I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton - ESSENTIAL

I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Viking (Penguin), 2023. $19. 9780593326725 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

With the help of a talking germ, learn all about microbes and pathogens and the ways they can harm or help us. 

 Barton's 5th book is as cute and informative as the rest of them. I would buy any of the books that correlate with the curriculum at your school. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Our Classroom Rules! by Kallie George and Jay Fleck - ESSENTIAL

Our Classroom Rules! by Kallie George illustrated by Jay Fleck PICTURE BOOK Rodale Kids 2023 $13.00 0593378784 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Why does this classroom rule? It is filled with little kid animals such as porcupines, bears, and rabbits that all love to go to school. This story is told in a way that explains important rules and mindsets such as being on time, working together, and that it is ok to make mistakes. Mistakes are just part of learning. 

This is told with funny side comments from the animals, especially two earthworms. I liked this book because it had a great message for young students about school. It showed them excellent examples of how to follow the rules and to be kind to all. The illustrations were highly engaging. 

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred by Deborah Hopkinson and Paul O. Zelinsky - ADVISABLE

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. PICTURE BOOK Anne Schwartz Books, 2023. $19. 0593480031 

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

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This is not your average Cinderella fairy tale. Told as a fractured fairy tale, it starts off with a mouse named Fred, who later is transformed into the horse that pulls Ella's carriage to the ball. The fairy godmother is more grouchy than kind, and Ella doesn't like the Prince because she likes to garden and he doesn't. Luckily, love will prevail and Ella will find her own happy ending, girl power style. 

This was a fun book to read because the characters were so different than the traditional ones portrayed in Cinderella. The plot has a different story line, especially at the end. It was silly enough that young and older readers would enjoy this book. Cinderella falls in love with a female farmer and marries her. 

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Mine! by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohman - ESSENTIAL

Mine! by Candace Fleming illustrated by Eric Rohman. PICTURE BOOK Anne Schwartz Books, 2023. $19. 9780593181669 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Up in the tree is a shiny, red, delicious looking apple. Different creatures such as a mouse, hare, bear, and fox all lay in wait for the apple to fall to the ground. Each animal daydreams about how delicious the apple will be. Finally the wind knocks the apple off the tree! A scuffle begins. Who will end up with the apple? It's not who you would expect! 

This was a great book. It had repetitive words such as "mine," which helps young readers engage and predict what will be said next. The illustrations were darling and went well with the text. The ending was especially fun with the surprise ending that also teaches a lesson. 

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Teacher

While You're Asleep by Emmy Kastner - ESSENTIAL

While You're Asleep by Emmy Kastner. PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2024. $19. 9781665931335 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

All of the animals of the world are prepared to send you off to sleep with their peaceful night time sleeping. Or ARE THEY??? 

Kastner does a great job in lulling you into thoughts of a sleepy time book - until she doesn't. Actually, she seems just as startled as we are to see other creatures who don't sleep the night away at all. The twists are a lot of fun. Her illustrations hit just the right note. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence by Maisha Oso and Candice Bradley - HIGH

Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence by Maisha Oso illustrated by Candice Bradley PICTURE BOOK  NON-FICTION Orchard Books, 2024. $19. 9781338849981

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Long before the ships sailed, black people shined like stars. In Africa, they were royalty, doctors, farmers, leaders, merchants, miners, artisans, and much more with heads held high. They built mosques and palaces, and won many battles. Hausa and Fulani lore and folktales were passed down through generations. They uncovered the mysteries of the galaxy from mathematics to engineering. Today, they continue to tell their stories showing that Black lives have always mattered. 

Before the Ships is a beautiful tribute to black lives and a narrative of light focusing on early black histories great accomplishments instead of the pain and trauma of slavery. I really enjoyed Bradley's soft ennobling illustrations. A few of the pages seem political and focus on black lives matter. 

PGPowers

Pig in Jeans by Brenda Li - HIGH

Pig in Jeans by Brenda Li PICTURE BOOK Orchard Books, 2024. $15. 9781339053691 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Brian is a pig who loves wearing jeans. He wears them to school, the beach, fishing, and the bathtub. Everyone asks him why he always wears his jeans. Brian loves his pockets. What does Brian keep in his pockets that helps many of his friends? 

Pig in Jeans is a humorous, cute, simple story about being true to yourself. Kids will love Brian the pig's funny antics and his mysterious pockets. 

PGPowers

Pop Goes the Carnival by Andy Nonamus and Amy Jindra - HIGH

Pop Goes the Carnival (The Very Worst Ever #2) by Andy Nonamus illustrated by Amy Jindra. 117 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Little Simon, 2024. $18. 9781665942249 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

An elementary student, who wishes to remain anonymous, remembers at the last minute that he needs to have a booth for the school carnival. The student whose booth earns the most votes will win a four-leaf clover bracelet. The student is prone to bad luck so he really wants to win the bracelet. With the help of his mom, he gets his booth ready in time. However, disaster strikes at the carnival. The prizes at his booth turn out to be his own things from his closet and he ends up riding a wave of popcorn. Luckily he has good friends who are willing to pitch in and help him out. 

A fun and silly book with easy to read text. This book would be great for a new reader. 

A. Snow

First Day, Worst Day by Andy Nonamus and Amy Jindra - ADVISABLE

First Day, Worst Day by Andy Nonamus illustrated by Amy Jindra 117 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Little Simon, 2024. $18. 9781665942218 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

An elementary school student, who wishes to keep his identity a secret, recounts his first day at a new school. He wants to remain anonymous because he is embarrassed by the things that always seem to happen to him. On the first day of school, he wakes up late, misses the bus, and is followed to school by a pack of dogs. This is just the beginning of the bad luck that follows him. At school he finds things to be a little odd, the library and gym share the same space and the boy and his new friends discover a tunnel beneath the school. 

 A fun story about a boy and the bad luck that follows him. But despite the bad things that happen, he is able to make the best of things and make some new friends. This would be a good book for a beginning reader. The text and language are easy to read and there are illustrations on every page. Children will relate to the boy's feelings of nervousness and excitement about starting at a new school. This is the first book in the series The Very Worst Ever. Ethnicity is not explained but the illustrations indicate that Regina is black, Jake is white, the main character is white and Glinda is brown. 

A. Snow

How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague - HIGH

How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat? by Jane Yolen illustrated by Mark Teague. PICTURE BOOK Scholastic Press, 2024. $19. 9781338891980

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

How does a dinosaur say "trick or treat"? Does it do naughty rude things like bang on the door, stomp on pumpkins, trip on kids' costumes, grab treats, or carry a garbage pail for its candy? No. Dinosaurs don't. Then how do they "trick or treat"? 

I really like how Yolen's hilarious dinosaurs help children learn the right way to enjoy Halloween. Teague's illustrations are over-the-top cute, clever, and funny. 

 PGPowers

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting - ADVISABLE

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Crown Books for Young Readers, 2020. $18. 9780593567784 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants humorously discusses the world of ants and all their behaviors from colonies, queens, workers, jobs, roles, superpowers, and communication. It also relates how humans could benefit by learning from the way ants help each other, recycle, and leave the planet a better place. 

I enjoyed the way Bunting playfully engages the reader and makes it fun to learn about ants. His approach and illustrations are unique and creative! Children will enjoy learning about ants and their human-shared behaviors. 

PGPowers

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic by Margaux Meganck - HIGH

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic by Margaux Meganck PICTURE BOOK Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. $20. 9780593301975

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Deep in a tide pool, a barnacle shoots forth little specs of life. They sweep past other creatures, get tossed in waves, each searching for a place to stay and grow. Some specs stay together, some search on their own, and some want to feel safe and hide in an ocean so vast. But then they would miss out on the adventure of life. Where will this spec find a home? 

I liked how Meganck wrote the story talking about a tiny spec in the ocean, and then revealed that her story was really an allegory for humans, and how we need to embrace life even though we are just one in billions, yet we all contribute to something greater. I enjoyed her pretty, and energetic watercolor illustrations. 

PGPowers

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker - ADVISABLE

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2024. $19. 9781536227680

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Noa, a giant seawall construction robot finds himself alone in a flooded world. Nearby his workstation, there is a flooded zoo with some stranded animals. He feeds them, but knows that they won't survive as the storms keep coming. He builds a large boat, puts the animals on it, and sets off to find a new place to help them survive. A terrible storm comes, and they are shipwrecked on some sandbars. Will Noa ever get his animals to safety? 

Becker tells his apocalyptic story in beautiful, expansive, wordless watercolors that capture the courageous compassion of the robot. I liked the theme of caring even when times are difficult. 

PGPowers

Super Magic Boy: I am a Dinosaur by Jarod Roselló - HIGH

Super Magic Boy: I am a Dinosaur by Jarod Roselló, 98 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic, 2023. $11. 9780593427781 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Hugo is playing with his best friend Dino he uses his imagination to transform into a dinosaur, rampage through the house, and search for buried treasure. Along the way, he also learns a few valuable lessons. 

This is a fun, fast-paced graphic novel with great illustrations. Hugo has a vivid imagination. At the end of the book, there are a couple of drawing lessons on how to draw Hugo and Dino. 

A. Snow

Chicken Little and the Very Long Race by Sam Wedelich - ESSENTIAL

Chicken Little and the Very Long Race (Chicken Little #3) by Sam Wedelich. PICTURE BOOK Scholastic Press, 2024 $19. 9781338892420 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Hare is coming to town for a big, long, marathon race and all of the others chickens are atwitter. While they slavish read Hare's book and become devotees of his shoes, smoothies, and training regime (rest your muscles), Chicken Little decides to enter the race and train hard to build his stamina. Chicken Little will have to prove himself to the whole flock on race day. 

I was a little sad that Chicken Little is taking the spotlight from Hare's original competition - the Tortoise. But Chicken Little does have a lot of wise advice to disperse. And he's cute and funny. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli - HIGH

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli. PICTURE BOOK Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. $19. 9780593649770 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Susan the duck is feeling unlucky. The roller skates she ordered are too big: she lost her favorite marble, there are no more pickles, and a light bulb burns out. But with each knock on the door, a wolf tells her that she has won a big soup pot, onions, celery, and carrots. Maybe Susan is lucky. The wolf asks if the soup is ready and Susan invites him into her home to have some. The wolf says he is ready for some duck soup. 

How unlucky is Susan? Lucky Duck is a fun metaphor for life. Sometimes we think something that happened to us was bad when later down the road, it was for our betterment. Pizzoli's illustrations are cute and expressive. 

PGPowers

Oh, Are You Awake? by Bob Shea illustrated by Jarvis - ADVISABLE

Oh, Are You Awake? by Bob Shea illustrated by Jarvis PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2024. $18. 9781536226584 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

It is time for Lion and Penguin to sleep, but Lion wants a story. Penguin tells him no story and that it is time for sleep. While Penguin is trying to sleep, he wakes up to Lion on the drums, crunching chips, and jumping on the trampoline. What will Penguin need to do to get Lion to sleep? 

Anyone who has tried to put a non-sleepy child to sleep will chuckle while reading this story. Children will enjoy the antics of the non-sleepy lion and the colorful fanciful illustrations of penguins rudely interrupted dreams. 

PGPowers

Ready, Set, RUN! Leslie Kimmelman illustrated by Jessie Hartland - ESSENTIAL

Ready, Set, RUN! The Amazing New York City Marathon by Leslie Kimmelman illustrated by Jessie Hartland. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Random House Studio. 2023. $19 9780593433652 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Ready, SET, RUN! is a great introduction to the famous New York City Marathon for kids. People from all around the world travel to NYC to run in this race each year. This story shows what runners do to prepare for the race. Some like to take hot bubble baths, while others like to eat big spaghetti dinners. Once the race has started, runners are provided drinks and snacks throughout the way. Did you ever wonder where the runners go to the bathroom or how long the race lasts? All of these questions are answered and more. 

This was a great informational book on the New York City Marathon. The pictures are extremely engaging. There are also "Extra" facts on each page if you want to know fun trivia about this race. I would highly recommend this book to all ages. This book shows how people from all over the world travel to New York City to race. Some countries that are mentioned are Ethiopia and Kenya. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts Teacher

Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherma Karsten - ESSENTIAL

Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherma Karsten. PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crow, 2024 $18. 9798887770451 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The ten animals friends are all snuggled up for the night when Hen asks them all to roll over. LOVE IT! 

Each animal falling out of bed is on a series of graduated cut-pages so you can still see everyone sprawled on the ground. And the flip at the end when Hen finds itself alone in bed is darling! A surefire repeat bedtime read! 

Cindy, MS Librarian

It Is Time: The Life of a Caterpillar by Lizzy Rockwell - ESSENTIAL

It Is Time: The Life of a Caterpillar by Lizzy Rockwell. EARLY READER, NON-FICTION Holiday House, 2023. $16 9780823450794 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Have you ever wondered exactly how long the cycle of a butterfly is? This is a great non-fiction book written for young readers that explains it well. It uses scientific vocabulary words and text to engage young readers. The pictures complement the text and help add to the understanding of the life cycle. At the end of the story, the boy in the story is able to see the egg transform into a beautiful butterfly. 

This was a great information book for young readers. The pictures and text were accessible and engaging. The protagonist is not caucasian, but his exact ethnicity is unknown. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts Teacher