A Meerkat Diary: My Journey into the Wild World of a Meerkat Mob, by Suzi Eszterhas. Owlkids, 2024. $21.95 ages 7 and up

 

"Soon a large face peeked out of the hole. The 
father of the pups stared at us before barking 
and running out to join Maghogho. He stood up
to warm himself, too, but he kept a watchful eye
on us. We decided to name him Stinky because 
he kept giving us the stink eye. Stinky was 
pretty new to the mob, so he hadn't been 
exposed to humans as much. Stinky would 
soon grow to trust us."

As she has done many times before, Suzi Eszterhas uses her formidable talent as a researcher and photographer to create a new book that is sure to engage young readers. Spending two weeks making careful observations about a meerkat mob in the Kalahari Desert allows her to regale readers with stories of each of its members, their personalities, and the way they learn to accept the presence of the humans who are doing the watching. 

She is joined by a zoologist assistant named Becky Cliffe, and two local men from Botswana: Villa Moatshe (naturalist guide) and Motto Keitumetse (wildlife habituator). Once settled in their Jack's Camp tent, they are ready to make their way to a large hole in the ground, where they know the meerkats are in residence. They make themselves as small as they can to assure that the mob will not be intimidated by their size. They meet the matriarch, Maghogho, first. As she becomes accustomed to their being close by, the others willingly come into the open. 

In journal entries, the author narrates the story of their daily encounters and provides clear, vivid photos of the members of the mob and their acceptance of the visitors, including times when the mother is willing to climb on Suzi's back while her little ones do the same. Watching the family members and the roles they play in the family unit is enlightening and quite marvelous. 

The design of the book includes many well-captioned photographs, accessible text, and observations that are sure to appeal at every turn of the page. It is absolutely fascinating, and a terrific introduction to a species that few North American children will recognize.

Be sure to check for A Leopard Diary (Owlkids, 2022). 

A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems. Edited by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion Books, Harper. 2024. $23.99 ages 8 and up

 

"First, I crossed my fingers and thought about 
a world where flying cars that didn't rely on fossil 
fuels were a normal thing that everyone had. Our 
car didn't rise into the air after a few seconds, so 
that was probably too big a wish. Next, I crossed 
my fingers as we approached my dad's favorite 
doughnut shop, hoping he'd want to treat himself 
and we'd get the benefit. Sure enough, he put on 
his turn signal. "It's Tuesday, why not?" he said."

If I were teaching in a middle years classroom, I would love to share these stories as a readaloud at some point of each day. There are 13 short stories and one graphic tale that connects each of those. The kids whose stories are shared are dealing with the same issues that many middle schoolers face: identity, responsibility, social justice, relationships, and their place in the world. What is unique is that they have a small superpower they can use to make a difference in the lives of others, or in their own. What they learn about themselves is equally compelling.

Written by esteemed authors, they are told with humor and compassion in diverse voices that offer imagination and engagement for readers. There are two sections: The Power of Discovering Who We Are and The Power of Being Who We Are. Their powers range from time-jumping to matchmaking, shape-shifting (only on Monday and only one part of her body) to telepathy, even the ability to sense when avocados are ripe. 

The stories cause readers to pause and think. The graphic entries by Jarret Krosocczka introduce River whose superpower is imagining every one of the upcoming stories in her drawings. As she draws, she learns about these superheroes while using her artistic ability for good. The entries do not have to be read in order, except that River's drawings offer an introduction to the upcoming story. 

This book begs these questions of readers: what is your superpower, and how can you use it to change your part of the world? 

“Because everyone has a power, and that power matters, no matter how small or inconvenient it may seem.”

Just Us, written by Molly Beth Griffin and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2024. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"Aunt Sarah didn't come with the turkey and stuffing. 
Uncle Matthew didn't bring his extra creamy mashed 
potatoes or his famous green bean casserole. 
So much for a big, big dinner."

The final few months of each year bring families together to celebrate the traditions that have evolved around being together at such happy times. There are certain things that happen whenever a holiday rolls around. They make for memorable times. 

This family tale begins with the announcement that Grandma is an expected visitor at holiday time. She arrives by plane, while the rest of the family drives ... aunts, uncles, cousins. So much fun to have everyone gather together for a fine meal. Their evening continues with games, a blazing fire, and 'three kinds of pie'. What could be better? 

When the snow starts flying, flights are cancelled and roads are closed. 

"Just Mom, Mama, my brother, and me. 
Would it even feel like the holidays with just us?"

So much is going to be different this year: stew instead of turkey, a hike in the snow while the stew cooks, and a frosty return for a warm meal. The games are different, and certainly quieter. When Mom lights the fire, it's more than the daughter can take. There will be NO pie! 

FaceTiming with Grandma is the perfect solution. With her help, the family makes apple crisp. While waiting for it to be ready, the children pen letters to their cousins, letting them know how much they were missed and sharng hopes for another visit soon. 

The apple crisp is delicious ... a perfect ending to a non-traditional, but wonderful, celebration! 

A recipe for Grandma's Apple Crisp follows. No better time of year to gather apples and try one of your own.