Melissa McAvoy

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]

Uzu, Tonka. Peggy Goes Gardening. Tonka Uzu, Illus. Translated from the Italian by Post Wave Children’s Books. Post Wave, 4/2025. [16]pp. Picture Book. Trade $15.99. 979-8-89509-006-0. GRADES Baby/Toddler–1. ADDITIONAL.           In this simple, sweet translation from original Italian, one or two sentences per page show little Peggy and [continue reading]

Tallec, Olivier. Is It Asleep? Olivier Tallec, Illus. Translated from the French by Lerner Publishing Group. Lerner/Gecko, 08/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 979-8765670521. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL. Pock and I (a mushroom and a squirrel) look for the blackbird who sings every morning, only to find it lying [continue reading]

Sekaninova, Stepanka. Poops and Farts: The Bottom Line. Miroslava Gomolcakova, Illus. Addl. Creator Daniel Handak. Translated from the Czech by Graeme and Suzzane Dibble. Albatros, 06/2025. 47pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.95. 978-80-00-07440-5. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.          Who doesn’t appreciate a bit of humor when discussing bodily functions like pooping and [continue reading]

Yelchin, Eugene. I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This: A Graphic Memoir. Eugene Yelchin, Illus. Candlewick,09/2025. 432pp. Graphic. Trade $22.99. 978-1536215533. GRADES 9–Adult. OUTSTANDING.   Packed with power, this gorgeous and compelling follow-up to Yelchin’s graphic memoir, The Genius Under the Table (2021), is pitched at older [continue reading]