISH! The other kids at camp are older than Mia, and some of them are influencers, who seem to have more pull with the editors. If Mia and the other token diverse campers want to be heard, they are going to have to find a way to tell their stories on their own.

I love that along the way Mia learns even more about the history of Asians migrating to the US.  I liked that Yang wove these incidents (Angel Island, internment camps, racist laws) into the narrative without feeling intrusive. I feel this book in particular could stand alone, even if it is #5, and be used to spark many class discussions. Yang also gives each of her diverse characters room to bring in their own cultures.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The House That Whispers by Lim Thompson - ADVISABLE

The House That Whispers by Lim Thompson, 327 pages. Little Brown, 2023. $17

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (main character is nonbinary or a transgender boy, but is not out to anyone); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Simon (who has not told anyone that in his head he refers to himself as Simon and uses he/him pronouns) is headed with his sisters to Nanleen’s house for a week while his parents stay behind and “talk”. Simon is worried about Nanleen because she has started to forget things and he thinks the house may be haunted. As he investigates what he thinks is a ghost, he learns about his great-aunt Brie, who no one in the family talks about - for reasons that may be similar to what Simon himself is going through.

I like that Thompson took a risk to fold a story about gender identity into a book that is more about past family drama.  It is a nice mix for an issues book. SPOILER ALERT:  this is not a ghost story - the haunting is all the haunts of unresolved family problems both past and present.  I think that will disappoint some kids who pick it up for the cover and the title. Simon is white.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Penguin Huddle by Ross Montgomery and Sarah Warburton - ADVISABLE

Penguin Huddle by Ross Montgomery illustrated by Sarah Warburton PICTURE BOOK Walker Books US, 2022. $18. 9781536231311

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The penguin pack fishes and plays all day. At night, they make a huddle to keep warm. One night, there was a terrible storm and when they woke up in the morning, the penguin pack was frozen together in their huddle. They were stuck fast like a giant ice pop. Their animal friends couldn't break them apart. The penguins set off across the ocean. They traveled by Iceberg Express, Whale Rail, and Albatross Airways and arrived at a shining city. Would they ever find someone who could help them? 

Penguin Huddle is a silly story with a cute ending about perseverance and friendship. It is fun to read and see the funny antics of the penguins. It is a little unbelievable because they should have melted out of their huddle way before they reached the city, but kids will enjoy the penguin's foolish fun. 

PGPowers 

One Busy Bunny by Robie Rogge and August Ro - OPTIONAL

One Busy Bunny by Robie Rogge, illustrated by August Ro BOARD BOOK Little Simon, 2022. $8. 9781665903769

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

This is a very simple story of a bunny delivering eggs to other animal friends at the pond, in the garden and on the farm for Easter. 

The board book is in the shape of a rabbit, which is unique and may be fun for little hands. The soft illustrations are pretty and perfect for spring and Easter. This is definitely intended for toddlers and preschoolers. It's little more than a list of animal names in a very basic story, told in slightly forced rhyme. It would be good for filling an Easter basket if you need a little something extra for a young child, but I suspect this would be a one- or two-time read with a toddler and then it would be forgotten. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian