Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Amana at School. Rob Parkinson, Illus. My World (Pull Ahead Readers – Fiction) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Preschool – 1. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7592-9. Paper $7.99. 978-1-7284-7884-5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Familiar settings and diverse children make this series for the earliest developing readers stand out in the field. Each spread has one simple sentence and bright, cartoon illustrations that match the text very closely, supporting young readers. Short, repetitive sentence structures are well suited for very early readers; e.g., “Amana makes a tree at school.” Amana has a rich brown skin tone and wears a headscarf. Familiar settings will engage children and provide jumping off points for conversations with teachers and caregivers. “Linh sees trees from the train,” as she sits with an older man (perhaps her grandfather) and points out the window. The focus of these books is on familiar situations instead of controlled vocabulary. Illustrations feature children that will appeal to a range of readers, and do not look too young. Each title can be paired with a nonfiction title in the accompanying nonfiction series with the same title. An important contribution to the field of books for developing readers, centering on underrepresented cultures in joyful, recognizable situations.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Bernstrom, Daniel. Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree, A. Brandon James Scott, Illus. Hippo Park, 11/2022. 40pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. $18.99. 978-1-6626-4008-7. OUTSTANDING.

Humor, action, and playful rhymes will delight young readers as well as support developing readers in this amusing picture book. A hungry bear searches for honey, as the story starts out with a simple “a bear / a bee / a honey tree.” The simple text is bold, set against solid backgrounds, and spread out to support developing readers. The expressive and vivid illustrations balance well with the text, adding humor and visual punch lines as well as moving the story along at a crisp pace. As the action builds, the bear thrusts “a paw in the tree” and encounters “a very angry fuzzy bee / a grumbling bee / a rumbling tree / a million fuzzy buzzing bees.” Colorful illustrations are full of movement and display the range of emotions with exaggerated expressions. This will have young audiences laughing, as they relate to the angry bees and have sympathy for the frustrated, hungry bear. Well suited as a readaloud or a picture book for developing readers.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Castaldo, Nancy F. Buildings That Breathe: Greening the World’s Cities. Twenty-First Century, 11/2022. 112pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 7 – 12. PLB $37.32. 978-1-7284-1946-6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

This eco-conscious title covers ways to help make cities more environmentally friendly, specifically by increasing vegetation growing in cities. By focusing on buildings designed to facilitate more trees and plants, Castaldo shows readers how some architectural changes can fundamentally improve cities – for humans and the planet. Readers explore topics including: recent buildings in Milan, Italy featuring thousands of plants and trees throughout the structure; rooftop gardens around the world; vertical farms growing yearround crops; and vertical living walls (inside or outside) featuring hundreds of plant varieties. These interesting topics are likely to seem a bit unusual to most readers, but Castaldo’s engaging, in-depth writing provides plenty of explanation and details that show why these efforts are an important part of the planet’s future.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Leed, Percy. Cinco de Mayo: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7560-8. Paper $8.99. 978-1-7284-7893-7. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: With joyful, colorful photographs and short, simple sentences, this series for developing readers presents traditional celebrations from a variety of cultures. In clear, age-appropriate ways, each title briefly explains a particular holiday’s origin, when it occurs, and how people celebrate it today. Each spread contains two or three short, focused sentences and a photograph that closely matches the text. For Cinco de Mayo, “There is music. Bands play Mexican songs” accompanies a photograph of a mariachi band. Diwali shows how families prepare for the first two days, celebrate together on the third day, then visit family and friends on the fourth and fifth days. “Diwali is India’s biggest holiday. It is a happy time.” Because these titles are so short, they do simplify complex cultural holidays. Notably, Lunar New Year does not discuss any regional differences among Asian cultures that celebrate this holiday. Back matter includes prompts for young readers to connect to the text, social and emotional guidance for teachers and caregivers, a photo glossary, an index, and recommended reading.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent 

Peters, Katie. Clothes We Wear My World (Pull Ahead Readers – Nonfiction Series). Lerner, 01/2023.
16pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7594-3. Paper $ 7.99. 978-1-7284-7886-9. SERIES REVIEW: LOW ADDITIONAL .

Color photographs with diverse children and familiar settings make this series for the earliest developing readers appealing; however, greater effort at representation should be made. Each spread has one or two simple sentences and fullcolor photographs that match the text very closely. “I wear my dress. It has flowers.” Short, repetitive sentence structures are well suited for very early readers. “I ride in a van.” Although familiar settings will engage children and provide jumping off points for conversations, it is noticeable that only mainstream items are included. We All Need Food describes eating bread and toast, but there is no mention of rice, noodles, or different types of bread,such as roti. We Wear Clothes reinforces gender stereotypes and does not include clothes from a variety of cultures. Holiday Fun focuses on common features of holidays (“We have holiday food”), yet it features photographs from mainstream holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Fourth of July, instead of including more diverse holidays. This is especially problematic because the accompanying fiction series is particularly inclusive.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Kemp, Laekan Zea. Crown for Corina, A. Eliza Chavarri, Illus. Little, Brown, 02/2023. [33]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Kindergarten – 4. $18.99. 978-0-7595-5684-3. OUTSTANDING.

On Corina’s birthday, her abuela guides her in making a Mexican flower crown, where each flower holds a special meaning and tells the story of her family. The illustrations are bright and detailed like papel picado and match the magic of a garden with their vibrant energy. The text is in Corina’s voice and flows well for a readaloud, with a few sentences on every other page. The sweet connection between Corina and her abuela shines through the text, with Abuela poetically explaining and Corina so excited to learn. In addition to being a book about celebrating Mexican traditions, Corina is an overweight child with an adorably illustrated double chin just like her abuela. Such a positive representation of fat kids is so rare and so needed. This book is perfect for a spring storytime and would appeal to young readers of a wide age range.

Megan Wolf—Mendocino County Library, Ukiah Branch

Leed, Percy. Diwali: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7562-2. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7895-1. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Cinco de Mayo by Percy Leed for series review.

Bloomfield, Jill Colella. Duct Tape Purim. Kar-Ben, 02/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 1 – 4. $19.99. 978-1-5415-3469-8. LOW ADDITIONAL.

This Purim costume craft book recycles about 75% of the content of Lerner’s Duct Tape Costumes (Bernhardt, 2017), adding a brief introductory description of the Jewish holiday, renaming five of the original nine projects (“Custom Crown” is now “King Ahasuerus’s Crown” and “Ancient Soldier Shield” has become “Palace Guard’s Shield”). Photos clearly show each accessory and some of the steps, but other steps are left out or inadequately described. The graphics, layout, and stock photos of people doing generic crafts (not even duct tape ones!) are identical to the 2017 book. Sadly, only one project is shown being worn, a missed opportunity to show diverse Jewish children in colorful, creative costumes typical of this celebration. This reworked craft book might be useful for Jewish families who want basic, simple, tidy (no glue, sewing, or wire!) costume accessories for Purim without having to get books intended for Halloween, but ultimately lacks successful execution. Not recommended for general collections where better duct tape books are available; barely acceptable for Jewish institutions.

Erica Siskind—Oakland Public Library

Salas, Laura Purdie. Finding Family: the Duckling Raised by Loons. Alexandria Neonakis, Illus. Lerner/Millbrook, 03/2023. [32]pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $20.99. 978-1-7284-4299-0. ADDITIONAL.

This narrative non-fiction title uses free verse to show readers a Mallard duckling being raised by a pair of Loons. Watercolor-like digital illustrations progressively show the duckling growing, developing, and acting differently from either Loons or Mallards with behaviors influenced by both. Includes back matter explaining the true part of the story and information about Loons and Mallards, plus a bibliography and further readings.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. From the Train. Rob Parkinson, Illus. My World (Pull Ahead Readers – Fiction) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Preschool – 1. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7593-6. Paper $ 7.99. 978-1-7284-7885-2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Please see Amana at School by Megan Borgert-Spaniol for series review.

Cuevas, Adrianna. Ghosts of Rancho Espanto, The. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 04/2023. 304pp. Fiction. GRADES 4 – 7. $17.99. 978-0-374-39043-3. ADDITIONAL.

Cuban American Rafa and his friends planned to end sixth grade with an epic prank based on their fantasy role-playing game. What Rafa got was an epic fail and a one-way ticket to spend the summer working on a ranch in New Mexico. There, amidst the horse poop, dust, and spiders, he teams up with Korean American Jennie, whose vibrant energy matches Rafa’s colorful imagination. Can the pair get to the bottom of the supernatural changes afflicting the aptly named terror ranch? The friendship feels real and the pair’s connection to the African American disabled vet who runs the stable is affecting. What doesn’t work well is the goofy mishmash of supernatural occurrences that feels more Scooby Doo than middle grade. Equally unbelievable is a pivotal fifty-two-year-old character who behaves and sounds like a twelve-year-old, and adults who unquestioningly believe serious allegations from a random stranger. Reviewed from an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Iwai, Melissa. Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name? Melissa Iwai, Illus. I Can Read! Series, Level 3. HarperCollins, 01/2023. 32pp. Reader. GRADES 1 – 3. $16.99. 978-0-06-320809-4. Paper $ 4.99 978-0-06-320808-7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Gigi, a biracial Japanese American girl, feels like she’s grown out of her childhood nickname and tries out her other given names. This latest in the beginning reader series following Gigi and her Japanese grandfather (Ojiji) offers a relatable exploration of the connection between names, identities, and languages. Gigi’s mother explains that they called her Gigi because she couldn’t say Geraldine. She tries out using Geraldine, but finds it too long to write and difficult for Ojiji to say. Then she tries out her Japanese middle name, Hanako, and learns that “Hana means flower. Ko means child.” Engaging illustrations convey both the action and the emotional arc of the story, helping readers think about how Gigi feels as she tries to figure out what she wants to be called. With most of the plot conveyed in dialog by multiple speakers, this is best suited for independent readers, as the Level 3 indicates. This multi-generational exploration of names and identity is an important contribution to collections for developing readers.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Miller, Debbie S. Glaciers Are Alive. Jon Van Zyle, Illus. Charlesbridge, 05/2023. [32]pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Kindergarten – 3. $17.9.9 978-1-62354-361-7. ADDITIONAL.

Although designed like a picture book, this is a factual look at glaciers around the world, illustrated with acrylics dominated by blue, white, and brown. The serviceable text is set on each spread in a brief paragraph, describing how important glaciers are to the environment and wildlife. The way birds, bears, sea otters, whales, and other creatures need the glaciers is clearly explained. The book ends with an author’s note with more detail on Alaska’s glaciers, and a glossary. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Peters, Katie. Holiday Fun My World. (Pull Ahead Readers – Nonfiction Series). Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp.
Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7596-7. Paper $ 7.99. 978-1-7284-7888-3. LOW ADDITIONAL.

Please see Clothes We Wear by Katie Peters for series review.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Newson, Karl. How to Help a Friend. Clara Anganuzzi, Illus. Templar, 11/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Kindergarten – 3. $17.99. 978-1-5362-2667-6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Originally published in 2021 in the UK, this rhyming story describes how to support friends who are dealing with stress, overwhelming emotions, or other issues. This is demonstrated in the illustrations of a young Black girl, who interacts with a wide variety of wild animals, giving supportive hugs, listening, or just sitting with the friend in silence. Great for social and emotional learning, the text’s rhyme structure of couplets is solid, and the full-color artwork appears to be done using watercolors and thin ink outlines.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Medina, Juana. I Feel! A Book of Emotions. Juana Medina, Illus. I Will! Series; bk. 3. Versify, 10/2022. 40pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. $15.99. 978-0-358-62124-9. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

This engaging picture book helps young readers identify their feelings, and provides a starting point for thoughtful conversations about emotions. Each spread names one emotion in bold, handwritten text, and shows two illustrations to help readers understand that feeling. A simple line drawing of a face showing the emotion accompanies the page with the word, and the facing page presents an illustration of a child experiencing this emotion in specific situations. For “angry,” two children stand back-to-back with angry looks on their faces and in their body language, while “happy” shows a child stomping in puddles with a big smile across their face. The fourteen emotions range across the spectrum from frightened to shy to proud, without judgment or commentary. The illustrations stand out with bold, thick outlines, bright colors and white backgrounds, keeping the focus clearly on the child and their experience. Children vary in skin tone and ethnicity. This picture book will be especially helpful for caregivers helping children name, understand, and validate their big feelings, providing a way to talk about how one can positively handle one’s emotions.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Peters, Katie. I Ride My World. (Pull Ahead Readers—Nonfiction Series). Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader.
GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7599-8. Paper $ 7.99. 978-1-7284-7891-3. LOW ADDITIONAL.

Please see Clothes We Wear by Katie Peters for series review.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Graziadei, A.L. Icebreaker. Godwin, 01/2022. 320pp. Fiction. GRADES 10 – 12. $18.99. 978-1-250-77711-9. OUTSTANDING.

This gritty novel offers an emotional portrait of gut-wrenching challenges faced by a talented young hockey player. Grappling with serious depression and imposter syndrome, Mickey James III hides his bisexual identity from everyone, including his family and his college teammates. Mickey is also terrified he may have a crush on Jaysen, his number one enemy/rival for first pick in the NCAA draft. The artfully constructed and suspenseful story arc follows both young men and their teammates as they navigate difficult mental health struggles; parental expectations and societal pressures; as well as teamwork, friendship, and love. Graziadei deftly articulates the authentic clash over racial and economic privilege that will resonate strongly with contemporary teens. Real life issues for college-aged teens such as heavy drinking and hooking up on campus also add to the drama and relatability of the plot. As the boys’ hard-fought hockey season draws to a close and the draft looms nearer, life choices and self-advocacy take center ice and a cliffhanger ending does not disappoint.

Jennifer Agarwal—San Jose State University MLIS Student

Peters, Katie. Inside My Home My World (Pull Ahead Readers—Nonfiction Series). Lerner, 01/2023.
16pp. Reader. GRADES. Kindergarten – 2. . $25.32. 978-1-7284-7597-4. Paper $ 7.99. 978-1-117284-7889-0. LOW ADDITIONAL.

Please see Clothes We Wear by Katie Peters for series review.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Arango, Andrea Beatriz. Iveliz Explains it All. Alyssa Bermudez, Illus. Random House, 09/2022. 272pp. Fiction. GRADES 5-9. $16.99. 978-0-593-56397-7. OUTSTANDING.

This Newbery Honor Award winner brilliantly illuminates a middle school girl’s daily struggle to get along in school and life while battling serious anxiety and depression. As her erratic behavior escalates, Mom worriedly takes Iveliz back to therapy and gives her a special journal where the young Puerto Rican girl can express her deepest feelings and frustrations without fear of judgement. This diary, authentically brought to life by a masterful collaboration between author and illustrator, forms both the literal and metaphorical heart of the novel. Iveliz fills its empty pages with quirky doodles and angst-filled poems in Spanglish, but will the truths it reveals help her turn the corner on her mental health? The crooked path that Iveliz walks on her journey toward wholeness is one that contains a few unexpected twists, taking both the reader and Iveliz utterly by surprise. This bittersweet novel in verse is about the power of human connection, the value of advocating for oneself, and making one’s way forward even when it feels dark and scary.

Jennifer Agarwal—San Jose State University, MLIS Student

Peters, Katie. Juneteenth: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 24pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7563-9. Paper $8.99. 978-1-7284-7896-8. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Cinco de Mayo by Percy Leed for series review. 

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Khalil’s Clothes. Lisa Hunt, Illus. My World (Pull Ahead Readers – Fiction) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Preschool – 1. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7588-2. Paper $7.99. 978-1-7284-7880-7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Please see Amana at School by Megan Borgert-Spaniol for series review.

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Kwanzaa Candles. Susana Gurrea, Illus. My World (Pull Ahead Readers ˗ Fiction) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Preschool – 1. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7590-5. Paper. $ 7.99. 978-1-7284-7882-1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Please see Amana at School by Megan Borgert-Spaniol for series review. 

Smith, Brian. Lobster Cop. Chris Giarrusso, Illustrator. Officer Clawsome Series; bk. 1. Harper Alley. 01/2023. 236pp. Graphic. GRADES 3 – 5. ADDITIONAL. $12.99. 978-0-06-313636-6.

Officer Clawsome, a red cartoon lobster, bumbles his way through solving a series of crimes in Caper Cove, somehow managing to catch the bad guys and becoming the hero. Digital illustrations depict an underwater city, aquatic animal citizens, and human-like buildings and structures. Humorous situations, silly actions, and word plays will pull young readers through this fast-paced, action-filled, mid-elementary graphic novel.

Joshua Rees — Daly City Public Library

Wild, Charlotte Sullivan. Love, Violet. Charlene Chua, Illustrator. Farrar, Straus & Giroux. 01/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 3. OUTSTANDING. $18.99. 978-0-3743-1372-2.

Violet dreams of going on adventures with Mira, but always gets nervous when Mira is around. Valentine’s Day seems the perfect time for Violet to share her feelings, but will Violet be able to overcome her nerves? With gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this book tells a well-known story of first crushes featuring two girls. The text uses onomatopoeia of a nervous heart beat (“THUMPity, THUMPity, THUMPity!”) and the spacing of words to fully capture Violet’s feelings. That the crush is between two girls is not commented on by anyone in the story, allowing Violet and Mira to exist as they are. In addition to the LGBTQ+ diversity, the book also features characters with a variety of skin tones. Love, Violet is an adorable, diverse Valentine’s Day book that shows how things can turn out when people are brave.

Lillian Whithaus — Berkeley Public Library + Temple Isaiah Library

Leed, Percy. Lunar New Year: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 24pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7559-2. Paper $8.99. 978-1-7284-7892-0. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Cinco de Mayo by Percy Leed for series review. 

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Making Roti. Lisa Hunt, Illus. My World (Pull Ahead Readers – Fiction) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Preschool – 1. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7589-9. Paper. $7.99. 978-1-7284-7881-4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Please see Amana at School by Megan Borgert-Spaniol for series review. 

Austin, Mike. Monsters Love Cupcakes. Mike Austin, Illus. Harper, 06/2022. [36]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. $17.99. 978-0-06-228619-2. ADDITIONAL.

In this third book of Mike Austin’s series celebrating colorful monsters, the group is baking cupcakes. The rhyming text is brief and peppy: “Monsters measure. One. Two. Three. Monsters read the recipe.” They are making cupcakes just for fun, not a birthday, making this great for any storytime. The brightly colored monsters of all sizes are set on white backgrounds, shown baking and decorating equally colorful cupcakes. Not as impactful as the first two books, Monsters Love Colors (2013) and Monsters Love School (2014), this is a nice supplemental choice for fans of the series.

Penny Peck—-San Jose State University iSchool

Peters, Katie. My School My World. (Pull Ahead Readers—Nonfiction Series). Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp.
GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7598-1. Paper $ 7.99. 978-1-7284-7890-6. LOW ADDITIONAL.

Please see Clothes We Wear by Katie Peters for series review.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Leed, Percy. New Year’s Day: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 24pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7564-6. Paper $8.99. 978-1-7284-7897-5. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Cinco de Mayo by Percy Leed for series review.

Martinez, Claudia Guadalupe. Not a Monster. Laura Gonzalez, Illus. Charlesbridge, 05/2023. [32]pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Kindergarten – 3. $17.99. 978-1-62354-303-7. HIGH ADDITIONAL

The axolotl, an unusual amphibian, is the focus of this informational picture book that includes some Spanish words. This species of salamander’s natural habitat is in the Mexico City area, and pollution threatens its environment. Many children might be familiar with the axolotl because it’s a Minecraft character. The text uses Spanish words for various colors to describe the life cycle of the axolotl, which never loses its gills or fins. This makes a great readaloud, with only one sentence per page, and the listeners can call out the main color described on each spread. The full-color watercolor illustrations show the creature at various stages of its development, usually under water. An author’s note and glossary are found at the end. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Stroud, Jonathan. Notorious Scarlett and Browne, The. Scarlett and Browne Series; bk. 2. Knopf, 04/2023. 432pp. Fiction. GRADES 6 – 10. $17.99. 978-0-593-43040-8. OUTSTANDING.

Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne are both in their teens, but couldn’t be more different. She’s a fiercely competent career criminal and weapons master and he’s a clumsy naïf with some rather extraordinary skills. Their exploits in a post-apocalyptic Britain have become legendary, but when old adversaries hold their loved ones hostage, the partners must undertake their most impossible heist yet. Plenty of action, crackling repartee, and well-defined characters populate this second installment in a fantasy trilogy perfect for fans of Bardugo’s Six of Crows (Holt, 2015). All main characters present as white. Reviewed from an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Our New Neighbors. Susana Guerrea, Illus. My World (Pull Ahead Readers – Fiction) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Preschool – 1. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7591-2. Paper. $7.99. 978-1-7284-7883-8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Please see Amana at School by Megan Borgert-Spaniol for series review. 

Leed, Percy. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 24pp. Reader. Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7565-3. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7898-2. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Cinco de Mayo by Percy Leed for series review. 

Hawthorne, Lara. Ratty’s Big Adventure. Lara Hawthorne, Illus. Big Picture/Candlewick, 11/2022. [40]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. ADDITIONAL. $17.99. 978-1-5362-2670-6.

Ratty is a cat-sized Bosavi Woolly Rat living in the rain forests of an inactive volcano on Mount Bosavi, Papua New Guinea. One day Ratty climbs to the top of a tree and discovers that there’s a forest beyond the volcano, and he’s determined to explore it. After a series of slightly harrowing encounters with creatures beyond his home, he is no longer so sure that a better place is right around the corner, and returns to his friends declaring, “Everything I want is right here in this volcano.” Charming illustrations of the flora and fauna, done in digitally-enhanced watercolor-and-gouache, pack the pages with birds, plants, insects, and other animals of the rain forest. A detailed description of this special ecosystem follows the story. The informational back matter and beautiful illustrations elevate this otherwise average “home is best” story.

Cindy Gullikson—Joaquin Miller School, Oakland Unified School District

Craft, Jerry. School Trip. Jerry Craft, Illus. New Kid Series. Quill Tree, 04/2023. 256pp. Graphic. GRADES 6 – 8. $24.99. 978-0-06-288554-8. Paper $14.99. 978-0-06-288553-1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In his final weeks of junior high, African American Jordan contemplates his future – either art school, where he will be surrounded by people who “get” him, or staying on at his ritzy private school, where he’s no longer the new kid. A class trip to Paris, with friends and frenemies, is the perfect opportunity to reflect on both the importance of getting outside one’s comfort zone and on the fact that getting what one wants may not always be what one needs. B&w cartoon musings, seemingly taken from Jordan’s sketch book, are interspersed among the colorful cartoon panels and clean lines that tell the story of the diverse group’s adventures in Paris. While lots of topics are covered, from socioeconomic inequity to racially insensitive bullying, Craft keeps the mood positive and kid-centered. A focus on Ramón, the lone Hispanic classmate, and panels devoted to Samira, a Muslim classmate, broadens the group of core characters and provides opportunities for all the characters to evolve. A few clunky lines of dialog feel more adult than tween, but don’t distract from an otherwise enjoyable and insightful series installment. Reviewed from an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Kagawa, Julie. Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl. Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) Series; bk. 1. Buena Vista Books/Disney-Hyperion. 04/2022. 309pp. Fiction. GRADES 4 – 7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. $16.99. 978-1-368-06819-2.

Shinji Takahashi becomes embroiled in an age-old feud between the “Society of Explorers and Adventurers” and the Hightower Corporation, both of which have a history of worldwide exploitation of artifacts and magical items. In his first of two titles (book two publishes in April, 2023), Shinji stumbles across a statue in a small South American marketplace and is chased (and captured) by Hightower guys, all before the real adventures begins. Shinji ends up escaping from a New York skyscraper, finding his way to the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, travels with them to Central America in search of a lost magical temple, and returns a stolen idol to protect its magical guardian. Kagawa’s fast-paced narration, interesting characters (Shinji is Asian American and Lucy is white), multiple locales, and humorous situations create a tale any adventure-seeking reader is likely to devour.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual. Frank Morrison, Illus. Crown/Young Readers, 09/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES 1 – 4. $18.99. 978-0-593-30634-5. OUTSTANDING.

Even those unfamiliar with the titular spiritual gospel hymn will be instantly drawn into the powerful lyrics adapted to a gorgeously illustrated overview of American Black history. The four-line stanzas take readers on a journey of pivotal moments from slavery to the Black Lives Matter movement, featuring famous figures such as Nat Turner, Ruby Bridges, Duke Ellington, Flo-Jo [i.e. Florence Joyner], and Colin Kaepernick. Frank Morrison’s vibrant artwork, boldly created with oil and spray paint on board in luscious double-page spreads, earned him the 2023 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. Back matter contains references to every struggle and triumphant milestone represented. A robust list of online resources and an author’s note add even more depth and impact to this affirmative testimony of hope, faith, resilience, and the power of prayer and community.

Karen Quest—Mill Valley Public Library

Stelson, Caren. Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport. Selina Alko, Illus. Carolrhoda, 02/2023. 40pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 3 – 6. $19.99 978-1-5415-9868-3. OUTSTANDING.

Using the collective voice of the 669 children saved by the Czech Kindertransport at the outbreak of World War II, Stelson delivers a powerful account of the young people saved by Nicholas Winton, a British businessman. Readers are drawn into 1938 Prague from a child’s viewpoint, with memories of friends and families, trips to the parks, sweet honey cake, and hot cocoa. As the events of the war begin to unfold, the child narrators don’t understand what is happening. “Our mothers were too worried to answer our questions. Our fathers were too busy writing letters to explain.” Stelson masterfully provides background context for today’s young readers, while keeping the focus of the story on the children’s experience. Alko’s acrylic, colored-pencil, and collage illustrations range from somber and grave to warm and emotional, echoing scrapbook motifs. Extensive back matter provides a timeline, a bibliography, and suggested reading, as well as information about several children whose stories blend together to form this collective narration.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Sainte-Marie, Buffy. Still This Love Goes On. Julie Flett, Illus. Greystone Kids, 09/2022. 40pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. $18.95. 978-1-77164-807-3. OUTSTANDING.

Wonderfully charming and soothing, Sainte-Marie’s book is a love song to the Cree people as well as to love in general. Cree-Métis artist Flett’s pastel-and-pencil drawings, composited digitally, swoop and soar in warm, earthy tones. Sheet music included. The back matter also includes notes from the author and the illustrator. The song is readily available online, and would be easy enough to learn for singing along with the book at a storytime.

Kathy L. Haug—LibraryKat’s Practiced Eye Proofreading

Korman, Gordon. Superteacher Project, The. Balzer+Bray. 01/2023. 297pp. Fiction. GRADES 4 – 7. OUTSTANDING. Trade $17.99. 978-0-06-303279-8.

Korman’s novel features a new twist on the problems kids experience in middle school. This time there is something different about the new homeroom (and math) teacher, Mr. Aidact, which shocks the town when the secret emerges. In the meantime, Korman’s use of different first-person characters in each chapter shows how many different students got to know, like, and value Mr. Aidact. Who should the reader root for? What should Mr. Aidact’s ending be? And who is right? These questions and more will keep readers glued to the story, all the way from the puzzling introduction to the conclusion pitting students against government. A fast-paced, fun read for many types of readers to enjoy.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Barnett, Mac (retold by). Three Billy Goats Gruff, The. Jon Klassen, Illus. Scholastic/Orchard, 11/2022. [40]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. $18.99. 978-1-338-67384-5. OUTSTANDING.

Storytelling dynamic duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen team up for a retelling of this classic tale with a version that stays close to traditional tellings with a few new twists. Barnett’s writing is minimalistic and humorous, and the story opens with a bridge and a hungry troll who speaks of culinary delights and gross bodily functions like belly button goo and ear wax, sometimes in rhyme. One big twist is goat number three’s enormous size. The well-paced ending is gentler than traditional versions and leaves the troll’s fate to the reader’s imagination. As the troll floats down a series of waterfalls, the images increase in size to the point of squeezing the text down the side of the page. Klassen’s digitally edited watercolor-and-ink illustrations, with his distinctive muted palette and geometric shapes, accompany the text beautifully. Readers will enjoy other mysterious touches like the skull and single bone (not cross-bones!) that hang from the bridge on every page, but disappear on one spread. This retelling is a unique addition to the Billy Goats canon, and is an exciting start to a planned fairy tale collection.

Cindy Gullikson — Joaquin Miller School, Oakland Unified School District

Litwin, Megan. Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night. Nneka Myers, Illus. Clarion, 11/2022. [36]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 3. $18.99. 978-0-35-857204-6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Using the rhyming pattern of the song “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” a Black family enjoys a snowy evening by ice skating and looking at the lights in their town. This will make a great choice for storytime, because of the predictable rhyming pattern, and the depiction of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa lights in the town windows, without spelling out which holidays are being celebrated. The deeply colored digital illustrations show an ethnically diverse, snow-covered town at night, with people who resemble animated cartoon characters.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Leed, Percy. Valentine’s Day: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 24pp. Reader. Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7566-0. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7899-9. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Cinco de Mayo by Percy Leed for series review. 

Straub, Emma. Very Good Hats. Bianca Gomez, Illus. Penguin, 01/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. $18.99. 978-0-593-52943-0. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

The word “hat” takes on a broader meaning in this imaginative book that begins with a question: “Do you know what a hat is?” Answers include not only realistic hats but also unexpected ones such as a lid of a pot, a book balanced atop someone with good posture, and even an acorn on the tip of a finger. Digital illustrations with collage elements accentuate the book’s playful tone by portraying diverse characters sporting a variety of hat-like objects. Some concepts seem a bit anachronistic, particularly haberdasheries and hat-wearing grandparents. Consider using this book in a story time and add on a fun hat-making craft.

Jenny Andrus—Independent

Peters, Katie. We All Need Food My World (Pull Ahead Readers—Nonfiction Series).  Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $25.32. 978-1-7284-7595-0. Paper $ 7.99. 978-1-7284-7887-6. LOW ADDITIONAL.

Please see Clothes We Wear by Katie Peters for series review.

Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent

Carlisle, Emma. What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? Emma Carlisle, Illus. Templar, 11/2022. [40]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 3. $18.99. 978-1-5362-2666-9. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In this rhyming story, the reader is asked to look at trees in a new way, and to appreciate how much they do for humans, and how unique they are. For example, trees provide shade, a home for birds and other animals, wood for a violin, and food such as cherries.  The striking colored-pencil-and-watercolor illustrations combine realistic trees and cartoon-like people of various ethnic groups, set onto beige backgrounds, and effectively depict what the text is saying. The final few spreads describe facts about trees, including their root systems and ways they communicate with each other.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Lamb, Sacha. When the Angels Left the Old Country. Levine Querido. 10/2022. 400pp. Fiction. GRADES 8 – Adult. OUTSTANDING. $19.99. 978-1-646-14176-0.

An angel, Uriel, and a demon, Little Ash, set out from their tiny shtetl to go to America. Along the way they make friends with a human, Rose, and face problems common to the Jewish immigrant experience in the early 20th century. The celebration of Jewishness in this book is one of its key strengths and shines through in Lamb’s descriptions. Lines like “coughing and pounding his chest like a penitent chanting the Ashamnu,” and “the scent of sheepskin and ink, like a Torah scroll,” anchor the book through the use of Jewish terms. The book also includes queer representation with Uriel and Rose. Uriel as an angel is a genderless being who uses it/its pronouns and wrestles with taking on a permanent name. Rose discovers her identity over the course of her journey and friendship with Uriel and Little Ash. A complicated yet joyful tale that features Jewish and queer experiences at its heart.

Lillian Whithaus — Temple Isaiah Library

Malmberg, Mel, editor. Women of Walt Disney Imagineering: 12 Women Reflect on Their Trailblazing Theme Park Careers. Disney, 03/2022. 231pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 10 – Adult. $29.99. 978-1-368-02195-1. ADDITIONAL.

Twelve women who worked for the Disney company as designers and builders of Disney theme parks are featured in this book. All worked there for more than 20 years, are retired, and all are white. They tell their own stories of how they were able to get into the field, even though it was and still is dominated by men. In some cases that meant surviving sexual harassment or other disrespectful behavior, but they often were supported by male supervisors, too. Their jobs include landscape design, lighting and scenery design, architect, and producer. There are many b&w and color photos in the middle of the book that show them at work and with some of the attractions they worked on. This could be used for high school career development classes, to show female students that they can access any type of career, but generally it seems aimed at Disney aficionados.

Penny Peck—-San Jose State University iSchool

Shatokhin, Oleksandr. Yellow Butterfly: a Story From Ukraine. Oleksandr Shatokhin, Illus. Red Comet, 01/2023. 72pp. Picture Book. GRADES 3 – 8. $21.99. 978-1-63655-064-0. OUTSTANDING.

A powerful, wordless book by a Ukrainian artist explores both the horror of war and the belief in a brighter future from the dream-like perspective of a young girl. Frightened by a gigantic black spider that emerges from a barbed wire fence, she follows one and then many yellow butterflies as a bomb crater transforms into a playground, a missile into a blossoming tree, and a dark foreboding city into a place where the sun shines again. Strong b&w line drawings give way to yellow butterflies and blue sky (the colors of the Ukrainian flag), making a compelling statement about the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Although there is no explicit violence, the stark depictions of a war-torn land make this a book best shared one-on-one with time for discussion. Endnotes offer helpful tips on how to share wordless picture books and guide conversations on difficult subjects; a quote from the author and a brief bio offer additional insights into the story.

Jenny Andrus—Independent