Don't Trust Cats (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog), written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt. Doubleday, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Those birds and squirrels
you try so hard to catch? 
You can trust them.
They're laughing with you, 
not at you. 

However ... 
definitely avoid bees
              (long story). 

And don't trust
cats!"

Chip returns to explain to readers why they should do their best never to put their trust in CATS. Last time it was BEES and he made a good case (or did he?) for staying away from them. He has now turned his attention to cats. 

Recognizing how smart he is, he has his opinion to share with other dogs who want to be the very best version of themselves. If that is the case, he has three words: DON'T TRUST CATS. It doesn't matter if they are cute, or tiny, or fluffy, just leave them be. There are other things you can trust: a porcupine, birds, squirrels. Most of all, you can trust your people. They won't steer you wrong. Even if they lie to you when a vet visit in planned, and you  can always trust Grandpa for a treat which he keeps just for you. 

Little ones might be affectionate in ways that seem peculiar. Still, they are better than cats! At the park, there is lots to put your trust in, especially for cleaning up your 'business'. Don't forget that fire hydrant. It will always be there for you. Never ever give your trust the vacuum, or a cactus, or to kids selling cookies at the door. 

No matter how innocent a cat may seem, they have an ulterior motive and you can get caught. Try not to let that happen! Mike Boldt's hilarious artwork adds unspoken humor to the events and the admonitions passed along by Chip. Entertaining as all get-out, you will be reading this more than one time, and enjoying the drama that arises.                                                                           

Earnest Sandpiper's Great Ascent, written and illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Earnest followed the object down the dune
and across the beach. He was happy when it 
finally stopped, although it was far away from
the shore. 

Curiosity got the best of him. 
Earnest tiptoed out into the 
water to investigate."

The Sandpiper family includes three young. We meet them on the day they are making preparations for their first flight. Rouse and Spur are fully prepared. Earnest is earnest, unsure about his ability and not fully prepared to spread his wings yet. Rouse and Spur have great success. The entire family is full of support and attention for Earnest's inaugural attempt. 

The worries are greater than the need to fly. His mother is reassuring, drawing a heart in the sand and encouraging her son to search for the magical glow that will make things happen for him. While the family takes a test run together, Earnest worries that he might never feel the glow. He makes a failed attempt. That is when he notices a bright balloon attached to a long red ribbon and follows it as it blows on and on. 

Earnest is curious and takes a chance on reaching it although it is far away from shore. As he does, his leg becomes entangled in the ribbon; it is an awful struggle to break free. Nothing is working as the tide rises. Earnest is terrified and crying for help. It's family to the rescue just as Earnest feels the 'burning desire' to set himself free. What a feeling! 

The charcoal, ink, and acrylic paintings are filled with expression and love. They help show that taking your own time to achieve something important is all you can do.  

An author's note reflects on the dangers inherent in releasing balloons into the environment and how they can affect the creatures of our planet. 

The Spaceman, written and illustrated by Randy Cecil. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"Finally I could flee no longer. 
So I sat myself down upon a 
rock to think myself out of my 
predicament. But all my thinking 
came to naught. 

So I stood upon the rock 
to yell at the stars above.
But saw then that the stars 
were fading.

In keeping with the space theme from yesterday, I want to share this humorous and endearing tale of an alien's visit to our planet. He has seen many; it's his job to collect soil samples and move on. This time is different. The alien finds himself intrigued with the flora he sees. Imagine his surprise when his ship is stolen by a large bird. 

With no way of leaving this new land, he follows the bird. There seems no other choice. Scary? Yes! Also astounded by the plant life, until he meets 'a hideous beast', and runs like the wind. After a long run, he sits on a rock to consider his plight. As the darkness lifts, other creatures reveal themselves to him. All new, all strange, and occasionally adorable, he is overwhelmed.

Hitching a ride with a butterfly, he continues to be impressed by the beauty present on this new planet. After a long flight, the butterfly deposits him in a lily pond. He disappears underwater, only to pop up and find relaxation in the buoyancy of the water. Along comes that same hideous creature who isn't so bad after all. Laughter and joy ensue until he notices his ship on a nearby tree branch. 

What's an alien to do? Resume his responsibilities? What might happen if his ship disappears? The answer seems perfectly clear! 

Kids will be hooting over the small misunderstandings, and delighted by this tale of discovery, beauty and friendship. 

A Planet is a Poem, written by Amanda West Lewis and illustrated by Oliver Averill. Kids Can Press, 2024. $21.99 ages 9 and up

"Only One Home 
A Ballad of Earth 

Our earth is unique, as far as we know
We're in a sweet spot near the sun. 
A "Goldilocks" rock, not too hot, not too cold,
Just right for us all to live on. 

Our planet is lush because there is soil
That grows food for everyone.
On Earth we have mountains and canyons and trees
A planet with people? Just one!" 

What an absolutely exceptional way to help middle grade readers learn more than they already know about the solar system, while also introducing them to variety in poetic forms. In 14 poems that include an ode, a ballad, a concrete poem, an acrostic, a cinquain, and a sestina, Amanda Lewis unfolds for readers features of the solar system that are both unexpected and of great interest to those kids who can never get enough of learning about our galaxy and its planets. 

In two introductions, Ms. Lewis describes the planet is a poem because of the many amazing discoveries being made with improved cameras, telescopes and computers. Alongside, she makes a case for a poem is a planet, describing how poetry works and looks. Given that each planet has its own rhythm, depending on its distance from the sun, she suggests looking carefully for clues that might inspire a poem for yet undiscovered planets in our galaxy. 

Each poem is presented on a double-page spread, accompanied by colorful galactic artwork, The poem side of the page opens to reveal another double-page spread, one side describing the poetic form used while the other provides further factual information about the subject of the poem itself. Starting with the solar system, moving on to the sun, and then from Mercury through each of the other planets, she tells their stories. Following that is a prose poem for the Kuiper Belt, and a cinquain for Arrokoth, the farthest image away from Earth that has been photographed. 

Finally, for those interested in their own poetry, she ends with a hip-hop poem for readers. The strides made because people asked questions and did research have brought us to a brand-new place today. What does the future hold? What can today's astronomers learn and discover?

Backmatter encourages writing 'your own poem', after filling yourself up with facts and ideas, images and feelings. Start with Planet X. A glossary of space terms, a list of sources and resources, and a graphic rendering of the solar system conclude. 

Truly amazing. Don't miss it1  

A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen. Written by Erin Frankel and illustrated by Paola Escobar. Random House Studio, 2024. $24.99 ages

 

"As Jose looked at the stars in the night sky, 
three words simmered in his mind. 
They were important words in his new home. 
They gave him hope and inspired him to volunteer. 
WE THE  PEOPLE
Not ME, Jose thought. WE.

Everyone deserved a hot meal. 
Not just the few ... but the many."

Jose Andres was given the most important job his father could offer as he prepared the paella that would feed as many as needed in his Spanish homeland. Jose was tasked with keeping the wood burning, the most important job by his father's reckoning. Jose wanted more. Jose wanted to cook like his parents did.

When he was finally old enough to go to cooking school, he thought of nothing but food and the stories it could tell. His brain was filled with possibilities for the foods he would, and could, make. He wanted those thoughts and dreams to become his reality.

After signing on to cook for a Spanish navy ship's crew, he traveled the world. His growing concern for people experiencing food insecurity led him to work in the most famous restaurant in Spain. There, listening and learning, the work inspired him every single day. When the opportunity arose, Jose cooked his way from New York to Washington, DC. As he became a star in his own right, his thoughts turned to all those who deserved a hot meal. His D.C.Central Kitchen offered hope for many. 

All he wanted was to provide for others. When the call came from Haiti, following the earthquake, Jose knew what to do. After returning to the United States, he had a bigger dream - World Central Kitchen. He and his family would work together to make it successful.  Then the hurricane struck Puerto Rico! More people needed his help. A stadium became the biggest kitchen in the world.  

"Three months of cooking.
Twenty-six working kitchens. 
Almost a million meals served! 
But to Jose, it wasn't just a number .... 
It was so much more. 

Everyone deserves a hot plate of food. 
No es solo un plato.
It is a plate of Hope." 

Jose continues to dream bigger and to feed the few and the many in the Ukraine and in Gaza while he can. All are welcome. 

Wonderful digital artwork provides backdrops for the work Jose has always done. This story of a man who never gives up, and always believes in the greater good is full of honor and admiration. Archival photos and a bibliography add interest.                                                                                            

Memory Garden, written by Zohreh Ghahremani and illustrated by Susie Ghahremani. Godwin Books, Henry Holt and Company. Raincoast. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"We take everything to the waste bins. 
Close by, the bird feeders on Nana's 
apple tree are empty. I look for our 
regular hummingbird, but it isn't 
there today." 

How lovely to read stories of immigrant families that connect their life today to the life they lived before moving. The little girl who shares her story here is happy to be working in the garden with her Nana. As they work, her Nana shares the names of the flowers they are planting and stories from her homeland. Her granddaughter loves that best. 

Today they are planting geraniums, only a few compared to what they planted in the gardens they created for playing when she was a child. There were no parks or playgrounds where she lived. As a young girl, Nana planted flowers of every color - and trees, too. As they work together, the young girl allows herself to imagine how that garden might have looked. There were pots filled with flowers, a fish pond, and beautiful fragrances emanating from every corner. 

While they are watering, they talk about all the fruit trees they grew ... apricots, cherries, persimmons and even a pomegranate tree! Nana says her favorite was the mulberry which her granddaughter has never seen. The two continue talking and sharing stories as they spend extra time in Nana's garden. 

As they carry what is waste to the bins, they talk about the birds that visit and look for food in their feeders. They will fill them when they have taken time for an apple snack and a rest. As they rest, Nana shares that she cannot return to her old garden. They have made the choice to plant a new one where they are now. 

Notes from both author and illustrator (mother and daughter) speak to their heritage and culture, and the memories shared by family who have moved to a new and welcome place. 

Everyone Starts Small, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Dominique Ramsey. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Water grows too, tumbling end over end, 
picking up speed along the way. 

It's not a race, says Tree, 
but Water keeps rushing toward the sea
and Tree keeps stretching toward the sky."

Small is just the start of life in nature. A seed grows from a rocky bed, with help from Sun. Grass grows green and lush, while Cloud develops beauty beyond belief in the sky above. Soon, everything begins to grow and spread and burst forth with life worth living. The scene changes to one of total beauty and connectedness. 

And Tree ... oh, Tree! Tree reaches out on top and beneath and proves its great value to all near it. Water is part of the picture with strength and persistence for the speed it needs. Look around. Every thing finds its place and meaning. 

Until Wind can raise its ugly head, and wreak havoc everywhere it blows. Sun grows hotter. Everything that started small and is now big, gets drier and drier because of the effects of powerful winds and scorching sun.

"Fire grows hottest of all."

Wait for rain, which helps as best it can. Everyone is tired, needing rest and healing. Soil holds on. Roots reach down, and nature replenishes itself, starting from small again and growing to magnificence as before. What wonder is nature! 

"Everyone wins, says Tree, and there's not 
a thing in the world anyone can say to that." 

An author's note asks readers to tend to the earth in all of its parts. It is all that it needs. 

The King of Bees, written by Lester L. Laminack and illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2024. $12.49 ages 6 and up

 

"Henry could hardly wait to help with the bees. 
He waited eagerly at the door of the shed as Aunt 
Lilla stepped into her bee suit and put on the hat that
protected her face. She let Henry carry the smoker 
she used to calm the bees. 

"A bee won't sting you unless you get in the way of 
what she's doing," Aunt Lilla told him as they made 
their way to the hives."

This is but one of the books you might want to share with children to help them learn about bees in nature. It is a lovely introduction to the importance of bees and to the life of a beekeeper. Henry and Aunt Lilla live on a small farm in South Carolina where they have a garden, a henhouse and Henry's favorite beehives. 

Aching to help with the bees, Henry accompanies Aunt Lilla whenever she works with them. At present it is his job to sit and observe. Henry watches as his aunt speaks softly to the bees while she works, and patiently answers the questions he asks. On his own one day, he explores their woodshed and longs to have a bee suit for himself. He just wants to help. 

One day, as the bees are preparing to swarm, Aunt Lilla rushes to set up another box that will keep them close to home. Wanting to make a difference, Henry gets the bee suit and accidently spills some bee drops on himself. After dancing in the field to encourage the bees to stay, he trudges back to the house. He doesn't notice the bees are following him. They follow him onto the porch. It's Aunt Lilla to the rescue with her smoker - just to be safe! Henry is definitely learning the lessons his aunt is teaching; perhaps he will be a beekeeper, too. 

Jim LaMarche used ink and watercolor to create visually appealing artwork sure to inspire readers to wish for a visit to the farm. The pastoral beauty, the beekeeping process, the patience exhibited as his aunt helps Henry learn bring warmth and attention to every spread. 

Once you have shared this book, find others to help the learning grow and to underscore the importance of bees to life on earth. A thorough author’s note with information about bees and bee conservation adds to the appeal of the story told.  

“Did you know that one third of the food you consume is available on the earth only because of the pollination of bees? That if we were to lose all of the bees that we have, then one-third of our available food source would dissipate in a matter of 10 years,” That is a sobering thought. 

Behold the Hummingbird, written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2024. $25.99 ages

"As a hummingbird dines on hundreds of flowers
each day, it performs another critical job - pollination. 
Tiny pollen grains from the flowers stick to its feathers
and bill when it sips nectar from blooms. When that 
bird visits other flowers, bits of pollen fall off and 
pollinate them, creating new seeds." 

There's not much as amazing as watching tiny hummingbirds make their way in the world. Our weather has not yet remained warm enough to welcome them. We need more warmth and sunshine before they show themselves as visitors. 

They are not easy to find even when they are in the vicinity. Did you know there are 353 different types, all living only in the Americas? Each one is designed differently and sports different colors. Twelve different types find pride of place here. 

Using action words on the verso for each double-page spread, Suzanne Slade offers a close look at the many things that make a hummingbird quite unique and special: humming, feeding, resting, calling, courting, nesting ... and so on. On the recto, the author presents an informative paragraph to explain each of these actions, and includes one type of hummingbird before the page turn. Wing beats per second, bill growth, feeding tubes, safe spots for sleeping, variety in the calls made, courtship rituals and more are conversational in tone and very descriptive. 

"The world's smallest bird, the Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is only found in Cuba. Measuring 2.25 inches (5.75 centimeters) long, and weighing less than 0.07 ounces (2 grams), the weight of a dime, it is often mistaken for a large bee. The mother lays one or two oval, pea-sized eggs in her tiny nest." 

Back matter includes finding and helping these tiny treasures, a selected bibliography, and an opportunity to learn more about them. 

Thomas Gonzalez created the incredibly realistic illustrations using pastel, colored pencil and airbrush. The birds are presented in a larger size than is true to reality to help readers realize their true beauty in close-up views. Exceptional nonfiction, sure to interest many.                                                                                   

Gray, written by Laura Dockrill and illustrated by Lauren Child. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I am gray today. 
I just am. 

I am gray. 
I'm the scribble on a page. 
The storm in the clouds. 
The puddle in the road." 

As adults, we know that we can have 'gray' days. Kids need to know that, too. They need to have those feelings respected and understood. This encouraging and thoughtful book helps readers understand that it is perfectly normal not to feel 'sunshine yellow' every day - even if the sun is shining. 

Colors help express different feelings - and all are felt at one time or another. The young narrator has the space needed to let readers know that different days offer different perspectives. Today, this child is gray. It's not the same as being sad; and it's really not like any of the other colors. 

"Gray is when I don't feel like me."

Clear words and short sentences give the book an honest feel, allowing readers to consider what the child is explaining in carefully-chosen text. Relating keenly to surroundings allows the feelings to be at the forefront of the day's actions. Once the child has finished with their own observations, a different voice offers a different perspective. This one says that all the feelings of gray being felt are real and valid. 

There will be other colors on days to follow. 

"Today you are gray like 
the sidewalks, 
but you can scribble on those 
in whatever colors you choose."

Feeling gray is simply that. It's a reminder that respecting feelings when they are felt is part of life. All of those feelings have purpose. 

Lauren Child uses mixed media to create artwork that perfectly reflects the importance of accepting the emotions that can sometimes make each of us feel gray. Keeping the child close on each page captures the mix of emotions that make us who we are. As color returns, it is evident the child is feeling the safety and acceptance for the many colors that reflect their inner self. 

“All of these colors are your feelings…and each one of them is still inside you.” 

Waci! Dance! Written by Sage Speidel and illustrated by Leah Dorion. Red Deer Press, 2023. $23.95 ages 3 and up

 

"I dressed you in your 
                 floral ribbon skirt, 
     beaded hapans, 
                        and bonnet. 

I swaddled you in your cradle board
and placed you on my back. 
Together we walked over the hill to the powwow."

After hearing the beat of the powwow drums, a mother helps her child get dressed and swaddled into the cradle board. Together they walk to the powwow grounds where they can see the tipis and hear those drums more clearly. 

As they listen, the mother explains the drum's connection to Mother Earth's heartbeat. Once there, the mother settles the child on a Pendleton blanket and unwraps her from the cradle board, The child knows what this means: Waci! Waci! Waci!

All she needs is her jingle dress to join in. Mom encourages dancing for loved ones and for those who cannot dance themselves. The beauty of the dress and the invitation of the drums to dance are all the child needs to step forward. Joining others in the arbor, the two dance in celebration of life. 

When the drumming stops and the dancing is done, the child's shy nature holds her close to her mother. Such pride is felt by all who watch, and will watch when the two begin to dance together again! 

The Lakota language and the joy of the dance are integral for those experiencing this Indigenous tale. The bold colors and cultural connections are shared with readers in a story that celebrates the powwow and its meaning for the child, her mother and their family. It's wonderful for young readers to be included through story in the sounds and celebration that is powwow. 

An author's note connects her story to her Lakota roots, while an illustrator's note allows that she used photos from Ms. Speidel and designs from her Metis heritage to infuse the pages with color and ceremony. A glossary of terms is appended. 

Built to Last, written by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 "Working hand in hand, we built things
we never could have dreamt up on our own.

Yet somehow ... "

With a BANG and a BUMP, two young boys become inadvertent friends. It starts with a mistake while building two separate structures. When they fall, the two find that building together has much happier results. Those results are beyond their wildest dreams!

No matter what they manage to build, all fall down or are destroyed. Accompanied by laughter on their part, they continue to erect more and more elaborate creations. The downside is that the disasters can be quite disastrous time after time. 

There are trainwrecks, catastrophes, and various other failures. No matter ... they do not give up, always emerging from their difficulties with a new idea and the determination to begin once more. 

"With each new beginning, 
we knew that our next build 
was going to be 

the 
BEST 
ONE
YET." 

They have no doubts. As they learn from the mistakes they are making, they continue to dream even bigger. They imagine their final build being something that will 'stand the test of time'. After multiple tries and equally as many failures, they admit that they should stop what they were doing and move forward with something brand new. 

In fact, perhaps they should go to work on their own! That decision does not sit well with either one. After a falling-out and their resulting sadness, they finally recognize what it is they have that was 'built to last'.

This team of exceptional collaborators seem the ideal artists to create this story of friendship and imagination. Kids will be taken with the fantastic worlds their creative spirits bring to the page, showing how their real world compares to the one they imagine. It is a book that brings fun and enjoyment to the sharing and opportunity for pausing to take in all the details, and to discuss the happiness thar arises when friends work together. 

Ready to Soar, written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld. Dial, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The eagle spread its wings wide. 
"I rule the sky because I'm large and in charge. 
Trust me, it needs to be bigger!" 

Riley got more paper out. 
"I can fix that.""

Riley, dressed in goggles, a leather flying cap, and a blue onesie is a reader. Having just finished reading Flying 101, inspiration hits and plans are made to fashion a paper airplane for its first flight. Takeoff  is imminent when a large eagle swoops in to have a say about the size; it must be bigger! Riley is receptive to the advice and creates a bigger one. 

Before sending it skyward, a parrot puts a stop to the launch by suggesting it must be fancier. Always open to support and suggestions, Riley uses markers in hopes that will make the difference needed. There is no end to relentless advice from a falcon (faster), a goose (longer), a flamingo (taller), a pelican (stronger), a crane (slimmer), and an owl (smarter). Each agrees it must be BETTER!

When a CRASH occurs, Riley is finally ready to return to the original plan just one more time. Then, a penguin wants to have a say. 

"WOO! You got this!"  The penguin clapped its flippers. 
"I  just didn't want to miss it!"

Just ahead of takeoff, Riley makes one small change ... it is all that is needed for a perfect flight!   

As fans will know, Cori Doerrfeld creates charming digital characters and scenes, filled with wonder and warmth. Listeners will be totally engaged by this gentle story about believing in oneself and having a friend to share your success. 
                                                                             

Bird Girl: Gene Stratton-Porter Shares Her Love of Nature With the World, written by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages

 

"If a bird so much as twitches a wing, 
she freezes ... and waits for it to relax.

The birds, wary at first, are soon chirping
hellos and flitting onto Geneva's head and 
shoulders, tiny claws tickle poking, as she pulls
treats from her apron pocket. 

Happy birds, happy bird girl."

As a seven-year-old, as soon as her chores were completed, Geneva Grace Stratton took to exploring every inch of her family's farm. She chased butterflies, tasted berries from a nearby tree, fed the pigs, waded in the pond and climbed trees without a care or a worry. All the while, she was also watching the birds and trying to find the answers to the many questions she had about them. 

"How do they decide where to build their nests? 

What do they feed their babies? 

Does all that chirping and singing mean anything?"

She even protected a family of hawks that were surely a threat to the farm's chickens. When her father wounded one of them, Geneva asked to foster it. She did everything she could to help it heal. From then on, all injured birds became her charges until they were ready to fly once more. Years passed while Geneva continued caring for the birds she so loved. When the family moved from farm to town, she didn't like it at all. When her mother died, things only got worse. All the while she cared for the birds she brought with her to the family's new home.  

In later years, after marriage, 'Gene' moved back to the country where she wrote true stories about her many experiences with the birds she discovered. Eventually, with camera in hand, she began taking better and better photos and used them to illustrate her bird stories. She travelled endlesslysearching to find and photograph birds, no matter the difficulties. Nothing deterred her. She became known as the Bird Woman of the Limberlost by all who loved her work and escapades. Her childhood love for birds had returned and she learned to share it with anyone who might be interested. 

An author's note provides further information about 'one of America's first bird photographers'. Her fame was widespread. The author also includes more about Gene, two informative websites, a bibliography, archival photos and a list of Gene's selected works. 

Illustrations created in acrylic ink and colored pencil appear throughout and provide context for time and place. In her time, she published 5 books. Gene's fame has faded through the years; this book is sure to inspire readers to find out more about her intrepid spirit and her great love for nature's birds.                                                                                      

The Mighty Pollinators, written by Helen Frost with photographs by Rick Lieder. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages

 

"Solitary sweat bees, 
no-bigger-than-an-aunt bees. 

We're on the front lines, 
keeping fruit and flowers 
      alive."

This is the seventh book in a series created by poet Helen Frost and nature photographer Rick Lieder; each is as wondrous as the last one. To say they are keen observers of animals in nature would be a major understatement. They are brilliant at capturing those creatures as the stars of each new book. 

Mr. Lieder grabs the reader's attention with the cover photo and once the cover is opened. The glorious endpaper there shows tiny pollen particles attached to the legs and body of our first pollinator at work. The title page offers four additional clear and close-up photographs of four others. From early morning light until bats, moths and fireflies appear at dusk, the work goes on. 

Ms. Frost's poetic introduction to this collection of poems and pictures encourages readers to take notice of their surroundings whenever they are outside on a warm summer day. 

"It's pollen in the air,  
pollen in the flowers, 
pollen helping plants make seeds. 
Almost invisible, pollen waits 
for the only thing it needs - 
      a ride on the wind
           or on a wing,
                   fur, 
                          or feather. 

Here come the pollinators, 
small and mighty, 
holding the world together."

For those who are don't realize the importance of the work these tiny creatures do, this is a perfect starting point for learning something new. Bees are first up; followed by ants, wasps. flies, butterflies, moths, bats, and fireflies. So much is going on around us that we don't stop to consider. Without these pollinators, our world would be in extreme distress - even beyond what we are presently facing. 

Fittingly, the author ends with the wind, a good friend of pollen. 

Back matter describes pollen, pollination, observation of pollinators and advice for helping them by planting attractive gardens and avoiding the use of pesticides. Finally, we learn that Rick Lieder photographed each pollinator near his Michigan home. Then, each is named in a detailed list that gives a name to the photos from first to last image.  
                                                                               

Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night? Written by Steven J. Simmons and Clifford R. Simmons, with illustrations by Ruth E. Harper. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2024. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"A clownfish can wiggle and do a dance. 
It eats tiny animals and also plants. 

It lives in anemones that keep away foes;
these homes are poison, and other fish know. 
But for the clownfish it's safe to stay, 
and here it sleeps at the end of each day."

The authors of this informative picture book, that is the third in a series about a wide variety of animals and where they spend their nights, remind readers that everyone needs to sleep, and they also need a place of comfort and safety to do that.

In the ocean there are many creatures; most of those featured here will be familiar to readers. Little ones will make fascinating discoveries that might surprise them. I wonder how often they have asked themselves whether these creatures sleep at night as they do. As an adult, I have rarely considered such a question. There were a few surprises for me. 

The watercolor images that grace the cover provide a few hints at some of the animals sure to be mentioned once the book is opened. The calm, sun-splashed artwork is both inviting and worthy of a careful look. The rhythmic text provides an introduction to each, and explains how they find sleep in the surrounding environment.  

There is quite a lot to learn here: the octopus has the ability to change color; otters hold hands at night so they won't drift apart while they sleep; a stingray burrows into the sand to hide from any predator; the seahorse holds onto a plant or coral to keep it from drifting; and only one side of a dolphin's brain sleeps while the other remains aware of its surroundings and remembers to breathe fresh air. 

The best part is that, once kids begin to read about the sleeping habits of these creatures, they will be encouraged to do follow-up research on other ocean denizens that intrigue them. What about a dugong, a jellyfish, a barnacle, krill, or a lobster? 

“When it is time for these animals to rest
where do they go to sleep their best?”

https://youtu.be/ZU30S1bv_cw?si=DNJ3k33PWMpoq9yx

Ride Beside Me, written and illustrated by Lucy Knisley. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"There's Tyler, our neighbor. 
He rides way up tall.
From the top of his bike, 
he can see it all. 

That's Petey, 
our mailman, 
who rides 
sitting low. 

It helps him 
speed up, 
but he's still 
pretty slow." 

In this sweet story, a mom and her child hit the streets for adventure when they join a community bike ride. They experience the sights and sounds of the city as they bike from home and join many riders along the way. There are those who are racers, and others on various types of bikes. Whether the two know the others or not, everyone is friendly and happy to be involved. 

It's breezy as they climb a hill, with Mom feeling the workout while the child just 'chills'. A family of six have room for all on their tandem, while the child's cousin has her own bike with training wheels. They share snacks and water alongside a rider blaring music from a speaker attached to the back of his bike. Everywhere you look someone is enjoying being a part of the group. 

"Alex helps Petey 
to fix up a flat. 

Petunia lends Tyler 
her cycling hat."

The road is filled with riders, with no cars in sight. Bicycles everywhere, and everyone riding together. What a picture it is. When they come to the top of the hill, all that is left to do is to ride back home.

The story is told by the child, who sits in front of his mom on a special seat. Its rhythmic text will appeal to all readers, and the gouache paintings show the many members of their community as they fully enjoy the day's outing. An ode to cycling. Love the endpapers! 

Mama Lou's Belly, written by Marie-Francine Hebert and illustrated by Guillaume Perreault. Orca Book Publishers, 2023. $21.95 ages

 

"Everyone agrees. 
Except for the baby. 

A cat, 
a mouse, 
a ball, 
a soccer player, 
a doll, 
a gift and what else?!
That's enough! 
I'm me! 
Don't you understand? 

says the small voice 
inside Mama Lou's belly. 
But no one hears it."

The reader know immediately that Mama Lou is expecting a baby. The dilemma, to begin with, is that no one seems to know what she is hiding in that big belly. There is speculation; the small voice inside has an opinion as well, constantly reminding anyone interested with an  'Hello, it's me!' Obviously, no one is listening to that small voice.

A bird from the neighborhood is watching, and expresses the fear that Mama Lou might be hiding a cat in there. After all, everyone keeps 'patting her belly'. All that bird needs is another cat to avoid. The small voice assures it is not a cat. What does the cat think of Mama Lou's penchant for cheese? Perhaps a good-sized mouse! No one hears the voice dispute that idea. 

And so it goes: from cat, to basketball, to Mama and Daddy who know it's a baby. Older Brother is sure it's a boy who will know how to play soccer and be a great team mate. At least, he knows it will be a baby. Older Sister wants a girl to dress like a doll and teach everything she needs to know. The family gathers to share its wishes and wonder what the baby will be. It isn't long until the small voice tires of being ignored and finally has its own say:

"WAAAAAA!" 

So much excitement and anticipation prior to a baby's birth. This lively book makes the waiting more fun as each character has a personal take on what it might or should be. 

I Am Smoke, written by Henry Herz and illustrated by Merce Lopez. Tilbury House Publishers, Firefly. 2021. $24.95 ages 4 and up

 

"I irritate eyes, but 
I can soothe bees. 

My smell beguiles guard bees
so beekeepers can harvest 
honey without disturbing them."

This is the story of smoke. It is a book worth sharing at any time; it seems very appropriate as fire season looms for another season and year. Wildfires are already big news; past summers tell us that there is always an imminent threat these days. Due to climate change, carelessness, and a number of other factors, people are already being evacuated from their homes due to raging fires that are being fed by strong winds and extremely dry conditions. 

Henry Herz lets his readers know, in thoughtful, poetic text, how smoke plays a role in nature and how it has been forever part of civilization. Readers may never have considered its importance. It soothes bees, has a part in prayer, makes campfires dance and even flavors food. 

"I lack hands, but I can push 
out unwanted guests. 

I helped ancient Greeks 
drive termites, mosquitoes,
rodents, and other pests 
from enclosed spaces."

Illustrations were created when Merce Lopez 'captured patterns of swirling smoke on art paper suspended over smoky candle flames. She then deepened and elaborated the smoke impressions with watercolors and Photoshop finishes'. Remarkable, indeed. The spreads clearly enhance meaning for the carefully chosen descriptive wording. Readers will long remember having seen this book! 

Wanting to engage children in learning about smoke, Henry Herz said: "Fiction can be the melted cheese we pour on top of the broccoli of nonfiction. Now, there are some picture books with anthropomorphic characters, but I’d never seen smoke treated as a character. And who better to explain the various ways in which people have employed smoke than smoke itself? What a concept ... and what a grand book this is! 

Backmatter is extensive, and incredibly helpful to anyone wanting to know more about what is presented here. A long list of sources will encourage those keen to know more. 

https://youtu.be/zePbDoWOZOA

A Garden Called Home, written by Jessica J. Lee and illustrated by Elaine Chen. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Mama doesn't like winter. She spends the whole 
season wrapped up in big quilted jackets, making 
steaming pots of congee and taking care of her 
houseplants. She never wants to go outside."

A mother and her young daughter cannot seem to agree about the weather. With winter's approach, Mama stops smiling and starts bundling up to keep her warm through the colder weather. Her daughter loves catching snowflakes and seeing the beauty in the outside world. 

Mama was born 'where summers there are hot and humid, and the winters are filled with warm rain'. 
Quite the contrast, indeed. The child has never seen her mother's homeland; this winter will change that. The two are going to make a trip to visit Mama's sister. No winter coat will be needed. A long flight later, the two deplane into air that causes hair to frizz and t-shirts to stick. 

As they make the trip to her auntie's house, the child gets a chance to take in the scenery and notice the lack of snow despite the season. There is so much to see as they spend time with family visiting all the happy places that were once Mama's home. At Uncle's farm, the two take note of the many vegetables that Mama ate as a child. Too soon, it is time to return to their home. The families share sad goodbyes. 

"Back home, Mama waters her houseplants. She wears 
big quilted jackets but never goes outside." 

Her daughter spends her days learning about plants, and keeping track of the trees, pine cones, birds and everything else she can see in her visits to the forest. Her excitement is apparent when she invites her mother to join her on a winter walk; she will be happy to teach her all she has been learning. She wants her to know there is beauty in her new home, too. 

In the spring, the two plant a garden that includes some of the things her mama has always loved to eat; there are also local flowers to grow and name. 

"Together, we are growing a 
garden that feels like home."

Such joy to be found in both places! A glossary helps with unfamiliar words, and is accompanied by a glimpse of their garden as it grows.                                                                                     

Something on the Hill, written by Jane Kohuth and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Mother Bear opened one eye, and the 
two Bear Cubs yawned. The Bears stared at 
Field Mouse. She thought they looked hungry." 

It's early in the morning when Field Mouse awakens to change. "Something on the hill' is calling to her. She rushes off and soon meets Gray Squirrel who is eating his last acorns. Squirrel agrees he can smell something. Off they go together. It isn't long until they meet Doe who wonders why they are in such a hurry. They explain, and she joins them. The ice in the stream has melted and Turtle is there watching. Turtle has long experience with the goings-on at the Hill. Realizing that Field Mouse is having trouble fording the stream, Turtle offers help. 

On they go! Their journey slows to ensure that Turtle can keep up. As they reach the pond, they see that there is still some ice there. The Mallard family are sitting on it. They decide to follow along. Not wanting to leave the Bears behind, Field Mouse marches bravely into their cave to tell them about the Something. Their parade is complete. 

Full sunlight graces the hill as the animals climb up and up. At the very top, they see it! 

" ... a leafy shoot, tiny and green." 

Finally, spring has arrived in all its glowing glory! 

What a great book for reading out loud to little ones! The mystery and drama of discovery, the friendship and willingness to follow, and the quiet humor displayed throughout makes for a lovely read as spring is celebrated. 

Digital art provides the anmals with expression and personality, and the setting in morning light is lovely. Turning the book to vertical adds interest as they make the final ascent, adding interest and delight.                                                                                   

Metis Like Me, written by Tasha Hilderman and illustrated by Risa Hugo. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"My noohkom and I don't cook together,
but we love Metis crafts. 

My favorite is beading. 

I make flowers and berries with brightly colored
beads, then turn them into earrings or sew them 
onto my moccasins."

Tasha Hilderman's Metis heritage is proudly shown in this book that asks readers to think about their own heritage as she tells about hers. She begins by showing a recipe for bannock and tells how they can cook it over a campfire until it is ready to eat. A second child shares that he takes bannock with him on the fishing boat in the early morning. 

When he and his father take a rest from fishing, he joins his cousins who are berry picking. He loves the saskatoons so much that he eats most of what he picks. A third young girl shares her love for those same delicious berries and lets readers know that she and her grandma sometimes find them at the farmer's market when they want to make jam or dessert. 

The next child shares that she and her noohkom do Metis crafts together. They don't cook. The beaded flowers and berries are made into earrings or to decorate her moccasins. Her friend also has moccasins, which her auntie made for her. That auntie is helping her learn beading, too. Another child is a storyteller, an important Metis tradition. 

A boy who plays the fiddle explains that his family doesn't tell stories; they love to sing and dance. Jigging is a fast and most enjoyable pastime. The last child shares a hint of sadness. 

"I am Metis, 

but I don't know how to jig or fiddle. 

I have never made bannock, or moccasins, 
or picked saskatoons. 

I don't know the history of our people." 

It's never too late is the message that follows, as another child takes his hand to help him, and also to relate that she, too, is still learning and growing in a warm and loving community. This is an excellent book to share with young children to help them learn and understand more about the Metis people. 

Risa Hugo’s artwork provides both a natural setting and Metis cultural motifs created in bright colors.  An author's note follows, as does a recipe for Tasha's favorite treat: bannock. The book ends with a glossary and pronunciation guide for a number of Michif words. 

Laolao's Dumplings, written by Dane Liu and illustrated by Shinyeon Moon. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2023. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"At Uncle Lee's shop, eels and bass swoosh and gurgle. 
I scoop up icy shrimp. My fingers tingle. 
Laolao knows everyone - "

Jasmine tea is steeping when a young child and her grandmother prepare to spend the day together. Millie is quick to offer a suggestion when Laolao asks what they should do; they should eat dumplings. Before they can make them, they must head to Chinatown where they will find what they need to get right to work. 

The street is crowded and full of wonder as they make their way from one vendor to the next. Auntie Lim has the garlic chives they need; she also offers lychees, much to Millie's delight. Next they stop at Uncle Lu's shop for shrimp, before visiting Granpa Gu, Grandma Sun and Big Sister Chau. Laolao knows everyone! Once back at home, they work together to form the dumplings. Laolao is very skilled; her granddaughter, a beginner. Still, they all have a most delicious taste.

Throughout the summer, the two have daily visits. Millie notices that Laolao is moving more slowly. Once back from shopping, Laolao shares all of her recipes. Dumplings remain the favorite. When Laolao is too tired to make dumplings anymore, they must stop making them. Laolao is failing, Millie is too young to take on the task.  

Winter's arrival has everyone, including Laolao, wishing for dumplings again. Mama, Papi and Millie head back to Chinatown where everyone now greets Laolao's granddaughter as they once welcomed her. They also send home all of the ingredients and include special gifts for the woman they miss so much. With fresh dumplings in hand, they are off to Laolao's home to share them as she has always done with them. 

Digital artwork fills the pages with realistic scenes that are detailed to show the spirit of family and community.  A family recipe for dumplings is appended. 

Keep Up, Duck! Written by Rachel Bates and illustrated by Ivan Bates. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"But soon, young Puck, with downy wings
and tiny feet, was falling far behind. 

"Keep up, Duck!" quacked Mama Duck, 
then she turned and swam on her way. 

Puck looked at 
all the beautiful boats 
and wondered what to do. 
How could he catch up?" 

I would so love to read this book to the kindergarten kids I once taught! It is full of fun, repetitive text, and charming artwork. 

Mamma Duck has seven ducklings and they are very much enjoying a swim on a sunny day. Mamma is in the lead, and Puck is at the end of the line. When they reach the boating lake, they are surrounded by boats of all types. The boats splash and splosh, while Puck falls behind the others. Mamma encourages him to catch up, and moves on. Puck wonders how he can use the boats to help him. 

"Then, with a ... 

Hop! 

Hop! 

Hop! 

Plop! 

He joined the ducks again!"

As they swim past the path filled with scooters and bikes, and the flower beds where people walk their dogs, Puck continues to fall behind ... and Mamma encourages him to catch up as the family moves forward toward the lily pond. By now accustomed to finding his own solution for moving forward quickly, Puck hitches a ride with an energetic pup and is launched into the lily pond. For the first time, Puck is in the lead! He welcomes his family  with a rousing rendition of Mamma's advice: 

"Keep up, Mamma! Keep up, ducks! 
You're falling far behind!"

Watercolor and colored pencil artwork attracts attention from first to last pages. Readers will appreciate  Puck's decidedly different look, with touches of brown on both head and wings. It looks very much as if he likes muddy banks and some mischief. His ability to find ways to catch up to the rest will elicit some giggles and admiration for his ingenuity. Being smaller doesn't mean that he ends up last. 

The repetitive pattern of the text and the many sound effects will have listeners helping with the reading, and perhaps soon trying to read it independently.                                                                               

Orris and Timble: The Beginning, written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Carmen Mok. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $22.99 ages 5 and up

"The marble was no longer glowing.
The light was disappearing. 
Orris could hear the owl struggling o 
free himself. 
It was a terrible sound. 
"Help," said the owl quietly. 
And then there was only silence. 
The rat looked at the sardine can. 

Make the good and noble choice!!" 

I can barely contain my excitement when I hear about a new Kate DiCamillo book! I was thrilled to receive a copy of Orris and Timble from Sam at Penguin Random House. Thanks always, Sam! Even more exciting is that this is the first book in a trilogy for early readers. And, I love it. 

It introduces two worthy and lovable characters. Orris is a treasure-loving rat who lives in a hole in the wall of an old barn. Old books, a red velvet slipper, a yellow marble and a sardine can decorate his home and give him comfort. The walls are hung with pages from his book collection. Timble is a snowy owl, caught in a mousetrap and looking for the help needed to free him. Orris knows about the dangers in his world, having lived there for a long time. Orris also knows that rats and owls are not a good match. 

The writing on his sardine can offers an opinion: "Make the good and noble choice!!" Orris knows what he must do.  As they talk, Orris demands that Timble remain absolutely still, and he will help. As he does so, he tells Timble a bit of the mouse and lion story. Once freed, the owl swoops around the barn, giddy with freedom. Orris is now even more terrified and returns to the safety of his home, thinking Timble has flown away. Not so. Timble peeks through the mousehole and wants to know what a lion is. 

The explanation leads to some storytelling. Then, as promised, Timble is gone. It is suddenly lonely in the barn ... until Timble returns with a treasure for Orris as thanks for the help. At the end of the day, Orris finds himself 'listening, waiting, hoping'. Sure enough, Timble returns with a wish for a further story. What a brilliant beginning!   

Perfect prose and lovely illustrations created in soft, round shapes within the warmth of the barn make this another sweet story from a master storyteller. I will eagerly anticipate their next adventure.  

Victor: The wolf with worries, written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner. Macmillan, Raincoast. 2023. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Victor worries he is 
not FIERCE enough. 

And so he tries pretending to be fierce. 

But then he thinks that he 
might actually frighten
the others, which is a worry!"

Before meeting Victor, readers are told that wolves are brave, and big, and fierce. They do not worry. Poor wee Victor; he is definitely a worrier. In fact, he is worried about not being wolfish enough. That is not his only worry; he has many. 

He pretends to be those things he isn't. Then, he worries that people might think he is right and he will have to prove it. Yikes! It's all about courage, and size, and ferocity, Pretending isn't even working anymore. His best friend Pablo wants to help, but Victor worries that he will make Pablo worry about him. It is a neverending cycle. 

""Hmmm," ponders Pablo. "But Victor, 
I think it really is ok to talk about it. 
If you share your worry, it will feel 
smaller to you, but that doesn't
mean it will become mine.""

As Victor shares his worries, he discovers that it is helping. It even allows a bit of a smile. Pablo's love and friendship shine through as he listens and encourages Victor to talk. The smiles get bigger. Turns our that Pablo has worries, too - the same as every other wolf does.  

Catherine Rayner's watercolor artwork is both expressive and engaging. 

Cornbread and Poppy for the Win, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2024. $9.99 ages 5 and up

 

""Here's what we need to do. We start out fast 
but not too fast. And we keep the same 
fast-but-not-too-fast pace for most of the race. 
All the way to the final lap. Then we give it 
everything! We really have to punch it, 
Cornbread!""

Cornbread is a keen cyclist, always checking his time to compare it to the last one. He and his best friend Poppy have been training for months before competing in this weekend's SRCCCC (Small Rodents Competitive Championship Classic) race. On this last day of training before the big race, Cornbread arrives at Poppy's house to a big surprise. Poppy is wearing new pants - very tight, but classy. She even has a pair for Cornbread, who is red-faced to be seen in them. 

In the days leading up to the race, Poppy has become more and more obsessed with winning. The pants are part of her master plan. She is determined the two will beat Gerald, for the first time. Gerald is an unpleasant winner, and really riles Poppy up with his constant boasting. She is determined they will win - and the pants are meant to provide an advantage. 

Race day dawns with Poppy revealing her Master Plan. She carries a small paper that proposes their path to victory. Off they pedal to the starting line with a chance to see the Winner's Cup itself before the race begins. Numerous competitors wait patiently for the starter to give the signal. Once the race begins, the two stick to Poppy's plan. 

"A rat, a guinea pig, and a squirrel 
had a multi-bike pile-up on the next
turn. 

Cornbread and Poppy stuck to the 
Master Plan. And they moved even
closer to the front of the race." 

Gerald has no plan to let them win. They are racing neck and neck, until Cornbread's new tight pants can no longer take the strain of riding - they split and get caught in his bike's spokes. What a catastrophe! Riders pile up; Poppy rides on. She's almost to the finish line for the win when she realizes that Cornbread looks pretty bad. What will she do? 

This fourth book in the series is as appealing as the rest od them. Each shows early readers the value that friendship affords even when those friends don't love the same things. It is important that Cornbread and Poppy are their own 'person' while also being very, very good friends. 

I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls. Written by Katherine Hocker and illustrated by Natasha Donovan. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 7 and up

 

"Feel these teeth, cool and smooth, chisel-sharp? 
They were my tools. 

I was the tree cutter, the builder." 

Six creatures are featured in this book about animals, their skulls, and what can be learned by studying them. A group of hikers head out and make stops along the way to consider the skulls they notice as they go. The first has hollows where eyes once were, and four pointedly sharp teeth ... two on top and two on the bottom. A page turn shows a lynx on the lookout, while the background shows an earlier winter encounter with a swift white hare. 

"I was." 

There is a lot to discover while spending time in natural settings. The design remains the same with every turn of the page, The skulls are shown on blue backgrounds that hint at the setting, with plenty of white space to allow a clear look at the descriptive text. Each skull discovered offers clues, if studied carefully, and the written reference to its past existence. Allowing readers (or listeners) time to consider both the visual art and penned description may result in their ability to identify who it is before moving forward. If so, they will be keen to try it again. Both the behaviors of the creatures and their keen senses help define who they once were.  

Digital illustrations are detailed to show how the skull's design helps define their past lives and behaviors. Backmatter includes a labelled human skull with an explanation that most skulls are similar in the parts they exhibit and how each is used. Readers are encouraged to return to the skulls to take a closer look and see what other stories they might tell. The author encourages her readers to explore their own skulls for similarities and differences from the featured creatures. A list of resources is appended.                                                                                 

The Truth About Dragons, written by Julie Leung and illustrated by Hanna Cha. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2023. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Her house smells of cedar chests, 
sugar cookies, and apple cider - 
a drink she will spoon for you from a cauldron. 

And when you ask her about dragons, 
she will answer ... "

A Caldecott Honor winner for Illustration, this bedtime story encourages a young child to learn about the magic that is a part of him. To understand it, his mother suggests a journey to learn about dragons. Clothed in cloak and boots, the child sets off on an autumn day into the 'heart of the forest'. Encouraged to speak with those he meets, he should make no promises and take great care. 

At a yellow cottage that stands on swampy ground, he will be welcomed by a wise woman with a story to tell about dragons. Her dragons are worthy of fear, breathing fire and wreaking havoc. They love treasure and protect it without fail. After their visit, the child moves forward to a mystical bamboo forest where a white rabbit will help him find his way to a wise woman in a mountaintop palace. Her dragons are rarely seen and have a 'flaming pearl embedded in their chin!' They cause rain to fall. 

"In a sitting room that smells of incense and jasmine rice, 
she will serve you chrysanthemum tea in a delicate porcelain bowl."

His mother explains that most children have only one story; he is exceptionally lucky to have two. That is the magic! Two grandmothers, two cultures, two dragons, two different worlds ... all waiting to be shared with one grandchild. 

Radiant, light-filled watercolor illustrations drew the attention of the Caldecott Committee and will surely draw young readers into this enchanting bedtime story.  Oh, those dragons! 

What's Inside a Bird's Nest? And Other Questions about Nature and Life Cycles, written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky. Crown Books, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 8 amd up

"Birds grow at different speeds. 

Most birds that nest in 
trees are born completely 
dependent on their parents. 

Birds that mature 
after hatching are 
called ALTRICIAL."

As a retired teacher/librarian, I truly appreciate Ms. Ignotofsky's dedication: 

Dedicated to librarians,
who create the perfect "nest"
for hatching young readers. 

At a time when librarians are facing constant bombardment to remove books from their shelves by the misinformed and ultra-conservative public, they need more support than ever by those who know the true value of the work they do. Kids know, and so do their parents and teachers. 

If you have a child or a student in your classroom who has a lasting interest in birds, this is a terrific book to share with them. The author begins with a double-page spread showing variety in nests and baby birds as they wait rather impatiently to be fed. The shape of each nest is unique to the bird described in carefully-placed captions that name the bird species and where it is found in the world. A great start, to be sure! 

A variety of birds is then shown in motion as they find food for those noisy babies. A gentoo penguin dives into the sea, a mute swan splashes across ponds, and a great horned owl hunts in moonlight. Nests are found in interesting places. A bird's life cycle is described from finding a mate, to building a nest, and laying the eggs that will develop into a baby bird. 

A close-up look at an egg on the inside is carefully drawn in cutaway images that show the development from cell to embryo to bird. Each spread is alive with details, carefully captioned artwork, and answers to the questions that so many children have when learning something new. Important terms are highlighted in orange print. As our children learn more about the natural world, they are more likely to become stewards of protection for its future. 

This is a brilliant book, guaranteed to hold attention as young readers explore the world of birds. Artwork 'created traditionally and using a computer' fills the pages with color, action, and a lot of humor. A final page provides a list of sources and resources meant to encourage further exploration and learning.