Velasquez, Eric. Polar Bear and the Ballerina, The. Eric Velasquez, Illus. Holiday House, 10/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-4918-7. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. In this compelling wordless picture book, a young ballet dancer sees a [continue reading]
Spy in the Museum Review
McGuire, Erin. Spy in the Museum, The: How Rose Vallard Saved Art from the Nazis. Erin McGuire, Illus. Beach Lane, 09/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5344-6617-3. GRADES 1–5. OUTSTANDING. Rose Valland was a curator at [continue reading]
Here Is a Book Review
Cooper, Elisha. Here Is a Book. Elisha Cooper, Illus. Abrams, 04/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-4197-6675-6. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Beginning at her home in the country, an author writes and illustrates a book, [continue reading]
Old MacPumpkin Had a Farm Review
Charman, Katrina. Old MacPumpkin Had a Farm. Georgie Birkett, Illus. Nosy Crow, 07/2025. [22]pp. Picture Book. Trade $14.99. 979-8-88777-168-7. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In this reimagining of the classic nursery song “Old MacDonald,” the farmer [continue reading]
Performers’ Showcase Registration Now Open for our audience!
Performers Showcase Registration: The annual ACL Performers’ Showcase offers the opportunity to meet and evaluate a variety of children’s performers active in the Bay Area. The next Showcase will be held on Saturday, February 7, [continue reading]
Mini-grant Deadline Jan. 15th, Institute Set for March 13, 2026
This is a friendly reminder that the Mini Grant Committee is accepting applications for fall/winter professional development grants. The next review will consider all applications received by 11:59 p.m. on January 15th for events that take place in late January through [continue reading]
ACL Meeting Friday, Jan. 9th on Social and Emotional Learning Picture Books
ACL Meeting Friday, January 9, 2026: Just a quick reminder for our Bay Area members! Please join us for our ACL Meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:15am-Noon, over Zoom. The Zoom link will [continue reading]
Because of Winn Dixie Read-Alikes
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo Berry, Jaime. Hope Springs. Bruchac, Joseph. Rez Dogs. Creech, Sharon. Saving Winslow. DiCamillo, Kate. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Gallante, Cecilia. Willowood. Guillory, Sarah. Gus and [continue reading]