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Age range recommendation

Summary

Connection/Recommendation for how it can be used.

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Written by: Eva Chen
Illustrated by: Sophie Diao
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (2022)
Recommended Ages: 4-6
Suitable for Grades: PK-5

Description:
This beautiful and engaging picture book is  a tribute to Asian joy, family, and self-love.  It's a wonderful story of Mei and her immigrant family's experiences and destiny.  It's joyful and full of lovely imagery.

Evaluation:
This well written and brightly illustrated book would be a wonderful way to bring awareness to individual's differences and to help create an appreciation for diverse cultures.  It would be an excellent tool for Social Emotional Lessons regarding self-love, self-awareness and awareness of others.

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Written by: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Illustrated by: David Clark
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Age Range: 4-8

Description: During school all of the dinosaurs start to get upset when a student gets greedy and takes all the toys, snacks, and play blocks for themselves. Will this dinosaur student learn how to share?

Evaluation: This book is easy to read and to get the students involved. This would be an excellent book to read when it has become difficult for students to share

Usage: Use this book before recess and after students have had a tough time sharing materials or toys

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¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge by Raul the Third

Age Range Recommendation: K-3

Raúl the Third brings us another story from the world of ¡Vamos! Little Lobo and friends  want to cross the bridge, but the line is long! What will they do while they wait? Celebrate culture and community, of course!

If you liked ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat or ¡Vamos! Let's Go to Market, you'll love the third book in this series.

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Written and Illustrated By Davis Melling
Publisher: Nosy Crow, Ltd (UK)
Ages: 3-5

Description:
Ruffles loves doing a lot of things but one thing he doesn't love is putting on his new red coat!  But when Ruffles wants to play in puddles with his friend, Ruby, he learns that it might be worth it to wear his red coat.

Evaluation:
Other than adorable illustrations, the book uses a lot of vocabulary for different verbs and kids will get to learn.  It also shows the value of friendship.

Usage: I would use this book in storytime for the preschool age group.

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Written by: Wanda Coven
Illustrated by: Priscilla Burris
Published by: Little Simon
Age Range: 5-9, K-4

Summary
Henry Heckelbeck and his friend Dudley Day enjoy pretending to be spies. They like looking for clues and solving mysteries. There is a new girl in town, Max Maplethorpe who is also a spy.  After arguing over who is the best spy, the three decide to have a contest to settle the debate.  The book is a good read for younger readers and has a surprise added element that they will not see coming.

Recommendation
The book could be used to talked about friendship and competition. The large font and short chapters would be good for those students who have some difficulties with reading.

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Written by Seth Meyers
Illustrated by Rob Sayegh, Jr.
Flamingo Books, 2022

Ages 3 - 8

A silly romp with a scaredy-cat Bear and his very brave friend Rabbit.  When the tables are turned, Bear finds he has had bravery all along.

What child doesn't experience fear at some point in their young lives?  This funny story will support them through difficult moments in time such as at night in the dark.

This title could be used as part of a Social Emotion unit. The children could be encouraged to write about their fears.

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I'll Walk With You by Carol Lynn.
Illustrated by Jane Sanders.
Published by Gibbs Smith.
Ages : 4-10

Summary : This is a book about loving and accepting others no matter what. It looks at people of different ages, races, abilities, identities, etc. As this book goes on we meet many different characters and say if you don't follow the majority it's okay, we'll still love, care, and stick with you.

I love this cute little book! It's written in verse and I can't stand how cute the illustrations are! I would use this to start off a conversation about differences.

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Written by: Leah Henderson
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
Published by: Nancy Paulsen Books (2022)
Age group: 4-8 (Pre-K- 3rd grade)

Description: Daddy's do what exactly? From attending tea parties to teaching valuable lessons. This is an ode to fathers everywhere.

Evaluation: This is an endearing book about the special bond between a young child and their father. It shows different scenarios in which fathers play an important role in a child's life.

Usage: In today's society, it is important to showcase a father's love and his presence in a young child's life. The illustrations also show different ethnic backgrounds of families. I think this is an important way to break down stereotypes about African American communities and a father's role in the family.

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Written and Illustrated by: Remy Lai
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (2022)
Ages: 6-9
Description :
This graphic novel is a tale about a young, energetic elephant, Star, and his herd. The family must split up due to food shortages and it is difficult for him to stay safe. Along his adventure, Star meets new creatures and experiences danger.
Evaluation:
This is a great book with wonderful illustrations. It could welcome interesting dialogue with students and includes some non-fiction aspects at the end of the book.

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Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3

Description: This book from world-class rock climber Ashima Shiraishi will inspire youngsters to persevere. It follows Ashima as she learns that boulders are just like any obstacles you might face. To overcome them, you need to have patience and try, try, and try again until you make it up and over.

Usage: This book will fit in with any growth mindset lesson, an early biography lesson, or even in SEL lessons.

Resources:
https://www.npr.org/2020/07/05/875501322/this-book-teaches-kids-how-to-solve-a-problem-like-a-rock-climber-would
https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9781524773274_6923.pdf

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Top reviews from the United States

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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2022

Bought for my nieces to read and be inspired by when they visited. Enjoyed the book myself too. Always interested in reading real life stories of people who go after and achieve big goals. Illustrations made it come to life even more and my three 9 year-old nieces very much enjoyed the book with me.

Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2022

Inspirational climber creates a way to introduce a beloved sport to young audiences.

Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2020

My toddler has become obsessed with rock climbing. Unfortunately, because of coronavirus, we can't get our nightly climbs in any more at the local climbing gym. He's been super bummed about that. Came across this book and thought he might like it. He loves it. Reading about Ashima has moved its way into our regular bedtime rotation. Perfect length for him, nice moral, and beautifully illustrated. Highly recommend.

Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2021

This is such a fantastic book! The first page starts, “I am Ashima. What I do is climb. What I do is solve problems, which is to say, I make them mine.” I love that idea of making problems ours! This is the story of a young female rock climber. Ashima is the first female climber to ever climb a V15 (high degree of difficulty) boulder! The book follows Ashima as she begins climbing with the support of her dad, she tackles more and more difficult climbing problems. I love how the author talks through her process of analyzing each boulder. The book also shows some falls, but Ashima doesn’t let that stop her. She keeps trying. I found her story so inspiring and learned so much about rock-climbing. The illustrations are fantastic and add so much to Ashima’s story! Seeing her thought process not only in words but in the illustrations really brought this story to life! I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020

Wonderful story and beautiful illustrations! So excited for my girls to have this book! Love it!!

Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2020

Such a great lesson from the world's greatest climber that happens to be a teenager. My 4 year old boy picks this book almost every night. This is such a well written detailed look at a specific problem (Boulder) with absolutely amazing imagery of Ashima climbing. It has some of the most detailed and such well conceived "thinking" scenes you will ever find in a book.
Most Importantly Ashima has hit on a topic that we all need work on. As a "learn from your falls" lesson permiates throughout it also shows that perseverance comes with never giving up and taking the time to assess and analyze "what the fall had told [her]". Although written for children, this a great lesson for us adults too.

Well done Ashima and thank you for sharing your story in this very thoughtful and exposing way for my little climber to look up to!
-Nate

Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2020

I think it's a good book for parents or to give as a gift to kids or if you're a teacher. My wife and I are both climbers and are fans of Ashima who is one of the most inspirational young climbers in the world. She's been featured on NPR and many other magazines and she also does a lot of good for the community. It's definitely a kid's book, but I bought it so that my wife can share it with her students (elementary school age) during the quarantine. The kids loved it even if they're not climbers because of the story and lesson and the illustrations.

Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2020

The graphics were quite nice but the story line seems incomplete. Even for a children's book, there seems to be little guidance to visualizing the solutions. Other than the protagonist fell a lot, there was little to indicate how she achieved success. My wife, a retired children's librarian, did not like the book.

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Girl Power!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2020

I love this book about a phenomenal female athlete, illustrated by a female artist, that can teach anybody a lesson about grit and fortitude, regardless of their age or gender. My daughters and I would recommend this to readers aged 6-8 ideally.

5.0 out of 5 stars 勇気づけられます

Reviewed in Japan on July 17, 2021

白石阿島さんはクライミングの世界では有名な女性ですが、その阿島さんが授業の教材で取り上げられていて、阿島さんのことを調べていく中で、この絵本があることを知り、さっそく注文しました。阿島さんはTEDでもクライミングへの思いや人々に勇気を与えるメッセージを伝えていますが、この絵本も阿島さんの思いがたくさんつまっています。小学生くらいの子どもでも理解できるような表現で、読み終わったあとは生きる勇気が湧いてきます。絵もとても美しく親しみやすい感じで、阿島さんの魅力を伝えてくれています。

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book

Reviewed in Japan on June 21, 2020

This book is awesome!!
Ashima is amazing.

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How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion

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How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion [Shiraishi, Ashima, Xiao, Yao] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion

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Written by Charlotte Watson Sherman
Illustrated by: Geneva Bowers
Audience: PreK-Grade 3
Publisher: Astra Publishing House (2022)

Description: McKenzie, who calls herself Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps spends the afternoon at the beach with her mom. While there, she observes trash littering the beach and water and becomes concerned for all the living things that live in the water or on the beach. McKenzie decides that she needs to do something protect her favorite place and the things that live there.

Evaluation: The illustrations are colorful and full of ocean life. The story is grade-appropriate and focuses on a call to action to help keep our planet safe for all living things. McKenzie takes it upon herself to try and fix the situation, recruiting other beach goers along the way.

Usage: The underlying theme regarding taking care of our planet would be perfect to use during events like Earth day, calling attention to our oceans. This book could also tie to science units or getting students to consider how they have take action and impact the world.

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Written by: Matthew Burgess, Illustrated by: Evan Turk
Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2023
Ages: 3-5

Description: The book starts with a young girl burying a red tin box of special items under a tree that she spent a lot of time under napping or playing. The book shows the little girl as she grows, has her own family, and eventually a grand daughter. The woman takes her grand daughter to dig up the box and bury her own special items in there to discover again one day when she is grown with her own family.

Evaluation: The book had beautiful full page illustrations done in tones that felt very nostalgic. The vocabulary was not too difficult and the words were in large print type, good for reading aloud.

Usage: I would use this as a group read aloud in a public library story time and pair it with a craft where kids could create their own paper version of a time capsule and draw or write in their favorite items that they would want to dig up one day when they are adults.

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Written by: Angela Woolfe
Illustrated by: Roland Garrigue
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (July 5, 2022)

Age Range: 4-8
Summary: The Wills and the Won'ts don't seem to see eye to eye. One day after a disagreement, two Wills and Won'ts decide to build a wall to separate themselves. Before they know it, there are walls all over the town and signs and posters against each other. Will they ever see the error of their ways and learn to tear the walls down?
Connection/ Recommendation: This rhyming text picture book is great to share with students when talking about how to deal with conflict of interest in a more healthy way. It also reminds students that differences are okay and working together is much better than working against each other.

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Angela Woolfe (she/her) is the author of the Avril Crump trilogy for Egmont. She is married with one young daughter who is even more obsessed with fairy tales than she is.

Roland Garrigue (he/him) is a prolific children's book illustrator from Paris, France. From kindergarten to today, he has never ceased drawing. As a child he read his favorite books hundreds of times over, and became inspired by the work of Tomi Ungerer, Colin Hawkins, and Quentin Blake. He attended art school in Strasbourg, and became a children's illustrator himself. He loves to draw fantastic universes and surreal situations, populating his books with characters from all walks of life--monsters, vampires, witches, pirates, aliens, children, and all the strange creatures he can dream up. Roland loves to travel and explore foreign cities and countries, and he hopes his stories can transport his readers to equally exciting places. His illustrations may feature absurd scenarios and bizarre creatures, but at its heart, his work expresses truths and experiences about the world we live in.

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Dr. Seuss's The Sneetches and Other Stories meets The Wall in the Middle of the Book in this pitch perfect, rhyming story about breaking down barriers and embracing our differences.An angry old Won't and a cheerless young Willlived next to each other, on top of a hill.They squabbled and quarrelled, did nothing but fight.If one said, "It's day," said the other, "It's night.""Your dog wrecked my roses!"

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Written and illustrated by Terri Libenson
Published by Baltzer & Bray, May 3, 2022

Age range, 5-8th grades

Description: This graphic novel is about Mia and Ruby. They used to be friends, but since starting middle school, Mia has been doing new things. She has new friends and groups and Ruby, awkward Ruby has been left behind. Can they still be friends despite wanting different things?

Evaluation: This book is another in Libenson's series, Emmie & Friends. Each explores relationships among middle school friends. This one tackles the awkward friend that doesn't quite fit in and making a way for that person to fit in from both sides of the relationship.

Usage: This is a good book for a counselor to suggest to girls that are having a bit of drama. I would also suggest it to certain students that aren't finding their place in middle school.

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Written and Illustrated by Thao Lam
Publisher: Owl Kids Books
Ages: 5+
Description: This is a sweet book about a girl who doesn't feel she fits in because she is from another country. Her food from home looks and smells different than other kids. Her name is spelled and pronounced in a unique way, and lots of people get it twisted. Sometimes she wishes her name was more "normal". But she ultimately decides she is proud of who she is and where she comes from.
Usage: This is a good SEL lesson about tolerance, celebrating diversity and culture.

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Written and Illustrated by Ross Burach
Ages: kinder to 3rd grade
Summary:  Caterpillar learns that it's time to turn into a butterfly.  He becomes very impatient while he waits.
Recommend:  This teaches students the process of how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.   It can also teach patience while waiting for good things to come.

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Age Range: 3 to 7 years old

Summary: Senorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer is a picture that is presented in both English and Spanish. The book beautifully captures the extraordinary journey of the monarch butterfly as it migrates from Canada to Mexico. I love that it is bilingual which makes it both educational and inspiring. The illustrations are vibrant just how I like and it is written in rhythmic and lyrical prose that is engaging and draws the reader in immediately. It is charming and authentic, making it delightful for both children and adults. This title is more than just a story. It’s a celebration of nature and an important reminder to appreciate and protect our environment.

Uses: As a School Librarian I would love to not only read this aloud to my class in both English and Spanish but I would also introduce a science lesson to them about the life cycle of butterflies. We could even take it a step further and make it an interactive project where the students can create their own butterfly life cycles as a diagram or a 3D model.

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Ages 4-7

Emmaline can hear music everywhere! From the RUMBLE of the bus to the clap-clap-clapping of the rain. Emmaline keeps asking her grandmother if she can hear the song too, but her grandmother is confused: those sounds aren't music! Emmaline eventually finds a way for her grandmother to hear the world from her perspective.

This books is awesome for K-1, and is in line with the Kindergarten music standards (environmental vs. musical sounds). It also features a blind main character without her blindness being her only personality feature- instead focusing on her beautiful perspective of the world around her. The text is full of onomatopoeia, so it could be a fun one to visit with older learners as they are studying figurative language.

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Written by: Charlotte Cheng

Illustrated by: Dan Santat

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Age Range: Preschool to Elementary students (K-4)

Summary: Dragon is describing what dragons are like to Phoenix. Dragon tells Phoenix dragons are strong and fierce. Dragon, however, is having trouble in his delivery. Phoenix wants Dragon to take some time to consider his wellbeing, but soon Phoenix must look after himself. Follow along as the two friends learn to care for themselves and others.

Connection: This would be a great book to discuss mental health and the need for everyone to take care of their own feelings and mind. Everyone needs to check in with themselves at times, as well as seek out a helping hand from a friend.

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Author: Alex Willan

Age Range: 4-8

Summary: Gilbert the Goblin hates dragons. He hates the way they burn everything down, leave messes behind, and terrify everyone around... when really, everyone (and the dragons!) should be afraid of Gilbert and his scary goblin-ness... according to Gilbert, that is!

Recommendation: I think this book was really cute! It makes for a fun read-aloud and a nice addition to the series. I wouldn't say it has the most academic usage, but it is definitely an entertaining read.

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Dragons Are the Worst! (...Are the Worst! #2)

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Read 67 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Gilbert the Goblin is absolutely, definitely, one-hundred-percent certain that dragons are ...

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Written by Jory John & Illustrated by Pete Oswald. HarperCollins 2021

Age Range Recommendation: 4-7

Summary: The Smart Cookie feels crummy next to all her classmates! She doesn't feel as smart or as talented as any of them, and even though she puts in her best effort and tries very hard, school is a challenge for the cookie. So when her teacher tells the class that they must all create "something original," the cookie is nervous! What can she possibly create? But in the end, the cookie learns an important lesson and she never looks at life the same way again.

Connection/Recommendation for how it can be used: Children all face difficulties and challenges. This would be an excellent discussion-starter. Students can share something that is not so easy for them, and a discussion about how to persevere through challenges can ensue. Students can brainstorm ways to persevere when they're faced with a challenge, and they can name many different ways to be "smart," since this is one of the big things that the cookie learns. A possible baking activity is an obvious connection as well. This book would be fun for read-aloud.

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An Instant New York Times Bestseller!

Be a smart cookie-and don't miss the fifth picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series from creators Jory John and Pete Oswald!

This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren't the only ingredients for intelligence?

Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series!

Check out Jory John and Pete Oswald's other funny, bestselling books for kids 4-8 and anyone who wants a laugh:

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The Smart Cookie (The Food Group) [John, Jory, Oswald, Pete] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Smart Cookie (The Food Group)

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Written by: Ross Burach, age range k-2

Summary: The story starts off with a very excited caterpillar who wants to know what his friends are doing and can he join them. Caterpillar doesn't seem to know much about what happens to caterpillars and isn't very patient about letting nature move at its own speed. Great book to discuss the value of patience and the process of metamorphosis.

Evaluation:

I love reading this book with the students they really enjoy the illustrations. It is a good support book for 2nd grade science unit of life cycles.

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Submitted by: Jonathan Farlow

Written by: Jackie Azua Kramer

Illustrated by: Jana Glatt

Publisher: Barefoot Books

(2023)

Suitable for Grades: PK-1

Description: This book is about the different kinds of music coming from one building on a Sunday day. The vibrant illustrations show people expressing their joy through hip hop, reggae, and Samba. This book deliver's a happy message and you will feel uplifted by reading it.

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Name: Jennie Casey

Written and Illustrated by: Doug Salati

Publisher: Knopf Books (2022)

Recommended Ages: 2-7

Description: The first pages of this book present detailed drawings of an urban setting as an impatient, strong-willed dachshund is led around the city. When the dog grows tired of the city bustle, he lays down in traffic. Recognizing the need for a change, his devoted owner impulsively decides they should escape the city. The pair travel by taxi, subway, and ferry until they finally arrive at the beach. Together, they spend one perfect day playing in the sand and water and making new friends.

Evaluation: This book reminds readers of the restorative power of nature and the importance of prioritizing one's mental health.

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Written by: Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (2023)

Recommended Ages: 9-12

Suitable for Grades: 3-4

Description:

When a mysterious little free library appears overnight in a small town, 11 year old Evan takes two old books from the shelf. Evan and his best friend Rafe discover a link between one of the books and an event that happened in the town that no one talks about. The two boys start asking questions and finding out answers that will not only change their lives but the town itself.

Evaluation:

Told through the eyes of a ghost librarian, an old orange cat, and Evan himself, this mystery is about finding yourself and the power of a good book. The multiple points of view keep the story fresh and exciting, and the mystery of the small town and the little free library will have you racing to the end!

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Written by: Ame Dyckman

Illustrated by: Abhi Alwar

Publisher: Orchard Books, 2023

Ages: 4-8

Little Volcano has to learn from Big Volcano how to keep their cool when unexpected events happen in life... like getting hit in the head with coconuts! By practicing calm down techniques, Little Volcano is able to keep from "blowing their top" and erupting. However, do only Little Volcanoes blow their tops, or can Big Volcanoes also blow their tops?

This story is excellent for teaching calm down techniques like counting, breathing, and thinking happy thoughts as outlined in the story when life gives us big emotions. It also teaches empathy and understanding that kids are not the only ones who lose control of their temper (or "blow their tops" in the case of volcanoes), but that adults also struggle sometimes to manage their emotions.

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Age Range: 3-8 years old

Summary: Wolfboy is trying to get home after picking picking moonberries with the rabbits. He hurries to get back in the dark because he is afraid of the Grumble Monster.

Recommendation: This book would be great for teaching not to judge others without getting to know them.

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My Daddy sleeps Everywhere by Jesse Franklin

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My Daddy sleeps Everywhere by Jesse Franklin

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Written by- Jesse Franklin

Illustrated by Tahna Desmond Fox

Publisher- Lionheart Group Publishing

Age range- Pre k-1

Description- This is primarily a book that is targeted to small children of military families. It describes an active duty military man who has to sleep anywhere he can while serving his county. He sleeps in places like the desert, the forest, on the prairie, on the beach, in the snow, and in the heat.

Evaluation--This is a great beginner reader book and the rhyme scheme is perfect for emerging readers. Plus, it gives context to kids who have an active-duty military parent and that no matter where they sleep, they always think of the family they have back at home.

Usage- I would use this book in a school where you have a high amount of military dependent children. This is also a great book to teach kids about the different types of landscape around the world and how people have to adapt to where they are and their surroundings.

Review- Rheta Meyer

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Written by: Jamie Sumner

Publisher: Atheneum Books (2024)

Suitable for Grades: 5-8

Review by: Samantha Sherlin

Description: This novel in verse tells the story of Tully Birch and her attempt to complete a 12 mile marathon swim known as the "Godfather Swim" in Lake Tahoe. She wants to be the youngest person to succeed in an effort to have her mom come back. Will Tully be able to complete her task, or will she have to quit in order to save herself?

Evaluation: This text is a powerful and emotional read. Tully learns more about her own abilities and perseverance as she overcomes many challenges in her efforts to complete the marathon.

Usage: This would be a wonderful text to include in an April display for poetry month. Many students steer away from novels in verse, but Deep Waters has such an engaging plot, I believe it will suck readers in.

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Written by: Rachel Bright

Illustrated by: Nadia Shireen

Recommended for: ages 4-7

Description: Gail the Snail has a big goal: she wants to be the first snail in space! Some of the other snails tell her that snails aren't meant to go to space, but she won't let that stop her. Will Gail be able to follow her dreams?

Evaluation: Young kids will enjoy the brightly colored illustrations, silly rhymes, and cheering on Gail's journey. This would be a fun and positive read aloud to include with other books about persistence or books about space.

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Written by: Kate DiCamillo

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Age Range: 8-10

Description: Emma Phineas Wilkey (who everyone calls Ferris) is having quite a summer. A ghost has appeared to her grandmother with a mission that only Ferris can carry out. But how is Ferris going to run an errand for a ghost when her life gets more chaotic by the day? Her little sister Pinky has decided to become a notorious outlaw, her uncle Ted has moved into the basement to paint a history of the world, and her aunt has just given Ferris the most heinous perm the world has ever seen. Oh, and raccoons are taking over the attic (probably). What's a girl to do with all this unstoppable change?

Recommendation: Fantastic book about how to deal with big changes. Short chapters make for a great classroom read-aloud. Also chock-full of vocabulary words! Basically every other page has a vocabulary word, and they're all signposted in the text.

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Mouse on the River: A Journey Through Nature

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Mouse on the River: A Journey Through Nature

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Illustrated by: Alice Melvin

Written by: William Snow

Published by Thames and Hudson, 2024

Age Range: 4-8

Description:

Mouse wants to explore so he sets out with some supplies, food, and his boat and starts a journey down the river. Along the way, he passes canopied woods, open fields, and neighboring villages before finally reaching his destination.

This picture book features the artistic work of Alice Melvin, who spent time observing nature to sketch and design the illustrations for this book. There are so many unique things to observe on each page and the pictures are detailed enough that the reader can spot the kingfishers in the trees and otters playing in the river. If you're wondering what animals might be hiding in the reeds, you can open the paper flap and see what's inside!

Evaluation:

This book is perfect for children who are interested in different birds and animals in nature. Melvin has added an index with pictures in the back of animals readers can search for throughout Mouse's journey. This would be a great story for a science classroom, or for helping students with matching pictures. The illustrations are rich and detailed with a poetic story to accompany.

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Written & Illustrated BY: Priscilla Burris

Publisher: Simon Spotlight (2023)

Recommended Ages: 4-6

Reviewed By: Stacey Adams

Sabrina Sue is a brave, adventurous chicken. She dreams of visiting the moon but her friends on the farm are very discouraging. Will she listen to her friends or follow her heart?

Evaluation: This book is a Level 1 Ready-To-Read book. The age recommendation of 4-6 years seems a bit young as it includes quite a bit of vocabulary and not much repetition. With so many great early reader series available, such as Elephant & Piggie, this is not a book I would go out of my way to include in my school library.

Usage: Early reader books are an important part of any school library, especially when they introduce lovable characters that encourage children to keep reading. These books could be used during a quiet "rest" period, perhaps after recess when you're trying to get the kids to calm down.

Usage:

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Written by: Erin Guendelsberger

Illustrated by: David Leonard

Review by Brian Bridges

Ages 4-7 (grades K-3). Inky the Octopus longs to get out of its tank and explore the open sea. Follow along as Inky plans his escape and tries to get others to join him! This rhyming kids' book is based on a true story, where a real-life octopus escaped the National Aquarium of New Zealand. The picture book part tells of Inky's daring escape, but the real highlight of the book is the educational materials provided at the end. The National Aquarium of New Zealand tells the history of Inky and how he managed to escape. This would be a wonderful book to use for children learning about animals and science. It may also inspire young students to learn more about marine biology and the natural world. Recommended.

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Out of this tank, I must be free. I must explore the open sea! Follow Inky the octopus as he escapes from the National Aquarium of New Zealand to the ocean! Based on a true story, Inky the Octopus chr

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Winter Turning: a graphic novel (Wings of Fire, #7)

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Winter Turning: a graphic novel (Wings of Fire, #7)

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Written by, Tui T. Sutherland

Art by, Mike Holmes

Color by, Maarta Laiho

Published by, Graphix (Dec. 2023)

Recommended ages, 8-13

Grades 2-8

Review by, Annie Wolfson

Description:

Winter is a member for the royal IceWing family, the most superior of all the dragon tribes. The thing is... he feels anything but royal. In fact, he feels like he's a disappointment. Looking to get away and prove himself, he and his dragonet friends embark on a dangerous journey to find his sister, Icicle, who may be even more of a black sheep ... errr... dragonet of the family.

Evaluation:

In this continuation of the popular Wings of Fire GN series, readers will be engaged by the colorful and engaging artwork while they learn the importance of friendship, letting others help you, and believing in yourself.

Usage:

A great read for reluctant readers (as many GNs are) and for any 8-12 year old patron looking for some fantasy adventure. Would be a good pick for silent independent reading time.

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Winter Turning book. Read 745 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Daring mission... or deadly mistake?Winter has been a disappointmen...

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Something, Someday

Author: Amanda Gorman

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

Publisher: Penguin Random House, 2023

Age Range: Ages 4-8; Grades Pre-K-3

Summary: A thought-provoking picture book for all ages. The story opens with a boy walking past upended garbage cans, an overgrown lot, a disheveled person without shoes and the words "You are told / That this is not a problem. / But you're sure / There's something wrong." From the first page, this simple book addresses the reality that adults often become blind to the social ills we accept - pollution, poverty, homelessness. It empowers children to trust their instinct that if they feel like something is wrong, it is, and it gives advice for making change and being a helper at any age.

Recommendation: This picture book would be a great addition to any unit or book display on service, volunteerism, or change-makers. It also emphasizes the power of community and tells young readers to "find a friend . . . who believes in your dream."

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Written by: Jonathan Stutzman

Illustrated by: Heather Fox

Published: Henry Holt and Co, May 5, 2020

Age range: 4-7

Description: In the sequel to "Llama Destroys the World," Llama is back and ready to cause chaos with the help of his best friend Alpaca. Llama loves cooking and eating, but he hates cleaning. To solve this, Llama clones his neat-freak friend Alpaca, which leads to disastrous consequences. Will Llama be able to fix everything before it's too late?

Evaluation: This is a very funny book that makes a great read aloud. The pictures are fantastic and you'll you'll get lots of participation with everyone trying to guess how the wacky antics will turn out.

Usage: I'd say this is a must for anyone who needs a silly break and a good laugh about how cutting corners can not only end in disaster but an Alpacalypse.