Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers by Jessica Kulekjian and Salini Perera - ADVISABLE

Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Salini Perera.  PICTURE BOOK Kids Can Press. 2021. $19. 9781525304859 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The father and daughter are enjoying a nice fall/early winter day together, observing the natural patterns and habits of wildlife as the cold weather approaches. 

Written as a poem, the facts about each species are educational and enlightening. The illustrations are very colorful and realistic. The page on animal tracks at the end is very fun and will finish off a good read for the younger students. The human characters featured are people indigenous to Canada. 

Deanna M. - Elementary Media Tech

Bugs by Dr. Jessica L. Ware and Chaaya Prabhat - ESSENTIAL

Bugs (A Day in the Life): What Do Bees, Ants, and Dragonflies Get up to All Day? by Dr. Jessica L. Ware, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION  Neon Squid (Macillan) 2022. $18. 9781684492114  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

At nine in the morning, a Comet moth in Madagascar breaks out of its cocoon. A leaf-cutter detects unwanted bacteria in their food source with her feelers and carts it away to an underground dump, fascinating! Information about insects doing their daily activities, all over the globe. 

Multiple facts are provided about bugs in Ware’s detailed but easily read text. The information provided and graphic novel-like illustrations make Bugs a title that will check out consistently in the library. none 

Deanna M. Elementary Media Tech

Big Cats by Tyus D. Williams and Chaaya Prabhat - ESSENTIAL

Big Cats (A Day in the Life): What Do Lions, Tigers, and Panthers Get up to All Day? by Tyus D. Williams, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION Neon Squid (MacMillian)  2022. $18. 9781684492077 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

Full of information, Williams is a must for all elementary school libraries. It provides numerous facts about each type of big cat, how long different species have lived on Earth, how they fight, hunt, rest, and more. The illustrations complement the facts, reflecting what each type of cat would be doing, morning until evening, in the different parts of the globe where these magnificent animals live. 

Williams’ non-fiction book reads like a fiction book, with beautiful illustrations, that will have the reader eager to turn the next page. Students will readily check out and absolutely love Big Cats. The information complements the school curriculum and the readability will appeal to all ages. The glossary is easy to read and understand, especially useful for younger students. 

Deanna M. Elementary Media Tech

African Elephant by Dr. Festus W. Inwagi and Nic Jones - ESSENTIAL

African Elephant (Young Zoologist): A First Field Guide to the Big-Eared Giant of the Savanna by Dr. Festus W. Inwagi illustrated by Nic Jones. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION Neon Squid (MacMillian)  2022. $18. 9781684492527 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

A fact-filled picture book about African elephants. Dr. Inwagi explains how elephants eat, drink and for how long. 

 Students will learn about herd dynamics, and see the insides of an elephant! Dr. Inwagi relates facts about African elephants in an informative way that any elementary student can read, understand and learn about these great animals. The illustrations are realistic and memorable. 

Deanna M. Elementary Media Tech

The Adventures of Qai Qai by Serena Williams, illustrated by Yesenia Moises - ESSENTIAL

The Adventures of Qai Qai by Serena Williams, illustrated by Yesenia Moises. BOARD BOOK (Pre-K), PICTURE BOOK (K-3rd grade) MacMillian. 2022. $19. 9781250831408 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Baby Girl, a young African American girl dressed in pink, loves to dance. She dances all the time, all over the house. She is practicing for her first recital, but she is scared and nervous, worried she will fall or forget the steps. Her baby doll, Qai Qai, is Baby Girl’s best listener, and friend and helps Baby Girl see that she is indeed, a talented performer who should believe she can do anything. 

Moises’ illustrations are so realistic and colorful, readers can believe in the magic and see Baby Girl twirling, leaping high, and doing perfect pirouettes as the story progresses. The dialogue pairs well with the illustrations, reflecting to any young person, dancer or not, that you can do what you love. 

Deanna M. Elementary Media Tech

Adventure Awaits by Henry Cole - ADVISABLE

Adventure Awaits by Henry Cole.  BOARD BOOK Little Simon. 2022. $10. 9781665902908 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K  - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Two animals, a dog and a cat, start their day together, looking for adventure. Each finds very real adventures, different for each, but so realistic for a dog and cat exploring the outside close to their home. 

Cole’s illustrations are very realistic, the reader can really “see” the anticipation and joy of each animal as they sniff, stalk, explore and hunt in their backyard. The illustrations work beautifully with the text, the alliteration is captivating for younger readers/listeners. none 

Deanna M.-Elementary Media Tech

Ten Owies by Tony Johnson illustrated by Annabell Tempest - ADVISABLE

Ten Owies by Tony Johnson illustrated by Annabell Tempest. PICTURE BOOK Harper Collins. 2022. $18. 9780062644602 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ten children each experiences a different “owie” doing everyday activities. Each child is comforted by songs, hugs and kisses by both parents, making the “owies” go away and the child to feel loved and cherished. 

The writing is perfect for children to imagine and feel how such an "owie" could occur, making it a charming and fun read. Illustrations are extremely colorful, attractive, and engaging to the listener. The storyline and illustrations work beautifully together. It is lovely to see infants, toddlers and young children of different ethnicities in a colorful reflection that allows everyone to see themselves in the story. Pre K through second grade would enjoy Johnson’s Ten Owies, not recommended for older students.

Deanna M. Elementary Media Tech.

Tia Fortuna's New Home by Ruth Behar and Devon Holzwarth - ADVISABLE

Tia Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey by Ruth Behar, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth. PICTURE BOOK Knopf (Random House). 2022. $18. 9780593172414 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Tia Fortuna used to live in Cuba. She remembers waving to the ships as they came into the harbor. But one day she had to leave and took only a suitcase of photographs and the mezuzah from the door. Now she lives in a little house at the Seaway. She and her niece visit the beach and talk about the sun and the sea, and the importance of some of Tia's most cherished things, and they make some cookies. She has been there for years and years, but it's time to move again, time to pack only a small suitcase. 

Behar's author note is essential. Without it, this is just a story about moving an elderly aunt to a retirement home. The note explains why Tia is Jewish and lived in Cuba, why she moved from Cuba to Miami, what her eye bracelet is all about, and why she keeps the key to her house. This is a connection to Behar's Sephardic ancestry. Tia is of Sephardic heritage.

Lisa Librarian

El nuevo hogar de Tía Fortuna by Ruth Behar and Devon Holzwarth, translated by Yanitzia Canetti - ADVISABLE

El nuevo hogar de Tía Fortuna: Una historia judía-cubana by Ruth Behar, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth, translated by Yanitzia Canetti. PICTURE BOOK Knopf (Random House). 2022. $18. 9780593381069 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

It's time for Tia Fortuna to move again. As a young girl, she lived in Havana, then moved to Miami. She only brought her memories (and a few special items - the mezuza off the door and a small suitcase.) When her niece Estrella visits they play on the beach and make cookies. Tia shows Estrella her small suitcase - the one she will take with her when she moves the next day. 

This edition was published at the same time as the English version. The translation is well done, making both stories exactly the same. I really like the illustrations, colorful and bold - just like Tia Fortuna. The author's note is essential.  Tia is of Sephardic heritage. 

Lisa Librarian

Scoot by Fran Manushkin and Bruce Degen - OPTIONAL

Scoot: A Tiny New York Bird with a Great Big Idea by Fran Manushkin and Bruce Degen. PICTURE BOOK Holiday House. 2022. $19. 9780823442546 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a little bird flies into Manhattan looking for a new nest, she likes it - lots of food on the sidewalk, but people keep telling her to Scoot! She meets a couple of birds who teach her how to scavenge for food, and then, Scoot decides she wants a job. She tried dancing, and being a tour guide, but people didn't need her help. Wait, maybe she can do something to help other birds! 

I liked that all the birds were named things we say to animals who are in the way (Shoo, Scram, Scoot and others). I liked the message that light pollution was making it difficult for migrating birds. I didn't like the lyrical text, some of the rhymes felt forced; it made for a difficult read-aloud. I also felt the illustrations were messy. 

 Lisa Librarian

Penguins by Gail Gibbons - OPTIONAL

Penguins (New and Updated Edition) by Gail Gibbons. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Holiday House. 1998, 2022 $19.00 9780823452545 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

There are 18 different species of penguins, all living within the southern hemisphere. They all have the same body shape, but have different patterns and may have colorful patches. They are swimmers, with flippers rather than wings. Penguins are quiet unless it's mating time when the rookery is quite noisy. Penguins use to be hunted for their skins and fat - now they are in danger. Oil spills, overfishing, and even tourists harm the colonies. 

The text is fairly simple and in quite large print. I haven't seen the 1998 edition, so I don't know the updates. I wish they had included some photography - Gibbons' illustrations are fine, but I think today's kids would like at least 1 look at the real thing. Lots of penguin information, not a lot of back matter - I think non-fiction needs sources and other context. 

Lisa Librarian

Cougar Crossing by Meeg Pincus, and Alexander Vidal - ADVISABLE

Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood's Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife by Meeg Pincus, illustrated by Alexander Vidal, NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane (Simon and Schuster). 2021. $18. 9781534461857 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a wild cougar sets up his territory in Griffith Park, the National Park Service tags him and watches. It's too small an area for a cougar, something must be done about the busy Los Angeles Freeways and give wildlife safe access across. 

I had to laugh - there's a circle (tunnel? camera lens?) on each page with a scientist from the LA County Museum and a rep from the Park Service - they continually interrupt the story with facts, just like they would do if they were reading the story to your class. The illustrations are nice, and look like LA. I loved the "find these wild animals in the picture" section. There's also some back matter with a time line and more info about cougars and animal crossings. 

Lisa Librarian