Rusch, Elizabeth. All About Color. Elizabeth Goss, Illus. All About Noticing. Charlesbridge, 03/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4353-2. GRADES Kindergarten–3. ADDITIONAL.

In this follow-up to All About Nothing (2023), Rusch and Goss team up again to explore both the science and the emotions behind our experience of color. The book opens by telling us that “color doesn’t exist” and the concept that color doesn’t exist is further explained in the back matter for the readers who wish to dive deeper. The author and illustrator spend most of their time looking at the emotional resonance of colors—that they can be a signal or warning and that we can “see red” or “feel blue.” The papercut art is vibrant and rich. This is a book that could be put to use in an art class as well as in a class discussion around feelings and emotions. Children are illustrated with varied features and hair types; no one is depicted with natural skin tones, and instead the children are shown in vibrant greens, blues, reds, yellows, and purples.

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

Biedrzycki, David. ArtIficial Intelligence. David Biedrzycki, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2024. [50]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-62354-374-7. GRADES Preschool–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

What happens when a robot is “defective” due to a habit of daydreaming? He gets sent to be reprogrammed, accidentally leaves the factory by “going outside,” explores the city, and ends up at a place that thrills him—the art museum. Upon returning to the factory, he tries to tell the other robots about art, then shows them by painting all over the warehouse, with the result that he gets to continue painting instead of being recycled. Illustrations made with pencil, Photoshop, and Procreate dazzle the eyes with the artwork the robot both discovers and creates. A great example to use when talking about the importance of art and how the creative process works, as well as how being different is okay.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

O’Brien, Patrick. Big Babies. Patrick O’Brien, Illus. Charlesbridge, 01/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4366-2. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

These adorable digital illustrations show baby dinosaurs with puppy-like expressions playing alongside common toys. Baby Velociraptor, the “swift thief,” runs alongside a race car; the Anatotitan, or “giant duck,” approaches a rubber ducky; and the “tyrant lizard king,” baby Tyrannosaurus Rex, sits inside a toy crown. The text is equally attractive, with a large font spelling out the dino’s name, a second colored font giving their nickname, and a sentence or two in block black print placed on an expanse of white page. All the illustrations are spread across both pages, giving plenty of room for the incredibly cute babies, a bit of their full-size dino counterparts, and a human toy or treat, while still leaving plenty of white space for the text. Back matter includes a paragraph about each of the dinosaurs as well as a “Behold the Babies” size chart that plots each baby dino next to a four-foot human kid.

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

Markle, Sandra. Call the Bee Doctor!: How Science Is Saving Honey Bees. Sandra Markle’s Science Discoveries. Millbrook, 10/2024. 48pp. Nonfiction. PLB $33.32. 979-8765626795. GRADES 4–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

About twenty years ago, beekeepers noticed the dramatic disappearance of honeybees, a crucial species to food production. Markle’s latest in her Science Discoveries series explains how experts are working to prevent this problem by medically treating bees with vaccines and gene modification. The writing is engaging, with quotes from scientists, but with a casual tone that will appeal to a wide age range. Filled with well-captioned color photos, sidebars, and two maps, this will attract readers due to the dynamic book design; it will also be useful to young researchers. This is a useful supplementary source to books about the bee crisis such as the Sibert Medal winner Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera (Neal Porter, 2020). Back matter includes an author’s note, list of honeybee facts, glossary, source notes, list of resources, and index.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Sorell, Traci. Clack, Clack! SMACK!  A Cherokee Stickball Story. Joseph Erb, Illus. Charlesbridge, 08/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4193-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In this picture book about sports and teamwork, the Eagles (boys) and Redhawks (girls) are playing a game of stickball. Vann, who is bigger and slower than his teammates, is feeling insecure as the Redhawks are making points and tying the game. But after a few false starts, Vann works with his teammates to score a perfect hit and win the match. Dialogue between characters in the story is all in Tsalagi (Cherokee, in English). A glossary with Tsalagi syllabary, English transliteration, pronunciation, and meaning is included in the back matter along with a note about preserving the language. There is also a description of stickball and its history as well as some photos from a tournament game. The digital artwork depicts the Cherokee players as tan- and brown-skinned with a variety of hair colors, styles, and lengths. Spectators appear diverse in age and gender. The author and illustrator are both members of the Cherokee Nation.

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

Honyouti, Mavasta. Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story. Mavasta Honyouti, Illus. Hopi translation by Marilyn Parra. Levine Querido, 11/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-457-0. GRADES 1–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

Bilingual English/Hopi stories are rare, making this one a unique treasure. This is the author’s story of both his own childhood and his kwa’a’s (grandfather’s) childhood, when government agents took him from his Hopi family to a distant boarding school. Based on family and tribal events, this story explains in simple terms how the government-run boarding schools affected the Hopi, as well as many other Native American tribes. As an informational picture book, it works as just a story, or as part of a lesson to be read and discussed. Illustrations created from wood carved artwork (a style passed down from elders) are presented in a non-digital, almost tactile look, reflecting the story’s content. Several pages of back matter explain the basic facts of the story, the author’s familial connections to it, why a Hopi (or Hopilavayi) bilingual translation was included, and background on the illustration process. A serious topic, introduced in an easy to understand way, that will spark further learning and curiosity about the topic.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lu, Thea. Dive, Dive into the Night Sea. Thea Lu, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-3415-2. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.

Opening horizontally, lush double-page spreads explore the night sea. Soft layers of gray and black ink wash are rubbed back to white, or touched with gold and coral, where the moonlight, or the beam of a diver’s flashlight, illuminates the inky depths. Simple words and emphatic directions guide readers’ exploration, encouraging discovery. On every spread, generous flaps open to reveal hidden creatures. A paragraph of small-font text provides intriguing facts and context. Dreamlike, beautiful, and scientifically strong, read this to animal lovers, to spark interest in the ocean, or simply enjoy as an excellent bedtime read.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Leed, Percy. Doctors: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Community Helpers. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Reader. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626405. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629529. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Garbage Collectors: A First Look by Percy Leed for series review.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Buchet, Nelly. Dog vs. Strawberry. Andrea Zuill, Illus. Random, 04/2024. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-64312-9. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.     

When Dog is given a strawberry, she turns the event into an imaginary race by running, jumping, and taunting the strawberry to join in the fun. This unique story uses a text that sounds like a sports announcer describing the race, with play-by-play descriptions of Dog’s actions: “Coming up the backstretch, it’s Dog, connecting with the plant, assuming a formation rarely seen.” The digitally colored ink cartoon drawings add humor, showing the living room setting and the only human from the waist down, similar to the way the parents are shown in Charles Schultz’s Peanuts comics. With a surprise ending, this story will remind many readers of the Aesop fable The Tortoise and the Hare.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Brown, Monica. Doña Fela’s Dream: The Story of Puerto Rico’s First Female Mayor. Rosa Ibarra, Illus. Little, Brown, 09/2024. 48pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-316-17835-8. GRADES 1–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.  

Puerto Rico’s Doña Fela defied expectations when she became the island’s first female mayor in 1947, and went on to serve four additional terms. The book’s magnificent oil-paint illustrations capture the beauty and heartache of day-to-day life in Puerto Rico, as well as the stature of Doña Fela, who is always depicted as perfectly coiffed with flowers in her hair. A hands-on, progressive leader, Fela is shown inviting flood victims into her home, opening preschools with teachers she trained, and meeting with elites like John and Jackie Kennedy. Fela’s sterling reputation feels well deserved, but because of the book’s idealized presentation she never fully comes to life. Filling a significant gap in children’s books about notable Puerto Ricans and the island, the book deserves a place on biography shelves.

Jenny Andrus—Independent

Ayoade, Richard. Fairy Tale Fan Club, The: Legendary Letters Collected by C. C. Cecily. David Roberts, Illus. Candlewick/Walker, 10/2024. 117pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-2217-3. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.    

A variety of letters addressed to fairy tale characters are presented, arranged, and explained by C. C. Cecily, the Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club. Each letter is answered by the addressed fairy tale character, explaining (or attempting to explain) the questions asked by the letter writer. These humorous questions and responses will elicit giggles and laughs as the various answers (or non-answers) are presented. Small, mostly b&w, sketched illustrations are scattered throughout the book, adding a few details to supplement the text. Best to read a few letters at a time, as they blur together if all read at once. Great for fans of fairy tales and for fractured fairy tale collections.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Leed, Percy. Firefighters: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Community Helpers. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Reader. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626412. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629536. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Garbage Collectors: A First Look by Percy Leed for series review.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Brockenbrough, Martha. Frank and the Big Mistake. John Lau, Illus. Levine Querido, 11/2024. 80pp. Fiction. Trade $14.99. 978-1-64614-460-0. Paper $6.99. 978-1-64614-499-0. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.

This third tale involving Frank the cat, Sunny the dog, and Cap’n Keith the parrot features a harrowing visit by Nellie, a young girl with tan skin and black eyes and hair. Her unexpected visit causes angst and trouble for the animals because they have only heard that a nibling—which they misunderstand to mean “nibble”—is coming. Sunny mistakenly tries to taste Nellie and is put in her crate, while Frank is treated to an upsetting basket ride, and Frank and Cap’n Keith are shoved into clown outfits. Luckily the adults intervene, showing Nellie how animals should be treated, and the visit improves. Fast-moving text, divided into seven easy chapters, pairs with the various sized, poster color paint-like illustrations depicting Nellie and the animals. Readers progressing into transitional chapter books will enjoy this story, as well as laugh at and learn from the animals’ treatment.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Leed, Percy. Garbage Collectors: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Community Helpers. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Reader. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626429. Paper $9.99. 979-8765629543. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: With a single sentence per page, this series is well suited to kindergarten curriculum about community helpers, including: firefighters, doctors, garbage collectors, librarians, nurses, police officers, teachers, and veterinarians. Back matter includes bibliography/further reading, index, note to educators, photo glossary, and table of contents. Discussion questions on many pages will be useful to educators employing the texts in a classroom setting. As is the case for other series within the “Read for a Better World” collection, there is an unfortunate distracting purple and green runner on each page. Vivid photographs show a diverse cast of garbage collectors and includes pictures of the Waste Management trucks used in the Bay Area.

Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District

Joof, Emily. Halima, Superhero Princess. Asa Gilland, Illus. Floris, 09/2024. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.95. 978-1-78250-884-7. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.

Halima can’t decide who to dress up as for a party, and is told by a playmate she can’t be Elsa from Frozen or other characters because “you don’t look like them.” Halima is Black, so this is particularly hurtful, and her mother describes several great Black women she could dress as, from Beyonce to Maya Angelou. Originally published in Sweden in 2022, the plot is similar to Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman (Dial, 1991), but it will be useful to many families and a good lesson in kindness. The hand-drawn and digitally colored illustrations show both Halima and her mother with dark skin and natural curly black hair. This can be used for social and emotional learning, and ends with a chart of the two dozen women the mother suggested as role models for Halima.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

MacCarald, C. Rowen. How Mom Met Mama. Georgia Stylou, Illus. Reycraft, 05/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.95. 978-1-4788-7927-5. Paper $9.95. 978-1-4788-7056-2. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.

A young girl asks for a bedtime story of how Mom met Mama: “I mean a story with dragons and unicorns and trolls.” So begins a tale of magical castles and mermaids and pirate wizards (who have always wanted to be mermaids). So Mom and Mama help the pirate wizard realize he can become a mermaid and also make Mama a human, and a kiss later they all live happily ever after. As the story ends the daughter asks, “Mom, do you wish that really happened?” and a twinkling Mama answers, “How do you know it didn’t?” This is a sweet addition to the two mom story canon. The daughter and Mom are illustrated with pale skin and straight hair. Mama is illustrated with brown skin and natural hair. The author is genderqueer.

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

Ziefert, Harriet. Is a Book a Box for Words? Mercè Galí, Illus. Red Comet, 10/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-63655-125-8. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.

What is a box? This sounds like a simple question, but this semi-concept title runs with the definition, stretching it to be nearly anything with four sides. Starting with a regular cardboard box, we soon see that a cat pooping place, crates of food, pianos, egg cartons, books, and even skyscrapers could be called boxes. Simple digital illustrations, mostly lines with some color, are blended with various images from Shutterstock.com to show off the many types of boxes. Thus, the title makes the reader think about what a box is, and what around them could also be called a box.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Safadi, Shifa Saltagi. Kareem Between. Penguin Random House/G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 09/2024. 324pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5936-9926-3. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING.  

Kareem is a Syrian American seventh grader who loves American football more than anything, but his year so far feels like a total blitz. His best friend moved away, he hasn’t made the school football team, and just when he thought things couldn’t get worse, the 47th President of the United States signed Executive Order 13769 (aka the ”Muslim Ban”), immediately impacting Kareem’s family and community. Torn between wanting to belong and feelings of alienation, Kareem’s story seamlessly ties in references to favorite books that help him make sense of his world, while also sharing important aspects of his life as an Arab American Muslim boy. Told from Kareem’s perspective and written from the author’s own experiences, the novel’s dynamic, heartfelt verse comes alive on the page. Some football terms may be unfamiliar, but they add depth to Kareem’s journey and make sense within the story’s context. Consider recommending this powerful story to middle grade students who enjoy realistic fiction and sports fiction, fans of works by Jasmine Warga, and teachers looking for book club titles to spur group discussion.

Brianna Arellano-Meli—Oakland Public Library

Blake, Quentin. Loveykins. Quentin Blake, Illus. Candlewick, 09/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-3772-6. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.     

A woman finds a baby bird on the ground and takes it home to care for it, until it grows so large it flies off to see the world. The story is full of humorous details, naming all the foods she feeds the bird, how she wheels him around in a baby carriage, and more, but it is too long to read at storytime. This will work best as a family readaloud or for accomplished primary grade readers. The story is supported by Blake’s quirky cartoon artwork, done using watercolor and ink, adding humor and distinction, although all of the human characters are shown as white. Originally published in 2003, this new edition is a great choice for libraries because the original is out of print.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

LaRochelle, David. Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!” Mike Wohnoutka, Illus. Candlewick, 09/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-2967-7. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Mr. Fox dares the reader to try his game of reading this book without saying the word “yes,” in this story sure to inspire interaction. Fox explains: “Every time I ask a question, you have to say “No!” If you accidentally say “YES,” then you have to go all the way back to the beginning of the book and start over.” This turns the book into a game, both for storytime audiences or one on one, and it is sure to inspire laughs due to Fox’s manipulative questions. The gouache cartoon artwork adds to the fun, with Fox dressed in a suit and top hat. Sure to demand repeated readings, this will work for a wide age range and appeals to those that enjoyed B.J. Novak’s The Book with No Pictures (Dial, 2014).

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Jarvis. Mr. Santa. Jarvis, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3883-9. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.

When a girl with light tan skin and black hair wakes up to Santa in her room, she begins asking him a never-ending train of questions: “Is it really you?” “Did you read my letter?” “Would you like to meet my fishes?” and on and on as she shows him around her house, travels with him in the sled, and returns home. In the morning she wakes up in bed, almost as if she had dreamt the whole thing. Gentle, soft-colored, dream-like digital illustrations show off all the situations and questions that are lobbed at Santa. Curious kids will like the wide-ranging questions, even though there’s never an answer or word from Santa.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Jumbe, Katherine L. Night: A Children’s Fable. Shana Dixon, Illus. Levine Querido, 01/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-463-1. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

“Even long ago” sets the stage as this Malawi (African) fable begins to tell about the important balance of day and night. Because the animals and people are happy when the sun is up, and complain during the night, the Dark goes away, leaving only light all the time. At first this seems to be great, but then too much light becomes a problem and the human Chawo searches for the Dark, provides offerings, and begs the Dark to return. Digital illustrations bring the feel of Africa to readers, with color combinations depicting African animals, villages, and items offered to appease the Dark. Although lacking source information, brief back matter defines the Chichewa words used in the story and mentions the artist’s inspirations.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Maclear, Kyo. Noodles on a Bicycle. Gracey Zhang, Illus. Random House Studio, 08/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5937-0608-4. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.

In Tokyo’s Nishi-Ogikubo neighborhood, the children watch the delivery men riding their bicycles and balancing high stacks of trays filled with ceramic bowls of soba noodles. They weave in and out of busy, traffic-filled streets without one accident! Sounds, sights, and scenes of the busy streets weave throughout the story, covering one day and night. There is a lively play with words and rhythm that evokes the rapid movements of the delivery men. In the end, one of the delivery men returns home to deliver noodles for his family dinner. Zhang’s colorful illustrations, reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s with their vibrant yet faded colors, evoke this fast-paced and efficient delivery system. The author’s note further explains the history of men delivering soba noodles on bicycles from the 1930s to the 1970s until it was phased out.

Alva Fong—San José State University iSchool student

Clarkson, Giselle. Observologist, The: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions. Giselle Clarkson, Illus. Gecko, 02/2024. 120pp. Nonfiction. Trade $24.99. 978-1-7765-7519-0. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING.

The skills, habits, and background knowledge necessary for scientific observation are clearly laid out in this whimsically illustrated field guide, perfect for budding naturalists. Humorous, colored cartoons and larger labeled illustrations are often accompanied by joke-filled speech bubbles. The opening sequence entertainingly lays the groundwork for paying attention to detail—the why, when, and how of discovering tiny creatures, plants, and fungi. Four subsequent chapters explore places to mount observological expeditions: a damp corner, a piece of pavement, a weedy patch, and behind a set of curtains. Focused primarily on commonly found invertebrates, the lively text, winning illustrations, and copious facts delight. Published first in New Zealand, a few British-isms are no barrier to interested readers. Back matter includes a final exam, certificate, and index. Humans are portrayed with brown, tan, and white skin.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Diamante, Letizia. Open Wide!: Jaw-Dropping Mouths of the Animal World. Ed J. Brown, Illus. What on Earth!, 09/2024. 64pp. Nonfiction. Trade $21.99. 978-1-80466-136-9. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.

In this unusual look at the animal kingdom, the focus is on the mouths, including information on teeth and tongues, how different animals eat, and other ways they use their mouths. The content is arranged by the distinctive feature of the mouth, such as tusks, bills, and beaks of birds, and other aspects, and each animal is described in a brief paragraph. The illustrations resemble watercolor pencil with digital coloring and depict the animals in a realistic way. There are special sidebars and diagrams that help convey the information, and the back matter includes source notes, glossary, and index. This is a great item for browsing, but not for researching a homework assignment, because the information on each animal is so brief.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Edge, Christopher. Quantum!: The Strange Science of the Smallest Stuff in the Universe.
Paul Daviz, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. 45pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-3762-7.
GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL

Quantum physics is broken down and explained to elementary age readers (or even adults) in ways that most people are likely to understand. Daviz’s vibrant and playful illustrations collaborate with Edge’s relatively brief text to introduce many complicated, difficult topics, including what quarks, protons, and wavelengths are; how stars are formed; what radioactive means; and plenty more. Unlike most physics books there are no formulas or mathematical explanations, just cute cartoonish characters and drawings striving to explain the forces behind everything. Useful for anyone wanting an introductory explanation of current understandings of the smallest parts of the universe.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Camp, Joaquín. Robbery, The. Joaquín Camp, Illus. Berbay, 05/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-9226-1070-6. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.          

Argentinian artist and storyteller Joaquín Camp introduces us to a trio of would-be thieves who intend to tunnel their way into a bank. Things start off well, but soon they are popping up in all the wrong places. The thieves interrupt a symphony, a wrestling match, and a Titanic-influenced scene on a ship. Finally, an exhausted thief wonders out loud, “What if the treasure doesn’t exist? What if it’s a metaphor and is actually in our hearts, instead?” So they give up on the robbery and go home to have dinner with the mole, the wrestler, and some members of the symphony. Children will be delighted by the bold illustrations that are made exclusively with markers, and appreciate the message that the experiences and friends made along the way are the true treasure. The three identical robbers appear to be white with pink skin. Other characters are drawn with a multitude of skin colors.

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

Tahmaseb, Ryan Bani. Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen. Fateme Mokhles, Illus. Charlesbridge, 07/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4381-5. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

First grader Rostam and his Maman have lived in the US for three months while his Baba (father) is still in Iran. Rostam is going to a new school and making new friends, but when his parents want him to wear his father’s pusteen (a sheepskin vest) for picture day, Rostam is worried that his new friends will think it’s weird and might make fun of him. Rostam is drawn as tan-skinned with dark curly hair; his classmates are illustrated with a variety of skin tones and hair styles including puffs, braids, and a mohawk. Some students wear glasses and one uses a wheelchair. Back matter includes a short glossary of Farsi words and an author’s note about Tahmaseb’s father’s childhood as a young immigrant to the United States, where he experienced joy and inclusion when he wore his father’s pusteen on school picture day.

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

Melling, David. Ruffles and the Cold, Cold Snow. David Melling, Illus. Candlewick, 11/2024. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3766-5. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

Ruffles, a white dog with a black eye spot, returns in his fifth title. This time, he ventures out into the cold snow with five kittens, who have a great time until they get stuck in the deep, cold snow. Ruffles has to overcome his dislike of the snow to rescue the kittens and bring them back inside, where they playfully climb all over Ruffles. Melling’s pencil and digital illustrations convey the feel of the cold snow, the warm house, and the fun the kittens have with Ruffles. A simple story about overcoming your fear in order to help others.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Yuksel, M. O. Sami’s Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story. Hüseyin Sönmezay, Illus. Charlesbridge, 04/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4296-2. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Every year, Sami celebrates Eid al-Adha with his Dede (the Turkish word for grandfather), but this year Dede has recently passed away and Sami doesn’t want to celebrate without him. The book follows Sami and his family as they prepare for Eid by going to the mosque, giving charity, eating special foods, and celebrating at the holiday carnival. Digital illustrations depict Sami and his family as tan-skinned with dark, straight hair; his mother (Anne) wears a headscarf in illustrations where she is outside their home. Other characters are drawn in a variety of shades with different hair styles and head coverings. Back matter includes a full-page description of Eid al-Adha and a glossary of Turkish and Persian words.

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

Stemple, Heidi E. Y. She Sells Seashells: Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist. Emily Paik, Illus. Charlesbridge, 07/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4328-0. GRADES 2–5. ADDITIONAL.

This nonfiction picture book biography looks at the early life of Mary Anning, who is now recognized as the world’s first paleontologist based on her discovery of the Ichthyosaur, the Plesisaur, and one of the earliest Pterosaurs. The book drives home the point that Anning, like many women in the sciences, was overlooked and unrecognized in her own time and for most of history. In the early 1800s, Anning and her brother helped support their family by collecting rocks and shells along the ocean cliffs near their home. As she made her discoveries, groups of scientists collected her fossils and became famous for creating the science of paleontology based on what they learned from them. The story and digital illustrations are interesting, and probably better suited for an older reader than a younger one. All characters appear to be white. Extensive back matter gives much more information about her discoveries.

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

McPherson, J.D. Socks. Anika Orrock, Illus. Candlewick/Walker, 09/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $15.99. 978-1-5362-3702-3. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

McPherson has adapted his Christmas pop song into a funny and original picture book about a boy who is disappointed with a gift of socks. The rhyming text features the main character lamenting that socks are not as welcome as toys as a gift: “This is the worst gift I ever got! It doesn’t beep or buzz or bop or rattle in the box!” The full-color, retro cartoon artwork adds much to the story, with humorous depictions of the action, and toys hidden throughout the house, including in the clothes dryer. The family members appear to be white. A fun addition to the holiday picture bookshelves.

Penny Peck—San José State University

Macurova, Katarina. Teaching Eddie to Fly. Katarina Macurova, Illus. Translated from Czech by Andrew Oakland. Albatros, 04/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $14.95. 978-8-0000-7077-3. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.

Originally published in the Czech Republic, this cute picture book follows Arthur, a bear, as he tries to teach Eddie, a large flightless bird, how to fly. A series of experiments don’t help to get Eddie off the ground but finally they discover together that Eddie can run as fast as other birds fly. Arthur exclaims, “Your legs are so quick you don’t need to fly!” right before he suggests, “I should teach you how to swim instead.” With relatively simple and repetitive language printed one or two sentences to a page, this book is suitable for reading aloud as well as for emerging readers who are ready to practice reading on their own. The drawings of Arthur and Eddie’s attempts at flying are laugh-out-loud funny.

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

Hopgood, Tim. Two Birthdays. Tim Hopgood, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. [26]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3890-7. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.        

Cedric, an alligator, and Boo, an elephant, are the best of friends. Cedric celebrates Boo’s birthday with a huge card and present, but is then disappointed when Boo forgets all about Cedric’s birthday a few weeks later. They make up after Cedric tells Boo about his missed birthday, apologies are given, and amends made. The simple, mixed media illustrations highlight the fun of the birthday, the disappointment of something important being forgotten, the importance of telling others how you feel, and the joy of making up.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Becker, Aaron. Winter Light. Aaron Becker, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. [16]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3646-0. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL. 

In this unusual board book, soft watercolor illustrations show the winter sky in a celebration that fits many winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter solstice, and Kwanzaa. The simple rhyming text encourages the reader to observe: “Hush, now. Be still. It’s time for winter light.” Similar to Becker’s previous board books including You Are Light (2019) and My Favorite Color (2020), the pages have die-cut holes, some containing plastic translucent inserts. When held up to the light, the inserts add color and resemble candlelight. The adult reading this to children can add more details on the holidays, or why it gets darker earlier in winter, but the visuals will keep children engaged and promote interaction with the book.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool