Too Many Golems by Jane Yolen and Maya Shleifer - ADVISABLE

Too Many Golems by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Maya Shleifer. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2024. $19. 9781797212142

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Absalom, Abi, for short, took a scroll from the synagogue basement and hung it in his room. His plan was to use it for Hebrew practice. Once he began reciting the words that he thought were words of joy, he realized that he was actually summoning monsters! Ten huge golems appeared to help him! Abi remembered his manners and began trying to make them feel at home. In return, the golems helped Abi learn Hebrew for his bar mitzvah.

I liked how this book taught you about Jewish culture and tradition. You are able to learn about bar mitzvahs. It was surprising that the golems were actually nice monsters. I didn't find it especially engaging or plot driven though.

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars by April Suddendorf - ADVISABLE

Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars by April Suddendorf. PICTURE BOOK. North South, 2023. $20. 978073585480

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

The witch introduces us to her varied witchy friends and their menagerie of familiars. Each familiar and each witch is unique and interesting to behold.

I enjoyed the variety of witches and familiars.  Suddendorf (also the translator) uses a few hefty vocabulary words that young readers will need some help defining.  The only thing I don’t understand is why she ended her book on a negative note - send a big diss out about cats.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin - ESSENTIAL

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle, illustrated by Jason Chin. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Neal Porter (Holiday House), 2024 $19. 9780823452286 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A blue whale leaves for nearly 100 years, but when it dies, it sinks to the bottom of the ocean and becomes an ecosystem of its own, feeding and providing for the sea life for another 100 years or more. 

Oh, Jason Chin's illustrations are gorgeous! Lynn Brunelle's text, which tells the story of 1 blue whale, is accessible, engaging, and just enough. There is occasional italicized text with more information as needed. Backmatter includes a bibliography, online sources and other books about whales. 

Lisa Librarian 

Under the Table by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman - ADVISABLE

Under the Table by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2023. $19. 9781536231519

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When Elsie yells that there is something gray under the table - she’s right - an elephant!  And then the next day a kangaroo and her joey and then there are two penguins in the refrigerator! What should the family do?  Round everyone up and go on a seaside vacation, of course!

Ahlberg and Ingman gives us a book to foster imagination and delight us - no lesson needed. Silly and wondrous - fun times that recreate what an imaginative girl might pantomime with her stuffed animals, with savvy parents playing along.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Mixed-Up Farm Animals by Spencer Wilson - ADVISABLE

Mixed-Up Farm Animals by Spencer Wilson. BOARD BOOK. Boxer Books (Union Square), 2024. $13. 9781915801197

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Mix and match 11 barnyard animals is this cute board book. What sound does a chicken/sheep make? Or a cow/cat? 

Foster imagination and silliness.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett by Angelica Shirley Carpenter and Helena Perez Garcia - ADVISABLE

The Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett by Angelica Shirley Carpenter, illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Bushel & Peck, 2024. $19. 9781638191506 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Young Fanny Hodgson had a wonderful imagination that helped her through hard times as a child. When her family moved from Manchester England to America (so her brothers could find work) 15yo Fanny made her own job, as a teacher. Soon she began writing and selling her stories and by the time she was 19, she was supporting her family. Frances Hodgson Burnett was one of the most beloved authors of the 20th century and many of her novels like The Little Princess and The Secret Garden are still popular today.

The cover is striking as it has a large keyhole revealing the title. It's so clever, but I worry other books will catch on it on the shelf. We will see how it holds up. Carpenter's story is engaging and Perez Garcia's illustrations fill the pages. I especially loved her beautiful depictions of Fanny's gardens. Includes a lot of back matter including a more detailed biography, timeline, her books with their publication dates as well as a bibliography and a letter from Burnett's great-great grandaughter about cultivating your own imagination. 

Lisa Librarian

Clever Crow by Chris Butterworth and Olivia Lomenech Gill - ADVISABLE

Clever Crow by Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. Candlewick, 2024. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. $19. 9781536235425

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Learn a bit about what makes crows the same and also different from other types of birds.

Butterworth gives us a short, but still interesting, look at the types of birds within the crow family (I had no idea that the blue jay is a crow!). I love the end papers - eggs at the front and birds at the back.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Sparkle! Sparkle! I’m a Unicorn by Jo Lodge - ADVISABLE

Sparkle! Sparkle! I’m a Unicorn by Jo Lodge. BOARD BOOK. Boxer Books (Union Square), 2022. $10. 9781914912368

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Four magical creatures show off their magical natures in Lodge’s interactive board book.

Sturdy tabs for swishing, puffing, sparkling, and flipping each creature. Fun for imaginative play.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Whales to the Rescue by Adrienne Mason and Kim Smith - ADVISABLE

Whales to the Rescue: How Whales Help Engineer the Planet by Adrienne Mason, illustrated by Kim Smith. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2022. $19. 9781525305375

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

A fascinating, fact-filled book about how helpful and necessary whales are to planet Earth. Complete with a table of contents, glossary, and index, this book would be a fantastic resource for students doing research or students simply wanting to learn more about oceans, whales and ecosystems. The book is text heavy, making it perfect for upper elementary or middle school students, but has gorgeous, detailed illustrations that support the text and make the book enjoyable for younger children as well.

I learned quite a few facts that I didn't know before reading this book! There's a lot of text but the book is written in a simple-to-understand way and I never felt bored or anxious to be done with the book as I read. While I was a little squeamish reading the detailed bits about whale waste (did you know a fin whale pees 257 gallons a day!?), I'm confident that students will be utterly fascinated and morbidly delighted by the sections titled "Living on Sunshine" and "A Poop Pump".

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

Trucky Roads by Lulu Miller and Hui Skipp - ESSENTIAL

Trucky Roads by Lulu Miller, illustrated by Hui Skipp. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2024. $19. 9781665919173

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Trucky Roads is here to introduce you to some many different kinds of trucks - even the trucks in your dreams

Skipp’s whimsical illustrations compliment the imaginings and realities of the many kinds of trucks Miller talks about within the pages. Any truck-loving child will have a grand time poring over these pages and then probably go out with their own truck collection and recreate a few and create some others of their own.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Bizzy Bear: Amusement Park by Benji Davies - ADVISABLE

Bizzy Bear: Amusement Park by Benji Davies. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2022. $9. 9781536229806

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Bizzy Bear is headed off to the amusement park. Come along!

Another fun Bizzy Bear interactive board book. Look at all of the different options and choose a couple your baby would like best.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

This Book is Definitely Not Cursed by Megan Woodward and Risa Rodil - OPTIONAL

This Book is Definitely Not Cursed by Megan Woodward, illustrated by Risa Rodil. PICTURE BOOK. Aladdin (Simon), 2024. $19. 9781665927987

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

The monster inside the book has tricked you into reading it and now you are cursed! You must follow all of the steps exactly, or you will be cursed forever.

10/10 on the silliness scale. Will open up a discussion on what a curse is and whether they are real, however. For a middle school or high school teacher it might be a good way to start a talk about urban legends and supposed curses. Otherwise you can lean into the silliness of it all.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hello Crayons and Other School Friends by Hannah Eliot and Anna & Daniel Clark - OPTIONAL

Hello Crayons and Other School Friends by Hannah Eliot, illustrated by Anna and Daniel Clark. BOARD BOOK. Little Simon, 2024. $8. 9781665952507

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Before you start school, meet your school supplies and something you can do with each of them.

Cute, simple. Better for pre-k than for the first day of regular school.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Miss MacDonald Has A Farm by Kalee Gwarjanski and Elizabet Vukovic - OPTIONAL

Miss MacDonald Has A Farm by Kalee Gwarjanski, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random House), 2024. $19. 9780593568163

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A new adaptation of the Old MacDonald Had a Farm nursery rhyme in a new and fun way. This is a story of Miss MacDonald and her farm. She takes us through the gardening season and everything she has to do up and through harvest.

I loved this book's fun and watercolor-like illustrations. It has a good message about the hard work put into having a successful harvest. I also liked the bonus material at the end, a glossary, and a recipe. Miss MacDonald has brown skin.

Claire, 10th Grade Student  

Skeletina and the In-Between World by Susie Jaramillo - OPTIONAL

Skeletina and the In-Between World by Susie Jaramillo. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan, 2022. $19. 9781945635465

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Skeletina is a fearless little girl living in the "in-between world", a place where the dead and the living come together. The dead hang out there when they have unfinished business, and the living come there in their dreams when they're asleep. The book is full of interesting characters and concepts, and fantastic colorful illustrations. While there's a gentle spooky vibe going on because of the ghostly in-between world characters, this book is mostly about friendship, helping one another, and solving problems.

The concept and characters, as well as the fabulous illustrations, were my favorite things about this book. There's not much of a story in the traditional sense, though, so it's not as memorable as it could be. The endpapers are illustrated with additional in-between world characters (including their names and characteristics) that we don't get to meet in this story. This is the first book in a Skeletina series, so we'll presumably get to meet those additional characters in later books.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

Wei Skates On by Nathan Chen and Lorraine Nam - ESSENTIAL

Wei Skates On by Nathan Chen, illustrated by Lorraine Nam. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, 2023. $19. 9780063282827

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Wei is an 8yo boy approaching his first big figure skating competition. He loves figure skating! But Wei starts to worry about winning the competition, this distraction causes Wei to start making mistakes in his routine. Wei's mom encourages him to focus on the joy of skating and instead of pressuring himself to win. She gives him a lucky charm to help him. How will Wei do at his competition?

"Wei Skates On" is a wonderful book for today's children who participate in large numbers in competitive sports and activities. The compassionate and encouraging mom is the kind of adult figure every child needs. Nathan Chen has written a book about following your passion for the joy of it, rather than the winning of it.

This is a story inspired by Nathan Chen's journey to an Olympic gold medal, and as such, focuses on a Chinese-American boy and his family.

Janae Smith, Teacher Librarian

A Place for Feelings by Corey Ann Haydu and Geeta Ladi. - OPTIONAL

A Place for Feelings by Corey Ann Haydu, illustrated by Geeta Ladi. PICTURE BOOK. Katherine Tegen Books (Harper), 2024 $20. 9780063269453

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Mara likes to collect things and knows that everything has a place to be stored. One day she is painting and splashes her friend's dress. Abigail yells at Mara leaving her feeling hurt, sad, and confused. Mara's mom explains that there is a place to store feelings for everyone and shows here the nice little places where her family members tuck away their neat little feelings, but Mara's feelings don't fit. Instead, she ends up releasing other emotions as well and seems to feel this is all her fault. Finally, Mara realizes emotions need to be released.

The illustrations in "A Place for Feelings" are delightful. Geeta Ladi has made a detailed and vibrant world. I liked the ending when Mara realizes emotions need to be released. I didn't like the impression the story gave that everyone else's feelings were presented as neat and tidy by the mom but were actually wild emotions being hidden away.  Characters of different races inhabit the streets, and a woman in a hijab is shown.

Janae Smith, Teacher Librarian

Best Friends Furever by JaNay Brown-Wood - ADVISABLE

Best Friends Furever (Love Puppies #1) by JaNay Brown-Wood, 114 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Scholastic, 2023. $6. 9781338834086

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Rosie, a Love Puppy with magical abilities, joins forces with her other magical puppy friends to help Meiko, a girl struggling to make friends at her new school. With a little Love Puppy magic they help her make a new friend.

It's a cute story about teamwork, not giving up, and friendship. With large text and spacing, this is a good book for kids just starting into chapter books. Jasmine is described as having dark skin.

Reviewer: A. Snow

El libro de dar las gracias/The Thank You Book by Mary Lyn Ray and Stephanie Graegin - OPTIONAL

El libro de dar las gracias/The Thank You Book by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper Collins Publishers), 2018. $6. 9780358731115

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

This Spanish/English version of The Thank You Book is a great bilingual tool for reminding readers to be grateful for all the things around us in our daily lives. It's full of adorable human and anthropomorphic animal characters interacting with each other in day-to-day scenarios and recognizing all the things to be grateful for.

The story is sweet and a great reminder to live life with gratitude. Being able to read the story in both Spanish and English is perfect for language learners. The illustrations are fun and detailed in a beautiful color palette. The human characters are presented in varying skin tones.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

Woo Hoo! You're Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton - ADVISABLE

Woo Hoo! You're Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton. PICTURE BOO K.Little, Brown and Company, 2023. $18. 9780316486798

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Chicken wants to help their friends feel better, and Chicken knows the best way to do this is to be a CHEERLEADER! Chicken will cheer for whatever their friends are trying, practicing, learning, or doing. Sometimes, however, even a cheerleader can make a mistake. Can Mouse teach Chicken the most important cheerleading lesson ever?

The bright and bold illustrations are classic Sandra Boynton. Children will like the simple animals against solid backgrounds. This little book about encouraging others and ourselves is a valuable presentation of a life skill.

Janae Smith, Teacher Librarian 

Where the Wee Ones Go by Karen Jameson and Zosienka - OPTIONAL

Where the Wee Ones Go : A Bedtime Wish for Endangered Animals by Karen Jameson, illustrated by Zosienka. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2022. $18. 9781452184647

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Where do the wee baby animals sleep? In China, baby pandas snuggle in the tops of trees. In Zambia, baby hippos snooze on their mom's back. Endangered animals are illustrated with their babies and accompanied by rhyming descriptions of where they go to rest.

This book will mostly appeal to preschool-aged children and parents looking for an educational bedtime story. The baby animals were illustrated in adorable detail. I wish that the end included more information about the animals and where to go to learn more.

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist

Jacob’s Missing Book by Sarah and Ian Hoffman and Chris Case - ADVISABLE

Jacob’s Missing Book by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case. PICTURE BOOK. Magination, 2024. $18. 9781433844584

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Jacob wants to read the penguin book during library time, but the book isn’t anywhere in the library. The next day Emily mentions that she has two dads and that she likes the penguin book too. After their teacher can’t talk about why the school no longer has the penguin book, at recess the kids pretend to be penguins hatching eggs in their nests of rocks and explain the book to the kids who haven’t read it.

The Hoffman’s remind us that kids are not as uptight about books as much as some adults are. And if one kid has read and loved a book that is now missing for some reason, they will happily share the story with the curious minds around them, And there is nothing wrong with that. If a teacher at any level wants to talk to their students about the history of banned books, here is a great place to start.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Harvey and the Collection of Impossible Things by Garret Weyr and Minnie Phan - ADVISABLE

Harvey and the Collection of Impossible Things by Garret Weyr, illustrated by Minnie Phan. 135 pages. Chronicle Books, 2022. $16. 9781797206905

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Harvey is a city cat with a rough life.  His days are filled with finding food and a safe place to sleep.  However, Harvey is so much more than a stray cat.  He has a list of things he would like to accomplish, like helping others and being brave.  Will this city cat find a forever home?

Harvey and the Collection of Impossible Things was such a sweet book!  I loved how I was able to see city life as a stray cat through Harvey's eyes.  This book also teaches empathy for others.  Black and white illustrations throughout the book add to the appeal.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Would You Come Too? by Liz Garton Scanlon and Diana Sudyka - OPTIONAL

Would You Come Too? by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2022. $18. 9781534452060

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

What if you were a pond or a nest or a seed?

Rhyming text accompanies gouache illustrations of two children playing in nature and using their imaginations as they explore. The illustrations are beautiful in this encouragement to get outside and play. At first, I thought the figurative language was too deep for the target audience, but it would serve as a good way to start a conversation about imagination. The children in the illustrations are various races.

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

The World's Loneliest Elephant by Ralph Fletcher and Naoko Stoop - ADVISABLE

The World's Loneliest Elephant: Based on the True Story of Kaavan and His Rescue by Ralph Fletcher, illustrated by Naoko Stoop. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2022. $18. 978031636459

 PG (Animal cruelty- elephants in chains without proper care; no graphic images)

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Kaavan became the loneliest elephant in the world after he was taken from Sri Lanka and moved to a zoo in Pakistan where he did not receive proper care for a very long time. After more than thirty years in a small enclosure, kept in chains, and not receiving veterinary care, Kaavan was rescued by a veterinarian from Egypt, Dr. Khalil. With the help of people from all over the world, Dr. Khalil worked to move Kaavan to an animal sanctuary in Cambodia where he could be happy and healthy.

The illustrations, which are painted on wood, are gorgeous! I loved that this was a recent event (Kaavan was moved to his new home in 2020). The humans illustrated are from different countries and are illustrated with various ethnicities.

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

Simone Biles by Kekla Magoon and Gillian Flint - ADVISABLE

She Persisted: Simone Biles by Kekla Magoon, illustrated by Gillian Flint, 64 pages. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY CHAPTER BOOK. Philomel (Penguin), 2023. $17. 9780593620663

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Simone Biles is known as the greatest gymnast ever. She did not have an easy childhood and she started her gymnastics career later than most. But she worked hard, persisted, and persevered. This is the story of her childhood, early gymnastics years, Olympic successes, and place on the national stage.

I appreciated how the author approached difficult subjects such as addiction, abuse, and the USA Gymnastics scandal in a simple straightforward manner appropriate for the target audience. The book is well-written, readable, and interesting. It is also full of stories of how Simone encountered difficult situations and made it through them with persistence and courage.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Charlie's Eyeglasses by Margarita del Mazo, illustrated by Guridi - ADVISABLE

Charlie's Eyeglasses by Margarita del Mazo, illustrated by Guridi. BOARD BOOK. NubeOcho, 2024. $15. 9788419253910

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Charlie is very small, so small in fact, that he got lost in his bedsheets and was late for school. But once Charlie got to school, he saw Iris! Unfortunately, she didn't even notice him. He tried everything! One day, Iris announced that she was getting eyeglasses. She would finally see Charlie, or so he thought. He then began on a quest to find his own eyeglasses so that she will notice him. Will it work?

I thought the story was cute, but it was not a "must read" for me or my daughter. The illustrations were silly and cute. It was a very simple and sweet read.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Where We Live by Margriet Ruurs and Wenjia Tang - ADVISABLE

Where We Live by Margriet Ruurs, illustrated by Wenjia Tang. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kid Can Press, 2022. $20. 9781525301377

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ruurs begins with teaching basic map skills and the rest is a colorful, fact-filled cultural study. You'll read about communities with as few as 80 people and as many 21,542,000. You'll read about kids who live in a village where all the buildings float, kids who sometimes can't go to school because there's been a hippo sighting and kids who live in a long, tall apartment building that takes up an entire city block.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the different communities featured in this book, and learning about they typical ways kids spend their days in different cultures and countries. I liked that most of the locations featured were a little less well-known. The maps were easy to understand and fun to study. One of my favorite things about this book was that the author included some information in the back matter about her research process, including fact-checking and using trustworthy sources. This book won't appeal to all kids, but upper elementary students interested in different cultures and countries will definitely enjoy this one! Because this book features global citizens, a wide variety of skin tone, ethnicities are shown. I also noticed differently abled characters using wheelchairs, service dogs and mobility canes on many of the illustrated pages.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

Birthday Bling by Catherine R. Daly and Genevieve Kote - ESSENTIAL

Birthday Bling (Dollars to Doughnuts) by Catherine R. Daly, illustrated by Genevieve Kote. 63 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Kane Press, 2024. $7. 9781662670213

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

10yo Lucy is excited when she gets a plastic card for her birthday. However, when she takes it to the store to buy a new sweatshirt, she is disappointed to learn it is a gift card, not a credit card. She has to leave the store without the sweatshirt because there is not enough money on the card. Later that evening her babysitter explains to her and her friend what a credit card is and the difference between a gift card and a credit card. Lucy and her friend come up with a new solution help Lucy out of her financial difficulty.

A fun, quick read that teaches kids about the basics of spending and credit. I love that the book introduces this topic to a young audience. The message of saving over spending is also reinforced. There are a few illustrations to add interest as well as a cute comic at the end of the book.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

We Are Many by Dave Cameron and Suharu Ogawa - OPTIONAL

We Are Many by Dave Cameron, illustrated by Suharu Ogawa. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2022. $19. 9781525304668

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

We Are Many is a pretty simple story - a group of kids chase a soccer ball, pile onto the ball, more people join the pile and pretty soon what began as a pile of children becomes a mountain of people. A huge, towering people pile. Chaos and confusion ensue, until eventually the children are able to reclaim their game and play the way they like.

The illustrations are bold and colorful and feature an international cast of culture and color. The story was a little strange in my opinion. It seemed to be trying to teach the lesson that all are welcome, and that we should find ways to compromise and cooperate, but it came across as a silly, somewhat chaotic story to me. There's much to explore in the illustrations, and some kids may enjoy that. If you're reading it aloud, be prepared to hate the word "pile" as it's repeated more than 40 times throughout the book.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure by Barb Rosenstock and Jamey Christoph - ADVISABLE

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Jamey Christoph. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Knopf Books for Young Readers (Random), 2024. $20. 9780593374351 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

This is a fascinating informational picture book about freshwater. Even though our planet is mostly covered by water, did you realize that only a small amount is actually drinkable? You can trace the journey of water, starting with glaciers all the way to the Great Lakes. You can learn how the Great Lakes were formed and how they are all interconnected. This book is full of interesting facts with great illustrations to help explain concepts.

My daughter and I liked this book because it taught a lot of interesting facts. We never realized that the Great Lakes were the youngest major geological feature on the planet. The illustrations did a great job helping to explain all of the big numbers that were talked about in the book.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Batter Splatter by Catherine R. Daly and Genevieve Kote - ESSENTIAL

Batter Splatter (Dollars to Doughnuts) by Catherine R. Daly, illustrated by Genevieve Kote. 63 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Kane Press, 2024. $7. 9781662670237

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

After 10yo Julian has a mishap in the kitchen during cooking club, the school's brand-new banner is ruined. With the cooking club's help and his newly learned budgeting skills, it just might be possible for Julian to fix his mistake.

I love that this book teaches the concept of budgeting and that income - expenses = profit. The concept is presented in a fun, relatable story. There are illustrations to add interest and a cute comic at the end.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Look How Much I've Grown in Kindergarten by Vera Ahiyya and Joey Chou - ESSENTIAL

Look How Much I've Grown in Kind-ergarten by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Joey Chou. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2024. $19. 9780593643969

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Mason is having a hard time enjoying Kindergarten. She feels like the other students in the class can do more things than her, like tying their shoes. She also is still having a hard time with letters and sounds, not to mention art! Her mom suggests they let her teacher, Ms. Perry, know. Ms. Perry, is able to help Mason see that all students learn at different times and to be confident in herself.

I liked Ahiyya's book because of the message it sends to young kids that are anxious about school. It teaches them how to solve their problems by talking and opening up to adults. It also teaches that if you want something, you need to set a goal and then practice to achieve it. The students in Ms. Perry's class come from different cultures. It doesn't list them specifically, but some of the names are Xochitl, Reynaldo, and Juan.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

The Secret Elephant by Ellan Rankin - ESSENTIAL

The Secret Elephant: Inspired by a True Story of Friendship by Ellan Rankin. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2024. $19. 9780593703267

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Sheila is a baby asian elephant living in the Belfast Zoo during World War II. As the bombs begin dropping, she becomes very scared and frightened. Her handler Denise wants to make Sheila feel safe, so she decides to do something very sneaky- she takes Sheila home with her. Soon, the two develop a routine of leaving the zoo each night. Unfortunately, Sheila knocks down a fence and alerts the neighbors that she is staying there. She has to go back to the zoo.

My daughter and I really enjoyed this book. It was a very sweet story showing empathy and compassion for animals. It also included some newspaper stories with real facts about this famous event in history.

Reviewer:A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

My First Haircut by Yang Dong - ESSENTIAL

My First Haircut by Yang Dong. BOARD BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2024. $11. 9781797221915

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Follow along and help this young boy get a haircut. This board book has finger holes above the small child's head. As you read and learn about the different steps of a haircut, you can help wash the kid's hair. You get to cut, trim, and style the hair.

This could help a young child understand the steps in getting their hair cut for the first time. I liked this book because of the simplicity of the text. The illustrations were cute. I liked how it was interactive with the finger holes.

Reviewer:A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

The Thunder Pause by Sheri Mabry and Anastasiya Kanavaliuk - ADVISABLE

The Thunder Pause by Sheri Mabry, illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk. PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2023. $19. 9780807579145

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Outside, dark storm clouds are brewing. A young brother comes to show his sister how he added lines to her artwork. She was so mad! Just like that storm outside, she wants to yell and feels anger in her tummy. Her grandpa takes for her for walk to calm down and to learn more about thunder storms. She starts to realize that her emotions are similar to dark storms. Hopefully when she gets back home, she can forgive her brother. He just wanted to be like her.

I liked the message that this book teaches young readers, however the story didn't grab me. It was too obvious about the connection between storms and emotions. My daughter enjoyed it because of the illustrations and because the girl liked to draw.

Reviewer:A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Tell Me About Space by Lisa Varchol Perron and Jennifer Falkner - ESSENTIAL

Tell Me About Space by Lisa Varchol Perron, illustrated by Jennifer Falkner. NON-FICTION BOARD BOOK. Little Simon, 2023. $9. 9781665935579

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A little boy wonders about space. Why can't we see stars at night? Why don't we just float away? He asks these questions to his mom and more.

This is written with a clear rhythm and rhymes. As the reader, you can read just the conversation between the boy and his mom, or you can read the extra facts on each page. The illustrations help you understand the text and it is an engaging board book. My five year old daughter and I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the text was written with rhyme. I also enjoyed the detailed facts on each page.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur - ADVISABLE

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur, 336 pages. Labyrinth Road (Random House), 2024. $18. Centering me

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Once a year on her birthday, Farrah (12yo) gets to see her dad. Their climbing trip this year is a little rocky, and then it takes a sudden turn for the worst when Farrah’s dad turns blue and disappears right before her eyes! Her family doesn’t believe her, so Farrah sets out by herself to find her dad, no matter what kind of magic trouble he’s involved in.

Zargarpur’s fantasy world is based in some Islamic mythology, specifically about jinn, and it was fun to see these mythical beings brought to life in a new way. Farrah’s whole story revolves around a wish to change her fate and her journey that reveals her true power—a power each of us could wield in our lives. Wishes sound great in theory, but we don’t need wishes to make our world better.

Farrah and Arzu are Muslim Afghan Americans. The violence rating is for fantasy violence and mentions of execution.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Do you Know? Farm: Animals, Work and Life by Camille Babeau et.al. - ESSENTIAL

Do you Know? Farm: Animals, Work and Life by Camille Babeau, illustrated by Charlotte Ameling, Helene Convert, Ilaria Falorsi, Camille Roy. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Twirl (Chronicle), 2024. $17. 9782408049881

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

This informational book is divided into four sections: On the Farm, Farm Animals, Crops, and Special Farms. Each section is packed with labeled illustrations and information about farms and farming.

The educational illustrations are bright, well-drawn, colorful, and engaging. The information is simple yet informative. I also really like the feel of the thick pages.

Reviewer: A. Snow

Roto and Roy to the Rescue! by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Don Tate - ADVISABLE

Roto and Roy to the Rescue! by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Don Tate. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown and Company, 2023. $19. 9780316535045

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Roy Thunder and his helicopter partner, Roto, are called into action to save the townspeople from flooding. A massive thunderstorm has caused flash flooding and citizens are in danger! Roto and Roy save a jack-knifed truck. They save a family trapped in a car. They help sandbag the rising river. Roto and Roy are heroes!

I liked the rhyme scheme. This would be a great read-aloud. I liked the large vocabulary of rescue vehicle parts. Teaching students words to name what they want to talk about is so important.

The town is depicted with a definite Southwestern setting. Characters with different skin tones are shown throughout the book, and Roy is African American.

Janae Smith, Teacher Librarian

Pascual and the Kitchen Angels by Tomie de Paola - ADVISABLE

Pascual and the Kitchen Angels by Tomie de Paola. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $19. 9781534494930

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Pascual is the patron saint of cooks and the kitchen. Pascual’s childhood was spent in the fields as he played with and sang to the sheep. In his young adulthood he decided to become a friar in order to help feel people who are hungry. Despite knowing nothing of cooking or kitchens, Pascual was assigned to cook for the friars at the monastery, and the legend of the kitchen angels was born.

I love de Paola's easily recognizable, timeless illustration style. I was unfamiliar with this particular legend but enjoyed the way it was told and illustrated. Like many of de Paolo's works, this story is filled with prayer, angels, religion, and God. As a lovely bonus, the book contains back matter with additional information about Pascual Bailón, the patron saint of cooks and kitchen.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

The Monster in the Bathhouse by Sina Merabian - ADVISABLE

The Monster in the Bathhouse by Sina Merabian. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $18. 9781534496828

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As tradition dictates for the holiday of Nowruz, the bathhouse is full! Three Iranian young boys are visiting the bathhouse because they want to be clean for the new holiday. Pretty soon though, they start to hear unusually loud noises. The loofahs are ripped and the pumice is broken. What could have done this, a monster? As they run to tell the adults about the monster, they discover what really made the mess.

I liked Merabian’s book because it teaches a little about the Iranian holiday, Nowruz. The bathhouse can seem like a scary place, but turns out to be a funny adventure for the boys. The pictures are engaging and make you want to turn the page.

Reviewer:A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Peter Pan and Wendy The Junior Novelization by Elizabeth Rudnick - OPTIONAL

Peter Pan and Wendy The Junior Novelization by Elizabeth Rudnick, 140 pages. Disney Press, 2023. $7. 9781368080453

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The evening before Wendy Darling is scheduled to leave home for boarding school, she begins to wish that did not have to grow. Later that evening Peter Pan shows up and whisks her and her brothers off to Neverland, promising they never have to grow up. While in Neverland Peter fights his old nemesis, Captain Hook. Wendy learns more about Peter's story and helps him understand the value of friendship and true leadership.

The book is an exact novelization of the recent Peter Pan and Wendy movie. It is a good story, with a fun adventure. However, it is a little boring if you have recently watched the movie and know how it all turns out. The book includes color photos from the movie.

Reviewer: A. Snow

If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul and David Walker - ESSENTIAL

If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul, illustrated by David Walker.
BOARD BOOK. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan), 2014. $8. 9780374300210

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY


How do animals kiss goodnight? Written with imagery and alliteration, this board book shows how mama and papa animals say goodnight to their young. Pythons and their hatchlings kiss while waggling around, while elephants shower their young with water from the trunks. How do sloths say goodnight? How long does it take? This is a great bedtime book for toddlers.

I liked Paul’s book because the illustrations were cute. It used onomatopoeias, rhyming words, and alliteration. It was predictable and kept revisiting the fact that it takes sloths so long to say goodnight to their young.

Reviewer:A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

My Football Family by Andy Holloway and Honee Jang - OPTIONAL

My Football Family by Andy Holloway, illustrated by Honee Jang. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250847157

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

This is a football-loving family story, written as if a parent is speaking to a child. The book chronicles "the day you joined our team" and "begin your rookie season" through the day "you may get drafted to a franchise of your own" (referring to when the child gets married) and bring "new teammates" to the family. 

Holloway’s book is definitely an ode to football traditions as a family, and could be a sweet gift for a football-loving family. The rhyme is somewhat forced and includes all the possible football/sport/team terminology you can imagine. I appreciated the page that showed kids playing other sports and affirming that the family will "cheer you from the sidelines in whatever game you choose" since not everyone is quite as gung-ho about football as this particular family is. Jang's illustrations are colorful and detailed. 

The family in the story is multiracial, and there are lots of additional characters represented as different races, religions and abilities.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

Would You Dare Put a Diaper on a Bear? by Lillias Kinsman-Chauvet - ADVISABLE

Would You Dare Put a Diaper on a Bear? by Lillias Kinsman-Chauvet. PICTURE BOOK. Boxer Books, 2024. $19. 9781915801654

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

What would happen if you put a diaper on a bear? What about a diaper on a giraffe? This is a  fun read aloud for your kids. It includes rhyming words and funny pictures. Why do the animals have to wear diapers? The little boy at the end of the story proudly explains why he doesn't need a diaper anymore.

My daughter and I enjoyed this book because it was so silly. The rhyming words helped engage us. She was able to make a connection with the little boy about potty training.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher