BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Whirby is a young robot that loves competing in bot battles. On the night before an important battle, Whirby is so excited that he practices all night instead of climbing into his charging base.
Whirby is a great intro into talking to kids about bedtime routines and the importance of sleep. The story is told in an engaging way with very colorful pictures. Whirby would make a great read aloud. The students could compare their bedtime routine to Whirby's. (Like going to bed instead of plugging into a charging base)
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Frank the fox and Bert the bear love soccer. Bert mostly has trouble playing; his ball always lands in the wrong place. Frank hopes he can help Bert.
Frank and Bert are up to their humorous antics in "The one where Bert Plays Soccer," celebrating friendship and heart. I love Naylor's simple quirky illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
William Shakespeare from the Little People, Big Dreams series tells the journey of the famous playwright and poet. It covers Shakespeare's life, from his childhood to his rise as a celebrated writer.
William Shakespeare is a perfect simple overview for young children with interesting illustrations to help them visualize the time period. I liked the extra facts, and biographical timeline in the back-matter.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Oprah Winfrey, Little People, Big Dreams, chronicles her journey from poverty to becoming a global icon. It highlights Oprah's early life in Mississippi and Tennessee, her determination in landing a television news job at nineteen, and her groundbreaking television show.
Oprah Winfrey is inspiring for young readers, and focuses on empathy, ambition, and the power of dreaming big. I liked the extra facts and timeline in the back matter.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
What happens when you make a mistake but you are afraid to make it right? A boy and his elephant are playing when the elephant knocks over the boy's tower of blocks. The elephant thinks of how to get out of it before saying he is sorry. Will the boy forgive him?
How to Say You're Sorry is a great book about explaining what it feels like to make a mistake. I like how Calmenson goes through the different feelings we experience when we feel sorry. The text rhymes and there are only a few sentences per page.
The boy is presumably white.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Maya's class is asked to draw something inspired by nature. Maya loves to draw, and spends all evening drawing, painting, and gluing. When her classmates don’t quite understand her vision, it is a great way to talk about the different ways we all see the world.
Maya's World is a colorful, vibrant story that celebrates self-expression and imagination. Readers are encouraged to explore their creativity and share their ideas with confidence.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Eleanor loved the outdoors and wild things in her own quiet way, but there was something wild in her waiting to come out. One morning the outside came in. She became noisy, free, and wilder than she was supposed to be.
Martin beautifully expresses a timeless message about little ones unleashing their inner "wild" and encouraging their budding imagination and unique individuality. Martin's illustrations are sweet and beautiful.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
In 1954, Hope Black, Mary Gilham, Susan Ingham, and Isobel Bennet were the first female scientists to join an Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition. These scientists each observed different species such as penguins, Southern elephant seals, and seabirds. Their research is still in use today.
McGeachin celebrates four pioneering women scientists, and encourages others to make observations around them. I liked their field-note-style watercolor illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Lou and her friends decide to play pirates. One of the kids wants to use a tree as the pirate ship. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. She comes up with reasons for not joining them. Finally she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree.
The Thing Lou Couldn't Do is a fun story about facing fears, and the idea that trying is what matters even if you fail. Spires' illustrations are expressive, quirky, and delightful.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A black family builds their own home after the abolition of slavery. They plant a pecan tree seed. Their family roots and dreams take hold, and so does the pecan tree. But hate and oppression burn down their house and branches of the pecan tree are broken. Can they weather historical challenges and keep their family growing strong?
Where They Gather is a story of hope and resilience through generations. I liked Law’s bold artwork, and the pecan tree as the central symbol of their growth and endurance.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Reading the story one way tells you that whales are the best. Read it either way around, however, and you are convinced that otters are the best. Which animal do you think is better?
The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story is a clever, interactive tale that explores perspective by using the exact same text to tell two entirely different stories depending on which direction you read it. Biggs' illustrations are expressive and humorous.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Dad and Mom are excited to go back home to their Caribbean island to see everyone. The two young children say that it's not their home. The family flies to the Island, and there are lots of people who look like them, but will the young children feel like this is their home too?
When We Go Home is a touching and warmhearted story that explores what it means to belong to two cultures. I enjoyed the rich, vibrant art by Natali de Mello.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Rocket gets to go to the moon today. When Rocket realizes that she won’t actually be walking on the moon, though, she is very disappointed. Can Rocket get over her disappointment and help Lander learn how to fly down to the moon?
Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams is a cute story exploring friendship, overcoming fears, and managing disappointment.
Magoon's illustrations are fun and engaging.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Wee Unicorn feels like she doesn’t fit in. She is loud, small, and can’t do magic. But one day she meets a monster living in the loch who is misunderstood too. Together, they discover that being different is not something to hide.
A cute story with a great message and fun, bright illustrations.
A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
All the animals in the forest play hide-and- seek. Bunny counts while everyone else hides. Soon she has found all the animals except bear. How could the biggest animal be so hard to find?
Where is Bear? is a cute rhythmic tale with charming storybook illustrations by Gorbachev. Children will be eager to join in this playful search for the missing Bear.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Count the jungle animals as you trundle through the forest on the safari truck.
The train stretches out into a stand-up toy. Just think if the wheels actually rolled. but still a lot of fun.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Sloths are known for loving sleep, but have you ever wondered why they are so sleepy? Marty the sloth tells us that it is because sloths love to party. Sloths celebrate everything they can think of and each day of the week. They party all night long dressed up all fancy with food and games. In the morning, can you think of another party they start?
Sloths Love Parties is a joyous, humorous story. Talib's vibrant illustrations are full of colorful fun and jungle party antics.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
A cute, big, grey elephant knocks over his friend's blocks. What do you do when something you've done really upsets someone? Do you blame it on someone else? Do You hide or run away? Or can you be brave and stay where you are and say I'm sorry. Will the other person forgive you?
How to Say You're Sorry is very relatable and sparks conversations about apologies and patience. I enjoyed McNeill's soft, mixed media illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
As you meet a wide variety of animals, each of them has a colorful body part to show off.
I really enjoyed how Prasadam-Halls rhymed the color with the animals’ first names. And Underwood’s illustrations are the right flash of fun and bright.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Follow the animals through this counting book to the surprise at the end.
Interestingly, Prasadam-Halls does not start on one - two is the lucky first number. Underwood’s illustrations are bright and easy to count.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
As Bear is desperately trying to get to sleep, Goose is wide awake and looking for fun.
The miscommunication between the two neighbors is pretty funny.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
A young Chinese American girl helps her immigrant father navigate the roads at night as they deliver take-out orders from their Chinese restaurant. As they drive around town, her father shares his experiences coming to America as a teenager & the little girl comes to better understand the sacrifices her father went through for her and their family.
It's not often that a picture book makes me cry, but this one did. Both the author and illustrator made a note in the back of the book detailing how their own experiences influenced this work, which made it all the more touching. I think this is an important picture book to have in your classroom library because of how it humanizes the immigrant experience, for this young girl and also for the reader. I found it to be full of heart and a text that could pair very nicely with any other immigrant/refugee experience.
Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Little ghost gets an invitation to a birthday party. He loves Halloween parties, but has never been to a birthday party. Anya talks him into going. He liked the birthday part of the party, but he wasn't good at any of the games. Little ghost decides to have his own birthday party, but it is summer, and he only likes bats, black cats, and candy corn. Halloween and summer just don't mix. He finally gives up on the birthday idea. But then Anya surprises him.
Little Ghost's Summerween is a warm and funny exploration of identity, friendship, and problem solving skills. Willis' illustrations are expressive and charming.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Father Hedgehog is a reporter for the newspaper and hoping to find a good story today. Little hedgehog is excited to spend the day on a summer adventure. His father reminds him about the rules. Don't talk to strangers, don't lose my bag, and never cross the river alone. While little Hedgehog is playing by the river, he sees that a baby owl has fallen out of its nest across the river and a big bear is creeping towards it. What can little Hedgehog do to help the baby bird without breaking the rules?
Read All About It! is a heartwarming story about speaking up and daring to make a difference. Motzo's watercolor and ink illustrations are fun and interesting.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
As Digger is digging away, as he does, he realizes that digging no longer makes him happy. So he decides to go up! Which isn’t exactly as exciting as he thought it would be. How will this little digger find home?
A cute story about the grass being greener (or is it) somewhere else. Digger is very cute. It would be great as a board book. - with wheels!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY
Join a girl and her dog as they go about the city, collecting sounds and discovering there is music in everything.
This stunning picture book is a treasure trove of delights. First of all, the author & illustrator cleverly camouflaged several musical instruments & musical notation within the story, so it is a fun exercise to find them on each page. Secondly, I love the word play and emphasis on how the words sound as part of the storytelling. It’s such a great way to introduce word choice in ELA and in such a beautiful package. Lastly, I think this would be a great read-aloud for your music teachers. I love all the layers to this picture book. I’m obsessed!
Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Sheep are herd animals. They all do the same things everyday. They eat, sleep, poop and watch the train go by. But, not Scout. He is different.
Great illustrations. It is fun to try and find what Scout is doing differently on each page.
A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Small Knight and Tiny Bear go on an adventure to explore a cave filled with crystals. But when Small Knight wakes the next morning to discover Tiny Bear is missing, everything changes. During the search, Small Knight accidentally knocks over a jar, releasing Anxiety Monster, who had been trapped inside. To find Tiny Bear, Small Knight must learn how to confront their worries and fears. Along the way, Small Knight discovers that understanding anxiety can sometimes be more helpful than trying to battle it.
Wonderful pen, ink and watercolor illustrations. The story offers a gentle, thoughtful look at anxiety and emotional resilience in a way that is accessible for young readers.
Small Knight is white.
A. Snow, Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
The Moon King captured the legendary Starbird as a gift for his daughter. When the girl saw how sad Starbird was, she released it - and enraged Moon King who vowed to follow Starbird to the ends of the earth to recapture it.
I am enamored with King-Chai’s illustrations! Some pages are a seek-and-find as Starbird hides from the Moon King at night. King-Chai was written and illustrated a lovely new fable.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Lucien is a little boy who is very frequently worried about when things change: new food, new friends, new school, etc. In fact, he would be happy if he could always stay safe and secure in his room and nothing would ever change again. But that all changes for him when he meets a magical animated fire ember named Seraphin who shows him the wonders of the natural world through all the different seasons. Maybe change isn’t so bad?
I liked how Lucian demonstrated his character growth over the year as he explores the world with Seraphin. The colorful illustrations were wondrous and magical. I think it will resonate well with younger readers, but I don’t think the upper elementary grades will like it as much.
Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Toco, the toucan is searching for a home. He finds a beautiful tree and draws up plans for a treehouse. As he starts building, more and more toucans arrive to help. The new toucans don't look at Toco's plans or listen to his ideas. Will Toco ever get the treehouse that he wanted?
Readers get an intriguing story and learn valuable lessons with this book. Too Many Toucans teaches the great lesson of standing up for what you want. There are even tips in the back to teach children assertiveness and respectful disagreement. With its combination of bright pictures and interesting text, Too Many Toucans would make a great read aloud!
Trace, Elementary School Librarian
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Children are happy on the inside and outside. Many little things all day fill up a child's cup, such as playing with a puppy, dancing in the rain, planting a seed, swimming, swinging, jumping, and much more. What little things make you happy?
Happy All Over is a cute and joyful, rhyming story that celebrates the small, everyday moments of happiness. I loved Quay's calligraphic and watercolor illustrations tied together with colorful raindrop and cup motifs.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
The animal neighbors of Acorn Village are gearing up for a cozy summer day full of their favorite activities. From gardening, to picnicking, to floating down the river, join the Acorn Village families for the best summer day ever!
The illustrations are the biggest selling point in this book. There are so many fun activities happening on each page, I think your younger readers will just enjoy finding each character on the page and what they are doing on this fine summer day. The story is fine, nothing groundbreaking. My one complaint is how the author uses capitalization in the book. Capitalization is for proper nouns and beginning of sentences, not just Any Random Thing. But that isn’t going to distract your readers, just picky ELA teachers.
Kiera, ELA Teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Bear is on top of the world! He is so proud to be soaring in a hot-air balloon all by himself. He calls down hello to his friends Fox and Hare as he flies by. He sees his sisters climbing a tall tree. They want him to climb with them. He sees Goat and other friends all wanting him to do things with them. He says no to all because Bear has a secret. How will he get down?
Bear in the Air is a fun story about feeling independent and knowing when to ask for help. MIn's illustrations are colorful and delightful.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Gorsuch (the Supreme Court Justice) gives us a new look at the events leading up to, during, and after the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The book is quite text heavy - I can’t see a teacher reading all of it aloud in one sitting. My personal favorite part is looking into what happened to some of the signers during the revolution and a bit afterwards - stories I don’t remember hearing before.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
After a long winter sleep, Bear wakes up with only one thing on his mind: honey! Alas, it is too soon for honey, so Bear must wait. It’s hard to be patient, but fortunately, the world around him is also waking up, reminding him of other things he loves—like warm grass, berries, rain to dance in, and a creek to swim in. Then, one day, he hears a welcome buzzing sound. Is it finally time for honey?
Stein celebrates the joy of savoring something you love, and encourages learning to be patient. Stein's illustrations are adorable.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Teeny, short for Valentina, has always been the smallest one in her class. Her old classmates used to bully her for it. Now she is starting at a new school and she is very nervous. When the tallest kid Teeny has ever seen comes up to her, will history repeat itself or will Teeny make a new friend?
This is a sweet story about making unexpected friends. I liked the opposites-attract friendship and how Teeny adapts to her new classroom. I think it would be a great book to have in your classroom library, especially for easing new students into your school. However, it's too wordy for a comfortable read-aloud text. I think the illustrations are fun and inviting, though.
Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Old MacDonald called the police to come and investigate a disturbance on his farm. MacDonald shows officer Busby the faces painted on his cabbages, the duck's corn dumped in the lake, pizza delivered to the goats, mustaches painted on the cows, hats on the chickens, and more. Who could be doing all of this to the animals on his farm and why?
The Case of Old MacDonald and His Farm is an enjoyably silly whodunit mystery. I especially loved Teague's outstanding humorous illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
COme along and meet several flora or fauna and read about the big stinks they bring to the world.
Chen’s illustrations are a real draw for avid picture book gazers. The non-fiction information on each page, though, is short, so i don’t think it will an older reader’s attention as an information source.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
The chicken is discontented with its chicken life, reminiscing the days when they were dinosaurs. Chicken decides that though they are no longer a dino in fact, they can still be a dino at heart.
Lyall includes a little back matter to explain the evolution from dinosaur to chicken, too. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the “You are Awesome” style of picture book.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL
Our nameless protagonist sees herself as a great artist, but that self-image is tested when her grandfather gets a new bird named Vera with some serious artistic skill. As a result, the young granddaughter considers hanging up her artist’s cap forever, until Vera the bird shows her that there is more than enough room in the world for all kinds of artists.
I adored this picture book about an artist who finds herself in competition with a talented bird. I thought the different artistic styles represented were fun, e.g. sculpture, paper art, mosaic, pencil, etc. I could see it being used in an art class as a read-aloud. I also loved the overall message that everyone can be an artist.
Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
A modern day indigenous Cree family invites the reader to travel along the river to a special place on the shore, where we'll meet and visit with people for hours and days, talking about good things and bad, rejoicing in our good fortune and celebrating our achievements. We'll speak to our ancestors, and build a fire and feast. How can we protect these wonderful gathering places?
The Great Gathering Place introduces the reader to Indigenous concepts and teachings. I enjoyed the sacred, colorful illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Generations of her family learned to ride the waves on that surfboard, but Lana loses it one day to an unlucky wave. Instead of scorn from her family, she finds love and understanding and learns how to let go. Meanwhile, the surfboard is only beginning its new journey.
For being from Colorado, Feagan does a great job of evoking the islands through her story and illustrations. She creates a harmony between Lana finding forgiveness from her family and the journey and uses the old surfboard experiences. While great for any ocean edge library, I think landlocked kids will also enjoy.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Molly may be a pig, but she lives in the trees in the jungle doing all of the monkey things in all of the money ways. Then Norman the head monkey calls an important monkey gathering. Will Pig be exposed as a monkey imposter?
Aaron’s pig and monkeys are a fun nonsense book. While there might be a “lesson” within, I only wanted to enjoy the silly pig and the monkeys that welcomed it in.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME
Award-winning poet Mary Oliver’s beautiful poem Goldfinches is brought to life with the stunning mixed-media artwork of Melissa Sweet.
The cover caught my eye initially, because of that gorgeous pink color. I was pleased to see Mary Oliver’s work at the heart of this picture book. I think it’s a great way to help students learn to access poetry, by pairing it with illustrations. I loved the artwork - the illustrations are vibrant, but also mimic the format of a nature journal, which is perfect for the poem’s topic. I loved the poem too. Like all of Mary Oliver’s work, it’s simple, yet meaningful. I could see this being used at every level (elementary, middle, & high school) to teach poetry in a different way. However, I do think it’s a book that adults will like more than kids.
Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes
