Book reviews by library staff and guest contributors
This gorgeous books tells the story of a young girl who wakes up before the sun for a chance to ride with her Daddy, just the two of them. After collecting apple slices from Abuelita, they are out the door before the sun is up, feeding and grooming the horses under a starry sky. Our protagonist usually rides after school, but today is special because she gets to ride through the streets, like a cowboy, like her Daddy. As the sky starts to lighten, they ride past houses with darkened windows, past the panadería with layered cakes in the window, waving at the few cars that drive by.
Erin Entrada Kelly’s second Newbery win has her and her fans (old and new) jumping for joy!
A young girl gains courage and confidence from her friendly pup in Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo (Candlewick Press, 2024). The quiet protagonist is reluctant to leave the cozy and safe apartment she shares with her mom. The big city feels too big and too full of people. Her mom encourages her to go to the park, meet new neighbors, and visit a storytime. These all feel hard and scary. Mid-story we see the mom and daughter visit an animal shelter and choose a small pup named Millie.
Neurodiverse thirteen-year-old Frankie has more than her share of challenges. She is learning to cope with multiple issues and manage her impulses. Meanwhile, Frankie’s twin sister, Tess, is handling the challenges of having a neurodiverse sibling.
The six realistic stories in this slim collection follow 10-year-old twins Ash and Mel and their younger brother Calvin. With carefully chosen and decodable words, this is a great option for both beginning readers and emerging readers looking to hone their skills. A list of content words (words that enhance the story but may not yet be decodable by all readers) is included at the beginning, and rich vocabulary words are bolded and defined in the text. And did I mention that the stories are fun and relatable?
What do you get when you combine a snuggle and a tickle? That’s a snickle! And what do you get when you read Give Me a Snickle! by Alisha Sevigny? Just about the best feeling ever and the cutest board book around! This beautiful book pairs colorful photographs of babies and toddlers being cuddled by their loved ones with silly, rhyming, made-up words that describe different kinds of snuggles. Give Me A Snickle! is gorgeous and fun and captures the joy of snuggling. It is sure to delight little ones, ages 0-3, and their caregivers.
I've been thinking a lot about gratitude and family so I'm really excited to share two new picture books especially for young readers ages 4-8 that combine these concepts to beautifully illustrate one of the oldest and most human arts of all: fixing something precious with the help of someone who loves you.
Part guessing game, part counting book, part an environmental warning - it all adds up to another great book by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.
Tessa, a young Cree girl, wants to learn beading from her grandmother, or Kohkom. But her mother informs her that first, she must learn why beads and beading are important to them. The two of them visit Kohkom, and she proceeds to lovingly teach Tessa all about the stories behind the beads. Written by a Nbisiing Nishnaabe author, What's in a Bead? shares indigenous words and customs alongside clear, bold illustrations.
"I would never eat a child. What do you think I am...a monster?" proclaims the main character of this book who, admittedly, looks an awful lot like a monster.
The orange creature stands in a line with a bunch of kids. Ten kids, to be exact - this is important, so pay attention. Each kid has some sort of accessory - a kite, a soccer ball, knitting needles, etc.
Don't miss these new fall-themed picture books that showcase the season:
Feel the playful and rhythmic beat in One, Two, Grandpa Loves You. The story starts with a child packing her unicorn backpack for a visit with grandpa. They are ready for many outdoor adventures! They hike, explore, find baby birds, and munch trail mix. All the while repeating the phrase: “One, two, Grandpa loves you!” like a sweet reassuring hug. The illustrations are bold and colorful and show each vignette of the grandpa and grandchild’s time spent together. Green and leafy trails, star-filled skies, and majestic purple mountains set the scene.
The day has begun and the world is full of noises, lights, sounds, and feelings. The alarm clock is loud, the sun is bright, and the shirt is too itchy. Our main character is struggling and experiencing sensory overload. How will she navigate her day when the world is so loud, bright, and overwhelming?
The grownups in her life allow her to self-regulate and tell them what she needs. Slowly, our main character is able to have a gentle hug, quiet time, and personal space in a dark place surrounded by comfy things.
Does it ever get old??? No, it does not. Animal books are one of the staples of any library kids collection and these two are extra fun. In close up, highly detailed color photos, the reader is asked if they are looking at a “butt” or a “face” of an animal. Turn the page and get your answer along with interesting facts about the animal in question.Some animals are easy guesses, but most are exotic surprises. Who knew an Australian Mary River Turtle breathes through its butt and can stay underwater for several days at a time?
Do you love Dragons? Do you love silly picture books? Do you love excellent read-alouds that get more and more ridiculous until you're a giggles on the floor? Do you love books that sneakily teach concepts like MATH to little kiddos so you can give yourself a "I am a great parent!" pat on the back? This book is for you!!
This story nearly made me want to cry - and then it made me hungry.
Let me just start by saying this is my current favorite book - I think everyone can learn something about emotions, apologies, and sincerity by reading this epistolary tale filled with classroom drama.
First, the facts. Jack knocked over Zoe's castle, and now he is trying to write an apology letter. The story opens with a crumpled note stating "sorry," and we see Jack working through various iterations. A couple attempts later:
