Stay Curious! A brief history of Stephen Hawking by Kathleen Krull, Paul Brewer and Boris Kulikov - ADVISABLE

Stay Curious! A brief history of Stephen Hawking by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer. Illustrated by Boris Kulikov. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Crown (Random), 2020. $18. 9780399550287 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Wife and husband duo Krull and Brewer page through the life of Stephen Hawking. 

At first I wasn’t fond of the illustrations, but realized that they mimic photographs and the feel of space – a place that Hawking spent his life bringing to us here on Earth. The ethereal quality as lends itself to highlighting Hawking’s playful nature. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight by Kathleen Krull and Amy June Bates - ADVISABLE

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Amy June Bates. Simon, 2008. PICTURE BOOK.

EL – OPTIONAL, MS – ADVISABLE

The Hillary Clinton’s dreams are laid out as Ms. Krull looks at her life from just a little girl to the woman who almost became the candidate for president. Ms. Bates’ illustrations are a perfect companion for the succinct text, and together they make their point without preaching. This is as much a book about the change in the opportunities available to women as it is a look at Clinton’s life.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Fly High, John Glenn : The Story of an American Hero by Kathleen Krull - ADVISABLE

Fly High, John Glenn : The Story of an American Hero by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Maurizio A. C. Quarello PICTURE BOOK Harper Collins, 202. $18. 9780062747143

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

John Glenn always wanted to be a pilot - his childhood room was so full of model airplanes it looked like an airport. By high school he was looking for routes to become a pilot, and by the time he was 20 he had his license. He was a fighter pilot during World War II, earning multiple medals. It was no surprise he worked hard and became part of the first 7 astronauts in the United States, and became the first American to orbit Earth. 

2019 was an important moon landing anniversary, and there were a lot of space/moon/astronaut titles last year. I like that the publishers waited on this one - because John Glenn was more than just another astronaut. He was also a politician and a war hero and served his country in different ways. The illustrations are stunning, and Krull's text is spot on (as usual). An interesting read, and I do love the picture book biographies.

Lisa Librarian

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil DeGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull –ESSENTIAL

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil DeGrasse Tyson By Kathleen Krull and Illustrated byFrank Morrison. PICTURE BOOK. Crown (Random House (Penguin), 2018. $18. 9780399550249

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This book is the life story (so far) of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Readers learn about his childhood in New York City, his initial inspiration at the local planetarium, his determination to pursue his interests, the lucky (and incredible) opportunities that came his way, and his ability to share his enthusiasm. Filled with well crafted illustrations.

This is a fantastic book for a few reasons, I love that Neil discovers his interests early, that he works hard to make his dreams come true, and best of all he makes his knowledge and joy accessible to the world.  The illustrations are large enough to share with a group and this book could work for almost any age elementary students for reports, to inspire, or as a part of a lesson as background before watching him speak on a topic.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author

The Road to Oz by Kathleen Krull - OPTIONAL

The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum. by Kathleen Krull. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK

EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL

L. Frank Baum was always a dreamer and loved to create stories that everyone would enjoy. He didn’t start out writing the books readers fell in love with, though. From risky enterprises such as breeding chickens and creating play troupes to writing unsuccessful non-fiction books and newspaper articles , he still kept writing and striving to write something that would make a difference in his life as well as others.

An inspirational picture book about following your dreams and being true to yourself, this story will enchant and delight teacher and students alike as they read it on their own or aloud together.

Reviewer: Kira-Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library.

The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins and Her New Deal for America by Kathleen Krull - ESSENTIAL

The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins and Her New Deal for America by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Alexandra Bye. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Antheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster), 2020. $19. 9781481491518

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Frances Perkins began her educational career shy and reserved but quickly found her voice as she saw others being mistreated. In a college course, she was required to observe the working conditions in a textile mill and set the course for her life as she began advocating for safer working conditions. She eventually became secretary of labor in FDR’s cabinet of advisors and helped the country through the great depression.

My kids resisted picking this book up for a little bit because it seemed to have a lot of text, but the writing flows and is fast-paced. The amount of text was not a barrier once we started the story. We were all fascinated by Frances Perkins’ life and relative anonymity - I had never heard of her before. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves in the process. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Fartiste by Kathleen Krull and Boris Kulikov - ADVISABLE

Krull, Kathleen and Paul Brewer Fartiste: An Explosively funny, mostly true story, illustrated by Boris Kulikov. Simon and Schuster, 2008. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK.

EL – ADVISABLE

In turn-of-the-century France, a gentleman arrives in Paris with a highly unusual talent. He gained instant fame and was highly successful.

This tongue-in-cheek book with its terribly amusing illustrations looks at a real man with an unorthodox talent. If your library has Everyone Poops or the Gas We Pass, you can certainly carry this one!

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Joey: The Story of Joe Biden by Jill Biden - ADVISABLE

Joey: The Story of Joe Biden by Jill Biden with Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Amy June Bates PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Paula Wiseman Simon and Schuster, 2020 $20 9781534480537 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Young Joey Biden was a great kid, athletic, helpful, and a great friend. He was also a daredevil and took dangerous risks. His family was very important, especially his sister Valerie, who was also his best friend. He was a leader in his family and at school. Because he stuttered, he had to confront bullies and helped defend other against them too. He worked very hard to overcome his stuttering. As an adult, he ran for Senator when he was only 29, and served 8 years as Barack Obama's vice-president. 

Published just before the November 2020 election, "Joey" ends with his decision to run for president. A sweet nostalgic look at not only President Biden's childhood, but at post WWII America. Amy June Bates' illustrations are marvelous - my favorite is Joey looking in the mirror with a mouth full of pebbles. This will be a nice addition to your picture book biography section.

Lisa Librarian