Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illustrated by Dion MBD - ESSENTIAL

Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illustrated by Dion MBD PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2024. $19. 9780593532294 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Milo is afraid there is a monster under his bed because he read a book about it. Milo's friend Mel lives across the street and they talk to each other with sign language, so when Milo tells Mel he's afraid, she knows just what to do. She teaches Milo to make shadows with his hands and a flashlight. Monster Hands! 

I loved that Milo was reading classic books, "Where the Wild Things are" "The Hungry Caterpillar" and of course the one that caused all the trouble. A darling way to solve the problem of being afraid of a monster, but also a great book about solving a problem with a friend. This will be a favorite for my grandkids for sure.  Loved it!

Milo is white, Mel has darker skin, Mel knows sign language. 

Lisa Librarian

Dinosaur Roar! by Paul Stickland & Henrietta Stickland - ADVISABLE

Dinosaur Roar! by Paul Stickland & Henrietta Stickland. PICTURE BOOK. Smithsonian Kids, 2025. $19. 9781665959414

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

One dinosaur roars while another dinosaur only squeaks. One dinosaur is fierce while another dinosaur is meek.  Dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes are found stomping their way through the book until they all come together for an interesting event.

Dinosaur Roar! is an entertaining way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of opposites. I also enjoyed the colorful and comical illustrations of each dinosaur."

PGPowers