Goodnight School by Catherine Bailey and Cori Doerrfeld - ADVISABLE

Goodnight School by Catherine Bailey and Cori Doerrfeld. PICTURE BOOK. Union Square, 2024. $19. 9781454948544

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The night guard has arrived to make sure the school is settled down for the night.  One little creature seems to be very busy, however.

Doerrfeld does such a good job making the items around the school look sleepy. She adds a bit of personality to each scene.  The little critter moving across each page is delightful to track down, too. A fun way to show little ones that their teachers don’t live at school!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge by Elizabeth Partridge and Ellen Heck - OPTIONAL

Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge by Elizabeth Partridge and Ellen Heck. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2024. $20. 9781452135144

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Partridge gives us a succinct, but still very informative book about the building process.  It is a bit denser than many recent picture books, but still very engaging. Some things aren’t explained until the back matter - like who are the children in the book and why are they so prominent in the story? A definite purchase for any community within use of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Most other schools will probably only want it if they have a teacher who uses bridge building as part of their science curriculum. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hello Hello Opposites by Brendan Wenzel. - ADVISABLE

Hello Hello Opposites by Brendan Wenzel. BOARD BOOK. Chronicle, 2025. $10. 9781797219981

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Wenzel uses endangered animals to introduce us to opposites. His illustrations are simple, but engaging and he includes a glossary of names - in order of appearance, including the level of endangerment.  It may seem like a lot of info, but Wenzel pulls it off succinctly in a way that doesn’t interfere with simply enjoying the book.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dot! Scribble! Go! by Herve Tullet - ESSENTIAL

Dot! Scribble! Go! by Herve Tullet. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2024. $17. 9781797232584

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Tullet draws us into another interactive picture book - having us use color to draw - flowers!  But maybe they don’t have to be just flowers?

I “dipped” in the colors and drew every live, squiggle, and smudge.  It is irresistible! When I read this aloud I will have a helper or two to do the drawing.  Such fun!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Lost by Bob Staake - ADVISABLE

Lost by Bob Staake.  WORDLESS PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2024. $19. 9780593707029

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The little girl is worried, because she can’t find her cat anywhere!  When she distributes flyers around her town, she finds out that other animals are missing too.  

At first I thought maybe the animals had all gone somewhere together - but Staake is more creative than that. A fun wordless pb to pore over and absorb the story of the illustrations.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever! by Stephen Shaskan - ADVISABLE

Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever! by Stephen Shaskan, 58 pages. EARLY GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House, 2024. $11. 9780593703496

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It may only be September, but Taco is so excited about Christmas, that he and Pizza go ahead and make their lists.  Now they just have to be extra good the rest of the year - even being kind to CHeeseburger, if you can believe it! What will happen on Christmas Day if they don’t receive all of the presents they asked for?

I love Shaskan’s blend of humor and a nicely subtle lesson about being kind and not having a tantrum if things don’t go your way. While there isn’t much to this short early reader, it still packs unexpected heart.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

This is My Brain! a book on neurodiversity by Elise Gravel - ADVISABLE

This is My Brain! a book on neurodiversity by Elise Gravel. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2024. $18. 9781797228204

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Gravel takes us on a clear, simple journey through the importance of the brain and how we all learn and think differently from each other. 

Gravel does keep things very simple - no neurological deep dives her, but she sticks to her point and explains neurodiversity in a way for small children to understand.  A great read aloud for a young class as a way for them to think about how they prefer to learn and express feelings and to help them understand their classmates. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Over and Under the Wetlands by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal - ESSENTIAL

Over and Under the Wetlands by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2025. $19. 9781797210872

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Messner and Neal bring us the next book in their biomes series, drawing us into the sights and sounds of a wetland. The back matter gives more details about the creatures we encountered while reading.

Keep on investing in these beautiful, succinct non-fiction picture books. Someday we’ll have a whole set!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Boo Stew by Donna L. Washington and Jeffrey Ebbeler - OPTIONAL

Boo Stew by Donna L. Washington and Jeffrey Ebbeler. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2024. $18. 9781682632215

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Curly Locks would love to feed all of the people of the swamp, but her batwing brownies and lizard skin lasagna don’t really appeal to the other townfolk. When a trio of Scares start terrorizing the town, Curly Locks may be who they need to solve their problem - and hers!

Don't relegate this to a Halloween book - it is more of a different take on the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Buy this depending on your volume of kids who enjoy odd pb’s. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Illumipedia by Carnovsky. - ADVISABLE

Illumipedia by Carnovsky. 159 pages. NON-FICTION. Wide Eyed Editions, 2024. $30. 9780711297043

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

APPEALS TO:   MANY

"Illumpedia" is a unique approach to the animal kingdom through interesting visuals and bright colors. Carnovsky uses colorful patterns and drawings of animals overlapped with different colors to show the animals' different environments and features on a close scale. Carnovsky includes a small device on the inside, allowing kids to interact with the pictures by studying the difference between colors in the images. Along with the imagery, "Illumipedia" also teaches about general life in the animal kingdom, introducing geography and climate as well as extinct species. Packed with different species, fun facts, and the history of animals, "illumipedia" is a great way for kids to study animals on a different level.

"'Illumipedia" is a great choice for kids who are discovering their interest in animals as well as kids who are interested in different facets of the animal kingdom. The illustrations and designs are a great hook and pull readers in. The interactive element keeps it interesting, and because readers study the book on a close scale, they pull even more information from it. This is a great choice.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Your Vote Matters: How We Elect the U.S. President by Rebecca Katzman and Ellen Duda - ADVISABLE

Your Vote Matters: How We Elect the U.S. President by Rebecca Katzman, illustrated by Ellen Duda. 109 pages. NON-FICTION. Scholastic, 2024. $22. 9781339046495

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

APPEALS TO:  SOME

"Your Vote Matters" is an excellent introduction of how American politics and elections work. Along with elections, Katzman dives into the history of elections and how our system has been shaped over hundreds of years. She also gives brief introductions to economic and social factors, such as how elections were shaped by social movements as well as taxes, trade, etc.

"Your Vote Matters" is a great introduction of how our country works and votes in new leaders to young kids, teaching them how important it is to take a stand in your community and country. Katzman keeps the topics unbiased and describes the processes of leadership in America in a way that's easy to understand and interesting for kids. Explaining vocabulary, creating simple metaphors, and giving history behind our system creates a great introduction of political science to kids. Duda's illustrations show simplified diagrams and pictures are also used to mix up the mediums. This is a great, simplified introduction to American politics and political science, teaching kids the importance of efficacy at a young age. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Jason Lyon - ESSENTIAL

Amazing Asia: An Encyclopedia of an Epic Continent by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon, 105 pages. NON-FICTION. Wide Eyed Editions, 2024. $30. 9780711288324

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

APPEALS TO:  MANY

Rashmi Sirdeshpande shows fun facts and historical events through a weaving timeline, countering the denser topics with inventions and animals. Lyon's illustrations show the wide range of culture and geography in Asia, including bits of language, flags, geography, and different people and species. 

"Amazing Asia" is a great, in-depth explanation of everything Asia-inspiring kids from all different backgrounds. SLyon’s fascinating illustrations draw readers in, as well as being packed with information spanning all different categories. It's a great way to teach kids about different cultures, including learning more about their own as well as helping them to explore others. "Amazing Asia" is a detailed, beautiful way to learn about culture and humanity.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Ayo's Adventure Across the African Diaspora by Ain Heath Drew and Erin K. Robinson - ADVISABLE

Ayo's Adventure Across the African Diaspora: from Afro to Zulu by Ain Heath Drew, illustrated by Erin K. Robinson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Books, 2024. $20. 9798888592113

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

APPEALS TO:   SEVERAL

Follow Ayo through recounts of African languages, history, countries, culture, geography, and more. Ayo shows us the wide span of cultural differences and similarities, as well as connecting people from different walks of life together. 

Robinson's illustrations use bright colors and a unique style to bring the reader in, giving us an immersive experience of African history. Drew does a wonderful job of introducing new cultures and customs to kids, allowing them to expand their worldview. Connecting new and old history with geography allows kids to get a brief overview of the entire history of Africa, inspiring them to look further into different cultures as well as their own. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Author Vs. Illustrator by Donald Lemke, illustrated by Bob Lentz. - ADVISABLE

Author Vs. Illustrator by Donald Lemke, illustrated by Bob Lentz. PICTURE BOOK. Capstone Editions, 2024. $19. 9781684469970

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The author and illustrator of a book are fighting with one another over who has more power in the story. The two battle with the narrative and illustrations, changing the story to suit what they want.

Along with the humor of the two not getting along, "Author vs. Illustrator" also gives some information to kids about how books are published and the amount of people that it takes for a book to pull together. Both Lemke and Lentz make "Author Vs. Illustrator" interesting with funny jokes and silly illustrations, getting readers hooked in the first few pages.  Although the two have their differences, we learn that for a book to come together, the responsibility of the author and illustrator are equal, and they need to work together in order to get the best book. A great pick for any kid. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

How to Survive in the Age of Pirates by Crispin Boyer - ADVISABLE

How to Survive in the Age of Pirates by Crispin Boyer. 87 pages. NON-FICTION EARLY READER. National Geographic, 2024. $10. 9781426375583

Content: PG (It briefly discusses weapons used, like daggers, swords, etc. )

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

"How to Survive in the Age of Pirates" takes a deep look into the history of pirates, discussing their culture, how their ships worked, and battles. The illustrations hook readers in, showing drawings and designs of pirates and their tools, food, ships, and more. We learn about pirate culture such as what they wear, how they speak, and how they steal. Along with pirate history, Boyer also includes facts about life in other places during the time, as well as disease, progression of weaponry, etc.

Boyer has created a unique way to learn history as well as different cultures throughout it, especially when learning different walks of life. His illustrations and graphic design draw readers in, allowing them to submerge themselves in the book. For kids that are already interested in pirates or different cultures, this is a great pick for them, giving fun facts and information about new peoples. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Animal All-Stars Collection by Elizabeth Carney, Mary Quattlebaum, Laura Marsh - ADVISABLE

Animal All-Stars Collection by Elizabeth Carney, Mary Quattlebaum, Laura Marsh. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. National Geographic, 2024. $9 (paperback). 9781426376832

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

"Animal All-Stars Collection" showcases five different animals and their climates, food, predators/prey, habits, and more. Brief overviews of these five animals show readers the diversity and similarities between animals in the animal kingdom. The photos give close-ups to the animals, showing how they grow and giving readers a closer insight to them. Each "book" within the collection includes fun facts and how they're studied, allowing readers to gain an insight to scientists, as well.

"Animal All-Stars Collection" briefly covers five different kinds of animals with a wide range of habitats and history. Keeping readers interested with fun facts, pictures, and simplified vocabulary, we gain a deeper understanding into how animals live. This is a great choice for kids who are interested in becoming scientists or studying animals as well as gaining more perspective for the world around them.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025 by National Geographic - ESSENTIAL

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025 by National Geographic. 367 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic, 2024. $16. 9781426376023

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

APPEALS TO:  MANY

"Almanac 2025" is a massive collection of all the relevant things that are happening in the world, such as history, politics, culture, new discoveries, exploration, inventions, and more. National Geographic covers nearly every base in this book, giving an expansive overview of current events in a simplified way that's easy to understand for readers of different levels. Including maps, pictures, and illustrations explain diagrams and discoveries to readers as well as hooking them in. "Almanac 2025" includes interactive games, glossaries, maps, and more to keep readers engaged by using different forms of learning and keeping things interesting. 

"Almanac 2025" is a great choice for kids spanning reading levels and interests to help them learn more about the world around them. A fantastic pick, because there's elements of nearly everything within it (history, politics, animals, inventions, games, and more) that would resonate with any reader. National Geographic keeps things interesting and informative by including charts and maps of different flags, countries, animals, and more.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

1000 Facts about Sharks by Sarah Wassner Flynn - ADVISABLE

1000 Facts about Sharks by Sarah Wassner Flynn. 96 pages.  NON-FICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2024. $15. 9781426371745

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

APPEALS TO:  MANY

"1000 Facts about Sharks" is a great and in-depth exploration into the world of sharks. Including pictures of different species, fun facts about anatomy, and the geography of their climate, it is an engaging and detailed summary of all things shark. As well as facts about sharks themselves, it also includes how they're studied, what makes sharks different from other sea creatures, and how the food chain and ocean system functions. 

"1000 Facts about Sharks" also includes insight into living in the ocean overall.  It's a great pick for kids that are discovering their love of animals as well as kids that already are and want to get more information.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Ultimate Bug-Opedia by Darlyne Murawski and Nancy Honovich - ADVISABLE

Ultimate Bug-Opedia by Darlyne Murawski and Nancy Honovich. 296 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic, 2024. $25. 9781426376153

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

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

"Ultimate Bug-Opedia" is a massive collection of everything related to bugs. Murawski and Honovich delve into how bugs eat, how they impact their habitat, the relationships between different kinds of bugs, and how their bodies function. Along with fun facts, "Ultimate Bug-Opedia" also includes pictures through microscopes and teaches readers how bugs are studied through etymology, as well as how scientists study them. Murawski and Honovich also discuss how bugs are classified and differentiated between one another, including how families of bugs work and how they build structures. It is a great pick for kids interested in animals and science spanning different reading levels.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

We Weave by Daniel W. Vandever and Deonoveigh Mitchell - ADVISABLE

We Weave by Daniel W. Vandever, illustrated by Deonoveigh Mitchell. PICTURE BOOK. Daniel W. Vandever, 2024. $19. 9781737496434

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO:   SEVERAL

"We Weave" follows a young Navajo boy and his grandmother adapting to online learning. 

Vandever follows traditions and culture as well as resilience when facing challenges and adapting to the changing world. Vandever does a fantastic job of showing culture to readers and allowing them to create insight into different ways of living. We also follow the importance of weaving and tradition and how it can help us survive in the face of adversity. "We Weave" is a great choice for kids from all backgrounds to learn about how other people live. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Can't Get Enough Cat Stuff by National Geographic Kids - ADVISABLE

Can't Get Enough Cat Stuff by National Geographic Kids. 125 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2024. $15. 9781426375903

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

APPEALS TO:   MANY

"Can't Get Enough Cat Stuff" is a massive collection of everything cat related. Including games, fun facts, culture, and inventions related to cats, "Can't Get Enough Cat Stuff" is a great pick for any kid interested in animals or science. Pictures through microscopes allow us to gain a deeper insight into how cats work, including how they walk, groom themselves, and how they've evolved. Interactive games and quizzes within the book keep kids engaged and learn more about how cats work and how different types of cats are similar and different from one another. "Can't Get Enough Cat Stuff" is a great choice for young readers who want to learn more about science, animals, and the world around them.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya and Kara Kramer - ADVISABLE

Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya, illustrated by Kara Kramer. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2024. $26. 9781682636640

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

APPEALS TO:  MANY

"Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube" follows the story of the mathematician Erno Rubik and how he created the Rubik's cube. Following his childhood and interests, we learn how math can create puzzles, and how it created the most famous puzzle of all time. 

Kramer's illustrations follow the style of a Rubik's cube, using bright colors and geometric shapes to pull the reader in. Aradhya's simple descriptions of the geometry behind creating the Rubik's cube are easy to understand, and her narration is interesting and easy to follow for nearly any level of reader. "Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube" is an interesting history of how inventions can be created and how they can rise to popularity in the blink of an eye. A great pick for any kid who's interested in shapes, puzzles, or just wants a fun book about the history of a famous object that they probably own. Erno Rubik is Hungarian. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix it by Dee Romito, illustrated by Ziyue Chen - ADVISABLE

The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix it by Dee Romito, illustrated by Ziyue Chen. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2023. $9. 9780823458783

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Along with the history of plastic, "The Last Plastic Straw" also includes the problems that plastic production has created: such as litter invading wildlife habitats, pollution effecting our air quality and resources, and more.

Dee Romito shows us this history and ways we can fix and alter our plastic usage to become a more sustainable world, while Chen's illustrations are simple, sweet, and pull readers in. "The Last Plastic Straw" is a great way for kids to learn about the history of plastic as well as becoming more educated in our need to lessen our usage of it. It's a great choice for any kid, especially those who are interested in science, environmental issues, animals, history, and more.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

When Beavers Flew by Kristen Tracy and Luisa Uribe - ADVISABLE

When Beavers Flew by Kristen Tracy, illustrated by Luisa Uribe. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Random House Kids, 2024. $19. 9780593647523

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

"When Beavers Flew" follows the story of McCall, Idaho and its growing population of humans rivaled with the presence of beavers. Using ingenuity, invention, and care for the creatures, the settlers of the town worked together to safely relocate the beavers. 

Tracy writes simply and beautifully, explaining to readers the importance of conservation while staying in touch with the story, while Uribe's illustrations are soft and hook readers in. "When Beavers Flew" is an inspiring and unique story of early animal conservation and why it's important to keep conserving animal's habitats. Along with the story, we also learn the importance of keeping animals and their habitats safe and how we can live together peacefully. "When Beavers Flew" is a great pick for any kid who's interested in history, animals, and more.

Bryant Baird, Librarian 

A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha - ADVISABLE

A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha. PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow Books (Harper), 2024. $20. 9780063315464

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Eddy is tired of swimming in his solitary little fish bowl.  When the yellow fish comes to play and then the next day brings a friend, he is very excited. So excited that he decides to jump out of the bowl, where he finds out what his new friend really is, and whether they are really a friend.

Kids will be so worried for Eddy once they realize what Eddy’s new friend is - a great book for a little shock and a good resolution.  My cat, and probably yours, too, however, would have never returned Eddy to his bowl.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

To The Other Side by Erika Meza - ADVISABLE

To The Other Side by Erika Meza. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, 2023. $19. 9780063073166

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The lille boy and his big sister are playing a game - a long game of hide and seek as they slowly travel to the line - where if they can cross they can win the game.

The children and others wear colorful animal masks, not exposing their faces until almost the very end, or when the boy realizes that they are not really playing a game.  Meza brings the plight of refugees all over the world into focus - the fear, the danger, the long periods of uncertainty. Meza includes words from other young immigrants in her back matter and a bit about her own journey. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Take a Chance by Sujean Rim - ESSENTIAL

Take a Chance by Sujean Rim. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2023. $19. 9781534492554

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Bob has really gotten the hang of flying, but when Crow invites him to perch on the telephone wire with him, he is less sure and makes an excuse to leave. As he goes to more places and makes more friends, he keeps making excuses to avoid trying new things.

Bob is so cute!  His story is a great adventure for him and is also a skillful lesson for all of us to be brave enough to try new things.  I love when he goes back to confess to his fear to his new friends. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Something Great by Jeanette Bradley - ADVISABLE

Something Great by Jeanette Bradley. PICTURE BOOK. Levine Querido, 2022. $19. 9781646141715

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Quinn is excited because they have created something that to them is a wonderful invention.  Their family, however, fails to understand it or appreciate it.  It isn’t until they find a new friend that their creation really gathers steam and becomes even more useful and fun to play with. 

A lovely tribute to imagination and play. Quinn is white; their new friend is Black.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Ready to Fly by Leo Lyon and A. LaFaye, illustrated by Jessica Gibson - ADVISABLE

Ready to Fly: how Sylvia Townsend became the bookmobile ballerina by Leo Lyon and A. LaFaye, illustrated by Jessica Gibson. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2020. $19. 9780062888785

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Growing up in a crowded, but loving, apartment in 1950’s Northern California, Sylvia just knew that her feet had to move, and her body needed to twirl and spin like the ballerina she saw on tv.  Because they had such little money, SYlvia taught herself from books she found in the local bookmobile. It wasn’t until a Russian instructor saw her that Sylvia was allowed into a ballet studio - studios and ballet was only for white girls, of course. 

What an inspiration for any young ballet dancer, but especially those still fighting the good fight to be allowed into historically white-centric spaces! I love that the authors give us a concrete example of Sylvia believing in herself, not just a vague celebration of Blackness.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Platanos Go With Everything by Lissette Norman and Sara Palacios - ADVISABLE

Platanos Go With Everything by Lissette Norman and Sara Palacios. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2023. $18. 9780063067516

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The little girl loves helping her mother prepare the platanos and the other dishes that celebrate their Dominican Republic heritage. Platanos are always part of every celebration, but also every heartache.

What a great celebration of a food special to Dominican culture. I love this way to show children from Latin cultures that they deserve books about their food and their ways of life. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Number Shocker by Clive Gifford and Guilherme Karsten - ESSENTIAL

Number Shocker by Clive Gifford and Guilherme Karsten. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2022. $7 (paperback). 9781405299725

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

In 13 two-page spreads, Gifford and Karsten tackle a lot of different numbers - from how long life has been on earth to how many times toilets are flushed around the world. A sure hit for kids - who are in love with facts and curiosities already.. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Never Forget Eleanor by Jason June and Loren Long - ADVISABLE

Never Forget Eleanor by Jason June and Loren Long. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2023. $19. 9780063039629

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Elijah the little elephant loves his grandmother Eleanor - and not just for the wonderful stories she tells. Then one day Eleanor starts forgetting those wonderful words, and later seems to have wandered from home. Elijah frets, but comes up with an idea to help her.  Then even later, when Eleanor is no longer with him physically, he uses her words and her stories to keep her memory alive.

I;m not sure why the author decided to use elephants instead of humans, except in homage to the familiar “elephants never forget”. It would have been as effective and even more relatable with humans. A very touching book about family ties and grief. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Milloo’s Mind by Reem Faruqi and Hoda Hadadi - ADVISABLE

Milloo’s Mind: the story of Maryam Faruqi, trailblazer for women’s education by Reem Faruqi and Hoda Hadadi. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2023. $19. 9780063056619

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

in 1930’s Pakistan, girls were considered worthy of a continuing education, but Milloo, as her family called her, was determined to become a teacher.  She managed to not only receive a university education, but also opened schools all over Pakistan which are still thriving today. 

Written by Milloo’s graddaughter, Ms. Faruqi has written a nice tribute to her. It is more an ode to perseverance than a look at the schools Milloo built.  a good message for life and a jumping point for a discussion of the state of education for girls around the world in out present day.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Mermaid Princesses by Maya Cameron-Gordon and Mirelle Ortega - OPTIONAL

The Mermaid Princesses by Maya Cameron-Gordon and Mirelle Ortega. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2023. $19. 9780063205253

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The triplet mermaid princess have a fight over who will be the next queen.  Their queen mother, however, tells them they aren’t ready to be queen - that the queen will be someone who is a good sister and a protector. The girls have a hard lesson to learn about ruling.

The mermaid princesses are African - and the back matter contains a bit of information about African mermaid mythology. I know little girls love mermaids - and the lesson is amongst the adventure, so it isn’t didactic.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans and Thi Bui. Harper - ADIVISABLE

Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans and Thi Bui. Harper, 2023. $19. 9780063060968

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When her Papa goes away, the Mai is sad and confused.  His letters come sometimes, but she misses him so much.  Then one day Mai  and her Mama undertaken a long journey across several countries and two oceans to reunite with Papi. 

A lovely refugee story based on Krans’s own experience leaving Vietnam in the 1980’s. Excellent for centering the lives of refugee children and a great way to show others what some refugees might go through to find a safer, better life.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dim Sum, Here We Come! by Maple Lam - OPTIONAL

Dim Sum, Here We Come! by Maple Lam. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2023. $19. 9780062396983

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Welcome to Dim Sum family dinner time! The little girl is excited to see her family and very excited for their weekly dim sum feast.

Lam adds a little side note about the importance of sharing with the introduction to dim sum and family traditions. Could be good for part of a unit on Chinese food and culture.  The pictures are somewhat basic, but do convey the little girl’s excitement.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dear Librarian by Lydia M. Sigwarth and Romina Galotta - ADVISABLE

Dear Librarian by Lydia M. Sigwarth and Romina Galotta. PICTURE BOOK. Farra Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2021. $19. 9780374313906

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

WHen Lydia is young, she and her family of nine move from Colorado to Iowa to be closer to family.  While they are saving for their own home, they take turns staying with family - a kindness, but always fraught with inconvenience and a sense of not belonging.  Lydia and siblings find a home in the public library and Lydia especially finds one librarian to be especially caring.

For children experiencing homelessness, Lydia’s story and also be a comfort and an acknowledgement of their situation. Lovely illustrations accompany this darling story,  While kids may not read and re-read on their own, I see purpose in having it available.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Darcy’s First Sleepover by Julie Fortenberry - ADVISABLE

Darcy’s First Sleepover by Julie Fortenberry. PICTURE BOOK. Christy Ottaviano (Macmillan), 2021. $19. 9781250755903

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When Darcy goes to visit her cousin Kayla, Kayla invites her for an impromptu sleepover - Darcy’s first.  She isn’t sure about the loaned pajamas or the unfamiliar toothpaste.  Darcy isn’t sure she wants to stay. A reassuring call to her father does allay a few of her worries.

I haven’t seen a first sleepover book before - I love how sweetly Fortenberry confronts the fears and worries that are familiar to everyone during their first tries at a sleepover.  I remember once my daughter had a young friend over and she called her parents to pick us up without anyone telling us she had left! 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane - ADVISABLE

Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane. PICTURE BOOK. Levine Quesrido, 2022. $19. 9781646141722

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The boy loves living with his dadaji (grandfather), growing food to sell in the marketplace, to keep their home together, and also painting and painting lovely scenes inspired by the lush jungle around them - even teaching the children of the village to paint too.  When Dadaji dies, the boy is sad for a long time, leaving the paintbrushes on a high shelf, until a new village child helps them remember the love his Dadaji gifted him with through those brushes.

A beautiful story of shared love and shared grief set in a small Indian village. While it might be odd (maybe the kids won’t even notice) for a Westerner to imagine the boy, who seems young still, living by himself after his Dadaji passes, I don’t know enough about the culture to judge.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School by Traci Huahn and Michelle Jing Chan - ADVISABLE

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School by Traci Huahn, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan. PICTURE BOOK Crown (Random House), 2024. $20 9780593644027  

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Mamie Tape is of Chinese descent and unable to attend the all-white schools in her 1880's neighborhood. Mamie showed up anyway. When she was turned away, her parents took the next step and sued the San Fransisco school board. Even though they won, Mamie wasn't welcome at the all-white school, Mamie continues on taking steps to get an education. 

The illustrations are nice and the story brings to light the difficult time Asians had in finding equality in the west. I love that Mamie's family is positive and don't give up trying to help their daughter. This is a good reminder to kids that school is a gift not to take for granted. I love that Mamie perseveres and was an instigator for change. There are actual photos in the back which add to the story. Mamie and her family are Chinese American. 

Michelle in the Middle

Daddy Dressed Me by Michael and Ava Gardner, and Nadia Fisher - OPTIONAL

Daddy Dressed Me by Michael and Ava Gardner, illustrated by Nadia Fisher. PICTURE BOOK Aladdin (Simon), 2023. $19. 9781665921954

BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3)  - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Kindergartener Ava loves the clothes that her father creates for her.  When it comes time for MoveUp day, from kindergarten to first grade, Svs is nervous to recite a poem on stage, but her daddy is working on an extra special dress for her to shine in.

Michael and Ava’s story reflects their father-daughter real life.  It’s too bad the illustrations lack the depth to make the whole book sparkle, too.  Not glitter, but with depth and more skillful drawing. A touching story of bonds and love that deserves better. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Countdown for Nochebuena by Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom. - ADVISABLE

Countdown for Nochebuena by Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown 2023. $16. 9780316467919

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Countup and then back down as you celebrate Christmas Eve with an extended family celebration.  

Also available in board book format.  The Spanish words are pretty easy to pick up from the context, but Bergstrom includes a glossary. A lovely celebration of a holiday tradition - showing us, without being a dry telling. 

The characters are mostly hispanic, but includes a mix.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte and Michelle Lee - ADVISABLE

Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte and Michelle Lee. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2023. $19.. 9780063076518

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Chloe is excited to help her family prepare for Lunar New Year and for the big family party that night. 

I love that Lamotte shows us so much about the tradition sof Lunar New Year, without resorting to a dry, non-fiction tone.  I would love to read this with a young class and have them pick out the traditions as we read along, building their listening skills and then comparing what they found to what are considered parts of a traditional Lunar New Year celebration. Fun mini-lesson ready to go.

The characters are Asian.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Babajoon’s Treasure by Farnaz Esnaashari - OPTIONAL

Babajoon’s Treasure by Farnaz Esnaashari. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2023. $19. 9781665901888

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The little girl loves spendin gtime with her Babajoon and Mamanjoon each summer.  This is the first summer she sees an unfamiliar coin in his pocket, though, and hears him speak a language she doesn’t understand.  Is her Babajoon a pirate? 

While the relationship between Miriam and her babajoon is very sweet, I have a hard time believing that she has never heard him speak Farsi before that day. She must be very young, though that is not specified.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

When I’m Big by Ella Bailey - OPTIONAL

When I’m Big by Ella Bailey. PICTURE BOOK. Flying Eye Books, 2021. 9781838740641

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Fer, a tiny dinosaur has just hatched.  Now she is wandering the jungle, wondering what she will grow into. Spotting all of the other dinos, she is unsure, but not worried, about her place.

Fern never seems to find “her people”, and just spends her time wandering around, leaving me unsatisfied. The back endpapers ask the reader of they spotted all of the other dinos, but the author never provides any species names or information, plus the endpaper drawings are very crudely drawn, so I am not sure I’d be able to match them all.  And I wouldn’t want to encourage an elementary audience to actually use the checkboxes provided.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Van Buren Sisters vs the Pants Police by J. F. Fox and Anna Kwan - ADVISABLE

The Van Buren Sisters vs the Pants Police by J. F. Fox and Anna Kwan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2023. 9781525302480

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

ADeline and Augusta, the granddaughters of President Martin Van Buren, were raised by their widowed father to be independent and adventurous. As WWI broke out, the sisters wanted to prove they could be of value on the battlefield as messengers ON MOTORBIKES! Dressed in particle leather pants they set out to cross the United States on their bikes.  But most towns didn’t allow women to wear pants in those days, so they were harassed by law enforcement all along their way.  Not that the sisters would let that stop them!

A wonderful book that clearly shows the changing force of women’s roles and expectations in the early 1900’s in America. I love their spirit and independence. Really good backmatter - though I wish it were another set of pages, instead of crammed onto one set. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Big Babies by Patrick O'Brien - ADVISABLE

Big Babies by Patrick O'Brien. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2024. $18. 9781623543662

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

APPEALS TO:  MANY

The name, dinosaur, means "terrible lizard. Dinosaurs are not lizards, but reptiles. Infant dinosaurs were big babies. Although scientist do not know exactly how big dinosaur babies were, they can make a good guess by studying the fossils they do have. You can compare the size of the baby dinosaurs to a 4 foot human child, which is taller than all of them.

Children will love the illustrations of the ten baby dinosaurs. They are adorable! In addition,  the author connected each dinosaur's characteristics to something a child would know such as a seismosaurus being like an earth mover- excavator. While the illustrations will catch the eye and the information is correct, the book would have been better written in poetry to match the playfulness of the illustrations.

MOMMAC

All of Those Babies by Mylisa Larsen and Stephanie Laberis - ESSENTIAL

All of Those Babies by Mylisa Larsen, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2024. $19. 9781665921442

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

APPEALS TO:  MANY

Babies come in all shapes and sizes. Most of them have funny baby  names such as puggles which are baby echidnas. One thing is the same for them all.  They all start out little. Then, they all grow.

This deliciously written and illustrated book will put a smile on your face. Children will learn many of the baby animal names while enjoying the antics of each animal. They will also learn the concept that babies will grow into adults. The bonus is it is written in rhyme and contains illustrations of babies from various ethnicities.

MOMMAC

Little Cloud's Big Dream by Ixtzel Arreola and Martina Liebig - ADVISABLE

Little Cloud's Big Dream by Ixtzel Arreola, illustrated by Martina Liebig. PICTURE BOOK. North South, 2024. $20. 9780735845619

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

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

Little Cloud named Re is just a whisp of a cloud.  Re has a big dream and wishes she could be big like the clouds over the sea. Re waved to a large cloud, and he told her how to become bigger.  Re floated over rivers, lakes and even soaked up morning dew from a new flower friend.  But one day, Re is bigger than ever and feels heavy and slow.  What is happening to her?

Little Cloud's Big Dream is a cute way to teach kids about the nature of clouds, the water cycle, and about friendship.  Beautiful illustrations bring life to little cloud and her feelings.

PGPowers

Monsters At Bedtime by Laura Baker and Nina Dzyvulska - ADVISABLE

Monsters At Bedtime by Laura Baker, illustrated by Nina Dzyvulska. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak, 2024. $19. 9780711286580

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

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

At the end of the day, some monsters are still playing while others are getting sleepy or crying.  Little monsters go through their bedtime routine cleaning up, bathing, brushing teeth, singing, reading stories, running down the stairs, hiding, and arranging stuffed animals.  Will all these little monster ever fall asleep?

Monsters At Bedtime is a hilarious view of things that go on while putting kids to sleep.  There are lots of monsters all drawn in a vibrant and contemporary style.  It takes some time to realize what is happening.  There is a lot of amusing mishaps to spot on every page. 

PGPowers