Blackall, Sophie. Ahoy! Sophie Blackall, Illus. Anne Schwartz, 04/2024. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-593-42939-6. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.       

An opening-page glossary of nautical terms sets readers up to appreciate all the fun when an assertive, rosy-cheeked, pink-skinned child lures a white, house-cleaning parent into imaginative play. A jointly drawn map contains clues, and ordinary household props are transformed. Blackall’s love of background pattern and detail contrast with the cartoonish, gender-neutral characters, whose goggle eyes, distinctive hats, and egg-shaped bodies radiate bonhomie. Coming through loud and clear is the filial love shared in an imaginative adventure.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Wong, Jack. All That Grows. Jack Wong, Illus. Groundwood, 03/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-77306-812-1. GRADES Preschool–2. LOW ADDITIONAL.            

A pair of tan-skinned, dark-haired siblings journey through a neighborhood landscape in early summer. The older sister, a gardener, shares plant knowledge while the younger wonders. The white of the paper effectively contrasts with the velvety, pastel illustrations. But the text fails in its aspiration to cultivate patience and let knowledge grow. None of the child’s internalized questions are answered. For an imprint dedicated to reflecting the experience of Indigenous peoples it is startling, and unremarked, that all but one of the plants mentioned are non-native and half are highly invasive. Cultural knowledge is eschewed and sentimental imagining is centered, as when the child dreams of a tree house in a little forest while reluctantly weeding out Norway maple seedlings. Not mentioned is one reason Norway maples are despised is their weak structure; a tree house in one would be a death trap. While the older sister’s knowledge is accurate, again and again the text fails to provide the younger character with fruitful questions that might inspire readers and help convert wonder into knowledge.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Bell, Cece. Animal Albums from A to Z. Cece Bell, Illus. Walker, 03/2024. [64]pp. Poetry. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-2624-9. GRADES 1–6. OUTSTANDING.     

This clever collection of original poetry is formatted to look like vinyl record albums, arranged alphabetically by animal recording artists. Both the poems and the illustrations work together to convey this original concept, showing the animals in clothing and playing instruments, with each album cover listing the alliteratively titled songs contained on the album. The lyrics of one song per artist are done using different music styles, including folk, rock, easy listening, and many more, and the poems usually rhyme. The illustrations evoke classic album covers from the mid-twentieth-century era of popular American music and were created using cut paper collage and paint. The introduction and ending mini-biographies of these invented artists treat the project as if these are real musicians and albums. A QR code on the book will lead readers to audio recordings of these creatively humorous songs.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Fang, Vicky. Ava Lin, Best Friend!. Vicky Fang, Illus. Ava Lin; bk. 1. Candlewick, 04/2024. 96pp. Reader. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-2969-1. Paper $5.99. 978-1536237269. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

In this new early chapter book series, Chinese American Ava Lin is six-and-a-half and about to start first grade. She’s got everything she needs: new backpack, new pencils, and her treasure collection. But Ava doesn’t know how to make a best friend. As she’s navigating her new friendships, she also tests her mom’s patience after she leaves a crayon in her pocket that goes through the dryer, and hides a special pebble in her ear requiring a trip to the doctor. The font is large and clear on a white background, and the short chapters have fun black and white cartoon illustrations. Ava is an engaging character and will have a lot of appeal for beginning readers who are new to chapter books. 

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District

Bernstrom, Daniel. Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish, A. Brandon James Scott, Illus. Hippo Park, 05/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-66264-069-8. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.    

In this follow-up to A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree (2022), Bear tries to catch a fish to eat but the fish has other ideas. The rhyming text has energy and a thumping rhythm that reflects the action between the bear and fish: “a hungry bear, a homesick fish, a bear and a fish, wishing a wish.” Although the story is not memorable, it contains a surprise ending. The full-color digital artwork, which resembles gouache, is set in the forest using animals with expressive faces that add humor. Sure to be popular at storytime, with the audience calling out some of the repetition. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Albee, Sarah. Bounce!: A Scientific History of Rubber. Eileen Ryan Ewan, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2024. [42]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-62354-379-2. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

The history and basic science of rubber is explained in this simple informational book, from its discovery in what is now Mexico and Central America, to its use in sports equipment, industry, and transportation. The engaging text has humor while still clearly explaining how the Aztec Empire was exploited after the discovery of rubber by European explorers. There are specific spreads on the scientific principles of rubber, describing how the molecules have a special quality that allows for its bounce, stretch, and shape. The pen, ink, and watercolor cartoon illustrations depict both the contemporary and historic aspects of rubber, featuring BIPOC characters. Extensive useful back matter includes author notes on the environmental and exploitive labor challenges of rubber, a timeline, and bibliography. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Teer, Samuel. Brownstone. Julia Mar, Illus. Versify, 06/2024. 320pp. Graphic. Trade $26.99. 978-0-3583-9475-4.Paper $18.99. 978-0-3583-9474-7. GRADES 6–10. OUTSTANDING.

In the summer of 1995, fourteen-year-old Almudena is used to mothering her dancer mom; what she’s not used to is being dumped for the summer as free labor with a Spanish-speaking dad she’s never met. Masterful and appealing artwork, diverse and subtle coloring, and skillful panel variation distinguish this coming-of-age story as Almudena confronts a new community, an uncertain future, and a problematic past. For a Hispanic-looking, English-speaking child of a white single mother, the dynamic relationships and cultural beliefs of the gentrifying Guatemalan and Mexican neighborhood are a steep learning curve. So too is the construction labor that slowly begins to bond father and daughter. Divided into three long chapters, replete with rich, ancillary characters, and both humor and pain, readers are privileged to watch many examples of two incongruent things pairing to create something new. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Michalak, Jamie. Dakota Crumb & the Secret Bookshop: A Tiny Treasure Hunt. Kelly Murphy, Illus. Candlewick, 05/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-2330-9. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.    

Upon the request of her cousin Julien, little mouse Dakota Crumb travels to Paris, France to solve a mystery. Clever clues involve the reader in finding hidden objects. Charming and detailed pen-and-ink illustrations in slightly saturated tones of mostly blues, browns, and purples add to the ambience. Upon close examination, readers will discover many common books where the titles have been changed to have mouse references. A list of further items to look for in a second reading is at the end of the story.

Kathy L. Haug—LibraryKat’s Practiced Eye Proofreading

Sturgell, Todd. Dinosaurs in Space. Todd Sturgell, Illus. Sourcebooks Explore, 09/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-72823-627-8. GRADES Preschool–3. ADDITIONAL.       

An unseen narrator describes how dinosaurs lived on Earth until a giant asteroid landed, and then surmises they could have been blasted into outer space. A parallel text (in a hand-lettered typeface) features dinosaurs addressing the reader, describing dinosaurs on the moon. The two sides have a friendly argument, which adds humor and more information on dinosaurs, which will engage a wide age range. Overall, the text is a little long and disorganized but is entertaining. The brightly colored illustrations were created with pen and ink and digitally colored, highlighting many realistic-looking dinosaurs. The book ends with more information on dinosaur fossils on the moon, a glossary, facts on the dinosaurs featured in the story, and the Chicxulub asteroid. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Linn, Margo. Every Here Has a There: Moving Cargo by Container Ship. Brian Fitzgerald, Illus. Charlesbridge, 07/2024. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-484-3. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.    

In this dynamic informational picture book, the journey of a container ship carrying books is described using a dual text. In larger print is one simple sentence on each spread, showing comparisons: “Every UP has a DOWN. Every QUIET has a NOISY.” These sentences indicate activities on the container ship. The accompanying longer paragraphs in smaller print in the sidebars describe these activities in more detail, which makes this book better for the nonfiction shelf instead of the picture book area. The illustrations are reminiscent of Donald Crews’ Freight Train (Greenwillow, 1978), showing parts of the ship in color against a gray sky and sea. The book design and shorter text area make this a fun readaloud, while the longer, detailed text offers enough information for short reports on shipping and transportation.  Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Messner, Kate. Fergus and Zeke and the Great Farm Field Trip. Heather Ross, Illus. Fergus and Zeke; bk. 6. Candlewick, 05/2024. 56pp. Reader. Trade $14.99. 978-1-5362-2761-1. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

In Messner’s newest addition to the Fergus and Zeke series for young readers, two classroom mice sneak along on a field trip to a local farm where the class learns about where food comes from. Fergus and Zeke do their best to learn what the children are learning, but they get caught up in some hijinks along the way. There are incidents with honey, cows, chickens, and a rope swing that will have many young readers laughing out loud. The clear text in a large font is accompanied by full-color illustrations on most pages that help illustrate the action of the story, and students are drawn with varying skin tones and hairstyles. This addition to the series is a nice transition between leveled readers and longer chapter books.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District

Moreira, Henrique Coser. First Day of May, The. Henrique Coser Moreira, Illus. Levine Querido, 03/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $15.99. 978-1-64614-382-5. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.        

Moreira’s wordless Portuguese import follows a young child (pink skin, black bobbed hair, white pants, and long red top) during a seemingly long-awaited adventure out to the green outdoors.  This small, square book uses a limited color palette and heavy dark lines to show readers the child’s outdoor exploration, some of which is clearly imaginative (including flying and stretched-out bodies of kids and animals). Many pages feature multiple comic-like panels (up to six), that demonstrate the action, and readers can then fill in the gaps with what they think is happening.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Crowder, Melanie. Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them. Khoa Le, Illus. Addl. Creator Megan Benedict. Candlewick/Mit Kids, 03/2024. [39]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2451-1. GRADES 2–5. ADDITIONAL.     

Various poetic forms are used to provide well-paced descriptions of fourteen different types of wind, each of which are found only in a specific geographic area (worldwide) and have interesting local names. Explanatory paragraphs, in a different font, include details like where the wind can be felt, what it is like, and where the name came from. Muted digital illustrations strive to show the wind (though, as noted in the text, wind is not visible and difficult to show on paper) and its effects on people, land, and the environment, which in turn help demonstrate the effects of wind on the world.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Rosenstock, Barb. Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure, The. Jamey Christoph, Illus. Knopf, 03/2024. 40pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-593-37435-1. GRADES 2–5. OUTSTANDING.      

An opening-page map of North America makes clear the visual prominence of the Great Lakes. Vivid, active text, full of striking details, reveals the lakes’ national and world-wide importance. Detailed painterly illustrations in naturalistic hues support the dramatic and comprehensive story that begins with the lakes’ Ice Age formation. Particularly valuable to science educators are five pages that anthropomorphize the lakes’ three-hundred-year water cycle. An environmental-focused ending is supported by substantive back matter that centers a Wasanodaekwe caretaker and a stewardship center, and includes an author’s note and selected sources.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Wilson, Troy. Hat Cat. Eve Coy, Illus. Candlewick, 02/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-1366-9. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.       

An old man and a stray kitten he named Hat become friends, and they share everything, except the daily feedings of the squirrels outside. One day the old man doesn’t come home for a several days, and neighbors come to feed Hat. The man appears to be white, and the neighbors have brown skin and dark eyes. When the man comes back, he and Hat are closer than ever. The illustrations, in a variety of soft shades, are in watercolor and colored pencil. This will work well for storytime.

Kathy L. Haug—LibraryKat’s Practiced Eye Proofreading

Ruhlman, Michael. If You Can’t Take the Heat. Penguin, 06/2024. 320pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-5935-2344-5.GRADES 9–11. HIGH ADDITIONAL.         

A gifted athlete, but not a gifted student, sixteen-year-old Theo’s privileged life is upended the summer before junior year, when a freak accident permanently sidelines him. His crush lands him a grunt job at a top local restaurant where Theo finds purpose, community, and a glimpse of the dark and dangerous underside of the restaurant business. Set during the early 1980s, the story comes alive in the cooking scenes, which crackle with intensity and mouth-watering detail. While it gets off to a slow start, this rare combination of straight, male-centered romance and the transformative joy of finding job-based identity may appeal to an audience underserved by teen fiction. All major characters are white. Drinking, smoking, drug use, and consensual sex, consistent with the era, are present.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Bates, Ivan. Keep Up, Duck! Bates Ivan, Illus. Addl. Creator Rachel Bates. Candlewick, 03/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-0938-9. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

Puck, a small duck, has trouble keeping up with Mamma and siblings as they swim to the lily pond. Mamma keeps quacking “Keep up, Duck,” but Puck can’t, at least not until some inventive and funny moves help him not only catch up, but end up ahead of the family. Bates’s familiar watercolor and colored pencil illustrations beautifully show the ducks, their surroundings, and Puck’s antics. Those familiar with titles like Do Like a Duck Does (Hindley and Bates, Candlewick, 2002) will appreciate the familiar duck and the rhythmic storyline. A fun readaloud that will work well for preschool and kindergarten storytimes.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Butterfield, Moira. Look What I Found at the Beach. Jesús Verona, Illus. Candlewick/Nosy Crow, 06/2022. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $15.99. 978-1-5362-2397-2. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.        

Three children spend a day at the beach, discovering wildlife and seashells. Helpful images are clearly labeled, and most spreads have a “Can you also find…” with a short list to search on that particular opening. The digitally created illustrations are colorful, but the children look the same aside from their clothing, skin tones, and hairstyles/color. Their facial shapes, noses, eyes, and eyebrows might as well be made from a stencil. The front board has a cutout, so there isn’t a separate paper cover.

Kathy L. Haug—LibraryKat’s Practiced Eye Proofreading

Swanson, Jennifer. Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery Beneath the Waves. Lerner / Millbrook, 04/2024. 56pp. Nonfiction. Trade $33.32. 978-1-7284-9301-5. GRADES 5–9. ADDITIONAL.          

Detailed text and photographs explain a research team’s investigation of an ancient forest (60,000 years old) found off the coast of Alabama, under the ocean’s surface. Swanson provides explanations about how it survived this long, what likely uncovered it, and other details.  Readers discover how difficult underwater exploration can be, what items and creatures were brought up from this forest, the specific scientific analyzation processes used, and what they hope to learn. Especially interesting is shipworm bacteria and how this might help medical and climate-related research. Most useful for readers who want to explore the scientific process and learn what scientists do.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lapera, Anna. Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice. Levine Querido, 03/2024. 326pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-371-9. GRADES 6–9. ADDITIONAL.        

Mani Semilla, a twelve-year-old “Chinese-Filipino-American-Guatemalan,” learns about her family’s heritage and how to speak up for herself, which she finds is hard to do. Typical tween issues dominate her life, such as agonizing about being one of the few girls without her period, trying to get correct answers to her questions about puberty without embarrassment, and struggling to get her mom to truly listen to her. Simmering issues about why her family left Guatemala and her mom’s reluctance to speak up for injustice provide a glimpse into why some families immigrate and why it’s important for younger generations to learn about their past. It turnes out her family was in danger in Guatemala because they participated in women’s rights actions and protests. While a little heavy on tween angst, this debut novel is a nuanced portrayal of immigrant life and discovering yourself as a young woman.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Malburi, C.G. Markless. Levine Querido, 06/2024. 368pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-64614-377-1. GRADES 7–12. ADDITIONAL.    

In this middle ages-like world, people without a magical mark on their hands are treated as abominations, cast aside because they lack special abilities (such as being able to control metal, fire, or wind).  Ruti, probably an older teen, is Markless, but has her own type of power. She is able to request spiritual help including healing and misdirection via singing. The soon-to-be queen, Princess Dekala, notices Ruti’s unique skills and uses them in her own political maneuvers. The two  become entangled in a confusing, often antagonistic, friendship that evolves into a hidden love affair. Malburi’s interesting world, people, and politics are engaging, and have unusual magical powers not often seen in other stories. Ruti is described as rough and “olive-skinned,” and Dekala glows with incredibly fancy clothes and “fine mahogany cheekbones.” Readers will hopefully see that the Markless should be treated as people instead of as something to be avoided. Review based on an ARC.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Gidwitz, Adam. Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II. Operation Kinderspion; bk. 1. Penguin/Dutton, 02/2024. 336pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-11208-3. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

Max knows that his parents just want to keep him safe, but the eleven-year-old Jewish boy yearns to return home after being sent from Nazi Germany to England during WWII. Adding to Max’s distress, two tiny, immortal, mischief-making creatures—a dybbuk and a kobold—have taken up residence on his shoulders, and only he can see and hear them. Smart and resourceful, Max comes up with unique ways to deal with his many challenges, including the vicious anti-Semitism he experiences at his new school. The second half of the book morphs into an exciting but unlikely spy story as Max trains to become Britain’s youngest undercover agent on the ground in Berlin. The ambitious melding of genres (historical fiction, fantasy, and spy fiction) adds a frenetic energy to the narrative, leaving many intriguing details and a cliff-hanger to be resolved in book two of the duology. End notes include information related to the imagined and realistic parts of the story, as well as annotated source notes.

Jenny Andrus—Independent

Frost, Helen. Mighty Pollinators, The. Rick Lieder, Illus. Candlewick, 03/2024. [24]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2910-3. GRADES 1–4. ADDITIONAL.        

Beautifully detailed, close-up photographs pair with flowing poems to introduce nine types of pollinators and their importance to plants. The poems explain why pollinators are important, how each of the nine types make pollinating happen, and why plants need to be pollinated. Some terms are used without visual explanation, but a glossary does help provide more details. The rich, colorful photographs are the highlight of the title, showing each pollinator up close as the job is accomplished. A useful title to use in gardening, environment, or animal study lessons.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Ham, Jo. Oops! Rabbit. Jo Ham, Illus. Jo Ham’s Rabbit. Candlewick, 03/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $10.00. 978-1-5362-3316-2. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Preschool. HIGH ADDITIONAL.         

Ham’s simple monochromatic rabbit is contrasted by flashes of neon pink in this 7” x 7” picture book. With only a few words (“Rabbit on,” “Oops,” and “Rabbit off”) Ham manages to create a charming collection of visual vignettes. Rabbit starts by coloring on walls in bright pink paint, climbing on to and falling off of a chair. Next, Rabbit is planting a bright pink flag on a sandcastle when Oops! The waves wash it away. Then, Rabbit enjoys a bath with (Oops!) too many pink bubbles. Caregivers and toddlers will enjoy the silly situations and the striking graphics. The size of the book is too small for a storytime, but great for a more intimate lapsit.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District

Sayre, April Pulley. Pickle Words: Crunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry. Jialei Sun, Illus. Charlesbridge, 07/2024. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-362-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

In this celebration of pickled foods, the main text is a rhyming chant of how wonderful pickles are, including kimchi, sauerkraut, and piccalilli. On each spread in smaller font are definitions of types of pickled foods, and a variety of words to describe pickles including zesty, puckery, and refreshing. The book ends with examples of pickled foods from around the world, a recipe for refrigerator pickles, ideas for writing pickle poetry, and a list of related books and websites. The digital, full-color artwork resembles cut paper collage and features many racially diverse children and adults enjoying pickles. This would make a great readaloud at a farmers’ market storytime or at a picnic, when accompanied by samples of some of the international foods mentioned.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Brosgol, Vera. Plain Jane and the Mermaid. Vera Brosgol, Illus. First Second, 05/2024. 368pp. Graphic. Trade $22.99. 978-1-250-31486-4. Paper $14.99. 978-1250314857. GRADES 4–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.  

What women need, in plain Jane’s male-dominated world, is beauty; it can get you anything you want. With no attractive options for her future, Jane takes a stab at controlling her destiny, proposing to the prettiest boy she’s ever seen. When he’s snatched by a mermaid, she embarks on a rescue mission under the sea, deep into a world where a terrible beauty rules. Cool greens, browns, and indigo dominate the color palette, with Jane’s red shawl and warm brown hair a dramatic counterpoint. Clean, san-serif text and excellent variation in panel size contribute to this thoroughly enjoyable, page-turning feminist adventure that answers the question “who is valuable?” Jane, most humans, and the mermaids are white. Selkies have brown skin and black hair.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Rosen, Michael. Ready for Spaghetti: Funny Poems for Funny Kids. Polly Dunbar, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2022. 51[+3]pp. Poetry. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2497-9. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.       

Thirty-two short poems designed to engage young children celebrate the joy of language and wordplay. Watercolor-and-ink illustrations convey exhuberance and show children from various races/ethnicities having fun together both at home and outside. Too long to be read aloud for storytime, selections of the verse could blend nicely into supporting a storytime theme. For example, “I’m ready for spaghetti/ Will you getti the spaghetti?/ Don’t say ‘Not yetti spaghetti!’/I’m all setti for spaghetti.”

Kathy L. Haug—LibraryKat’s Practiced Eye Proofreading

Behrman, Sara T. Sea Hides a Seahorse, The. Melanie Mikecz, Illus. Collective, 04/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.95. 978-1-68555-644-0. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

Digitized, hand-painted paper cutouts in vibrant shades recreate an intricately patterned underwater world, inhabited by a dazzling variety of seahorses. Lyrical, alliterative text on the right-hand page sets the stage, ending with the repeating refrain: “the sea hides a seahorse.” Young readers will delight in the seek and find. Page turns reveal close-ups and add a specific, active description: “changing, voyaging, hunting, courting.” Back matter explains each verb, expanding on the skills and habits of seahorses. How to help, and additional resources are appended. Frustratingly, readers aren’t told what species the pictured seahorses are, or where they can be found. 

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Kim, Jaime. Shy Robin and the First Day of School. Jaime Kim, Illus. Candlewick, 06/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-0929-7. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.           

Robin, a normally confident hippo, is nervous and shy on her first day of school. She behaves kindly when Oscar, an otter, has trouble speaking up to tell the class his name. Kindness is key in this story of two kids helping each other cope in an unfamiliar situation. The digitally created illustrations are sweet, though slightly lacking in energy. The large variety of animals convey the impression of a multi-ethnic environment.

Kathy L. Haug—LibraryKat’s Practiced Eye Proofreading

Swanson, Karen L. Swinging Into History: Toni Stone: Big-League Baseball’s First Woman Player. Laura Freeman, Illus. Calkins Creek, 08/2024. [40]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-1-63592-813-6. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

Marcenia (Toni) Stone is considered the first female to play for a professional big league baseball team, joining the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues, replacing Hank Aaron. This picture book biography describes her journey, facing discrimination and other obstacles to reach her dream. After retirement, Stone lived and coached high school baseball in Oakland, CA. The text is a little too long to use as a classroom readaloud, but works well for independent readers. The full-color digital artwork adds details to the text, and page decorations include boxed quotations from Stone. Back matter includes a detailed author’s note containing more information on Stone, a timeline, two b&w photos, and extensive bibliography. This will be a great asset during Black History and Women’s History months, or for displays on baseball. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool