Shark Princess Shark Party! by Nidhi Chanani and Elizabeth Kramer - OPTIONAL

Shark Princess Shark Party! by Nidhi Chanani illustrated by Elizabeth Kramer, 78 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Viking, 2023. $13. 9780593464649  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Mack would like to go to the shark party but Kitana does not feel like going. Mack convinces her to go. Once they arrive they learn that a deep ocean shark was not invited to the party. Mack and Kitana swim down to invite him. Once they find him they learn that he prefers to be alone. 

This graphic novel has a good message about appreciating people's differences. However, the story is choppy and does not hang together well. The odd references to the sharks peeing and making warm water were odd. I liked that a variety of sharks were shown. Both Mack and Kitana refer to themselves as shark princesses. 

A. Snow 

Anteaters, Bats & Boas : The Amazon Rainforest from the Forest Floor to the Treetops by Roxie Munro - ADVISABLE

Anteaters, Bats & Boas : The Amazon Rainforest from the Forest Floor to the Treetops by Roxie Munro 35 pages. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Holiday House, 2021. $9. 978082345466 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO AVERAGE 

From the tiny black-eared hummingbird to the giant anteater, the Amazon rainforest is home to some amazing creatures! Munro offers bite-sized information on 30 Amazonian creatures. These creatures have unique features and abilities that they use to survive in their tropical home. Includes an author's note, a coloring page, a note about preserving the rainforest, and suggestions of where to learn more. I really enjoyed the bright paintings of the rainforest and its creatures. 

This is a great introduction to some of the most unique animals out there. The facts are interesting, grab the your attention, and leave you wanting to know more. 

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

Alice's Wonderful Wonderland Adventures by Catherine Hapka - ADVISABLE

Alice's Wonderful Wonderland Adventures by Catherine Hapka, 160 pages. EARLY READER (Pre-1). Disney Press, 2023. $8. 9781368084581

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Learn more about Alice as she has five new adventures in her Wonderland Bakery. 

Each story is based on an episode of Alice’s animated series on Disney Plus (sorry for the advertisement). Bold colors, and fun stories - the computer graphics transfer well to the page - which isn’t always true. 

Maid For It by Jamie Sumner - ESSENTIAL

Maid For It by Jamie Sumner, 232 pages. Atheneum, 2023. $18 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO MANY 

12yo Franny’s mom has been sober for a while and things are looking up - except for mean girl Sloane, who harasses Franny at school whenever she gets a chance. When her mom is in a car accident and hospitalized, Franny decides to take over Mom’s cleaning jobs - blackmailing Sloane to work with her because Franny caught Sloane cheating on a test. Franny thinks she has everything under control - but maybe she doesn’t. 

I loved this story of Frannie. She has guts, she is spunky, she stands up for what is right, and does her best to help out in hard situations, all the while keeping good grades in school. She is a star shining brightly, a very believable character. The book is really well written, and it was an easy read. Franny defaults white. 

Ellen-Anita. Librarian 

Teaching Eddie to Fly by Katarina Macurova - ADVISABLE

Teaching Eddie to Fly by Katarina Macurova. PICTURE BOOK Albatros, 2024. $15. 9788000070773 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO MANY 

Eddie the ostrich and Arthur the bear are friends. Arthur decides to teach Eddie to fly. Eddie doesn't like Arthur's lectures and is afraid of heights. Arthur tries tying Eddie to a hot air balloon and many other things. Will Eddie ever learn to fly or is he better at something else? 

Teaching Eddie To Fly is a very funny story about finding what you are good at and what makes you unique. I liked the quirky and silly illustrations. 

PGPowers 

Jerry Changed the Game! by Don Tate and Cherise Harris - ADVISABLE

Jerry Changed the Game! How engineer Jerry Lawton revolutionized video games forever by Don Tate, illustrated by Cherise Harris. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Simon and Schuster, 2023. $19. 9781665919081 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Though he never earned a college degree, Jerry Lawson is one of the 5 people credited with creating the first video game console with interchangeable cartridges. A short look at Jerry's childhood leads us to a more in-depth look at how he became involved in the video game industry. 

I like that it shows his failures as well as his successes. I do feel that adults who grew up in the 70's - 90's will be more interested in this than current young people. But if your school has a gaming club, a class, or a focus on Black inventors, then Tate's book is an easy purchase choice. I will be buying a couple to gift to various people I know who will love it. Jerry is Black. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage by Lisa Rogers, illustrated by Il Sung Na - ADVISABLE

Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage by Lisa Rogers, illustrated by Il Sung Na PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Anne Schwartz Books (Random House), 2024 $19.00 9780593646625 G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO AVERAGE 

Born in 1912, John Cage thought that all sounds were beautiful - not just the sounds of a professional orchestra, but also city sounds, country sounds - and the sounds heard in silence. Many people did not have his quirk of imagination - audience members and even orchestras were known to walk out of his performances, but he persisted. 

Listening to a John Cage piece is an experience you will never forget - whether you share in his vision or not. Music teachers with avantgarde attitudes, or those willing to explore what music means, should enjoy sharing the book and then Youtube videos of the performances with their students. John is white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cranky Chicken Crankosaurus by Katherine Battersby - ADVISABLE

Cranky Chicken Crankosaurus by Katherine Battersby, 103 pages, GRAPHIC CHAPTER BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2023. $13. 9781665914550

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Three stores about Cranky Chicken and her best friend Speedy Worm. The first chapter tells us all about how to have the perfect nap, so we don't wind up like Cranky Chicken.  Cranky Chicken patiently teaches her friend, Speedy Worm what being a worm means, and then we learn what family and friends are made of.

The graphic novel format makes the 103 pages breeze along. The illustrations are colorful and show a range of emotions.  It was easy to follow and fun story.

All the Small Wonderful Things by Kate Foster - ADVISABLE

All the Small Wonderful Things by Kate Foster, 234 pages. Candlewick Press, 2023. $18. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SEVERAL 

11yo Alex may be autistic, but wants friends just like everyone else. He decides to enter his dog Kevin in the PAWS Dog Show so that they can win a trophy and impress everyone - and maybe make himself a friend. 

I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. Alex's voice is clear, concise and consistent. I felt like I really got to know Alex, and to understand his thinking. Alex is white Australian. 

Ellen-Anita Librarian

Rise of the Cat (Hilo #10) by Judd Winick - ESSENTIAL

Rise of the Cat (Hilo #10)  by Judd Winick. 226 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House Children's Books, 2024. $15. 9780593488126 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO MANY 

Hilo's friend Polly was hoping to become the youngest student ever to be named sorcerer. However, all her past adventures with Hilo have gotten her in trouble with the council. She and her brother Pip (who also seems to always find trouble) are sent to Wombatton, a school for bad kids. Strange things are happening as Wombatton. The teachers and other kids are picking on Polly's new roommate, students are disappearing and monsters keep showing up. It is up to Polly, Pip and their new friend Noria to solve the mystery. 

A fun, entertaining, well-drawn graphic novel that fans of Hilo will love. The story includes adventure, mischief, and mystery. There is also a good message about being kind to people who are different than us. 

A. Snow 

The Robbery by Camp - OPTIONAL

The Robbery by Camp PICTURE BOOK Berbay Publishing, 2024. $19. 9781922610706 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Three thieves decide to dig a tunnel to rob a bank. They begin digging and come up in an orchestra, where Thief 3 plays the violin. They keep on digging and come up in a wrestling ring, where luckily they are all karate experts. They keep on digging coming up in different places. Will they ever make it to the treasure? 

I don't really enjoy books for children that are about hoping the characters will break the law.
The pictures and antics of the thieves are cute, but I wouldn't recommend it.

PGPowers

What's Inside a Bird's Nest by Rachel Ignotofsky - ESSENTIAL

What's Inside a Bird's Nest by Rachel Ignotofsky. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Crown (Random House), 2024. $20. 9780593176528 

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

APPEALS TO MANY 

Dive into all kinds of information about birds - lifecycles, species, different kinds of nests, and much more! 

Oh so darling! Ignotosfsky first fills a page with the cutest illustrations. Then she adds a bit of text as an explanation. THEN she adds little descriptors - so that if a little one points at a page and asks "what bird is that?" then you both will know the answer. So clever! Jam packed with a lot of info - so much that it isn't a read-aloud kind of book. But every page spread is worth the time it takes to enjoy it from the pictures to the information. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Animal Doctors by Libby Romero - OPTIONAL

 

Animal Doctors by Libby Romero, 48 pages. NON-FICTION EARLY READER (Level 1).

National Geographic Kids (Disney), 2023. $5. 9781426373640

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

This book describes what a veterinarian is and what they do. It then goes into the different types of vets, such as farm vets and ocean animal vets. The book also has a Your Turn section where children decide where different vets would treat different animals. The book has great color photographs, giving a great insight into the veterinarian world, which students will enjoy.

This is a Level 1 reader. If a child likes animals, they may enjoy the book. If you need some fresh early reader books, especially non-fiction, Romero’s is a solid choice.

Ready, Set, Dough by Kelly J. Baptist - ADVISABLE

Ready, Set, Dough by Kelly J. Baptist 165 pages. Crown, 2023. $17. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

When her teacher announces a cookie dough sale, 6th grader Zoe is desperate to win, because first prize is a brand-new laptop. Zoe desperately needs one, but her parents can’t afford it. She’s even willing to neglect her friends to achieve her goal.

I liked this book. Zoe is spunky and not afraid to go after what she wants. She is positive and happy, but she really wants to win. She has to win. It was good to read about a child who knew what they wanted and set out to get it. It does not specify

Ellen-Anita Librarian

Time For Bed! by Kathryn Jewitt and Danielle Mudd - ADVISABLE

Time For Bed! by Kathryn Jewitt, illustrated by Danielle Mudd. BOARD BOOK Abrams Appleseed, 2024. $9. 9781419769191  

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO SOME

The animals are getting ready to sleep and so should you.

The short rhyme to connect the book is cute.  I enjoyed rubbing my fingers across the felt cutouts on each page.  As an adult, I am worried that the edges, which are also felt, will get dirty quickly. I love touching those edges - but I need to give this to a toddler to see how it holds up.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Goat and the Stoat and the Boat by Em Lynas illustrated by Matt Hunt - ADVISABLE

The Goat and the Stoat and the Boat by Em Lynas illustrated by Matt Hunt. PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crow, 2024. $18. 9798887770529 

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

APPEALS TO MANY 

Stoat is very happy in the boat on the moat until Goat in his yellow coat jumps into the boat. Stoat and Goat argue and scuffle about who gets to be in the boat. The boat tips over because of their fighting. Goat can float, but Stoat can't float. Who will save Stoat? 

Lynas has crafted a clever and funny easy reader for kids. I also appreciated the very graphic and bright, colorful artwork. 

PGPowers 

What is the Story of Jurassic World by Jim Gigliotti and Dede Putra - OPTIONAL

What is the Story of Jurassic World by Jim Gigliotti illustrated by Dede Putra, 108 pages. CHAPTER BOOK NON-FICTION Penguin Workshop, 2023. $8. 9780593383483 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO SOME 

The author takes us into the story of the Jurassic World movies. He begins by providing background information on paleontology and the Jurassic Age. He mentions early books and exhibitions about dinosaurs. The rest of the book is a summary of each of the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World movies. I found it interesting that Michael Crichton found his inspiration for the Jurassic Park books from reading Arthur Conan Doyle's book, The Lost World. The background chapters were very interesting. The rest of the chapters, which summarized the movies, were less interesting. However, if you have a student who loves Jurassic World they will enjoy this book. The book includes a bibliography and timeline. 

A. Snow 

Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Bonnie Pang - ADVISABLE

Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Bonnie Pang. PICTURE BOOK Paula Wiseman (Simon and Schuster), 2024. $19. 9781665931977 

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

APPEALS TO SOME 

As the sparrows start their migration, they lose their map of the stars because of all of the light pollution from the big city. One injured sparrow even gets left behind. If the big buildings would turn off their lights at night, the migration would be much smoother. 

Without lecturing, Stremer helps anyone see the small things and big things to be done to aid migrating birds. The pictures are charming. The main character is Black. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Team Trash by Kate Wheeler and Trent Hungtington - ADVISABLE

Team Trash by Kate Wheeler and Trent Hungtington. 77 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Holiday House, 2023. $23. 9780823452279 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Charlie and Oliver are working on their science fair project when an accident lands them in a time traveling machine. They travel back to different times and places learning about how people used to reuse, reduce and recycle. Once they have gathered enough information, the machine brings them back home. They use their new knowledge to finish their science fair project and start an environmentalist club. 

A graphic novel that teaches about recycling and presents sustainability tips in an accessible and fun way. 

A. Snow

No. 5 Bubblegum Street by Mikolaj Pa illustrated by Gosia Herba - OPTIONAL

No. 5 Bubblegum Street by Mikolaj Pa illustrated by Gosia Herba. PICTURE BOOK Greystone Kids, 2024. $19. 9781778400629

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO SOME 

The apartment building at No.5 Bubblegum Street at 5:00 p.m. has a lot going on. There are busy tenants on every floor. Mouse is looking for his hat, monkeys are baking a cake, Owl is flying around, Cat is listening to and recording bird songs, Panther is taking care of his house plants from around the world, the spider family is playing musical instruments, Hippo is sleeping, and much more. They are all preparing for something exciting that happens at 6:00 p.m. 

I enjoyed learning about all the different animals that live in the apartment building and their different talents. I also liked them coming together and having a party where everyone belonged. The illustrations are cute, colorful and full of life. 

PGPowers 

Yellow Pop by Aurore Petit - ADVISABLE

Yellow Pop by Aurore Petit. PICTURE BOOK Abrams Appleseed, 2024 $9. 9781419773457 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Petit's six pop-ups give vivid examples of the color yellow. Bright and simple - a small package with charm for color exploration. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Basketball Dreams by Chris Paul and Courtney Lovett - ESSENTIAL

Basketball Dreams by Chris Paul illustrated by Courtney Lovett PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Roaring Book Press, 2023. $19. 9781250810038

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO AVERAGE 

Chris Paul was a young boy who loved basketball. But more than basketball, he loved his Papa Chilly. Chris shows us how his grandpa's example of living a life focused on caring about others helped him become successful. Chris loves basketball, but he understands that loving your family, friends, and community is more important. 

I love that "Basketball Dreams" is not about how Chris worked to become great, but how Papa Chilly taught him through example what true greatness is. Children will understand that achieving our dreams is easier when we have family supporting us. Chris Paul and his family are African Americans. Most of the characters are also African American in their home community in North Carolina. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

There Was a Hole by Adam Lehraupt and Carrie O'Neill - ADVISABLE

There Was a Hole by Adam Lehraupt illustrated by Carrie O'Neill PICTURE BOOK Sleeping Bear Press, 2022. $18. 9781534111226 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Lily has a hole in the middle of her chest. Nothing helps it, and it just keeps growing. Then, Lily stops trying. She stops playing with her friends, and stops trying in school. That's when Thomas tells her he has a hole like hers too, but he has patches to help repair it. Soon Lily learns to make her own patches by going outside, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends and family. She doesn't want it to be fixed completely, but the patches help.

Includes tips at the end on "how to make a patch." This would make a great addition to an SEL collection. I liked that it showed big feelings of sadness and loss in a realistic, tangible way for kids. Lily does not have a mom in this story which could allude to divorce, the death of a parent, or a non-traditional family. Lily and her dad have dark hair. The other characters are ethnically diverse. 

Rachel, Elementary School Library 

Just Try It! by Phil and Lily Rosenthal and Luke Flowers - ESSENTIAL

Just Try It! by Phil and Lily Rosenthal, illustrated by Luke Flowers. PICTURE BOOK Simon & Schuster, 2024. $19. 9781665942638 

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

APPEALS TO MANY 

The family motto may be "Just Try It", but at the food festival, Lil is having none of that! She rejects every choice her father presents with vehemence. When she finally reaches her limit of bad behavior - she gives in and tries something new - learning, of course, that new foods can be delicious! 

Some kids are so stubborn about trying new foods - either because they're scared, or because they have texture issues. This could be a gentle nudge towards being more food curious. The bright colors in the illustrations and the dynamic interactions between father and daughter help make this a lot of fun to read. Phil and Lil are white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Lost and Found by Mei Yu - ADVISABLE

Lost and Found by Mei Yu, 124 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION Union Square, 2024. $17 

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

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

APPEALS TO MANY 

Mei Yu has just arrived in Canada from China. She is the new kid in school and a new country, trying to learn a new language, which she finds terrifying and overwhelming. 

 This story is based on the author's experiences. The words in black are the words Mei understands and those in green print are those she doesn't. When she gets to school almost all the words are in green except for her name, which gives the reader some idea of what it's like to learn a new language. The art is bright, appealing, and well-drawn. A great book for both teaching and learning empathy and how to reach out to others. Mei is Chinese.

Michelle in the Middle

Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom illustrated by Bridget George - ESSENTIAL

Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom illustrated by Bridget George PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Roaring Book Press, 2023. $19. 9781250795274 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO MANY 

Grandma Josephine was an indigenous rights and water activist. She saw that the Great Lakes were being polluted and the ways of her tribe were being lost, so she started the Mother Earth Water Walkers to draw attention to these issues. Her great-niece, Autumn Peltier, became a vocal leader as a young teenager and continues her efforts now. 

"Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior" is written and illustrated by indigenous women. Their love and respect for their cultural heritage and for the Water Walk shines through. Grandma Josephine and Autumn are shown as brave and caring. This book is a call for the reader to think about how are choices affect the world we live in and leave to following generations. The characters are true-life indigenous women. Their culture is displayed carefully in the illustrations. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

The Cozy Home: Three-and-a-Half Stories by Amy Dyckman and Mark Teague - ADVISABLE

The Cozy Home: Three-and-a-Half Stories by Amy Dyckman, illustrated by Mark Teague. PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane Books, 2024. $18. 9781665930420 

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

APPEALS TO SOME 

Three friends: Bat, Cat, and Rat move in together. They soon learn new things about each other and how to get along in their new home. 

The book is told in 3 and a half stories: sharing, joking, reading and sleeping. The illustrations are great. This would be a good book for an early reader or could be used as a read-aloud book. 

A. Snow 

Shells...And What They Hide Inside by Helen Scales and Sonia Pulido - ADVISABLE

Shells...And What They Hide Inside by Helen Scales illustrated by Sonia Pulido BOARD BOOK NON-FICTION Phaidon Press Limited, 2024. $15. 9781838667887 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO MANY

If you have ever found a shell, you might have wondered what lived inside it. Shells....And What They Hide Inside creates interactive opportunities by lifting flaps to learn all about the different shells and mollusks that live inside shells. The reader also learns about how a shell looks and feels, and what that reveals about the environment it lives in. 

Scales nurtures a child's love of collecting shells. I enjoyed learning about the shells and the animals that live in them. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed. There are 40 interactive flaps to lift and engage the reader. 

PGPowers 

The Light She Feels Inside by Gwendolyn Wallace and Olivia Duchess - ESSENTIAL

The Light She Feels Inside by Gwendolyn Wallace illustrated by Olivia Duchess. PICTURE BOOK Sourcebooks, 2023. $19. 9781728239798 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - 

ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Maya has a warm glow when she talks to her parents about her day when she sees people caring about each other around her. But, Maya's glow is different and heavy when she gets pushed on the playground, when she hears her parents talking about money struggles, and when she sees her friend get stopped by the police. With help from her librarian, Maya learns about Black women who came before her and how they dealt with their glowing feelings. Can Maya learn, like those who came before her to share her glow and the things she loves? 

Maya's feelings are illustrated with different colors glowing around her, making feelings that are often difficult to identify tangible and accessible to children. Children so often have big feelings and don't know how to deal with them; Wallace does a great job of putting difficult things in a light that children can understand without it getting overly heavy. Maya and the majority of the characters are Black. Characters are illustrated with varied ethnicities and abilities. 

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

Lola Meets the Bees by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beradshaw - ADVISABLE

Lola Meets the Bees by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge, 2024. $17. 9781623543839 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Lola is excited to visit her friend Zola, who keeps bees on the roof of her apartment building. Lola even has a special suit to wear so that she can see inside the hive. 

A nice first introduction to bees to our littlest friends. I like that Lola has a bee suit to wear to protect her around the hives and that Zora encourages Lola to grow wildflowers to help the bees. All of the people in the illustrations are Black. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo - ESSENTIAL

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo, 232 pages. Candlewick, 2024. $19 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO MANY 

10yo Ferris is navigating the intricacies of her quirky family. Her 6yo sister, Pinky, is a one-woman crime spree, her Uncle Ted has left his wife to paint a history of the world, and Ferris is worried that her ghost-seeing grandma is going to move on to the Great Beyond. 

 There are overtones of Flora and Ulysses, but DiCamillo always manages to weave beautiful lessons into her stories, and the same goes for this slice-of-life tale. It's hard to imagine a 4th grader with the vocabulary Ferris has, but it's a grand read. By the end, you will feel like you know Ferris' family and want to give your own a hug. No culture or race is specified. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Here & There by Thea Lu - OPTIONAL

Here & There by Thea Lu. PICTURE BOOK Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, 2022. $20. 9780802856234 

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

APPEALS TO FEW 

Dan is the owner of a cafe living alone in a small town by the sea. Aki is a sailor on the sea always traveling from place to place. They both like their lives but they both feel so alone sometimes. Aki comes to Dan's cafe one night with other lovely people and much laughter, and their lives brush past each other. What did they learn and feel from each other? 

Here & There is a very thoughtful story about home, travel, and the similarities between very different people. The text gave me a very lonely feeling. It could help children feel for other people's lives and situations. I liked the way the illustrations contrasted each man's life on the page layouts. 

PGPowers 

One Million Trees : A True Story by Kristen Balouch - OPTIONAL

One Million Trees : A True Story by Kristen Balouch, PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Holiday House, 2022. $19. 9780823454587

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

APPEALS TO FEW 

One day, a girl's parents tell her and her little sisters that they are going on a trip. The family travels to Vancouver Island and learns that with a crew, they are going to help plant one million baby trees! There are obstacles like narrow roads, logging trucks, learning French words, and hard work, and the main character has to learn how to help and work hard. 

Based on the author's lived experience. I liked the main text of this book. I thought the extra speech bubbles and notes were sometimes too much. The illustrations were too cluttered for me, but they may be visually stimulating for some readers. I think this book would work well as a teaching tool for reading groups or a science curriculum. The main character is likely mixed race. 

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

You Are 25% Banana by Susie Brooks and Josy Bloggs - ADVISABLE

You Are 25% Banana by Susie Brooks illustrated by Josy Bloggs PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Red Shed, HarperCollinsPublishers, 2022. $7. 9781405299084 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

"You Are 25% Banana" is a wonderful introduction to the topic of genetics. How are we related to the world around us? How can we be so similar and yet so different? The concept of DNA is simplified into "recipes," "codes," and "instructions." Humans are compared to other living organisms and then to each other. It is science at the most basic and engaging level. 

"You Are 25% Banana" is bright and bold. DNA examples chosen are animals that children love and will enjoy being related to. The story ends with the thought that we are so similar to everyone else on the planet but still unique individuals. A mixed-race family is shown to illustrate DNA combining, and the final picture shows races from all around the world. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

Bunny with a Big Heart by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Tim Bowers - OPTIONAL

Bunny with a Big Heart by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Tim Bowers. PICTURE BOOK Random House Children's Books 2024 $10. 9780593480335 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO SOME 

P.J. Funnybunny is very busy. He plays baseball and spends time with friends. But he never has time to clean up his messes, spend time with his sister, or help his friends. One day P.J. gets hurt. His friends and family show him kindness. P.J. realizes that he can also be kind and helpful. 

A cute story with a good message. There are fun and engaging illustrations. 

A. Snow 

Home by Isabelle Simler, translated by Vineet Lai - OPTIONAL

Home by Isabelle Simler, translated by Vineet Lai. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Eerdmans, 2024. $19. 9780802856203

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Meet 27 animals of all different types, see the homes they build, and read a short poem about each. 

The illustrations are gorgeous - interesting details to explore, full of life and movement. I am not personally fond of poetry - especially for non-fiction topics. While the book might be considered non-fiction, there is a lot of personification - delving into the minds of the animals - which makes it feel more like fiction. And I wish the little blurbs in the back matter were included on the page for the animal. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Alterations by Ray Xu - ADVISABLE

Alterations by Ray Xu, 238 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Union Square, 2024. $25 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Kevin is in middle school and is struggling to fit it. He is one of the few Asian kids at his Canadian school and he thinks his grandmother, who has just recently arrived from China, is weird. Kevin's single mother is struggling to make ends meet, his older sister resents him, and he is picked on in school. Kevin thinks he might be able to make things better at the class trip to the local amusement park. 

Kevin is a believable character, based off the author's childhood. Most readers will be able to relate to the common issues he faces, such as family issues, bullying, and finding one's place. While all of Kevin's problems don't magically go away, the book ends on a positive, realistic note. Kevin is of Chinese descent. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Max Meow 5: Attack of the ZomBEES by John Gallagher - ADVISABLE

Max Meow 5: Attack of the ZomBEES by John Gallagher. 224 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Random House, 2023. $14. 9780593479698 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO MANY

Zombie bees are attacking Kittyopolis. Max Meow and Science Kitty must find out who is behind the attack to save Kittyopolis and the mayoral election. Along the way, Mindy (Science Kitty) learns about the importance of family and how to better get along with her brother. 

This graphic novel is engaging, and funny, teaches a good message, and is a little educational as well. I loved the illustrations. The back of the book has a little tutorial on how to draw Science Kitty and Dr. Zombee. 

A. Snow 

The Shade Tree by Suzy Lee - ADVISABLE

The Shade Tree by Suzy Lee. PICTURE BOOK Greystone Books, 2023. $19. 9781778400186 

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

APPEALS TO SOME 

A young traveler saw a tree in the distance where the villagers like to rest in its shade and he decided to join them. When he arrived, a rich man said that it was his tree and his shade and that everyone had to leave. He asked the rich man if he would sell him the shade from the tree. The rich man thought the traveler was very foolish but wanted to make money. He sold the shade of the tree to the traveler. From then on the villagers were allowed to rest in the shade. But when the sun set, the shade traveled and covered the rich man's house, and the traveler entered the house. What will the rich man do? 

I enjoyed Suzy Lee's retelling of a Korean folk tale about a young man outwitting a rich, selfish man. The illustrations are simple and striking. 

PGPowers 

The World's Longest Sock by Juliann Law - ADVISABLE

The World's Longest Sock by Juliann Law PICTURE BOOK WorthyKids, Hatchette Book Group, Inc. 2022 $18. 9781546002581

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

APPEALS TO SOME

Nana Nina lives in Chile. She loves to knit socks so much that she opens a sock shop. Nana Nina has a giant sock that she adds a row to every time a pair of socks is purchased. Before you know it, Nana Nina has a world record. Except, when the story hits the news, she has competition. Lumberjack Chuck from around the world has also been knitting one long sock. He demands the record and sets off a knitting competition like no other. 

"The World's Longest Sock" has delightful illustrations that depict the two cultures in distinctive ways. The fun of the competition is shown, as is the consequence of a competition taken too far. Children will cheer during the race and celebrate a true win-win conclusion. Nana Nina and her community are Chilean. Lumberjack Chuck appears to live in a European or Scandinavian setting. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Smout and the Lighthouse by Jane Yolen, John Patrick Pazdziora, and Lyndsay Roberts Rayne - OPTIONAL

Smout and the Lighthouse: a story of Robert Louis Stevenson by Jane Yolen and John Patrick Pazdziora, illustrated by Lyndsay Roberts Rayne. PICTURE BOOK Albert Whitman and Co., 2023. $19. 9780807574843 

Content: PG (One illustration is of shipwrecked pirates falling to the ocean floor) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Robert Louis Stevenson's father is taking him on a tour of the lighthouses the generations of his family had built around Scotland. Poor Robert, affectionately known as "Smout" to his family, was more interested in creating stories of pirates and shipwrecks and treasure instead. 

Not a biography here - more like a vignette of an episode of Stevenson's life. Rayne's cut paper illustrations are darling, adding a lot of charm. A nice gift for a Stevenson fan. Easily used as an introduction to the author. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Schnozzer & Tatertoes: Take a Hike! by Rick Stromoski - ADVISABLE

Schnozzer & Tatertoes: Take a Hike! by Rick Stromoski, 142 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL Union Square, 2023. $17 

Content: G

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

APPEALS TO MANY 

A young dog, Tatertoes, wants to visit his mother, so he sets off with his smart best buddy, Mr. Schnozzer. On their way to Buzzard's Breath, they must travel through the woods where they meet up with everything from quicksand, bees, bears, and some fairytale characters. 

The artwork is charming and colorful and the panels are big enough to appeal to young children. Kids will feel superior to Tatertoes' cluelessness and find his antics funny, and the fairytale references are a nice touch. Tatertoes and Mr. Schnozzer are canines. 

Michelle in the Middle

Gina and the Last City on Earth by Judd Winick - ADVISABLE

Gina and the Last City on Earth (Hilo book 9) by Judd Winick, 227 pages GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House Children's Books, 2023. $14 

Language: G (0 SWEARS 0 'F'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Some fantasy violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SOME 

Gina, an elementary school-aged girl is fighting to save the world from magical creatures. She is helped by her friend Hilo, a magical warrior cat and a flying bearacat. She also meets her great, great, great grandmother who joins in the battle. Will Gina's magic be enough to save the world? 

Students who enjoy fast-paced and humorous graphic novels will definitely like this ninth installment in the Hilo series. The fact that the main character in this book is a female may attract more girls to this series. This book contains several battles between the main characters and fantasy creatures. Gina is Black, Hilo is White 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton - ESSENTIAL

I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Viking (Penguin), 2023. $19. 9780593326725 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

With the help of a talking germ, learn all about microbes and pathogens and the ways they can harm or help us. 

 Barton's 5th book is as cute and informative as the rest of them. I would buy any of the books that correlate with the curriculum at your school. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The First Day of Peace by Todd Shuster and Tatiana Gardel - ADVISABLE

The First Day of Peace by Todd Shuster, illustrated by Tatiana Gardel. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick, 2023. $19. 1536207594 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

This is a story of working together and peace. For years the mountain people kept to themselves and the valley people never came up the mountain. They often bickered and fought over the water that flowed through the valley. After a torrential downpour, the valley people were left in need of help. Will the mountain people come to their rescue and learn that peace is better than fighting? 

The theme of the book was very sweet. It showed that if you work together, despite your differences, peace and harmony can benefit everyone. The illustrations were cute and the plot kept my five year old daughter engaged. The characters are not specific ethnicities, however, they appear to be of Asian descent. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Fraser the Forest Ranger by Matthew Schufman - OPTIONAL

Fraser the Forest Ranger by Matthew Schufman. PICTURE BOOK Random House Studio, 2023. $19. 9780593648278 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Fraser loves being a forest ranger, but sometimes he gets lonely. He decides he should go out into the world to see if he can find a friend. What he finds is friendship in an unimagined place. 

Schufman's story is simple and cute - a nice story about looking for friendship, but without much depth. Fraser is white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Where Have You Been, Little Cat? by Richard Jones - ESSENTIAL

Where Have You Been, Little Cat? by Richard Jones. PICTURE BOOK Peachtree, 2023. $19. 1682635643 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Have you ever wondered where your cat goes during the day? A little girl eagerly awaits the tap she hears on the door, signaling that her cat is back from its adventure. She always asks, "Where have you been, little cat?" As she asks questions to her cat, the illustrations provide fun examples of what the little cat has been up to. Although the cat has fun adventures, she always comes home in the end. Although this book appears to be pretty simple in plot, the illustrations help drive it. They help the reader see what the little cat does when it is away. It is quite funny and sweet. My five year old daughter and I really enjoyed this book. She loved the humor from the illustrations. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Drake the super-excited overeager in-your-face Snake by Michaele Razi - ADVISABLE

Drake the super-excited overeager in-your-face Snake by Michaele Razi. PICTURE BOOK Little Bigfoot (Sasquatch), 2023. $18. 9781632173539 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Drake the snake loves to play and loves to give hugs. When the other animals tell him they don't like playing or hugging without permission, he at first doesn't listen. He quickly learns, however, that asking first is always more fun than being a pest. 

A very gentle and and nonjudgmental way to show kids how to interact with each other in ways better to make everyone happy. While some might point fingers and talk about consent as a bad thing, asking permission and being kind are never out of fashion. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Our Classroom Rules! by Kallie George and Jay Fleck - ESSENTIAL

Our Classroom Rules! by Kallie George illustrated by Jay Fleck PICTURE BOOK Rodale Kids 2023 $13.00 0593378784 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Why does this classroom rule? It is filled with little kid animals such as porcupines, bears, and rabbits that all love to go to school. This story is told in a way that explains important rules and mindsets such as being on time, working together, and that it is ok to make mistakes. Mistakes are just part of learning. 

This is told with funny side comments from the animals, especially two earthworms. I liked this book because it had a great message for young students about school. It showed them excellent examples of how to follow the rules and to be kind to all. The illustrations were highly engaging. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Skybound! by Sue Ganz-Schmitt, and Jacopo Bruno - ADVISABLE

Skybound! Starring Mary Myers as Carlotta, Daredevil Aeronaut and Scientist by Sue Ganz-Schmitt, illustrated by Jacopo Bruno. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Calkins Creek (Astra), 2024 $19. 9781635928150 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mary Myers had her head in the clouds - literally! She dreamed of flying and worked with her husband on the science of aeronautics - even helping create a new fabric for balloons, even though it was dangerous to formulate. It isn't until she is 30 that she finally goes up in a balloon of her own - on her own - and doesn't ever stop. 

How fabulous! I love that Ganz-Schmitt and Bruno have brought Mary forward from the fringes of history and back into the limelight she so deserves. Our 9th graders build hot air balloons with tissue paper every spring, so I am very excited to be able to share this with them. The main text is exciting to read and view. The back matter is a great supplement, with a few photographs and artifacts of "Carlotta" and her exploits. Carlotta is white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS