Melissa McAvoy

Diffee, Matthew. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing. Matthew Diffee, Illus. Neal Porter, 09/2025. 48pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5871-4. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.   Charming, realistic, wax and colored pencil illustrations, in the style [continue reading]

Pendreigh, Kirsten. What Fish Are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean. Katie Melrose, Illus. Sourcebooks Explore, 06/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-4642-1896-5. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING. Conversational, rhyming text invites us along on a peaceful kayak [continue reading]

Tagaq, Tanya. I Would Give You My Tail. Qavavau Manumie, Illus. Tundra, 04/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1774880579. GRADES Preschool-2. OUTSTANDING. A new baby is coming! As his Inuk mother goes into labor, her [continue reading]

Chen, Annie. Salmon Run: An Epic Journey to the Ocean and Back. Annie Chen, Illus. Red Comet, 11/2025. [38]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6365-5165-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.            Wonder, art, and science combine in a beautifully [continue reading]

Konnecke, Ole. Diggers, Dozers, and Dumpers: Small Stories About Big Machines. Ole Konnecke, Illus. Translated from the German by Melody Shaw. Gecko, 05/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 979-8765667552. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.             This unusual picture book celebrates thirteen different large vehicles, from cement mixers to [continue reading]

Moudahi, Jenn. Charlotte’s New Moccasins. Rhael McGregor, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2025. [30]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-496-6. GRADES Kindergarten–1. ADDITIONAL.            Charlotte’s moccasins are too small, so mom says it’s time to visit grandma who, readers quickly discover, practices the ancient art of moccasin making. They work together to [continue reading]

Lam, Thao. Everybelly. Thao Lam, Illus. Groundwood, 04/2025. [36].pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-77306-764-3. GRADES Preschool–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.            At the community pool, Maddie observes many shapes and sizes of bellies. Every belly tells its own story and carries its own significance. Maddie’s observations set the stage [continue reading]

Vail, Rachel. You and Me, Anemone: A Story About Friendship and Personal Space. Chris Raschka, Illus. Greenwillow, 06/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99.  9780063414723. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.             Caldecott winner Raschka employs gesso on fabric, and embroidery floss and yarn, for brightly colored illustrations that appear textured on [continue reading]