Snow Problem and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli - OPTIONAL

Snow Problem and Other Stories (Earl and Worm) by Greg Pizzoli, 69 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Knopf (Random), 2025. $11. 9780593649749

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

It’s Earl’s birthday and Worm has surprises for him. Unfortunately, something seems to go wrong during each phase of the plan. Worm is definitely the Eeyore of the pair - Worm sees everything through a negative lens. Thankfully Earl is patient and forgiving.

While I agree that friends don’t have to match, I don’t know why one has to be negative to the other’s positive. They can be different in some other way.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Shuri Takes Control by Terrance Crawford and Dave Bardin - OPTIONAL

Shuri Takes Control (Marvel After-School Heroes) by Terrance Crawford, illustrated by Dave Bardin. CHAPTER BOOK. Simon, 2025. $18 (HC); $6 (PB). 9781665963770

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Shuri heads to the Stark Center to hang with Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, but the Ringmaster has taken over their minds. Can Shuri evade the villain and save her friends?

A nice choice for 2nd, 3rd graders who are becoming independent readers, especially in paperback.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Big Mess and Other Stories (Earl and Worm #2) by Greg Pizzoli - OPTIONAL

The Big Mess and Other Stories (Earl and Worm #2) by Greg Pizzoli, 70 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Knopf (Random), 2025. $11. 9780593649701

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

Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen - ADVISABLE

Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen, 88 pages (CHAPTER BOOK). Candlewick, 2025. $18. 9781536201420

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When young Eliza steps through a fairy door, she finds herself in an enchanted world where all the curious creatures she believes in are real. And only she can rescue the fairies from the evil curse that threatens all of them. 

Illustrated in color on every page, Eliza’s story will feel magical for your readers who love reading about fairies. A little younger in level than Shannon Hale’s Princess in Pink series. McDonald ventures away from her Judy Moody characters into the realm of fantasy. Eliza is brave and persistent.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cousins in The Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy, illustrated by Poly Bernatene - ESSENTIAL

Cousins in The Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy, illustrated by Poly Bernatene. 202 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Atheneum BYR (Simon), 2025. $18.

Content: PG (slavery, war, racism mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Jorge, Camila, and Siggy spend Monday afternoons with their Tia Xia. Together they embark on a time traveling adventure. In 1862, the United States was fighting the Civil War and Mexico was fighting off an invasion by France. The cousins must avoid capture, fight the bad guys, and save their aunt before finding their own way back home.

For those readers who have only ever had a vague understanding about what Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates, for children who identify as Latino but are struggling to understand their heritage, or for lovers of historical fiction, this book is eye and heart opening.

The family is Latino with varying skin shades and hair textures.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door by A.R. Capetta and Charlene Chua - OPTIONAL

Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door by A.R. Capetta, illustrated by Charlene Chua, 85 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $17. 9781536224931

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO:SEVERAL

Hocus and Pocus are "highly magical pets", brother and sister pups who live with their witch, Jinx, in a community of magical friends. Hocus is bold and Pocus is timid, and they help one another find some balance, but also make some magical mischief along the way. When the next-door wizard brings home a new pet dragon, things get exciting and a little scary. Hocus and Pocus work together to help Pocus get over his fears so the pups can interact with the dragon, and of course a little mayhem ensues (attack squirrels!).

This is book #2 in the series, but it stands alone very well. This was a pretty cute story that younger elementary students and early chapter book readers will enjoy. It's a fun, gentle introduction to the fantasy genre. The illustrations are colorful and exciting, and the pups are adorable. There's a strong focus on social and emotional skills, particularly working through anxiety and facing fears. Additionally, the story weaves in some important examples of asking permission, compromising, making friends, and accepting differences.

The cast of magical human characters are diverse in skin tone and gender. There's a character chart on page one that introduces a few main characters with their pronouns, including one character with they/them pronouns. In the story a green-haired character is introduced to the others very smoothly and naturally as "That's Jade, and his pronouns are he and him. He's our next-door wizard." And the story continues without any additional focus on Jade or his pronouns.

Reviewer: Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

The Golden Poo (Whose Poo is This? #1) by Dr. Egg, Park Song-Eui and Kim Duck-Young - OPTIONAL

The Golden Poo (Whose Poo is This? #1) by Dr. Egg, Park Song-Eui, illustrated by Kim Duck-Young. 85 pages. NON-FICTION GRAPHIC CHAPTER BOOK. Graphic Universe (Lerner). 2025. $13. 9798765627686

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dr. Egg, Dr. Yang, and Dr. Woong find a mysterious fake golden poo in the woods with 8 poo capsules inside! Will they be able to use clues and find out which 8 animals the poos came from? Readers will learn along with these adorable scientists about animals and their poo.

Originally published in Korea, the chibi characters are endearing on their quest to discover whose poo is whose. There is lots of poop talk and animals are illustrated straining, grunting, and pooping. After each animal is discovered, there is a page of animal facts and stats with commentary from the characters.

The characters are Korean.

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

All Aboard the Poo Boat (Whose Poo is This? #2) by Dr. Egg and Park Song-eui and Kim Duck-Young - OPTIONAL

All Aboard the Poo Boat (Whose Poo is This? #2) by Dr. Egg and Park Song-eui, illustrated by Kim Duck-Young. 85 pages. NON-FICTION CHAPTER BOOK. Graphic Universe (Lerner), 2025. $13. 9798765627679

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dr. Egg, Dr. Yang, and Dr. Woong are back to solve the Mystery of the Golden Poo by finding which animals made the poo in the 8 poo capsules. 

This book is packed with animal and poop facts alongside chibi-style illustrations. For some reason, this one didn't gross me out as much as the first. It could be because I was more prepared for all the poop talk. I liked that I learned new things about the animals in this book. The facts are presented in a unique and engaging way.

The characters are Korean

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

First Snow! (Gnome and Rat) by Lauren Stohler - ADVISABLE

First Snow! (Gnome and Rat) by Lauren Stohler. 67  pages. CHAPTER BOOK/GRAPHIC NOVEL. Alfred A Knopf (Random House), 2024. $11. 9780593487907

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Rat is excited for his family's annual Nest Fest. Gnome is excited for the first snow. And to go to Nest Fest with Rat. When Gnome packs too much for the trip, will the pair make it in time for Nest Fest? Hilarious antics are sure to follow in this early graphic novel.

This was my first Gnome and Rat book. The characters were endearing. (Who wouldn't chuckle at a gnome using "bumblebutts" as an expletive?) The story was a little overly simple, but the humor and cute illustrations made up for it.

Rachel, elementary library specialist

Lost and Found in the City (Ratnip #1) by Cam Higgins and Allison Steinfeld - ADVISABLE

Lost and Found in the City (Ratnip #1) by Cam Higgins, illustrated by Allison Steinfeld. 119 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Little Simon, 2025 $18. 9781665963466

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ratnip is a city rat who loves to collect treasures. He and his siblings live in an old pizza restaurant with a racoon named Cookie, and they all come out at night to eat the delicious things humans leave behind. One night Ratnip finds the Thing. It buzzes, lights up, and has a human's face on it. With the help of his friends, will Ratnip be able to complete his mission and return the Thing to its human?

This is a cute early chapter book with a very simple plot. It seems to be set in New York City. It's not my favorite early chapter book that I've read, but kids will likely enjoy it.

The human in the story has dark skin.

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

Gnome and Rate Time to Party! by Lauren Stohler - ADVISABLE

Gnome and Rate Time to Party! by Lauren Stohler. CHAPTER BOOK. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2024. $11. 9780593487860 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

This is book 2 of 3 of the Gnome and Rat graphic novel series. Written as a chapter book, each chapter has a different adventure for these two. Some of their adventures includes what to do for Gnome's birthday, how to create a holiday for Rat, and teaching Gnome how to blow a bubble. These chapters are short and entertaining. Young readers will enjoy following Gnome and Rats adventures. My daughter and I liked this graphic novel because of the humor in each chapter. The illustrations were engaging and added more to the plot. We liked how silly Gnome was and how Rat was always trying to fix the problems that arose. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Cat Out of Water: A Cat in the Hat Story by Art Baltazar - ADVISABLE

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Cat Out of Water: A Cat in the Hat Story by Art Baltazar. CHAPTER BOOK. Random House Graphic, 2024. $11. 9780593703038

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY 

The last time Cat in the Hat came to Sally and her brother's house, things went a little crazy. In this story, everything starts out as a normal day, until the Cat comes to visit. Their fish is grumpy because of the big mess that the Cat left last time, but the Cat assures he won't make a big mess this time. He then gets the idea to turn the entire house into a fishbowl. Sally, her brother, and the fish are swept away in a water adventure in their own house! 

My daughter and I enjoyed this graphic novel. It had a lot of humor and was easy to follow. The pictures were fun and engaging. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Murray the Viking by Adam Stower - ADVISABLE

Murray and Bun! Murray the Viking by Adam Stower, 216 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Random House, 2024. $17 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Murray is a cat who loves naps, blankets, and snacks. Bun used to be a sweet bun, until a bumbling wizard turned him into a bouncing rabbit, who has a cherry for a tail. Murray and Bun have a magic cat flap. Sometimes it leads to the garden and sometimes it leads to a troll hunting adventure. Murray and Bun are quested by a village of vikings to go fight trolls and save Eggrick, the viking. There is also a SCARY, HAIRY, VERY STINKY THING to worry about as well. 

 The black and white drawings are delightful and add to the story Murray and Bun succeed against all odds, even though Bun only says, "Bun." The gentle humor adds to the story. Murray and Ben make cute characters children will engage with 

Michelle in the Middle 

Murray and Bun!: Murray the Knight by Adam Stower - ADVISABLE

Murray and Bun!: Murray the Knight by Adam Stower, 188 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Random House, 2024. $17 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Murray the cat is back, trying to enjoy a good nap, when a huge magical potato forces him and Bun (his bun transformed by magic into a bunny) through an enchanted cap flap. This time, Murray and Bun find themselves in a duel with Sir Nasty for the hand of Princess Rubytoes. While Sir Nasty is trying to sabotage the duel, Murray wants to help the princess find her true love. And possibly snacks for himself and Bun. 

Because the forward is the same, this series does not have to be read in any order. Murray and Bun are drawn well enough that their story is a lot of fun, even though it is so far fetched. The characters will relate to young readers, and the humor carries it along. This will be a fast romp through knighthood for young readers. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Orris and Timble: Lost and Found by Kate DiCamillo and Carmen Mok - ADVISABLE

Orris and Timble: Lost and Found by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Carmen Mok, 80 pages.  CHAPTER BOOK Candlewick, 2025. $17  

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

Eliza and the Flower Fairies by Megan McDonald and Lenny Wen - ADVISABLE

Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen. 88 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18. 9781536201420

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

Witch in the Spotlight by Kallie George and Birgitta Sif - OPTIONAL

Witch in the Spotlight (Crimson Twill #3) by Kallie George, illustrated by Birgitta Sif, 67 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick, 2024. $16. 9781536232370

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Crimson Twill is ready for her full-sized wand - if she can pass her class today and demonstrate her capability in front of a large audience. While she is excited to be in class with her best friends, a new girl - the famous Broadway star Miserabella Portenia has also joined, and Crimson’s friends seem more interested in Miserabella than in Crimson. A little jealousy can go a long way to thwart her efforts - plus each of Crimson’s tries at a spell seems slightly nicer(?) than the others. 

If you have beginning readers who enjoy witchy books, but not books that are scary, Crimson is a cute option. Look here if you need to update some of your chapter books. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Sam Squirrel (Willow’s Woods) by Suzanne Selfors and Ramona Kaulitzki - ADVISABLE

Sam Squirrel (Willow’s Woods) by Suzanne Selfors, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, 87 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $18. 9781665949026

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It might be the first day of spring, but it still feels like deep winter in the Quiet Woods.  Sam the squirrel, who likes to keep lists, which is very un-squirrel-like, is sent by the other animals, along with the Prince of Elks, to Mother Nature’s home to find out what the problem is. Along the way they meet Willow, who is Mother Nature’s granddaughter. 

Selfors is such an artistic chameleon.  From YA romance to elementary chapter books in loads of genres - her writing voice is always pleasant to read.  I would love to read Sam Squirrel aloud to young friends. It looks like at least one more book about Willow will be forthcoming.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Trim Sails the Storm by Deborah Hopkinson and Kristy Caldwell - ADVISABLE

Trim Sails the Storm by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kristy Caldwell. CHAPTER BOOK. Peachtree, 2024. $15. 9781682632925

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Trim was a young ship's cat who thought he knew all about life at sea.  One day, a storm was brewing.  Trim feels afraid.  All his animal and human friends are doing new things.  Penny the dog and jack the parrot explain why they do all these new things like batten down the hatches. Trim feels better when he knows the ways to prepare for a storm. As he is taking cover, he finds a new frightened albatross friend. Can these new friends help each other ride out the storm?  

Trim Sails the Storm is historical fiction about Trim the cat that actually sailed with Captain Mathew Flinders in 1799.  The story is very interesting as we all learn how to be helpful, and ride out a storm on a ship at sea.

PGPowers

The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs by Adam Rex - OPTIONAL

The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs by Adam Rex. 125 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2024. $15. 9781797214511

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Gumluck is a happy-go-lucky wizard that likes to be silly.  He is friends with a raven and a ghost.  Helvetica, the raven, decides it is time to build a nest to lay her eggs in.  After Gumluck accidentally destroys several of her nests, she mistakenly lays her eggs in a dragon's nest. 

Gumluck is a sweet and funny book.  Most pages have pictures and the text is comparable to an easier chapter book (like Dragon Masters). The pictures are black and white.  This is the second book in this series.  The first book is called The Story of Gumluck the Wizard. 

Gumluck is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian