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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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."

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.