Whose Nest is Best? by Heidi Stemple and Gareth Lucas - ESSENTIAL

Whose Nest is Best? by Heidi Stemple illustrated by Gareth Lucas. BOARD BOOK NON-FICTION Little Simon, 2022. $8. 9781665917087  

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

"Whose Nest is Best?" is the question this little lift-the-flap board book asks the reader. Birds and their style of nest building are simply and clearly presented. Children will have a hard time answering this question because each nest is perfectly suited for the birds who built it. 

Stemple's book is darling! Each picture is bright with surprising graphic patterns and details. Each parent bird stands on its nest, which nest then folds over to reveal the eggs or chicks inside. Young children will love this book. They will open the flaps over and over while learning the birds' names and nest types. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Sleeping Spells and Dragon Scales by Wendy S. Swore - ADVISABLE

Sleeping Spells and Dragon Scales by Wendy S. Swore, 304 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Believing in fairies made Fairy Door Trail an obvious hangout for Alaina, and her best friend—and skeptic—Liam didn’t mind tagging along. One day, they stumbled into what could have been a fairy circle and most likely, accidentally offended a fairy. Since that day, Alaina and Liam drifted apart, and Alaina has had  to deal with being cursed. But now Liam is showing signs of being cursed, too, and he needs Alaina’s help.

Swore’s writing sits in the beautiful space between reality and fantasy. Both characters and readers know that fantasy and fairy tale creatures are not real, but they still want to believe they might be. There is magic in believing and in recognizing the fantastical parts of reality. In the book, Alaina and Liam’s English teacher gives an assignment for the students to write their lives as fairy tales, and it has made me look at my life a little differently—with a little more hope and a little more recognition for my main character and heroine status.

Alaina is implied Latina and has an autoimmune disorder, Liam has a chronic neurological disorder, and Doctor Titus is Kenyan. The mature content rating is for mentions of kissing and for near-death experiences. The violence rating is for some mild fantasy violence imagery.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Pearl by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie - ESSENTIAL

Pearl by Sherri L. Smith, illustrated by Christine Norrie, 144 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. $13 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (war);  Violence: PG (atomic bomb) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Amy is a thirteen-years old living in Hawaii. When her grandmother becomes ill, she is sent to visit her for the first time in Hiroshima. She goes alone because her parents have a new baby. Unfortunately for Amy, the year is 1941 and when Pearl Harbor is attacked, she is unable to return home. She is conscripted into translating radio transmissions for the Japanese army and questions where home really is when she hears about internment camps in America. 

Deftly told, the title is a play on words, referencing Pearl Harbor and Amy's grandmother, who was a pearl diver.  A fresh and intriguing look at how war divides families and loyalties and the difficulties of navigating a world that has suddenly been upended. Drawings are done in blues and grays, which fits the somber themes of the book. Amy is Japanese American . 

Michelle in the Middle 

Building a Dream by Darshana Khiani and Dow Phumiruk - ADVISABLE

Building a Dream: How the Boys of Koh Panyee Became Champions by Darshana Khiani, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk. PICTURE BOOK Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, 2023. $19. 9780802855473

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

The Village of Koh Panyee floats on stilts. A group of boys in that village loved football and were always dribbling balls on the wooden walkways to school, waiting in line, or doing chores, because there was no where to practice. They wanted to form a team and tried practicing on a secret beach in low tide. Soon houses were built there. While the neighbors scoffed and laughed, the boys sawed wood, hammered nails, and tied barrels together until they made a floating field. Would they ever be able to play against teams on the mainland? 

I loved Building A Dream. What a great story, based on a true story, of overcoming challenges and making your dream come true. Phumidruk's illustrations wonderfully visualize the whole experience. 

PGPowers

Fright School by Janet Lawler and Chiara Galletti - OPTIONAL

Fright School by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Chiara Galletti PICTURE BOOK Albert Whitman and Company, 2018. $10. 9780807525555  

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

The book shows scenes of monster students at Fright School learning how to scare children on Halloween night. There are mummies, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, spiders and more. 

I like the behind the scenes look at monsters preparing for Halloween night. The illustrations are bright and colorful. 

A. Snow

Don't Trust Cats by Dev Petty and Mike Boldt - ESSENTIAL

Don't Trust Cats (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt. PICTURE BOOK Doubleday (Random) 2024, $19. 9780593706787 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Chip the dog likes lots of things - but he does not trust cats. He has reasons! 

I loved Chip's first book and thoroughly enjoyed his latest adventure. Boldt's illustrative style fits Chip perfectly and Petty's words are just the right tone - if a dog could express their thoughts in words. Kids will laugh about it all and will want time on each page to enjoy the details. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Monkey Cam by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino - ADVISABLE

Monkey Cam by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino, EARLY READER Simon Spotlight, 2023. $18. 9781665927413

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A monkey with a camera on his head. One side of the page shows the monkey and the other side shows what the camera sees. The monkey wakes up, meets some other animals and shares a coconut with another monkey. 

With one to two words per page, this would be a good book for an early reader. The illustrations are fun and engaging with a lot of movement and bright colors. 

Reviewer: A. Snow

Only If You Dare by Josh Allen and Sarah J. Coleman

Only If You Dare by Josh Allen, illustrated by Sarah J. Coleman, 200 pages. Middle Grade Holiday House, 2021. $17 

G (0 swears) PG (peril) PG (implied deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Touted as 13 stories of darkness and doom, the stories cover everything from a creepy scrabble game, a bizarre substitute teacher, and yes, even a creepy doll. Inanimate objects come to life and you should probably never want to leave a piece of yourself behind. 

The stories are fresh and appropriately creepy. They make for a fast and engaging read and have great twists. The black and white illustrations are well done and add to the creepiness. Just the right amount of scare for middle readers! No culture or race is mentioned and characters change in each story. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Pink Pop by Aurore Petit - OPTIONAL

Pink Pop by Aurore Petit. BOARD BOOK Abrams Appleseed, 2024 $9.00 9781419773426

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Explore the idea of pink with 6 pop-up pages. 

I like the Yellow Pop book more. Some of examples of what is pink hit the mark, but others are more open to interpretation - less satisfying. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian MLS

Arfy Has a Ball by Troy Cummings - ADVISABLE

Arfy Has a Ball by Troy Cummings. PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2024. $6. 9780593643730  

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Arfy the dog is looking for a new ball. He tries several different options until finding the right ball. 

Cute illustrations. Simple, repetitive word structure. Perfect for a new reader. 

Reviewer: A. Snow

The World Is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child by Mary Annaise Heglar, illustrated by Vivian Mineker - ADVISABLE

The World Is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child by Mary Annaise Heglar, illustrated by Vivian Mineker. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2024. $19. 9780593568019

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A mother writes a letter to her child about how there is magic in the earth all around her. She wants the child to see the magic in the sunrise, the rain, her own laugh and heartbeat, and the creatures of the earth. But the mother is worried for her child because the world is going through climate change and she must cherish everything she sees and take care of it. With all the change that is coming, how can the child build a new world? 

Heglar has created a story celebrating the Earth and also acknowledging the problems. I enjoyed her thoughts and the dazzling illustrations. The text is simple for young readers. 

PGPowers 

The Last Stand by Antwan Eady, with Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey - ADVISABLE

The Last Stand by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey. PICTURE BOOK Knopf (Random House), 2024. $19. 9780593480571 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Every Saturday the boy and his grandfather harvest produce and gather eggs to sell at the farmers market stand - even though they are the only ones who still sell. Then come the Saturdays when Papa is too tired to go - the boy decides to go on his own. 

Eady has written a love letter to the Black farmer - a group that has shrunk from 14% of the whole to only 2% today. The Pumphrey's illustrations are evocative as ever, helping us to feel the small-town vibe. Eady's optional author's note talks about the artificial barriers that racism created for Black farmers, causing the decline. The characters are Black 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Alice Atherton's Grand Tour by Lesley M. Blume - ADVISABLE

Alice Atherton's Grand Tour by Lesley M. Blume, 192 pages. Knopf 2023. $17. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

10yo Alice lives in a big house in New York City with her dad and her grumpy, boring nanny. Both Alice and her dad grieve the loss of Alice's mother. Her dad decides to send her to the French Riviera to spend the summer with some very good friends of his; Sara and Gerald Murphy and their three children and pet monkey. Through all the fun adventures of the summer, and basking in the love and acceptance of the Murphy family, Alice has the best summer of her life. She even takes lessons from real artists like Pablo Picasso, Serge Diaghilev and also Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald. 

The cool thing about this book, even though the story is fiction, the Murphy family were real people and they were friends with the very famous people in the book. I highly recommend this book. It will be a great read-aloud, or read on your own book. I can't wait to introduce it to some students. The characters are white 

Ellen-Anita. Librarian 

A Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish by Daniel Bernstrom and Brandon James Scott- ADVISABLE

A Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brandon James Scott. PICTURE BOOK Hippo Park (Astra), 2024 $19. 9781662640698

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The bear is VERY hungry and the little fish looks so delicious. The fish wants to return to its upstream home. Both wishes can't be satisfied - who will win, and how? 

I have been trying to think how much I would like this second book if I hadn't read A Bear, A Bee - I think I am rating it correctly - it doesn't pack the same joie de vive as the first - cute, but not brilliant. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Rabia's Eid by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Debby Rahmalia - ADVISABLE

Rabia's Eid by Rukhsana Khan and Debby Rahmalia. EARLY READER. Penguin Random House, 2024. $6. 9780593706817

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

On the last day of Ramadan, Rabia wanted to fast along with her family. Her sister thought she was too little but her father said she could try to fast for half a day. Rabia was happy to celebrate Eid with her family. 

This is a very cute, very sweet story about a little girl learning the traditions of her family. The illustrations are nice. The text would be easy to follow for a new reader. The family in the story is Muslim. 

Reviewer: A. Snow 

Color Gallery by Sophie Ledesma - OPTIONAL

Color Gallery by Sophie Ledesma. BOARD BOOK. Little Tiger Press Unlimited, 2024. $10. 9781664350977

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Gigi, a colorful Giraffe, takes the reader and some cute animals on a tour of the Color Gallery. The tour goes through the Red Mosaic Hall, the Blue Portrait Gallery, The Green Sculpture Park, the Yellow Landscape Room, and more. Can you remember the different art styles? 

Color Gallery invites children with the help of adorable animal friends to learn about basic art styles and color. Active reading is encouraged by questions on each page as well as folding flaps. The illustrations are bright, fun, and quirky. 

PGPowers 

She Persisted: Florence Nightingale by Shelli R. Johannes and Gillian Flint - ADVISABLE

She Persisted: Florence Nightingale by Shelli R. Johannes, illustrated by Gillian Flint, 55 pages. NON FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Philomel Books, 2023. $7. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As a young girl of a wealthy English family, Florence Nightingale never wanted to be a proper lady. As a teen, she decided she wanted to be a nurse. Her parents tried to talk her out of it but she persisted. Florence went on to save many lives and influence modern nursing. 

 I enjoyed learning facts that I didn't know about Florence Nightingale. I was inspired by her perseverance and I think that students will be inspired as well. This book is part of a great series of shorter biographies about famous women. Florence is white. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Friend of Numbers by Priya Narayanan and Satwik Gade - ADVISABLE

Friend of Numbers: the life of mathematician Ramanujan by Priya Narayanan, illustrated by Satwik Gade. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Eerdmans, 2023 $18. 9780802856081 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Ramanujan, one of the Brahmin caste in India, was fascinated with numbers from his earliest days. He even failed every one of his college exams, except for mathematics, because all he could see was numbers. He even traveled to England to work with a mathematics professor at Cambridge. While there are few world famous mathematicians, Ramanujan is beloved not only in India, but is a very important part of our understanding of mathematics. 

There are few really good picture books about mathematicians - I am going to try to convince at least one of my math teachers to read this with their students. Narayanan's text is a little wordy, but infused with a lot of humor. Gade's illustrations add to the whimsy of the book, making it fun, instead of staid and boring. Ramanujan is from India. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Taxi, Go! Patricia Toht , illustrated by Maria Karipidou - ESSENTIAL

Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht , illustrated by Maria Karipidou PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2024. $18. 9781536231533 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

A day in the life of a busy taxi. The taxi stops and goes all day. The taxi picks up and drops off passengers and whizzes through traffic. 

Fun rhyming text. A great book to read aloud. Bright, fun, engaging illustrations. The people on the pages represent a variety of ethnicities. 

Reviewer: A. Snow

Glaciers are Alive by Debbie S Miller and Jon Van Zyle - ADVISABLE

Glaciers are Alive by Debbie S Miller, illustrated by Jon Van Zyle. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge 2023. $18. 9781623543617

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Meet glaciers - how they are formed, what they do, and what kinds of life lives on and around them. 

In story format, this beautiful book tells about life for a glacier. It makes great use of onomatopoeia, adding to the storybook effect.  I loved the book.  It has lovely illustrations with many details.  

Do You Know Them? Families Lost and Found After the Civil War by Shana Keller and Laura Freeman - ADVISABLE

Do You Know Them? Families Lost and Found After the Civil War by Shana Keller, illustrated by Laura Freeman. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2024 $19. 9781665913072 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO SEVERAL

Each day Lettie does small jobs to help her Uncle Charlie and pay for her keep and save precious pennies for something very important. Each Sunday she stands in front of the congregation and reads the Lost and Found People ads in the newspaper out loud, in case someone has information, or to share the joy when someone is found. One day she hopes that she and Uncle Charlie will also have good news. 

Don't dismiss this as another Civil War story - instead, it adds more dimension to life after the War when Black families were scattered all over the country, and sometimes the world, trying hard to reunite. Our 8th-grade curriculum covers post-Civil War, so I am excited to share it with our teachers. The characters are Black. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Sky Over Rebecca by Matthew Fox - ESSENTIAL

The Sky Over Rebecca by Matthew Fox, 240 p Union Square Kids 2023 $17 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

10yo Kara is mystified by the footprints in the snow across the rooftop of her apartment building in modern-day Stockolm, Sweden. Then one night she meets 13yo Rachel who, with her brother Samuel, is hiding. It takes a few encounters, but Kara finally realizes that she is meeting the siblings in a time travel loop and that the pair are German Jews hiding during WWII. Kara isn’t sure what she can do in her time to help the others to safety. 

I loved this book. The setting reminded me so much of winters in Norway, dark and cold and not very much daylight. Kara is brave and will do what she can for her new friends. The time travel part of the story was fascinating and done believably. Kara and her mother are Swedish. Rebecca and Samuel are German Jews. 

Ellen-Anita. Librarian 

The Endfixer by Noemi Vola - OPTIONAL

The Endfixer by Noemi Vola PICTURE BOOK Berbay Publishing 2024 $19 9781922610713 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: FEW

The narrator has always wished she could fix the end of stories whenever they were too sad, too complicated, too long, or too catastrophic. Incredible things can happen in stories, and maybe it is more her job just to write her own story. How will she know when her own story has gone on too long? 

The Endfixer is an interesting concept for adults, yet Vola has tried to make it into a children's book that is just not that interesting for kids. She tries to engage the reader with her cute and funny illustrations, but the story is still boring. 

PGPowers

Incredible: stars of the plant world by Benjamin Flouw - OPTIONAL

Incredible: stars of the plant world by Benjamin Flouw. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Twirl (Chronicle), 2024. $20. 9782408049898 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Take a short visit with some of the record holders of the plant world, with some just plainly interesting plants at the same time. 

Flouw's enthusiasm for plants shines in his interesting artwork and the wide variety of flora in his book. If I taught elementary, I would show kids a page a day and talk about the continents and countries the plants come from at the same time. The book is tall - 13". 

Cindy, Middle School Teacher, MLS

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 (Penguin), 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. 

Reviewer: 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: SEVERAL

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: SEVERAL

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 - 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. 

Reviewer: 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 and 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. 

Reviewer: 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. BOARD 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 Brook Press (Macmillan), 2023. $19. 9781250810038

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME

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