Pig in Jeans by Brenda Li - HIGH

Pig in Jeans by Brenda Li PICTURE BOOK Orchard Books, 2024. $15. 9781339053691 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Brian is a pig who loves wearing jeans. He wears them to school, the beach, fishing, and the bathtub. Everyone asks him why he always wears his jeans. Brian loves his pockets. What does Brian keep in his pockets that helps many of his friends? 

Pig in Jeans is a humorous, cute, simple story about being true to yourself. Kids will love Brian the pig's funny antics and his mysterious pockets. 

PGPowers

Between Words: A Friendship Tale by Saki Tanaka - ADVISABLE

Between Words: A Friendship Tale by Saki Tanaka. PICTURE BOOK Orchard Books. 2024. $19. 9781339042909

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Kai moved around with his Pa never staying long in one place. Pa said that they could stay a year at this new place full of pools of water. He had a favorite stone that he always put on top of a stack of stones at every new home. Kai tried to invite other children to play with him, but they just laughed when they didn't understand his language. In frustration, he kicked his treasured stone into a pool of water. He dived in to search for it, when he found something even more valuable. 

Between Words is a whimsical story of how to find friendship by communicating without words. I enjoyed the tender story and radiant illustrations. 

PGPowers

When Moon Became the Moon by Rob Hodgson - ADVISABLE

When Moon Became the Moon by Rob Hodgson PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2023. $19. 9780593523629 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Moon Became the Moon introduces the reader to Moon and how she became the moon for Earth. Moon talks about her purposes, phases, and her visitors. 

Hodgson has created a charming character who narrates her own story and helps young readers learn about the moon. I enjoyed the text bubbles, humor, and cute illustrations. 

PGPowers

Water: Discovering the Precious Resource All Around Us by Olga Fadeeva - ADVISABLE

Water: Discovering the Precious Resource All Around Us by Olga Fadeeva. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, 2024. $19. 9780802856227 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Does water make you wonder? Water is a curiosity-sparking book with many interesting facts about how much water is on our planet. Many facets of water are discussed such as why does it rain? What are lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans? Why is some water salty? Where does water come from? What lives above and below water? Why are some places dry, and many more interesting scientific observations. 

Fadeeva's colorful art and energetic novel text fueled my interest in a subject that I thought I already knew everything about. Curious kids will enjoy learning fun facts about water and will be gently engaged with the wonderful watercolor illustrations. 

PGPowers

You and the Universe by Steven Hawking, Lucy Hawking and Xin Li - ADVISABLE

You and the Universe by Steven Hawking and Lucy Hawking illustrated by Xin Li PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Random House, 2024. $20. 9780593432112

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

You and the Universe introduces Steven Hawking and how he has spent his life traveling across the universe inside his mind. His goal is to inspire kids to ask big questions as he shares some secrets of our galaxy and some ideas for creating a better world. He gives very simple facts and ideas on the really big questions about the universe, and asks for help from the reader to answer questions like, "How can we make the future a place we want to be?"  What does Hawking think is the most important thing? 

You and the Universe is a simple illustrated version of Hawking's final message to humankind. The illustrations are cute and friendly for young children. There are more facts and information about Hawking and his ideas at the end of the book. 

PGPowers

Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George and Mae Waite - ADVISABLE

Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George illustrated by Mae Waite PICTURE BOOK  Red Comet Press, 2024. $20. 9781636551128 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little girl is born who shares the Hawaii island's heartbeat. From the hula, she learned the stories and traditions of her people. From the hula, she learned how the land began, how the plant life and creatures came, and how she must care for her earth. From the hula, she learned about the winds, treks, voyages, and journeys of her people. She learned about the heroes and trials. When she grew up, what did she discover within herself? 

Aloha Everything is a poetic magical journey through the rich Hawaiian culture. I enjoyed learning about their lore and deep love of their beautiful Islands. Gorgeous colorful illustrations help us envision this thoughtful exploration. I liked the pronunciation guide and glossary included at the end of the book. 

PGPowers

Pop Goes the Carnival by Andy Nonamus and Amy Jindra - HIGH

Pop Goes the Carnival (The Very Worst Ever #2) by Andy Nonamus illustrated by Amy Jindra. 117 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Little Simon, 2024. $18. 9781665942249 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

An elementary student, who wishes to remain anonymous, remembers at the last minute that he needs to have a booth for the school carnival. The student whose booth earns the most votes will win a four-leaf clover bracelet. The student is prone to bad luck so he really wants to win the bracelet. With the help of his mom, he gets his booth ready in time. However, disaster strikes at the carnival. The prizes at his booth turn out to be his own things from his closet and he ends up riding a wave of popcorn. Luckily he has good friends who are willing to pitch in and help him out. 

A fun and silly book with easy to read text. This book would be great for a new reader. 

A. Snow

First Day, Worst Day by Andy Nonamus and Amy Jindra - ADVISABLE

First Day, Worst Day by Andy Nonamus illustrated by Amy Jindra 117 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Little Simon, 2024. $18. 9781665942218 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

An elementary school student, who wishes to keep his identity a secret, recounts his first day at a new school. He wants to remain anonymous because he is embarrassed by the things that always seem to happen to him. On the first day of school, he wakes up late, misses the bus, and is followed to school by a pack of dogs. This is just the beginning of the bad luck that follows him. At school he finds things to be a little odd, the library and gym share the same space and the boy and his new friends discover a tunnel beneath the school. 

 A fun story about a boy and the bad luck that follows him. But despite the bad things that happen, he is able to make the best of things and make some new friends. This would be a good book for a beginning reader. The text and language are easy to read and there are illustrations on every page. Children will relate to the boy's feelings of nervousness and excitement about starting at a new school. This is the first book in the series The Very Worst Ever. Ethnicity is not explained but the illustrations indicate that Regina is black, Jake is white, the main character is white and Glinda is brown. 

A. Snow

How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague - HIGH

How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat? by Jane Yolen illustrated by Mark Teague. PICTURE BOOK Scholastic Press, 2024. $19. 9781338891980

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

How does a dinosaur say "trick or treat"? Does it do naughty rude things like bang on the door, stomp on pumpkins, trip on kids' costumes, grab treats, or carry a garbage pail for its candy? No. Dinosaurs don't. Then how do they "trick or treat"? 

I really like how Yolen's hilarious dinosaurs help children learn the right way to enjoy Halloween. Teague's illustrations are over-the-top cute, clever, and funny. 

 PGPowers

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting - ADVISABLE

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Crown Books for Young Readers, 2020. $18. 9780593567784 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants humorously discusses the world of ants and all their behaviors from colonies, queens, workers, jobs, roles, superpowers, and communication. It also relates how humans could benefit by learning from the way ants help each other, recycle, and leave the planet a better place. 

I enjoyed the way Bunting playfully engages the reader and makes it fun to learn about ants. His approach and illustrations are unique and creative! Children will enjoy learning about ants and their human-shared behaviors. 

PGPowers

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic by Margaux Meganck - HIGH

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic by Margaux Meganck PICTURE BOOK Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. $20. 9780593301975

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Deep in a tide pool, a barnacle shoots forth little specs of life. They sweep past other creatures, get tossed in waves, each searching for a place to stay and grow. Some specs stay together, some search on their own, and some want to feel safe and hide in an ocean so vast. But then they would miss out on the adventure of life. Where will this spec find a home? 

I liked how Meganck wrote the story talking about a tiny spec in the ocean, and then revealed that her story was really an allegory for humans, and how we need to embrace life even though we are just one in billions, yet we all contribute to something greater. I enjoyed her pretty, and energetic watercolor illustrations. 

PGPowers

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker - ADVISABLE

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2024. $19. 9781536227680

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Noa, a giant seawall construction robot finds himself alone in a flooded world. Nearby his workstation, there is a flooded zoo with some stranded animals. He feeds them, but knows that they won't survive as the storms keep coming. He builds a large boat, puts the animals on it, and sets off to find a new place to help them survive. A terrible storm comes, and they are shipwrecked on some sandbars. Will Noa ever get his animals to safety? 

Becker tells his apocalyptic story in beautiful, expansive, wordless watercolors that capture the courageous compassion of the robot. I liked the theme of caring even when times are difficult. 

PGPowers

What Was the Children's Blizzard of 1888? by Steve Korté and Dede Putra - ADVISABLE

What Was the Children's Blizzard of 1888? by Steve Korté, illustrated by Dede Putra, 106 pages CHAPTER BOOK NON-FICTION Penguin Workshop, 2023. $8. 9780593520710  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

On January 12, 1888, a surprise blizzard hit the Great Plains which lasted several hours. Many people were caught unaware and unprepared. Especially hard hit were the teachers and students stranded in their schools. They had to make the hard decision to wait out the storm in the school without heat or food or to brave the blinding snow and try to make it home. Many children and adults died. But there were also amazing stories of survival and bravery. 

I enjoyed this book. It was well-written and easy to understand, and I learned a lot. The book tells the story of the blizzard and what happened to the people caught in it. It also provides insight, context, and background information about other things happening during this time in history. There are small illustrations throughout the book to add interest. A timeline and bibliography are included at the end of the book. 

A. Snow

Super Magic Boy: I am a Dinosaur by Jarod Roselló - HIGH

Super Magic Boy: I am a Dinosaur by Jarod Roselló, 98 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic, 2023. $11. 9780593427781 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Hugo is playing with his best friend Dino he uses his imagination to transform into a dinosaur, rampage through the house, and search for buried treasure. Along the way, he also learns a few valuable lessons. 

This is a fun, fast-paced graphic novel with great illustrations. Hugo has a vivid imagination. At the end of the book, there are a couple of drawing lessons on how to draw Hugo and Dino. 

A. Snow

Dragon Bones by Sarah Glenn Marsh and Maris Wicks - ESSENTIAL

Dragon Bones-The Fantastic Fossil Discoveries of Mary Anning by Sarah Glenn Marsh illustrated by Maris Wicks PICTURE BOOK (K-3rd grade) NON-FICTION Roaring Book Press 2021 $20.00 9781250140210 G 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mary, a young girl from England, loved to go on treasure hunts with her family. The seaside cliffs of Lyme Regis, England would reveal fossils buried in mud after storms. Mary and her family would sell their finds to tourists but Mary hoped to find something special. Mary and her brother found an unusual skull that turned out to be an undiscovered dinosaur. Would Mary find more fossils? And would she be recognized as the one who discovered them? 

This book was fascinating! I learned about Mary Anning and her quest to find dinosaur bones. Dragon Bones would make a great read-aloud book about paleontology. The pictures catch the eye and there are just the right amount of words on each page. The characters in this book are presumably white. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

I'm A Black Hole by Dr. Eve M. Vavagiakis and Jessica Lanan - ADVISABLE

I'm A Black Hole by Dr. Eve M. Vavagiakis illustrated by Jessica Lanan. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION MIT Kids Press, 2024. $19. 9781536222081

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

I'm A Black Hole relates interesting facts, abilities, and the appearance of a black hole. It talks about how scientists know that a black hole is in a certain spot in the sky and how it interacts with the rest of space. It also encourages further exploration. 

I'm a Black Hole playfully engages children with simple yet interesting facts and imaginative illustrations. I also enjoyed the black hole fact pages at the end of the book for those who want to further explore the subject. 

PGPowers

Slow Down Stanley by Elena Levi and Giulia Pastorino - ADVISABLE

Slow Down Stanley by Elena Levi illustrated by Giulia Pastorino. PICTURE BOOK Boxer Books, 2024. $19. 9781914912719 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Sloths are slow and sleep all day and all night, but not young Stanley. His dad was always telling him to slow down, but he loved to watch and learn from the other creatures in the jungle. One day he learned to jump to another branch like a monkey. He taught the other young sloths also. The other adult sloths were upset with him. Will Stanley ever be accepted the way he is? 

Slow Down Stanley teaches kids that it can be good to be different from others. The illustrations are fun and whimsical. 

PGPowers

Challah Day! by Charlotte Offsay and Jason Kirschner - ESSENTIAL

Challah Day! by Charlotte Offsay illustrated by Jason Kirschner. PICTURE BOOK Holiday House, 2023. $19 9780823454112 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Challah Day is a very fun day for the whole family. Mom, Dad, sister and even the baby can help make the traditional family recipe. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the bread to come out of the oven. The family even invites their grandparents over to enjoy. 

This fun story walks you through the steps of making Challah bread and the importance of this Jewish tradition. There is even a real Challah bread recipe at the end of the book if you want to try to make it yourself. My daughter and I enjoyed this book. The illustrations were cute and went with the story well. This would be a fun book to use to teach about different cultures and traditions. This book explained the Jewish tradition of Challah bread.

A. Criswell, English Language Arts Teacher

Tadpoles by Matt James - OPTIONAL

Tadpoles by Matt James. PICTURE BOOK Neal Porter Books, 2023. $19. 9780823450053 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A young boy enjoys being outside in nature and observing the world around him. He sees frogs, old rusty bikes, and likes to play in the rain. His dad helps him learn about the world around him. When his dad goes to live in a different house, the boy and his dad are still able to strengthen their bond by exploring outside. Even though puddles might come and go, their love for each other doesn't. 

I liked this book's message, but the plot seemed a little slow. My five-year-old daughter was not engaged and thought the plot was a little boring. The illustrations were cute and went well with the text. 

A. Criswell, English Language Teacher

Chicken Little and the Very Long Race by Sam Wedelich - ESSENTIAL

Chicken Little and the Very Long Race (Chicken Little #3) by Sam Wedelich. PICTURE BOOK Scholastic Press, 2024 $19. 9781338892420 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Hare is coming to town for a big, long, marathon race and all of the others chickens are atwitter. While they slavish read Hare's book and become devotees of his shoes, smoothies, and training regime (rest your muscles), Chicken Little decides to enter the race and train hard to build his stamina. Chicken Little will have to prove himself to the whole flock on race day. 

I was a little sad that Chicken Little is taking the spotlight from Hare's original competition - the Tortoise. But Chicken Little does have a lot of wise advice to disperse. And he's cute and funny. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Something on the Hill by Jane Kohuth and Sonia Sanchez - OPTIONAL

Something on the Hill by Jane Kohuth, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez PICTURE BOOK Anne Schwartz Books (Random House), 2024 $19. 9780593301074 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The animals start waking from their winter hibernation, and following an instinct, they troop to the top of the Hill towards Something important. 

I enjoyed the animals' journey and waking each animal in turn as they get nearer to the Something. The end, however, is very flat and disappointing. I won't tell you what it is. I have read much better picture books about spring. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Come Again, Pelican by Don Freeman - ADVISABLE

Come Again, Pelican by Don Freeman, 44 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Plough Publishing House, 2024. $19. 9781636080888

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Back at the beach for the summer, Ty wants to catch his first fish today. Ty looks to his pelican friend for help and receives more than he hoped for.

Over the course of a single day, Ty loses and triumphs, learning little lessons from animals and about the ocean. Freeman captures the wonder of children and their innocent natures, trying so hard to do good. Also, the colorful illustrations are wonderful.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Extinctopedia by Serenella Quarello illustrated by Alessio Alchini - ADVISABLE

Extinctopedia: Discover What We Have Lost, What Is at Risk, and How We Can Preserve the Diversity of Our Fragile Planet by Serenella Quarello illustrated by Alessio Alchini. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Red Comet Press, 2022. $27. 9781636550725 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Extinctopedia covers the stories of many animals and creatures that the earth has lost. It also tells the stories of others that are almost extinct. It discusses what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. 

Quarello does a good job of telling us very interesting and important facts that are not overdone, mixed with beautiful detailed illustrations. She passes to the reader her love for all the earths creatures. 

PGPowers 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies by Andrea J. Loney and Hazel Quintanilla

Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla BOARD BOOK Charlesbridge, 2024. $9. 9781623544652 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

It's a stormy day but then the sun comes out. Baby Chick and baby Lamb decide to put on their rainboots to go outside. Lamb can't do it. Chick encourages Lamb to keep trying. Lamb finally gets his boots on. When they go outside, baby Chick can't walk through the puddle. Lamb encourages baby Chick. Will baby Chick ever get past the large puddle to play in the yard? 

Loney has created an encouraging book to help toddlers learn to keep trying instead of giving up. The pictures and words are fun and simple. I liked the note to parents at the end with some great advice for helping a child learn to persevere. 

PGPowers

Guts for Glory by Joanna Lapati - ADVISABLE

Guts for Glory: the story of the Civil War soldier Rosetta Wakeman by Joanna Lapati. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Eerdmans, 2024 $20 9780802854643 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

At 19yo, Rosetta Wakeman left her family farm and headed out to join a unit fighting in the Civil War. Throughout the war she sent letters home - the only known existing letters from a disguised female soldier. 

Lapati's scratch board illustrations are quite vivid and interesting to look at. The story is very simple. Wakeman's gender was never discovered, in fact her youngest sister thought that "Lyons" was her older brother. Those are the most intriguing parts of the story - the rest is pretty typical and simple. Rosetta is white.

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

The Witch in the Woods by Michaelbrent Collings - ADVISABLE

The Witch in the Woods (Grimmworld #1) by Michaelbrent Collings, 320 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

When their parents get new jobs, Willow and Jake reluctantly move to New Marburg. The technological advances in the town are exciting, but none of their pictures will stay on the walls, their new teacher hates them, and some guy with gold eyes keeps appearing out of thin air to yell at them in gibberish before disappearing again. Strange things are going on in New Marburg, and Willow and Jake’s mom won’t even listen to them!

Collings’ narration style feels like he’s constantly joking with the reader. Almost everything that can be made over-the-top is, and parentheses mark Collings’ asides that aren’t relevant to the story except for a laugh. With riddles, fairy tale retellings, and impossible things made possible, this story has a little bit of everything. I can’t wait to find out which Grimm’s story is retold in the next book.

Willow and Jake are implied White, and Froggy is described as having “brown” skin. The mature content rating is for illegal activity. The violence rating is for assault, fantasy violence, murder, and mentions of cannibalism.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Planting Hope by Philip Hoelzel and Renato Alcarao - ADVISABLE

Planting Hope: a portrait of photographer Sebastian Salgado by Philip Hoelzel, illustrated by Renato Alcarao. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Atheneum (Simon), 2024. $19. 9781534477650 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Sebastiao Salgado grew up on a huge farm in Brazil, but left to be educated and then traveled the world with his wife to study. Once he discovered the camera, his life was taken with photography, and using photos to show the world the ills caused by war and by inequity. When returned to his family farm, he discovered a land ravaged by indiscriminate clear cutting. He and his wife had a new project to embrace - restoring the forest ecosystem and spreading that restoration as far as possible. 

Hoezel gives a good example of what a picture book biography can look like. For Middle schools and High schools I would recommend this if a teacher has a biography unit. The text is dense - not suitable for a read-aloud with younger students. While Salgado is from Brazil, he is portrayed as a white blond in the book - he probably comes from the white upper social class. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Log Life by Amy Hevron - ADVISABLE

Log Life by Amy Hevron PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Beach Lane Books 2024 $19 9781665934985 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

One stormy day, a giant fir tree cracks and collapses. The tree's new life as a nurse log begins. A new habitat begins with fungi, insects, small mammals. Later, birds, predators, plants and even a new fir tree join in. How many years will the nurse log survive? 

Log Life was very interesting as I learned about tiny ecosystems that are home to many rare and important life-forms. It is very children friendly, and reads like a early starter graphic novel. I enjoyed the simple forest illustrations.

PGPowers

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli - HIGH

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli. PICTURE BOOK Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. $19. 9780593649770 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Susan the duck is feeling unlucky. The roller skates she ordered are too big: she lost her favorite marble, there are no more pickles, and a light bulb burns out. But with each knock on the door, a wolf tells her that she has won a big soup pot, onions, celery, and carrots. Maybe Susan is lucky. The wolf asks if the soup is ready and Susan invites him into her home to have some. The wolf says he is ready for some duck soup. 

How unlucky is Susan? Lucky Duck is a fun metaphor for life. Sometimes we think something that happened to us was bad when later down the road, it was for our betterment. Pizzoli's illustrations are cute and expressive. 

PGPowers

No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons - ADVISABLE

No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons. PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2024. $19. 9781665933681 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Clarisse, a stray cat, loves the pictures she has glimpsed in books. While the keeper of the books tries to keep her out of the library, she finds a way in. She doesn't understand the black squiggly lines but loves it when a shy little girl reads them to her. Now Clarisse needs to convince the keeper of the books that she should stay. 

A sweet book about a library cat - though if you don't have a library cat, your students may ask for one after hearing this. The human characters are a variety of ages and ethnicities. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher, illustrated by Herma Starreveld - HIGH

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher, illustrated by Herma Starreveld. PICTURE BOOK Greystone Kids, 2024. $19. 9781778401176 

Content: PG (Did you read the title? Shows a dead bird and its burial) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL; MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When the other birds find Bird, who is dead, they gather to grieve and to decide what they need to do. 

I LOVE what Fisher and Starreveld have done. From the gorgeous collage birds to the succinct, matter-of-fact text, the creators have composed a work that fascinates and helps turn death from a macabre mystery to a part of life that deserves time and care. Pair with The Dead Bird by Margaret Wise Brown  and The Funeral by Matt James both also about birds dying. Elementary librarians - if you have either of the other books on your shelf, add this one - it is a delight (in a totally respectful way). Middle school and High schools - buy this either for the content or for the beautiful collages - some of my students saw me showing the book to their teacher and they wantes to read it immediately. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS 

Josè and Feliz Play Fùtbol by Susan Rose and Solvia Lòpez Gloria Fèlix - ADVISABLE

Josè and Feliz Play Fùtbol by Susan Rose and Solvia Lòpez Gloria Fèlix 48 pages. EARLY READER Penguin Workshop, 2023. $6. 9780593521205

 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Josè is excited to have been picked for the school soccer team. While practicing in the backyard, his dog Feliz picks up several soccer skills tapping, bumping, and pushing the ball with his head, nose, and paws. When Josè takes Feliz to practice with the team, Feliz also wants to play soccer. When it comes time for the game, Josè has to teach Feliz to stay on the sidelines and watch. 

A nice story about a boy, soccer, and his dog. There is some Spanish throughout the story. All of the Spanish words and phrases used in the text are listed at the end with the English translations. This early reader book would be great for children who are also learning Spanish. Josè his mom and sister appear to be Latin, Josè's father appears to be white. 

A. Snow

Who's the Boss? by Emile Jadout

Who's the Boss? by Emile Jadout. BOARD BOOK Twirl (Chronicle), 2024. $13. 9791036364242 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Four animals are arguing over who is the boss, until the real boss steps in and gives them the facts. The Boss reveal is super cute. 

 Being a board book, however, there isn't a lot here. Had the publisher added even one interactive element (I can't say too much, because I don't want to spoil the book), I would have marked it ESSENTIAL. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night? by Steven J. Simmons, Clifford R. Simmons and Ruth E. Harper - OPTIONAL

Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night? by Steven J. Simmons and Clifford R. Simmons, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Charlesbridge, 2024. $18. 9781623542979 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As the title states, the Simmons tell us about several ocean dwellers and how they sleep. 

I wonder if the authors were going for a bedtime story feel to their book? The text is set in rhyming couplets, which does not work for me. As a book I want to use to engage young students - I don't want to put them to sleep, usually. I would love this material without the rhyming. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond Colonization and Resistance by Supriya Kelkar - ADVISABLE

And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond Colonization and Resistance by Supriya Kelkar PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Candlewick Press, 2024. $19. 9781536228298 

Content: PG Although the text is careful not to use harmful words, it is still about the theft and other unspeakable acts that followed the Kohinoor Diamond. It is about the way the Indian people were treated and oppressed. It also talks about ways to fight back and resist colonization. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Brown hands in India sift through water and sand and find the shining Kohinoor Diamond. The diamond is put on the peacock throne and shines. Then, an army takes it and many other gold and jewels. The diamond is placed on an armband and worn that way for decades as many different rulers do unspeakable acts to rule and acquire the diamond. England colonizes India and takes the diamond from a young 10-year-old Indian king. England cuts down the diamond and polishes it. Where is the diamond now? 

And Yet You Shine is a lyrical story about colonization and how to shine as a people even though hard things have happened to you. Beautiful collage illustrations help soften a difficult subject. I enjoyed the detailed history pages at the back of the book. 

PGPowers

Oh, Are You Awake? by Bob Shea illustrated by Jarvis - ADVISABLE

Oh, Are You Awake? by Bob Shea illustrated by Jarvis PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2024. $18. 9781536226584 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

It is time for Lion and Penguin to sleep, but Lion wants a story. Penguin tells him no story and that it is time for sleep. While Penguin is trying to sleep, he wakes up to Lion on the drums, crunching chips, and jumping on the trampoline. What will Penguin need to do to get Lion to sleep? 

Anyone who has tried to put a non-sleepy child to sleep will chuckle while reading this story. Children will enjoy the antics of the non-sleepy lion and the colorful fanciful illustrations of penguins rudely interrupted dreams. 

PGPowers

Mahogany by JaNay Brown-Wood and John Joven - ADVISABLE

Mahogany: a Little Red Riding Hood tale by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by John Joven. PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge, 2024 $18.00 9781623543679 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Mahogany has just finished her flash new red cape, just in time to help her Momma by delivering the fresh-baked cornbread to G-ma. The woods are beautiful, but along the way Mahogany encounters a wolf, whom she is sure is up to no good. 

I really like this fresh take on Little Red Riding Hood. I like that the girl has a name, for one. And I like that both Mahogany and her G-ma are clever. Not a twisted fairy tale and not an urban tale - just a refresh. Mahogany and her family are Black. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

I Am Happy by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling - ADVISABLE

I Am Happy by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick, 2023 $15. 9781536231281 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The puppy is very happy - so happy that they can't contain it. They have pages and pages of things they can do to celebrate their happiness - as simple as laughing, and as imaginative as racing to the stars. 

Puppy (and Rosen) are exuberant in their celebration of happiness. Fun to act out and fun to build upon as an activity. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Ready, Set, RUN! Leslie Kimmelman illustrated by Jessie Hartland - ESSENTIAL

Ready, Set, RUN! The Amazing New York City Marathon by Leslie Kimmelman illustrated by Jessie Hartland. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Random House Studio. 2023. $19 9780593433652 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Ready, SET, RUN! is a great introduction to the famous New York City Marathon for kids. People from all around the world travel to NYC to run in this race each year. This story shows what runners do to prepare for the race. Some like to take hot bubble baths, while others like to eat big spaghetti dinners. Once the race has started, runners are provided drinks and snacks throughout the way. Did you ever wonder where the runners go to the bathroom or how long the race lasts? All of these questions are answered and more. 

This was a great informational book on the New York City Marathon. The pictures are extremely engaging. There are also "Extra" facts on each page if you want to know fun trivia about this race. I would highly recommend this book to all ages. This book shows how people from all over the world travel to New York City to race. Some countries that are mentioned are Ethiopia and Kenya. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts Teacher

Have You Seen My Sock? by Colombe Linotte illustrated by Claudia Bielinsky - HIGH

Have You Seen My Sock? by Colombe Linotte illustrated by Claudia Bielinsky. BOARD BOOK Twirl 2023. $11 9791036358531 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This is a cute, simple board book about different animals that have lost their sock. The story includes alliteration and rhyming words. The animals range from flamingos to panthers- who knew all of these animals wore socks. Only an animal with numerous legs could be lucky enough to find all of these socks and be able to wear them! At the end, there is a challenge to the reader to remember whose socks belonged to each animal. 

This is a fun, simple book for young readers. The pictures are cute and help engage the reader. It is recommended for PreK and higher. This would probably only interest PreK to K ages. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts Teacher

The Book That Can Read Your Mind by Marianna Coppo - ADVISABLE

The Book That Can Read Your Mind by Marianna Coppo. PICTURE BOOK Chronicle, 2024 $18. 9781797229010 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

This book is magic and it can prove it! Rabbit will take you thru a trick on the pages of the book that will blow your mind. 

The trick is cool - and I don't know enough about math to know how it works. What I don't like is how clunky it is turning to the correct pages. If you read this to a class it will have a lot of back and forth and that becomes unwieldy and annoying. A fun one for a home book, though. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Lila and the Jack-o'-Lantern by Nancy Churnin and Anneli Bray - ADVISABLE

Lila and the Jack-o'-Lantern: Halloween Comes to America by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Anneli Bray. PICTURE BOOK Albert Whitman, 2023. $19. 9780807566633

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Lila and her family have immigrated from Ireland to America in search of life away from the suffering in their homeland. Lila is afraid, however, that their celebration of Halloween will get lost and they won't be able to trick Jack, the sly Halloween spirit, or scare him away with the carved turnip. Sure enough, there are few turnips to be found in their new city. But one day Lila meets Julia, a girl her own age, who shows her something that may work - the pumpkin. 

While it is cool to find out that Halloween came from Ireland and that jack-o-lanterns originally were carved turnips, the overall story is just kind of ehh. A solid average read. Julia and her family are traditional Irish. Her new friend Julia may be Jewish (last name Levine). 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLIS

Great Gusts by Melanie Crowder, Megan Benedict and Khoa Le - OPTIONAL

Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them by Melanie Crowder and Megan Benedict illustrated by Khoa Le PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION MIT Kids Press, 2024. $19. 9781536224511 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

You can't see the wind, but you can see it's footprints. There are many different winds around the world that happen so regularly that they have a name. Great Gusts tells poems about each wind and some of the facts about how each wind is formed. 

Great Gusts is a series of poems and facts. It tries to be poetic about different kinds of wind, but it starts to sound monotonous. I liked knowing about some of the different names for winds around the world, but even the facts on each page weren't very interesting. 

PGPowers

Little Tiger by Nicola Killen - ADVISABLE

Little Tiger by Nicola Killen PICTURE BOOK Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. $18. 9781665940986 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ollie was so excited to get a new tiger suit for her birthday. She was practicing her roar when she saw a bunch of balloons outside. She ran after the balloons felt tired, and was about to quit when she remembered she was a tiger. She finally caught hold of the magic balloons just as a gust of wind blew her and the balloons into the sky. Ollie landed in a forest where she could see party decorations in a gap through the trees. Is there a party going on?

The Little Tiger is a cute pretend story about trying hard, and not giving up so that you can have wonderful things happen. The illustrations are adorable.

PGPowers

Metal Baby by Stephen W. Martin and Brandon James Scott - OPTIONAL

Metal Baby by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Brandon James Scott. PICTURE BOOK Margaret McElderry (Simon), 2024 19 9781665924931 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL, GIFT

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The Mumfords are a quiet couple who live on a quiet street in a quiet house. Their brand new baby, however, is METAL! Loud, brash, and unwilling to ever be quiet. When Metalpalooza comes to town and Metal Baby is their headliner for three days straight, the Mumfords know that something has to change - and it may be THEM. 

I really loved Metal Baby, personally. Is it really for a school library? I don't think books about newborn babies are really a hit. But look at this one as a gift for new parents who are part of the metal fringe~ 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS 

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris - ADVISABLE

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris. PICTURE BOOK Alfred Knopf (Random), 2024. $19. 9780593571880 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Compared to his giant-sized parents and siblings, this unicorn is teeny-weeny and gets left out of everything. One day the unicorn runs off in a huff and causes a problem with a creature even tinier than him. Now he really needs the help of his family to solve the problem! 

Unicorns are definitely cute and Harris manages to weave in a message right at the end that doesn't feel didactic nor shoehorned in. 

Cindy, MS Librarian

How to Speak in Spanglish by Monica Mancillas and Olivia De Castro. - ADVISABLE

How to Speak in Spanglish by Monica Mancillas, illustrated by Olivia De Castro. PICTURE BOOK Penguin Workshop, 2023. $19. 978-0593521809 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Sami is young boy who loves to speak English and Spanish. In fact, he likes to speak both languages at the same time. He calls this speaking in Spanglish. His abuela told him that these two languages don't mix. She told him to speak Spanish at home and English at school. Sami becomes confused and has a hard time. Pretty soon it becomes apparent that Sami needs to be who he wants to be and speak how he wants to speak. 

Although the premise of this book was great, my daughter and I didn't enjoy it. It seemed a little too long and disjointed. I like that it celebrates the idea of being comfortable with who you are. This book could be used to supplement dual language immersion. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts Teacher

I Can Be All Three by Salima Alikhan and Noor Sofi - ESSENTIAL

I Can Be All Three by Salima Alikhan illustrated by Noor Sofi. PICTURE BOOK Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. $19 9781665901840 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

It is Multicultural Day at school and the assignment is to create and bring something to show the class about your heritage. A young girl ponders what exactly she should make. Her dad's culture is Indian. She could bake tikka masala, but that would be hard to bring to school. Her mom has German heritage, so she could also bake schnitzel. However, at school, she likes to eat pizza and cheeseburgers. It's hard to decide on just one. Can her culture be all three? 

Alikhan and Sofi help young readers understand that their culture doesn't need to fit in just one category. It teaches a great message that you can be a little bit of everything, it's up to you. This is an issue that a lot young students face in schools. The young girl's parents are from India and Germany. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts Teacher

The Quickest Bedtime Story Ever! by Louise Fitzgerald and Kate Hindley - ADVISABLE

The Quickest Bedtime Story Ever! by Louise Fitzgerald, illustrated by Kate Hindley. PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crow, 2024. $28. 9798887770512 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The animals friends are getting ready for bed and their 10-word-only bedtime story. But there is much to do before those 10 words. The narrator has many things that the reader and the animals need to do in order to be properly prepared - both the read and to listen. 

The drama around getting ready for the story is very silly and dramatic, with some great chances for expressive reading and actions. The 10-word story is anti-climatic and doesn't feel like it gets its time on the stage. 

Cindy, MS Librarian

Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherma Karsten - ESSENTIAL

Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherma Karsten. PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crow, 2024 $18. 9798887770451 

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

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The ten animals friends are all snuggled up for the night when Hen asks them all to roll over. LOVE IT! 

Each animal falling out of bed is on a series of graduated cut-pages so you can still see everyone sprawled on the ground. And the flip at the end when Hen finds itself alone in bed is darling! A surefire repeat bedtime read! 

Cindy, MS Librarian