Planets (Time for Kids) by Sarah Jospitre - ESSENTIAL

Planets (Time for Kids) by Sarah Jospitre. 32 pages. EARLY READER NON FICTION. Penguin Young Readers, 2025. $17. 

Content: G 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Did you know that there is a crater on Mars named after Dr. Seuss? Time for Kids: Planets is a short informational leveled text, level 3, that will engage young readers. The text walks you through the planets, in order, in our solar system. It explains how the planets got their names, fun facts, and even gives size comparisons and analogies to help the reader understand scale. The illustrations compliment the facts making for a short, interesting read. 

I liked this book because the facts for each planet are interesting and updated. The text is challenging for Level 3, transitional readers. The illustrations were beautiful and brought the text to life. It left you wanting to learn more about the solar system. Informational text about planets.

 Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

From Bam to Burp by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens - ESSENTIAL

From Bam to Burp by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2025. $18. 9781623544461 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Carbon atoms have been around for millions of years, originally stored deep inside the earth and bursting through the crust during volcano activity. Carbon is part of gasses in the air, is used in photosynthesis, is part of the air we breathe and the sugars we eat, it's a cycle that plays many parts in our natural processes. 

Melissa Stewart tells a great story, and Marta Alvarez Miguens' illustrations are perfect. This could be a boring topic but presented this way, it's not. I love how the possibility of us having a carbon atom inside us that was also inside a dinosaur exists. Who wouldn't want that to be part of this cool process - and it happens just by eating something with carbon atoms. 

Lisa Librarian

I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff and Julie Kwon - ESSENTIAL

I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon. PICTURE BOOK. Dial (Penguin), 2024. $19. 9780593462911

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Jack has to write an apology note to Zoe.  He tries many varieties, but his teacher keeps asking him to try again - until he can sincerely apologize. 

Lukoff does an excellent job of showing us how to write an apology without making bullet points about a great apology. This is a master text for those who want to write lesson-like picture books. And the message, the lesson, is one that is valuable for every age level.  I am going to show this to my counselors and teachers. 

Jack looks Hispanic.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Sleeping Spells and Dragon Scales by Wendy S. Swore - ADVISABLE

Sleeping Spells and Dragon Scales by Wendy S. Swore, 304 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $19.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Believing in fairies made Fairy Door Trail an obvious hangout for Alaina, and her best friend—and skeptic—Liam didn’t mind tagging along. One day, they stumbled into what could have been a fairy circle and most likely, accidentally offended a fairy. Since that day, Alaina and Liam drifted apart, and Alaina has had  to deal with being cursed. But now Liam is showing signs of being cursed, too, and he needs Alaina’s help.

Swore’s writing sits in the beautiful space between reality and fantasy. Both characters and readers know that fantasy and fairy tale creatures are not real, but they still want to believe they might be. There is magic in believing and in recognizing the fantastical parts of reality. In the book, Alaina and Liam’s English teacher gives an assignment for the students to write their lives as fairy tales, and it has made me look at my life a little differently—with a little more hope and a little more recognition for my main character and heroine status.

Alaina is implied Latina and has an autoimmune disorder, Liam has a chronic neurological disorder, and Doctor Titus is Kenyan. The mature content rating is for mentions of kissing and for near-death experiences. The violence rating is for some mild fantasy violence imagery.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

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

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

Stephen Curry vs. Magic Johnson Who Would Win? by David Stabler - HIGH

Stephen Curry vs. Magic Johnson Who Would Win? by David Stabler. 32 pages CHAPTER BOOK NON-FICTION Lerner Publications, 2024. $10. 9781728492339 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The basketball careers of Stephen Curry and Magic Johnson are compared and contrasted. Both men are point guards. Magic Johnson excelled at assists while Stephen Curry excels at three-point shots. 

The book covers a little of each man's background and then highlights their career achievements. The book is filled with photographs and interesting facts. Readers who love basketball will enjoy this book. The end of the book includes a glossary and a list of books with additional information.

Reviewer: 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

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher, illustrated by Herma Starreveld - HIGH

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher, illustrated by Herma Starreveld. PICTURE BOOK Greystone Kids, 2024. $19. 9781778401176 

Content: PG (Did you read the title? Shows a dead bird and its burial) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL; MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When the other birds find Bird, who is dead, they gather to grieve and to decide what they need to do. 

I LOVE what Fisher and Starreveld have done. From the gorgeous collage birds to the succinct, matter-of-fact text, the creators have composed a work that fascinates and helps turn death from a macabre mystery to a part of life that deserves time and care. Pair with The Dead Bird by Margaret Wise Brown  and The Funeral by Matt James both also about birds dying. Elementary librarians - if you have either of the other books on your shelf, add this one - it is a delight (in a totally respectful way). Middle school and High schools - buy this either for the content or for the beautiful collages - some of my students saw me showing the book to their teacher and they wantes to read it immediately. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS 

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

Eleanor's Moon by Maggie Knaus - ESSENTIAL

Eleanor's Moon by Maggie Knaus. PICTURE BOOK Owlkids, 2023. $19 9781771475556 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Harvest moon is special to Eleanor and her grandfather. They will always share the moon, wherever they are. Growing up, Eleanor and her grandfather spent a lot of time together. They had many adventures out in nature and they always noticed the phase of the moon. Unfortunately, Eleanor's mom got a job in a different city and they had to move far away from Grandfather. Although they miss each other dearly, Eleanor and her grandfather can look up at the same moon and be close to each other. 

This book had a very sweet message. It acknowledges the strong bond between granddaughter and grandfather. This book can help young children face their fears if have have to move away from someone they love. 

A. Criswell, English Language Teacher

Small Places Close To Home by Deborah Hopkinson and Kate Gardiner - ADVISABLE

Small Places Close To Home: A Children's Declaration of Rights by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by Kate Gardiner PICTURE BOOK Balzer + Bray, 2023. $19. 9780063092587 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

I am part of my family and the human family. I am equal with every other person in the world and deserve to live in freedom and peace no matter what I look like or my many other differences. Do I have a right to dream for a better life? 

Hopkinson captures in text a conversation that should ring true in all of our hearts. The rights of children do begin in small places, close to home, and it is up to each one of us to ensure those rights for others. The illustrations are stunningly beautiful, graphic, and charming. This would be a great book to have in all libraries and at home. All ethnicities are represented. 

PGPowers

Little Land by Diana Sudyka - HIGH

Little Land by Diana Sudyka. PICTURE BOOK Little Brown and Company, 2023. $19. 9780316301763

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Once there was a little bit of land that had existed for a hundred million years. Change was always present and the land provided for all that lived upon it. Ice and fires would change the land but life would find a way. Then people started changing the land with more and more buildings, factories, cars, and power plants until the land seemed beyond repair. What will it take to make sure the land finds a way? 

Sudyka tells a glorious and touching story about our little piece of land, the planet earth, and how to take care of it through creative, interesting, and fanciful ideas and illustrations. Each page is so enjoyable to ponder. 

PGPowers

How to Eat in Space by Helen Taylor, illustrated by Stevie Lewis - ESSENTIAL

How to Eat in Space by Helen Taylor, illustrated by Stevie Lewis. PICTURE BOOK  NON-FICTION Little, Brown, and Company, 2023. $19. 9780316367745 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Author Helen Taylor has created a fun and interesting glimpse into the eating habits of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Written as advice to future astronauts, the book covers safety, manners, and ingenious innovations that make eating in zero gravity possible. It is packed with trivia and will leave the reader saying, "Wow, I never thought about that!" 

I liked the friendly conversational tone of Helen Taylor's writing. Instead of just recounting the challenges of eating in space, she makes the reader feel that they are about to embark on a space trip and need to know how to eat out there. Children will find the idea of space burps entertaining (and disgusting.) Both genders and multiple ethnicities are well represented. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

Mermaids Song to the Sea by Dianna Hutts andAston Renee Kurilla - HIGH

Mermaids Song to the Sea by Dianna Hutts, illustrated by Aston Renee Kurilla. PICTURE BOOK Hippo Park 2024 $19 9781662640285 G 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Three mermaids sing to the sea at the end of the day. They swim around and sing to each creature from clams, fish, sharks, seahorses, jellyfish, turtles, whales, and crabs, to many other sea creatures. They finally are tired and go to sleep when an interesting surprise happens. 

Aston tells a very cute story with an enjoyable surprise ending that transforms everything that you were thinking while reading the story. I also enjoyed the fun and colorful illustrations of all the marvelous sea creatures. 

PGPowers 

Big by Vashti Harrison - HIGH

Big by Vashti Harrison PICTURE BOOK (K-3rd grade) Little, Brown and Company, 2023. $20. 9780316353229

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A beautiful happy black baby girl has big dreams. As she grows, adults tell her that she is such a good, big girl. As she learns and grows into a very large girl, she realizes that being big is no longer a good thing. Things people say make her feel sad, small, and invisible. Will she need to change to be happy? 

Big confronts the issues of fitting in, standing out, and learning to accept yourself. I enjoyed the deep, painful, thoughtful journey of self-acceptance done in soft beautiful pastel illustrations. 

PGPowers 

Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo - ADVISABLE

Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo PICTURE BOOK Kathrine Tegen Books, (HarperCollins imprint), 2023. $20. 9780063003958

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

It's the first day of school, and the kids in room 2B are waiting for their teacher. Someone has left a sandwich on the desk and the name Mr. S on the board. Could it be that this sandwich is actually their teacher, Mr. S? 

This book is very funny. I am excited to use it as a first-day-of-school book with my classes. My students will love this hilarious mystery. The students are illustrated with a variety of ethnicities. 

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt and Korwin Briggs - ESSENTIAL

A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Korwin Briggs. NON-FICTION (mostly) PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250766496

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

While the narrator and the models may be chickens, Holt and Briggs have given us a fact-laden book about underwear that is also a lot of fun to read and peruse. Using the chickens is a master stroke, because it makes the book factual without becoming distracted by human bodies. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The Note Who Faced the Music by Lindsay Bonilla and Mark Hoffmann - ESSENTIAL

The Note Who Faced the Music by Lindsay Bonilla, illustrated by Mark Hoffmann. PICTURE BOOK. Page Street Kids, 2023. $18. 9781645676317

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Half Note is fed up - he isn’t as fancy as quarter notes or eighth notes and he doesn’t have the majesty of the whole note.  So, he decides it is time to take off to find a place of his own. Then the composer is ready to write a new piece of music - and he needs Half Note.  Now every note is scurrying around, hunting for Half Note before he does something really drastic!

Elementary music teachers will love this! I loved it! Such a fun way to introduce the different notes used in music composition and how long each of them lasts. Also includes references to rests and other musical symbols.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS