How does your garden grow? (Toot and Puddle) by Hollie Hobbie - ESSENTIAL

How does your garden grow? (Toot and Puddle) by Hollie Hobbie. Random House, 2021. $18. 9780593124666 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)- ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Toot and Puddle, with cousin Opal, plant their vegetable garden. Every morning when they awake, something has been eating their lettuce and spinach. They first devise ways to keep the thief out, including making a sign. When those options fail, the cousins stay awake all night to see who the intruder is. Through careful observation, they realize the culprit only eats certain vegetables. They, then, can relax and enjoy their garden. 

Another win for Hollie Hobbie! The reader will continue to love her adorable piglet friends while learning about observations in nature. 

MOMMAC 

Cat Likes Red by Christopher Russo - OPTIONAL

Cat Likes Red by Christopher Russo. EARLY READER Holiday House, 2021. $16. 9780823445875 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The cat goes outside and sees a ladybug - so everything outside has a red hue, until it sees a yellow bee - then everything is yellow; but it isn't the same scene, where red includes a rooster and a barn and apples, yellow features pumpkins, chicks, corn stalks and a scarecrow. Following a green lizard, the cat discovers all the green at the pond, the blue by the sea shore, and a pink butterfly leads the cat to cotton candy and roses. Several other colors represent all the things the cat can see. 

That first colored page was a bit of shock, but once we figured out what was happening, it was fun to find all the things that were the color in each picture. Part of the "I Like to Read" series, this is a level C, designed for the middle kindergarten reader.

Lisa Librarian

Sunday Funday in Koreatown by Aram Kim - ADVISABLE

Sunday Funday in Koreatown by Aram Kim. PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Holiday House, 2021. $19. 9780823444472 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Sunday starts off as a disappointment for Yoomi. She can't watch her favorite show, have her favorite breakfast, or wear her favorite shirt. But, she does get to ride the bus with Daddy to Koreatown! There she can stop at the bookmobile, and try something new at the market, but a Fun day won't happen if they miss their visit to Grandma. 

I loved the colorful illustrations representing Yoomi's cultural experiences in Koreatown. I loved that the store signs are in Korean, and know that a Korean child will recognize much more than I do - such a great mirror. Yoomi's family are represented as cats - but the "people" in Koreatown are all sorts of animals, not sure if this represents different cultures or different families.  There are other Yoomi picture books in this series. Includes an explanation of Koreatown (K-town) and a recipe for Kimbap.

Lisa Librarian

Bindu's Bindis by Supriya Kelkar, illustrated by Parvati Pillai - ADVISABLE

Bindu's Bindis by Supriya Kelkar, illustrated by Parvati Pillai. PICTURE BOOK Sterling Publishing, 2021. $17. 9781454940203 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Every month Bindu's Nani sends her a packet of bindis from India. She loves wearing them, and has so many choices, she can wear a different one for every mood. When Nani comes to visit, they are confronted by protestors, and Bindu is afraid. But Nani is brave, and then Bindu can be brave, too. At home, Nani tells wonderful stories, shows Bindu some dance moves, and they wear matching bindis. However, Bindu has never worn a bindi at school, she has signed up for the talent show, and it's part of her outfit. But when her music starts to play, she can't get up in front of her classmates, she's worried about what her friends will think, so Nani does the dance instead. 

Bright and beautiful illustrations are one of the highlights of this story. I loved the perspective changes, and the cultural bits included - I am sure a child with a background from India will catch much more than I saw. A great story about embracing your identity, trusting your family and not being afraid to show everyone who you are.

Lisa Librarian

The Little Library by Margaret McNamara and G. Brian Karas - ADVISABLE

The Little Library by Margaret McNamara and G. Brian Karas. PICTURE BOOK Schwartz & Wade (Random House), 2021. $18. 9780525578338 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Jake doesn't love library day, he reads slowly and carefully and sometimes feels left behind. But there's a new librarian, and they make the children feel welcome. Everyone seems to find the books they are looking for, but Jake is more interested in how the new shelves have been constructed. So, Librarian Beck recommends a book on woodworking. This sparks an interest in Jake, and eventually (after several renewals and other woodworking books), Jake and his Grandpa build a Little Free Library, so the children can share books all summer long. 

I love how every child is able to find what they are interested in, and that the librarian notices Jake's interest in woodworking and finds the perfect book. I liked the subtle LGBTQ nod as Librarian Beck's pronoun is they. Includes a "note" from Jake with information on visiting or building your own Little Free library.

Lisa Librarian

Bear Outside by Jane Yolen, pictures by Jen Corace - ADVISABLE

Bear Outside by Jane Yolen, pictures by Jen Corace. PICTURE BOOK Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2021. $19. 9780823446131 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A shy girl protects herself by imagining that she is a bear on the outside. The girl and the bear do everything together (except swimming lessons). 

Jane Yolen's minimal text is perfectly paired with Jen Corace's great illustrations. You can see the girl inside the bear, and both look like they are really enjoying themselves. A great metaphor for taking care of your inner self, and finding a way to be brave, or feel in control. By the way, this is Yolen's 400th book.

Lisa Librarian

I Am Not a Dog Toy by Ethan T. Berlin and Jared Chapman - OPTIONAL

I Am Not a Dog Toy by Ethan T. Berlin, illustrated by Jared Chapman. PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2021. $18. 9780593119013 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a little girl gets a teddy bear for her birthday, she leaves it in the dog's water bowl. the dog is so excited for the teddy bear, but the bear is not a dog toy. When the bear tries to convince the dog that he is a fancy kids' toy, the dog plays with him anyway. Although he has fun, the bear is determined to make the girl like him, rather than the dog. But maybe he needs to appreciate the one who wants to play with him. 

The situations were funny and the idea is clever, but Ugh - I really don't love it when authors tell the whole story in character dialogue - especially when objects talk to people (and this one answers back!) The illustrations are great - very like a comic book, especially when the dog and the bear are playing together, and I especially loved the pages that were illustration only.

Lisa Librarian

My Little Brave Girl by Hilary Duff, illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley - OPTIONAL

My Little Brave Girl by Hilary Duff, illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2021. $19. 9780593300725 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Culturally diverse children, sharing and helping, enjoying nature and friends, learning and showing bravery and courage. Checks all the boxes, but there was no story to it, just a set up for the lovely illustrations. I don't think this will be read more than once.

Lisa Librarian

Treemendous: Diary of a Not Yet Mighty Oak by Bridget Heos and Mike Ciccotello - ADVISABLE

Treemendous: Diary of a Not Yet Mighty Oak by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Mike Ciccotello. PICTURE BOOK Crown Books (Penguin Random House) 2021. $18. 9780525579366

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Starting as a green acorn on a big oak tree, we read entries in the diary - one or two a year for a while, then every few years as things change. Planted by a squirrel who buried the acorn, it's growing in the shade of its grandmother, and getting bigger every year.  We learn about photosynthesis, the different kinds of bark, even how an oak tree affects global warming! 

Treemendous is so cute! I loved the sweet faces Mike Ciccotello put on the trees. Not too cartoony, just enough to make the tree personable, but it is still a tree. A great way to explore the life of a mighty oak, from seed to mature tree.

Lisa Librarian

Perdu by Richard Jones - ADVISABLE

Perdu by Richard Jones. PICTURE BOOK Peachtree, 2020. $18. 9781682632482 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Perdu is a little dog, lost in the rain and cold, and nothing but a red scarf to keep him warm. He decides to follow a wind-blown leaf through the woods, and finds himself in a city. Looking for a place to be, Perdu is chased away, but eventually ventures inside a cafe, but draws attention to himself when he pulls down a tablecloth, and he's chased away again with nothing to eat. He's having a hard time finding a place to be, perhaps someone will find him. 

Lovely illustrations - I loved the peaceful woods and the contrast with the busy city. I really liked that Perdu was a dog - thinking dog things and acting like a dog. A sweet story about finding a forever home.

Lisa Librarian

Alone! by Barry Falls - ESSENTIAL

Alone! by Barry Falls. PICTURE BOOK Pavilion, 2021. $17. 9781843654858 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Billy McGill loves his solitude - it's quiet and peaceful on top of his hill, but then, he discovers a mouse in his house and brings a cat back from town to chase it away. Then a dog to chase the cat and a bear to chase the dog . . . Soon, Billy's house is full of all kinds of animals and people, and so much noise that Billy leaves to find a new quiet place. But after the hubbub of people and pets, Billy realizes peace and quiet aren't the best thing all of the time. 

I loved the poetry - the cadence was nice and the rhymes were fun. This will make a superb read aloud. It's humorous and just delightful. The illustrations are whimsical and fun. There's even a tiny mouse hiding in every picture. I'm sure this will be a favorite!

Lisa Librarian

Percy's Museum by Sara O'Leary and Carmen Mok - ADVISABLE

Percy's Museum by Sara O'Leary and Carmen Mok. PICTURE BOOK Groundwood Books (House of Anansi Press), 2021. $19. 9781773062525 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Percy moves from an old house in a busy city to a new home out in the country. Now, instead of lots of friends around, Percy is on his own, discovering all the wonders of nature. He climbs the trees, he smells the flowers and draws the clouds and collects things. What better way to meet people than to start your own nature museum! 

I loved how this was all about science, but didn't seem like a STEM book. The butterflies, the flowers, all the parts of nature, not just pictures but simple explanations. We had lots of fun pointing to the things we read about and then looking at Percy's museum to find them again. AJ wants to make a museum in her yard this summer - if she can get a play house to put it in. 

 Lisa Librarian (and AJ age 5)