Manley, Curtis. Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku. Jennifer K. Mann, Illus. Neal Porter, 01/2024. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-82345-166-1. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING. A school-age child asks “How do you climb a mountain?” as a dark-haired, tan-skinned family sets out from a campsite to reach [continue reading]
City of Leafcutter Ants Review
Hevron, Amy. City of Leafcutter Ants: A Sustainable Society of Millions. Amy Hevron, Illus. Neal Porter, 06/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-82345-318-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING. The Central American rainforest and the complex, bustling society of leafcutter ants are recreated in digitally collaged, hand-painted vibrant green, rusty red, [continue reading]
Island of Whispers Review
Hardinge, Frances. Island of Whispers. Emily Gravett, Illus. Amulet, 08/2024. 120pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-41977-433-1. GRADES 4–8. OUTSTANDING. On Milo’s island the spirits of the dead must be quickly transported by his father, the Ferryman, lest they endlessly wander, leaving death and blight in their wake. When [continue reading]
Urban Coyotes Review
Carson, Mary Kay. Urban Coyotes. Tom Uhlman, Illus. Scientists in the Field. Clarion, 08/2024. [80]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $21.99. 978-0-06327-147-0. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In the 1990s coyotes first started showing up in city neighborhoods, and animal control agencies were flooded with anxious complaints. Field scientists formed Chicago’s [continue reading]
Big Sister, Long Coat Review
Buchet, Nelly. Big Sister, Long Coat. Rachel Katstaller, Illus. NorthSouth, 03/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.95. 978-0-73584-551-0. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. Intending the best day ever, a smiling, freckled, curly-haired teen sister and a rosy-cheeked, light-brown haired younger sister head out into an urban environment. The younger child [continue reading]
Life After Whale Review
Brunelle, Lynn. Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall. Jason Chin, Illus. Neal Porter, 06/2024. [48]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-82345-228-6. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING. Readers follow an elderly blue whale as she takes her last meal, expires, and sinks to the sea floor. What happens [continue reading]
CLA Beatty Award Winner Announced
The California Library Association Announces Beatty Award Winner Danial Aleman: Join us in congratulating our 2024 Beatty Award-Winning Young Adult author, Daniel Aleman, for his book Brighter Than The Sun! Brighter Than The Sun is [continue reading]
Becca the Brave: Becca and Benj Review
Henderson, Judith. Becca the Brave: Becca and Benj. Amy Jindra, Illus. Becca the Brave;bk. 1. Reycraft, 06/2024. 48pp. Fiction. Trade $15.95. 978-147887-595-6. Paper $9.95. 978-1-47888-793-5. GRADES 1–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Best friends Benj and Becca celebrate [continue reading]