BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Worm and Earl are back again with a new set of three stories about their friendship. From cleaning up Earl’s messy home, through Earl’s unlucky penny, and on to a desire to stay up all night and watch the sunrise.
A little bit sarcastic, but mostly lots of kindness and friendship. Perfectly pleasant as a first chapter book.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Quokka is NOT happy - but unfortunately, no one can tell, because their face is a perpetual smile. Grumpy face? Smile. Sad face? Smile. Can no one understand that even the world’s happiest marsupial can have an off day?
You can’t help but smile when you see a quokka - or this book. A quick Google shows 100’s of photos of smiling quokkas. And if you can get down to Australia, you too could take a selfie with one. Besides the cutest of the animal, however, I’m not sure what to do with this. Students will read it once, but I don’t think they will read it twice.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Twin siblings are trying to convince their parents that they don’t want just any old dinosaur - they want a tinysaur - about the height of two cupcakes. After a trip to the dino adoption event, the pair have their dream tinysaur - except - each day it seems to grow bigger and bigger. This isn’t the dino they wanted at all!
Cute silliness - reminds me of Clifford the Big Red Dog fun. But with dinos, of course. Cute endpapers, too.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Hannah, a young pianist is obsessed with having every note be perfect. When a wrong note interferes at her recital, she is devastated. Her little sister shows Hannah, however, that a wrong note can be a dance and a song all of its own.
Hannah seemed awfully young to be so obsessed with perfection in her music - I was glad to see her notions shaken up and relaxed. We all need a reminder that perfection is a progression and maybe not the real goal. Gagnon’s personification of the notes as performers was so much fun.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Shivi wants to scale the climbing wall at the gym, but can he harness the powers and courage of the Hanuman, the Indian monkey god, in order to conquer his fears?
Shivi challenging the monkey god in order to conquer his fear of the climbing wall is a great moment for every child. Everyone of us has had to conquer a fear, some of us still are. The bright illustrations are lively and fun. Added bonus of an introduction to a non-European god.
Shivi and his family are from India.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Valerio introduces us to a wide variety of creatures in alphabetical order.
I Valerio’s illustrative style is dynamic and eye-catching. While he got a little creative with U, X, and Z, I didn’t mind.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
If animals could read books, would they enjoy them in the same ways that humans do? Of course they would! At least according to our author and illustrator.
The tenth book in the series. Cute.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
The creature inside the book is reluctant to come out. The narrator tries to coax or drag the creature out and asks the reader to help also.
Lot only includes a little bit of reader participation. While the book was funny, it wasn’t as interactive as I had hoped.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Ruby, a mouse, and her family are packing their camper and heading off for a few days vacation in the park. While Ruby is a little nervous, she makes a new friend right away and they join other little ones to have a great time in the few days they have together.
Wordier than a lot of picture books written originally in English, but we do see the wide variety of fun to be had on a camping trip. The bright illustrations are fun - I enjoyed the diverse group of animal friends getting along so well.
The book was translated from Dutch by the Clavis team.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Hank is eagerly waiting for Trash Truck to come by on trash day. Hank has a very busy day and when he finally gets to Hank’s house, Hank isn’t there.
Billed as a My First Reader, I thought the vocabulary was pretty ambitious for a beginning reader - more like a level 2 or 3. The story is obviously a recounting of a story from the tv show, complete with the illustrations from the screen. It feels boring, not interesting. I prefer the books that Keane wrote and illustrated as independent stories.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Chip the Penguin is not excited about swim class, so they decide to pretend to have “fin flop” in order to get out of it. Mom takes them to class anyway. Lucy also isn’t swimming and they talk about all of the reasons they don’t want to get in the pool. When the other swimmers look like they are having so much fun, however, are the two ready to conquer their fears?
A fun Level 2 reader, with a good story for independent readers to enjoy on their own. It's funny having a penguin afraid of cold water. Utah seems to have a proliferation of swim schools now, so Frost’s story could help lots of little ones get into the water.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Binna is still learning English, having moved to America from Korea. WHen she brings a Korean treat, dalgoni, to school to share, her words get all mixed up and her fellow students treat her like she’s a baby. That night at home, Binni regroups.
I like how Kim-McCarthy represents how speaking and hearing English can feel to a new learner. I’m rating it optional because it is quite wordy and sometimes confusing. It is a good book for non-English speakers to read to feel seen and for English natives to glimpse the struggles of someone else. I don’t understand why the girl is living with her older sister, not a parent.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Shark Girl has been captured by the meanest, greediest captain in the ocean While she escapes, she makes a plan to stop his evil, over-fishing, unethical ways. With the help of the sea witch Shark Girl gets her legs and makes her way aboard the ship. Now she has to bide her time until her chance comes to overthrow the bad captain.
I applaud Beaton’s effort to make the subject of over-fishing into a story that shows without preaching. While not wildly successful, it was still enjoyable. THe cover will catch attention.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Human Kit is going with her school on a sleepaway camping adventure. Since Kit’s list doesn’t say “No Maud’s”, Maud the hamster decides to tag along and learn about the Great Outdoors, too. A friendly hedgehog helps Maud get to know the lay of the land. But thank goodness Maud has her Signature Move, because when a hawk tries to make Maud into a snack, Maud will need to escape.
For a young one going on a first overnight trip - especially camping, Kit and her pets bring up all of the concerns they might imagine, so a parent can address them beforehand. And while Maud is having her adventure, we also glimpse what Kit is doing. So much to see in the illustrations.
Kit is Black.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
The aliens have come to Earth to play and now it is time to go home. But they don’t wanna! THere are so many more things they need/want to do!
Parents with little aliens of their own will empathize with all of the things the aliens still want to do - because the parents have heard all of the excuses and whining before. Whether children will see themselves in the aliens remains to be seen, but reading it will still be enjoyable. I love that you can follow certain aliens from page to page, too.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
The Hoyings, of Pentatonix, point out that no matter what your family looks like, they can still celebrate the wonders of Christmas.
I wish the Hoyings had written a book showing an LGBT family celebrating Christmas, rather than having the whole book talk about how they can celebrate Christmas - it is a different level of inclusion to just show them as any other family enjoying Christmas. Includes the sheet music for a song about the meaning of family.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
When the pine tree was chopped down to become a Christmas tree, an unexpected stowaway went also - a tiny screech owl. With the help of the local wildlife rescue, the family who found the owl was able to feed it and set it free.
Such a cute true story with a happy ending. While the author personifies the owl with a name, the events are true to the real story. Parsons’s illustrations give the story a colorful life.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
A bunch of candy corn has been left behind on the shelves after the Halloween candy season is over. When the candies hear singing and bells, they investigate and find a Christmas wonderland! But can little rambunctious candy corns find a place within another holiday? It may be up tot he big man himself.
Fenske has hit it out of the park again - a wry story with unlikely heroes and it crosses from Halloween to Christmas (I almost feel a little sad for Thanksgiving).
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Worm is so great at finding things that he starts his own Lost & Found office. Animals visit his office whenever they have lost something and he usually has it! What will happen when Worm loses something of his own?
Worm's Lost and Found is a sweet book with an interesting plot. The pictures are very inviting and colorful. This book would work great as a read aloud. Also, includes a seek and find activity at the end of the book.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
From A to Z, adorable international foods form a tasty love letter.
The illustrations are in an adorable kawaii style. While there is not a story, I liked the inclusion of foods from all over the world. The fact page at the end has pronunciation and facts about each food.
Rachel, elementary school librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
One fine winter day a new snowman is created and dressed and left behind by the children, who named it Twig. When its hat blows off, Twig sets off on an adventure to recover it and finds out along the way that while Twig is what they are, Twig can also be something different.
Yes - the book is a metaphor, but it can also just be charming little book about a snow person enjoying being a snow person.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Penguin has an idea of what he wants for a perfect Christmas - simple, with a beautifully decorated tree. Pup has many, many other plans. Can Penguin get Pup to listen?
DYson has created a bright, fun world for Penguin and Pup. And Gardner has really excelled at creating rhyme without making the reader burst into song. I need this one for myself this Christmas! And I need to read the duo’s other adventures.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
A little girl is awake Christmas night and sees Santa Claus as he comes around. The whole apartment building gets involved.
Hooray for a more contemporary look to the classic Christmas poem! The girl, her family, and the apartment dwellers - oh and Santa - are black. The touches of modern clothes, toys, and mess are sweet.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Trash Truck and Hank are excited that Christmas is arriving soon.
I like that the illustrations aren’t taken as clips from the animated series. Instead, they are drawn for the book, giving them more depth and interest. I haven’t seen the show, so I was able to appreciate the book - the only thing lacking was an early connection between the boy and the truck - I didn’t know they are best friends from what I read, so I was a bit surprised to see the Truck inside the boy’s house at the end. Hank is white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Lani’s band trip to England was hijacked by her little brother, Gavin (10yo), with a scheme to run in a recklessly dangerous race down Cooper’s Hill. But when his heart condition acts up and requires Gavin to stay home, he tells Lani (13yo) that she has to take his place. Lani insists that she isn’t brave enough. Can she become an Invincible Li for Gavin?
I love that Lani and Gavin use family traditions and folktales from their Chinese heritage to learn about real superpowers. They develop a super sibling relationship, even when they are an ocean away, and they learn the strengths of trying new foods, empathy, and even doing things that are uncomfortable and scary. Sometimes it feels like everything is against us and the obstacles in our lives are too big, but, in this book, we see the beauty of a world where everyone is cheering for these young protagonists. Lani and her family are Chinese, Sam is described as Hawaiian Māori Chinese, and Sunny is Korean.
Reviewer: Carolina Johnson
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast have been invited to Agatha Crispy’s home for the reading of her final Miss Maple detective book! But when the lights go out, the book has been stolen! Can they help find the culprit and return the book?
The hijinks continue for our pair in their latest book. The rhymes are sometimes forced, but much of the time I could just enjoy the story.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
After the big storm, a snow day is declared. Two friends head outside for a brilliant snow fight!
Lichtenheld’s clean lines are perfect for this wintery tale. The simple rhyming text is fine - it conveys the story without being flowery.
The boy characters and white and Black.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Hokkanen takes us through the uses, life cycle, and identification of many kinds of leaves. From the clever I had no idea this was a non-fiction book. The cute illustrations with the expressive leafy faces and their caterpillar neighbor turn what could be a dry subject into a delight to enjoy. Hokkanen also has Spring Seeds, but I haven’t read it. It also has a tear-out memory card game which you should probably remove before circulating.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
The ghost family has moved into a new suburb and Leonard has plans for a grand garden. His family wants a scary garden full of weeds, but Leonard has very different plans. Can the ghost family all be happy and haunting together?
I admit it - like Leonard’s family, I was hoping for a spookier garden. The final couple scenes have only a very small pay-off.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: NO
APPEALS TO: SOME
Witches count down from ten to one as they soar through various Halloween scenes.
The style of the witches doesn’t fit with the other illustrations and they do not work with the other characters in the illustrations to tell a good story.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Meet a photon and hear a tiny bit about its variety and uses.
Do kindergarteners study photons? I’m confused by the audience here.. The rhyming text and cutesy illustrations feel like it is for lower elementary, but the text teaches them very little - then the back matter is dense and complicated. I feel that it is suffering from a case of identity confusion. I feel that Ruth Spiro (https://www.charlesbridge.com/pages/ruth-spiro) does a much better job hitting the right age group with complex science topics.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
The ghost is ready to strike out on his own and find a place of its own to haunt. Everywhere he tries however, has a ghost and none of them like his funny hat. A crow leads him to a place of his own, but when another ghost turns up, will our ghost treat the new ghost the same way he was treated?
Alert readers who look carefully at the illustrations will find the sweet, if tragic, secret the story harbors. I appreciate the gloomy color palette.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Pippin, the witch’s cat, is sure there must be something better in life than being here with a witch. He takes off to travel the world to find a better place.
I do like a classic “bloom where you are planted” type book with a fun twist on theme and character. The rhyming text is fine - not my favorite.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Animals in the wild play games just like human children. Sometimes the games are just for fun, but other games help them evade predators or catch their food.
While billed as a picture book, the amount of information within marks it so much more. Laberis’s illustrations capture the fun and joy in playtime, too. No one would read this for leisure, but those who do will learn a lot! A teacher could read a little day to their class as they have an animal unit, too. Because of the picture book format, I wouldn’t recommend it for most middle schools, though.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Ok - Hunt manages to fit in pop-up vehicles on every page AND count things all the way to ten in this little book. So many fun sights on every page and vehicles are always in demand. The construction of the book is also very clever - slightly different from other pop-up books I’ve seen.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Ready to make a cake without making a mess? Meet the newest Cook in a Book, #6 in the series. I would say that making and decorating a cake is much more complicated than making spaghetti - so the mixing process gets a little compacted. But, the ingredients list is correct, so after you’ve baked a pretend cake, you could actually bake a real one.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Welcome to the 13th book in the Peekaboo interactive board book series. This time we are headed off to the zoo!
The sliders on each page are so much fun to play with. I would look at all 13 to pick your faves, but the zoo one was much fun to play with.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Meet six flying machines and learn about colors in Hunt’s simple concept book. I think the pop-ups really make this series stand out from other concept books. Plus, vehicles are so popular with children. Another fun treat for little hands.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Two little monsters have baked a Halloween cake and want to share it with the other monsters on their block.
I enjoyed the variety of Halloween traditions represented and the variety of monsters. The back matter explains a little about the various traditions mentioned, though it may not be easy for a young reader to figure out which tradition goes with which page - this might be a case where having the factual info on the actual page would have been more helpful. The author seems to want to call dressing in costumes “guising”, which I found unnecessary.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
The Australian animals are all afraid of DROPBEAR! None of them have seen it, but they have all heard the rumors. Will one brave little bird be able to uncover the truth?
So cute! And while it has a moral, the story teaches without preaching. And the animals and the koala are the cutest.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
The Goldilocks family of three is on a camping trip. After they cook their s'mores they decide to let them cool and go on a hike. While they are gone, a little bear comes through and basically wrecks everything.
Hilarious! I love this book so much! And you will too. I especially love how the bear family wants to make amends, but the Goldilocks are only scared, because they don’t speak bear. I think your listeners will also be aghast that the family would leave their s'mores behind. Who eats cold s'mores? As the author tells us - that’s how bears roll.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
The Peas are getting ready to celebrate Christmas!
The Peas are always adorable, whatever they are doing. I did notice something this time - none of the Peas continue from page-to-page. I mean you can’t choose a Pea on the first page and then follow them throughout the book. A monir disappointment that doesn’t distract from overall enjoyment of the book.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Little Blue Truck and Toad are out for a ride when a flashy red race car zooms past. Racer Red challenges Little Blue Truck to a race, and though hesitant at first, Blue soon discovers it can be fun to try. After the race, Blue introduces Racer Red to his animal friends and the simple joys of a slower, friendlier pace of life.
Another delightful addition to the Little Blue Truck series, with playful rhyming text and vibrant illustrations.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Meet five important construction vehicles as they are busy at work.
I’m not sure I would call this a “first words” book, as bulldozer and tractor are not really beginner words. Despite that, the pop-up machines are adorable. Trucks and machines are always very popular. I am curious to give this to my 14 month old grandson to see how the pop-ups fare.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Lilly Bounds entered the Disney Cartoon Studio soon after it opened in the 1920’s. Just a year later Lilly and Walt are married. Never one to seek the spotlight, Lilly was always there to support and guide Walt as his company grew. She was even there on the train ride that birthed Mickey Mouse, Lilly being the one who named him. It wasn’t until Walt passed before the opening of Walt Disney’s World that Lillian had to step up and become better known.
A longer picture book biography. Students who love learning about everything Disney may also enjoy learning about Disney’s wife.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Join Luna as she shows us how she, her family, and her friends celebrate Halloween.
Instead of including the WHYs of Halloween in the narrative, the origins are only included in the back matter this time. I found that to be disappointing. For sure, if someone has never celebrated Halloween, they will have activities and costume ideas and recipes for a great Halloween. I was just disappointed that the author didn’t weave in some back story or other cultural references into her narrative.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/8rHbZeAHS4qmdCsF5lTCYg
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A boy and his family of five are getting ready for their Christmas celebration. From learning about Jesus to waiting for Santa Claus, they are celebrating every day of the season.
I love how the author intertwines the religious and the secular without feeling preachy. THe back matter has crafts, recipes, and more information. I found it to be a very even-handed look at the holiday - suitable also for places that don't know the holiday very well. Even though the boy himself is a fictional character, I would catalog this with other non-fiction holiday books.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
11 Halloween creatures can be mixed and matched in this cute split board book. The text and illustrations are simple and easy to understand for little friends.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
On one page the narrator has a suggestion (flip the book, clap loudly, etc.) and on the next page you always get to see the OOPS results!
I think this is very funny! Best with slightly older toddlers who will understand the actions for each page - and the consequences.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Meet a diverse group of sailing ships and boats and learn about opposites at the same time.
I love that Hunt has a book about watercraft - not really something I see very much. Each opposite was easy to understand and clear. A fun, funky choice if you or your little one likes boats.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
