Pebbles to the Sea, written by Marie-Andree Arsenault and illustrated by Dominique Leroux. Translated by Shelley Tanaka. Groundwood Books, 2022. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"We rest for a while at her place. 
It's nice to be surrounded by the 
same houses that are in her 
paintings. You can see 

Maman's house

and Papa's 

a little farther on."

The book opens on a gray world in La Grave, a community on Quebec's Isles de la Madeleine. Papa and Maman are in two different places, and the girls have been told to stay close to both. Flo and Fee want their parents together again. They use pebbles they have painted to create a pathway from the beach, as they wander from place to place so they can be found and followed. 

They cannot see Papa although they know he is always at the marina doing his work. They leave a pebble. As they wander near the cafe, they hear Jean-Marc playing his piano. They share news and make a stop for something to eat. Leaving more pebbles and a few crumbs, they are up and off. They see Francine in her artist's shop where she has paintings of the two houses their parents live in. Finally, they make their way to Henri and his trebuchet which he is using to send rocks into the bay. Henri tells them about the islands they can see. 

Maman and Papa are looking for them. They are carrying the colored pebbles left for them. A surprise created and painted by all of their friends awaits the children on the beach. It is the perfect place for two young girls who connect their parents in ways unseen, but so important. 

"We are the bridge that
connects their islands." 

While a marriage break-up can be very difficult, it is handled here in a calm and gentle way that allows the children to realize that life will be okay. The paint-and-collage illustrations are stunning, filled with wonder and constantly attracting attention across the full spreads. The children add their own bright colors to the muted backgrounds in their attempt to bring their parents together. 

It is a story to be shared in a small group, or perhaps with a child struggling to come to terms with a family separation. Quiet, calm, and reassuring. 

The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship, written by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali, art by Hatem Aly. Little, Brown and Company. Hachette. 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"What do I want?

A kind world. 
A world where there's always 
a friend nearby. 

A world of friends helping 
one another."

Following the success of The Proudest Blue (2019), this accomplished team is back with a story about family, friendship, and living in a kind world. Isn't that what we are all hoping for these days? Being kind can make all the difference.

It's picture day, and Faizah is very excited. She is going to wear the dress that her older sister Asiya has worn, and also her Mama. It has been a long time waiting for it to be hers. Asiya helps her little sister prepare for this special day at school. Faizah also helps by adding a scarf pin to Asiya's hijab before they are ready to leave. 

At school, the teacher has an important question for her students. She wonders what kind of world each wants to live in. Once their answers are recorded, they are asked to draw the world they want to see. It takes careful thinking. Kindness and friendship are certainly part of that dream world. 

Outside at recess, Faizah and her friend Sophie do their best to make their wishes come true. Finally, it's class picture time, followed by a chance to have a picture taken with siblings. While most are dressed alike in some way, Faizah does not match with Asiya. Will kindness help to solve the problem?  

Familiar characters are welcome, and warm digital artwork is textured and full of expression and detail. Don't miss the endpapers as they change from front to back.  

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/video/childrens-books-perfect-space-ibtihaj-muhammad-new-book-96326356

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! words and pictures by mo willems. Union Square Kids, 2022. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"There will be a line ...

But, I will demonstrate 
exemplary patience! 

The question is not will 
I be ready for the roller 
coaster - 

but, will it be 
ready for ME?"

Pigeon fans, rejoice! Pigeon is back, and ready for adventure. He has only just learned that roller coasters exist, and he cannot wait to give one a try! There are things he does know; it will not be easy, a ticket is needed, and patience will be the tough part of standing in line to wait. He is fully into imagining how things will go. 

The excitement that comes from his imagination is challenged by thoughts of feeling nauseous from all the twists and turns, ups and downs. He knows he will be filled with emotion when his first ride is done. 

"I will be EXCITED because 
it was thrilling! 

I will feel SAD because 
it is over. 

I will feel PROUD because 
I did it!"

No more waiting, Pigeon is READY!!!! 

Just as he expected, there is a wait. He needs a ticket. To say the roller coaster ride is a BIT of a disappointment is definitely an understatement. Kids will love his story, and Pigeon will make the best of it as he always does. 

Mo Willems knows kids, and he surely knows how to entertain them. His pigeon is the epitome of most young children. Mr. Willems gets inside their hearts and souls to present their true and personal feelings and their responses without wavering. Young children will soon be reading this new adventure on their own, and giggling as they go.  

PLEASE ... read it again! 

Logan's Greenhouse, written by JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Samara Hardy. Peachtree. Penguin Random House. 2022. $22.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Many carrots have bright orange skin with 
ribbed lines on the outside. Is that a carrot? 

No. Those are oranges. An orange does have 
bright orange skin, but it has small dimples 
on the outside and not ribbed lines." 

In this third book in the Where in the Garden? series, we meet Logan. Logan, in a wheelchair and with his pet chameleon on his shoulder, is on a search for carrots. They are needed for a planned pet playdate. He has many plants in his greenhouse. His search for carrots begins with a clear description of the vegetable itself: it grows from a seed and pushes downward into the ground, it has stems and leaves on its top, it's tapered, it has bright orange skin, and it's often long with roots at its end. 

Readers are then asked to help Logan with his search. Each vegetable and fruit considered has something in common with the carrots he is looking for; none are carrots. There are sweet potatoes, leeks, Brussels sprouts, garlic bulbs, radishes, oranges, beets, pears, and turnips. Logan really needs carrots. Will he find them in time for the arrival of his guests?   

The text is descriptive and useful for children learning to recognize variety in fruits and vegetables. Each one mentioned is carefully compared to what is already known about carrots. It takes time and patience (and some help from his chameleon friend) to finally come upon the desired vegetable. Bright colors and clear images are warm and inviting on this search that will surely interest young readers. A final full page spread shows attendees and their pets at a party that offers an extra look at all foods found on earlier pages. Finally, a recipe for Winter Carrot Soup is included. 

Spring is coming, although not 'just around the corner'. Still, you might be thinking about planting a garden, or expanding the one you already have. Perhaps you are wanting to add to your collection of books about gardening for your classroom or at home. 

The first two books in this series are Linh's Rooftop Garden and Miguel's Community Garden.

The Undercover Book List, written by Colleen Nelson. Pajama Press, 2021. $21.95 ages 10 and up

"Tyson stared at the book in his hands, 
hardly believing his eyes. He'd read it. 
The whole thing, In two days! Between 
the hours stuck in the conference room 
on Tuesday, and then the ones at home 
without his Xbox, he'd had nothing to do 
but read. 

He let the feeling of success sink in."

I have too many TBR piles. Often, it takes a long time for a book to finally find its way to the top of one of them. That is what happened to this book. It has taken me a while to get to it. But hey! Good books are worthy of reading anytime, right? After all, the book itself offers a list of wonderful books on its own Undercover Book List, not all of them recently published. Each one, however, is worthy of being there, and sure to inspire a reader who may not have read it yet. That's what great books do. 

This is a great book. It is told about two middle graders who are classmates. Jane's first-person voice is strong and authentic, letting readers know about missing her best friend who has just moved away. A third person voice describes Tyson, a class clown, some of his many antics, and the troubles that follow. Their road to a new friendship is shared in short, alternating chapters that will engage and entertain many middle grade readers. 

They don't really know each other well when the book begins. Jane's friend Sienna has left something behind for Jane before moving across the country. It is a message in a library book that begins as a mystery, and is meant to help Jane find a new friend as interested in books and reading as she is. Tyson, who rarely reads and isn't allowed to borrow books from the school library because of unreturned ones, sees Jane find the note. He is intrigued. It begins as a prank, and quickly turns into a real correspondence when Jane answers his initial note. As books would have it, Tyson finds himself more and more interested in the book titles Jane suggests, and begins offering ideas of his own.

Jane is a member of the Kid Lit Quiz team, and recruits Tyson to join. As the team practices for the upcoming regionals, events shake their confidence but never their resolve to keep the team active and participating. Both are struggling with their own emotional challenges, and find help in their new friendship. 

While Jane and Tyson are the main focus for the story, they are supported by a wonderful cast of secondary characters. Their story is fast-paced, complementary, and entertaining in all the best ways. The titles suggested by both Jane and Tyson are listed following the story and are an excellent resource for anyone looking for a truly awesome book to read.  

What about a Kid Lit Quiz team for your school? I bet you know some kids who would be interested, don't you? 

https://youtu.be/1MMo5AwIehY

This Is Not My Home, written by Eugenia Yoh and illustrated by Vivienne Chang. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Lily was not understanding. 
Not while packing. 
Not on the airplane. 
Now even when she saw Ah Ma. 

"Welcome, home!" Ah Ma said. 

This is not my home."

Lily and her mama live in a happy home, where games of chase are a common occurrence. So, when Mama says she has news, Lily won't listen until she can catch her mother and hold her down. Mama's announcement is met with astonishment and ANGER. 

Being told they are moving to Taiwan is a huge shock. Lily has numerous reasons for her reticence: backyard barbecues, their car, fireflies in the park, her BEST friend Jill. So many reasons there are not to move. Mama has only one for going. They need to care for Ah Ma. 

Lily refuses to understand, at home and in Taiwan. Taiwan is NOT her home. Meals there are not like backyard barbecues. Jill is nowhere to be found. And, she doesn't like the farmer's market. School is worse. No one speaks her language. She is missing so much. Mama tries to explain that everything in Taiwan is her home. Perhaps together, they can make it ours! It takes time, and understanding, and friendship, and new experiences. Change comes. And with it, acceptance. 

Digital illustrations by Vivienne Chang are filled with bright colors and contextual details that help readers empathize with the young girl whose world is turned upside down. They allow the child to express her worries as the inevitable happens, and provide a direct contrast from one setting to the other. Be sure to check out both front and back endpapers. Artwork also helps readers see the change in Lily's perspective as time passes and she makes the adjustment from old home to new home. 

Lily's story has humor and heartbreak, and much love.                                                                                     

forever home; a dog and boy love story, by Henry Cole. Scholastic, 2022. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"there is a dog that no one wants.
Abandoned and afraid, he must 
use his wits to survive the city's 
streets. Sadly, no one comes for him. 

meanwhile, not far away, there is a 
boy who wants a dog ..." 

I am a huge fan of Henry Cole and his wordless stories. His work is proof positive that there are times when no words are needed to tell a very special tale. 

His finely-detailed endpapers are the perfect place to start. In a black-and-white full page spread he introduces an urban neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, three-story buildings, and the occasional person of interest attract attention and the beginning of a story to be told. If one is very observant, notice might be given to a 'for sale' sign in front of one of the buildings closest to the reader. Two additional spreads provide even more information: a dog sits forlornly on the front step of that home. Night falls, and the dog seeks refuge on the streets. A tipped dumpster and car traffic offer nothing. It moves on. 

The opening page of the book brings the neighborhood to life. Filled with dogs, people, a bike store, a book store, and a small boy with a big interest in the dogs he sees there. At home, he makes a case for his getting a dog. His fathers are ambivalent before sharing a complaint with him about the state of his bedroom. Keeping a red leash always at his side, he sets out to prove he can be respsonsible. He walks that leash around the neighborhood on sunny days and rainy ones. Soon, he notices that pup now living in a cardboard box. 

He has a project. He entices the pup with kindness, the dragging leash, and treats. With thoughts of the dog constantly on his mind, he helps with chores, cleans his room, and makes a pretty good case for dog ownership. To his dismay, the pup has been rescued by an animal shelter. As luck would have it, they find each other in quick time. And that, as they say, is perfect fare for kids who have dogs, and those who dream of having a dog of their own. 

Beautifully told, not one word needed. 
                                                                                   

All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done At Night, written by Polly Faber and illustrated by Harriet Hobday. Nosy Crow, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Hassan and Amina keep people safe 
at night. They wait in their police car, 
ready to go wherever they are needed. 

Tonight they were called because there 
was a noise in the street. 

Hassan and Amina discover that some 
garbage cans were knocked over by a 
family of foxes!" 

It is always interesting when children learn about what many people do at night while they are sleeping. Many have bedtime worries about monsters and other things that go bump in the night. In fact, there are numerous jobs being done while they are trying to rest up for tomorrow. 

The young girl who narrates this story recognizes one of those important workers; it is her mother. As they wave goodbye, readers will see others on the street waiting for a bus, and riding a delivery bike. In the pages that follow, the author visits workplaces and talks about the work being done in quiet spaces as well as a variety of businesses that are open all night.

Sammy cleans an office; Georgio keeps a careful watch on all areas of the building he protects; Hassan and Amina keep a watchful eye on city streets to keep the public safe; Kisi offers updated news reports; and a musical trio provides entertainment for music lovers who have gathered together to listen. Perhaps listeners will have their own ideas about those doing jobs not mentioned here. 

Digital illustrations done in paint and colored pencil are filled with sky-changing colors, detailed images of an assortment of workers and scenes that show kindness and helpfulness as the hours pass. So much happens when many of us are sleeping. 

"While I am sleeping, so many important jobs  
are being done. Like my mom's!

With her big orange bus, she gets
everybody just where they need to be."

Kids will feel a sense of calm in learning about just some of those jobs that must be done at night. There is much to see here, and lots to discuss. It's a great read for the classroom, or as a family bedtime story. What else do people do at night?                                                                   

The Prisoner and the Writer, written by Heather Camlot and illustrated by Sophie Casson. Groundwood, 2022. $14.99 ages 12 and up

"At the lowest point in his life,
Alfred has nothing left to lose. 
Guards follow him wherever he goes. 
They watch him day and night, even 
when he's chained to his bed, unable 
to move.

                   Unable to sleep."

It has been more than 125 years since Emile Zola wrote 'J'Accuse', an open letter to the president of the French Republic in support of Captain Alfred Dreyfus who had been wrongly accused of treason. Dreyfus was imprisoned on Devil's Island, in exile and entirely alone. Zola, well-regarded and very popular, chose to expose the injustice of the Dreyfus' trial to all who would listen. 

The attention that his letter brought to the plight of Captain Dreyfus was met with worldwide condemnation. To be tried and convicted of treason because of his Jewish heritage was abominable. Anti-Semitism was not to be tolerated. While Dreyfus languished in prison with little hope for his future, Zola continued to put pressure to have him released. Eventually, Dreyfus was pardoned and returned home to his family. 

It did not end there, as we well know. Zola faced much criticism and hatred for speaking the truth. Jewish people today continue to be victimized by hatred and disinformation, as do many others. It is critical that people stand up to injustice wherever it rears its ugly head.  

Written for middle-grade readers, the novel is focused on both men with powerful words and images that bring this famous story to new life and reminds readers that they do have a voice, and can stand up to those who spread hatred and lies. It takes courage; ultimately, it is worth it. 

Valuable and compelling. 

Bedtime for Bo, written by Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold and illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen. Translated from Norwegian by Kari Dickson. Enchanted Lion Books. 2022. $29.95 ages 3 and up

"Mommy laughs. 
"It's bedtime, Bo."

Bo stands on one leg.
"I'm already asleep!"

"What do you mean?" asks Mommy. 

"I'm a parrot," says Bo."

As bedtime approaches, Bo is full of energy. His mother is calm, letting him know that bedtime has arrived. Bo likes what he's doing. He likes 'tumblesaulting', and singing, and playing with his many toys and stuffed animals. Not wanting to go to bed, he begins with reasons for not complying. First, he's a parrot and his stance is the one parrots use to prove they are sleeping. His mother agrees that he is right about the way parrots sleep, and wonders if her parrot might like something to eat. Turns out he is ready for porridge and blueberries. 

Once done, they move upstairs to the bath, and the conversation between the two continues. Bo pretends to be one animal after another. Mom provides additional information relating to his choices. First the bath, then teeth cleaning. Mom continues to acknowledge how those various animals sleep.  Into the bedroom they go to put on his pajamas. He ends up under the bed with his canine companion. When he tires of that he does a headstand, pretending to be a bat. That doesn't last long; soon, he climbs into his bed and cuddles up. 

Bo's mom has patience to burn, and a willingness to accept her son's reluctance for bedtime. However, her ability to treasure his imaginative ways while also teaching him quietly and efficiently about animals and the world is a pleasure to watch. All the while, she is doing exactly what she needs to do to prepare Bo for a good night's sleep. Bravo! 

"Now you're a mob of meerkats,"
says Mommy. "You sleep all snuggled 
up, over and under each other. That's 
how you keep yourselves warm."

Bo rubs his eyes and yawns again. 
He feels so tired."

The illustrations are a wonder. Filled with bright colors and humor, Ms. Johnsen creates a child's world that is sure to please young listeners. Loose and busy with action, they definitely enhance the learning for how other creatures of the natural world get themselves ready for rest, and how Bo's mom uses all her skills to make bedtime a pleasurable experience for both.                                                                          

                                                                

The Real DADA Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense. Written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Julia Rothman. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $25.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Hickory, dickory, dock. 
The mouse ran up the clock.

The clock struck one,
And down he run. 

The clock struck two, 
He turned bright blue. 

The clock struck three, 
Afternoon tea. 

The clock struck four, 
He gave a roar."

If you are expecting to hear that this is very funny book of poetry because you are a Jon Scieszka fan, you are not wrong. Basing the poetry presented here on three features of the Dada art movement (irrationality, humor, and silliness), he has created a book that will be much admired by a middle grade audience.

"New Dada Geese, 
When they want to wander, 
Play around with old rhymes, 
To make them goofy grander."

To that end, he has chosen six original nursery rhymes, presenting each one first in its original form.  Following that, he pens six Dada versions for each one. Ingenious and hilarious, they will be read often. 

Both text and illustrations are based on Blanche Fisher Wright's The Real Mother Goose (1916). As Mr. Scieszka plays with words, so Ms. Rothman offers varied looks at the subjects and their shenanigans. Each new poem is framed by images that encourage laughter and help bring the text to life. Moving from one form to another, her interpretations add context and enjoyment. 

Extensive backmatter follows. These notes include definitions, and explanations for the forms included in the collection. They will be helpful for readers, and for teachers using this excellent resouce in their classrooms, be it Language Arts or art itself. Attention is given to Blanche Fisher Wright and her work, as well as a list of her published titles. 

Watch carefully for the Dada Geese included in much of the artwork. Meant for kids and adults, this book of poetry is sure to find an audience. Deservedly so.                                                                               

What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? Written and illustrated by Emma Carlisle. templar books, Candlewick. Penguin Random House, 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Let's take a peek under the roots.
Can you see babies curled up with their mothers?

Did you know that trees have families, too? 
They can speak to their sisters and brothers. 

Does this tree think? 
Does this tree feel?"

Looking at trees outside my window today is magical. They are covered in hoarfrost that only adds to the beauty they already provide. We have had days of it ... I don't remember that happening in a long time. 

Seeing those trees turns to thoughts of other trees, and this book that shows a young child obviously intrigued by the huge tree in her own backyard. Thinking about that leads to noticing other trees as she and her mother take a walk in their community, and to taking the time to notice all of those that  surround her. By looking closely, there is much to discover. 

"They are all different, special, unique ... 

just like the trees long before." 

They have their own names and shapes. They have different purposes: climbing, shading, providing a habitat for a variety of creatures, and protection during rainstorms. Knowing all that we now know about trees and their ability to communicate with each other, the author encourages readers to think on many levels about trees and their feelings. 

Rhyming text, accompanied by pencil and watercolor illustrations, invite readers to think about trees in all seasons, at all stages of development, in past and future times, and in different ways than they might have considered at any other time until now. 

Backmatter offers more about trees including listening to the sounds they make, the ways they communicate with each other, and encouragement to take a lesson from trees to try being more like them. An author's note is also included that explains what led to the writing of this book.                                                                                     

Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure, written by Megan Wagner LLoyd. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 8 and up

 

 "Three days hammered in Haven's heart as she 
followed the fox back into the trees. She forgot 
her wet legs and paws. She forgot about the river
and the ravine. She forgot everything but three 
days to get back to Ma Millie."

What a lovely day for me today! I got some important work done, talked with four of my favorite people on FaceTime and the phone. It was another reading day and I started, and finished, Haven. It is an adventurous, tender, courageous, and emotional tale that offers well-developed characters to love, lots of action, and an engaging storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats at times and moving along to see what happens next. If you are looking for a family read, or a story to share in a grade 3, 4, 5 classroom, this might be just the ticket. 

After early trauma as a kitten in the forest, Haven is taken in by Ma Millie. She loves the smell of baking bread, the gentle care she gets from Ma, and the safe and comfy life of an indoor cat. When Ma Millie succumbs to a terrible illness, Haven decides she will do whatever it takes to get her help, and save her. Her first challenge is to find a way out of the house. Once outside, she is not sure what to do or where to look. She sets off anyway, determined to get help. 

Along the way she meets some pretty special animals who help her. Especially important is an intelligent and caring fox who leads her through the many dangers of the forest to a nearby town where help might be found. Told from three alternating perspectives, it is a harrowing journey that lasts three days. The two finally make it to their destination, only to find there is no help there. In an unexpected and terrifying twist, Haven herself must be saved. 

Haven's loyalty to her beloved Ma Millie and her trust in her  new friend awakens a confidence that takes her from one danger to the next. The action is at times fierce, and the conclusion is heartfelt. This is a courageous quest, and will be enjoyed by readers with enough independence to try a middle grade novel, or for older readers who need that same confidence. 

"You don't have to be big to be brave." 

Hey, Bruce! An Interactive Book, written and illustrated by Ryan T. HIggins. Disney*Hyperion. 2022. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Hey Bruce, do you 
want to be in our book? 
It's hyperactive. 

He means interactive.

Grrrrrrrrr!
I'm busy napping. 

Ooh! We 
can help!"

Poor Bruce! He is endlessly put-upon by Rupert, Thistle, and Nibbs, his mice friends from earlier stories. This time they want Bruce to be the star of their story. To that end, they have determined an interactive book will allow readers to have a say in what happens. It takes some explaining. Readers will soon get the picture. 

Thistle unknowingly provides the title while shouting over the title page; Hey Bruce! it is. It certainly brings Bruce front and center. Bruce is solidly asleep when the page is turned. Readers are invited to tap his shoulder to wake him. When that doesn't work, a harder tap is suggested. In surprise, Bruce falls off the tree branch that has been his bed. He is not interested in being the star of their book. The mice will not be deterred, although they will need help from readers ... again ... and again ... and then again. 

Adults will understand Bruce's reluctance to participate when all he wants to do is sleep. Kids will love the energy the three mice bring to making Bruce do what he does not want to do. The endless dialogue filled with wordplay that is giggle-worthy, and the truly comical situations that happen for Bruce as readers follow the silly directions given will fully entertain little ones as the book is read numerous times. 

Ryan T. Higgins has done it again! His fans and all who love Bruce will be delighted. 

https://youtu.be/Edlc7XZSZBU

The Blur: How Did We Get Here So Fast?, written by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"While those early days were a total blur, 
every now and then, 
time stood perfectly still. 

Until one day ... a first step, 
and the child became ... 
THE BLUR

ALWAYS ON THE MOVE!"

Although I have had The Blur on my shelf for a while, it seems appropriate to be telling you about it now. You will have lots of time to get a copy before one of your children, or someone else you know and love, approaches the end of high school and the anticipation of heading to college. The months in between now and then are directly related to what Minh Le is talking about in this book meant for children. It will also be fully appreciated by parents and teachers who have nurtured those children through life. 

It begins with the warm congratulations offered at the birth of a baby. Apparently, this one is quite different from others. It is in the way the baby makes wishes known, plays, entertains, and changes. Until real movement (walking, running, and generally wreaking havoc) things seem busy, but manageable. From that point on, there is no stopping the purposeful, forward movement she takes. After experiencing countless events and milestones, she is graduating high school ... and too soon, leaving for college studies. 

"How did we get here so fast? 

It's all a blur." 

Dan Santat does what he does best: he fills each spread with humor, movement and awareness. Parents will recognize themselves in some of his funniest scenarios. The joys, the fears, the pride are all evident in the parents' faces as their child speeds through life. Young listeners will very much enjoy hearing this terrific book, while parents will wax nostalgic over familiar scenes from their own lives.    

                                                                                

Beneath, written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

""Trying to guess what's beneath can be easy."
Grandpa whispered, 
"I think she's going to be a mom!

"Other times, what's beneath is a 
mystery. I'm not sure what it's 
digging for." 

The day begins badly. Finn hides under a quilt in the middle of the bed. Grandpa would like to talk about it; Finn does not. Determined that Grandpa will not understand the problem, Finn only agrees to a walk together if the quilt remains in place. Grandpa agrees to remember what is 'beneath' that covering. 

Surrounded by forest, the two head into it. When looking at the trees, Grandpa says he always remembers the parts he can't see. What lies beneath is part of what's growing above the ground. As they walk, he reminds his emotional grandchild that what is beneath can be easy to understand, or not. 

As they wander with Grandpa sharing his observations, Finn's head appears and interest in what is happening around them sparks a change. As their walk pauses, Grandpa observes that someone who looks like they might not understand is, in fact, someone who feels exactly the same. Things have changed for his young grandchild as they walked. Finn is now ready to share the quilt with Grandpa, and look to the stars while also thinking about all that lies beneath. 

If you remember The Rabbit Listened (Dial, 2018), you won't be surprised to see this book is also filled with emotion and understanding. Using digital paint, Ms. Doerrfeld creates a story filled with warmth and heartbreak, shown clearly in the spread where both characters have a broken heart. The final endpaper offers an explanation, with a stitched message from Gramma on the quilt's back.  

Beautifully told and illustrated, what a grand way to begin a new publishing season!                                                                    

When Things Aren't Going Right, GO LEFT. Written by Marc Colagiovanni and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Orchard Books, Scholastic. 2023. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"I remembered the pain
and how scared I was. 
I started thinking - 

Maybe I shouldn't 
try this again? 

So you know what I did? 
I left behind my fears. 
             Yup!" 

I like the sentiment of this book. When nothing is going right, what can a person do? Marc Colagiovanni suggests changing the trajectory of the path you are on ... go left! The earnest narrator is quick to explain that by going left worries are left behind. Put them down and walk away. 

Peter Reynolds' illustrations show him walking away from a box filled with worries. The worries, pictured as small, red monsters, do their best to get him to come back. They are worried about themselves, and want someone to be concerned about what will happen to them. On the child walks. Doubts arise, and they soon are also left on the ground to fend for themselves. They are not pleased. 

Are the decisions made the right ones? Well, all worries and doubts ARE left on their own. Thinking clearly about what comes next is the promising result of those actions. Arriving at a pool, with its high diving board, brings a memory of an earlier time of pain. Fearing that another try might bring the same result, he puts down those fears and climbs the ladder. Yep, it stung just as much the second time. Oh, well. Put those frustrations where all worries, doubts, and fears now have a place ... on the ground.

Give it another try! A perfect dive is the amazing result. 

"I started to realize, the more left I went, 
           the more right I felt!"

It's a message that works best for kids old enough to take it to heart, and do their best to try to change how things are going in their lives. Their ability to think abstractly about the things that tend to weigh them down (and we are learning there are many) will allow them to hear this message that has them looking to let go of as much as they can ... for a while at least. 

https://youtu.be/RjI8-zTsK4o

Dark on Light, written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala. Beach Lane Books, 2022. $25.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Green the sage, nubby and bright.
Garden and stones and dark on light. 

Inviting the trail. Timid the fawn.
Dark the hedge that borders the lawn."

As the sun sets and evening brings muted light and shadows, an adventurous puppy makes its way along the path and away from home. Three children watch from the window, then decide on a pursuit of their own. With flashlight in hand, they are off to find that sneaky pup. As night darkens the sky, they wander out their gate and along the path to places further afield. 

As they search, they also take the time to enjoy the many delights of nature as they pass lavender blooming in the field, an owl searching for prey by the light of the moon, and a variety of other forest creatures who share the natural surroundings they are so enjoying. It takes time; finally, they find that scamp hiding in a shallow burrow. Returning the way they came, they are awed by the height of the surrounding trees and their darkness against the starlit sky. What wonder nature presents for their enjoyment! 

Once home again, they are met with open arms, warm snuggles and a bedtime story meant to soothe and satisfy.     

Ms. Sala's watercolor, gouache and pencil artwork provides a perfect accompaniment to Ms. White's expressive text. Together, they create a world of wonder in the nighttime for their young readers. There is much to discover in the book's pages. Repeated readings will result.                                                                                      

Frances in the Country, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Sean Qualls. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"So Frances visits her 
cousins in the country, 
where hay is for hiding. 

And cats are for catching. 

And roads are for racing down."

Frances is a kid who lives in the city; she is not sure it is the right place for her. She can't run in the house. Everywhere she goes, there are too many people and not enough space. There are constant rules for behavior and always worries about safety. 

A visit to her country cousins helps Frances experience a much happier place for her to be. She can hide in the hay, run down long, quiet roads, and bask in the joy of free play. It is very different from her life in the bustling urban landscape that is her home. It's hard for Frances when the time comes for her to return home. 

"The lake says Look! 
The horse says Hush.
And the cousins say 
Come back soon."

The parallel stories created to give readers a glimpse at both places are engaging and telling. When it is time to leave Frances knows that a return visit is always possible. It makes the leaving easier. Waving goodbye, she reminds her cousins that they have an open invitation to visit her at her home in the city. She knows there will be much for them to enjoy there. Being away has made her aware of the familiar and special things she has missed while she has been away. Besides that, she has missed her mama and her sisters! That feeling is mutual. She has been missed. 

Sean Qualls contrasts the rural and urban landscapes using acrylic paint, collage, and pencil. While showing the joy felt in the freedom of country, he also makes city life shine when Frances returns with a renewed gratitude for the life she has with her family there.

What's Your Name, written and illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"A name is a question, 
                   Dara?
a warning,
                    JAMES.
a taunt.                     
                    Messy Jesse! 

 A name has the power 
to worry, to haunt. 
                      Dracula?"

Was there ever a time when you wanted to change your name? Does that happen to all of us? This engaging book helps young readers see just how important names are. They are meaningful, and are given for a wide variety of reasons. They may be handed down from generation to generation, or chosen as a celebration for the season, birthplace, or in homage to someone greatly admired. Some parents go to great lengths to find unique and meaningful names for their children. 

Each spread is filled with scenes created in 'traditional printmaking methods and assembled digitally'. They invite close observation of numerous scenarios that effectively explore a community of diverse characters who show that names have many purposes, values, meanings, and histories. The speech bubbles are a perfect way to invite exploration. 

"I'm Cherimoya, 
like the fruit.
But you can 
call me Cherry! 

You're the 
only Cherimoya 
I know!

I'm Bob."

What happens if the name doesn't fit? Does a child grow into it? Can it be changed? Sometimes a nickname takes on new meaning, making it seem more fitting. There is constant encouragement to take a close look at given names. The energetic rhyming text offers the chance to stop and consider just exactly what listeners are thinking as the book is shared. 

A just-right final question assures a happy response! 

I love the use of red for every single name. What fun for attentive readers to take the time to look carefully for their own, or someone they know. Endpapers explore the variety in given names, and provide an idea for creating a name splash in classrooms and at home. 
                                                                                  

New From Here, written by Kelly Yang. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $12.95 ages 8 and up

"I think it’s important to contain the virus and
protect people, but I also think that we should
not use this as an excuse to be hateful toward
people just because of where they came from.
In moments of human tragedy, we need to
show compassion and kindness."

As tired as the world is of dealing with COVID-19 and its many complications (including a new strain now proving its ability to infect at a much quicker rate), I think that stories such as this one are important. I wonder how long it will be until our children have forgotten how the world changed as the result of a world-wide pandemic. 

This story about the Wei-Evans family starts in Hong Kong as the coronavirus begins to ramp up. Work has taken the family there; now, a quick decision has been made to return to their home in California where it is assumed the family will be safe. Dad has to stay behind for work. For Knox, a ten-year-old who has struggles with change, two days is not nearly enough time to prepare for the move and leave his father. 

His first days at a new school are a shock. Because he is Asian, his classmates think he is partly responsible for the virus spreading. The family deals with racism in a number of places. At home, his mother is reeling from losing her Hong Kong job which she thought could be done remotely. Worries over the loss of health insurance for her family and her search to find a new job has anxiety for all at a high level. When all flights are cancelled due to  COVID concerns, the family has no idea when they will see Dad again. 

Knox is the middle child, and often finds himself in trouble due to his need for movement and his propensity for 'blurting-out' exactly what he is thinking. He is annoying to his older brother Bowen, and does his best to play with and distract his younger sister Lea. He keeps himself busy, otherwise, with his soccer ball. 

Complications pile one on top of the other; life is not nearly as idyllic as their mother had promised. The three children are determined to find a way to bring their father home. As they try a number of unsuccessful ways to make the money needed, they learn a lot about each other, togetherness, tenacity, and the hard work it takes to remain hopeful. Knox's first-person narrative is at times humorous, often filled with worry and concern, and compelling. It's a timely story, and would be a welcome readaloud in a middle years classroom, offering much to discuss together. 

An author's note is appended.  

The Tray of Togetherness, written and illustrated by Flo Leung. Owlkids, 2022. $19.95 ages 3 and up

 

"And there are so many delicious 
New Year wishes ... 

Candied coconut 
for strong family ties

Watermelon seeds 
for a large family

Candied kumquats 
for wealth 

Peanuts 
for a long life 

Candied lotus root 
for abundance 
year after year 

Candies 
for a sweet life"

Looking out the window to discover Grandma downstairs ups the excitement for the young girl who shares this story about celebrating the Lunar New Year at a party for family, friends and neighbors. Her grandmother has come to join in the festivities. There is much work yet to be done. 

There will be games, music and dancing, and a Tray of Togetherness filled with 'lucky sweets' to be shared with all guests. First, a trip to the market is needed to purchase the treats that will fill the eight sections of the tray itself. She tells readers that eight is a lucky number meant to bring much happiness to all. 

Each of the eight treats is specially chosen. They are purchased, and then consumed for their meaning in making for a happy life. Each is used for wish-making and for passing on those wishes to others. As they make their way home, many ways are shown to pass along sweets to others. Finally, the party is on and all those invited have come to enjoy the happy New Year! 

The telling is simple and filled with cheer. The illustrations bring a happy group together to celebrate in style. It's a delight for the senses. Ms. Leung's endnote presents a further explanation for this much-loved family tradition.

Mark your calendar for January 22 ... this year's Lunar New Year. 
                                                                           

Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam, written by Erin Silver. Orca Book Publishers. 2022. $$19.95 ages 9 and up

 

"Being stuck in traffic, waiting for a parking spot and ordering at a drive-through restaurant have something in common. They all mean your car is idling, which is where it burns fuel but isn't moving. Millions of cars and trucks idle every day. It's bad for the planet and our health."

This book about traffic and its effects on all of us is the 23rd addition to the Orca Footprints series of books that deal with questions kids have about the natural world. They help provide answers for those concerns, and offer ways for kids to get involved and take action to make the world a safer and better place.  

It is a worthy introduction for middle grade readers. Ms. Silver discusses some of the problems faced when we use automobiles as the main way to move from one place to another. People living in large places with dense populations know what traffic jams are like. That congestion causes untold problems because of time issues, accidents, and construction. 

Following an explanatory introduction, the author divides her text into four timely and informative chapters: Collision Course, Go With the Flow, Driving Into the Future, and How Kids Can Help Drive Change. She provides a short and welcome history of North American transportation which begins with canoes, and ends with what we have today, and how that growth necessitated changes in how traffic has been controlled. 

Because of the ever-growing number of cars being built, the number of vehicles on roads which stands at over one billion today is expected to double by 2050. It is hard to imagine how that will impact people everywhere. Time spent in traffic is not only frustrating, it is contributing toxic gases into the environment and resulting in global warming.

As I have mentioned when talking about previous books in this fine series, the design of the series is conversational, the photos contribute to the reader's understanding of the issues being discussed, and charts help create a clear understanding for the unfathomable numbers shared. Some cities are working hard to come up with viable solutions to handle the difficulties faced. Some are easier than others. All are worth discussing. She discusses things that have been tried, other means of travel, and the unique development of 20-minute neighborhoods - 'livable neighborhoods in which people can live, work, and play within a 20-minute walk from home.' It is a very interesting concept. 

There are many suggestions that are sure to interest and intrigue her target audience. In the final chapter, she shows kids how they can help make the changes needed. They can model behaviors for their parents and other adults. It's not going to happen with one person in one day, one month, one year; any positive step forward makes a difference and working together for the greater good is certainly a worthy goal. 

A glossary and index are included in back matter, as well as a list of resources for further study. 

https://youtu.be/LIkoxMG50BE

Polar Bear, written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2022. $ 24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Mother stops, sniffs, stands.
Nothing is familiar. 
Not the smell of the air. 
Not the feel of the ice. 
For the first time in her life,
she does not know where she is. 
What has happened to the Arctic 
spring world she has always known?
All she can see is water."

I hope you have read Honeybee (Neal Porter, 2020) and Giant Squid (Roaring Brook, 2016). If not, you might want to see if you can find them at the library. This team now bring us the story of a polar bear family (mother and young) trying to acclimate to their changing northern landscape. We meet the three in April, warm in their den. The mother is ready to leave this safe place and venture outdoors with her babies in tow. 

It is time to go home, to find food, and to teach her young to survive. The two little ones are scared in this new world. For a week, they leave and return to the den, all the while learning about this unfamiliar environment. Instinctively, Mother knows their route and destination. She is going back to where she came from before the birth of her cubs. She protects them from danger, hurries them along, and finally reaches the shore she is seeking. Hudson Bay ... home and hungry! 

They are now faced with a new and different kind of danger. The ice is melting too fast, making it very difficult to hunt the food she needs. As days pass, she is able to find sustenance and teach the cubs how to hunt for themselves. By June, they are far out on the ice with the threat of melting snow making the hunt more crucial to their survival before the long, lean summer. 

"Mother's instinct tells her they must swim for shore. 
Adult bears can swim sixty miles nonstop. 
But not young cubs. 
Can they survive? 

As she leads them into the Arctic waters, she hopes they will be strong enough to make the long and arduous swim. Here, a fantastic double gatefold allows young readers to see the three take the plunge. Open it further, and all there is to see is water from edge to edge along a wide horizon. It seems endless and impossible. When they finally reach safety, the exhausted cubs sleep next to the warmth of their mother's body. From July until September, they wait for the ice. once fed and ready for another long winter sleep, they spend their last season together. The cubs will then leave their mother and make a life for themselves. 

The writing is stellar, matched by the equally amazing artwork that fully unveils the majesty of the bears and the extraordinary northern setting. This is another triumph for a gifted team. Back matter provides a captioned illustration of the polar bear, information about the ice, 'cool' facts, and a useful list of resources for follow-up learning.                                                                                     

Unstoppable Us, Volume 1: How Humans Took Over the World, written by Yuval Noah Harari and illustrated by Ricard Zaplana Ruiz. Penguin Random House, 2022. $29.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Our ancestors were the only ones who knew 
how to cooperate in large numbers, even with 
strangers. More people cooperating meant 
more ideas about how to make tools, find 
food, and heal wounds ... Sapiens could 
rely on lots of people they didn't know well." 

My son-in-law and others have certainly sung praises for Sapiens (2015), which is an explanation for adults about how, although weaker, humans through history managed to dominate all other animals. I was intrigued but did not read it. When I read that Mr. Harari had written this book for a younger audience, I was in. Even more intrigued now, I was quick to get a copy and quicker to read it. 

The author's ability to tell a spirited story for his intended audience kept me reading and totally engrossed with our past history. Middle grade students will have no problem understanding the events from a distant past that led to humans 'taking over the world'. Graphic artwork by Ricard Ruiz is integral to understanding. Large and small illustrations add context at every turn, allowing readers to note through perspective, fine details and adherence to the words presented, the trajectory of the human ability to use storytelling and resourcefulness to succeed and thrive.   

Well-designed in every way, it is fully accessible to readers. Big ideas and questions are bolded for emphasis, humor is evident, and big concepts are explained by relating them to the reader's life. Topics are consistently connected to each other. The author reminds his audience that not every question has an answer, and provides a just-right amount of information to keep readers engaged. This is a worthy introduction to human history, and identified as Volume 1. Humans, during the period of time covered in this book, did not know they were pushing many large animals toward extinction. Today, we know better. We are sure to learn more about more modern times and what's to come in the future in his next book. Four volumes are planned. 

The dedication to this book reads: “To all beings — those gone, those living and those still to come. Our ancestors made the world what it is. We can decide what the world will become.” 

https://youtu.be/e_wqfqGE4_g

Dreamer: Akim Aliu. Growing Up Black in the World of Hockey, written with Greg Anderson Elysee and illustrated by Karen De La Vega. graphix, Scholastic, 2023. $19.99 ages 9 and up

 

"I just kept hearing my parents' words in my head ... 

I know this is home, but neither of you has a future here. 
We need to leave this country for you to be able to SUCCEED AND PROSPER in life. 

No matter what happens, your mother and I are going to build a better life for the two of you. 
No matter what ... "

This powerful graphic novel is one of the first books published in a collaboration between Colin Kaepernick and Scholastic. Dreamer is the story of a mixed-race hockey player whose journey from his Ukraine homeland to Canada culminates in his playing in the NHL.

Life in the Ukraine was not easy for the family. They felt the sting of racism from people in their community and from their own grandfather. When their parents made the difficult decision to move, their two sons were very unhappy. They did not want to move to Canada. Once settled life was not easier. Their father worked two jobs to support his family while also studying. Speaking Russian and being black made Akim very visible in his new school, and racism raised its ugly head again. 

What made life bearable was Akim's love for hockey, and time. From the moment he saw the sport being played on a neighborhood rink, he became obsessed with learning how to play himself. He worked hard with support from his family, and got better and better. His favorite hockey player was Eric Lindros ... he wanted to be the same kind of player. Racism raised its ugly head on many occasions. No matter how hard he worked and how good he was at playing the sport he loved, racism was evident; two people in particular made his hockey career miserable. Player Steve Downie and Coach Bill Peters were responsible for the traumatic, systemic racism and abuse that led to Akim finally speaking out about his experiences. 

From a boy who believed in his heart that 'hockey was for everyone' to a man who discovered it was not, Akim's integrity and bravery led to making a difference for all players of color who continue to experience this bigotry from players and fans. In 2020, with six other active and former NHL players, the Hockey Diversity Alliance was announced. It is a non-profit organization designed to introduce hockey to Indigenous and other young players of color; hopefully, it will make hockey a better place for all. At that time, Akim also established the Time to Dream Foundation to make all sports available to youth without attention being paid to race, gender, or socioeconomic status. 

Let all Dreamers reach their goals. 

What an incredible book this is! Told in first-person with honesty and hope for a better future, it should be available in middle and high school classrooms, in hockey locker rooms, in school libraries and shared with all sports fans, no matter their age.  

Finding My Dance, written by Ria Thundercloud and illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 9 and up

 

"I was nervous when we arrived at 
the first powwow where I would 
dance alone, even though my family
would be following behind me. 

The powwow was packed! But right
before the first drumbeat sounded, 
my youngest brother walked over
and whispered in my ear, 

"Dance hard." "

Ria Thundercloud is a professional Indigenous dancer. In this autobiography, she explains that her journey to performance began with an orange jingle dress gifted to her when she was only four years old. Her cultural heritage is the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin and the Sandia Pueblo in New Mexico. Though they are very different, both nations honor dance. 

Ria learned from her mother that the jingle dress was a healing dress, and by dancing in it Ria was sending blessings to all who watched her. Dancing in that dress resulted in her being a part of the powwow circle. With her brothers she began a summer life that took them from one powwow to the next, dancing with power and spirit, and basking in the warmth of the people in attendance and the powwow circle itself. As they travelled, her love for dance continued to grow. 

She tried its many forms, and loved them all. Dance was her dream, and she was living that dream. A dancer's life wasn't perfect ... it was hard work. That hard work wasn't nearly as hard as spending days at school where Ria was shy and often alone. Once she graduated, she travelled the world because of her passion for it and tremendous talent. Always in her heart were her ancestors and her love for home.  

"No matter how far I went,
I would always return to my
homelands, to the sound of the drums." 

Personal, thought-provoking, abundant with the traditions of her culture ... and filled with unending pride.                                                                             

My Fade Is Fresh, written by Shauntay Grant and illustrated by Kitt Thomas. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"How 'bout a trim
that tucks it in?"

"A frizzy "FRO that's 
neat and round."

"Or parted with a parting 
comb and CORNROWS

braided 

to 

the 

ground."

This bright and colorful book opens to a spread of a young girl and her mother on their way to the barber shop. There is excitement in the air, and happy greetings from the other kids on the block. It's a story from yesterday when the two entered the shop, the little one sporting a head full of 'brownish, biggish hair and a plan for change. The stylist wants to know what her plan is. 

"THE FRESHEST FADE 
UP ON THE BLOCK!"

Everyone in the shop has an opinion about numerous traditional hairstyles that she should try. The child is insistent that she wants a fade. The hair gets shorter and shorter; the adults become more and more upset with what is happening right before their eyes. The child will not be deterred. No dyeing, no tapering, no twisting. There is no end to the advice given. Finally, it's done ... and it's perfect. 

Today she's back on the block to walk right past that barbershop and show them all how GOOD she looks! 

The rhyming text works beautifully, the dialogue is filled with suggestions for what she should want, and the illustrations are filled with the warmth of community, the energy of the crowd of customers, the humorous, expressive characters and the suggestions they make. The determination of the child never diminishes despite all the helpful opinions. 

                                                                                       

Witch Hazel, written and illustrated by Molly Idle. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2022. 23.99 ages 3 and up

"In the summer, Hilda helped give 
the music room an airing. The old 
piano bench creaked a bit as Hazel 
sat upon it. 

Hazel creaked a bit, too."

Who knew that an artist could create a heartfelt book of friendship and loss using sepia tones throughout? We might have expected such beauty from the very talented Molly Idle. In this book about young Hilda who helps her aging friend Hazel with seasonal chores, readers are witness to memories being made and shared. 

Hilda is there to hear about past days in Hazel's life. As Hazel dusts those memories off, the color white is added to the pages to show exactly what she is remembering. Hazel's broom creates movement shown on wordless pages that is fascinating to see and sure to draw readers from one lovely page to the next. Her spring memory swirls around Hilda, showing all that Hazel remembers from when she was young and loved to read Peter Pan. The summer memory shows a young woman who loves a bird, and playing the piano accompanied by the bird's lilting song. 

Fall means cleaning cobwebs from parlor portraits and a long story about an even older woman who owned a glass slipper and attended a ball as the belle. In winter, Hazel is bedridden; Hilda tends to her needs and keeps her company. Now, it is Hilda with memories to share ... and share them she does until Hazel no longer has a need for them. 

The following spring brings a change. 

"In the spring, Hilda swept the front porch. 
She brushed the tears from her cheeks ...
and the dust from the steps ... 

... and smiled."    

Lovely, just lovely.