The Barn by Leah H Rogers and Barry Root - ADVISABLE

The Barn by Leah H Rogers, illustrated by Barry Root. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536209068 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A beautiful red barn, built over 100 years ago, tells about the animals who live in and around it today. The horses and cows, dogs, chickens, the cat and her kittens, and even a coyote who lives in the woods nearby. 

Rogers' lyrical text is the perfect pairing with Root's magnificent watercolor illustrations. The views of the farm are absolutely breathtaking, with different views and different times of day, I feel like I've been there. I was nostalgic for my childhood, visiting my cousin on her farm. The poetry is soft and calm, perfect for a bedtime read.

Lisa Librarian

Ezra Exposed by Amy E Feldman - ESSENTIAL

Ezra Exposed by Amy E Feldman, 150 pages. Blackstone Publishing, 2022. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Butt references); Violence: G. 

EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

10yo Ezra finally got a cell phone! He's gone all of 5th grade without one and feels left out of a lot of the fun his friends have had - texting, chatting and sending pictures to each other. One of the first things Ezra does with his phone is to send his friends a funny picture of a couple of chicken nuggets breaded together that looks like a butt. The picture gets shared and before long, other kids are following Ezra's account. He keeps finding things that look like a butt and sending funny pictures, but before long Ezra takes a photo that turns his world upside down. He's in real trouble and so are the kids who received it. 

Feldman's debut is a great story. 10-year-olds learning about sexting seemed super young to me, but, unfortunately, they aren't. Ezra Exposed presents the topic in an age-appropriate, kid-relatable way. It's funny, engaging, a great read, and a perfect conversation starter.

Lisa Librarian

Lobe Your Brain by Leanne Boucher Gill - ADVISABLE

Lobe Your Brain: What Matters About Your Grey Matter by Leanne Boucher Gill. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Magination Press, 2021. $17. 9781433830464 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Two scientists in lab coats take the reader on a tour guide of the brain, and show how it works. They tell how messages are relayed, what the cerebellum does, and identify key parts of the brain. 

The text is conversational, as the scientists talk to the reader through speech bubbles. The computer-generated illustrations show kid friendly examples and the simple language makes Lobe Your Brain a great addition to your non-fiction collection. Note: Magination Press usually includes online parent/teacher resources, none are provided for this title.

Lisa Librarian

Answers in the Pages by David Levithan - ADVISABLE

Answers in the Pages by David Levithan, 176 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random House), 2022. $18.

 Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G. 

EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

5th grader Gideon left his new class novel on the table while he played video games. His mother picked it up and read just the ending. She didn't like something about the main characters, Oliver and Rick. She took the book away from Gideon and started an official book challenge. Gideon is so embarrassed, plus, he didn't get a chance to read the book so he has no idea what his mother's concern is - - and, it's not just his mom, several people in the community are jumping on board the challenge. When a classmate comes out at school, Gideon learns that the challenge is because his mom thinks the characters in the book are gay. Why should his mom be so worried about this? Gideon thinks he knows - Gideon likes his friend Roberto, and Roberto likes him back. 

Levithan's story about a book challenge is timely, accurate, and realistic. There are so many quotable passages, and I would love to see this used as a class novel. Gideon and Roberto have a sweet relationship that grows, including kissing sessions involving chocolate. The reader also gets glimpses of the challenged book, so there's an additional storyline, but saying that it is an adventure is enough. Perfectly appropriate for upper elementary.

Lisa Librarian

Today is Different by Doua Moua and Kim Holt - ADVISABLE

 Today is Different by Doua Moua, illustrated by Kim Holt. PICTURE BOOK. Carolrhoda Books (Lerner), 2022. $18. 9781728430294 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Mia and Kiara are both elementary age friends. Mia is used to doing everything with her friend. One day, Kiara doesn't come to school and Mia doesn't understand why. It turns out that Kiara is missing school so that she can protest with her family for Black rights. Mia wants to help, but her family doesn't want her to at first. Soon, everyone learns that people are stronger together.

This was a very text heavy book for young audiences. The message was good, but it the picture book wasn't very entertaining. I liked the friendship between the two girls and how their families came together at the end. 

A. Criswell, English Language Teacher 

Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon and Tamisha Anthony - ADVISABLE

 Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2022. $19. 9780593426944

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Irie, a young girl, hates how her hair looks. It doesn't move or hang the same way as other girls at her school. She wants to wear a hat during the middle of summer to cover it up. Her mom explains that she asked God to make Irie exactly the way she is. She specifically picked out her favorite style of hair, color of skin, shape of eyes etc. It all starts to make sense to Irie and she begins to like herself.

I did not like this book, mainly because it specifically said that mom "had a conversation with God" about how she wanted Irie to look. The book had a good message about it being ok to look different than others, and to love yourself, however, I was put off by the strong religious tone.

A. Criswell, English Language Teacher 

Pet That Cat!: A Handbook for Making Feline Friends by Nigel Kidd, Rachel Braunigan - ADVISABLE

Pet That Cat!: A Handbook for Making Feline Friends by Nigel Kidd and Rachel Braunigan, 130 pages. NON-FICTION. Quirk Books, 2022. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Have you ever wanted a cat? Or, maybe you just wanted to pet one? Well, Pet That Cat is a super fun guide for understanding, caring for, approaching, and even choosing a cat. Very Kid friendly. I liked the quizzes, the stories, and the histories. The illustrations are adorable and it even includes space for taking notes about your own cat experience. Engaging and fun for even as young as 2nd grade.

Lisa Librarian

Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola - ADVISABLE

Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola. PICTURE BOOK flyaway books, 2022. $18. 9781947888357 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Britta has 2 favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia. She is sure the trees are best friends. One day, Magnolia loses her leaves and her bark turns grey - Britta is sure she is sick. Her Nana has told her that unusual friendships are special, so Britta devises a plan for Apple to help Magnolia. 

A sweet story about how love makes a difference, Britta's father and sister are naysayers, but Britta soldiers on and believes in the power of friendship. The text is lyrical and the whimsical illustrations are darling. Includes a link to teaching resources about how trees communicate.

Lisa Librarian

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

 Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2022. $18. 9781536211511 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Mommy has to leave for a week to go on a trip. Her daughter, young in age, misses her terribly. Every day, she counts down the days until Mommy gets back. Mama, on the other hand, is still there each day to take care of their daughter. They talk about what Mommy might be doing, and sure miss her. At the end of the week, they are sure happy to have everyone home again.

This is a cute book about missing a parent. The daughter has two female parents and calls them Mama and Mommy. It was kinda boring though and lost my 3-year old's interest pretty quickly. She did relate to missing someone though. 

 A. Criswell, English Language Teacher https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781536211511

Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs and Stacy Curtis - ESSENTIAL

Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs, illustrated by Stacy Curtis 160 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2022. $13 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Fairy tale type threats from Trolls etc). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Peasant Tim hears the news that Princess Grace has been abducted by a stinx and that (lazy) Prince Ruprecht is forming a legion of knights to help rescue her. Tim, hoping to improve his station in life, volunteers. What follows next is an amazing quest, with bravery and friendship and some pretty great life lessons, for everyone.

Oh so silly! I loved it! Once Upon a Tim would be a great read-aloud or a bedtime story and the kids will love the line drawings. Tim sometimes mentions modern inventions like TV or air conditioning - a great opportunity to talk about anachronisms.


Lisa Librarian

Moon Pops by Heena Baek - ADVISABLE

Moon Pops by Heena Baek. PICTURE BOOK Translated from Korean by Jieun Kiaer. Owl Kid's Books, 2021 $20 9781771474290 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

On a very hot night, when no one could sleep, the moon itself melted. Fortunately Granny ran out with a bucket and caught the falling moon drops. She had a great idea, and made icy moon pops for everyone. Even though the power went out, everyone in the apartments slept well, the moon pops kept them cool. But when 2 rabbits arrive because they lost their home, Granny needs to figure out how to help them. 

I loved this modern folktale! The mixed media illustrations were wonderful. A great bedtime story on a hot night.

Lisa Librarian

My Life Begins by Patricia MacLachlan - ADVISABLE

My Life Begins by Patricia MacLachlan, 128 pages. Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins), 2022 $17. Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

9yo Jacob is the big brother to 3 new babies, Charlotte, Katherine, and Elizabeth (Char, Kath, and Lizzie) but Jacob calls them the Trips. He wanted a litter of puppies, instead, he got sisters - identical, triplet sisters. Mr. Kelly, Jacob's teacher, wants the students to do a year-long research project, so Jacob is going to study the Trips.  He watches them change from identical babies to individuals. 

I loved this story. I loved how Jacob sets a new beginning for himself as well. A positive beautiful book. 

Lisa Librarian