Sidman, Joyce. Dear Acorn, (Love Oak): Letter Poems to Friends. Melissa Sweet, Illus. Clarion, 09/2025. 40pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-3583-3476-7. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. A moving collection of epistolary (letter) poems of interrelated everyday objects [continue reading]
Melissa McAvoy
Sundust Review
Peña, Zeke. Sundust. Zeke Peña, Illus. Kokila, 08/05/2025. 48pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-5937-0011-2. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. Two curious siblings with tawny skin explore the desert beyond their backyard wall, discovering the beauty of their [continue reading]
Curious Life of Cecilia Payne Review
Alary, Laura. Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars, The. Yas Imamura, Illus. Incredible Lives for Young Readers. Eerdmans, 01/2026. [56]pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 978-0-8028-5515-2. GRADES 3–5. OUTSTANDING. Born in England in [continue reading]
Library in the Woods Review
Ramsey, Calvin Alexander. Library in the Woods, The. R. Gregory Christie, Illus. Lerner /Carolrhoda, 08/2025. [32]pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5415-9912-3. GRADES 2–5. OUTSTANDING. When a poor Black farmer gives up his rural farm in 1959 [continue reading]
And She Was Loved Review
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories. Daniel Minter, Illus. Hachette /Little Brown, 01/2025. 48pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-3161-8236-2. GRADES Kindergarten–Adult. OUTSTANDING. This extraordinary poetic tribute to Morrison is perhaps [continue reading]
Wiggle and Buzz Review
Mole, Simon. Wiggle and Buzz: My First Book of Bugs. Adam Ming, Illus. Candlewick, 08/2025. 76pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-3887-7. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL. A wide variety of bugs are introduced to beginning readers via short [continue reading]
Ellis Island Passover Review
Moss, Marissa. Ellis Island Passover. Marissa Moss, Illus. Creston, 01/2025. 32pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-9543-5432-6. GRADES Kindergarten–3. ADDITIONAL. In this pen-and-ink picture book, Marissa Moss gives us a Passover tale in which the central [continue reading]
Happy Passover, Edie Rose Review
Preble, Joy. Happy Passover, Edie Rose. Valeria Cis, Illus. Kar-Ben, 01/2025. 32pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 979-8-7656-2994-9. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Every year, Edie Rose in Apt 701 prepares a Passover for everyone in the [continue reading]