Swanson, Jennifer. 3 Weeks in the Rainforest: A Rapid Inventory in the Amazon. Charlesbridge, 10/2025. 80pp. Nonfiction. Trade $21.99. 978-1-62354-316-7. GRADES 4–8. ADDITIONAL.  

What is a “Rapid Inventory”? Find out by following this group of scientists into the Columbian rainforest, where they spent three weeks collecting scientific observations, specimens, and samples of plants, animals, fish, insects, and birds. This inventory, done by the Chicago Field Museum, in partnership with local scientists and indigenous experts, strengthens the case for conservation of the studied areas by showing how this ecosystem is unique and interconnected. Swanson’s in-depth writing explains what the scientists are doing, who they worked with, and why it is important. Every page includes action photos of the people and places, along with some of the studied wildlife and plants. Budding scientists and nature enthusiasts will learn much from all the work this expedition is shown doing.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Jihyun, Kim. Blue Sky Morning. Kim Jihyun, Illus. Translated from the Korean by Polly Lawson. Floris, 05/2025. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7825-0908-0. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.    

Follow young Eunny through the start of a promising day with thoughtful attention to the special details of a warm home and neighborhood, based on the author’s fond memories of family life in Seongbuk-Dong in Seoul, South Korea. A soft palette bathes the reader in delicate, detailed illustrations using watercolor with colored pencil. Each double-page spread provides a visual sense of open space paired with an easy text of soothing pace to help show us how to pause and take in every moment of this one gorgeous day. We are invited to sit for a moment, to listen, to count the steps, to breathe, to look up…and each new perspective helps guide us to truly see the beautiful, blue sky morning. A true treasure reminding us peace and wonder are always right at hand.

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Rose, Caroline Starr. Burning Season, The. Nancy Paulsen, 05/2025. 237pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-593-61793-9. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.    

Twelve-year-old Opal lives with her mother and grandmother in a fire observation tower in a forest in New Mexico, where they all work to keep fires from getting out of control. Like previous books by this author, including May B (2012), the story is told in compelling free verse which helps create tension and urgency. Opal and her family appear to be white but her best friends the Trujillos are Latine, and during an emergency Opal has an inner monologue on how the indigenous tribes of that area dealt with fires before whites came there. Although the first half takes a while to get going, the last half will keep readers on the edge of their seats. An author’s note adds facts about the Gila National Forest and firefighting techniques.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Larsen, Andrew. Call Me Gray. Tallulah Fontaine, Illus. Addl. Creator Bells Larsen. Kids Can, 10/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $21.99. 978-1-5253-1135-2. GRADES Kindergarten–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

Every winter Gray and their dad create an ice rink, “but this year [something] feels different…it’s me.” Through a series of simple yet insightful questions, Gray shares with their father that their internal sense of gender doesn’t match up with their name and how they’re perceived. Interspersed with pauses offered by full-page wordless illustrations, we are shown a thoughtful and intentional understanding formed between a father and a trans child. In a book dedicated “to trans kids,” Gray self-describes by saying “I look like a boy but sometimes I feel more like a girl.” Gray and their father both have pale skin, and it appears that they live in a single-parent household. The gouache illustrations help us dive below the surface of the narrative, with images of Gray looking into a mirror and seeing only a blur, and the repeated depiction of Gray’s home full of warm yellow light against a cold winter background. Peaceful and cozy but at the same time deep, this book gives readers language to help parse out and describe feelings around gender and belonging. Review based on an ARC.

Sicilia Smith—Alameda Free Library

Keller, Shana. CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella. Laura Freeman, Illus. Charlesbridge, 08/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-62354-389-1. GRADES 1–4. UNSATISFACTORY.           

Keller presents a tale that is neither a Cinderella story nor an effective depiction of the Underground Railroad; combining them trivializes the horrors an enslaved child would have experienced. CeeCee’s separation from her mother is shown in the first two spreads of the book. After that, the story becomes more like a traditional Cinderella tale, with the blue-eyed and pale enslavers being unkind to CeeCee, whose hair is black and whose skin is pale brown. CeeCee becomes determined to sew a fine dress and coat for herself when she conflates an overheard Cinderella story with information about the “knight-prince” Moses who can take her North and save her from being enslaved—but this burdens the few Cinderella attributes past their strength.  Freeman’s evocative illustrations are the strongest part of the story, but their very richness – the flowing fabric of the dress CeeCee sews, the flaky biscuit she enjoys in the kitchen, the books CeeCee reads when she can – softens the impact on readers of experiencing the life of an enslaved child separated from her mother. Children might need an adult to help them understand the identity of the “prince” at the end of the story and also to provide more accurate depictions of life while enslaved.

Alli Angell—Benicia Public Library

James, India. Ew, Reptiles. Lightning Bolt Books: Creepy Creatures. Lerner, 08/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765669020. Paper $9.99. 979-8765684634. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Learn all about spooky creatures in this Lerner series, which provides many examples of animals that humans find creepy – including flying snakes, angler fish, spiders, and flies. Each of the six titles focuses on a specific type of animal – bugs, reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and sea creatures. Included animals are presented via a couple of good size color photographs (especially of the bugs) and a few sentences per page, providing a few details about their life, why people find them creepy, and their environmental niche.  These quick introductions are a useful topic-opener that may lead readers to look for more about these seemingly strange animals. Each title includes a brief table of contents, glossary, and index.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Medina, Meg. Graciela in the Abyss. Balbusso, Anna and Elena, Illus. Candlewick, 07/2025. 256pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-1945-6. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

Newbery-award-winning author Medina enters the fray of fantasy in her latest middle-grade novel. Graciela drowned in the ocean over a hundred years ago, and Amina, who awakens sea spirits, ushers her into the spirit world of the sea. While on land, Jorge, a blacksmith’s son who yearns to make art, unearths a dangerous harpoon made by his ancestors. The harpoon can permanently kill sea spirits. Jorge enters the ocean, and together with Graciela, they try to prevent the harpoon from falling into the wrong hands. Medina creates high tension in this fully developed Latine world. Sprinkled throughout the text are Spanish words. Medina’s talents shine in this genre.

Yesica Hurd—Berkeley Public Library

Gramson, Hannah. Ground Sloths: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Prehistoric Beasts. Lerner, 08/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765669044. Paper $9.99. 979-8765684689. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.   

SERIES REVIEW: Pictures and short sentences introduce one prehistoric animal in each of these six brief series titles.  Each provides a quick description of the animal and a mixture of artistically creative illustrations to show and explain more. Several interactive questions are sprinkled among the pages, which are meant to engage readers and help them think about the topic. The small size, barebones text, and limited number of pages make these titles easy to share with small groups, but the lack of details may frustrate eager and curious readers.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

York, Beth Ann. Growing Up Beth. Ana Latese, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2025. 85pp. Fiction. Trade $22.99. 978-1-62354-472-0. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.        

Beth and her five older brothers are quite the cast of characters. Their mother is strict, especially regarding family meals and chores, but understanding when Beth gets into trouble. Ten quick chapters cover various aspects of Beth’s life, including dinner time, going on a field trip, walking the dog, or fostering a new addition to the family. Written in verse-like short sentences, this transitional chapter book is reminiscent of both Junie B. Jones and Amelia Bedelia, in terms of misconstruing directions, or being overly enthusiastic in class and at home.  Occasional b&w illustrations, with light blue backgrounds, supplement the text, providing a few more details about Beth and her antics. Great for readers moving up to chapter books.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Brown, Jeffrey. Hulk Teach. Marvel. Scholastic/Graphix, 08/2025. 158pp. Graphic. Trade $22.99. 978-1-5461-3760-3. GRADES 4–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.         

Bruce Banner may lose his place with the Avengers, all because he cannot control his anger, which causes Hulk to appear and bring about destruction.  Bruce is sentenced to teach middle school science for a year to demonstrate that he can control his anger.  Mostly b&w illustrations and text tell the story of how well (or not) this goes, with green used in the illustrations when Hulk appears. Will Bruce make it through the school year? Will he still be an Avenger in the end?  Will the middle school students get Bruce (and Hulk) madder and madder?  Readers will discover the answers to these and more, when they devour this interesting Marvel universe graphic novel by the creator of the popular Jedi Academy graphic novels for a similar audience.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Tagaq, Tanya. I Would Give You My Tail. Qavavau Manumie, Illus. Tundra, 04/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1774880579. GRADES Preschool-2. OUTSTANDING.

A new baby is coming! As his Inuk mother goes into labor, her son Kalluk sets off on a journey to his grandmother’s camp to bring her back to help. Along the way, he encounters a variety of creatures and environmental features, and inquires why each is so happy. The hares and the baby foxes he meets are so happy that they would give each other their tails if they could! The responses from the water in the brook and the wind also inspire mindfulness and gratitude for their contributions to life and the interconnectedness of the whole natural world. Although the trek back is not easy for his grandmother, the process deepens their bonds of generational kinship. When he meets his new baby sister, he enumerates how he will take care of her, “But mostly: I would give you my tail if I could.” Facing each page of text, the charming, expressive, and emotionally evocative illustrations are simply drawn in muted, earth-toned colored pencil with black outlines. The title verso includes a translation and pronunciation guide for the four Inuktitut language terms used in the story. This book is an essential addition to any children’s library that aims to include diverse indigenous authors. A sweet and tender choice for a read-aloud, especially when seeking themes of gratitude, thanks-giving, and gift-giving. 

Karen Quest—Independent 

Friedeman, Amanda. Interrupted Lives: Nine Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Kar-Ben, 03/2025. 72pp. Nonfiction. Paper $10.99. 979-8765607763. GRADES 4–8. ADDITIONAL.   

Nine Jewish people from different countries and areas of Europe who survived the Holocaust as children give their personal stories in this slim book. Each chapter is told from that person’s perspective, describing the time before they were persecuted, how they dealt with various hardships, and how they eventually came to the United States, often as refugees. Some were imprisoned in concentration camps, others were hidden by non-Jewish families, escaped by Kindertransport, or were sent to ghettos. All come across as optimistic about humanity but found it important to share their stories at schools so history won’t repeat itself. The book is formulaic but effective, containing b&w photos, sidebars, life lessons, and a glossary.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

James, India. Jeepers, Sea Creatures. Lightning Bolt Books: Creepy Creatures. Lerner, 08/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765669037. Paper $9.99. 979-8765684641. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.           

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Ew, Reptiles by India James for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Connors, Jerrold. Jim! Six True Stories About One Great Artist: James Marshall. Jerrold Connors, Illus. Dial, 05/2025. 72pp. Biography. Trade $20.99. 978-0-593-85934-6. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.    

This picture book biography of children’s author and illustrator James Marshall will remind younger readers of his timeless work, which includes the popular picture book characters such as the mean teacher Viola Swamp, hippos and best friends George and Martha, and others for beginning readers. The book’s format is reminiscent of the George and Martha series, using a square shape, brief chapters, and a text set in just a few lines per page, aimed at emergent readers. The full color cartoon illustrations also harken back to Marshall’s distinctive work, using bold colors and charming animal characters. For example, Marshall is depicted as a wolf and his life partner Billy as a cat, and fellow authors and friends Maurice Sendak and Arnold Lobel are depicted as a bulldog and a pig. Back matter fills out the biographical details with an author’s note and timeline, including a brief description of his death from AIDS.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Gramson, Hannah. Megalodon: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Prehistoric Beasts. Lerner, 08/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765669051. Paper $9.99. 979-8765684696. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.   

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Ground Sloths: A First Look by Hannah Gramson for review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Dumon Tak, Bibi. My Presentation Today Is About the Anaconda. Annemarie Van Haeringen, Illus. Translated from the Dutch by Nancy Forest-Flier. Levine Querido, 02/2025. 223pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6461-4510-2. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.       

Frustrated and bored with the way humans give animal reports, a group of wild animals have assembled to share their knowledge about each other. With twenty various creatures stepping forward in turn to provide details about their chosen subjects, the assembly soon devolves into a humorous take on elementary school class presentations. Just as in a classroom, the results are uneven: some are natural speakers who know their subjects well, some talk about random trivia of personal interest, some are completely unprepared, and some are comically misinformed. Originally published in the Netherlands, Forest-Flier’s English version maintains the intended sense of humor overall, although there are several confusing moments when characters interrupt one another and sidetrack conversations. Van Haeringen’s charming mixed-media animal illustrations are evenly distributed throughout and greatly enhance the text. Back matter includes an index and a note on the illustrations. Although not the best option for those in need of animal facts, Dumon Tak’s unique book is a good offering for reluctant readers who enjoy animal antics.

Jennifer Taylor—Palo Alto City Library

Rosen, Michael. Oh Dear, Look What I Got! Helen Oxenbury, Illus. Candlewick, 09/2025. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3568-5. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING. 

A boy goes to various shopkeepers and asks for items like a coat or hat, but is given an animal that rhymes with the original request, such as a goat or cat. This humorous cumulative story invites audience participation, with children calling out the different animals received, or the repeated phrase “O dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do NOT!” The story and pattern are reminiscent of classics like Pat Hutchins’ Don’t Forget the Bacon! (Greenwillow, 1976). Oxenbury’s customary watercolor and colored pencil illustrations use pastel shades against cream-colored backgrounds; they depict a white boy at the center, with shopkeepers representing different ethnicities. A great companion to the author and illustrator team’s earlier book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Margaret K. McElderry, 1989).

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Smith, Lane. Recess. Lane Smith, Illus. Abrams, 07/2025. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-4197-7689-2. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. 

Sometimes children need a break from school, even when it is not time for recess, and this book offers a solution – a quick and temporary emergency recess! The narrator urges listeners to follow the instructions every time they yell “Recess!,” — for example, to shake their hands and legs, yell out “Bananas!” or quack like a duck — then quickly go back to their seats. The text alternates from the boredom of school to these recess breaks every other page, and the artwork also alternates from cool, drab colors during a lesson, to wild, bright colors during the breaks. Listeners can follow along with the actions, making for an uproarious interactive storytime or classroom read-aloud experience. The full-color artwork uses oils, colored pencil, and other media to depict surreal characters and settings that convey the energetic action. The book design also facilitates the story using repeated texts in large fonts, and a variety of colors. Sure to be as popular as B.J. Novak’s The Book with No Pictures (Dial, 2014).

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Peyton Smith, Sasha. Rose Bargain, The. HarperCollins, 02/2025. 385pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-337252-8. GRADES 8–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

To save her sister from a mysterious rose bargain with the cruel fairy queen, Ivy Benton joins a competition to wed the fae prince and finds herself entangled in a brutal game to win wealth for her family and potential love. Although Ivy guides the narrative of the story, chapters from different characters’ perspectives offer glimpses of the other girls’ motivations to win the competition. The lush world building within the walls of Kensington Palace and heart pounding action sequences during the Queen’s cruel games elevate the story, although the love triangle sometimes detracts from the overall plot. Main characters cue as white; supporting characters have diverse representation including LGBTQ+ and immigrants. Recommend this book, first in a planned duology, for teen readers not quite ready for the spice of “romantasy” titles for the older set.

Kelly Pollard—Alameda County Library

Chen, Annie. Salmon Run: An Epic Journey to the Ocean and Back. Annie Chen, Illus. Red Comet, 11/2025. [38]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6365-5165-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.           

Wonder, art, and science combine in a beautifully illustrated chronological journey of a female Pacific salmon, from egg to egg-laying adult. Spare text, accurate, well-defined vocabulary, and luminous, realistic watercolors in blues, greens, and hints of coral, illustrate and explain the perilous, transformative journey as the female fish moves from fresh to salt water, and back again. Both the art and text are notable for integrating clear, informative specifics with sweeping lyricism. Back matter includes an author’s note, lifecycle, and QR code linking to a glossary, brief paragraphs on navigation, and salmon’s importance as a keystone species. No part of the male’s role in the lifecycle is mentioned. The inevitability of death after spawning is not included in the text, lifecycle or back matter. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Gramson, Hannah. Terror Birds: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Prehistoric Beasts. Lerner, 08/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765669075. Paper $9.99. 979-8765684719. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.   

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Ground Sloths: A First Look by Hannah Gramson for series review.

.Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

James, India. Ugh, Bugs! Lightning Bolt Books: Creepy Creatures. Lerner, 08/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765669006. Paper $9.99. 979-8765684610. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Ew, Reptiles by India James for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Svoboda, Tomas Smot. Up, up, and Away: The History of Aviation. Tomas Smot Svoboda, Illus. Translated from the Czech by Andrew Oakland. Albatross, 07/2025. 57pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.95. 978-80-00-07460-3. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.         

Readers interested in the history of flight — how humans began to fly, who developed various theories of aviation, and what early flying machines looked like — will find this title useful.  Beginning with the ancient discoveries by the Greeks, Svoboda provides a broad and informative overview of the many advances which led up to today’s planes and helicopters. Short text blocks are positioned in various parts of the pages, along with many detailed digital illustrations demonstrating the various mechanical principles behind flight, and various examples of flying machines. Svoboda’s engaging presentation keeps the years moving as the pages turn, with only one small issue where a plane (the Voyager) is written about twice, instead of providing the description of a different plane on the next page (shown with solar panels on the wings). Useful for those exploring the story of flight.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Jackson, Mick. We’re Moving House. Rashin Kheiriyeh, Illus. Candlewick, 02/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3892-1. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.   

In the tradition of literal wordplay made popular by the Amelia Bedelia series, We’re Moving House follows the delightful confusion as a young child imagines all the problems and solutions involved when told they will be moving house. Told through a brown-skinned child’s stream of consciousness narration, Kheiriyeh’s pastel and mixed-media illustrations with neon details ground this adventure. Each page offers a host of community helpers in every race, gender, and age, confirming that the world is a friendly and safe place, even for a house on the move. Jackson acknowledges both the mixed feelings and practical concerns around moving, while keeping the tone light and positive with the overarching message that the grown up is there to guide the child through this experience and that “the thing that matters most is that we have each other.” The right balance of whimsy and seriousness make this picture book ideal for children ages four to seven confronting a move.

Sarah Mettler—San José Public Library

Pendreigh, Kirsten. What Fish Are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean. Katie Melrose, Illus. Sourcebooks Explore, 06/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-4642-1896-5. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING.

Conversational, rhyming text invites us along on a peaceful kayak journey to discover if fish also swim silently in the blue. Readers quickly learn – “Oh! No! It’s NOISY down below!” Cheerful, colorful, richly-patterned, digitally-manipulated illustrations feature a host of specific species and one, omnipresent, snapping shrimp. Humorous verse clues readers to the sounds made and, importantly, to the how and why of the noise. Rarely is a rollicking read-aloud full of so much onomatopoeia and so many delightful, scientific details simultaneously. Back matter includes a focus on the snapping shrimp’s cavitation, what hydrophones hear, where to hear recordings, fun noisemaker facts, and an important note on fish ears and why fish hear differently than humans. Sadly, the cavitation explanation misses the opportunity to include the relevant information to make sense of the rhyme that asserts snapping shrimp bubbles are “Hot as the SUN!”

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Sardà, Júlia. Witch in the Tower, The. Júlia Sardà, Illus. Candlewick Studio, 09/2025. 64pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. ‎ 978-1-5362-4301-7. GRADES 4–7. OUTSTANDING.    

Carmela feels left out and sad that her new friends and older sister no longer want to spend time with her. Her younger sister does, but Carmela prefers to play a game, alone, where she walks until she can’t walk anymore. This journey leads her to a tower, inhabited by a witch, with potions, spells, singing frogs, and night magic. The Witch in the Tower is an introspective story about self-acceptance, fear of change, and the fleeting nature of friendships and feelings. Julia Sarda’s lyrical prose and detailed illustrations invite careful reading; the images were digitally rendered yet beguilingly appear hand-drawn. The slow pace makes it ideal for ages nine to twelve, especially those who enjoy witches, fantasy, and thoughtful stories about friendship and self-love. This is the second title in the Witches’ Companion series.

Pedro Perez—Berkeley Public Library

Ridge, Yolanda. Women’s Professional Golf. Lerner Sports: Women Got Game. Lerner, 08/2025. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765668863. Paper $9.99. 979-8765683613. GRADES 4–6. ADDITIONAL.      

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Women’s Professional Soccer by Margaret J. Goldstein for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Hammond, Mel. Women’s Professional Basketball. Lerner Sports: Women Got Game. Lerner, 08/2025. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765668894. Paper $9.99. 979-8765683590. GRADES 4–6. ADDITIONAL.      

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Women’s Professional Soccer by Margaret J. Goldstein for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Goldstein, Margaret J. Women’s Professional Soccer. Lerner Sports: Women Got Game. Lerner, 08/2025. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765668870. Paper $9.99. 979-8765683637. GRADES 4–6. ADDITIONAL.           

SERIES REVIEW: Discover the history of women in professional sports. Each of these series titles introduce readers to the history of each sport by focusing on the top players, what they did, when they did it, and how that helped increase the sport’s popularity. Each of the six titles focuses on a specific sport – basketball, fastpitch, golf, hockey, soccer, and tennis.  They include a glimpse at professional teams and leagues in the past, before moving on to the modern leagues, their teams, and the big-name players. These fast-paced introductions read like a sportscaster presenting the most important details succinctly, yet provide plenty of statistics and dates. Each title includes a brief table of contents, glossary, and index.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Diffee, Matthew. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing. Matthew Diffee, Illus. Neal Porter, 09/2025. 48pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5871-4. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.  

Charming, realistic, wax and colored pencil illustrations, in the style of Randolph Caldecott, help frame a grand joke within a satisfying moral parable. With pastoral calm, farmyard animals introduce their signature sounds, until both sheep and goat claim ‘baa.’ Realistic bickering and problem-solving soon shifts from conventional to witty and wacky. Irreverent, yet grounded, the big twist and delightful resolution of this comic read-aloud will give readers plenty to chuckle at, recognize and admire. Great for storytime.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired