Lambelet, Anne. I’m a Dumbo Octopus: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods. Anne Lambelet, Illus. Graphic Universe, 03/2025. 72pp. Graphic. Trade $29.32. 979-8765603055. Paper $12.99. 979-8765661376. GRADES 2–5. OUTSTANDING. A personality-packed dumbo octopus named Grimpy introduces itself, and its whole class of cephalopods, in an engaging nonfiction graphic [continue reading]
August 2025
Island Storm Review
Floca, Brian. Island Storm. Sydney Smith, Illus. Candlewick/Neal Porter, 07/2025. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5647-5. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. Powerful, painterly watercolor and gouache illustrations capture the energy, atmosphere, and shifting light of a monumental island storm. Rhythmic poetic text speaks in an older sibling’s voice, “Now [continue reading]
Spark Review
Baron, Chris. Spark. Feiwel & Friends, 07/2025. 320pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-250-86474-1. GRADES 5–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. At the start of eighth grade Finn knows where he’s from and what’s important. Redwood Hollows, at the entrance to a national forest, is a tight-knit community and with [continue reading]
Welcome ACL Helfeld Scholars!
Welcome ACL Helfeld Scholars! Eboni Weston Hello. My name is Eboni A. Weston. I am a mother, a dedicated student, and I work as a permanent part-time library aide at the Oakland Public Library: [continue reading]
Author Allan Ahlberg Dies
Author Allan Ahlberg Dies: British children’s book author Allan Ahlberg died at age 87 on July 31, 2025. Writing more than 150 books for children, Ahlberg’s books include the best sellers Each Peach Pear Plum [continue reading]
ACL Meeting Friday, August 8, 2025 Set for Oakland Public Library
ACL Meeting Friday, August 8, 2025: Just a quick reminder for our Bay Area members! Please join us for our ACL Meeting on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 9:00am-Noon, at the Oakland Public Library, 125 [continue reading]