The Spotless Giraffe by Peter Millett and Alison Hawkins - ADVISABLE

The Spotless Giraffe by Peter Millett, illustrated by Alison Hawkins. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak, 2024. $19. 9780711296343

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

It was Kipekee's first day at school.  She was solid brown with no spots and a long neck.. There were so many other animals that she had never seen before and she didn't know what class she fit in.  Hanna Hippo, Aza Aardvark, and Pia Panda decided to help her find the right class.  She tried the camel class, the llama class,  and some others.  Will she ever find the right class for her? 

The Spotless Giraffe teaches children about important relationships with peers, and the value of difference, and looking beyond what people look like.  I was very entertained by Hawkins adorable illustrations.

PGPowers

Sam with Ants in His Pants by April Reynolds, illustrated by Katie Kordesh - ESSENTIAL

Sam with Ants in His Pants by April Reynolds, illustrated by Katie Kordesh. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2023. $19. 9780593564608

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Sam has ants in his pants. So, his mother sends him to his room for a nap. Animals from his favorite book jump out to play with him. Sam thoroughly enjoys his adventure but does not get a nap.  When they all hear a very large growl, the fun ends. 

Whether the storyline could grab a child's imagination, the illustrations surely will. Children will love looking at the bright and playful animals while learning a good lesson. Sam's antics and expressions are irresistible. Sam is a person of the global majority

MOMMAC

Martina Has Too Many Tias by Emma Otheguy and Sara Palacios - ADVISABLE

Martina Has Too Many Tias by Emma Otheguy, art by Sara Palacios. PICTURE BOOK Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2023. $19. 9781534445369 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Martina gets overwhelmed by her tias. They are loud and flashy and give her a headache. Martina prefers quiet. And when she is magically transported to a beautiful island, she learns the animals there make loud noises. Except a mouse, a quiet mouse. 

This beautifully illustrated picture book would make a nice bedtime story, but could also be read with a child who is missing home. The author's note mentions the Caribbean folktale "La Cucaracha Martina" so I suspect Otheguy's story might be a retelling. Clues in the text indicate the family is Caribbean. 

Lisa Librarian

Hank Goes Honk written by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie - ESSENTIAL

Hank Goes Honk written by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie.  PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2024. $19. 9781664300507

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Hank is one rude goose! He is always interrupting his friends, stealing their food, and popping their balloons. But being so unruly is kind of lonely, especially when people don’t want to hang out anymore. Can Hank learn to be kinder to his friends?

Children will love Hank’s antics and silly sounds, and adults will love the overall message about kindness and friendship. It’s a great book to teach essential soft skills like communication and cooperation. I highly recommend it if you can get it.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb and Erin Kraan - ESSENTIAL

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, illustrated by Erin Kraan. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2024. $19. 9780593564530

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

There once was a fluffy Buffalo who was gruff and wanted to be left alone. Many of his neighbors tried to be his friend, but he was supposed to be a huffalo buffalo, so he turned them away. One day a large storm came and rained heavily on Fluffalo. When the storm left, he was no longer large and fluffy. He wasn't sure how to feel since he lost his identity. HIs neighbors came to his aide to help him see he was just fine however he looked.

Bess Kalb has created a lovable buffalo as each page rhymes its way into hilarity. The rhyme, using silly words, brings color to the story. The illustration of Fluffalo when he loses his fluff brings on laughter. This is an adorable book for any age.

MOMMAC

Firefighters to the Rescue by R.W Alley - ESSENTIAL

Firefighters to the Rescue by R.W Alley. PICTURE BOOK. Astra Publishing House, 2023. $19. 9781662670275

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Breezy Valley firefighters prepare daily to answer an emergency. Piggy is the chief. When the alarm sounds, each firefighter has a job to do and they have special equipment and vehicles that they use to get the job done. Firefighters put out house and brush fires. Firefighters need to clean up and relax after an emergency. 

Alley uses a creative way to teach children the technicalities of being a firefighter. He employs adorable animals to be the firefighters. He creates a town, with detailed maps and personalities. In addition, Alley uses some "hidden objects" throughout the story and invites that they be found when reaching the end of the story. A fun book for youngsters. 

MOMMAC

Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw - OPTIONAL

Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2023. $17. 9781623543358 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

When Lola's grandmother Nana-Bibi comes to visit, she stays in Lola's room brings gifts and they have a wonderful time. Everyday is special when Nana-Bibi is visiting. 

Beardshaw's illustrations are darling, Lola is super cute. The story is just, regular? There's nothing especially different with Lola's grandmother than would happen with any other grandmother. Nothing special about her culture - that only comes with her visit - or particularly special things that happen. We don't really know where Nana-Bibi she is coming from other than the illustration on the end papers which look like possibly Brazil or Argentina. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Wire Zoo: How Elizabeth Berrien Learned to Turn Wire into Amazing Art by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Joanie Stone - OPTIONAL

The Wire Zoo: How Elizabeth Berrien Learned to Turn Wire into Amazing Art by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Joanie Stone,  PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster), 2024. $19. 9781665940764

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

An illustrated biography of an artist who saw the world a little differently than others around her. It’s not explicitly stated that she is neurodivergent, but it is alluded to. She isn’t good at traditional forms of art, but finds success in sharing her unique wire animal sculptures. 

I grabbed this book because the cover caught my attention. I didn’t know almost anything about the medium of wire sculpture, so it was cool to learn something new. It could be cool to use this book in a makespace lesson and have kids design their own wire sculptures using pipe cleaners. Other than that, I would imagine it would only appeal to a small number of readers in a school library. 

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Den That Octopus Built by Randi Sonenshine and Anne Hunter - ADVISABLE

The Den That Octopus Built by Randi Sonenshine, illustrated by Anne Hunter. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2024. $19. 9781536226546

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Have you ever wanted to know more about the incredible animal, the octopus?  The Den That Octopus Built takes the reader through an octopus' daily life.  It also explains the life cycle of the octopus and how they defend themselves from predators. 

Sonenshine teaches readers facts about the octopus in a very unique way.  Hunter’s illustrations use beautiful pastel colors and the text is patterned after the nursery rhyme, This is the House That Jack Built.   What a clever way to teach science!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

On The Edge Of the World by Anna Desnitskaya - ADVISABLE

On The Edge Of the World by Anna Desnitskaya. PICTURE BOOK. Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, 2023. $19. 9780802856128

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Vera is a girl who lives on the eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, or the edge of the world with the Pacific Ocean stretching far away to Chili.  Vera wants to be a ships captain when she grows up.  She has learned Morse code. She longs for a friend. Lucas feels like he lives on the edge of the world on the coast of Chili.  He also has learned Morse code and wishes for a friend.  Can Morse code reach across the ocean?"

On The Edge of the World is an uniquely formatted book with Vera's story in the first part of the book, and Lucas' story starting at the other end of the book until they meet in the middle.  The themes of loneliness and longing for a friend are sweetly illustrated by the author in blue and brown tones.

PGPowers

The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutierrez, Shaian Gutierrez and Gabby Zapata - ADVISABLE

The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutierrez and Shaian Gutierrez, illustrated by Gabby Zapata. PICTURE BOOK Chronicle, 2024 $18. 9781797215624 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Dia De Muertos is a holiday with music and food and dancing and fun. But it's also a reverence about loved ones who have passed. The Ofrenda has many traditional parts that represent and honor them. 

Told in the style of the house that Jack built, I loved the poetic cadence, the fun descriptions and the colorful illustrations. A great introduction for someone new to the tradition and a fun poem for other to read when celebrating the holiday. The family is Mexican 

Lisa Librarian

That Always Happens Sometimes written by Kiley Frank, illustrated by K-Fai Steele - ADVISABLE

That Always Happens Sometimes written by Kiley Frank, illustrated by K-Fai Steele. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $19. 9781984852434

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Max is just a regular kid who is sometimes (or always) messy, distracted, or forgetful. This book follows Max as he goes about his day at school, a humorous celebration of neurodivergence and the awkwardness of childhood.

I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I didn’t love the illustrations, although it did accurately capture the messy chaotic nature of Max’s brain. I think it would be valuable to have in a classroom library because of the neurodivergent representation, and the social-emotional value of the story as Max makes connections with his peers and teacher. 

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Lucky Dogs by Joowon Oh - OPTIONAL

Lucky Dogs by Joowon Oh. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2024. $19. 9780374391270

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Ruth would like to have a dog but she and her family are moving soon and their new home does not allow pets. While at a pet adoption fair, Ruth and her mom learn that they could foster a dog instead of adopting. Ruth enjoys fostering the dogs. Soon the dogs they foster find forever homes. Ruth wonders if she will be happy in her new home just like her foster dogs who found happiness in their new homes.

A cute story about pet fostering.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Mavis the Bravest by Lu Fraser and Sarah Warburton - ADVISABLE

Mavis the Bravest by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Sarah Warburton. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt and Company (Macmillan), 2024. $17. 9781250344823

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Mavis the chicken finds everything scary. Her friend Marge tries to encourage to be brave but she would rather stay in the barn and knit. But then one night, a thief comes to the farm and steals a sheep. Can Mavis reach deep down and turn on her bravery switch and save the sheep?

A really cute story with great illustrations told in rhymes. We all need to be reminded that we can brave like Mavis, even when we are scared.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Cold by Tim McCanna and Ramona Kaulitzki - ADVISABLE

Cold by Tim McCanna, Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. PICTURE BOOK Paula Wiseman (Simon and Schuster), 2024. $19. 9781665940504 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Many different animals experience cold weather, bats in a cave, sea life under water, fish in a river, rabbits and many others. 

Rhyming text balanced the lovely illustrations. The whole book can be read in a quiet whisper. A great winter story. Includes back matter about cold, animals in the cold and even why we have winter - plus notes about climate change. 

Lisa Librarian 

Lore of the Deep: Folklore & Wisdom from the Watery Wilds written by Claire Cock-Starkey, illustrated by Stacey Rozich - ADVISABLE

Lore of the Deep: Folklore & Wisdom from the Watery Wilds written by Claire Cock-Starkey, illustrated by Stacey Rozich. PICTURE BOOK. Wide Eyed Editions (The Quarto Group), 2024. $25. 9780711287716

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Folklore and mythology about the mysterious deep from all around the world. The book, divided into six sections, explores mythical seas, creatures, seafarers, weather, landscapes, and tales of sea monsters and oceanic dangers.

Lots of fun information about different folktales around the world about oceans. I appreciated the global perspective, as it didn’t focus solely on European stories, so if you have a student that is obsessed with Greek/Roman mythology, this could be a nice text to push them into other cultures and stories. I could see it being used as supplemental materials for a mythology unit at any grade level.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

I Can Play The Nutcracker (The Story Orchestra) by Katy Flint and Jessica Courtney Tickle - ADVISABLE

I Can Play The Nutcracker (The Story Orchestra) by Katy Flint, illustrated by Jessica Courtney Tickle. PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2024. $25. 9781836002321 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

It is Christmas Eve at Clara's house. Clara's godfather, a toymaker, arrives with gifts. He gives Clara a wooden nutcracker. Her brother Fitz breaks it and they are sent to bed. Clara wakes up to fight the mouse king. after she defeats him, her now full grown nutcracker takes her to the Land of Sweets where she watches magical dancers perform beautiful dances. How will she get home, or was tis all a dream?

I Can Play the Nutcracker looks like it will be a lot of fun because it comes with a colored button keyboard / soundboard. On each page, it includes a colored button map to play the melody of that part of the story or dance. I was disappointed. The only melody that I could recognize was Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and only because I knew the timing of that melody. There is no real guidance on how long to hold each note.

PGPowers

why? A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide by Melissa Allen Heath and Frances Ives - ADVISABLE

why? A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide by Melissa Allen Heath, illustrated by Frances Ives. PICTURE BOOK Magination Press, 2023. $20. 9781433841965 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A child has lost his dad to suicide and asks his mother why? She explains about depression and tells Oliver how much his dad loved them. 

Although the book addresses a very sensitive subject, it is carefully worded to teach and to comfort the child without being traumatic itself. I loved the words Heath used as well as Ives' illustrations. You can feel the sadness. Includes a lengthy reader's note to help parents and counselors support and help children facing the loss of a parent to suicide. Oliver is mixed race, his dad is white his mom is brown. 

Lisa Librarian

Rory the Remarkable Dragon by Kathryn Rammell - ADVISABLE

Rory the Remarkable Dragon by Kathryn Rammell. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2024. $18. 9781339043159

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Rory is a remarkable dragon. Ever since hatching from her egg, she was different from her dragon siblings. When she started attending school, the other dragons commented on her beak and her wings that were very undragonlike. Will Rory be able to fit in even though she is different?

I really enjoyed Rammell’s whimsical drawings. They are bright and eye-catching. I also really enjoyed the plot because I could not predict what would happen next. Rory The Remarkable Dragon teaches the reader that it is ok to be yourself.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

On Track: The Remarkable Story of How Trains Have Changed our World written by Tom Adams, illustrated by Tom Jay - ADVISABLE

On Track: The Remarkable Story of How Trains Have Changed our World written by Tom Adams, illustrated by Tom Jay. PICTURE BOOK. Wide Eyed Editions (The Quarto Group), 2024. $30. 9780711284845

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

All the things you ever wanted to know about the history and science of trains, and then some more.

This hefty picture book dives into the development of trains, the technology, people, and places connected to locomotion. It was a fascinating trip down the train track, but it is such a niche topic, I don’t know how much traction it would have in a school library. But if your teachers do an Industrial Revolution or an inventions unit, it could be a nice addition.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

We Need Everyone by Michael Redhead Champagne, illustrated by Tiff Bartel - OPTIONAL

We Need Everyone by Michael Redhead Champagne, illustrated by Tiff Bartel. PICTURE BOOK. Highwater Press, 2024 $19. 9781774920114

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Michael Redhead Champagne is the narrator in this story.  He goes through several steps with the reader on how to find what their special gift is.  He talks about community service and how we can use our gifts to serve others.  Michael also mentions different types of gifts and why they are all so important.

We Need Everyone has a great message and colorful pictures.  It just didn't have much of a story line.  For that reason, I don't know how many students it would appeal to.  It would be a helpful book if you wanted to teach students how to find their gifts.

Michael is Ininew (Cree).

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/xUDIjxAh0s6OBtNiP-1T0A

Boo Stew written by Donna Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler - ESSENTIAL

Boo Stew written by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree Publishing Company, 2021. $18. 9781682632215

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

  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Curly Locks loves to cook, but no one likes to eat her creepy crawly creations. However, when the Scares from Toadsuck Swamp invade the mayor’s home, Curly Lock’s cooking might be the one thing that can get the Scares to behave. 

Um, such a fun fracturing of the Goldilocks and Three Bears fairytale. It is bursting with authentic flavor (excuse the pun) and hidden gems. It would be an excellent addition to any classroom library, and so much fun to use as a mentor text. The artistic style is also really engaging and worth studying all on its own.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbedde s

Divine Makes a Splash written by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley - ADVISABLE

Divine Makes a Splash (Afro Unicorns) by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $7. 9780593704196

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Divine the Unicorn is excited to spend the day at the beach with her friends, Magical and Unique, but she doesn’t know how to swim! With the help from some friendly mermaids, Divine learns to conquer her fears.

You know exactly what you are getting from the cover of this book. It almost feels like a Disney channel animated short - short, sweet, and brightly colored. Love this for more representation in picture books, but other than that, it’s fine.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

The Creature of Habit Tries His Best written by Jennifer E. Smith, illustrated by Leo Espinosa - ADVISABLE

The Creature of Habit Tries His Best written by Jennifer E. Smith, illustrated by Leo Espinosa. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $19. 9780593434611

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A creature, who thrives on routine, faces unexpected changes that challenge his comfort zone. When he is tasked with trying something new, does he rise to the challenge or fail miserably?

Loved the message of resilience and continuously trying our best, regardless of what happens. It’s a quirky, fun picture book with an important positive message. Could be a part of a lesson on regulating our emotions or when we try something new.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

A Magical Day written by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley - ADVISABLE

A Magical Day (Afro Unicorns) written by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2023. $7. 9780593702857

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

It’s Magical the Unicorn’s birthday, and all of her friends are so excited to throw her a party. But will the day be ruined when Magical’s Kindness Crown goes missing and her supernatural powers are diminished

It’s a simple cute story about unicorn friends in a magical land. Obviously, it’s not that deep, but kids will adore it because of the unicorns, and I like that they specifically feature BIPOC characters.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Little Wolf’s Howl written by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Mathias Ball - ADVISABLE

Little Wolf’s Howl written by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Mathias Ball. PICTURE BOOK. Marble Press, 2024. $20. 9781958325186

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Little Wolf has lost her way! With the help of new friends like Whale, Goose, and Bear, Little Wolf tries to find her way home again and also discover her own unique voice.

Such a beautifully illustrated story. The simple plot is common enough, but the colorful and interesting pictures add so much to the experience that I didn’t even mind! This would be a great addition to any unit about migration or animals.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Lonely Bird written & illustrated by Ruth Whiting - ADVISABLE

Lonely Bird written & illustrated by Ruth Whiting. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2023.  $19.  9781536226188

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lonely Bird is a tiny paper bird who shares space in a human home. She finds beauty and friends in the human detritus that litters the house. She braves the belly of the beast (a vacuum) to rescue a new friend she found.

Reminiscent of the children’s classic The Borrowers, this was a dreamy, sweet, and simple story of a little paper bird, and the life she has created on the edges of things. However, I’m not quite sure how it would be used in a school setting. Actually, now that I think about it, it could be used as an introduction to makerspaces, and used to inspire kids to create something new from trash and recyclables.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Shape of Things: How Mapmakers Picture Our World written by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Matt Tavares - ADVISABLE

The Shape of Things: How Mapmakers Picture Our World written by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Matt Tavares. PICTURE BOOK.  Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024.  $20.  9780593479254

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Have you ever thought about the first maps to ever exist? This book delves into the evolution of maps, illustrating their impact on navigation, exploration, and societies throughout time.

Surprisingly engaging, but then again, I was the kid who poured over the maps in the classroom atlas. It was fascinating to trace the science of cartography, from the earliest humans through to modern day. The art wasn’t my favorite, but I don’t think it will be distracting to your budding geographers.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

 

The Make-Believers by Ryan Seacrest and Meredith Seacrest Leach, illustrated by Bonnie Lui - OPTIONAL

The Make-Believers by Ryan Seacrest and Meredith Seacrest Leach, illustrated by Bonnie Lui.  PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Reader (Simon & Schuster), 2024.  $20.  9781665949873

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ryan Seacrest, and his sister, Meredith, wrote a children’s book about the power of imagination and make believe.

It’s a cute story about imagination, but felt a little bland. However, I did love the variety in the illustrations - there were different races and abilities represented, which is always a plus in my book.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

 

The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh, illustrated by Chuck Groenink - ADVISABLE

The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh, illustrated by Chuck Groenink. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown, 2016. $19. 9780316545655

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

When Hedgehog hears about the Friend Ship, she sets sail in hopes of finding it and finding new friends. As she sails she meets new friends who would also like to join her on her journey.

A sweet story about taking notice of the friends all around us. Cute illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

How Lucky Am I by Scott Hoying & Mark Hoying, illustrated by Steph Lew - OPTIONAL

How Lucky Am I by Scott Hoying & Mark Hoying, illustrated by Steph Lew. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2024. $19. 9781250853332

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Two male mayflies nurture a new mayfly as he emerges from the water. They encourage him to fly and see the world. The mayfly loves to fly and is amazed by all he sees. But when he notices other mayflies pairing off, he wonders if he will have to spend the rest of his day alone.

There is a good message of finding the beauty and wonder in the world and embracing your own uniqueness. There is some interesting information at the end of the book about the mayfly life cycle.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

I am Both: A Vietnamese Refugee Story by Kerisa Greene - ADVISABLE

I am Both: A Vietnamese Refugee Story by Kerisa Greene. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2024. $19. 9781250865021

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Huong loves her home. She loves the sounds and smells of the city. She loves her school and her friends. But as war intensifies she and her family decide to take the last flight out of Saigon, Vietnam. Huong worries about all she is leaving behind. She soon learns the sounds and rhythms of her new home and that with love and family you are always right at home.

Greene gives us a hopeful immigration story. She shows how you can be both a mix of the place you left behind and the new home you have adopted. I love the sweet and engaging illustrations. There is a glossary at the end of the book as well as an author’s note which further explains how this book is based on her mother's experiences.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Cosmic Wonder by Ashley Benham-Yazdani - ADVISABLE

Cosmic Wonder by Ashley Benham-Yazdani. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2023. $19. 9781536223231

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

From Halley's Comet's point of view, it tells the story of Earth as it passes by every 76 years.  It relates the main changes in flora, fauna, and humans for the last two hundred thousand years. What will the comet find when it passes again in 2061?

Cosmic Wonder is a creative lyrical way to learn about Halley's Comet.  It's interesting to think about all the changes the Earth has experienced in a very simplistic manner.  The expansive illustrations are very pretty.

PGPowers

Tadpoles by Matt James - ADVISABLE

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

A young boy is interested in a field across the road from his school because it is full of old junk.  There is an old silo where he yelled when his dad moved from home to a new place.  But his dad said that his love for him wouldn't change.  After the spring rains, ephemeral puddles form in the field.  He and his dad explore the ponds and find lots of tadpoles.  What do tadpoles turn into?

Tadpoles is mostly a tender reflection of a boy and his father during spring.  I feel that it has a somber tone.  There is also more scientific information about frogs and ephemeral ponds at the end of the book. I liked the quirky illustrations.

PGPowers

The Iguanodon's Horn by Sean Rubin - ESSENTIAL

The Iguanodon's Horn by Sean Rubin. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2024 $22. 9780063239210

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Our understanding of dinosaurs has been evolving since bones were first discovered in 1822. Sean Rubins shows us how our idea of what the iguanodon looked like has changed over time as scientists apply new understanding and information.

I really enjoyed Rubin’s book. The tone of the writing is inviting, interesting, well paced and has a little humor thrown in as well. The illustrations are wonderful and very detailed. Rubin not only looks at the science, but also the history of paleontology. This book will appeal to all sorts of kids and interests.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Montezuma's Tantrum by Nuria Gomez Benet and Santiago Solis - ADVISABLE

Montezuma's Tantrum by Nuria Gomez Benet and Santiago Solis. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2024. $16. 9781778400940

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Montezuma, the Emperor, is in a bad mood today.  His court tries everything to make him smile.  They try entertainment, and dancing, but he tells them to go away.  They try gifts of fantastic armor, or a headdress of a thousand feathers, but he orders them all away.  Someone thinks of offering Montezuma Xocolatl (hot chocolate).  Will he receive it?  Will it make him happy?

Montezuma's Tantrum is funny and delightful.  Through the story, the reader learns about life in the Aztec empire and the origins of hot chocolate.  I was personally fascinated with the colorful illustrations in Aztec styles and symbols.

PGPowers