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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY
This nonfiction book is packed full of people of 25 people who made a difference in the Revolutionary War. Many of them are black or women that are rarely talked about in the history books. One of my favorites is about a woman named Anna Smith Strong who would put her laundry out in a specific way which would signal a message was ready. Then the number of hankerchiefs let them know where to find the message. Another is about a black man Peter Salem that was born into slavery. He was at the battle of Bunker Hill and was thought to have fired the shot that killed the British leader Major Pitcairn.
The illustrations bring bring this book to life. There are several boxes on each page that lists facts about that person. It also gives good information about how the war started and who was involved.
Emilee-Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Hiro is a young curious bear who is having trouble hibernating. She has been told that winter is a terrible thing, but she decides to slip out the door and try it. She follows some funny looking prints in the snow to a party. When she arrives, everyone runs away except a boy named Emile. Hiro roasts herself marshmallows. Will Emile dare to talk to Hiro?
Schneider's dreamlike tale is warmhearted and thoughtful. It's fun to imagine a conversation with a bear. Interesting soft watercolor illustrations decorate each page.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
A young girl imagines the world she wants to live in. She remembers the Jewish philosophy tikkun olam or repair the world. One rainy day while walking to school, she uses the spark inside her to get a swing repaired. The spark inside her grows and connects to others. Can just one spark change the world?
I loved learning about the idea of tikkun olam and repairing the world by taking action today that will change the world tomorrow. Spiro's tale is thought provoking and inspiring.
Beautiful imaginative illustrations help explore these concepts.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY
Eddy is a very lonely goldfish living in a bowl. He wants a friend who could swim and blow bubbles like him. One day Eddy mistakes a cat's eye for a yellow fish. He has made a new friend! What will happen when Eddy decides to escape his bowl?
This is a delightful story that would make a great read aloud! I loved the funny plot and the lesson that the book conveys. The lesson is that our friends don't have to be the same as us. Students could make predictions on what will happen as you read the story.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY
Emily parents are divorced and she lives part time at each house. She also has transferred to a new school and feels lonely. Her step-sister, Katie, who is part of the Cupcake Club, sends Emily to school with two cupcakes along with inviting her to share the cupcake with a friend. At lunch Natalie, a girl from her old school, invites her to sit with her diverse friends. Emily shares her cupcakes and the magic begins.
Coco Simon creates a story with many emotional layers addressed. Emily needs friends. Emily is shy. Emily doesn't want to be like her step-sister, Katie. These needs are addressed in a positive way and show children they can do hard things and they can choose to be happy. Coco blends diversity into the story by creating friends from many backgrounds. And, to top it off, the detailed illustrations keep the young reader involved.
Emily's friends are of diverse color and culture.
MOMMAC
Content: PG (teen pregnancy, divorce, abuse and assassinations mentioned)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME
The biography of Maya Angelou told through poems.
I enjoyed reading about Maya Angelou in a poetry format. Each poem tells of a different event in Maya's life. It is well written and enjoyable to read. I would recommend it for upper elementary through high school age readers. The watercolor and collage illustrations are beautiful. The colors of each illustration emphasis the story being told on the page. There is a timeline included at the end.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
When Hana starts aksing questions about the world around her, her mother gives her a book to read. Hana wants to know more. She reads all the books in her house and all the books at her friends' houses. She wants to read more so her mother takes her to the library. Hana still wants to read all the books but after seeing so many books at the library, Hana wonders if it is possible. However, with a little help from the librarian, Hana gains a new perspective on reading.
A cute book about reading and the thirst for knowledge. The illustrations are fun and engaging. The main character has brown skin.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME
A loving older family member is telling a child that though they will die and leave them, there are ways they can be happy. One of these ways is to remember they will see them on the other side.
This beautiful story of faith combines ideas for ways our loved ones can be remembered after they die. Minor teaches with simplicity the stages of grief and how they can be handled. The beautiful illustrations remind a child that their loved ones are always with them.
The illustrator shows multiple ethnicities in her paintings.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY
Dragon has a cold, so when he tries to roar, he sneezes. Phoenix reminds dragon to slow down and get some rest. Dragon struggles to rest, but his friend, Phoenix, continues to support him.
Cheng’s story is carried by Santat’s delightful, bold illustrations. There is very little prose, but children will be delighted with the playful characters. The author's notes, at the end of the book, bring clarity to why these mythological creatures were chosen as the characters.
This is a story about Chinese mythological characters.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Luigi is a spider who found a warm home to live in. The lady in the home found him, picked him up, and called him a kitten. Because the woman is nice to him, he pretends to be a kitten. This behavior continues for a time, until the lady invites her friends over and Luigi struggles with an identity crisis.
Knudsen teaches a great moral without preaching. The moral is that people can love you for who you truly are. The adorable illustrations add to the fun. For those of us who don't like spiders, this story is a stretch.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY
It is the night before Christmas when Santa comes to bring his gifts. A young child experiences, first hand, the magic of Christmas.
Tom Browning classically illustrates this favorite of Christmas stories. Unique to this picture book is a history of this beloved poem. The book also includes a few other fun children's Christmas songs at the end.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Explore numbers and feelings with cute animals. Each number highlights a frustrating feeling. Then as you count back down, each number shares a resolution to the frustrated feeling.
Williams highlights that big feelings are normal. Also, that with a little time, hard feelings pass and are resolved. The animal illustrations are cute and approachable.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
The exciting story of Robert Smalls and his daring escape from slavery during the Civil War. Robert along with his family and a few friends take an opportunity to sail a ship out of the Confederate harbor of Charleston to the freedom of the Union blockade.
I enjoyed this little known story of one man's bravery and determination as he sought freedom for his family and friends. The mixed media, collage style illustrations are wonderful. The story was written by Robert Smalls' great great grandson.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Every spring Iris returns to the forest where she was born. She hunts insects and enjoys the cherry trees. Now it is time to fly south for the winter. Iris asks the other birds, " What happens to the forest while we are gone?" No one knows. Iris decides to stay and see. When the snow falls, Iris is freezing and has nothing to eat. How will she ever survive until spring?
The Swallow Who Stayed is a beautifully illustrated story about having the courage to be different, and how we need to create friendships to help us succeed.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
A young girl and her mother start walking home after their car breaks down in the street. Her mother tells her that she doesn't need a map to find grateful, and that she just needs to notice the little things and be where her feet are. Can she find grateful in dandelions, drops of sprinkler on her tongue, an ice cream cone, or a warm hug after she falls? What is this feeling that makes her heart as light as the sun?
Finding Grateful encourages the reader to realize that even when they are going through challenges, they can still find reasons to be light hearted and grateful for the world around them. Cheerful, positive illustrations help the reader feel connection and hope.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Deep, deep down at the bottom of the Mariana Trench lies a secret world. The reader goes on an imaginary trip in a submersible and learns about the different creatures that inhabit the ocean above the trench all the way down to the bottom depth of 36,037 feet.
Deep Deep Down fueled my fascination for the secret world of creatures at the very bottom of the ocean and was simple and easy for children to follow. I was pleased to find more detailed information about the trench at the back of the book. Dark lighted and detailed illustrations enhance the readers’ experience.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Monday, the day of the week, thinks nobody likes her. She had a ton of letters, but she knew they were all complaints. Maybe she could trade days with Tuesday or another day. She decided to ask, but no day would trade. They all felt good about their day. She tried a disguise, or going on a vacation, but every week needed Monday. Then she found something that helped her feel differently about herself.
Nobody Likes Monday is about seeing our own strengths and gifts to find joy in our life. I enjoyed the lighthearted humor and colorful cute illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Martin was tired of always doing the same things on Sunday. He liked his grandparents coming over, but everyone was busy cooking, watching TV, or doing laundry. He decided that he would travel the world with his dog Maze on Sunday instead. Off he went to experience the unknown world in his imagination. What did Martin discover?
Sunday celebrates children's imagination and play. The clever illustrations turned real everyday objects into fascinating adventures.
PGPowers
Content: PG (The poems talk about cruel injustices to the enslaved people)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME
Grady’s collection of poems use quilting imagery to talk about various experiences of enslaved Africans. Interesting perspectives are shared by a house slave, a slave fleeing, a blacksmith, a broken hearted mother, and others.
Grady has created a group of very moving poems to express the cruelty of slavery. The meanings are deep and would be lost on younger children. Beautiful and colorful folk art illustrations accompany each poem.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME
Riya loves the five days of Diwali (Festival of Lights) for the treats, but she is frightened over the dark night, the crowds of people, and the loud fireworks. Riya is hoping to stay in the house un-noticed while everyone else goes out into the night. Will Riya find a way to be brave and celebrate with her family?
I liked how Mishra presents her story as a "once upon a time" bedtime story. I enjoyed learning about Diwali and the traditions. The glossary at the end was very helpful.
PGPowers
The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. There is additional information at the end of the book including a timeline, Spanish vocabulary, and selected sources.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Two curious bunnies are watching the clouds go by. Both bunnies have very different perspectives about the clouds they see. One bunny uses his imagination to find pictures in the clouds. The other bunny knows all the scientific names for the clouds. Will a storm ruin their cloud watching?
Partly Cloudy is a combination of the scientific and the whimsical. The illustrations of clouds are so beautiful that it makes you want to touch the pages. Learning about clouds is entertaining with this book. Additional information and resources about clouds are given at the end of the book.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
The WEBB telescope is expanding our understanding of the universe. We learn about the decades of years, thousands of people, multiple tests, interesting materials, and billions of dollars that it took to build our biggest and newest telescope. We view photos of new spectacular images and other information being gathered by the telescope.
Slade captures the excitement and awe of the new WEBB telescope. The wonderful photos balance the intriguing detailed information.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
It's hard to ignore a rock. Big ones are to climb on and small ones can fit in your pocket. You can do lots of things with rocks like stack them, sit on them, or collect them. Just like people, there is something special about each rock. A small rock in your hand can be a friend to you. When you hold a rock, you feel a part of our world.
When You Find the Right Rock is a great exploration of the fascination we find in rocks and the natural world. I also enjoyed the colorful and expressive illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME
A women finds out she is pregnant with a baby, feels love for the child, and wants to find wonderful parents to adopt the child. Eventually, she finds two dads who also share her same wishes of love for the baby. A baby boy is born, and his parents and the birth mother help him grow his dreams.
Moreno tells a sweet and tender story about open adoption, and how all parents wish for a child's life to be full of love and family. Cute illustrations enhance the love in the story.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME
When Dad and Daddy adopt a new baby, Harper is excited to be a big sister. But now she has to be quiet, and no one has time to play with her. Why did everything have to change? Will her daddies ever have time for her?
Kirst tells a tender story about the changes that happen when a new baby is added to the family, and how there is now even more love to go around. Bunting does a great job with wonderful storytelling illustrations.
PGPowers
