Roth, Jonathan. Almost Underwear: How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars. Jonathan Roth, Illus. Christy Ottaviano, 08/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-316-52554-1. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING.

Once upon a time, at the turn of the twentieth century, a plain roll of muslin waited to be turned into underwear. But fate, and some groundbreaking individuals, had something far more exciting in store. A mix of historic photos and cartoon figures form a well-designed backdrop for an anthropomorphized bit of cloth. Two dot eyes and three expressive lines animate a photographic patch of the actual fabric present at not one, not two, but three world-historical first flights. Child-friendly text builds excitement and provides copious specifics, allowing readers to understand the context, and some of the science, behind each flight. The Wright Brothers and 1969 astronauts are white; contemporary NASA employees show a mix of ethnicities. Back matter includes a glossary, selected bibliography, and an author’s note full of additional details.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Quigley, Emma. Bank. Little Island, 05/2024. 252pp. Fiction. Paper $9.99. 978-1-9104-1197-1. GRADES 5–8. LOW ADDITIONAL.

School chums Finn and Luke set up an informal bank with their friends, lending small amounts of Euros to classmates, charging high interest rates, and making quick payoffs. Seems like a great idea, but things quickly get very complicated as the operation gets larger and more complex. Fast and easy money quickly becomes a problem as they spend their new wealth while trying not be noticed by their parents, who have their own financial issues. American readers may be confused by some of the Irish terminology and inconsistent vocabulary; for example, “football” and “soccer” are used interchangeably on the same page. It’s hard to keep track of all the characters and their interconnected tangle of debts, loans, and promises, and none of the kids get into trouble for their scheme. All characters are Irish European.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Bausum, Ann. Bard and the Book, The: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of William Shakespeare from Oblivion. Marta Sevilla, Illus. Peachtree, 04/2024. 102pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6826-3495-0. GRADES 5–10. OUTSTANDING. 

In this well-researched “book about a book,” Ann Bausum deftly explains how Shakespeare’s First Folio—the first printed collection of any playwright’s works—came to be. Basum’s writing is as entertaining as it is engrossing, pairing important historical details with interesting trivia and fun facts, all accented with wit and humor. Sevilla’s well-executed digital illustrations and the incorporation of font variations to highlight key aspects of the text pair well with Bausum’s style, and further enhance the overall reading experience. Thorough back matter includes source notes, a bibliography, additional resources, and more. Although sure to be of interest for history buffs and theatre kids, this is truly an excellent offering for all.

Jennifer Taylor—Palo Alto City Library

Hurston, Zora Neale. Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers. Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, Illus. Addl. Creator Ibram X. Kendi. Amistad, 01/2024. 195pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-0630-9833-6. GRADES 6–8. LOW ADDITIONAL.           

Zora Neale Hurston’s 1927 first-hand account of the life of Kossula, the last living U.S. victim of the Atlantic slave trade, is an epic and a national treasure. Her principled refusal to alter Kossula’s vernacular resulted in publication being delayed until 2018. Illustrated for the first time, this edition features Lee-Johnson’s haunting, realistic black ink prints, which use both additive and subtractive techniques. Readers have the sense that the portraits, and glimpses of the past, are emerging from the rich, dark background. Unfortunately, Kendi’s adaptation, while preserving much of Hurston’s work verbatim, violates the spirit of her participant-observer role. Unlike Hurston, Kendi does not make clear where he has inserted his voice and commentary. By eliding elements, changing words, and inserting opinions, he has muddied the context and altered the meaning of Kossula and Hurston’s original account. Sanitizing a great work like Barracoon destroys both its vitality and its integrity as a work of nonfiction. Far better to let young readers wait a year or two and read the original.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Wagner, Zelda. Basketball Superstars. Lerner Sports Rookie: All-Time Best Athletes. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765625712. Paper $8.99. 979-8765628171. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.    

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Football Superstars by Percy Leed for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Wan, Joyce. Be My Yummy ABC. Joyce Wan, Illus. Hippo Park, 01/2025. [38]pp. Picture Book. Trade $14.99. 978-1-66264-076-6. GRADES Baby/Toddler–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Foods from around the world make up this mouth-watering alphabet book (only showing the capital letter), from apple pie to zepole. The rhyming text compares the yummy foods to the young child being read to: “My BURRITO baby, snug as can be.” Many of the foods are hand-held small bites, including various pastries and dumplings. There is a chart on the last page showing all the examples, with a brief sentence explaining what the food is and its country of origin. The digitally rendered, full-color artwork resembles anime cartoons. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Beautiful Butterflies. Margarida Esteves, Illus. Addl. Creator Danielle McGuigan. Gibbs Smith, 04/2024. [10]pp.Nonfiction. Trade $16.99. 978-1-4236-6518-2. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Preschool. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Gorgeous illustrations and an exceptionally thoughtful presentation are marred by lackluster text and clunky rhymes in this nonfiction board book that introduces the metamorphosis cycle of butterflies. Described as a “Layered View Book,” the thick and durable pages are cut in organic shapes that increase in size and make clever use of cutouts to create an attractive and dimensional work. Richly detailed digital illustrations use vivid colors and soft shading to evoke classic artwork from children’s literature, and well-planned application of spot gloss and embossed textures add tactile interest to almost every element, from butterfly wings to the veins of leaves and clusters of tiny butterfly eggs. Each spread includes two lines of uncredited rhyming text that completely underwhelm, such as “Butterflies begin their lives so very small. They go through growth stages that they may not enjoy at all.” A standout board book for the sensory experience alone.

Caroline Davis—Alameda County Library

Lacika, Jenny. Beto’s Berry Treasure. Addy Rivera Sonda, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2024. [30]pp. Picture Book. Trade $16.99. 978-1-62354-441-6. Paper $7.99. 978-1-62354-442-3. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

Beto wants his sister Cora to play tea party with him, but all she wants is to play pirate. Beto finds a way to combine the topics, and convinces Cora to play with him by making (and updating) a treasure map game that she follows to a treasure. Occasional Spanish words are used (definitions included in the back matter), though the majority of the text is in English. Basic digital illustrations portray both children with brown skin. A useful title for showing how maps give direction, how to problem solve, and how to work together.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Duncan, Violet. Buffalo Dreamer. Penguin Random House / Nancy Paulsen, 08/2024. 110pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5936-2481-4. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING.      

At the same time that graves are discovered on the site of an old reservation school in Alberta, Canada, a twelve-year-old Cree girl named Summer begins to experience vivid dreams about a young girl attempting to escape the school many years ago. As Summer and her cousin Autumn try to uncover the mystery behind the dreams, they learn the sad history of residential schools and their lasting effects on Indigenous families (including their own). Short and concise, Duncan’s story is quite effectively told through the eyes of her empathetic young protagonist without becoming too dark or heavy. Although the novel wraps up a bit quickly in the end, the straightforward narrative pace is well suited for its intended audience and allows Duncan to render a satisfying, timely resolution. This clear, accessible story provides a sensitive introduction to the history of residential schools in the United States and Canada.

Jennifer Taylor—Palo Alto City Library

Anderhagen, Anna. Bunnies: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Baby Animals. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Reader. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626344. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629468. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.       

SERIES REVIEW. Please see Ducklings: A First Look by Anna Anderhagen for series review.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Anderhagen, Anna. Chicks: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Baby Animals. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Reader. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626351. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629475. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see Ducklings: A First Look by Anna Anderhagen for series review.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Hof, Marjolijn. Curse of Madame Petrova, The. Annette Fienieg, Illus. Translated from the Dutch by Bill Nagelkerke. Levine Querido, 10/2024. 265pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-453-2. GRADES 4–8. ADDITIONAL.

A terrible prophecy predicted that twins Silke and Janis would cause each other’s death. So after first being separated by their parents for years, and then mistreated by their cousins, the twins fake their deaths and disappear into the wild countryside. In a preindustrial era country, the two struggle to survive, and are first taken advantage of by a traveling fortune teller, then helped by an innkeeper, and finally they find happiness with their mother’s relatives. Silke discovers that fortune telling is not what she believed, and that many things are not what they appear to be. Throughout the story, Hof’s descriptions of white European characters and places show how pre-technology times were difficult, through the lens of the twin’s trials and tribulations. An enjoyable tale that is very different from most children’s stories, focusing more on survival in a harsh setting than on the typical issues with school or friends.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Nayeri, Daniel. Drawn Onward. Matt Rockefeller, Illus. HarperAlley, 10/2024. 40pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-327716-8. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.

With very few words, Nayeri manages to tell an emotionally powerful story set in a fantasy world where the main character, a child with tan skin and brown hair and eyes, goes on an epic quest to find answers to a very painful question, and is able to return home with answers and hope. Rockefeller’s art creates such an immersively detailed world using deep, rich, jewel-toned digital art that it feels as if the reader is on the quest themselves, like an interactive video game. What makes this book such a standout is that the text and art work so well together it can be enjoyed both as a story of loss, pain, and acceptance, and as a grand adventure with thrilling obstacles including giant spiders, an underground lair, and sea serpents. Perhaps most impressive is that the whole book is told using one large palindrome (even the sound effects are palindromes!). While this may need to be explained to younger readers, it only adds to the enchanting experience of the story, which can be enjoyed over and over.

Sarah Kaminker—San Francisco Public Library

Gunnufson, Charlotte. Dream Submarine. Cleonique Hilsaca, Illus. Candlewick, 06/2024. 40pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-2479-5. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. 

A child boards the eponymous Dream Submarine to travel the ocean in this celebration of marine biodiversity. Digitally-rendered ocean denizens are drawn with crisp line art and filled with warm, if slightly muted, colors. Sparse prose identifies various locations and the creatures that inhabit them. Back matter includes a depiction of ocean zones, a map of the Dream Submarine’s fictional voyage, more information about the animals depicted throughout the book, and ideas for further exploration. A delightful adventure for any budding marine biologist.

Keith Chong—Oakland Public Library

Hare, John. Duck, Duck, Goose! John Hare, Illus. Greenwillow, 09/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-309323-2. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

While flying south for the winter, two ducks and a goose encounter a moose (in a flying machine) who joins them on their journey. Later, the birds face some tense situations, including riding on top of a train’s caboose. The very brief rhyming text, sometimes one word per page, has repetition that will engage a storytime audience. The artwork is essential to the success of the book, expanding on the brief text with more details, and the animals have hilarious facial expressions. The illustrations were created from pencil sketches that were digitally colored, giving the impression of full-color gouache cartoon artwork. Due to the simple rhyming vocabulary, this also works for emergent readers who can sound out the text.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Anderhagen, Anna. Ducklings: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Baby Animals. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Reader. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626368. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629482. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.       

SERIES REVIEW: Large, colorful photographs follow baby animals in the wild. The series features the recommended black type on white page for ease of use for new readers. At twenty-four pages, this brief introduction to many childhood favorites (puppies! kittens!) are a good choice for young students, although the green striped background is unnecessarily distracting to the eye. Though the series doesn’t feature captions, some photographs offer a question to encourage engagement. Offer this to patrons requesting cute animal books. Back matter includes a photo glossary, STEM snapshot, and three resources for further research.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Kelly, Erin Entrada. First State of Being, The. Greenwillow, 03/2024. 272pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0633-3731-2. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

This tightly written novel opens on August 17, 1999, the twelfth birthday of anxiety-prone Michael Rosario, who is shoplifting canned goods to prepare for the Y2K disaster. Simultaneously, on August 17, 2199, Ridge, the sixteen-year-old son of a Spatial Teleportation Scientist, impulsively grabs his mother’s untested time travel device, and jumps 200 years back, landing in Michael’s apartment complex in Delaware. Michael desperately wants Ridge’s Summary Book to know what happens when the year turns 2000, but Ridge—like Gibby, Mr. Mosley, and Michael’s mother—encourages him to focus on being in the present. Michael describes himself as half Filipino, and Mr. Mosley, the maintenance man and mentor, has a “brown weathered face.” They all seem to live a bit above the poverty level. Authentic relationships and time-travel tension will absorb readers despite the lack of descriptions of the future. Teachers and parents will appreciate that both the risk and ultimate benefit of staying in the present moment may linger in readers’ minds.

Erica Siskind—Oakland Public Library

Leed, Percy. Football Superstars. Lerner Sports Rookie: All-Time Best Athletes. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765625729. Paper $8.99. 979-8765628188. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Lerner Sports presents slim titles that introduce young readers to some of the best athletes in the named sport. Each title features a double page spread with two sentences capturing what the athlete is known for, a career statistic, and a photograph (mostly color but some older athletes have b&w photos). Out of the six series titles, this reviewer saw three, two of which (Gymnastics Superstars and Basketball Superstars) included both female and male athletes. Of limited use in most collections due to missing details, such as years played, teams they were on, or anything beyond a very limited snapshot of why the name is worth knowing.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Clements, Andrew. Frindle Files, The. Brian Selznick, Illus. Random House, 08/2024. 198pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-399-55763-7. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Josh is frustrated that his English teacher won’t allow the class to use technology, so students must handwrite assignments. Josh and other students investigate why his teacher is so adamant about not using technology in this follow-up to Frindle (1996). Readers who have read the first book might guess the teacher’s identity; he and most of the other major characters present as white. Selznick’s pencil artwork and the inclusion of emails, notes, and other graphic features will attract reluctant readers. Clements finished most of this book before his death in 2019; the final version was edited by Stephanie Peters and features Clements’ signature quirky characters and honest tween voices.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Reed, Charlotte. Good Game: A Sesame Street Guide to Being a Good Sport. Lerner, 09/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $31.99. 979-8765620212. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629192. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.

Sesame Street and Lerner provide an introductory title on how to have a good time with others, especially when playing games. Readers learn what being a good sport means via engaging, simple, and direct short sentences, paired with appropriate color photographs and Sesame Street characters with dialogue. Much of the dialogue is directed at the reader and gives them direct actions to take toward being a good sport. A mixture of classic and newer Sesame Street characters are spread throughout, one per double-page spread. Includes a simple glossary, index, and other suggested titles. Useful titles for preschool teachers, parents, or coaches who are introducing sportsmanship.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Smith, Emma Bland. Growing Up in the Shadow of Alcatraz: Childhood on a Prison Island. Capstone, 01/2025. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $31.32. 978-1-6690-8862-2. Paper $9.99. 978-1-6690-8863-9. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

San Francisco author Smith follows up her previous book, The Gardener of Alcatraz (Charlesbridge, 2022), with this look at children who lived on the island during the time it was a notorious prison. Topics include famous prisoners, the children’s play and schooling, and holidays. The last chapter briefly discusses the children who were part of the 1969 occupation by Indigenous people who took over the abandoned island. Filled with b&w and color photos, diagrams, and page decorations, this will appeal to a wide age range and those who enjoy local history as well as students doing research. Back matter includes an index, timeline, and a list of related materials. Contains California-specific content. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Wagner, Zelda. Gymnastics Superstars. Lerner Sports Rookie: All-Time Best Athletes. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765625736. Paper $8.99. 979-8765628195. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.    

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Football Superstars by Percy Leed for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Qilavaq-Savard, Ashley. I Am a Rock. Pelin Turgut, Illus. Inhabit Media, 04/2024. 26pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.95. 978-1-77227-475-2. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.       

Young Pauloosie lays in bed while Anaana (Inuktitut for “mother”) speaks through his pet rock, Miki Rock, imagining how a rock might experience the wonders of nature, the seasons, and friendship. Brightly colored illustrations bring the arctic landscape to life and capture the feeling of changing seasons. Gentle prose and detailed illustrations make this book excellent for a small group or lap reading. Back matter includes a pronunciation guide and glossary for the two Inuktitut words and Pauloosie’s name.

Keith Chong—Oakland Public Library

Schmitt, Kelly Rice. I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World. Jam Dong, Illus. Lerner/Millbrook, 10/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-7284-7683-4. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.      

Follow a microscopic life form as it lives, dies, transforms, and eventually joins millions of others to provide energy to modern society. Mixed media illustrations composed of collage and watercolor elements provide the backdrop of the enormously long journey. This tiny piece of fuel explains how it came to be and then how humans obtain, transport, transform, and use it.  Schmitt also explains some of the problems related to fossil fuel use and steps toward using different, cleaner energy. Four pages filled with explanations and further details wrap things up, providing plenty of additional information to supplement ideas that the main text skimmed past.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lukoff, Kyle. I’m Sorry You Got Mad. Julie Kwon, Illus. Dial, 08/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5934-6291-1. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING.

Saying sorry is one thing. Often, kids have to apologize for doing something before they actually feel sorry. In this epistolary picture book, Jack, who has brown skin and straight black hair, has to apologize to Zoe for knocking down her castle. The arc of the plot covers Jack’s variety of feelings as he tries to process the chain of events leading up to the castle tear down. Kwon’s hand-lettered illustrations, inked before digital and color collaging, effectively convey how conflicted Jack is feeling about the situation. The teacher is both empathetic and fair as Jack is asked to revise his work repeatedly. By the end of the book the reader can’t help but feel for all the characters in the story.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Rubin, Sean. Iguanodon’s Horn, The: How Artists and Scientists Put a Dinosaur Back Together Again and Again and Again. Sean Rubin, Illus. Clarion, 03/2024. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $21.99. 978-0-06-323921-0. GRADES 1–4. ADDITIONAL.           

When a gigantic tooth and other skeletal remains were unearthed in England in the 1800s, it rocked the scientific world. Wildly inaccurate sketches envisioned what the mysterious creature, dubbed Iguanodon, might have looked like. This book explores how scientific theories about the iguanodon changed over time, with each iteration building on the last one as more evidence emerged. A chatty, engaging tone draws readers into the narrative, with richly detailed, humorous illustrations providing additional information. For example, fossil-hunter Mary Anning and a Darwin-like naturalist appear in a two-page spread, although they are not mentioned in the text. Endnotes include a guide to the illustrations, but in an apparent oversight it is organized by page number, and the book’s pages are unnumbered.

Jenny Andrus—Independent

Noah, Trevor. Into the Uncut Grass. Sabina Hahn, Illus. One World, 10/2024. [128]pp. Fiction. Trade $26.00. 978-0-5937-2996-0. GRADES 2–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In comedian and former Daily Show television host Trevor Noah’s first children’s book, an unnamed boy and his teddy bear go on an adventure. The boy is frustrated at his mother’s constant nagging to make his bed, brush his teeth, and do other chores, so the duo runs off to the nearby “uncut grass” where they meet a gnome, encounter two talking snails, and see other unique things. Set down in four chapters, each spread contains a paragraph of text facing a watercolor illustration. Both the book design and the story will appeal to those reading short chapter books. The artwork adds charm and depicts the boy with dark curly hair and light brown skin. The story is similar to Milne’s Winnie the Pooh characters and setting and would make a great family readaloud.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Payne, Kevin. Is That My Hat? Kevin Payne, Illus. Sourcebooks, 04/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $12.99. 978-1-72827-798-1. GRADES Baby/Toddler–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

A mole declares “I want a hat!” and as he tries on each one he comes across, he describes how they are not appropriate: “This hat is too small.” He decides to gather various materials to make a hat. This brief, simple story will inspire hat-making after sharing at a storytime or one-on-one. The text is easy to read (and guess) because the full-color illustrations, done in pencil with digital coloring, give many clues to the words being used. Although this is not particularly original or innovative, it is an effective, humorous story that will inspire creativity. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Underwood, Deborah. Man Who Didn’t Like Animals, The. LeUyen Pham, Illus. Clarion, 09/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-35-856713-4. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.

A hunched, dark-brown skinned man is happy in his tidy, animal-free home, until one day a cat appears. Soft-toned, humorous illustrations charmingly reveal the accumulation of critters that transform the man’s house, habits, and heart. Simple vocabulary and lots of repetition make this a great readaloud. A final reveal cues a singalong. The main character appears African American; neighbors read as Asian and white.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Weetman, Nova. Marvelous Moleon, The. Chris Kennett, Illus. Lerner Stories: Noah & Blue’s Zooniverse. Lerner, 08/2024. 87pp. Fiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765611715. Paper $9.99. 979-8765611739. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Noah inherited a special book from his grandfather, which he and his friend Blue use to magically bring alive animals they draw, each consisting of half of two animals (These are named in each book’s title, for example Moleon, Spidersaurus, Octokey). Each series title has a similar, formulaic plot, which allows the titles to be read independently of the others, while also encouraging the readers to guess what the new creature will do and how the boys will somehow escape trouble (at school and home). Sporadic b&w sketches provide humorous interludes and helpful details showing the reader more about what happened. While the artwork cues Noah as white and Blue as Black, little of the dialogue, plot, or situations provide regional or ethnic clues about their location or background. These quick-paced titles are great as high interest, low level chapter books or for readers starting to read full chapter books.  Each provides a mix of creativity, school and home drama, problem solving, and examples of friendships that any reader will appreciate.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Van de Vendel, Edward. Mishka. Annet Schaap, Illus. Addl. Creator Anoush Elman. Translated from the Dutch by Nancy Forest-Flier. Levine Querido, 10/2024. 151pp. Fiction. Trade $15.99. 978-1-64614-458-7. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.

An Afghanistan refugee family of six is finally allowed to stay in the Netherlands, after months of difficult travel and five years of waiting. To celebrate their new home, they adopt a white dwarf rabbit. Eight-year-old Roya bonds with the rabbit and begins to talk to it about the family’s ordeal, which she barely remembers. When her teacher assigns class presentations Roya chooses to do hers about Mishka, the rabbit, but it ends up being more about life as a refugee than just the rabbit. Though relatively short, the often emotionally charged plot demonstrates to readers what life as a refugee is like, and how talking with others can help. Schaap’s scattered, hand-drawn illustrations fit with the feelings and actions of the story and feel like Roya could have drawn them herself. A touching story that would be great for any discussion about refugees.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Barone, Rebecca E. F. Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens. Holt, 05/2024. 173pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-250-88165-6. GRADES 7–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

The 1980 eruption of the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state is recounted in this well-researched and compelling example of narrative nonfiction. Using a tone similar to that of a novel, the author uses quotations from many witnesses to show how the tragedy of the response to this disaster could have been avoided. The event is relevant to similar earthquakes and other disasters in California, so this will be useful as well as engaging. Unfortunately, the book design is not as helpful as the text, because the publisher chose to only feature photos online; the actual book only has a map and a list of sources, but no source notes or index. Readers will have to use a phone or computer to view the photos to benefit from their significant clarifying information, which limits the usefulness of the book.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Saben, Megan. New House, New Home. Liz Pope, Illus. Addl. Creator Kate Pope. Familius, 01/2025. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $16.99. 978-1-64170-969-9. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.    

A brother and sister use blocks to play at building a new house while workers build their actual new house, including descriptions of construction, plumbing, electrical, and other areas of the building process. The rhyming text has bounce but is a bit uneven; for example, rhyming “come” and “home.” The pastel-colored artwork depicts a white family; the workers represent various racial groups. The style of the illustrations are simple cartoons, almost as if a child did the drawings. The last page lists things to look for, such as “Find the dog on every page.” A serviceable story on moving to a new house. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Day, Nicholas. Nothing: John Cage and 4'33". Chris Raschka, Illus. Neal Porter, 04/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5409-9. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.

An approachable introduction to the experimental composer John Cage, framed around the inaugural performance of his work 4'33". In 1952, musician David Tudor sits at a piano in front of an anticipatory audience and does “nothing” for the next four minutes and thirty-three seconds. Meanwhile, readers are transported back forty years to the birth and upbringing of Cage, who “wrote music like no one had ever told him no” and “wanted people to hear how much sound there is in silence.” Raschka’s watercolor, pencil and ink illustrations are dynamic and complement the unconventional subject matter, occasionally incorporating loopy cursive words and lines from the accessible and conversational text. Cage and Tudor are pale-skinned and pink-cheeked; blotchy portraits of audience members suggest a range of pink and brown faces. Well-curated back matter includes additional context about Cage and his inspiration, photographs, a bibliography, and encouragement to share your own recordings to the 4'33" app released by the John Cage Trust.

Caroline Davis—Alameda County Library

Weetman, Nova. Outstanding Octokey, The. Chris Kennett, Illus. Lerner Stories: Noah & Blue’s Zooniverse. Lerner, 08/2024. 85pp. Fiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765611708. Paper $9.99. 979-8765611746. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: The Marvelous Moleon by Nova Weetman for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Riley, Scott. Rats to the Rescue: The Unlikely Heroes Making Cambodia Safe. Huy Voun Lee, Illus. Addl. Creator Sambat Meas. Lerner/Millbrook, 09/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 979-8765607985. GRADES Kindergarten–3. ADDITIONAL.         

How can rats be helpful to humans? This title explains by introducing African giant pouched rats which are helping deminers in Cambodia sniff out landmines and bombs left over from years of wars. Lee’s digital illustrations show the courage the deminers face in their daunting task, which the rats’ sniffing ability makes safer and faster. Riley and Meas’s narrative text addresses the need for demining, and explains why it is so important by following one young woman through her journey of becoming a deminer, being paired with an African giant pouched rat, and learning to work together.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Carpenter, Angelica Shirley. Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett, The. Helena Pérez García, Illus. Bushel & Peck, 04/2024. [44]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-1-63819-150-6. GRADES Kindergarten–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Although few children still read the classic books by Frances Hodgson Burnett, such as The Secret Garden (1911), A Little Princess (1905), and Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), movies made from her work remain popular. This picture book biography describes her life in a simple and clear way, noting her struggles with family members’ deaths, her divorce, and money issues. With just one paragraph per spread and the repeated phrase “she could imagine anything,” this makes a great readaloud. The deeply colored illustrations appear to be accomplished using gouache and convey the later Victorian time period. There is a large die-cut keyhole on the front cover. The book includes many details in the back matter, including more on her life, a timeline, bibliography, and a letter from Burnett’s great-great-granddaughter with advice on life.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Weetman, Nova. Speedy Spidersaurus, The. Chris Kennett, Illus. Lerner Stories: Noah & Blue’s Zooniverse. Lerner, 08/2024. 91pp. Fiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765611692. Paper $9.99. 979-8765611753. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: The Marvelous Moleon by Nova Weetman for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Barrows, Annie. Stella & Marigold. Sophie Blackall, Illus. Chronicle, 10/2024. 108pp. Fiction. Trade $15.99. 978-1-7972-1970-7. GRADES 2–4. OUTSTANDING.     

Seven chapters depict the relationship between seven-year-old Stella and four-year-old Marigold as sisters and partners in crime. They are always up for an adventure, imaginary or otherwise.  It’s rare to see color illustrations in a chapter book of this length, and Blackall’s mixed media illustrations complement the text well. Barrows has done an excellent job at creating an authentic, recognizable voice in both characters. Stella and Marigold’s family presents white, but ancillary characters provide a bit more diversity. Stella and Marigold have the potential to go down in readers’ memories as a classic sister pair. Hand this book to Dory Fantasmagory (Hanlon, Dial Books) fans, and any readers with a good sense of humor and imagination.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Klauss, Lucas. Surprise Dinosaur! Mike Moran, Illus. Sourcebooks, 04/2025. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-72829-091-1. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.      

The overly excited title character, a friendly green T-Rex, narrates this tale of his visit to a school: “Surprise Dinosaur! That’s me! I love surprises. Everybody loves surprises.” Unfortunately, he scares many people—so he tries to moderate his behavior, with mixed results. The text is in both short paragraphs and dialogue balloons, and the humor seems best suited to children who are beginning school. The digitally created, full-color artwork resembles classic Warner Bros. cartoons, with the children representing various racial groups. The story is somewhat uneven but will help with social emotional learning about social cues. Review based on an ARC.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Reed, Charlotte. Talking About Deployment: A Sesame Street Resource. Sesame Street Tough Topics. Lerner, 08/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765620205. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629666. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.   

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Talking About Illness by Marie-Therese Miller for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Miller, Marie-Therese. Talking About Illness: A Sesame Street Resource. Sesame Street Tough Topics. Lerner, 08/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765620182. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629697. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: This Lerner’s Sesame Street collaboration tackles topics that are often hard to talk about with young children such as natural disasters, illness, and military deployments. These series entries use engaging, simple, direct, and stress-reducing short sentences, paired with appropriate color photographs and Sesame Street character dialogue (directed to the reader for engagement) to inform and help young children and early readers with the targeted topic. Each title includes something that the reader (or listener) can do to help them process and understand the topic, along with a simple glossary, index, and other suggested titles. A variety of Sesame Street characters are spread throughout each title, one per double-page spread. This includes various classic Muppets along with newer, ethnically diverse puppets including Mexican American Rosita, Black cousins Gabrielle and Tamir, and Korean American Ji-Young. Very useful titles for preschool teachers, parents, or early readers who may be struggling with these tough topics.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Miller, Marie-Therese. Talking About Natural Disasters: A Sesame Street Resource. Sesame Street Tough Topics. Lerner, 08/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765620199. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629710. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.     

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Talking About Illness by Marie-Therese Miller for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lucianovic, Stephanie V. W. Touch the Sky. Chris Park, Illus. Carolrhoda, 05/2024. 32pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7284-6045-1. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.   

Young Vern’s frustrated attempts at learning to swing lead to a high-spirited journey when he meets Gretchen, who can swoop till her toes touch the sky and offers to teach him how. This small moment of childhood is portrayed with momentous importance through concise, descriptive language and the use of exuberant color, strong composition, and gestural mixed-media sweeping the reader fully into the all-encompassing moment when despair shifts to exhilaration and joy. The vibrant images of children (both with light skin) and well-integrated dramatic text pull us directly into a child’s world of desire, struggle and effort when on the very edge of learning something new. Elongated, swooping double-page spreads capture the hard-earned elation of finally and successfully swinging to touch the sky . . . and, of course, the excitement of passing it on to the next eager learner. “Do you want to learn how?”

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Kim, Cheryl. Wat Takes His Shot: The Life and Legacy of Basketball Hero Wataru Misaka. Nat Iwata, Illus. Lee & Low, 06/2024. [40]pp. Biography. Trade $20.95. 978-1-64379-603-1. GRADES Kindergarten–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Against the backdrop of World War II and Japanese internment, young Wataru Misaka faced adversity, broke barriers, and won championships. His determination, talent, and love of basketball helped overcome intolerance and brought hope to his community. High-energy prose accompanies clear, colorful, cartoon illustrations, delivering a fast-paced biography. Too little known, this first non-white player in the NBA is sure to inspire young readers. Back matter includes a photograph, author’s note, and sources.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Wenjen, Mia. We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court. Victor Bizar Gómez, Illus. Red Comet, 11/2024. 48pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 978-1-63-655087-9. GRADES 4–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Stories matter, but it also matters who tells the story, especially in the case of stereotype busting. When Simon Tam realized his childhood dream of becoming a rock star in 2006, he turned a racist slur into a point of pride, naming his all-Asian American band The Slants. But time after time, his effort to protect his band’s name with a copyright was rejected, prompting him to confront a systemic double standard and take his fight for self-definition all the way to the Supreme Court. Dynamic, graphically strong illustrations in tans, purples, and teals pack a punch. Matte paper and a mix of printmaking, colored pencil, and ink wash add up to a sophisticated whole. Direct quotes or song lyrics are included on every page. Some overly broad language, pat phrases, and incomplete explanation blunt the impact of the powerful story and compelling specifics. The importance of the verdict and the paucity of Asian American biographies argue for inclusion in library collections. Back matter includes thumbnail descriptions of other important Asian American discrimination cases, sources, and brief notes from the author and subject.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Khoo, Rachel Chivers. Wishkeeper’s Apprentice, The. Rachel Sanson, Illus. Candlewick, 04/2024. 227pp. Fiction. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-3120-5. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.

Ten-year-old Felix Jones feels alone and unwanted; his best and only friend has moved away, and his seventeen-year-old sister never wants to spend time with him anymore. After making a wish at a wishing well, Felix realizes that he is the only one who can see the wishkeeper retrieving the wish. The wishkeeper, Rupus Beewinkle, takes on Felix as his apprentice and they work together to fix wish snags and stop a wishsnatcher. At the end of this quick-paced fantasy action, Felix believes in himself, his sister is nicer to him, and Felix knows that there is an entire magical network of long-lived people granting wishes for those with hope and a positive attitude. Sanson’s scattered b&w sketched illustrations help readers imagine some of the action, characters, and situations. Characters read as white.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library