The Stars by Jacques Goldstyn - ESSENTIAL

The Stars by Jacques Goldstyn. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2023. $20. 9781771649193

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Yakov, a big brother to three younger sisters, loves anything to do with the stars. Unfortunately, his father wants him to take over the grocery store when he is old enough. Each day, Yakov has to take his three younger sisters to the park. Luckily, Yakov meets a girl named Aicha, who also loves learning about stars. They soon become inseparable and their friendship blooms. Aicha's father doesn't approve of this friendship and the friends are forbidden to see each other. Will their love for stars reunite them in the end?

I liked this book because Goldstyn's illustrations were almost drawn in a comic book style. The plot drew me in and taught me about our universe. Goldstyn had a sweet message that you should follow your passion in life. Yakov appears to be Jewish because he wears a Kippah. Aicha has a head covering as well.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding by Clint McElroy and Eliza Kinkz - OPTIONAL

Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding by Clint McElroy, illustrated by Eliza Kinkz. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $19. 9781250249326

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Goldie, a young elementary student, teaches us all she knows about taking care of grandparents. She knows that grandparents need playtime, lots of ice cream and dance parties. We discover that Grandpa knows a thing or two about taking care of grandchildren as well!

McElroy has a sweet book about the love between a grandparent and his grandchild. Potty humor is used quite a bit, which might appeal to young readers. The illustrations are bright and colorful and look like they have been drawn by a child. The font may make the text difficult for younger students to read. Goldie and her grandpa are presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Love is in the Bear by Judith Henderson, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi - OPTIONAL

Love is in the Bear by Judith Henderson, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi.  PICTURE BOOK.  Owlkids (Bayard Canada), 2023.  $19.  9781771475891

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

It’s spring and Bear notices Bird’s beautiful song, and he wants to join along. Bear and Bird practice together to perfect their duet to audition for the opera. Will they get the part and continue to sing their song?

I was a bit confused at the overall message of this book. There are some themes of friendship and overcoming unexpected problems, but doesn’t explore either in any meaningful detail. It might be cute as a storytime book, but I don’t really see any classroom application of the story.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

Let's Go! Haw Ekwa! By Julie Flett - ADVISABLE

Let's Go! Haw Ekwa! By Julie Flett. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2024. $20. 9781771646109

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young Cree boy watches skateboarders from his window and imagines himself riding a skateboard. His mother lets him use her skateboard. He practices around the neighborhood until he feels ready to go to the skatepark. At the skatepark, he is very intimidated as the other skateboarders crash down like a waterfall. While he decides to just watch, he makes a friend who is also watching. Will they ever feel brave enough to skate with the others?

Let's Go! Haw Ekwa! tells a story of wishing to do something and then gaining the confidence to try new things. I enjoyed the thought processes expressed. The illustrations are nice and painted in calming colors yet alive with action. The book setting is in a Cree community.

PGPowers 

Dear Mothman by Robin Gow - OPTIONAL

Dear Mothman by Robin Gow, 320 pages.  Abrams Amulet, 2023 $19. 

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G (kisses, hand holding); Violence: G (Peril - lost in the woods, sighting a cryptid) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Noah's best friend Lewis has died. Lewis was also a trans boy, and the two had been fast friends for years - only coming out to each other. Now Noah feels alone and writes notes to Mothman - a cryptid Lewis believed in, and now Noah does too. In fact, as a tribute to Lewis, Noah is planning to make "the existence of Mothman" his 6th grade science fair project. 

Dear Mothman is a novel in verse, but I feel the style made it choppy, and hard to connect with Noah. There's also so much going on! Noah is trans and comes out to various people throughout the book, he's also grieving, and autistic. Told through Noah's letters to Mothman (mostly, there are also a few letters to Noah from Hannah his girlfriend); Noah's autism is mentioned, but there's not a lot of context other than the fact that he meets with a counselor - which could be for grief counseling. There's a bit of magical realism as the children see signs of and possibly the cryptid itself. Noah defaults white, is on the autism spectrum, and identifies male. 

Lisa Librarian

This Table by Alex Killian, illustrated by Brooke Smart - ADVISABLE

This Table by Alex Killian, illustrated by Brooke Smart. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2024. $19. 9781771645829

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A table began as a seed and grew into a strong tree. When the tree fell, it was taken to a workshop and made into a table. It was placed in a house and life grew up around it. What did this table become it's family?

This Table is a very simple story about how important a table, that was provided by nature, can be as a center of life to a family. The illustrations are nice and expressive.

PGPowers 

Mazie’s Amazing Machines by Cheryl Haft and Jeremy Holmes - ESSENTIAL

Mazie’s Amazing Machines by Cheryl Haft, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin, 2023. $19. 9780399547867

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Mazie loves to create machines. She finds things around her house that help her create a pulley, an inclined plane, a wedge, and wheel and axle, a lever, and a screw. She recruits her dog to test one of her machines. Now, how do they get her dog back down to earth?

What a delightful way to teach children about simple machines and how they work. The author and illustrator created a fabulous, intriguing story of an up and coming engineer. A fold out page and explanations of the different machines are added bonuses.

MOMMAC 

You Will Do Great Things by Amerie and Raissa Figueroa - ADVISABLE

You Will Do Great Things by Amerie, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2023. $19. 9781250817020 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

After looking at a photograph of an ancestor, a young boy goes on a imaginary journey where he learns that he can be himself and do great things while be loved and supported by his family and ancestors.

Amerie and Figueroa have created a good book to give as a graduation gift. The book has simple text with sweeping illustrations and an encouraging message of hope for the future. The boy has an Asian mother and black father. 

Reviewer: A. Snow 

Pokemon: Tales of Adventure by Scholastic - OPTIONAL

Pokemon: Tales of Adventure by Scholastic, 128 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Scholastic, 2023. $10. 9781338883428 

Content: G. 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

4 different Pokemon adventures, where Ash and his friends find a new Pokemon, then Team Rocket or another nemesis discovers them and they battle. 

All the stories are standard for the TV series, in fact, AJ tells me they are adaptations of episodes. You really need background knowledge of the characters and their Pokemon - just saying all the names made a read-aloud tricky. AJ (Pokemon world expert) loved it, I (Pokemon novice) struggled. Buy as a gift for the right kid. Based on the Japanese game and TV Series. 

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 8) 

The Artivist written & illustrated by Nikkolas Smith - ESSENTIAL

The Artivist written & illustrated by Nikkolas Smith.  PICTURE BOOK.  Kokila (Penguin Random House), 2023.  $19.  9780593619650

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young boy who loves to paint realizes that he can do more with his art to inspire change around the world. A combination of artist + activist. What change will you create as an artivist?

An inspiring and timely picture book to empower future artists and creators out there to be more intentional and reflective with their work to address local and world problems. I especially loved the digital brush artwork that accompanied the text. It was inclusive, inspiring, and thoughtful. It could be used as an introduction to a social justice unit or any unit where students have to pick an issue they care about.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #BooksWithBeddes

My Bollywood Dream by Avani Dwivedi - ESSENTIAL

My Bollywood Dream by Avani Dwivedi. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2023. $19. 9781536228427

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A young girl living in Mubai dreams of becoming a Bollywood movie director. She loves the music, the adventure, and the stories that can be told. On her way to see a movie with her family, her imagination goes wild as she pictures whatever she sees turning into her own movie. After enjoying the film, she is inspired and knows that she can too can create her own story. 

I like Dwivedi's story because it teaches you about life in Mubai and what Bollywood movies are. The illustrations have soft lines and the pages are framed like a movie film reel. It shows a young protagonist who has a great imagination. The young girl lives in Mubai. 

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles by Jake Gyllenhaal, Greta Caruso and Dan Santat - ADVISABLE

The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles by Jake Gyllenhaal and Greta Caruso illustrated by Dan Santat PICTURE BOOK Feiwel & Friends 2023 $19 9781250776990 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Leo loved to dance but his glasses usually fell off and ruined dance class. Uncle Mo, who was in town for a rubber band conference, came to take him home from dance class and said that he was going to babysit him that night. Uncle Mo was very strict. Just when Leo was thinking he had the worst uncle ever, their car magically traveled to The Secret Society of Aunts and Uncles. Uncle Mo had to take tests and learn how to be an awesome Uncle, but it wasn't working. Then Leo decided to show him how he loved to dance and his glasses fell off and ruined everything. What did Uncle Mo do to help Leo? 

The Secret Society of Aunts and Uncles is a clever magical adventure into what it means to be an Aunt or Uncle. I liked the message of how family can find joy and love in something very simple. The illustrations are funny and witty. 

PGPowers 

Wombat the Reluctant Hero by Christian Trimmer and Rachel Gyan - ESSENTIAL

Wombat the Reluctant Hero by Christian Trimmer illustrated by Rachel Gyan, PICTURE BOOK Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, 2023. $19. 9781250788573 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Wombat likes her things just so. She keeps a tidy house. She noticed that her neighbors did not keep things tidy but she did not concern herself with them. However, when the water hole ran dry she dug a new one. Then when wildfires threatened, she invited her neighbors inside her home. 

This is a very sweet story about stepping up and helping out in your community during times of need. This would be a good read-aloud book. The illustrations are beautifully done. I especially liked that the story is based on behaviors observed in wombats during the Australian fires of 2019. 

Reviewer: A. Snow 

Dinos Don't Meditate by Catherine Bailey, illustrated by Alex Willmore - ADVISABLE

Dinos Don't Meditate by Catherine Bailey, illustrated by Alex Willmore. PICTURE BOOK Sounds True, 2023 $18. 9781683649618 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Sam the dinosaur tries to get his best friend Rex to sit down and meditate for a few moments. Rex is having none of it! When meditation is what gets Rex out of a jam, however, he realizes that there is time to play and time to be calm. 

Having kids rampage and rage like Rex and then following up with calm meditation like Sam would be fun for a young class to do together. Or they can just enjoy the two friends learning that being different doesn't mean they can't have fun together. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway - ADVISABLE

Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway. BOARD BOOK (Pre-K) Henry Holt (Macmillan) 2023 $9. 9781250895059 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

When the Cookie escapes the bakery, the Wolf tries to help it become a delicious Christmas Cookie, instead of the tough, tasteless cookie it seems to be. Perhaps both Wolf and Cookie do not understand Cookie's destiny. 

The reveal of Cookie's destiny is very cute - and so are the antics it and Wolf go through to make it tasty (Wolf very much wants to eat it, and Cookie is so clueless!) 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian

Spanish is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhart and John Parra - ADVISABLE

Spanish is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhart, illustrated by John Parra. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday), 2023. $19. 9780823450046

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young boy is preparing for his first spelling bee. What makes it really special is that it is a Spanish spelling bee. Although he already knows how to speak Spanish, he is still learning how to spell some of them. His abuela helps him study and recounts when she was growing up how she was punished for speaking Spanish is schools. He feels lucky and honored to be able to represent his family in this competition. Now, will he win?

Genhart uses words in Spanish throughout the story. He also compared and contrasted how different schools' ideologies were when it came to speaking a language, other than English in the classroom throughout history. At the end, there is a great note, as well as more facts about how Spanish use to be prohibited in public schools. The protagonist is a young Spanish speaking boy. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

5-Minute Baby Animal Stories by National Geographic Kids - ADVISABLE

5-Minute Baby Animal Stories by National Geographic Kids, 208 pages. EARLY READER NON-FICTION National Geographic Kids, 2023. $15 9781426374791 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

“5-Minute Baby Animal Stories” is a fun collection of stories all about baby animals, from reptiles and mammals to amphibians and marsupials. The stories follow animals in the wild and in captivity, showing pictures of their natural habitats and their enclosures. It also does a fantastic job of showing the caretakers of the animals and how they care for them. By explaining baby animals through fun facts and short stories, it keeps students engaged and interested.  

Bryant Baird, Librarian 

Meet Ja Morrant by David Stabler - ADVISABLE

Meet Ja Morant by David Stabler, 32 pages. CHAPTER BOOK NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Lerner Publications, 2023. $31 9781728476032 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

“Meet Ja Morant” is a great story about up-and-coming NBA player Ja Morrant who’s made his way to the top. In chronological order, Stabler describes his (Ja Morant) life before basketball, his successes and failures, and his overall achievements. Stabler also includes statistics and a glossary to help kids become more familiar with the basketball world. This is a perfect biography for any kid who’s interested in sports or looks up to athletes. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian 

Wild Beings by Dorien Brouwers - OPTIONAL

Wild Beings by Dorien Brouwers. PICTURE BOOK Little Brown, 2022. $19. 9780316495516 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Brouwers shows us pages of wild animals, extolling the fact that they are wild, strong, free. I really enjoyed Brouwers illustrations of the animals and some of their habitats. The text is so short, I felt it could have been the words on a poster about wild animals. Kids may enjoy looking at the illustrations, but otherwise there is not much here to grab onto. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

Warrior Princess: The Story of Khutulun by Sally Deng - OPTIONAL

Warrior Princess: The Story of Khutulun by Sally Deng. PICTURE BOOK Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2022. $20. 9780374388386 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

The legend of Khutulun, a princess of Mongolia in the 1200's, shows her as a fierce competitor, like other women of her time, with a passionate desire to protect her family's land from other Khans and their armies. When she was old enough to marry, she would only marry the man who could best her in a wrestling match - and legend has it that she never lost a match. 

While it is interesting to have a Mulan-like character from Mongolian history, Deng spends the most time showing us how strong Khutulun was, and that she refused to get married - never showing us how she protected her family. As a plot, that has little to recommend it for repeated telling - being famous for not marrying is not as compelling a story as saving all of China. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

The Unwelcome Surprise by Olga Herrera - ADVISABLE

The Unwelcome Surprise by Olga Herrera. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2023. $19. 9781250827678

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Bongo, a dog, always began his days rolling out of bed, greeting sister, scratching his back on his favorite chair, and whiffing his stinky carpet. One day there was a bizarre new baby stroller in the house that interrupted everything. He didn't get his breakfast, and there was clutter all over his favorite chair. He was worried that he would never be able to do any of his favorite things anymore and he peed on the stroller. He had to go to time out. What was happening to his family?

The Unwelcome Surprise explores the joys and fears of change when a new baby comes home. I enjoyed realizing that pets can have problems adjusting and may act up until they understand and feel part of family. The illustrations are cute and expressive.

PGPowers 

Meet Cooper Kupp by Keith Elliott Greenberg - ADVISABLE

Meet Cooper Kupp by Keith Elliott Greenberg CHAPTER BOOK NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Lerner Publications, 2023. $31 9781728476025 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

“Meet Cooper Kupp” reviews the football star’s career in chronological order, describing facts about his life and the struggles of his career. It also includes a glossary, statistics, and fun facts about Kupp, opening kids more to the sport itself. Meet Cooper Kupp is easy-to-understand and fun, we learn through facts and diagrams about his life, which is perfect for any kids interested in sports. none 

Bryant Baird, Librarian 

Meet Eileen Gu by Margaret J. Goldstein and Erin Kraan - ADVISABLE

Meet Eileen Gu by Margaret J. Goldstein illustrated by Erin Kraan. CHAPTER BOOK NON-FICTION Lerner Publications, 2023. $31 9781728476018 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

“Meet Eileen Gu” is a great introduction to women in sports with Olympic skier Eileen Gu. Goldstein encapsulates her (Eileen Gu) life inside skiing and outside of it. In chronological order, Goldstein describes her (Eileen Gu) life when she first discovered skiing up until her silver Olympic medal. Along with her skiing career, Goldstein showcases her career outside of it, being a fashion model, playing instruments, and studying math and science. Meet Eileen Gu is great for any sporty kids, especially ones interested in skiing. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

A Very Big Fall by Emmy Kastner - ADVISABLE

A Very Big Fall by Emmy Kastner. PICTURE BOOK Clarion (Houghton Mifflin), 2022. $18. 9780358419457 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Something has changed in the air and leaves know something different is coming. Each of them has a different attitude about what the animals tell them is coming. 

Cute fall read-aloud for story time. The different personalities of the leaves were delightful to read. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

Battle of the Brains: The Science Behind Animal Brains by Jocelyn Rish and David Creighton-Pester - ADVISABLE

Battle of the Brains: The Science Behind Animal Brains by Jocelyn Rish, illustrated by David Creighton-Pester. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Running Press, 2022. $19. 9780762479948 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Rish and Creighton-Pester take us through the intelligence of several members of the animal kingdom. 

I like the illustrations rather than photos that accompany Rish's writing. She gives examples of experiments that scientists have conducted with animals, and in some cases has anecdotes about animal-human interactions. I like that Rish shows us that animals are neither mindless, nor dumb. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

Just Snow Already by Howard McWilliam - ESSENTIAL

Just Snow Already by Howard McWilliam. PICTURE BOOK. Flashlight Press, 2023. $19. 9781947277984

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Told in first person, a young boy has dreams of snow. All he can think about is all the fun he will have in the snow. As he looks out his window in anticipation he feels like nothing is happening. But, exciting things are happening all over his street.

Howard McWilliam tells a hilarious story with adorable illustrations. Children and adults can spend a good deal of time looking at all the chaos on one street and enjoy every minute. Although the main character is white, there is plenty of ethnicity in the illustrations. 

MOMMAC 

The Yawn Book by Diana Kim - ADVISABLE

The Yawn Book by Diana Kim PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Harper Collins 2022 $18 9780358525936 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A funny and interesting book about yawning. There are facts about when we yawn, who yawns more, animals who yawn, and theories about why we yawn. A very interesting book. I learned new things about yawning. I loved the monochromatic illustrations. 

A. Snow 

Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson - MANY

Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2023. $18. ISBN 9781536215137

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The title is quite literal in this case. The author asks twenty questions while the illustrator provides an image for each question individually or for a pair of related questions. The last spread includes three questions. In a couple of cases, the questions can be concretely answered by reading the clues in the picture, but most often, the questions can be answered only by using one’s imagination. In fact, many of the questions would be best answered by a full story of their own. Teachers could use the spreads as an inspiring story prompt or opportunities for students to talk with a neighbor about what they think and why.

The genius of Barnett and Robinson, each in their own sphere, is familiar by now and so cute and engaging here! Give this book to a young person who is learning to read but has a million stories already in their head. They can practice some decoding while also getting plenty of space and encouragement to contribute their own ideas as they answer the questions as fully as they wish. Or cuddle up with your favorite child and enjoy where their fanciful answers take you.

--Reviewer: P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian

A Very Cranky Book by Angela and Tony DiTerlizzi - ESSENTIAL

A Very Cranky Book by Angela and Tony DiTerlizzi. PICTURE BOOK Quill Tree (Harper), 2023. $20. 9780063206670 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

The cranky book is pretty adamant that he doesn't want you to read him. But maybe he can change his mind? 

The DiTerlizzi's bring their characteristic aplomb of wit and silly to another winner. The multimedia illustrations are fun to see - not just the main chapters - but also the background. I had so much fun with this. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

Unflappable by Matthew Ward and Scott Magoon - ESSENTIAL

Unflappable by Matthew Ward, illustrated by Scott Magoon. PICTURE BOOK Clarion (Harper), 2023. $20. 9780358400059 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

The three birds don't fly like other birds, but they are not going to give up their quest. Ward's story is the outline and Magoon's illustrations full in the spaces in perfect harmony. SO much to enjoy on each page as the birds keep trying and trying to reach the skies. Kids will cheer them on. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian

Milo's Monster by Tom Percival - ADVISABLE

Milo's Monster by Tom Percival. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2023. $19. 9781547610976

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Milo is happy playing with his best friend Jay, until the new girl moves in across the street and Jay seems to be spending all o this time with her. The green monster that appears monopolizes Milo's time and makes him suspicious of Jay and Suzi.

Percival has crafted another gentle teaching book - an important lesson without being didactic. Milo's predicament is so common - schools should pick up all of his books to be read and discussed as needed. The children vary in appearance. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

Go Wild! Lions by Margie Markarian - OPTIONAL

Go Wild! Lions by Margie Markarian, 48 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2023. $10.

Language: G; Mature Content: G

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

The roar of a lion can be heard from five miles away. Thus begins this informational book for young readers that is filled with many simple but interesting facts. Each spread includes a topic in a yellow half-circle at the top left corner plus a yellow-lettered heading for that section. The topics include habitat, size, anatomy, relatives, social lives, food, babies, communication, threats, and helping out. The photographs are typical National Geographic treats – stunning! I found the organization somewhat jumbled and the formatting somewhat confusing. Additionally, there are no table of contents nor index, though the book does include some lion-related activities and a glossary. Despite these reservations, this book includes interesting facts and amazing photos, making the kid appeal topnotch. The Go Wild! series also includes titles about elephants, lemurs, frogs, pandas, and sea turtles.

--Reviewer: P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian

Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia by Jenny Liao and Dream Chen - OPTIONAL

Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia by Jenny Liao, illustrated by Dream Chen. PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf (Random), 2023. $19.  9780593425428

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Zia doesn’t like lunchtime because the other children make fun of her home-cooked Cantonese dishes. They look and smell unfamiliar to everyone except Zia, who secretly loves them. When she asks her parents for lunches that resemble those of the other kids, her parents promise to give her a week full of meals with special meanings. Monday is tong yun (rice dumplings) which represent togetherness. Tuesday is cha siu bao (barbecued pork buns) which represent treasure, and so on. Each day, Zia gets a little more comfortable eating her food during lunch and attributes subsequent events during the day to that food’s message. By Thursday, she is sharing her meal with a friend, and on Friday, her parents bring a feast for everyone in her class to enjoy.

This is a familiar story with Cantonese dishes taking center stage. I wish I could have had a bite of each dish Zia brings for lunch throughout the week as I read along. If you like Chinese food, do not read this book hungry! It is a loving tribute to the author’s childhood memories of eating these dishes (which she explains in an Author’s Note) while encouraging young readers to learn more about a culture through its food. Back matter also includes a recipe for Lucky Yi Mein (noodles) and a list and description of the featured Cantonese dishes.

--Reviewer: P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian

Oddbird by Derek Desierto - ADVISABLE

Oddbird by Derek Desierto. PICTURE BOOK Feiwel (Macmillan), 2021. $19. 9781250765314 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The colorful birds around the forest pool drive Oddbird out because he has no color. When he shows them how cool and fresh the water is, however, they might change their song. 

I love that Desierto doesn't try to make a point about Oddbird with back matter or anything - kind of refreshing, like that pool. But the lesson is there - kids might pick up on it and they might not - let them decide. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

Marcel's Masterpiece: How a Toilet Shaped the History of Art by Jeff Mack - ADVISABLE

Marcel's Masterpiece: How a Toilet Shaped the History of Art by Jeff Mack. PICTURE BOOK Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2022 $19. 9781250777164 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In the 1910's, Marcel Duchamp wasn't interested in that art that was - he wanted something different. So he took a urinal, turned it upside down and called it "Fountain" - entering it into a very prestigious art show and making some people mad and a lot of people think. Who decides what art is, anyway? 

A precursor and supported of dadism, Marcel's story is set off perfectly by Mack's multimedia illustrations. I know my art teacher will want to share this with her students. Marcel is white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian 

The Yellow Ao Dai by Hanh Bui and Minnie Phan - ADVISABLE

The Yellow Ao Dai by Hanh Bui, illustrated by Minnie Phan. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2023. $19. 9781250842060

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Naliah is excited to perform the Vietnamese fan dance at her school's International Day. But when she tries on her ao dai, she finds out it no longer fits. She sneaks into her mother's closet and borrows one of her ao dais. While practicing her dance Naliah accidently rips the dress. Together Naliah and her mother repair the dress and as they work Naliah learns about her family and her heritage.

The illustrations are beautiful. The message of about staying connected to one's family heritage is an important one.

Reviewer: A. Snow 

This Book Is My Best Friend by Robin Robinson - ADVISABLE

This Book Is My Best Friend by Robin Robinson. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. $19. 978665906814

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) –ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Two young kids reach for the same book on display in a public library, claiming it is their best friend. A back-and-forth ensues as first one child and then the other explains why they like the book and why they should be the one to get it. As they offer other books to each other in exchange, some information is shared about their home life through the illustrations. One child, whose mom is shown in a hospital bed, likes the robot and adventure of the book while the other child, who lives in a loud multigenerational home with baby twins, is more attracted to the quietness of the mouse character. Despite these differences, they both are lonely and rely on this book for comfort. Voicing their opinions about this beloved book and sharing clues about what they need and what scares them, lead to a realization that maybe a person can have more than one best friend.

The children are portrayed in such a way that they could be perceived as either girls or boys. Their names are revealed only on the front jacket flap. The entire story is told through speech bubbles of their conversation, the font switching between two styles for each speaker. Bonding with other people over the love of the same book is one of the warmest joys of being a reader and this story illustrates just how wonderful this can be – at any age. Additionally, teachers could use this book as an example for how to work through differences or conflicting desires.

--Reviewer: P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian

Stanley’s Secret by John Sulliver - ADVISABLE

Stanley’s Secret by John Sulliver, illustrated by Zach Manbeck. PICTURE BOOK. Paula Wiseman Book (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), 2023. $19. 9781534487833

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Stanley is a quiet boy with a secret. He loves to tap dance. He doesn’t like parties and he can’t find his loud voice during his book report or when ordering his lunch, but in the quiet after school, or at home in front of his pet mice, Stanley breaks out the moves! One day, the principal summons him to her office. She’s discovered his secret and wants him to share it during the school talent show. Can Stanley find the courage to try?

With drawings in soft pastels and chalky lines, this boy with his tapping shoes is portrayed with orange-hued skin and blue hair. The tap-dancing moves of shuffle, heel, flap, stomp, and riff may need to be explained to children unfamiliar with this dance form, but the message that talents are for sharing is loud and clear. Witnessing Stanley enjoy a singular passion, approach the challenge to share it, and grow through this experience may be just the story a quieter student needs to help them find their voice, too.

--Reviewer: P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian

Love, Escargot by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson - ADVISABLE

Love, Escargot by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson. PICTURE BOOK Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2022 $19. 9781374314262 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Escargot is all ready for Snailentine's Day and is eager for you to come along and enjoy the party together. When Escargot arrives, however, things are not as it planned. 

Usually I don't like picture books written in the second person, but Escargot is so charming and Slater writes the character in such a way that it flows naturally. I would love to practice my moves along with Escargot. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian

I'm Sticking With You - and the Chicken Too! by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Steve Small - ADVISABLE

I'm Sticking With You - and the Chicken Too! by Smriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Steve Small PICTURE BOOK Godwin (Macmillan), 2023. $19. 9781250849656 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Bear and Mouse have a groovy twosome going on. But now Chicken wants to join. When they reject her (I say her, because there is no waddle), Chicken decides to go her own way. Bear and Mouse have a change of heart at the right moment to save Chicken and the three revel in their new threesome band. 

Halls takes us thru Bear and Mouse's rejection and into Chicken's danger without being so scary that kids will get frightened. But they will stay intrigued. The short rhyming phrases are not my favorite, but I will happily read this aloud. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian

Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris - ADVISABLE

Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, 2024. $20. 9780063235106 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Kayla and Mateo live next door to each other. They find ways to get to know each other by using the clothesline to pass notes and drawings back and forth. As they share their favorite foods and cultures with each other, their imaginations grow. One day their clothesline disappears. They brainstorm a way to continue their fun. They meet in person and start involving the whole neighborhood.

I liked the message of the story, but it didn't engage my five year old daughter. The illustrations were cute. I don't see too many kids choosing to read this more than once. Kayla and Mateo come from different cultures, but the book doesn't state which ones. Mateo eats pastelitos and Kayla eats piraguas.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

The Worst Teddy Ever by Marcelo Verdad - ADVISABLE

The Worst Teddy Ever by Marcelo Verdad. PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown Young Readers, 2022. $10. 9780316330459 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Noa loves Teddy but Teddy always seems to be tired when it is time to play. Unbeknownst to Noa, Teddy spends every night shooing away visitors such as a ghost, boogeyman, tooth fairy and tickle monster. No wonder Teddy is always tired! 

A sweet story. It is fun to think about a teddy bear who protects his child. Fun, simple illustrations. I loved the line drawings and collage. Noa is brown. 

Reviewer: A. Snow

Rubia and the Three Osos by Susan Middleton Elya and Melissa Sweet - ADVISABLE

Rubia and the Three Osos by Susan Middleton Elya illustrated by Melissa Sweet PICTURE BOOK Disney * Hyperion Books, 2010. $19. 9781423112525 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The three bears (osos) went for a walk before dinner. After they left, Goldylocks (Rubio) entered the cottage (casita) and found the small bowl of soup (sopa) that was just right (perfecto). Rubio tries the chairs and breaks the small one. She goes upstairs and tries the beds and falls asleep in the little one. When the bears come back, they are sad and angry and chase Rubio away. Rubio feels bad. What can she do to make it right? 

Rubia and the Three Osos is a delightful retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears. It had just the right combination of English and Spanish words for a non Spanish speaker to learn and understand. The illustrations were humorous and delightful. 

PGPowers 

I am a Great Friend! by Lauren Stohler - ESSENTIAL

I am a Great Friend! by Lauren Stohler. PICTURE BOOK Atheneum (Simon), 2023. $19. 9781665918336 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Baby Capybara is upset because none of the birds want to ride on his back as he runs, dives, jumps, rolls, and swims. Maybe Baby needs a different kind of friend. 

Baby Capybara's enthusiasm is very catching! Kids will empathize with an energetic Baby who is on the go, rather than sitting around. Cute from start to finish.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian

I Live in a Tree Trunk by Meg Fleming and Brandon James Scott - ESSENTIAL

I Live in a Tree Trunk by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Brandon James Scott. PICTURE BOOK Harper, 2023 $18. 9780063205215 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

All of the different animals are proud of the many kinds of places they call home and they want to share them with you. 

Scott's illustrations are absolutely cute. Fleming's text does rhyme - but it is so gentle, it is barely noticeable. I like that she isn't a slave to it. While of course this is a great book to add to any animal unit, it is also a plainly fun read. I want to adopt all of the animals! 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian

The Blue Pickup by Natasha Tripplett and Monica Mikai - ADVISABLE

The Blue Pickup by Natasha Tripplett, illustrated by Monica Mikai. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, 2024. $20. 9780063159877 

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

 APPEALS TO: SOME

 This is a sweet story about a young girl and her grandfather. Her grandfather's blue pickup truck is his prized possession. They enjoy spending quality time together fixing it up together. The granddaughter is very handy and knows the names of all of the tools. Her grandfather even gives her her own ratchet set. The blue pickup is more than a truck, it represents what her grandfather has done and how he has helped his community. Tripplett has written a cute story about how a granddaughter bonds with her grandfather through a shared hobby. 

I liked at the end of the story how there was a note from the author with a picture of the real blue pickup truck. The plot wasn't very exciting, so I'm not sure a lot of kids would choose to read this. The author is from Jamaica and grew up in the state of Washington. 

 Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

The Wind and the Clover by Audrey Helen Weber - OPTIONAL

The Wind and the Clover by Audrey Helen Weber. PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown and Company, 2022. $14. 9780316459914 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A story about the little known ground bee. As the winds blow many of the bees wake up and follow the pollen to new lands and places. Not all leave, some stay behind and enjoy the beauty found at home. 

The illustrations and pretty and detailed. I enjoyed the seek and find element of some of the illustrations. I had to read it a couple of times before I understood the message of looking carefully at the details found in the world near and far. 

Reviewer: A. Snow

What's the Rush by Yiting Lee - ADVISABLE

What's the Rush by Yiting Lee. PICTURE BOOK Princeton Architectural Press, 2022. $17. 9781648961830 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In this reimagined tortoise and the hare story, Turtle and Bunny are friends. They talk about climbing a mountain together. Bunny wants to leave right away but turtle wants to take the time to get things ready first. 

A nice story about accepting and embracing differences in personalities. This would be a good read-aloud story. 

Reviewer: A. Snow

I am Stuck by Julia Mills - ESSENTIAL

I am Stuck by Julia Mills. PICTURE BOOK Harper, 2023. $20. 9780358695332 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

The little turtle is stuck on its back. None of the animals passing by seem to actually want to help it. Maybe the opossum can help by being a friend. 

The turtle's predicament is awfully adorable. I was a little mad at the animals who weren't helpful and I even wondered at the opossum - but the author's short note at the back helped bring things into perspective. A little zen, without being didactic. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian

How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: a safety guide by Ame Dyckman and Jennifer Harney - ESSENTIAL

How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: a safety guide by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Jennifer Harney. PICTURE BOOK Little Brown, 2023. $18. 9780316593298 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

A young child and their parents are examining the dinosaur skeletons at the museum and the child wonders how the Dinos went extinct. Dad comes thru with LOTS of answers. 

I am not going to tell you Dad's answers - you really need to experience Dyckman's newest for yourselves. and you will LOVE it! The family is white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian