My Baba's Garden, written by Jordan Scott and illustrated by Sydney Smith. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2023. $ 24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"We kneel next to 
the tomatoes, 
the cucumbers, 
the carrots, 
the apple tree. 

We pour the worms
onto the soil and cover 
them with dirt until 
the jar is empty.

This is what we do ... "

Everywhere I look today people are planting their gardens, taking care of their yards, and waiting for more rain to boost growth. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing. Perhaps it was that way for Jordan Scott and his Baba. In his new book, Mr. Scott lovingly shares memories of his beloved Polish grandmother and the many times they spent together. 

"My Baba lived alone in the chicken coop and that's 
where we spent most of our time together. She didn't
speak English very well, so much of the time we 
communicated through gesture, touch and laughter. 
We also communicated through our love of food." 

Every morning his father drops him at his Baba's house. He knows he will find her in the kitchen cooking. Her house is filled with the fruits of her labor. The two talk little, but the love between the two is evident and reflected in the sustenance given before her grandson leaves for school. She watches him eat. If it is raining, their walk is slow. 

"My Baba sees worms squirming in gutters
and puddles, worms in rain-rivers floating 
into the road, wet worms with no earth 
beneath them. She picks up all of them and 
puts them in a small glass jar filled with dirt
that she keeps in her pocket."

She returns to walk with him when school is done for the day. Together, they visit Baba's garden and release the worms to the dirt there. Every day the same routines, until Baba can no longer live on her own. Now, before he leaves for school in the morning, he mirrors their morning routine. He brings her breakfast: oatmeal and a sliced apple. He often kisses the apple slice before she eats it, as she did when she was making breakfast for him. When it rains, he goes outside to show her that he remembers ... 

This is a glorious story, told with great love and shared in perfectly selected words. Every moment together is meaningful and quietly memorable. Extending the tale told are Sydney Smith's watercolor and gouache images that are as gentle and moving as the story itself. Filled with light and love, they encourage readers to stop and pay close attention. They paint a portrait of love shared between the two. 

What a joy it is to read this book! It already has a place on our 'keepers' shelf. I will share it many times over.                                                                                   

Corner, written and illustrated by Zo-O. Translated by Ellen Jang. Owlkids, 2023. $21.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Hmm. What else?"

There are few words to tell this story of a crow who begins by carefully considering two white, empty walls that meet in the corner of a room. Few are needed; the alluring artwork allows young readers to fully understand the mood, the humor, and the evolution of the bird's need to change its space. 

The bird does its best to find comfort in the corner.  It quickly becomes restless while trying a variety of positions. Taking charge of its environment, it places a bed there. Each succeeding page adds familiar items that begin to make the corner space more personal: a bookcase with books, a mat, a lamp, and a plant. Much better, but all alone. Watering the plant, reading a book, eating a meal helps. It leaves something to be desired. There must be more. 

What about some art? Starting with yellow patterns on both walls, the crow soon needs larger and larger ladders to help with the ever-growing designs. Music and dancing are next. Observant children will be closely watching the plant's growth as the art becomes more and more elaborate. It looks glorious. 

"Something is still missing."

The ending is just right and will bring huge smiles to those sharing this almost wordless, very telling story.  

Saving the Night: How Light Pollution is Harming Life on Earth, written by Stephen Aitken. Orca, 2023. $21.95 ages 9 and up

 

"When you can't see in the dark, 
sounds become very important.
Geckos carefully poke their heads
out of their hiding places and start 
chirping in the night to attract 
potential mates. The aye-aye, a type 
of lemur, locates its prey using 
echolocation - it is the only primate
known to do so. Other animals rely 
on smell to find their way in the 
night." 

For those of us who live in urban areas, it is very difficult to appreciate night skies until you 'get out of town'. The wonders of the stars, the sounds in the darkness, and the Northern lights are often lost to us because ambient artificial light hides that beauty. If it is happening to us, it is also happening to many other living things.

The table of contents invites middle graders interested in learning more about how light pollution is a threat to every living thing on the planet. It took root with the invention of the light bulb in 1879. As happens throughout the well-designed books from the Orca Footprints series, the pages include informative sidebars, captioned clear photographs, DARK MATTERS facts placed on star shapes, and occasional explanatory blocks of relevant additions to the conversational tone of the text itself. They range from astonishing to frightening. 

"Reindeer grow tufts of hair between their hooves in 
the winter, turning their feet into little snowshoes. At 
the same time their eyes turn from yellow to blue, 
increasing their sensitivity to lower light levels so 
they can see better in the long, dark winters. How 
is that for custom design?" 

and 

"An estimated 300 million to 1 billion birds die 
every year in North America by colliding with 
buildings - 7 million from collisions with 
communication towers alone. Many of these 
birds are on their migrations."

The author writes clearly in four chapters named Night and Day in the Natural World, Artificial Lights on Land, Lighting the Oceans, Lakes and Rivers, and finally Guardians of the Night. He tells of the wonders and woes of light, and provides a clear look at how creatures both help and are hindered in the world today. It is quite fascinating as we have come to expect from books in this series. Readers come away from the reading more fully informed. 

The book closes with an invitation to readers to think seriously about lighting at night, about lightbulb choice, about being part of the effort 'to bring back the night' to their own neighborhoods. Don't be afraid of the dark, embrace it and learn about its true beauty. 

A list of print and online resources is placed in back matter, as are a glossary and an index.   

Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport. Written by Caren Stelson and illustrated by Selina Alko. Carolrhoda Books, 2023. $26.99 ages 7 and up

 

"The train lurched forward. 

We stuck out our hands and waved. 

Our parents waved back. 

The train clattered faster. We settled into
worn leather seats and looked around. 
The entire train car was filled with 
children. It didn't matter where 
we were from. We were all 
refugees."

Beginning in 1938, many Czech children from Jewish families were saved by riding the Kindertransport from Prague to England. Once they arrived, they lived with British foster families until the conflict ended. When they were allowed to return home years later, they found that many of their families had perished. 

669 children were saved ... all of them through the courage and hard work of a man named Nicholas Winton. Nicky quietly went about doing the work that organized those trains, and making sure the children had necessary forms to assure their safe passage. The children who escaped the Nazi atrocities did not know his name until many years later . Thankfully, after decades, he was honored by the Czech president and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his courage and humanity. 

The narration for this heartfelt book is written in the voices of the children saved. Personal and candid, they talk about their life before the war, about the decisions made by their parents to send them to safety, the terror of being stopped and inspected by German police, and their arrival in London. They were almost adults when they returned home to discover the awful truth. 

"Fifty years passed. 

We grew up. We made new homes. We started new jobs.
We found hope and courage. We had children. We had 
grandchildren. We whispered to the stars of the night
and the sun of the day our gratitude for being alive. 

Still, we did not know the name of the man who saved 
us - until one day."

They were invited to meet him after so much time; each one filled with gratitude for 'the man who wanted to save children.' 

A timeline for the Kindertransport movement is appended. As well, there is further information about a few of the children he saved, an author's note, an illustrator's note, source notes, a selected bibliography, and recommended reading for further learning. 

"There will be times when you'll feel lonely and homesick. 
Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the 
messenger of our thoughts and love."

BiOBLiTZ!: Counting Critters, written by Susan Edwards Richmond and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 5 and up

 

"After lunch, we head deeper into the woods
where it's boggy and wet. I see several downed
logs in the clearing. "Can we roll one?" I ask. 
"Sure!" says Ranger Kai. "But be careful. We 
need to respect the animals that live there."

We gently roll over a log.  Sowbugs, ground 
spiders, and carpenter ants scurry for cover. 
A few earthworms and a centipede linger."

What better way to learn about the wildlife that inhabits a park than to spend a day with the naturalists whose job it is to guide and inform visitors. Gabriel and his cousin Ava have a vested interest in nature and its many creatures. Gabriel loves insects and knows a lot about them, while Ava is passionate about birds. Gabriel's dad has signed the two up for the first Bioblitz at Spring Meadow Park, where he is one of the park rangers. 

Divided into teams, one on each, they are off to find and list all the critters they see. The competition is intense and most enjoyable as they move together in their groups. Gabriel's job is to list the species his team sees. Meeting up for lunch with Ava's team, Gabriel and his team have listed 46 different sightings. The two compare their lists and discuss what they have seen. They even add to each list while they are together. After lunch, they are off to make more discoveries. 

Gabriel's first-person voice allows him to share how much he knows about the insects he so loves, and to learn along with him what Ranger Kai shares. It's a great day. As the sun begins to set, they take note of the creatures that favor that time of day. A final meeting happens at the gazebo where a light shines on a white sheet and attracts all the night insects. In the end, both teams have placed more than 80 species on their lists.  

"Well, each team saw some animals the other one 
didn't," says Dad. "Together we saw a grand total of 
100 species!"

Back matter includes Gabriel's complete bioblitz list with species placed in their separate categories (vertebrates and invertebrates), acknowledgements, Gabriel's 'Did You Know ... ? Facts, and an author's note. Digital illustrations are filled with park scenes, keep an up-to-date sidebar of creatures spotted, and provide much for young readers to experience in a natural park setting. 

What a fun day of learning for all! 

https://youtu.be/_ytWkxdgqns 

                                                                             

Polar: Wildlife At The Ends of The Earth, written by L.E. Carmichael and illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler. Kids Can Press, 2023. $19.99 ages

"CHASING SUMMER 

For arctic terns, summer lasts all year. 
That's because these birds migrate between 
the Arctic and Antarctica, following long days 
and warm weather from one end of the globe 
to the other. It's a round trip of up to 50.000 km
(31,068 mi.), the longest migration of any animal 
in the world. This extreme adaptation ensures that 
arctic terns are always in the right place, at the 
right time, to feast on seasonal prey." 

Could there be more different creatures living at our planet's opposite poles? As readers learn more about each end of the earth, the contrasts become more evident. In the introduction, the author speaks to the fact that both are harsh habitats. The Arctic is ocean surrounded by land; Antarctica is land surrounded by water. Antarctica is much older than the Arctic. Those are but some of the differences. They are also lands that have a lot in common: cold, wilderness, fierce winds, the number of fully sunlit and always dark days. How can so many animals live in both places? The simple answer is adaptations and behaviors. 

A polar bear makes its way across a snowy plain to guide readers into the book's text. In a series of double-page entries that begin in March, the author compares the two regions and a variety of creatures. The topics are warmth, movement, internal clocks, the survival of insects, polar seasons, visibility and camouflage, feeding the young, breeding and raising a family, cuddling, hibernation, habitats, sounds, moving over snow, survival, and protecting the young.

A petrel leads us away, past craggy rocks and deep snow, toward the impact of climate change, pollution, the value of the polar regions, actions to take, where to learn more online, a glossary, and resources.   

Realistic digital artwork shows detailed images of the animals in nature, and discusses both traits that are the same and those that are different between each region. 13 pairs are presented month-to-month over a full year. The comparisons include a female ptarmigan in the Arctic who trades white feathers for brown in the summer to become almost invisible to predators, and the lanternshark of Antarctica who has spots on its belly to make it look like moonlight underwater, thus protecting it from being seen. 

Ground squirrels (Arctic) and rock cod (Antarctica) hibernate through the cold winter after storing enough food to keep them alive while they sleep. Both the lynx and the hare in the Arctic had big feet that spread out enough to keep them on top of the snow. In Antarctica, chinstrap penguins toboggan to spread the weight across their bellies and keep them from sinking. 

So much to learn in all the best ways! 

Twenty Questions, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Candlewick, Penguin Random House, 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Who gave Mr. Beckett 
a bump on his noggin? 

What did the lion
get the lamb 
for her birthday?"

Yes, there are twenty questions! The first sets the tone: count them and readers have an answer. The second sets them back a bit, offering a perfect opportunity for careful thought, much discussion, and a story or two. That will open the floodgates as each new spread offers questions to ponder, reconsider, and most of all, enjoy! 

Each question is new, and totally independent of every other question asked. Christian Robinson fills the spreads with mixed media images that are boldly colored, and offers a world to explore. Many are funny, while others invite further emotional connections. Inspiring creativity at every turn, it would be interesting to have readers respond both orally and in writing, depending on their ages and abilities to express themselves. Each question prompts kids to think outside the box and with independence in their respsonses. I love that, for the most part, there are no 'right' answers. 

Inventive? You bet. Brilliant? I would say so. Unexpected? Oh, yes! Mac Barnett is a wonder, and this collaboration with Christian Robinson, also wonderful, makes for a book to be read a lot. Be sure to savor it each time. The artwork doesn't help with answers, but it does provide excellent and appealing context for each of the twenty questions. 

Full of humor while giving kids pause to think deeply and consider their responses, you will not go wrong getting this book for your kids, your classrooms, and your school libraries.  

"Which of these children is dreaming of peaches?" Your turn ...                                                                      

https://youtu.be/vsJNlrkU_FU 

How To Be Human: A Bear's Guide, written by Sophia Kolinas and illustrated by Aparna Varma. Owlkids, 2023. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"So one day, when the bear spotted a girl who 
was clearly a friend of the forest, he knew he
had found his teacher. 

And lucky for him, she spoke fluent bear."

This forest bear enjoys all bear things: scratching on tree trunks, fishing for his supper, and snoozing when the spirit moves him to do so. His life is changing with fewer trees, fewer fish and too much noise. Humans are making his life unpleasant.

Being sensible, he decides to be more human. He takes food that people leave unprotected, sleeps in their tents, and enjoys life again. Great good luck puts him in touch with a young girl who loves the forest. She teaches him how to be more human. That leads to a visit to the city to practice his human traits. Poor bear - it's too busy, too small, too 'not right'. 

"In fact, it was un-bear-able."

Back he goes to the forest where his human friend finds him, wipes his tears and discovers something important. Perhaps humans should be more like bears. The bear quickly becomes the teacher, offering many important lessons about sharing nature. Changes are made, a lasting friendship established. 

Young readers will be enticed by the telling illustrations that show the importance of working together for the greater good. 

zero waste: How One Community Is Leading a World Recycling Revolution, written and illustrated by Allan Drummond. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $26.99 ages 9 and up

 

"Grandma tells us that back when she 
was a young mom, she threw things 
away without thinking. 
"Like everyone else here, I wanted 
our family's waste to just disappear. 
To be invisible." 

People in Kamikatsu would drag their 
trash to a great big hole in the ground."

What an inspiring story this book tells. It's the latest addition to the Green Power series by Allan Drummond. Look for this one and the following; energy island (2015), green city (2016), pedal power (2017), and solar story (2020) if you are interested in knowing about sustainability projects and what makes them successful. I guarantee you will find them both informative and inspiring. We can do something ... each and every one of us. 

This book describes a small Japanese town that is well-known for its plan concerning recycling and its commitment to establishing a zero waste goal for its residents. Only by working together to recycle, reuse and reduce spending does it have a real impact on its citizens. As with his previous books, Mr. Drummond engages readers with a conversational tone that is uplifting and effective. 

He introduces two children visiting their grandmother who has lived in Kamikatsu all her life. They love being with her, and learning from her. On their first day, Grandma is busy sorting through her trash for recycling day. They are told there are nine bins for different kinds of paper: cardboard, newspaper, magazine paper, shredded paper, paper cups, paper cartons with aluminum, milk cartons, card stock and "other paper". Wow! That begins their learning. Next are six bins for plastic waste, five bins for metal waste, six bins for glass, and other bins for old batteries, rubber, and fabric. Did I mention compost, things you no longer need, broken or other 'old' things? A collection truck visits the older citizens on recycling day and takes everything to the town's recycling depot. 

"Zero Waste is Kamikatsu's big idea. And it's an idea that could change the world. The goal is to try to recycle everything. For more than twenty years now, Zero Waste has been the aim of everyone in town. And recently the whole world has taken notice." 

Grandma explains how much has changed since she was a young mother, throwing many things away without thinking, and the trouble that caused for the small town she loved. It created significant health problems, the smell was terrible, and they had no collection service. When scientists ran tests, their reports were ghastly. It was time for the townspeople to make some changes. It was a rough road for three years, until the town promised that, by 2020, Kamikatsu would be the first Zero Waste Town in the world. Would other places follow their lead? It has resonated with many, and interest continues to grow. People visit to see for themselves, to learn more, and to enjoy the fresh air. 

Back matter includes an author's note, photos, and a list for further reading. Bravo! 

The Door of No Return, by Kwame Alexander. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2022. $22.99 ages 11 and up

I read this book weeks ago. Then, I read it again. Yesterday, I read it once more. I am one of those readers who is constantly mesmerized by the stories Kwame Alexander tells. This is a book that leaves an imprint on your heart, and many scenes from it in your memory. It will not be forgotten; I promise you that. My daughter would confirm that I am not a person who rereads book. Erin often rereads those she calls her favorites. Despite reading it three times, once so recently, I do not find it easy to find the right words to tell you about it.  

It is a historical novel, written in verse and prose. It is both mesmerizing and exceptional. It is the story told of Asante villager Kofi Offin, an 11-year-old living with his family in their home village in Ghana. His days are spent with friends doing what young people do: going to school, working hard to learn English while he speaks Twi at home with his family, values, and history. He is with Ebo and Ama constantly, and is just beginning to feel an attraction to Ama. He recognizes that his friend Ebo feels much the same way. 

After being bullied, he challenges his cousin to a river race. That river holds a special place in Kofi's life. Named after it and spending many happy hours there, Kofi doesn't pay much attention to village stories that tell of beasts that can be found thereat night. It isn't until he sees the snares placed near the shore meant to capture humans. Caught in one of the snares and sold into slavery, Kofi starts down the terrifying path that leads him to the door of no return. 

Because Mr. Alexander's clear and moody writing gives voice to Kofi and all of the emotions as his story moves forward, readers have a real stake in what is happening and empathy for his plight. The story moves forward quickly because of the verse format, and the writer's ability to tell a story in words that speak volumes. Although lengthy (398 pages), I had little choice but to keep going. My lack of knowledge concerning Asante culture was greatly improved while living alongside Kofi, his family, and friends. I learned about entertainment, storytelling, language, food, and village and family life. 

And I met Nana Mosi, Kofi's grandfather who is the village storyteller. He has a real and present role to play for all villagers. 

"Though he is nearly eighty now
and seldom speaks, 
when he does, 
I hang on to all his words, 
the lulls in between, 
and I remember 
the stories
like a pigeon remembers
its way home."

Thoughtful and ample backmatter includes acknowledgements, a Twi glossary, a legend for Adinkra symbols, and a list of real locations used in the telling of this remarkable, memorable story. In those acknowledgements, Kwami Alexander explains his reason for writing: 

"because people need to know that the middle was not our beginning. I wanted to speak the truth about the history of African Americans, because while most of us are aware of the American part, it’s time for us to know more about the African part, right?" 

Here's the best news for fans and new readers of Mr. Alexander's work. This is the first book in a trilogy! My eyes are peeled. 

Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons, written by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis. Millbrook Press, 2023. $26.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Duckling learns loon ways. 
Over and over, 
Mother and Father 
dive down, 
rise up
with 

        fish. 

Duckling snatches the 
tiny silver slivers. 
Mallards don't eat minnows
or take food from their parents ... 
but Duckling does."

The diary entries for this book show that on May 13 a cozy nest on a northern lake is home to two eggs. There are always threats to the safety of those eggs. One month later, eggshell pieces dot the nest; there are no chicks.  A pair of loons discover a lone chick swimming all alone. With all the love and longing they are feeling, they literally take it under their wings and give it a family.  

The adult loons take good care of the chick, not realizing it isn't a loon until it grows and changes. By the end of June, it is evident they are raising a mallard duckling. What an unlikely family they are! As the summer passes, the duckling learns all the behaviors of its foster parents. None of this is typical behavior; it seems not to matter at all to the three who have made this unconventional family. 

The exceptional digital illustrations are perfectly crafted to allow readers a very clear and close-up visit with these amazing birds. There are many sweet moments, including one where the full-grown duck rides peacefully on a parent's back. Much can be learned by paying careful attention to the setting, the duck's development, and the genuine care and concern the parents show as the duckling grows. The text itself is memorable, inspiring, and tells a well-documented tale of acceptance and what being a family means, no matter the circumstance. 

"The future is 
         a perfect mystery 
                  of possibilities, 

                                     like an unhatched egg. 

Mother and Father and Duckling 
               have only now: 
a family created 
        one dabble and dive, 
               one piggyback ride, 
                           one slippery minnow at a time."

Backmatter explains that the story is true, and based on observations made by researchers from The Loon Project in 2019. They speculated on what might have happened; no one knows. In early September that year all three birds were gone. Further to that, loon and mallard behaviors are compared, a selected bibliography is included, a list for further reading, and acknowledgements for aid given in telling the story are added.                                                                                           

Sometimes It's Nice To Be Alone, written by Amy Hest and illustrated by Philip Stead. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2023. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Sometimes it's nice to 
be alone. 

Just you, reading your 
book, alone, and the 
only sound in the world
is the whispery sound of 
you turning pages. 

But what if a friend
stops by?"

I don't mind being alone at all. That is not to say that I don't appreciate spending time with friends and family. Sometimes, it's the quiet I seek ... no sounds except what I can hear outside my window or door. 

For the little girl who narrates this story, she knows that feeling. A quiet snack with a favored stuffie close by provides pleasure. A friend's visit could be welcome. At this point, the elephant stuffie becomes gigantic, and helps itself to a chair for sitting and sharing the snack. Turn another page, and she finds joy in being alone with a book, with a tiny blue horse as companion. Reading that book on the trotting horse's back is quite the accomplishment. Each new turn of the page takes readers to another place, another treasured friend, and a new solitary pursuit. 

There is joy in every spread. Young readers will be captivated by the accompaniment of very special stuffie friends to share the wonder in being alone ... well, sort of! 

Amy Hest's text is simple and expressive, the circumstances engaging and creative, and the repeated trajectory of the solitary and companionable activities inviting. Philip Stead's monoprinting techniques for the artwork exhibit the wonder to be found in a child's imagination. I love the way he shows her large and full of life on her own pages, then smaller in comparison to her imaginary friends who sometimes make her day better. One of my favorite books this year. 

This is for Chelsea on her birthday, who has imagination galore. Happy birthday, sweet girl! 

The Only Astronaut, written by Mahak Jain and illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier. Kids Can Press, 2023. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Alpha didn't work out, but astronauts never give up. 
I need a human assistant, someone who can imagine 
life beyond Earth. 

Does Kai want to visit outer space with me? 

Kai needs help entering the rocket ship. 

Stop wiggling ... "

It's a lonely life being the one climbing aboard a makeshift spacecraft created by the 'only astronaut'. There is much to explore in the neighborhood; going solo is a tough job. There are numerous obstacles. A crash requires some work, putting an end to the original mission plan. A new mission has an important goal: find an assistant. 

Avni's dog shows little aptitude for space exploration. Might Kai be ready to blast off with her? Avni can only hope. When Kai fills his diaper, that mission must be aborted. An expanded search is long, but successful. A worthy assistant finds Avni and begins training with her. They are perfect for each other - or are they? A few bumps along the way are handled, and the two finally settle into being a commendable team, using friendship and imagination to create untold adventures. Hurray for cooperation! 

Winning pencil artwork completed digitally adds humor and creativity to the telling. The handwritten mission notes are engaging and detailed. 

Wombat, the Reluctant Hero, written by Christian Timmer and illustrated by Rachel Gyan. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"She lumbered back 
to the water hole 
and got to work. 

She dug 

and dug 

and dug. 

and at long last, 
she struck water." 

I have read a few picture books about wombats in the past few years. All have to do with the devastation wrought by wildfires, brought on by drought and strong winds. Those bushfires have threatened many communities and humans, and have ravaged the animal population causing untold deaths in their wake. With the loss of their homes, many animals were left to try and find shelter while the fires raged on, the wombat proved to be an unusual hero for many. 

In this tale, we learn that Wombat likes order in her home. Nothing is out of place. That was not true of her neighbors; Wombat was duly unimpressed. She left them to it. In the heat of the summer, while roaming outside her tunnel, she noticed that her neighbors were suffering. Their water hole was close to dry. Back home she went to get what she needed to dig a tunnel in search of water. Find it, she did. What a relief for everyone; they even brought gifts of thanks. 

The heat remained; more animals sought relief at the water hole. Wombat set to work again. It took a deeper dig this time. The next day, trouble came to her door. The fires were spreading; the animals were in a panic. Orderly as ever, Wombat gave guidance to all to her tunnel entrance. It was crowded, but safe for all.

"The animals sat in silence, slowly 
sipping the water Wombat gave 
them and nibbling on the snacks
she shared."

Stepping outside to see that the fire has completely destroyed their neighborhood, Wombat and her friends set right to work!

Both author and illustrator add notes at the conclusion of their story. Christian Timmer provides additional facts about the wombat, while Rachel Gyan, whose digital artwork adds extra depth to the storytelling, lets readers know that she has seen bushfires and the harm they cause firsthand.                                                                            

Old Friends, written by Margaret Aitken and illustrated by Lenny Wen. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Marjorie sprinkled some flour, 
perched some glasses, and with a
few floral scarves knotted, some 
lavender perfume spritzed, and 
her Mom's woolly cardigan 
buttoned, she was Undercover 
Granny!"

Marjorie knows what she likes: gardening, knitting, and watching baking shows. Just like her Granny did. Her friends are fine, but they don't get excited about the same things. She has no one to turn to for help when she has questions now that Granny is gone. She misses her immensely. 

When she reads a sign at the Community Center that says the seniors' group is looking for new members, she thinks she has found her people! Wanting to join the group, she heads on over. What? Only for seniors? If she wants to stay at the Center, she can go to Kids Club. 

Not satisfied with being turned away, Marjorie is determined to find a way to join the seniors. She would be just like her Granny was if she ever faced an obstacle. All it will take is a little ingenuity. Camouflage should work. Marjorie is quickly accepted as one of the group ... until dancing is the activity of the day. Her real identity is discovered, much to her chagrin. What will her 'old' friends say?  A surprise ending is sure to elicit a quiet giggle. 

Lenny Wen's digital artwork is filled with motion, color, and most enjoyable details. 

"On the outside we may look old,
but on the inside, we still feel like
kids. Just like you." 

Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World, written by Tiffany Stone and illustrated by Ashley Spires. Greystone Kids, 2023. $22.95 ages

"Bee Hummingbird

Nectar detector, 
nectar inspector, 
hover, hum, buzz. 

Nectar selector, 
nectar collector,
but not a bee because ... 

This backwards flier, 
gravity defier
has feathers and not fuzz. 

Turquoise attire, 
wingbeats of fire, 
bee hummingbird.

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!"

The format for this new book is absolutely sure to win fans! Tiffany Stone introduces 15 miniscule but formidable creatures that kids are not likely to recognize. That is what will make them so fascinating to them. 

A short poem, illustrated with humor and charm in an appropriate setting, is accompanied by cartoon-like panels of images that further clarify the superpower attributed to the creature introduced in the poetry. For the bee hummingbird mentioned above, the cartoon panel describes its Amazing Aerobatics. 

"Guess why they call me a
bee hummingbird!

Because we are almost the same size!

Yup! I'm the smallest species of bird. 
I flap my wings 80-100 times a second! 
I even buzz like a bee! 

Wanna see something cool? 
I can hover ... 
,,, fly backwards ... 
... and upside down. 

Show off."

I was intrigued, start to finish. Kids will be, too. There is so much to learn. The fascination is that we share the world with them, and may never have seen any of them, or know much about them. An Oribatid Mite can lift over 1000 times its weight; a pygmy seahorse is smaller than a paper clip and is an expert at camouflage; a hydra never ages; an immortal jellyfish can go back to being a baby and grow once more. Surprised? I certainly was.   

Kids are often told they are too small to do what they think they can do. In this enjoyable and informative book, they learn that doesn't have to be true at all. 

What is YOUR superpower?                                                                               

This Is A Story, written by John Schu and illustrated by Lauren Castillo. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2023. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 

"This is a book. 

This is a reader. 

Here are some more readers
with minds full of questions ...

with ideas to explore ... "

A little girl with a library card is talking with her dad on the title page of this new book about story. The dedication page shows her again walking along the street, book bag over her shoulder and card in hand, with dad and brother following close behind her. 

Sea is the introduced word. A turn of the page and the readers finds a book about the word sea, with a magnifying glass zeroed in on sea horse. The book's double page spread shows an underwater habitat lush with fish and fronds, and more words. 

On the library shelf that holds that particular book, there are many other books. It is shelved in the 597 section of the library - a number in the Dewey system that denotes cold-blooded vertebrates - and includes sharks, sea horse, swimmers, blobfish, toad, salamanders, puffers ... and more. Those books are there waiting for someone to come and check them out. 

In a world full of humans, the little girl and her family meet a very approachable human. He's a librarian, willing to help her make a connection with a book that is just right for her. She is not the only reader, and each of the others have found the books they need, too. The world those books represent is full of wonder, hope, imagination and a stirring of the heart. What a truly wonderful world can be found at the library! 

Using ink, watercolor, and pastel, Lauren Castillo fills pages with delightful, meaningful images. She creates a diverse neighborhood that will be familiar to many young readers and a public library that is open and welcoming for all. This book is a perfect collaboration from two creative and caring artists. What a powerful statement it makes! 
                                                                              

What Will I Discover, written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated by Rachel Qiuqi. Greystone Kids, 2023. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"They know macaws have bones
inside their tongues to help them 
crack the toughest shells. 

And glass frogs have see-through
skin so they can hide in the leaves."

Do scientists know EVERYTHING? I think not, as there is something new to learn every single day. They do know A LOT more that I do. For that matter, they likely know much more than many of us do. 

The little one who makes the first statement about scientists goes on to share what scientists do know. Each statement made makes clear that there is much they know about otters, sea stars, desert sands and thorny shrubs. The list does go on from page to page and about many places, events, and even people. 

Soon there comes a time when; 

" ... I have questions. 
And no one - no one! - has the answers." 

Text that follows offers an opportunity to ask the questions that have no simple, obvious answer. They are exactly what inquisitive, thinking kids are keen to ask for themselves. Just imagine what thoughts reading this book to a group kids might spark. 

Digital artwork is warm and engaging. The settings are diverse, and encourage curiosity. A final page asks readers to return to their reading and find 10 different images from the book. 

What questions do you have? What might you discover if you are creative and curious? 

The Tree and the River, written and illustrated by Aaron Becker. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2023. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"A mighty tree stands on the banks 
of a winding river, bearing silent 
witness to the flow of time and 
change."

This wordless book has as its only constants the tree and the river. Powerful imagination and stellar illustrations allow readers to see what the tree sees through countless years of continuous change. 

In the beginning, it stands alone on the banks of the river. With each turn of the page, the scenes change to chronicle the growth of communities (one agricultural, one industrial), the overcrowding, the significant environmental impact, impending war, technological advancements, and devastating floods and destruction. 

The tree is impacted as well. It remains tall and standing even as weather and human encroachment cause it to lose its leaves, and finally it succumbs to the effects of flooding and its age. Wait, are those new leaves sprouting from a single healthier-than-others branch; is that an acorn falling into the flowing river; is that a new tree shoot poking up at a place downriver? It is ... and life begins again. There is always hope. 

As we have learned from earlier books by this very accomplished artist, he creates incredible and imaginative stories using pencil, gouache and digitally painted images that inspire, encourage and cause his audience to carefully consider all that can be said without saying a word. Remarkable!  

                                                                                               

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better, written by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, and illustrated by Keith Mallett. Crown, Penguin Random House, 2023. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Gus became an expert at making a cold, 
sweet pudding with eggs and milk. It was 
called ice cream, and it had been a favorite 
of presidents since George Washington. Gus
made the sweet treat in an ice cream "machine" - 
a wooden bucket with a metal canister inside. 

Making ice cream was a slow process. Gus 
had to time it just right so it would be ready 
when dessert was served."

Gus Jackson was born in 1808, a free African American, who loved making meals for his family. At 12, he found a job working in the White House kitchen, helping the cooking staff do jobs that needed doing. Gus worked hard. 5 years later, he was promoted to cook where he learned to make ice cream. Everyone who came to the White House for dinner loved it. 

That led Gus to a new dream. He wanted to make ice cream for everyone. At 22, he said goodbye to his friends in the White House kitchen and went home again. He soon opened his own ice cream shop. He needed to find a way to make his ice cream last longer than it did if you were serving it only to dinner guests. Placing tins of ice cream in ice chips and then in a big block of ice was a hit. People filled his shop wanting to buy his ice cream. 

With his shop and a push cart for outside sales, he sold all the ice cream he made. Others now opened their own shops. Gus decided he would sell his ice cream to them. He had to put on his thinking cap to make another dream come true.  How could he make it faster and last longer? He did it - he figured it out! 

"Ice cream! Ice cream! Quite a treat! 
Come smile awhile and beat the heat! 
Try butter pecan - rum raisin, too!
Got a sweet tooth? Made just for you!"

This kind of little-known story is exactly why I love to read picture book biographies. You can meet new and interesting people every time you read one, then introduce your kids and students to real-life heroes who have done amazing things. Just like Gus did! 

Keith Mallett created the art for this book using digital painting. That art is reminiscent of the time period, and the settings where Gus lived his life. Expressive faces, period clothing and contextual drawings help with understanding for young readers. Back matter includes a recipe for making ice cream, an afterword and a list of sources.