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Reviewer's Choice
Otherwise Known as Judy the Great
Selina Alko
Christy Ottaviano Books
c/o Little Brown Books for Young Readers
c/o Hachette
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780316570633 $18.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Otherwise-Known-Judy-Great-Poetic/dp/031657063X
Synopsis: Judy Blume is known for fearlessly discussing topics that were once considered taboo. As a young girl, Judy was not encouraged to share her feelings, so instead she invented stories as a way to understand the world around her. Growing up Jewish, during and in the aftermath of WWII, dramatically shaped Judy's childhood. Her younger years were full of fear. Judy processed her conflicted emotions by making up stories where she could control the conflict as she worked through challenging life scenarios. These stories became the subjects of the books she later published for children, tweens, teens, and adults including Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, Freckle Juice, and the Fudge series. This inspiring collection of poems celebrates the childhood years of Judy Blume, one of the most beloved American writers of all time.
Critique: Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume is a picturebook for all ages celebrating beloved author Judy Blume, whose works of young adult fiction (including "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, Freckle Juice, and the Fudge series) have resonated across generations. The poems reflect on major events of young Judy's life, as a Jewish girl who lived during and after the horrors of World War II, and her maturation into a cherished author. Otherwise Known as Judy the Great is highly recommended for family, school, and public library picturebook collections, especially as a way to encourage budding readers to transition from picturebooks to chapter books - perhaps starting with a title written by Judy herself!
The World History Shelf
Timeline: A Visual History of Our World
Peter Goes
Gecko Press
www.geckopress.com
c/o The Lerner Publishing Group
www.lernerbooks.com
9798765689226, $29.99, HC, 80pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Timeline-Revised-Visual-History-World/dp/B0DQ64LSVV
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timeline-lerner-publishing-group/1146659348
Synopsis: With the publication of this newly revised edition of "Timeline: A Visual History of Our World" by author/illustrator Peter Goes, children can travel through time with this cleverly illustrated 80-page journey of our planet's culture and events ranging from the Big Bang to the iPod, and into the future.
They can take a trip across the timeline of a world history that includes dinosaurs, Vikings, Aztecs and spaceships, wars and disasters, artists, explorers and leaders, mythology, politics and inventions.
With a combination of facts, figures, infographics and fun illustrations, each double-page scene covers a period in history, showing key events and aspects of culture in all parts of the world. Every page includes talking points for young children and a chance for older children and adults to put their own political, cultural and historical knowledge to the test.
Critique: Original published in 2016, this large format (10.5 x 0.7 x 14.2 inches, 2.57 pounds) hardcover edition of Peter Goes' "Timeline: A Visual History of Our World" from Gecko Press is now available in a newly revised edition. A fun and fact packed read from cover to cover, "Timeline: A Visual History of Our World" is a unique and especially recommended pick for family, elementary school, middle school, highschool, and community library History collections for young readers ages 10-18.
Editorial Note: Peter Goes (https://petergoes.com) lives in Belgium where he works as a freelance illustrator. He has also worked as a stage manager and studied animation at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK) in Ghent, Belgium.
The Money/Finance Shelf
How Do You Earn? A Moneybunny Book
Cinders McLeod
Nancy Paulsen Books
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
https://www.penguin.com
9780593529669, $18.99, HC, 32pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/How-You-Earn-Moneybunny-Book/dp/0593529669
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-do-you-earn-a-moneybunny-book-cinders-mcleod/1147348020
Synopsis: Carrots are money in Bunnyland, and Toonie really wants to earn some -- but how? Well, he loves to paint -- and everyone needs some nice artwork. So he takes out his easel, collects his supplies, and gets to work.
Hippity hop, paint and don't stop! Soon he has enough paintings to fill a whole gallery, and now all he needs are some customers. Good thing he has a big family and lots of friends!
Little bunnies will get a kick out of watching this little go-getter rake in the carrots while doing something he loves!
Critique: Original, exceptional, and fun read from start to finish, "How Do You Earn? A Moneybunny Book" is an ideal introduction to the concept of earning and saving money specifically written for children ages 3-5. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99), this hardcover edition of "How Do You Earn?" from Nancy Paulson Books is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, Kindergarten, and community library Money Management books for children.
Editorial Note: Cinders McLeod (www.CindersMcLeod.com and www.Moneybunnies.com) is the creator of five other Moneybunny Books: How Do You Spend? (winner of a Mathical Book Prize Honor), Give It!, Save It!, Spend It!, and Earn It!. Her illustrations have appeared in The Guardian, The Express, The Observer, The Independent, Herald Scotland, The Scotsman, The Globe and Mail, and Macleans, and on CBC television. Her work has been recognized by the Society for News Design, the National Magazine Awards, the National Newspaper Awards, and The Guinness Book of Records. Cinders is also the founder of Moneybunnies Inc., a recorded singer-songwriter-double bassist, a Gaelic language student, and a mother of two who lives in Canada.
The Wildlife Shelf
Mega: The Most Enormous Animals Ever
Jules Howard
Nosy Crow
www.nosycrow.us
9798887772004, $29.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/MEGA-Most-Enormous-Animals-Ever/dp/B0DZ1X8GHG
Mega: The Most Enormous Animals Ever is illustrated by Gavin Scott and presented in an oversized book that includes a mammoth poster. This reflection of size makes for an inviting survey for leisure readers fascinated by strange, large animals and their natural history. From captivating crocodiles and the biggest extinct ratites (flightless birds related to ostriches, emus, and so on) to modern big marsupials in Australia, Mega: The Most Enormous Animals Ever contrasts animals past and present with an eye to exploring how these large creatures live, survive, and make best use of their size. Kids who love odd animals will be enchanted by the book's oversize presentation, attractive drawings, and interesting "large animal" facts and features.
Omnibird
Giselle Clarkson
Gecko Press
www.geckopress.com
9798765670514, $24.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Omnibird-Investigators-Handbook-Giselle-Clarkson/dp/B0DQ64V9Z3
Omnibird: An Avian Investigator's Handbook is a delightful foray into the art and science of 'omnibirding,' which involves examining some remarkable bird attributes and uncovering contrasts between eggs, physiology, and bird behavior. Kids are invited to approach the avian world in a different way, from understanding differences between a beak and a bill to embracing a wider view of, say, penguins than their usual association with winter and ice. From why some birds have stinky legs to how to usher a bird outdoors that has somehow flown inside, young investigators are encouraged to both learn natural history and employ critical thinking skills to alter and reflect their concept of birds in delightfully novel ways.
The Multicultural Shelf
The First Girl on Stage
Shruthi Rao, author
Devika Joglekar, illustrator
Yali Books
https://www.sambasivanandparikh.com
9781949528169, $26.99 hc
9781949528176, $13.99 pbk
9781949528183, $8.99 ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/First-Girl-Stage-Dances-Yakshagana/dp/1949528162
Sambasivan & Parikh
https://www.sambasivanandparikh.com/products/the-first-girl-on-stage
Synopsis: One girl stepped into the spotlight... and started a movement
Tunga wants to learn yakshagana like her brother Ramesha. She dreams of painting her face, wearing glittering costumes, and performing ancient stories of kings and warriors. Alone in the woods, Tunga makes crowns from leaves and tree bark. She stomps and she jumps, and finally captures the attention of a teacher to guide her. As Tunga swirls and whirls onto the stage, she brings other girls into the spotlight as well, ushering in a new era for yakshagana.
In a gorgeous showcase of a traditional dance and storytelling art form popular in South India, this picture book is a tribute to the pioneering women who have carved out a space for themselves on the stage and beyond.
Critique: Featuring charming, full-color illustrations by artist Devika Joglekar that accurately portrays traditional yakshagana dance attire, The First Girl on Stage is about a girl who is fascinated by the South Asian cultural dance called yakshagana, and wants to join the performance - even though the yakshagana has only been performed by men for countless generations! With perseverance, dedication, effort, and the guidance of a sympathetic teacher, she improves her skill and physical endurance to perform the yakshagana along with the boys. She is the only woman to participate the yakshagana - until one day she isn't! A closing two-page note from author Shruthi Rao offers more information about the yakshagana, which was all-male until the 1980's when women started to participate. The First Girl on Stage is a wonderful addition to family, grade school library, and public library picturebook multicultural collections, and highly recommended - especially as inspiration for young girls! It should be noted for personal reading lists that The First Girl on Stage is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.99).
A Black Girl and Her Braids
Jaylene Clark Owens, author
Brittany Bond, illustrator
Penguin Workshop
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
https://www.penguin.com
9780593889732, $18.99, HC, 32pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Girl-Her-Braids/dp/0593889738
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-black-girl-and-her-braids-jaylene-clark-owens/1147241837
Synopsis: "A Black Girl and Her Braids" by author/storyteller Jaylene Clark Owens and artist/illustrator Brittany Bond is an ode in celebration of Black girls and their braids -- a dynamic duo.
"A Black Girl and Her Braids" is empowering picture book that shines a light on what braids mean to Black girls of all ages and shows how Black communities have managed to continuously make space for braids, paying homage to their origins while making fun and futuristic styles, despite rules and regulations attempting to condemn them.
Braids of all lengths, colors, and styles are brought to life with detailed illustrations, crafting a timeless picture book which honors creativity, encourages confidence, and calls for Black girls to proudly show off their braids no matter what!
Critique: Original, charming, thought-provoking, and a fun read from cover to cover, "A Black Girl and Her Braids" is an appropriate and unreservedly recommended pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library African-American & Multicultural picture book collections for children ages 3-7. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "A Black Girl and Her Braids" from Penguin Workshop is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Editorial Note #1: Jaylene Clark Owens (https://www.jayleneclarkowens.com) is an AUDELCO and Barrymore Award - winning actress, as well as a highly acclaimed, award-winning spoken word poet. Her acting credits include the stage, film, and television. Her passion for honoring, and advocating for, Black women and their hair has led her to create work celebrating various styles, such as braids, locs, twists, 'fros, and the Black girl switch up!
Editorial Note #2: Brittney Bond (https://astound.us/publishing/brittney-bond) is a self-taught artist from Florida, currently living in Maryland. A lifelong fan of art, drawing, and design, Bond has managed to turn her childhood passion into a full-time career, focusing on digital art with fun color palettes, interesting lighting, and positivity that shines through her work. You can also find her on Instagram @prismaviolet_
Martineztown, 1945
Nasario Garcia
University of New Mexico Press
www.unmpress.com
9780826368669, $19.95, PB, 192pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mart%C3%ADneztown-1945-Albuquerque-Barrio-Querencias/dp/0826368662
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/martineztown-1945-nasario-garcia/1147412073
Synopsis: In the summer of 1945, nine-year-old Junie is transplanted from the idyllic setting of his family ranch in the Rio Puerco valley to Albuquerque's oldest barrio, Martineztown, home and refuge for Nuevomexicanos seeking better opportunities in the wake of World War II.
Young Junie finds comfort in some of the community's familiar Hispanic traditions as he struggles to learn a new language and navigate this often confusing and challenging new environment. Through the boy's eyes we meet an extraordinary cast of characters and urban survivors on an intercultural journey into modern New Mexico.
A remarkable collection of stories for Teenage and YA readers, "Martineztown, 1945: Tales of Life and Loss in an Albuquerque Barrio" offers a kind of biographical time machine and travel guide into a world where neighbors help neighbors as they celebrate life and confront life's tragedies and heartaches side by side.
These connected stories also serve as an elegy for an era too important to relegate to the forgotten past. "Martineztown, 1945" transcends its specific time, place, and culture to become a universal testament to our shared humanity with all of its confounding imperfections and sporadic splendor.
Critique: Engaging, fascinating, exceptionally well written, "Martineztown, 1945: Tales of Life and Loss in an Albuquerque Barrio" by Nasario Garcia is a welcome and unreservedly recommended addition to highschool, community, and college/university library American Biography/Memoir and Hispanic/American History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Martineztown, 1945: Tales of Life and Loss in an Albuquerque Barrio" from the University of New Mexico Press is also readily available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Nasario Garcia (https://nasariogarcia.com/books.html) has published over thirty books of folklore, poetry, fiction, and children's stories, including Beyond My Adobe Schoolhouse: My Life in Education (UNM Press).
The Biography Shelf
Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can
Dr. Seema Yasmin, author
Noha Habaieb, illustrator
Salaam Reads
c/o Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665953429, $17.99, HC, 80pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Maysoon-Zayid-Girl-Muslim-Mavericks/dp/166595342X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maysoon-zayid-the-girl-who-can-can-seema-yasmin/1147556507
Synopsis: "Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can" by Dr. Seema Yasmin is the true story of the girl who could!
Maysoon Zayid was just a girl from New Jersey. She might have sometimes felt like she was in the shadow of her three older sisters, but in her dreams, she was Mimi -- an amazing actress, comedian, and dancer! The only problem? People kept telling Maysoon her dreams were impossible!
Achieving her goals certainly wasn't easy; as a Palestinian Muslim girl born with cerebral palsy, Maysoon faced all sorts of challenges both physical and societal. But Maysoon didn't dare give up. Instead, she followed her heart all the way to the screen and stage to become one of America's first ever women Muslim comedians and an actress on her favorite TV show.
Critique: With its theme of a young Muslim girl overcoming physical disabilities and family/social pressures trying to persuade her that she couldn't succeed and make her dreams and ambitions come true, Illustrated by Noha Habaieb, "Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can" is an extraordinary account that engages and inspires young readers from start to finish. Highly recommended for both personal reading lists and family, elementary school, middle school, and community library Women's Biography collections for ages 6-10, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can" is also readily available in paperback (9781665953412, $6.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: Seema Yasmin (https://seemayasmin.com) is an Emmy Award - winning journalist who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, medical doctor, professor, and poet. She attended medical school at Cambridge University and worked as a disease detective for the US federal government's Epidemic Intelligence Service. She currently teaches storytelling at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a regular contributor to CNN, Self, and Scientific American, among others.
Editorial Note #2: Noha Habaieb (https://www.hgliterary.com/noha-habaieb) is a Tunisian French visual storyteller, working between Doha and Tunis. After studying comics in Belgium, she returned to Tunisia where she cofounded the Lab619, an award-winning comics collective. Noha took part in the evolution of Lab619's first comics magazine for adults by participating with her original comics and organizing artistic residencies themed around migration, identity and borders. In 2017, she cofounded Koskh, an illustration studio based in Tunisia, which aims to promote Tunisian heritage through illustrations for children and adults. She's the illustrator of the Muslim Mavericks chapter book series written by Pulitzer Prize - nominated Dr. Seema Yasmin.
The ABC Shelf
ABCs of NASCAR Racing
Andy Amendola
Red Racer Books
www.redracerbooks.com
9798218769109, $19.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-NASCAR-Racing-Picture-Tracks/dp/B0GFG7N81M
Picture book readers who love car racing or are new to NASCAR will appreciate having an early introduction to the racing world with ABCs of NASCAR Racing. Here is an ABC primer linked to car racing science, personalities, and events that opens with A for Aerodynamics and moves through P for Pit Stop and W for White Flag. Each alphabet letter and topic receives several sentences of detail that help explain car racing in general and NASCAR in particular.
Wei Ren adds inviting, colorful illustrations that capture the action and processes of the car racing world, from how pit stops are conducted at lightning speed to details about intermediate tracks (one of four types of tracks that NASCAR races on), with accompanying illustration containing visual explanations and contrasts between super speedways, short tracks, road courses, and intermediate tracks.
The book is designed with two objectives in mind: to capture the excitement and processes of a typical NASCAR event, and to provide a different ABC primer for the very young. Adults who choose ABCs of NASCAR Racing will appreciate how both educational opportunities dovetail in a rich, inviting survey of the world of car racing that will educate and enthrall young picture book readers and their read-aloud adults.
The Board Book Shelf
Love Like River and Sky: A Grandma Loves You Book
Julie Kim
Little Bigfoot
c/o Sasquatch Books
www.sasquatchbooks.com
9781632176158, $10.99, Board Book, 22pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Like-River-Sky-Grandmas/dp/1632176157
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-like-river-and-sky-julie-kim/1149150064
Synopsis: "Love Like River and Sky: A Grandma Loves You Book" by author/illustrator Julie Kim is a warm and whimsical tale of a grandmother's love for her grandchildren. Kim's vibrantly illustrated characters and landscapes come to life as grandma Halmoni shares a magical days with her grandchildren Joon and Noona, professing her wonder at the beauty of life.
Critique: An original, engaging, beautifully illustrated and entertaining board book story of a Korean grandparent and her grandchild, "Love Like River and Sky: A Grandma Loves You Book" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick for family, daycare center, and community library board book collection for children ages 6 month to 3 years.
Editorial Note: Julie Kim (http://juliekimillustrations.com) is a writer and artist living with her family in Seattle. Her work has been published by Cricket Magazine, Scholastic, and Mondo Education. She loves beautiful colors and rain drops on a gray day, and enjoys telling little stories with lots of big pictures.
The Picturebook Shelf
Theodore, The Sloth Who Wants to Race
J. L. McCreedy, author & illustrator
Dr. Sam, author
Penelope Pipp Publishing
https://penelopepipp.com
9780988236981, $18.99, HC, 40pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Theodore-Sloth-Who-Wants-Race/dp/0988236982
Penelope Pipp Publishing
https://penelopepipp.com/our-books/theodore-the-sloth
Synopsis: Theodore yearns to RACE, to EARN his wins, to prove his WORTH.
The only catch? -- Well, he's a sloth, the slowest mammal ON THIS EARTH.
But that can't stop a dream.
With determination, a few good friends and a touch of science, Theo sets out to overcome his obstacles. Join him on his (two-toed) quest for athletic glory!
Critique: Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, day care center, preschool, elementary school, and community library 'life skills' themed picture book collections for children ages 5-8, "Theodore, The Sloth Who Wants to Race" by Dr. Sam (a former veterinarian) and author/illustrator J. L. McCreedy is an original, fun, funny, picture book story featuring a rhyming text about perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Of special notes to teachers, librarians, parents, and caregivers is the inclusion of educational content at the end of the picture book.
Editorial Note #1: Dr. Sam is a veterinarian who decided that he wanted to help people, too. So he went to medical school and now practices Family Medicine. He's worked in all kinds of places, including the USA, Germany, the Kingdom of Tonga, Samoa, China, Indonesia and Italy.
Editorial Note #2: J.L. McCreedy (https://jlmccreedy.com) first discovered her love for writing while growing up in Southeast Asia as a third-culture kid. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a law degree, freelances as a writer and consultant for charitable organizations and, whenever possible, drags her splendid husband on ill-planned adventures.
The Little Bear Who Fishes For Stars
Ana M. Gomez Aguilera, author
Chad Thompson, illustrator
TriMark Press
www.TriMarkPress.com
9798991956093, $22.95, HC, 36pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bear-Who-Fishes-Stars/dp/B0FY87SSZX
Trimark Press
https://www.trimarkpress.com/authors/ana-m-gomez-aguilera
Synopsis: "The Little Bear Who Fishes For Stars" tells the story of the little stuffed bear Pelucito. Nightly, as he watches over a sleeping baby, he gazes out the window and dreams of fishing for stars. Does his dream ever become reality?
This magical tale of Pelucito's friendship with the stars by author/storyteller Ana M. Gomez Aguilera, complete with images by artist/illustrator Chad Thompson, perfectly captures the essence of the characters, as it tells of discovery and how giving oneself to the beauty of love allows us to explore the endless possibilities of our dreams (in this case, the night sky) and all the ways in which friendships are made.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, emotionally gentle, and inspiring, this hardcover edition of "The Little Bear Who Fishes For Stars" from Trimark Press is a warm, heartfelt, and unreservedly recommended pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-8.
Editorial Note #1: Ana M. Gomez Aguilera is a Cuban author who lives in the United States with her family. Her love for children's literature inspired her to create "The Little Bear Who Fishes For Stars". She is also the author of "Children's Stories with Values: To Learn and Grow".
Editorial Note #2: Chad Thompson (https://www.belleislebooks.com/chadthompson.html) After graduating from the Columbus College of Art & Design, Chad was hired by Walt Disney Feature Animation studio in Florida. For the next seven years, he worked on animated movies such as Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear. He currently works as a children's book illustrator and designer for a wide variety of clients.
Emmy and the Moon
Audra Honaker, author
Noam Levi, illustrator
Belle Isle Books
https://www.belleislebooks.com
c/o Brandylane Publishers
https://www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781966369479, $26.95, HC, 32pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Emmy-Moon-Audra-Honaker/dp/1966369476
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emmy-and-the-moon-audra-honaker/1148811402
Synopsis: Emmy is two. She finds lots of things to do! "Emmy and the Moon" is a picture book story of her zany day-to-day doings with her friends as she waits for her favorite friend, the Moon.
At a young age, children have tremendous curiosity. Whether that curiosity is in getting to know family members and friends, foods, toys, and more, the curiosity can bounce and change each day. Emmy showcases this perfectly.
She also shows readers how children develop keen interests-often in areas that are not easily explained-and those interests stay with them. Here, Emmy patiently awaits every evening because she catches the moon rising in the night sky. Overall, "Emmy and the Moon" embraces children's interests and celebrates all children as wide-eyed learners.
Critique: An original, deftly crafted, and fun picture book by the team of author/storyteller Audra Honaker and artist/illustrator Noam Levi, "Emmy and the Moon" will prove a welcome and enduringly popular pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 6 months to 6 years. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Emmy and the Moon" from Belle Island Press is also available in paperback (9781966369486, $15.95).
Editorial Note #1: Audra Honaker lives in Virginia and loves to sing, act, read, and bottle-raise kittens for the local humane society. She has one cat of her own named Surprise (so spelled because --isn't that how we all pronounce it?). She also has one niece, named Emmy, and "Emmy and the Moon" is her first book. Emmy continues to do delightfully astonishing things, so Audra hopes "Emmy and the Moon" enchants you and your family as much as Emmy continues to enchant her own. (https://www.belleislebooks.com/audrahonaker.html)
Editorial Note #2: Noam Levi (https://noam-levi.com) is a children's book illustrator currently based in Portugal. Over the years she has illustrated various books, including Sydney's Adventures by Stephanie Diehl, Say It With Scout by Regina Rendin, and Emmy And The Moon by Audra Honaker.
Look Up
Azul Lopez, author
Shook, translator
Transit Children's Editions
www.transitchildrenseditions.org
9798893380286, $19.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Look-Up-Azul-L%C3%B3pez/dp/B0DSCL2YDQ
Look Up is translated by Shook and gives young picture book readers a lovely, simple story about a man who is curious about the sky, always "contemplating things above his head." Seeing wonders there, the man then muses on how he can get others around him to see the same things, even though most seem largely indifferent. Kids and read-aloud adults receive a thought-provoking, gentle story about perspective, wonder, sharing, and discovery in an outstanding survey suitable for adult/child discussion over revised attitudes about life.
Our Love
Fatima Ordinola
Post Wave
www.postwavepublishing.us
9798895090367, $18.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Love-F%C3%A1tima-Ordinola/dp/B0DZT79VTW
Our Love is a picture book exploration of the concept of unconditional love, portraying a series of animals reflecting love between parents and children. Koalas, kangaroos, penguins, and other animals are illustrations for simple one-line phrases about what love and connection mean. The intimate descriptions encourage kids to place love in a more personal framework than most picture books encourage: "Our love is sweeter than any breakfast and blooms brighter than any flower." The result is a lovely celebration of affection, connection, and self-examination that read-aloud adults can use to spark discussions with the very young about the feelings and basics of love.
Penguin Books
www.penguin.com/kids
Three new arrivals provide picture book readers with fine stories suitable for library acquisition and read-aloud enjoyment.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/TIME-Kids-Planets-Sarah-Jospitre/dp/B0DZWSRVXS
TimeKids: Planets by Sarah Jospitre (9798217051816, $16.98) is a Level 3 reader for transitional young readers that features more dialogue, multisyllable and compound words, and bright color photos that bring to life its survey of the solar system. Mars, Venus, and all the planets receive lively overviews, contrasting planetary sizes and environments in a manner kids will be interested in not just for study, but leisure reading.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Where-There-Love-African-Proverbs/dp/0593659937
Where There Is Love by Shauntay Grant (9780593659939, $18.99) presents a story in African proverbs, following a young girl and her family who gather at her grandmother's home for a rich encounter. Leticia Moreno creates attractive illustrations as the inspirational proverbs are paired with lessons ("Today at Nana's house, I learn that Patience Is the Key That Solves All Problems.")
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sparkles-Sunny-Lunar-Year-Story/dp/0593694627
Sylvia Chen's Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story (9780593694626, $18.99) is illustrated by Thai My Phuong and is a lovely story of the Lao family and a young daughter who longs to wear something other than hand-me-downs from her sisters. The family's rules about sharing and waste seem to prevent Sunny from splurging on something new, so how can she assert her originality by wearing clothing that is unique to her personality? Some creative effort and family participation results in a different Lunar New Year that better reflects Sunny's personality in this engaging picture book story of creative problem-solving and family togetherness.
All three are fine picks for libraries and read-aloud adults.
The Historical Fiction Shelf
The End of the Sidewalk
Nancy Schutt McCorkle
https://nancysmccorkle.com
Independently Published
9781633379886, $14.99 Paperback/$6.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/End-Sidewalk-Nancy-Schutt-McCorkle/dp/1633379884
The End of the Sidewalk will attract middle grade readers with a story, set in the 1960s, that opens with twelve-year-old Gertrude Scuffer's encounter with the Freedom Riders and prejudice. She lives in Jackson, Mississippi and her mother is on the civil rights commission, so events are starting to hit her home and familiar life. From her opening encounter with civil rights issues, which lands her into trouble, Gertrude absorbs differing views about civil rights and social attitudes: "The policeman told us that too. He also said you were on the commission to rile up the Coloreds."
"The commission is a committee to hear the wrongs that the Negroes have endured and to report them to Washington DC. The Freedom Riders are working for equal rights in transportation. I'm not trying to rile up anyone. I'm trying to help." How these blossoming issues divide the family and entwine social action and revelations with personal values and choices makes for an especially absorbing tale as seen through the eyes of a girl who ventures past familiar boundaries (the end of the sidewalk) and into another world.
Middle grade readers will relish how Gertrude absorbs new relationships and social issues, and how the impact of very adult situations spreads among family and friends to flavor everything she does and values in her young life. As Gertrude considers what her role could be in the civil rights movement, she contemplates becoming a Freedom Rider for Friendship. Her parents shift from wanting to protect her from the movement's possible violence to appreciating how Trudy might support it.
Nancy Schutt McCorkle creates a realistic backdrop of events, politics, and social conundrums which arise from 1960s issues. The world she paints is realistic, compelling, and informative as she integrates the fictional story of a young girl's community and choices with bigger-picture thinking.
Libraries and readers will find The End of the Sidewalk's survey of the times to be enlightening, emotionally compelling, and hard to put down as Trudy interacts with her friends and world in novel ways that absorb and reflect the true meaning of equality, choice, and social engagement. Young readers who view this Southern experience through Trudy's eyes will also find much to think about (and many moments worthy of book club discussions), making The End of the Sidewalk an important addition to middle grade book lists.
Will the Devil Help Me Now?
Caytlyn Brooke
Independently Published
9798993477701, $15.99, PB, 292pp
9798993477718, $6.99, Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Will-Devil-Help-Me-Now-ebook/dp/B0GH9K7FV8
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/will-the-devil-help-me-now-caytlyn-brooke/1149149071
Synopsis: Fife, Scotland, 1649.
From valerian root to milk thistle, Fife has relied on the Blackwood sisters' natural remedies for a decade. Gardening and grinding an array of flora into desired tonics and salves, the days are calm and they are content in their quiet lives... until the bodies start to pile up.
Three corpses and one liar, ignite a dozen rumors, thrusting the small town into hysteria. Suspicion poisons and violence erupts as Isla and Elspeth stand accused bana-bhuidseaches. Witches.
The mania accelerates with the arrival of John Kincaid, the notorious witch pricker, stirring the townspeople to commit a most heinous act. With nothing left to lose, the sisters swear vengeance and now, ergot fungus, daffodils, and cherry laurel line their aprons as they wield their knowledge of botany like blades.
If the mob believes them to be disciples of the devil, the women refuse to disappoint!
Critique: An original, deftly crafted, inherently fascinating and simply riveting read from start to finish, "Will the Devil Help Me Now?" by author Caytlyn Brooke is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for highschool and community library YA Historical Fiction collections for ages 16-18. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Will the Devil Help Me Now?" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99)
Editorial Note: Caytlyn Brooke is also the author of "Dark Flowers" and loves to write about the darker side of fantasy and explore the imaginary worlds we used to escape to when we were younger. She attended the University at Albany where she took a Fairytale course that infected her with a love of magic and make-believe. Her dreams are her inspiration for all of her novels and she would love to find a hidden world inside her closet.
The Middle Grade Fiction Shelf
Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances
Kimberly Behre Kenna
Willow River
c/o Between the Lines Publishing
https://btwnthelines.com
9781965059746, Paperback: $14.99/Ebook: $3.99
Between the Lines Publishing
https://btwnthelines.com/product/lola-gillette
Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances is a story about grief, recovery, and honoring the dead.
Thirteen-year-old Lola Gillette is determined to complete the last project she'd had with her dearly departed sister, the Perfect Pairs Collection, at all costs - even stealing coveted Supergirl bobble head dolls from old man Webber's shop. When she's caught and sent to live with agoraphobic Uncle Milo in his old Connecticut mansion for the month, Lola finds herself in what she considers "lockdown."
Her parents view this as time out from her life and helping an aging relative. Lola doesn't think much of what she considers their over-reaction to her thieving ways: "You'd think I'd robbed Tut's tomb and twisted history forever." She views her time with her aging uncle as a waste of a perfectly good August, but as she meets Kya, a woman who yodels, and develops a mission to help her uncle, Lola discovers that second chances arrive in different ways.
As she reconsiders the importance of the Perfect Pairs Collection that once ruled her life, Lola also reassesses luck, choice, and the rituals that she has chosen to honor her sister's life. Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances offers a wonderful opportunity for middle grade readers to appreciate how a grieving girl comes to look outside her connections, complete a goal, and experience new relationships and options.
The characterization is well done and the contrast between Lola and her Uncle Milo's approach to grieving and coming to terms with loss is particularly insightful. The injection of mystery and action into the plot, including holographic messages from a dead aunt and mishaps in a Zen Garden, add value with dimensions of discovery and realization that are insightful and exciting.
Librarians and readers interested in a heartfelt story of adventure, discovery, new experiences, and coming to terms with the past will welcome how Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances creates a thought-provoking story of change.
The Young Adult Fiction Shelf
The Jump
Brittney Morris
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665903981, $19.99, HC, 256pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Brittney-Morris/dp/1665903988
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-jump-brittney-morris/1141651828
Synopsis: Influence is power. Power creates change. And change is exactly what Team Jericho needs.
Jax, Yas, Spider, and Han are the four cornerstones of Team Jericho, the best scavenger hunting team in all of Seattle. Each has their own specialty: Jax, the puzzler; Yas, the parkourist; Spider, the hacker; and Han, the cartographer. But now with an oil refinery being built right in their backyard, each also has their own problems. Their families are at risk of losing their jobs, their homes, and their communities.
So when The Order, a mysterious vigilante organization, hijacks the scavenger hunting forum and concocts a puzzle of its own, promising a reward of influence, Team Jericho sees it as the chance of a lifetime. If they win this game, they could change their families' fates and save the city they love so much. But with an opposing team hot on their heels, it's going to take more than street smarts to outwit their rivals.
Critique: Original, exceptional, deftly crafted, and a fun read from start to finish, "The Jump" by Britteny Morris is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for middle school, highschool, and community library Contemporary YA General Fiction collections for young readers ages 12-18. It should be noted for personal reading lists of teens and young adults with an interest in stories of mystery, suspense, action and adventure that this hardcover edition of "The Jump" from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers is also readily available in paperback (9781665903998, $12.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Brittney Morris is the author of SLAY, The Cost of Knowing, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales - Wings of Fury, and The Jump. She also writes video games and has contributed to projects such as The Lost Legends of Redwall, Subnautica: Below Zero, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and Marvel's Wolverine. Brittney is an NAACP Image Award nominee, an ALA Black Caucus Youth Literary Award winner, and an Ignite Award Finalist. She has an economics degree from Boston University. (https://www.authorbrittneymorris.com)
Goon
Glenn Erick Miller
https://www.glennerickmiller.com
Peasantry Press
https://peasantrypress.com/index.html
9781988276533, $15.99, PB, 325pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Goon-Glenn-Erick-Miller/dp/1988276535
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/goon-glenn-erick-miller/1148414795
Synopsis: When super-sized foster kid Goon causes a devastating accident, he's sentenced to an experimental detention center in rural Florida. There, despite his efforts to go unnoticed, his size and sensitivity make Goon a perfect mark for the resident bully.
Assigned to work at the stables, he connects with the rescued horses and his co-worker Trudy, who is entangled in the center's mysterious past. After Goon suffers a brutal attack, he must confront his tormentor, a raging hurricane, and his own crushing guilt.
Goon dreams of being reunited with his younger brother and tries to prove to anyone who will listen that he deserves a second chance.
But first, he must prove it to himself.
Critique: Original, engaging, skillfully crafted, and an inherently compelling read from start to finish, "Goon" by Glenn Erick Miller is an extraordinary coming-of-age themed novel that will hold a very special appeal for young readers ages 14-18. This paperback edition of "Goon" from Peasantry Press is expressly and unreservedly recommended for middle school, highschool, and community library YA Contemporary Literary Fiction collections and personal reading lists.
Editorial Note: Glenn Erick Miller (https://www.glennerickmiller.com) is also the author of the novel "Camper Girl", and the picture book "Red's First Snow." Another picture book, "What Can it Become?" won a Florida SCBWI's Rising Kite Award and is forthcoming. He earned his BA from SUNY Oswego and MA from Binghamton University. During his long career in education, he has been a tutor, program coordinator, GED teacher, and college professor.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Seven Deadly Thorns
Amber Hamilton
Bloomsbury YA
c/o Bloomsbury Children's Books
www.bloomsbury.com
9781547616596, $24.99, HC, 400pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Deadly-Thorns-Deluxe-Limited/dp/1547616598
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-deadly-thorns-amber-hamilton/1146392307
Synopsis: Viola Sinclair has hidden her shadow magic her whole life. Discovery means certain death, for in the Kingdom of Aragoa dark magic is forbidden. When the Queen finds out Viola's secret, she sends her royal assassin to kill her. He is given a cursed tattoo: seven thorns on his arm for the seven days he has to complete his deadly task. If he fails, he will be the one to die.
The assassin is Roze Roquelart -- an entitled prince, arrogant fellow student at Vandenberghe Academy, and Viola's mortal enemy. The chance to strike Viola down is at Roze's fingertips. But he needs something from Viola. And he's willing to spare her life to get it.
Forced to work together, Viola and Roze uncover terrible secrets, sinister threats... and an irresistible attraction. Can they learn to trust each other in time to save themselves--and bring the light back to Aragoa?
Critique: An original and deftly crafted story of romance, fantasy, and adventure, "Seven Deadly Thorns" by author Amber Hamilton is all the more impressive when consider that it is her debut as a novelist. An extraordinary and fun read from first page to last, featuring cleverly scripted characters and a wealth of plot point surprises, "Seven Deadly Thorns" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as highschool and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections for young readers ages 16-18. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Seven Deadly Thorns" from Bloomsbury YA is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.37).
Editorial Note: Amber Hamilton (https://www.amhamwrites.com) writes stunning escapist fantasy full of harrowing monsters and lovable villains. She lives in Texas with her french bulldog, Waffles, where you can find her indulging her book buying addiction, making vibrant art, and pretending every day is Halloween.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
The Startup Squad: One for the Dogs
Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader, authors
Nadia Hsieh, illustrator
Philomel
c/o Penguin Random House
penguin.com/kids
9780593621646, $22.99 hc
9780593621653, $12.99 pbk / $8.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Squad-Dogs-Graphic-Novel/dp/0593621654
Part of "The Startup Squad" graphic novel series especially for readers ages 8-12, "The Startup Squad: One for the Dogs" is a colorful graphic novel about a young girl, Resa, who has good friends, a loving family, and a knack for starting and running businesses. Resa is delighted when her abuela (grandmother) in Brooklyn invites Resa and her friends to visit for a week or two during summer vacation. But Resa's friends seems to get along better with her abuela than she does. Resa volunteers to help at her abuela's store, and leaps at the chance to create a doggie bandana business with two young girls who are family acquaintances. Then, Resa makes the terrible mistake of assuming that her abuela would give them a business loan to get started, and takes money from the cash register without asking!
Resa has difficulty teaching her new business partners the basics of good salesmanship, and worst of all, she's haunted by the realization that she has committed theft (even though she intends to fully pay the money back). Resa knows she has to admit the truth and face the consequences, but will her relationship with her abuela be shattered? Is Resa's relationship with the friends who came with her to Brooklyn already strained past the point of no return? And why won't Resa's new business partners listen to anything she has to say?
An engaging read with a positive message about balancing expectations and practical obligations, as well as the importance of integrity and honesty (and other virtues such as polite social graces, safety awareness, planning ahead, and entrepreneurship), "The Startup Squad: One for the Dogs" is highly recommended, especially for school and public library graphic novel collections. Also highly recommended is a nonfiction title by the same authors, "You're the Boss: A Kid's Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Business" (9780593528372, $8.99 pbk / $8.99 Kindle), as well as the previous graphic novels featuring the Startup Squad girls: "The Startup Squad", "The Startup Squad: Face the Music", and "The Startup Squad: Party Problems". It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Startup Squad: One for the Dogs" is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.99).
Aya and Her Magic Cat
Sam Ita
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805319987, $15.99, PB, 128pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Aya-Her-Magic-Cat-Enchanted/dp/4805319984
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aya-and-her-magic-cat-sam-ita/1147812881
Synopsis: What happens when origami paper models magically spring to life?
"Aya and Her Magic Cat: The Girl Who Folds Enchanted Origami!" by author/illustrator Sam Ita is an original and exciting graphic novel that tells the story of Aya Wada, a teenage girl who visits her relatives in Japan and unknowingly adopts a powerful feline Kami spirit named Neko, who follows her home to America. Each chapter tells an amusing story about how Neko brings Aya's folded origami paper models to life -- literally!
"Aya and Her Magic Cat" is the story of Aya and Neko, who create magic, memories and a little mayhem wherever they go:
Neko reveals her existence on the return trip from Japan, helping Aya conjure up her first enchanted origami
Aya folds a paper cockroach that scuttles across the floor of the school cafeteria, creating utter chaos!
A paper dove pulled from a magician's hat during a talent show becomes an attacking bird demon!
An origami fortune-teller model projects weird and wonderful images on Aya's bedroom ceiling
Neko produces an animated paper puppet to illustrate how the spirit world can intersect with origami
Aya and Neko team up to use their magical-origami talents to comfort a distraught preschooler at the playground
Of special note is that each chapter includes instructions for a simple origami model that readers can fold using the illustrated tear-out folding papers that are included at the back of the book.
Critique: Original, clever, and a fun read from start to finish, "Aya and Her Magic Cat: The Girl Who Folds Enchanted Origami!" is a unique and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, elementary school, middle school, and community library fantasy themed Graphic Novel collections and a 'must' for young origami enthusiasts!
Editorial Note: Sam Ita worked with Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart, collaborating on many bestselling pop-up books including America the Beautiful and Encyclopedia Prehistorica, and has produced Christmas cards for the Museum of Modern Art. Sam draws inspiration from comics, origami and machines, applying his craft to publishing, advertising, animation, display and toy design. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/449418.Sam_Ita)
The Music CD Shelf
Ride the Merry-Go-Round
Carol Nicodemi
Vocals by Carol Nicodemi, Elyse Orecchio, Avery Nicodemi, Tyler Nicodemi, and Ed Nicodemi
https://edandcarolnicodemi.com
Privately Published
$11.99 CD / $7.99 MP3 / $9.49 Amazon MP3 Music
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Merry-Go-Round-Carol-Nicodemi/dp/B0FBSJMLGM
Creator's Website
https://edandcarolnicodemi.com/store
Intended primarily for pre-kindergarten children, Ride the Merry-Go-Round is an educational music album of original songs (co-composed by Ed & Carol Nicodemi) about self-esteem, understanding emotions, the joy of reading, imagination, problem-solving, nature, and more. The catchy, motivating music is performed by Ed & Carol Nicodemi on guitar and piano, Oskar Haggdahl on drums and percussion, and Kevin Jones on bass. The cheerful, upbeat vocals by Carol Nicodemi and other singers are playful, engaging, and all-around delightful. Ride the Merry-Go-Round is a wonderful music album and also makes an excellent gift for families with young children. 30 min. The tracks are Ride the Merry-Go Round; I Like To Know; Me and You; Up In the Swing; What Should We Do on a Rainy Day?; Be My Friend; Fly On the Wall; Endangered; The Little Blue Engine; Mother Earth; Gentle People; and Stories.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
The Boy Who Drew Cats: A Japanese Folktale
Lafcadio Hearn, author
Anita Kreituse, illustrator
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9780804859561, $16.99, HC, 48pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Drew-Cats-Japanese/dp/0804859566
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-boy-who-drew-cats-lafcadio-hearn/1147812897
Synopsis: A young boy has a singular talent: he's obsessed with drawing cats. Sent away to train as a priest, he holes up at a haunted temple stalked by a ferocious Rat Goblin. Talent and fortitude save the day when the boy's fantastic felines awaken in the night and defend their creator. Evocatively illustrated by Anita Kreituse, the art itself feels magical in this charming fable.
A powerful testament to being yourself and finding your true calling, "The Boy Who Drew Cats: A Japanese Folktale" will delight readers, and art lovers of all ages. Lafcadio Hearn's classic retelling finds a perfect pairing in Anita Kreituse's fabulous and whimsical artwork.
Critique: The artwork/illustrations bringing an authentic Japanese folktale vividly to live are of museum/art gallery quality. This very special hardcover picture book edition of "The Boy Who Drew Cats: A Japanese Folktale" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as family, elementary school, middle school, and community library Folklore/Fairytale collections for young readers.
Editorial Note #1: Lafcadio Hearn (https://lafcadiohearn.net) was born in Greece, eventually settling in Cincinnati where he became the city's best-known crime reporter but was fired after marrying a black woman. Devastated, he moved to New Orleans, where he championed French Creole and Caribbean culture and created the city's image as a place of voodoo and debauchery. Hearn arrived in Japan at a time of historic change. Sent there as a correspondent, over the next dozen years, he published 15 books on his adopted home and emerged as the leading writer on Japan and Japanese culture.
Editorial Note #2: Anita Kreituse is a Latvian artist, painter and illustrator. She worked as a magazine art director, book illustrator, illustrator for package design, stage and costume designer and is a member of Aritsts' Union of Latvia since 1992 and has participated in numerous important art exhibitions. Her illustrations of Puika, kas zimeja kakus (The Boy Who Drew Cats) were nominated for Janis Baltvilks Prize in 2017. A listing of her books is available online at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5352981.Anita_Kreituse
The Christian Shelf
Happy Easter Risen King!
Laura Sassi, author
Gabi Murphy, illustrator
Paraclete Press
www.paracletepress.com
9798893480450, $9.99, Board Book, 12pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Easter-Risen-King-Learning/dp/B0FNKG84FC
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/happy-easter-risen-king-laura-sassi/1148100777
Synopsis: Celebrate the joy of Easter with the youngest members of your family! With sweet, rhyming text by author/storyteller Laura Sassi and vibrant illustrations by artist Gabi Murphy,"Happy Easter, Risen King!" creatively weaves the fun of learning colors with the special message and wonder of the resurrection story. Perfectly designed for tiny hands and curious minds, this sturdy board book brings the beloved Easter story to life in a way that's fun, interactive, and heartwarming.
Critique: Fun, inspiring, and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and presentation, "Happy Easter Risen King!" is part of the Paraclete Press 'Early Learning Board Book of Colors' series and unreservedly recommended for family, Sunday School, daycare center, preschool, and community library Easter Holiday board book collections for children ages 6 months to 5 years.
Editorial Note #1: Laura Sassi (https://laurasassitales.wordpress.com) has been a teacher, homeschool mom, children's ministry director and more. The author of multiple books for young children, her titles with Paraclete Press include Pumpkin Day for Boo and Belle, Happy Birthday Christmas Child, My Tender Heart Bible, My Tender Heart Prayer Book and My Tender Heart Devotions, which was a Christianity Today Book Award finalist. She writes daily from her home in New Jersey and finds special joy in sharing messages of kindness, comfort and hope at school visits, church gatherings, and other events.
Editorial Note #2: Gabi Murphy's career in art was built on the enthusiasm of a bubbly, eccentric art teacher who claimed with exuberant arm waving: "Darling, you must do art!" She has been a freelance artist for over 35 years and has spent happy hours creating lots of cutesy, fluffy characters. She has recently studied acrylic and oil painting at ISoA and has also discovered an interest in digital art. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16524947.Gabi_Murphy)
God Chose Me!
Lexa Hale, author
Dana Regan, illustrator
Paraclete Press
www.paracletepress.com
9781640609778, $11.99, Board Book, 16pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/God-Chose-Me-Celebrating-Made/dp/1640609776
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/god-chose-me-lexa-hale/1147474537
Synopsis: It's never too soon to start speaking words of truth, love, and assurance to children about how they are perfectly made by God! "God Chose Me!: Celebrating Who God Made Me to Be" is simply delightful board book for children ages 6 months to 3 years that repeats simple, beautiful, biblical truth that can shape young hearts for a lifetime. God chose the color of their eyes and the sound of their laugh. He knows their worries and what makes them happy or sad. God never makes a mistake!
Based on Genesis 1:27, vibrantly illustrated by Dana Regan and a rhyming text by Lexa Hale, this very special board book will help little ones understand that God thoughtfully created them with love and purpose. With Bible-based messages, even the youngest child will hear affirmations that they are wonderfully made, cherished by God, and unique in His eyes.
The board book edition of "God Chose Me!" :
Reminds children that their identity, value, security, and self-worth is in God.
Is ideal for bedtime story, school or daycare story time.
Features rhyming text and bright illustrations that reinforce biblical truth to toddlers.
Encourages children from a very early age to celebrate their uniqueness and trust in God's perfect design.
Makes the perfect gift for birthdays, baby showers, baptisms, Easter, stocking stuffers, and toddler milestones.
Intended to equip parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and Christian educators, "God Chose Me!" helps very young children to understand one of life's most important truths: God never makes mistakes, and He created each person with love, purpose, and care!
Critique: Fun, 'kid friendly', and inspiring from cover to cover, "God Chose Me!: Celebrating Who God Made Me to Be" from Paraclete Press is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick for family, Sunday School, daycare center, preschool, and community library values themed board book collections for very young children and their parents/caregivers.
Editorial Note #1: Lexa Hale (https://lexahale.com) is a devoted Christian, mother, grandmother, and storyteller with a heart for beauty, truth, and the wonder of childhood. She loves to write poetry for children and enjoys being a contributor to Focus on the Family's Clubhouse, Jr. magazine. Lexa is a longtime resident of Cape Cod and is inspired by the beauty that surrounds her. She seeks to bring the joy of that inspiration to young hearts, and is also a talented collage artist and jewelry designer.
Editorial Note #2: Dana Regan (http://www.danareganillustration.com) is a writer, illustrator, and author of nearly 100 children's books for a variety of publishers, including Scholastic, Random House, Penguin, Grosset & Dunlap, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster. Prior to publishing these works, she designed greeting cards for Hallmark.
Sing Up the Earth!
Cheryl Hellner, author
Merce Tous, illustrator
Paraclete Press
www.paracletepress.com
9798893480290, $18.98, HC, 32pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sing-Up-Earth-Cheryl-Hellner/dp/B0F9TKRH49
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sing-up-the-earth-cheryl-hellner/1147474541
Synopsis: Meadow loves making musical instruments out of clay (the very body of the Earth) just as her grandpa does. Together this family pair makes flutes, whistles, ocarinas, horns, and round pot drums that sing with the voices of nature. Wild animals respond to the joyful sounds by echoing back their own calls. Meadow and Grandpa sing up the earth, and the earth sings back to them.
One night, a fierce storm destroys their workshop, and Grandpa's beloved ocarina, an ancient instrument shaped like a hawk, is nowhere to be found. Grief and loss fill the air with ash and smoke. What follows is a gentle, heartwarming journey where Meadow uncovers hope and the secret behind Grandpa's breathtaking music that "sings up the earth".
Brimming with joy and wonder, Sing Up the Earth! is a picture book celebration of a deep kinship between humans and nature while tenderly conveying the love that connects families from one generation to the next.
Through lyrical storytelling and rich, evocative illustrations, Sing Up the Earth!
Fosters children's innate love of nature and encourages "green time" over "screen time."
Helps children face loss and hardship through conversations with caring adults.
Celebrates the beauty of intergenerational love and friendship, particularly between a child and a grandparent.
Inspires the artist within each child by cultivating imagination, curiosity, and the freedom to try new things even if they make mistakes.
Includes an Author's Note describing the centuries-old, multicultural art of making musical instruments out of clay.
Critique: Charmingly illustrated in full color throughout by artist Merce Tous, and with an engaging, original, and 'kid friendly' story by author Cheryl Hellner, "Sing Up the Earth!" is a singularly special and unreservedly recommended pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, Sunday School, and community library Environment/Nature Appreciation themed picture book collections for children ages 4-8.
Editorial Note #1: Cheryl Hellner (https://cherylhellner.com) is a poet and storyteller, a teacher and retreat leader who embodies a lifelong passion for creativity, art, and the natural world. After graduate studies in Early Childhood Special Education, she worked with inner city children in her local Head Start program evaluating special needs children and designing approaches that would help them to learn and flourish. Her passion for children's picture book stories grew from this work. Following her decade with Head Start, she worked in writing, editing, and small press publishing creating innovative editions of a new journal of faith and the arts, Potter's House Press, along with her good friend and co-editor, Gayle Boss.
Editorial Note #2: Merce Tous (https://www.mercetous.com) lives and works in Barcelona, her hometown. She loves being close to the sea and enjoying the cultural activities that this cosmopolitan city offers. However, whenever possible, she escapes to nature, her main source of inspiration. Since childhood, she has enjoyed drawing, painting, and creating illustrated images and books. Her grandfather was her first drawing teacher -- the person who sparked her passion for art, instilled a sense of curiosity, and passed on values of dedication and an appreciation for well-crafted work.
Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orb
Don Everts
IVP Kids
c/o InterVarsity Press
www.ivpress.com
9781514012185, $16.99, PB, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Mystery-Glowing-Orbs-Sensate/dp/1514012189
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oscar-and-the-mystery-of-the-glowing-orbs-don-everts/1147398069
Synopsis: Themes of Christian faith resonate through the pages of "Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs" by Don Everts. Young readers will meet Oscar, a new kid navigating life in a new town, at a new school, with no friends to lean on.
Just as Oscar has decided to shuffle his way through freshman year and settle for lonely lunches on the football bleachers, something extraordinary happens -- Oscar begins to see glowing orbs that no one else can see. Confused and curious, he soon discovers he's not the only one at his school with a mysterious power.
When chaos disrupts Centerville High, Oscar finds himself in the middle of an eclectic group of kids who all want answers... and are eager to take action! These zealous teen journalists and amateur detectives include other "Sensates" -- kids like Oscar who have unique powers. No longer alone, Oscar discovers that those orbs he's been seeing might just be put to good use.
Young readers will enjoy joining Oscar as he untangles his own mysteries of friendship and faith, and learns that overcoming his deepest fears will require tapping into a Power greater than his own.
Critique: Original, exceptional, and a fun read from cover to cover, "Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs" is Volume 1 of author Don Everts' new middle-grade action/adventure series 'The Sensate Saga', which blends of friendship and Christian faith with mystery and adventure. While especially and unreservedly recommended for family, middle school and community library General Fiction collections for children ages 10-14, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs" from IVY Kids is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.14).
Editorial Note #1: Don Everts is the senior pastor of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, and is a writer for Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Hopeful Neighborhood Project. Don has spent almost three decades helping people on college campuses and in the local church become good stewards of their God-given gifts. Along the way, his wife, Wendy, has been helping Don do the same. His many books include The Reluctant Witness, The Spiritually Vibrant Home, and The Hopeful Neighborhood, all of which feature original research from Barna and biblical insights for our everyday lives.
Editorial Note #2: "Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs" is the first of three books in The Sensate Saga, a series exploring everyday mysteries and reminding us that there is always more going on than any of us can see.
Books in Series
Eliza Jane Finds Her Dog Squad
Eliza Kelley and Debra Whiting Alexander
www.debrawhitingalexander.com
Luminare Press
https://www.luminarepress.com
9798886798722, $12.95 Paperback/$4.95 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL4BJ85G
Eliza Jane Finds Her Dog Squad adds another book to a series about an Oregon cowgirl who is quirky, intelligent, and has Tourette syndrome.
Eliza Jane is about to be eleven, but she's no stranger to romance - she fell hard in love at age five with Archie, a Chihuahua, and couldn't imagine at the time why her usually-understanding mother rejected the possibility of their marriage. Now she's so much older and is facing new struggles -- entering fifth grade against her wishes. She's fine with remaining a fourth grader forever because the prospect of a new school ties directly into her feelings about how much she hates change and new things. She just wants everything to stay the same.
Her understanding talking "wonder dog" Archie tries to help her adjust, but it takes making new friends and having new experience to get her over the hurdle of fear that threatens to keep her from the things she loves.
Information about Tourette's is imparted through Eliza Jane's eyes as she experiences her world. This is an important note because, where many books for young people tell about special needs, Eliza Jane Finds Her Dog Squad adopts an experiential outlook that helps readers understand Eliza Jane's emotions, fears, and her different way of perceiving the world. It also adds the perceptions of others as they enter Eliza Jane's world: "My brother has the same thing. You don't look like you have Tourette's, though. You're lucky."
"Lucky? Hardly. Just because you don't always see my tics doesn't mean I don't have them. Or that they don't hurt."
"My brother's tics always show."
"It might be because he's a boy. Tourette's is different for every single person, but girls usually try and 'mask' all the ways they feel different. I did too. I wanted to fit in so I tried to hide my tics. But not anymore."
"Why?"
"Because I want to be seen and understood for exactly who I am." From dog Archie's love for his friend Lucy and a conundrum which emerges from that to how Eliza Jane involves others in her world, Eliza Jane Finds Her Dog Squad is a uplifting, informative, interesting story of finding one's place and people in the broader, scary world beyond familiarity.
Its lessons and adventures will engage a wide audience of middle grade readers not because it enlightens about Tourette's or special needs, but because it focuses on the growth and empowerment of a precocious young dreamer and her dog who enjoy adventures as they confront fears, hopes, and dreams.
This is why librarians need to highly recommend Eliza Jane Finds Her Dog Squad to elementary-level and middle-grade readers as an inviting, fun story of a girl who finds not just her "dog squad," but her place in a changing world.
Suzie Housley's Bookshelf
Uncle Unk Becomes an Uncle
Tristan Miranda, author
Seth Thompson, illustrator
MW Press, LLC
https://mwpressbooks.com
9781959587293, $TBA HC / $2.99 Kindle, 28 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GGDFF8FR
MW Press, LLC
https://mwpressbooks.com/uncle-unk-1
Synopsis: Unk has always enjoyed a life defined by freedom and independence, answering only to himself and embracing each day without obligation. A late-night phone call suddenly interrupted his comfortable routine, informing him he had become an uncle.
Faced with the arrival of his newborn niece, Unk worries that his carefree world is about to disappear, replaced by unexpected responsibilities and unfamiliar emotions. As he navigates this new chapter, Unk must confront his fears and discover whether this tiny new presence will disrupt his life - or transform it in ways he never imagined.
A sequel, Uncle Unk Visits the Zoo!, is forthcoming.
Critique: Uncle Unk Becomes an Uncle offers a playful and heartfelt look at how change can challenge even the most independent spirit.
Tristan Miranda and Seth Thompson have crafted a lighthearted yet meaningful story that invites readers to see the world through fresh eyes, leaving them smiling long after the last page.
Through humor and warmth, the story explores the anxieties many feel when family dynamics shift, revealing how love often arrives in surprising forms.
The lifelike illustrations bring depth and personality to the narrative, enhancing its charm and emotional resonance.
Editorial Note: Recommend ages 4-9 years old.
You Are Super, Penny! My Food Allergen Service Dog
Candace Laskowski, author
Audrey Suau, illustrator
Independently Published
9798218586492, $4.99 Kindle, $12.99 PB, 31 Pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/You-are-SUPER-Penny-Allergen/dp/B0FJFDHCL7
Synopsis: Living with anaphylaxis requires constant awareness, careful preparation, and unwavering attention - especially for a young boy whose severe food allergies shape his everyday life. Ordinary moments become carefully managed experiences, with each meal thoughtfully prepared under the watchful care of his mother to ensure his safety and well-being.
Standing faithfully at his side is Penny, a highly trained food-allergen service dog and his closest companion. Wearing her distinctive vest like a superhero cape, Penny approaches her work with focus and determination.
At the command "Search," she uses her extraordinary abilities to detect substances that could trigger a dangerous reaction. Penny's vigilance and dedication provide both protection and peace of mind, allowing the boy to move through the world with greater confidence.
Rewarding each successful alert strengthens the deep bond between them and highlights the trust that defines their partnership. Together, they show how courage, loyalty, and teamwork can transform fear into empowerment.
Critique: You Are Super, Penny! My Food Allergen Service Dog serves both as an encouraging narrative and as a valuable resource for families navigating similar challenges. The engaging illustrations vividly bring Penny and the surrounding characters to life, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
Candace Laskowski has crafted a meaningful and informative story that shines a light on the realities of living with severe allergies while introducing young readers to the important role service animals can play.
This heartfelt book is an excellent addition for children seeking reassurance, understanding, and inspiration in the face of medical challenges.
Editorial Note: Recommended ages 2-8 years old.
Suzie Housley, Senior Reviewer
https://housleysliteraryservices.com
The Story Monsters Ink
Shelf
Story Monsters LLC is dedicated to helping authors of all genres strive for excellence through our marketing and
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My Book of Firsts: Poems Celebrating a Baby's Milestones
Lee Wardlaw, author
Bruno Brogna, illustrator
Red Comet Press
https://www.redcometpress.com
9781636551296, $19.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
Capture a baby's firsts, from first toy to first birthday, with this endearing collection of whimsical poems told from a newborn's point of view. Each page of poetry is accompanied by soft and soothing illustrations of animals, making the book a cozy bundle of joy. A section in the back allows for recording a little one's magical milestones... what a wonderful gift for new parents. (Ages baby-1)
Wolfgang and the Magic of Music
Didier Levy, author
Lorenzo Sangio, illustrator
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500653838, $17.95
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Wolfgang is a wolf who loves music. His dream is to start a band of his own. He places an ad, but receives only one response, that of Rex the rabbit. The unlikely duo team up with Wolfgang providing the instrumentals and Rex the singer. Although they sound good together, there is always tension between them because wolves and rabbits are natural foes of each other. Author Didier Levy tells a humorous story that teaches readers the powers of both music and friendship. (Ages baby-4)
Molly, Olive, and Dexter: Who's Afraid of the Dark?
Catherine Rayner
Candlewick
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536241761, $17.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Good friends Molly, Olive and Dexter team up once again, this time to illustrate the concept of being afraid of the dark. They all love to watch the sun set, but when it starts to get dark and they hear strange noises, they become afraid. This is not only another good book in the series, it is also a good book to teach children about not being afraid of the dark. (Ages 3-5)
Wiggling Words
Kate Rolfe
Candlewick Press
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536244557, $18.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
The child in this story struggles with the words on the page, a sea of letters as tall as a mountain. It's only when they start playing around with the letters, that they begin to enjoy making everything from towers to castles and can invent anything they want. With her award-winning design, author and illustrator Rolfe presents an incredibly creative approach to offer children with dyslexia and other neurodivergence a way to gain confidence in their ability to read. (Ages 3-6)
Hogbert
Briony May Smith
Candlewick
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536245035, $18.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Little Hogbert gets separated from his family. He finds himself alone in the forest. He's not sure how to get home. As he's searching for the way home, he encounters many other creatures who have also been separated from their families. Together, they are able to find their way back to where they started. This is a great little story about friendship and independence. (Ages 3-7)
Hot Food: Nice!
Michael Rosen, author
Neal Layton, illustrator
Candlewick
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536250060, $14.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Like many kids, Michael believes his dad knows everything... until something happens one day that changes everything. Before biting into their hot potatoes, Michael and his mom and his brother all blow on their potatoes before taking bites. But Michael's dad doesn't. He bites right into the potato. And boy, was it hot! The illustrations and storyline combine for a truly kid-friendly book, one they will ask to read again and again. (Ages 3-7)
An Adventure for Lia and Lion
Al Rodin
Knopf Books
https://knopfdoubleday.com
9780593903322, $18.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Lia is looking for a pet and so is Lion. When Lia and Lion find each other, they each try to persuade the other to be their pet. Neither one wants to be someone else's pet; they each want a pet of their own. So they team up and go on an adventure. In the process, they discover the beauty of friendship. Bold, colorful illustrations, sparse text, and a delightful storyline create a fun, easy-to-read book that is sure to become a favorite of many. (Ages 3-7)
Sasha Feels Shy
Natalia Shaloshvili
Candlewick Press
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536248203, $18.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
What's an introverted wolf cub to do when her shyness takes over on a playdate? Leo wants to play chef, rock stars, and astronauts, but Sasha's a bit too shy to join in. She wants to be his friend, but is there a way she can learn to navigate her shyness? Tune in to see if a friendship is made. Author Shaloshvili draws from her own childhood struggles to craft this meaningful tale about shy ones who need a little more understanding. (Ages 3-7)
Sammy Goes to the Doctor
Brittany Feria, author
Wandson Rocha, illustrator
Blue Balloon Books
https://www.blueballoonbooks.com
9781966786108, $19.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Young children will relate to Sammy's experience of going to the doctor for a checkup for the first time. Author Brittany Feria emphasizes the positive aspects of a doctor's visit, offering comfort for little ones going through the same thing. The animal characters and colorful illustrations are soothing and appropriate for little ones. (Ages 3-8)
Just One Owl
Carolyn Crimi, author
Janie Bynum, illustrator
Holiday House
https://holidayhouse.com
9780823459650, $15.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Almost everyone in the forest has a friend. There are two squirrels, two deer and even two leaves. But there is "just one owl." Where will Owl find a friend? Maybe in an unexpected place. This story is written in an easy-to-read format for the young set to read by themselves. (Ages 4-8)
Night Flight
David Barclay Moore, author
Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, illustrator
Candlewick Press
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536223262, $18.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
As a little boy tries to fall asleep while his dads are out for the evening, he catches a glimpse of a pterosaur outside his window, which leads to an adventurous flight, soaring and swooping throughout the star-filled night sky. Minimal text and expressive illustrations capture the warmth of his adventure and the soothing reunion with his parents. (Ages 4-8)
My Daddy Speaks English, Mama Habla Espanol
Mariane Rodriguez Dolce, author
Joe Cepeda, illustrator
Holiday House
https://holidayhouse.com
9780823457816, $18.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
In this household, Daddy speaks English but Mama speaks Spanish. The text is a mixture of Spanish and English, illustrating the two different languages spoken at home. The text is written in rhyme and a glossary is included at the end of the book that defines Spanish words used throughout the book. (Ages 4-8)
Paloma and the Red Carpet
Carme Lemniscates
Tilbury House
https://www.tilburyhouse.com
9781668944912, $18.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
When Paloma is introduced to her new daycare center, she hangs back and watches because, due to a language barrier, she can't understand what everyone is saying. But there is a cozy-looking red carpet in the middle of the room that holds Paloma's interest. She is drawn to the carpet where she can interact with the other children, draw pictures and learn their language. One day, their caregiver tells them they must leave the red carpet behind because they are moving to a different building where there will be no room for it. How will Paloma cope with the loss of the special red carpet? This is a sweet story about change and friendship. (Ages 4-8)
Snap! Crunch! Munch?
Diana Castillo
Holiday House
https://holidayhouse.com
9780823456963, $14.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
A new addition to the I Like to Read Comics series follows a little boy as he joins his family for dinner. The meal includes something different for each member... black beans, shrimp, flan, and more, as he starts imagining giraffes, elephants, and other animals crunching and munching on their favorites. There are 32 titles in this easy reader comics series, with simple text that's ideal for young readers. (Ages 4-8)
Once Upon Another Fairy Tale
Greg McGoon
Artcentricity
9798992542110, $14.95
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
In Once Upon A Fairy Tale, a puppy named Oliver stumbled upon a magical book of fairy tales and embarked on a wondrous adventure. Now much older in McGoon's newest release, Oliver's ordinary walk in the woods sweeps him into a new realm filled with tangled fairy tales. He ventures from one legendary story to the next, learning throughout the twists and turns that every tale has a deeper meaning. But what about his own tale? (Ages 5+)
Mini Designers: 20 Projects Inspired by the Great Designers
Josephine Seblon, author
Robert Sae-Heng, illustrator
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500660416, $19.95
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
Introduce your kids to the world of graphic and product design with these 20 step-by-step projects from designers from across the globe, each presented in a simple and friendly way, inviting all levels of creativity. The wide variety of activities includes instructions for designing illustrated initials, pinched clay pots, and mini motorcars to hanging mobiles, patchwork jars, and pixel art creatures. In addition to teaching ways to apply good design principles, each craft offers a quick setup and cleanup. You might want to check out Mini Artists and Mini Architects, the other books in the series. (Ages 5-6)
Night of the Deer
Mary Morel, author
Mira Miroslavova, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
https://sleepingbearpress.com
9781534112865, $18.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Author Mary Morel shares an original folk tale about two deer, a doe and a buck. They transform from animal to human form after Arabella invites them to her school dance. When a mysterious couple show up for the event, no one guesses who they are, except Arabella. This magical tale is sure to become a favorite. (Ages 5-8)
Miss Betti, What Is This?: How Detroit's School Lunch Lady Got Good Food on the Menu
Lela Nargi, author
Kristen Uroda, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
https://sleepingbearpress.com
9781534113251, $18.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Miss Betti was the lunch lady in Detroit's city schools. She knew how important it was for students to have good healthy food to eat for lunch. So, she made it her mission to transform the school lunch menus to promote good health and more learning. This is a true story of Betti Wiggins and her quest to change school lunch programs with her first effort to do so in Detroit. This is not only a good story, the author shows readers that food can be healthy and it can still taste good! (Ages 6-9)
Barker's Doghouse: Leave It!
Maria Bea Alfano, author
Laura Catalan, illustrator
Pixel+Ink
https://www.pixelandinkbooks.com
9781645952725, $16.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
Gio's mom is taking in a foster puppy at her doggie daycare and none of the other dogs are pleased about it. They tell Gio that puppies chew and destroy everything... but with his special ability to talk to dogs, Gio thinks he has the solution. He'll talk the new pup through everything and get her acclimated, so that his mom will then give him the only birthday gift he wants: a trip back to his former town to see his friends. Will his scheme work? (Ages 7-10)
My Latin America and the Caribbean: A Celebration
Gabriela Goldin Marcovich, author
Andres Landazabal, illustrator
Candlewick Press
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536245059, $19.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
Climb aboard the tour bus for a close-up of Latin America and the Caribbean, everything from rainforests, coral reefs, and mountain ranges to city plazas, volcanoes, and the civilizations of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. Introduce yourself to the amazing foods, from maize to chocolate. Meet monkeys and manatees and macaws, learn about the region's music, dance, and sport. It's all in these colorful pages inviting you to Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil, Bahamas, Andes, Peru, and many other amazing parts of this fascinating part of the world. (Ages 7-10)
The Great Dance-On
Mary Rand Hess and Randy Preston, authors
Marilena Perilli, illustrator
Free Spirit Publishing
https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com
9798885544092, $18.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
There will be a dance-off in Ms. Tharrington's dance class. Most of the kids are excited about the idea, but Nevaeh is nervous. She's not comfortable dancing by herself in front of everyone. Hanh feels the same way. When they speak with their teacher, she holds a group discussion to figure out a way to make everyone comfortable. This is a good story of everyone working together for a common cause. (Ages 7-11)
Press 1 for Invasion
J.A. Douber
Aladdin
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com
9781665974776, $17.99
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
When 10-year-old Matt's parents won't allow him to have a cell phone, he stumbles upon one on the sidewalk... but the only feature that works is the camera. He soon realizes it's not your everyday ordinary camera. When he uses it, the pictures of the school crossing guard are of a monster and the lunch lady is an alien. After learning that there will be an invasion of Earth, Matt and his crush Marcela team up in an attempt to stop the aliens. Plenty of action, twists and turns, and silliness to keep middle schoolers entertained and wanting more... could there be a sequel? (Ages 8-12)
Table Titans Club
Scott Kurtz
Holiday House
https://holidayhouse.com
9780823456819, $13.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
In this second book of the Table Titans series, the group of friends spend a few days at Camp Owlcare. There they go on quests like they would if they were playing online video games. In addition to completing the quests, the group learn some valuable lessons about friendship. I'm not a big fan of graphic novels, but this one was much easier to read than most I have come across in the past. Graphic novel fans will want to add this book to their library, particularly if they are fans of role-playing video games. (Ages 8-12)
Rivers
Simon Chapman, author
Qu Lan, illustrator
Big Picture Press
c/o Candlewick
https://www.candlewick.com
9781536241136, $19.99
Christine Irvin
Reviewer
Author Simon Chapman offers readers a plethora of interesting facts and trivia about different rivers around the world. Readers will learn how rivers are formed, how they change and how they support life. Six fold-out pages throughout the book highlight major waterways. The book is packed with interesting information, but I do think a glossary should have been included. (Ages 9-12)
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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