BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Maclear gives us many different, and highly original ways to be still when you are in need of some slow time.
Ready for nap time? Get this out for your little friends and read to them as they drift off to sleep. Make sure you pause frequently to allow them time to imagine the imaginings that Maclear invokes. Or sit quietly together in a gib pile and admire Suisak’s evocative illustrations.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Three animal friends are excited to get to work when they need to get out their equipment and clear the snow - so that they can then play in it, of course!
I admire their delight in seeing the snow and their work ethic as they get to clearing it. Whether you get snow in your town or not, someone will enjoy reading about it.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
WHen his aunt Morgana gives him a dragon egg before his eighth birthday, Prince Griffin needs to keep it secret, because his Queen mother is allergic to magical creatures. As Griff falls more and more attached to his quickly growing new friend he has to figure out a way to get his mother to let him keep him - he just has to!
The old-fashioned tone to Smith’s illustrations are a lovely backdrop for her story about a prince and a dragon. A dash of heroics and courage and a delightful book for dragon lovers of all ages.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Everyone knows Jack O’Lantern. He has the scariest face and he is the best at spooking the trick-o-treaters in line. But Jack has a younger brother, Jeff O’Lantern. Jeff has a friendly smile and kind eyes. Does he have to live up to Jack’s scary reputation, or can he find his own path this Halloween?
A sweet story about individuality and self-acceptance from the American Psychological Association, Jeff O’Lantern is flat-out adorable. It’s basically a Pixar short film in picture book format. The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching, and kids are going to eat this up during the spooky season.
Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
In his 4th adventure, Hank is impatiently waiting for Christmas. So impatiently that his friends are trying to distract him by having him help Santa’s elves finish the last minute gift wrapping. Hank may be a good helper, but he does have some ideas of his own.
Hank’s wry attitude is hilarious as always. Full of Christmas-y chaos with Hank’s auspicious nature at the end for good measure.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Dragon Dog may have been created as a mistake, but he is the fiercest beast in the forest. But Dandelion the sheep can only see his fluffiness and the fierceness doesn’t bother her at all. When Dandelion’s flock is threatened, its Dragon Dog to the rescue.
Dragon Dog really is so fluffy that it is hard to take him seriously as being fierce - even though he proves time and again. But all I want is a fluffy dog/dragon stuffie just like him.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
When Lulu’s grandma tries to tell a story, it is usually very short and boring. Tonight's story is about a pumpkin; Lulu decides that it is time to help grandma liven things up.
I enjoyed the little girl working kindly with her grandma on crafting a more interesting story. Help your elementary students with story craft and wordsmithing by reading this aloud.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G ; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) EL (4-6), MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY
The National Baseball Hall of Fame published an activity book all about – you’ve guessed it – baseball. Organized into nine themed sections, one for each inning in a game, the reader gets tidbits of baseball trivia along with a ton of fun activities like mazes, crosswords, coloring pages, word scrambles, and more.
This activity book is perfect for your budding baseball enthusiast. I learned some fun sports trivia that I didn’t know before and the activities look engaging for the upper elementary / younger teen age group. There is not much use for this activity book in the classroom library, but could be a fun addition to a doctor’s waiting room or indoor recess/rainy day kit.
Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
When a new dinosaur moves into Penelope’s school, Penelope is pretty sure she doesn’t like this at all. Especially since the human kids start treating the dinosaurs as if they are exactly the same and Patty Topps seems to do many things much better than Penelope can. Penelope isn’t sure she can adjust to this kid in her class.
Penelope tackles bigger issues of jealousy and identity in her latest adventure. While not quite the same level of humor of the other books, I still love her.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Splish is usually ready for anything, but today brings a whole slew of challenges. Can Splish navigate through all of them successfully?
Highly visual, short, but entertaining.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED
Follow a boy as he packs up Halloween and gets ready for the next holiday.
I did not like the rhyming scheme of the text and from there it just went downhill. One page talks about going to pick out your turkey - showing live turkeys - which any savvy kid knows has to be killed and plucked. And the twist of confusing one holiday for another didn’t help matters. I already feel bad for Thanksgiving because it doesn’t have many fun picture books and it is usually overlooked in the run from Halloween to Christmas.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Thompson gives us many different words for “sleep” in his board book.
I like the variety of colors for each page and the extensive vocabulary. I think little ones will enjoy looking at the different animals. Otherwise, it is a tame board book.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EK (K-3) - EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Tony is not only a dinosaur, he is also a life coach. And he has seven tips for being a better person. Or maybe they are seven tips to help him catch you and eat you. You be the judge.
Good advice and hilarity. I would love to debate with a class the merits of each tip.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Each page has one alphabet letter in a tactile tracing form, both upper and lower case. The page also has an illustration (F is for fox) and a flap to lift with a surprise extension.
I really love the traceable letters! Because there are so many pages, the flaps are lighter than normally expected, so keep an eye on little hands.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Count the five types of baby animals as you reveal them on each page.
I like the variety of forest creatures here. I wish the author had used both sides of the pull tabs, though.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
MacLean celebrates the creatures and happenings in the dark of the night and in the dark places of our world.
The dreamy, moody illustrations are worth exploring on their own in their dark inspired color palette. More a celebration of the dark and its wonders.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Accinetti, supported by Zaffaroni, takes us from the surface of the ocean down to its deepest depths, meeting a few of the animals that inhabit each zone along the way.
The text is advanced enough that it works best for older students. Even though it looks like a picture book, it is rich in information about the different oceanic spheres.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Christmas can never be too big or too much for Cheese. The more the better as far as he is concerned. After a washing machine mishap, however, the party is moved over to Wedge’s house, where it is much different from what Cheese had in mind. Can he enjoy himself anyways?
Whew! There is a lot of book here. Cheese’s energy is quite over the top and fills a lot of the story. In fact, even after Wedge’s party, Cheese doesn’t seem to get the point. While cute, Cheese's ultimate behavior contradicts the point.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
WHen Beginning and Middle start arguing about which part of the book is most important, a disgruntled End walks out on them. Now the two others are left to contemplate a book without an End.
Watching and listening to Beginning and Middle argue and then panic is hilarious! Burgerman anthropomorphizes them skillfully. The illustrations feel just right.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
McAnulty and Chou team up to bring us an ABC board book all about things important to Earth.
Most pages have 3 or 4 letters on them - understandable in the board book format. Cute, but not a lot to dig into.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Meet all sorts of tractors and farming equipment.
The illustrations are fun to look at - tractors and doggy drivers are a sure hit. I know my grandson will like looking at every page. The words are highly expressive - those with honed drama skills will enjoy it a lot.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Luna, a wolf and the other Spooky Scouts are ready for their big campout. But tonight is a full moon and Luna is worried that her embarrassing secret will be exposed.
Okay, I really did love the book a lot. The other Spooky Scouts are great about accepting Luna and sharing their own secrets. BUT if Luna is a werewolf, shouldn’t she be human most of the time and then turn into a wolf during the full moon? I don’t see that being wolfish most of the time would make you a good candidate for the Spooky Scouts. But I can accept the logical fallacy and enjoy the book for what it is.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
The little mouse wakes up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep. The older mouse starts to tell a story, but any time the little mouse thinks it might turn scary, it interrupts with a nicer version. WHen the little mouse confesses that it doesn’t like to be scared, the older mouse talks about the thrill it feels when things are a bit scary.
I loved that I could see what the young mouse was trying to do by redirecting the story and that the older mouse helps alleviate its fears, without being didactic. Don’t even tell kids about the “lesson”. They will understand, no problem.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
This story-bereft board book is mildly Halloween adjacent. While the illustrations feel within the Eric Carle style, I need more than a couple of pages of Boo! to make this worthwhile.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Meet Cristiano Rinaldo, soccer superstar.
Young fans of soccer and rinaldo in particular will enjoy this short, but well-written, beginning biography.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Twin giraffes Rafi and Rita are teasing each other about which of them is the tallest.
The twins’ bickering is charming. I had a great time reading this aloud to our Resource kids.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/fDcyhWd7_aiy_ohHqY2FsQ
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Bear finds a delicious looking chocolate chip cookie and wonders who it belongs to. He feels sorry for the cookie and is very tempted to eat it himself. Will he give in to temptation or will he do the right thing and find the owner?
It's Not My Cookie has a funny but fairly predictable plot. It teaches a good lesson about not taking things that don't belong to us. The expressions on the animal's faces are hilarious and the illustrations are eye-catching but don't have a lot of detail. Definitely a good book for preschool-1st graders!
Tracie, Elementary School Librarians
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Chasing the Moon is a captivating Journey through the Moon's mysteries and magic. The reader will learn about our connection with the moon through historical legends and ideas. Learn about the phases of the moon and how it affects the Earth's tides, plants, and animals.
Chasing the Moon explores the Moon through beautiful illustrations and stories. It's a spellbinding treat for anyone obsessed with all things celestial and lunar.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Santa’s farm is busy getting ready for Christmas delivery and everyone is on hand to help.
A sweet remake of the Old MacDonald classic. The illustrations are a delight to explore, while the new words are fairly simple in nature.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Where are the five little ghosts disappearing to? Momma Ghost had better figure it out!
I love that Nosy Crow has figured out how to use both sides of tabs and sliders. And the story is short and cute and fun for my little friends to interact with.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
An elderly man receives a call one day saying that he has been picked for an Honor Flight - trip to Washington D.C. to see the war memorials and other sites along with other vets. Everything has been paid for, including a personal escort for each veteran.
A lovely book and a great companion to Gottesfeld and Tavares’ Twenty-One Steps Have it on hand for any military celebration day.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
WHen the family plans a trip to Peru, Pog, one of their guinea pigs, decides to tag along so that she can visit the land of her ancestors. When Pickle, Pog’s mate, finds her gone, he heads off in pursuit, for a bigger adventure than he could have imagined.
Definitely silly, sharp-eyed kids may have questions about all of the coincidences. Or they can lean into it and enjoy the silliness. There is a lot to look at on each page, too.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
The inventor has created a FrankenKitty and now he is blaming every spooky happening and every slimy thing on the kitty - unfair!
Check out the gorgeous endpapers. And a neat little twist right at the end. Whether you want to blame Kitty or defend him, you will have lots of Halloween creepy things to gaze at on every page.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
The children are headed to the barn on Old MacSpooky’s Farm. Before they can celebrate, they have several obstacles to bypass.
So much fun! The author took care to match the words and rhymes to the original song I will have to work on a spookier voice, however, when I read this one aloud. My absolute new favorite Halloween remake!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Meet five familiar sights of Halloween and hear their sounds in this board book.
I know my grandchildren will delight in pushing the buttons to make the sounds. Parents - there is an on/off switch on the back! The words are simple, but it is the sounds that carry the weight.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Pull the tabs and find a goal and the picture with some counting to do for each page of the board book. Both sides of each tab are put to use, plus the pages have some see-thru elements. A fun one to pair read.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL GIFT - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Briar has called to be a hero and find the Jewel of Everlasting Life and save everything living in the Enchanted Forest. But she needs our help to find her way. Spread out the map, grab the dice, and help her along the way.
Because you need to cut out the map and the Briar figurine, I can’t recommend this for a school library, unless you already check out board games or puzzles to your students. But it would make a great gift for young ones in a family that likes role-playing games and Dungeons and Dragons.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Alex found a dragon and now he is trying to find anyone to help him with its care and feeding.
I love that Alex decided to write letters for help instead of calling, texting, or emailing. Because the book does include letters that could be lost, you will have to cross your fingers (and maybe keep copies of the letters on hand to replace them if lost).
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Vegara give us a succinct, but measured look at the life of Shakespeare. I am always amazed at how well she distills the lives she writes about. Were I a 1st or 2nd grade teacher, I would pair this with other books in the series about authors.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Using colors and instructions, a little one moves their fingers in different ways on the pages.
While the back says it is for ages 10 months and up, a ten month old will need a lot of help to figure out what the book wants them to do. I do like that it works on coordination skills.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Five pull tabs on five pages have a little one counting animals up to five, with a little surprise ending.
Cute illustrations and sturdy tabs - I would have to try really hard to bend them, which means my grandson will also have a hard time!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
The simple board book gives the reader one verse of the Old Macdonald song. The cut-out tabs give other ideas for other animal based verses.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
The witch has great Halloween surprises planned for all of her friends.
Wow! Dext packs a lot of sliding interaction into this board book. Every slider has something - on the front and the back. That’s not as common as you might think for pull-tabs!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Claire and her mother tour a cathedral on a rainy day. Claire couldn't be more bored. As Claire's mother looks through the cathedral, Claire mopes. Then she sees a stained glass window that is breathtakingly colorful. She starts to see and hear the beauty that is all around her.
Claire and the Cathedral is an enchanting wordless book. The illustrations are intricately drawn in black and white. Splashes of color are purposefully placed throughout the book. Claire and the Cathedral would provoke a great discussion as to why wordless books can be so powerful.
Claire is around 5 or 6 and presumably white.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Poppy is so excited to sleep over at G-Pa and Mimi's house for the first time ever. She'll bake bread and gather pinecones and read all the books her mother used to read. But Home isn't excited. While Poppy is on her big adventure, Home misses Poppy and feels hollow and Echoey. Mom and Dad miss Poppy. Will Poppy start to miss Home too?
Homesick's heartfelt take on a child's first sleepover is very innovative by representing the house as a person with feelings. I enjoyed the yellow colors showing excitement in the illustrations, and the blue showing sadness.
PGPowers
