BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
"Eat Like a Bear" follows a female brown bear through the months between hibernations to show the wide range of her diet. The text is a repetitive stanza that describes how the bear must forage and hunt to find the different plants, insects, and animals to feed herself.
Sayre has mastered saying little but describing much. Jenkins’s illustrations match this type of poetry with more texture than detail. Since the book only hints at the scientific details, Sayre includes a couple of pages explaining the contents in more depth and adds her bibliographic sources at the end. Young children will find this book an interesting window into the life of brown bears.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - NOT RECOMMENDED
Bluey and Bingo are practicing the art of romance. They need to clean themselves up, fix their hair, and do their nails. They finish up by eating at a fancy restaurant.
This is a thumbs down book. First of all, why would you write a book about romance for a 1-3 year old? Secondly, they do not even use correct English. Here is the sentence: "And there is nothing more romance than eating in a fancy restaurant". Maybe it's part of the dog thing, but not ok in my book.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Peggy is a little rescue dog adopted by Pie and her family. Peggy is a good dog, but she is still a dog, so she loves to give slobbery kisses, steal underwear, roll in stinky poops, and at the very end, let a stinky dog fart. Even though Peggy is a smelly dog, her family still loves her.
"Smelly Peggy" is a great discussion point for all young children who love puppies. The text asks questions of the readers which children would love to respond to with stories about their own puppies and all the naughty things they have done. The watercolor and crayon illustrations are big and bright and relatable.
Pie is a little red-haired girl living with her mom and dad near the beach. Peggy is their rescue dog.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Little Monster loves her family, but on the first day of school she saw families of multiple children. She wondered why she was the only monster in her home. It made her sad and alone on school photo day to see all the siblings taking photos together. When her dad noticed she was sad, he asked her why. Her dad wisely answered her.
Coyne’s adorably rhymed and illustrated book will wow children and parents. The bright illustrations and creative monsters will keep a child looking across the pages. The message that an only child can feel assured by the love of their family and friends empowers them.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Llewellyn is a small bunny with big dreams. He discovers that having friends, Veera and Jaxx, to share wishes with is even better than wishing alone. Together these small bunnies hope for good things, experiences, and achievements. When a storm comes and wipes out their collection of dreams, how can they keep going? They learn that working together keeps their hopes alive.
Marcero’s illustrations are unique in appearance and help create a soft and safe emotion surrounding the wishes and hopes. I believe she has written an allegory about life itself. We all have wishes and dreams that won't come true and we all face times of hardship and despair, but with love from others we can keep hope alive and remain open to the opportunities around us.
The three little bunnies are different colors; Llewellyn is a boy and the other two are unspecified.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Riding in an old red jeep, Richard and his father take off for a fishing trip in Michigan. His dad lets him drive down a country road while sitting in his lap . They build a tent and fire pit and then head for the stream to fish. Richard is sad when his dad catches two fish, but that all changes when he a last snags his own. They enjoy their evening together eating the fish and watching the sky. Later that year, Richard wishes his father could do the trip again as he misses his presence since he has gone to war.
Richard Jackson, a well-known editor and author tells the sweet memory he had of an ordinary day with his extraordinary father. Floca's beautiful watercolor illustrations emote feelings of family love and joy. The first person narrative draws one into the moment. Both adults and children will relate to this tale of belonging.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Oma does not know our names anymore. She is old and sick. But, Oma used to live in a land far away where there are green papayas. Her family was poor and she could not go to school, but she read when she could. She grew up and had six children and then war came. She loved her children enough to carry them away.
Tran-Davies tells a tremendous personal story of love and sacrifice. It is her voice in this story within a story. It is not poetry, but the wording is beautiful enough to be poetry. The oriental style of illustration by Newland could not be more beautiful.
The main characters are Vietnamese refugees.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Frank and Bean are on the trail of the stinky feet monster. Bean doesn't believe in the stinky feet monster. They are both afraid of what they might find. Along the way, Bean runs into a black and white animal that sprays him with stink, but it wasn't the stinky feet monster. They finally find the monster and he is selling stinky cheese, but is that the smell that scares everyone away?
Children will love the adorably illustrated Frank and Bean. It's just the type of silly adventure that will make them laugh. The sentences are short and many words are repeated, which makes this a great early reader.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
A male and female Canadian geese become attracted to each other and from then on spend all their time together They raise their babies together. Since they have mated for life, they return year after year to the same nesting spot. Tragically, the male becomes ill and dies. The female stays by the body and does not migrate with the rest. The next spring, in her loneliness, she looks for other geese who are also alone as she tries to find a new companion.
The prose in this book feels stilted when read. The story would have been better served if the facts about life partners had been woven smoothly into the narrative. Many of the notes at the end of the book seem redundant and could have been added to the storyline. Anne Hunter's illustrations magnificently portray these majestic animals.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Animals throughout the world stick together for protection. They hold on tight and watch for danger. Parents take special care to observe their surroundings. Adult animals search for a mating partner. These are manifestations of what family means.
The catchy rhyme throughout the book matches the bright and playful illustrations. The story begins and ends with an elephant family to bring the narrative full circle. The Peek-Through sunset adds interest.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
We have given names to groups of animals. Some of the names are unusual like: leap, prickle, raft, and pandemonium. The number of animals starts with 1 and moves to 12. Each animal group enjoys each other's company as they play. A key lists which animals are threatened, vulnerable, or endangered. An Author's note includes a conservation website.
Wenzel's happy animal characters will delight any child and parent. Not only that, but the children will learn the terms given for groups of each animal. The bright, playful illustrations are page turners. While Wenzel rhymes most of the pages, there are a few pages without good rhyme, which gives reason for pause. The afterword and glossary provide added light to the book.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Babies cannot see well to begin with. Bright, contrasting images are fun and help them to see. At 4 months, babies enjoy looking at shapes around them in nature and buildings.
On each page, Franklin takes shapes in nature and compares them with buildings. Then, she uses three simple words to describe the objects. The bright, contrasting colors she uses will help a baby to practice their visual skills.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Walnut, a white-naped crane, was born in a barn. Her handlers treated her kindly, like a baby. Because of this, Walnut imprinted on humans and would have nothing to do with her species. White-naped cranes are endangered and so scientists fought to breed Walnut. Chris Crowe, a scientist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute, spent many years gaining Walnut's trust. Eventually, Walnut allowed him to artificially inseminate her. She had become imprinted on him.
This "Smithsonian Kids" book is fascinating! Pincus teaches about the dangers of imprinting on animals. The end notes well inform the reader about conservation strategies with imprinting. Hearts warm to the beautifully illustrated Walnut. A question and answer section with Chris Crowe at the back of the book answers questions about his career.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Louis, a bear, spilled his milk and his mother showed her frustration. Louis decides to run far, far away. As he begins to leave, he asks his mother, "Will you be sad when I am gone? Mother bear expresses the many ways she will be sad when Louis leaves. She will ask all nature to help find her boy. What will happen when she tells his toys he is gone?
This charming tale gives a child's perspective on a parent's love. The highly detailed and playful illustrations add depth to the story and catch the eye of the reader. Reader's will enjoy the creative way the parent bear empowers her child to decide to stay home.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Hodge and Reczuch show us a variety of baby animals that live on the west coast of the UNited States.
The eyecatcher of this story is the beautiful, lifelike illustrations of each of the animals. Children will fall in love with these creatures as they learn about the names of each baby animal. In small letters, Hodge also gives the species name. It is a delightful read.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
A young boy heads out early in the morning to explore his back yard garden. He finds lots of natural wonders that his imagination turns into great adventures until he is caught and taken back home.
"Giant Steps" contains minimal text leaving the reader to create more depth from the illustrations. Each picture spread contains many small details for the reader and child to discuss and maybe even research. A variety of art methods create dreamlike backgrounds for the almost scientifically detailed insects.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Can you find Gregory on each two-page spread as he visits the creatures in the jungle?
Even as an adult I found this fun to play - I really enjoyed the jungle creatures and sometimes Gregory was tricky to spot.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Ten dinosaurs take us through simple opposites and some different textures. My favorite texture is the iguanodon - no I’m not going to tell you what it is. Fairly basic, but colorful.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Let’s go out into the garden and see what work there is to do today!
WIth flaps to lift and sturdy sliders to move back and forth, it is a fun day out in the garden. Cledhill’s simple, colorful illustrations are a visual treat, too.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Come to the farm and explore the different animals and things to spot the one which is different from the others.
From the title, I thought this was going to be a book about colors - it was not. I didn’t mind that it was a find the difference book, just felt a bit misled. Most pages name the animals, but a couple do not - a slight inconsistency that clunked a bit for me. And the page with the pigs was ambiguous - could make for a fun discussion about reasoning, though. Holtfreter’s book is very colorful - as promised.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
The elephant and its mom are heading tot he bookstore for a chopping trip. They even have a list to keep them on track. Can you find all of the books and other items from the list?
I like the interactive nature of the board book. Keep the shopping list marked so that you can refer back to it on each page. I think this is a great way to train a young reader for a more advance game of matching tiles later on. And who doesn’t love a good bookstore.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Michelle in the Middle
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO:SOME
Here is the perfect addition for teachers of STEM to younger children. Poems about simple tools! Start a discussion about tools, engineering, experiments, and poetry! These poems add a cross subject dimension to STEM units, plus humor, rhymes, and bright silly illustrations.
"Hungry for Engineering: Poems to Gnaw On" is humorous and factual. Teachers trying to introduce these STEM concepts will find these poems to be a great jumping in point. Humor about failed egg drops and not quite perfect experiments will help children learn it's okay to mess up and try again.
"Hungry for Engineering: Poems to Gnaw On" has animals, dragons, people, and inanimate-but-anthropomorphized objects as characters. The humans vary as to gender, age, and race.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Who keeps the buses, subways, and planes running smoothly? It's not just the bus drivers, subways operators, and pilots. It takes a whole crew to keep the transit system safe, repaired, managed, and improving. On one spread, the author asks, with a pair of rhyming couplets, who keeps a specific vehicle going, and then on the next spread, answers with a trio of couplets that introduce other members of the team, such as mechanics, signal maintainers, and air traffic controllers. The colorful, digital illustrations show several examples of each featured vehicle full of passengers followed by a scene with the other team members.
I can imagine young vehicle enthusiasts pouring over the illustrations (each spread contains lots to notice, count, and compare) while enjoying the engaging rhyming rhythm of the text. They will also learn many vehicle-related vocabulary words. However, I don't think they'll be able to access the text on their own, and they may prefer a vehicle book with photographs. The illustration style of this book reminds me of non-fiction books by Gail Gibbons.
P.K. Foster, teacher-librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Orris the rat and Timble the owl are friends. Orris likes to tell his friend stories that he has found, but one night Timble doesn't return. Orris is devastated. He wonders if Timble has deserted him or if something bad has happened.
This is book two in a future trilogy. The writing and art work well together. The story is brief, yet haunting and works on our fears of ending friendships or events we can't control. Timble grows older and bigger and wants to try out his wings. Beautifully written by a master storyteller about friendship, getting lost, coming home, and sharing stories.
Michelle in the Middle
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Eliza, a little school girl, hurries home everyday to her private play house where she imagines a fairy world. She has built a Fairy Door, and one day she is pulled through by the flower fairies' magic. Eliza delights in the beauty of their land but doesn't understand the boundaries and creates a rift into Strangleweed Swallow. Eliza must visit Witch Hazel to repair the damage she has done. Can she do it quickly enough to save her new fairy friend, Poppy?
"Fairy Door Diaries" is a wonderful first chapter book for little girls in love with the pretend world of fairies. Exactly the land a girl would imagine, filled with adventure and danger, and friends who help us be brave, this gorgeously illustrated book is a great first chapter book for developing readers.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Grayson lives in a big brick house with his two dads. He loves having chocolate chip pancakes with his dads on Saturdays and reading bedtime stories together. Grayson's life will never be the same when his two dads decide to get a divorce. Will he ever get used to his new life split between two homes?
With colorful illustrations and a minimal amount of words, Once Upon My Dads' Divorce may help those going through a similar situation. Included in the back is a Reader's Note with tips from a psychologist about how to help children cope with divorce. This book offers answers and reassurance to children who are going through this difficult time.
Grayson is white. One of his dads is black and the other is white.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
On Muhamad's seventh birthday, he is given a salat rug to use for his daily prayers. He washes his face and hands before he prays. Muhammad takes his salat rug to school the next day for his prayers, but he is afraid others will not accept him if they see him at prayer. He watches his father stop and pray at the appointed times without being embarrassed by what others think. Muhamad wishes he could be brave also. That night, his father lets him practice praying with him on the city streets. It gives him courage to live what he has been taught.
Bigelow teaches about the Muslim tradition of salat while demonstrating the anxiety faced by children as they learn to follow the faith of their fathers. Aly is able to show Muhamad's emotions in his brightly colored illustrations. The Muslim terms at the end of the book help the reader to better understand the story. It is a great book to teach others about the Muslim faith.
Muhamad is Muslim.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
It was a normal day for Michael until his mother grabbed him, sewed gold buttons into his coat, and sent him away with neighbors. That is when he began to have no words. He walked across a dessert for what seemed months. Michael arrived at a safe place with those who had survived the walk. Still there were no words. Michael grew up and had his own family. For many years, there were no words.
This sweet story of family love, as viewed from the eyes of a child who experienced the Armenian genocide that started in 1915, reminds us that many people cannot find words to express traumatic events. Actual family histories from both the author and the illustrator echo the current need of millions of refugees around the world. The author includes a website that provides information on how to help refugees. It is obvious a lot of love went into the telling of this story.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
A little bunny becomes lost. He looks up and down and in and out and around. His listens. He meets a new friend. He finds that lost can be a finding. He learns to let go of the lost feeling and finds joy.
Loftin tries to teach children not to be afraid of being lost, both physically and emotionally. But, I found the advice given a bit dangerous as the bunny searches the area and finds a friend and "lets go" of the lost feeling. A better option would have been to teach the child to stay put and hold on to things that he knows and have faith that he would be found. The illustrations are beautiful.
MOMMAC
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Three little friends set off on a "Fairy Walk" through the woods next to their house. They are looking for fairies, of course. They have all their fairy hunting equipment and supplies, as well as, their faithful dog. They find wonders of nature galore, but where are the fairies?
"Fairy Walk" has very limited text. The greatness of this book lies in its illustrations. There are hidden fairies and animals, including a ladybug, on every page. Sharing the misty dream world created by Cornwall is what will engage children as they peruse the details of each scene. The three children on the "Fairy Walk" are a white girl, a black girl, and a tan-skinned girl.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Rachel Carson always loved nature. Her whole life, she wrote about what she saw, heard, and felt in the outdoors. As a child, she explored the woods. As a student, she loved the Atlantic coast. When she got older, she combined her love of science, nature, and writing and published a book to try to protect nature and warn people about pesticides.
The end pages include an author's note, biographical timeline, glossary, and information about how to be a naturalist like Carson. " The best part of this book is the pictures. The illustrations are colorful and dynamic. Every few pages there is a quote from Carson. I thought they took away from the narrative, and the language would be hard to understand for children.
Rachel Carson and her family are white.
Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Rachel and her cousin pay to ride an elephant in their native Burma. When Rachel sees the old elephant's injured feet, she remembers how important it is to respect animals. After she wins the coveted Purim crown at her Jewish synagogue celebration, Rachel comes up with a plan to help the elephant.
This story is inspired by Kierzenblat's mother, who grew up in Burma in the 1950s. I liked learning about the Jewish concept of compassion toward animals. The message of this book is of compassion and taking action when you believe in something.
The characters are illustrated with brown skin.
Rachel, Elementary library specialist
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A fox hunts, plays, watches, and lives an ordinary and fascinating life. Colorful poetry and illustrations work together to paint a picture of a fox living in a semi-urban area.
Kids love animal books, and this will likely be no exception. I plan to use this book when I teach students about poetry. The illustrations help the poem to come alive.
Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Mama stick bug is going to teach her 6 little stick bug babies how to hide. But, oh no! Now the little stick bugs are disappearing one at a time. Can you help mama stick bug find her babies?
Such a cute counting book! Kids will no doubt love to spot the adorable hiding stick bugs on each page. The end includes 6 facts about stick bugs and 6 more camouflaging insects to find in the book.
Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Hummingbird is finishing her nest. She is preparing for her time to lay her eggs, when all is threatened by wildfire. Hummingbird knows she is small but has to try to save her home. Elephant is inspired by Hummingbird's efforts and joins in fighting the flames. The other animals realize that their combined efforts may be able to make a difference and join as well. The animals all learn that if everyone does what they can, great results can be achieved.
The Littlest Drop" is a beautiful picture book that reads well. The illustrations are vivid and filled with movement. The storyline moves with emotion and urgency. It is a retelling of a South American fable that was retold over and over by Wangari Maathai, the first African woman and first environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
This story is set in Africa, and the characters are the animals of the savannah and forest. The Hummingbird is a mother, and the Elephant is a grandmother; honoring the matriarchal role of wisdom and leadership.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - GIFT
APPEALS TO: MANY
To Build A Tree is an interactive guide to trees where you build your very own model of an oak tree with 15 press-out play animals, while learning about the crucial role trees play on our planet. The reader will learn about why trees are important, trees through the seasons, animals that use trees as habitats, threats to trees, and more.
Build A Tree is a clever and interactive way to encourage children to learn and care about trees. They will eagerly love putting the model tree together with adult help as it is complex. The information is great for nature lovers and budding conservationists, but not of primary interest to the children.
PGPowers
