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Children's Bookwatch

Volume 29, Number 9 September 2019 Home | CBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Writing/Publishing Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Art Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Science Shelf World History Shelf Picturebook Shelf
Bilingual Shelf Easy Reader Shelf ABC Shelf
Board Book Shelf Environmental Shelf Biography Shelf
General Fiction Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Activity Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf Audiobook Shelf
Music CD Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf Multimedia Shelf
Geography Shelf Christian Shelf Judaic Shelf
Parenting Shelf Holocaust Studies Shelf Books in Series
Story Monsters Ink Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice


9/11 Courage and Tributes
Kristie Kiernan Bouryal, author
Gabe & Haruka Ostley, illustrators
Context Productions
www.contextproductions.com
9781732991347, $24.99, HC, 58pp, www.amazon.com

Based on true events, "9/11 Courage and Tributes" is an explanation for children ages 7-11 about the infamous events that happened when America was attacked on its own soil for the first time since the end of World War II. Tyler, Olivia and Sophia are spending the weekend with their grandparents to learn more about September 11, 2001. The family visits very special tributes created to honor and remember people who lost their lives that day. By asking questions and actively listening, the kids learn about 9/11's lasting impact and the courage of everyday heroes, including their role in our nation's largest water evacuation. Join in their discoveries. "9/11 Courage and Tributes" will help the children of today and tomorrow to never forget what happened on 9/11 and how American responded. While unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "9/11 Courage and Tributes" is also available in a paperback edition (9781732991354, $12.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).

Float: A Guide to Letting Go
Aimee L. Ruland, author
Carl R. Anderson, illustrator
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.lovinghealing.com
9781615994601, $26.95, HC, 34pp, www.amazon.com

"Float: A Guide to Letting Go" is a picture book approach to encouraging children to process their emotions gently and in a way that allows them purposeful ownership of what they think and how they feel. It will aid them in identifying the root of their feelings, help them to examine their reactions to emotions and decide for themselves what they may be ready to release. The thoughtful use of color and symbols, and the guided practice of breathwork, encourages children ages 5-8 to maintain a broad focus as they become more grounded and aware. The playful rhyme dances with young readers as they grow on their journey to the present, where they are beautifully set free as they: Learn how to identify and examine emotions; Understanding how to release unwanted thoughts and feelings; Give themselves permission to acknowledge, accept, feel and heal in a unique way. While unreservedly recommended and fully endorsed for family, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Float: A Guide to Letting Go" is also available in a paperback edition (9781615994595, $15.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.95).

The Awfulizer
Kristin Maher, author
Robert Dunn, illustrator
National Center for Youth Issues
www.ncyi.org
9781937870584, $9.95, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com

James' life changes the day he meets The Awfulizer, a strange monster with a giant nose and breath that smells like pickles. The Awfulizer follows James everywhere he goes and reminds him of all the things he has done wrong. When James finally tells his parents all about The Awfulizer, they help him understand that talking about his feelings gives him a super power. It turns him into The Awesomizer! And James realizes that even though The Awfulizer might be big and persistent, up against the Awesomizer, he will always lose. Helping children ages 5-8 deal with the social issue of shaming, "The Awfulizer" is unreservedly recommended and wholeheartedly endorsed for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book?
Ally Carter
Scholastic, Inc.
www.scholastic.com
9781338212266, $18.99 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com

Ally Carter's Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book? will inspire any preteen or teen writer with specifics on how to write an entire book, or what to do with one's finished manuscript. Ally Carter offers practical tips and inspiration from her own career as she considers how books are written, published, marketed, and how to improve the odds for publication. Contributions from other successful writers round out the wealth of practical advice.


The Social Issues Shelf

A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story
Erin Gunti, author
Esteli Meza, illustrator
Barefoot Books
www.barefootbooks.com
9781782858249, $16.99 HC, $8.99 PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com

"A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story" is simple, touching picture book by author Erin Gunti and illustrator Esteli Meza that shows children ages 4-7 a women's shelter through the eyes of a young girl, who with her mother's help, uses her imagination to overcome her anxiety and adjust. Includes factual endnotes detailing various reasons people experience homelessness and the resources available to help, "A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story" is thoroughly 'kid friendly' in its message and unreservedly recommended -- especially for community library collections and women's shelter resources.

Where There Is Love... We Are One
Marian S. Taylor
https://www.marianstaylor.com
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House, Inc.
PO Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
www.balboapress.com
9781982210823, $16.95, PB, 26pp, www.amazon.com

"Where There Is Love... We Are One" by Marian S. Taylor has as its focus, love and peace and unity. In this world of challenges, division, and differences, there is one concept that unifies us: love. No matter what nationality or religious belief, parents love their children, children love their parents, people love each other, and love feels the same no matter where we live or what language we speak. "Where There Is Love... We Are One" gives children a very clear look at the ways that we might be different our clothes, our nationality, and the color of our skin. But no matter these differences, love is the unifying factor, and each of us is responsible to bring this love and to share this love in the world. Offering a gentle and universal message, "Where There Is Love... We Are One" is an extraordinary and unreservedly endorsed addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Where There Is Love... We Are One" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).

Starlina & the Magic of Believing in Yourself
Kari Faarup, author
Marissa Cook, illustrator
Bishop-Howell Publishing
www.bishop-howellpublishing.com
9780999231203, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

"Starlina & the Magic of Believing in Yourself" is a heart-warming story about a little star named Starlina who no longer feels good about herself after she is picked on by other stars who refuse to play with her. Then one day she is given a magical poem by someone very special that changes the way she feels about herself. Starlina later learns the real power of the poem when she shares it with another star. Included in the back of the book is a copy of Starlina's magical poem to either be framed or shared with someone else. A perfect gift for children that have special needs or believe that they are different to share the message that they are perfect just as they are, "Starlina & the Magic of Believing in Yourself" by author Kari Faarup and illustrator Marissa Cook is unreservedly recommended. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Starlina & the Magic of Believing in Yourself" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

You Count, I Count: Your Life Has Purpose
Robin MacBlane, author
Larry Whitler, illustrator
Robin and the Giant
www.theworldofrobinandthegiant.com
9780578464909, $29.95 HC, $19.99 PB, 64pp, www.amazon.com

"You Count, I Count" is a picture book for children ages 4-7 that features the two characters named Robin and The Giant. Robin and The Giant are friends in the third grade. They attend school together in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City and who are going to see a concert by their favorite recording group. The group is called Count. Count has ten members. They are a very diverse group and they are all different in one way or another. Instead of names, each of the members of Count go by a number. One and Two are the lead singers. Three is the lead guitarist. Four is the drummer. Five plays keyboards. Six plays the upright bass. Seven plays the accordion. Eight plays the flute. Nine plays trumpet. And Ten plays the saxophone. Their most popular song is called "You Count, I Count." The message of the song is that everyone is important. Despite that message, Four, the drummer, is feeling less important than the other members of the band and he goes missing. Robin and The Giant sit in the theatre waiting for the concert to begin when, One, the male lead singer, announces to the audience that the show cannot go on until Four is found. Robin volunteers to go looking for Four and, toghether, Robin and The Giant search the neighborhood. But when they find him they realize that he is feeling unimportant. It becomes their mission to help him see that he is very important but the task is not an easy one because Four has a reason why he feels that each of the other members of the band count more than he does. An original story by Robin MacBlane, "You Count, I Count: Your Life Has Purpose is fully illustrated in expressive and colorful artwork of author/illustrator Larry Whitler. Younger readers will have another tool to become familiar with numbers while the more progressive readers will recognize the deeper meaning behind the story. Unique, charming, entertaining, and deftly presenting an constructive message about self-worth, "You Count, I Count: Your Life Has Purpose" is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.


The Art Shelf

Who's in the Picture?
Susie Brooks
Kingfisher
c/o Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
www.macmillan.com
9780753475034, $14.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com

"Who's in the Picture?: Take A Closer Look At Over 20 Famous Paintings" by Susie Brooks is a simple, engaging introduction for children ages 5-8 to art combines superb reproductions of an imaginative selection of artworks by artists ranging from Rousseau and Seurat to Mondrian and Van Gogh. With beautifully pitched text supported by friendly cartoon-style illustrations, "Who's in the Picture?" invites children to search for particular people or animals or other detail in the paintings displayed. Further questions encourage children to examine each artwork and to explain, very simply, what is happening in the pictures. Exceptionally 'kid friendly' in organization and presentation, "Who's in the Picture" is an extraordinarily entertaining and informative addition to family, elementary school, and community library Art History & Appreciation collections.

Great American Artists for Kids
MaryAnn F. Kohl & Kim Solga
Chicago Review Press
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.chicagoreviewpress.com
9781641601702, $19.99, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com

Comprised of fun and easy art-appreciation activities, "Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters" showcases 75 American artists ranging from colonial times to the present. A brief biography for each artist tells why his or her work is important, and a kid-tested art activity tries out the artist's approach. For Georgia O'Keeffe, children will explore the concept of distance and foreground in a desert painting. To understand Frederic Remington's sculptures, they will create a face cast. Leroy Nieman will inspire a sketch of athletes. And for James Whistler, children will explore portraiture. Projects stress the creative process and encourage kids to try unusual techniques such as block printing, soak-stain, and stone carving as they learn about architecture, drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. "Great American Artists for Kids" includes easy-to-follow icons to indicate the experience, preparation, and materials necessary for each project, as well as guides to the style, movement, or era of each artist. Of special note is the inclusion of resources that include websites for further research or artworks, a glossary, and a list of artists by style. Providing a unique, entertaining, informative, and effective instructional activities approach to art appreciation, "Great American Artists for Kids" is unreservedly endorsed and recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections for children ages 4-12.

The Greatest Color
Poopak Raad, author/illustrator
Shamim Dehghani, editor
Kindle Direct Publishing
www.KDP.com
9781718915879 $12.00 PB, $10.00 Kindle, 32 pages www.amazon.com

"The Greatest Color" is a beautiful color fable in which all the colors have an argument about which of the colors is the greatest, white, yellow, red, and black. When the artist Arthur finished a painting, he was pleased but so tired he forgot to wash all the paintbrushes, so they were left in the storage room with their colors and they began the debate amongst themselves as to which was the greatest color. Using poetry and imagery to appeal to the senses, the author/artist paints a picture of clamoring confusion between the equally convincing arguments of each of the colors about their greatness. Finally a color war broke out and the storage room became decorated with mixed splashes of all colors until the Used Shovel said: "Why is this place such a mess? Something needs to be done!" Then all the colors and brushes began to cooperate, and with Adam's help, the storage room gradually was cleaned up and repainted and decorated in exactly the best way, using red for the walls, white for the floors, yellow for the ceiling, and black for the window frame. Everything was much more beautiful, and the room inspired peace and happiness in others. When Adam hung his painting on the wall, four little birds with feathers colored red, yellow, black, and white flew into the sky towards the sun, together. Appealing to children's innate creativity, "The Greatest Color" ends with a page with brown background, asking what is the reader's favorite color, inviting him/her to describe why they liked it and how they felt about it. The last page is a blank brown and white illustration of the storage room, inviting the reader to paint or color it with their own choice of colors. "The Greatest Color" is a fable about celebrating diversity through art and literature. It holds vast appeal for children of all ages.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Bipolar Bear
Victoria M. Remmel
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764358050, $17.07, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com

Sometimes Bipolar Bear finds himself at the bright North Pole or the dreary South Pole. Using tools he finds either on his own or with the help of his family, he's able to make his way back to his home. Children ages 5-6 can cut out the sunglasses and the flashlight in the back to get involved, and the pages are flip through quickly, they just may find a nice surprise! Deftly addressing the psychological condition of being bipolar, "Bipolar Bear" is ideal for use with very young children and their parents.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

The Nutty Little Vulture
Marta Magellan, author
Mauro Magellan, illustrator
Eifrig Publishing
www.eifrigpublishing.com
9781632330802, $14.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

It is time for Little Vulture to start finding his own meals. But when he ventures out on his own, he discovers that none of the food the other vultures are sharing with him is tasty. On his journey, he discovers that not all vultures are carnivores which seems just a little bit nutty to him, too. A scrumptious book introducing the amazing world of vultures to kids, "The Nutty Little Vulture" is enhanced with the inclusion of a listing of Facts About Palm-Nut Vultures and a listing of Facts About Other Vultures. While especially and highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library wildlife picture book collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Nutty Little Vulture" is also available in a paperback edition (9781632330796, $9.99).

Animal Noses
Mary Holland
Arbordale Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.arbordalepublishing.com
9781607188056, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Noses come in all kinds of shapes and sizes that are just right for its particular animal host. Not only do most animals use their noses to breathe but for many animals, the sense of smell helps them find food, a mate, or even to know when danger is near! Following Animal Tails, Animal Eyes, Animal Mouths (NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Science Award), and Animal Legs, Mary Holland continues her photographic Animal Anatomy and Adaptations series in "Animal Noses" by exploring many different animal noses and how those noses help the animals survive in their habitats. While especially and very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book wildlife collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Animal Noses" is also available in a paperback edition (9781607188063, $9.95).

Growing Up Gorilla
Clare Hodgson Meeker
Millbrook Press
c/o The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
www.lernerbooks.com
9781541542402, $31.99, Library Binding, 48pp, www.amazon.com

"Growing Up Gorilla" by Clare Hodgson Meeker is heartwarming true story chronicles what happened after a mother gorilla gave birth for the first time and then walked away from her newborn baby at Seattle's Woodland Park. The dedicated staff worked tirelessly to find innovative ways for mother and baby to build a relationship. The efforts were ultimately successful, as baby Yola bonded with her mother and the rest of the family group. Profusely illustrated throughout with full color photography, and also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99), "Growing Up Gorilla" is especially and unreservedly recommended for children ages 8-12 and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, school, and community library Pets/Wildlife picture book collections.

Nose Knows
Emmanuelle Figueras, author
Claire De Gastold, illustrator
What On Earth Books
9781912920075, $21.99, HC, 38pp, www.amazon.com

"Nose Knows: Wild Ways Animals Smell the World" is a fun flap-filled book that charmingly informs children ages 7-11 how smell plays a key role in the lives of animals and shapes their behavior and relationships. Each individual flap reveals a hidden side to each environment that is only perceptible through smell. Young readers will watch a polar bear track its prey beneath the ice, join a column of marching ants, learn how to say hello to a family of forest piglets, and more! This large sized edition (9.8 x 0.6 x 13.2 inches) is especially recommended for family, elementary school, and community library Pets/Wildlife picture book collections.

A Children's Guide to Arctic Butterflies
Mia Pelletier, author
Danny Christopher, illustrator
Inhabit Media
9781772271775, $16.95, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com

There are 20,000 species of butterflies in the world, but only several dozen are found on the tundra of the North American Arctic. Many Arctic animals have warm, woolly coats, downy feathers, or thick layers of blubber, and Arctic butterflies appear fragile with their fluttering, delicate wings. Yet these hardy butterflies that live at the top of the world have many clever ways to keep themselves warm in cool summers and endure icy-cold winters. In "A Children's Guide to Arctic Butterflies", young readers ages 7-9 will learn about twelve of the butterflies that call the Arctic home and how they survive on the tundra from one season to the next. With a simple layout and easy-to-follow headings for each butterfly, this beautifully illustrated book is filled with fun, useful facts, including introductory material about the life cycle and anatomy of butterflies and how they begin life as caterpillars. Fun, informative, and unique, "A Children's Guide to Arctic Butterflies" is unreservedly endorsed and recommended for family, elementary school, and community library Pets/Wildlife collections.

Hawksbill Promise
Mary Beth Owens
Tilbury House, Publishers
9780884484301, $17.95, HC, 36pp, www.amazon.com

A simply beautifully presented picture book for children ages 4-8, Mary Beth Owens was inspired by her admiration and concern for these critically endangered animals to write and illustrate "Hawksbill Promise: The Journey of an Endangered Sea Turtle". The narrator (a craggy, ancient jumby tree that stands sentinel over the bay) observes a hawksbill's arrival by night, her arduous trek to excavate a nest and bury her eggs, her solitary return to the sea, and the later diaspora of her hatchlings. Spare prose complements pages saturated with Caribbean color or brooding in ghostly moonlight. Fully illustrated in color throughout, "Hawksbill Promise" is unreservedly recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library wildlife picture book collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Hawksbill Promise" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Diary of Tank the Tortoise
Heather Konet
Independently Published
www.stemshorts.com
9781797539843, $9.99, PB, 26pp, www.amazon.com

In "Diary of Tank the Tortoise" by Heather Konet, children ages 4-6 can experience life from the eyes of a young Horsfield tortoise named Tank. They will learn about how Tank was adopted by her human family and how she has adapted to her new home. Tank shares her stories with photographs showing important and humorous moments from her life. Kids will enjoy the candid photographs of Tank as they learn interesting facts about tortoises along the way. An entertainingly informative story that will have special appeal for kids who love turtles and reptiles, "Diary of Tank the Tortoise" is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book Pets/Wildlife collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Diary of Tank the Tortoise" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).


The Science Shelf

A Ray of Light
Walker Wick
Scholastic, Inc.
www.scholastic.com
9780439165877, $17.99 amazon.com

Walter Wick's A Ray of Light offers lovely color photo examples of how light is captured by the camera, blending science and photography with simple explanations of basic STEM principles. The color photos are exceptionally well done and bright, as befitting a book that focuses on shimmering colors and how they translate from the human eye to photographic achievement.

It's a Round, Round World!
Ellie Peterson
StarBerry Books
c/o Boyds Mills & Kane
https://boydsmillsandkane.com
9781635921281, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com

We all know the earth is round. But HOW do we know? Written and illustrated by Ellie Peterson, "It's a Round, Round World!" will enable children ages 6-10 to join intrepid young scientist-adventurer Joulia Copernicus as she takes young readers on a historical journey through time and space. From jumping on board Columbus's ship to planet-hopping in the outer reaches of our solar system, Joulia explains with humor and wit the ins and outs of how we learned that the earth is round! While especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book science collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "It's a Round, Round World!" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Eclipse
Darcy Pattison, author
Peter Willis, illustrator
Mims House
www.mimshouse.com
9781629441252, $23.99, HC, 34pp, www.amazon.com

In 1915, British astronomer Arthur Stanley Eddington was fascinated with Einstein's new theory of general relativity. The theory talks about how forces push and pull objects in space. Einstein said that the sun's gravity could pull and bend light. To test this, astronomers decided to photograph a solar eclipse. The eclipse would allow them to photograph the stars before and during the solar eclipse. If the star's position moved, then it was evidence that that light had bent. Eddington and his team traveled from England to the island of Principe, just off the African coast, to photograph the eclipse. In simple language, "Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein's Theory of General Relativity" is an illustrated picture book for children ages 6- 12 that deftly explains how the push (acceleration) and pull (gravity) of space affects light. Of special note is the back matter for "Eclipse" that includes information on Einstein, Eddington, and the original photograph of the 1919 solar eclipse. While unreservedly recommended and endorsed for family, elementary school, and community library Science collections for young readers, it should be noted that "Eclipse" is also available for personal reading lists in a paperback format (9781629441269, $10.99).

Chicken Little Investigates
Lois Wickstrom, author
Francie Mion, illustrator
Look Under Rocks
www.LookUnderRocks.com
9780916176426, $24.99 HC, $0.99 Kindle
9780916176365 $12.00, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com

"Chicken Little Investigates" is a charming re-imagining of the well known fable with a learning lesson about scientific observation built in. Part of a new science based folktales series, "Chicken Little Investigates" tackles the "sky is falling" traditional fable assumption by having Chicken Little and his friends, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, and Turkey Lurkey experiment with dropping different items to discover what always happened: namely that objects fall and make different sounds when dropped. The friends could not decide what to name the new discovery, because all the different items made different sounds when dropped. Thus, the friends decided to go to the King to ask His opinion. On the way they met the sly Foxy Woxy, who tried to trick them into becoming his lunch at his den. Fortunately all the fowl friends were clever and outwitted Foxy Woxy by dropping different things upon him until he gave up his fowl luncheon plans. Then they escaped to the King and told him their amazing discovery about dropping things and the sounds they made. The King made an experiment of his own: he dropped his crown, which went Plunk! So instead of naming the discovery Plop, Splat, Clatter, Jangle, or Flop, the King decided to name it Plunk! So Chicken Little and all his fowl friends used Plunk! to describe their new discovery whenever anything dropped. Charming, whimsical drawings in pastel shades portray Chicken Little and all his fellow experimenters with delicate humor. Kids will love this new image of Chicken Little with STEAM re-imaging.


The World History Shelf

Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide
Simonetta Carr
Chicago Review Press
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.chicagoreviewpress.com
9780914091714, $18.99, PB, 208pp, www.amazon.com

"Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide" by Simonetta Carr will teach children ages 9-12 to appreciate the rich culture of ancient Rome and the people who lived around them in fascinating cultures that are more relevant to our own times than many imagine. These other peoples included: The Etruscans, inhabitants of modern-day Tuscany, created a unique, colorful and highly refined culture, pioneering many elements of architecture, art and fashion that have been attributed to the Romans; The Celts, who have long captured popular imagination with fascinating stories of druids and magic potions, were a complex and resourceful population that left an important mark in much of Europe; The Carthaginians are normally remembered because of Hannibal's daring crossing of the Alps on African elephants, but there is much more to their history and culture, which made them for a time the most powerful force along the Mediterranean Sea. Well-researched and based on the latest findings, "Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide" offers a unique comparison of ancient civilizations that is also full of engaging activities that will give children a taste of what daily life in ancient times was like. While unreservedly endorsed and recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists (and home schooling parents) that "Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.72).


The Picturebook Shelf

Where Do Speedboats Sleep at Night?
Brianna Caplan Sayres, author
Christian Slade, illustrator
Random House Children's Books
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9781524765750 $16.99 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com

Where Do Speedboats Sleep at Night? is a children's picturebook, and part of a vehicular series. The whimsical, rhyming text speculates anthropomorphic boats in a charming, fun-filled manner. "Where do speedboats sleep at night / after a day of nonstop speeding? / Do moms say, 'Turn off your motor - / it's time for bedtime reading'?" The lively, colorful illustrations add the perfect touch to this playful bedtime picturebook. Also highly recommended are the other titles in the series, including "Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?", "Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas?", "Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night?", and "Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night?"

Cavekid Birthday
Cathy Breisacher, author
Roland Garrigue, illustrator
Charlesbridge Publishing
www.charlesbridge.com
9781580898768 $16.99 hc / $5.99 Kindle amazon.com

Cavekid Birthday is a charming children's picturebook set in prehistoric times (but apparently not before the tradition of birthday presents was established). Cavegirl trades her cherished tool collection for a gift for Caveboy, while Caveboy trades his beloved rock collection for a gift for Cavegirl. Then the time to exchange presents arrives - but could there be a better option for them to celebrate the special day than just sacrificing their favorite things for one another? Cavekid Birthday is silly yet thoughtful, and simply fun to read aloud and share.

Goodnight '70s
Peter Stein, author
Alyssa Bermudez, illustrator
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9781449496784 $16.99 hc / $9.97 Kindle amazon.com

Goodnight '70s is a children's bedtime picturebook created in loving parody of the classic "Goodnight Moon". The retro-rhyming text and vivid color illustrations pay homage to the 1970's and its iconic trends, from lava lamps and beanbag chairs to feathered hair and flared jeans. The full-color artwork beautifully captures the pop culture soul of a bygone decade. Goodnight '70s is a treat to read aloud and share, highly recommended.

Big Cat
Emma Lazell
Pavilion Children's Books
https://www.pavilionbooks.com
9781843654292 $16.95 amazon.com

Big Cat is a whimsical children's picturebook about an unusual "cat" that a granddaughter brings home. He's big, and orange, and striped, and... well, very big! Could there be something most unusual about this gigantic cat, with a hefty appetite to match his size? A delightfully aburd picturebook, Big Cat is pure lighthearted fun, highly recommended.

The Rhythm of the Rain
Grahame Baker-Smith
Templar Books
c/o Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
9781536205756, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com

Issac plays in his favorite pool on the mountainside. As rain starts to fall, he empties his little jar of water into the pool and races the sparkling streams as they tumble over waterfalls, rush through swollen rivers, and burst out into the vast open sea. Where will my little jar of water go now? Issac wonders. From the tiniest raindrop to the deepest ocean, "The Rhythm of the Rain" by author and artist Grahame Baker-Smith is visually breathtaking and informative celebration of the water cycle captures the remarkable movement of water across the earth in all its majesty. While especially recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-8, it should be noted that "The Rhythm of the Rain" is also available in a paperback edition (978-1787410152, $6.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.15).

Where Is Home, Daddy Bear?
Nicola O'Byrne
Flyaway Books
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396
www.flyawaybooks.com
9781947888142, $17.00, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Evie Bear and Dad are moving. But as they leave their old home behind and set off on their long drive toward the new, Evie Bear is full of questions. "What if I don't like it there?" she worries. "How will I make new friends?" But her dad reassures her with wise and comforting words, and by the end of their journey, Evie Bear comes to realize that she can feel at home anywhere, as long as Dad is with her. Featuring endearing bears and lustrous mixed media art by author/illustrator Nicola O'Byrne, "Where Is Home, Daddy Bear?" is a simple, thoughtful, elegant, entertaining picture book story for children ages 3-7 that considers the question of the true meaning of home -- making it a simply lovely and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.

Froggy Day
Heather Pindar, author
Barbara Bakos, illustrator
Maverick Arts Publishing
http://www.maverickartspublishing.com
9781848864115, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

When the weather forecaster says it's going to be "very froggy," she means it! There are frogs on the streets, on the bus, in the supermarket, and even in school! Everything has gone hopping wild! A delightfully entertaining picture book for children ages 4-9 by the team of author heather Pindar and illustrator Barbara Bakos, "Froggy Day" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Froggy Day" is also available in a paperback edition (9781848863217, $11.99).

Miss McDoogle Has the Giggles
Deborah Elum
All That Productions
www.AllThatFilms.com
9780990342281, $10.95, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com

When the quirky and perky Miss McDoogle gets ready for bed, she has a habit of wiggling her toes and nodding her head. Young children will truly enjoy Deborah Elum's "Miss McDoogle Has the Giggles", a charming rhyme and humorous read-aloud picture book that is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections!

The Big Book Adventure
Emily Ford, author
Tim Warnes, illustrator
Silver Dolphin Books
10350 Barnes Canyon Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121
www.silverdolphinbooks.com
9781684123780, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Best friends Foxy and Piggy can't wait to tell each other about all of their adventures in reading! Flying over Neverland, swimming with a mermaid, joining in a mad tea party, soaring on a magic carpet -- old classics come to life in the eyes of two little readers who can't believe what they've seen. In the pages of "The Big Book Adventure", children ages 6-8 will journey back through childhood classics like Peter Pan, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and more in this adorable picture book about the joys of reading! There is nothing like a book to take child to places they have never been before. Unique and engagingly entertaining from cover to cover, "The Big Book Adventure" is unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.

The Imperfect Garden
Melissa Assaly, author
April Dela Noche Milne, illustrator
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
www.fitzhenry.ca
9781554554089, $19.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

What do you think a two-legged carrot would taste like? What about a crabby-faced apple? Jay makes some surprising discoveries after he plants and cares for a garden with his mother. Jay learns that naturally grown food can grow to look different than what he is used to buying at the grocery store. He is delighted to discover the hilarious, misshapen fruits and vegetables. To his amazement, they all taste the same, maybe better even! What a waste it would be to throw them out. It seems foolish to throw away an absurd amount of food because it looks a little different -- especially when children love those funny shaped foods! The collaborative work of author Melissa Assaly and illustrator April Dela Noche Milne, "The Imperfect Garden" is a charmingly entertaining and very special picture book for children ages 5-8 that is unreservedly recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

Triceratops Stomp
Karen Patkau
Pajama Press
http://pajamapress.ca
9781772780796, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Deep in the forest is a nest full of eggs. But what could be inside? With picks, pokes, pops, and wriggles a gaggle of baby dinosaurs hatch. They are quick to scamper and scramble about under mother Triceratops' watchful eye, but could danger lurk in the forest for the little dinos? With mother's fierce protection to keep them safe, the little dinosaurs can settle in for a well-needed nap. "Triceratops Stomp" by author and illustrator Karen Patkau will delight, entertain and charm children ages 2-5, making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, kindergarten, and community library picture book collections.

Little Sock
Kia Heise, author
Christopher D. Park, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
315 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
www.sleepingbearpress.com
9781534110052, $14.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Little Sock is tired of his routine. Day after day, it's the same old thing. He gets worn, he gets dirty, and he gets washed. Nothing ever changes. The other socks in the drawer don't seem to mind but Little Sock wants something different. He has heard of a place, Sock City, where everything is new and exciting, so one night he makes his escape from his drawer. Will Little Sock reach his destination? And what will he find there? A delightfully charming and thoroughly entertaining picture book for children ages 3-5, "Little Sock" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, kindergarten, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Little Sock" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.24).

Gloria's Hope Tree
Stephanie Parwulski, author
Tania Ramirez-Cuevas, illustrator
Belle Isle Books
http://www.belleislebooks.com
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 South First Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781947860513, $21.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Hope the maple tree is often overlooked by shoppers at the garden nursery because of her small size, crooked branches, and few leaves. Then, one spring day, Gloria and Daddy choose Hope, bring her home, and plant her by the roadside. Despite Hope's joy in her new home, Gloria and Daddy sometimes seem so sad. Why did they choose Hope, and how will she fit into their little family? Children ages 5-8 will enjoy joining Hope, Gloria, and Daddy to find hope in unlikely places. Charming illustrated by Tania Ramirez-Cuevas, "Gloria's Hope Tree" by Stephanie Parwulski is unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library children's picture book collections.

Life as a Mini Hero
Olivier Tallec, author/illustrator
Claudia Zoe Bedrick, translator
Enchanted Lion Books
67 West Street, Studio 317A, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11222
9781592702909, $16.95, HC, 56pp, www.amazon.com

Clad in bright suits that bespeak their daring deeds, these mini heroes featured in "Life as a Mini Hero" live their daily lives assailed by all sorts of difficulty and disaster. Whether jumping rope on the playground, eating towers of ice-cream, or hanging upside-down from the ceiling, they are never short of plans and prospects! Sometimes, it's true, they have to pause, which may be the greatest challenge of all! Unique, funny, entertaining, and thoroughly 'kid friendly', "Life as a Mini Hero" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school and community library collections for children ages 4- 8.

Blue Cat
Charlie Eve Ryan
StarBerry Books
c/o Boyds Mills & Kane
https://boydsmillsandkane.com
9781635921342, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Charlie Eve Ryan is an author/illustrator living in Eastern Pennsylvania. She is an active member of SCBWI. Her work combines simple designs with rich textures, memorable characters, and imaginative storytelling. In "Blue Cat", her new picture book for children ages 2-6, a curious and playful young cat goes about its very cat-like day of purring, peeking, swatting, and sneaking, when a sound in the distance sparks an exciting exploration. Get ready for a surprise! "Blue Cat" uses simple, brightly colored illustrations full of patterns and texture, that fully captures the spirit of youthful feline play, mischief, and love. While very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Blue Cat" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Two for Me, One for You
Jorg Muhle
Gecko Press
www.geckopress.com
9781776572397, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Bear finds three tasty mushrooms on her way home through the woods. Her friend Weasel cooks them up in the frying pan. But the friends have a problem: how to share three between two? Bear and Weasel each come up with one argument after another for why they should have more: I found them! I cooked them. I'm bigger. I'm still growing.... Until the fox comes around the corner and snatches a mushroom. That solved the problem. They eat the two mushrooms and it's time for dessert. Here comes Weasel with the scrumptious wild strawberries, three of them to share! Charmingly written and cheerfully illustrated by Jorg Muhle, "Two for Me, One for You" is a simply delightful picture book for children ages 4-8 that is very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

The Green Giant
Katie Cottle
Pavilion Children's Books
https://www.pavilionbooks.com
9781843654308, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Bea is a young girl who, along with her dog, Iris, are staying with her grandpa in the country. Bea is bored, but Iris's adventures lead them to the small and rusty old greenhouse next door. Inside the greenhouse, Bea finds a giant! It's a giant made entirely of plants and greenery. Bea is scared, but the giant reassures her and explains that he has escaped from the grey city. Bea and the giant become friends, but can they do anything to make the grey city, and the world, a greener place? "The Green Giant by author/illustrator Katie Cottle is a wonderfully original new picture book for children ages 4-8 that highlights our concern for the environment, greening our cities, guerrilla gardening and making the world a better place. While also available in a paperback edition (9781843654001, $9.95), "The Green Giant" is highly and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.

Cocodrie
Sky Danley, author
Alli Coate, illustrator
Sky Danley Productions
https://www.skydanley.com
9780997345124, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

A young kit raccoon named Cocodrie can't swim and is terribly afraid of the river running past his cottonwoods home. When evil poachers suddenly appear and start capturing all the riverbank animals, their gunshots startle Cocodrie. He jumps away from his mother and lands on a riverbank log only to be taken downriver on a scary adventure. The river eventually turns into a bayou, where he meets a friendly pelican, alligator, and green water snake. They teach him how to swim and guide him back to his cottonwoods home, where Cocodrie rescues all the riverbank animals from the evil poachers and reunites with his mother. A delightfully entertaining and original picture book for children ages 5-6, "Cocodrie" is an especially and highly recommended addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections. It should be noted that "Cocodrie" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).

Teaching Eddie to Fly
Katarina Macurova
Beaming Books
PO Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440
https://www.beamingbooks.com
9781506455532, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Eddie is a bird, but he can't fly! His friend Ernest, a bear, decides he's going to help Eddie learn to fly -- with hilarious and unanticipated results. Along the way, both Ernest and Eddie learn some valuable lessons. Is Eddie even meant to fly? Or is there something else he's even better at? Quirky and fun, "Teaching Eddie to Fly"by author and illustrator Katarina Macurova will have kids ages 4-8 laughing out loud while being challenged to think about what they are good at, and what makes them unique! A unique and charmingly entertaining picture book, "Teaching Eddie to Fly" is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings
Britney Winn Lee, author
Jacob Souva, illustrator
Beaming Books
https://www.beamingbooks.com
9781506454504, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

In the picture book "The Boy with Big, Big Feelings" by author Britney Winn Lee and illustrator Jacob Souva, children ages 4-8 will be introduced to a boy with feelings so big that they glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. When a loud truck drives by, he cries. When he hears a joke, he bursts with joy. When his loved ones are having a hard day, he feels their emotions as if they were his own. The boy tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings, but with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated. Especially recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school collections, "The Boy with Big, Big Feelings" is especially appropriate for children experiencing anxiety and extreme emotions, or who have been diagnosed with autism or as a Highly Sensitive Person.

The Buddy Bench
B. D. Cottleston, author
Hazel Quintanilla, illustrator
Flowerpot Press
www.FlowerpotPress.com
9781486717750, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

On a surprisingly snowy day in Texas, a young student finds himself braving recess alone. That is until he spots a new face sitting on the school's Buddy Bench. After a quick introduction, the two spend their recess discovering fun ways to enjoy the snow. By the end of recess, both kids leave the playground with a brand new friend. This sweet story of friendship brings the Buddy Bench's purpose to life and is a thoroughly 'kid friendly' and entertaining picture book for children ages 5- 8. While unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Buddy Bench" is also available in a paperback edition (9781486717989, $7.99).

Mac & Madi's Surprise
Linda Herron, author
Marie Delon, illustrator
Independently Published
https://www.lherron.com
9781733321709, $17.99, HC, 34pp, www.amazon.com

Mac and Madi are twin sisters who look just the same. Same hair. Same smile. Same size. Even their friends get them mixed up sometimes. Every year Mac and Madi share the same birthday. Same cake. Same colors. Same clothes. But this year is going to be different. Mac and Madi have a plan. It's time to mix things up. It's time for a very different twins birthday! "Mac & Madi's Surprise" by author Linda Herron and illustrator Marie Delon celebrates twin similarities and differences. Perfect as a read-aloud or read-along story for children ages 3-6 year, this charmingly entertaining picture book has a loving and truthful message at its heart, making it an unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Mac & Madi's Surprise" is also available in a paperback edition (9781733321709, $9.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

My Friends and Me
Stephanie Stansbie, author
Katy Halford, illustrator
Tiger Tales
www.tigertalesbooks.com
9781680101546, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Jamie has a lot of friends a lot of friends with different kinds of families. Kate has two dads. Olivia has two moms. And Jade has her very own butler! But no matter what the families look like, the love they feel for each other is all the same. Written in a thoroughly 'kid friendly' narrative storytelling style by author Stephanie Stansbie, and charmingly illustrated throughout by Katy Alford, "My Friends and Me: A Celebration of Different Kinds of Families", with its subtle underlying message promoting an appreciation of familial diversity, is an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 5-6.

Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden
Andrew Larsen, author
Anne Villeneuve, illustrator
Kids Can Press
25 Dockside Drive, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5A 0B5
www.kidscanpress.com
9781771389174, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Vincent is staying with his aunt Mimi for the summer while his mom recuperates from surgery. Mimi's drab city neighborhood, complete with an empty dirt lot across the street, doesn't seem too promising. But then Vincent meets Toma, a boy who lives nearby, and things start looking up. Mimi has a mysterious box of dirt balls(?) in her apartment. When she asks Vincent to get rid of them, the fun Vincent and Toma have throwing them into the lot becomes the start of a budding friendship. Then one day, they notice new shoots sprouting all over the lot. Maybe those balls weren't just made of dirt after all! A thoroughly charming and entertaining picture book story for children ages 4-7 about boys and their friendship, about the flowers in the newly thriving lot, and about the community that comes together around it. Highlighting the value of connecting to nature, even in urban areas, and the sense of community that comes from civic engagement, "Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden" is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.

A Bottle of Happiness
Pippa Goodhart, author
Ehsan Abdollahi, illustrator
Tiny Owl Publishing
9781910328200, $16.99, HC, 28pp, www.amazon.com

There was once a big mountain with two villages on either side. The people on one side were rich and worked only to get richer. The people on the other side of the mountain were poor but had a wealth of stories and laughter. One day, a poor young boy decides to seek a new story and this leads him to the rich people's marketplace. He would love one of the ripe pieces of fruit, but what can a poor boy trade? Children ages 5-7 will discover if it is possible to bottle and share happiness in "A Bottle of Happiness", author Pippa Goodhart timeless picture book fable which is exquisitely illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi in a distinctively unusual and entertaining style. While very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "A Bottle of Happiness" is also available in a paperback edition (9781910328262, $15.45).

Iced Out
C. K. Smouha, author
Isabella Bunnell, illustrator
Cicada Books
9781908714626, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Wilfred Walrus and Neville Narwhal are the only kids in Miss Blubber's class who are not seals. Life is tough being the odd ones out -- lunchtimes and football matches and school photos all present challenges to the two outliers. And they don't even like each other very much! But when Betty Beluga joins the class, everything changes. Betty is smart and independent and amazing at football. As a friendship forms, Betty helps the two boys to recognize that being different isn't always a bad thing! "Iced Out" is a warm, funny picture book tale about friendship and fitting in that children ages 3-8 are sure to identify with. Isabella Bunnell's joyous watercolor illustrations fully compliment C. K. Smouha's original story, making "Iced Out" an ideal and fully endorsed addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

Lili Macaroni
Nicole Testa, author
Annie Boulanger, illustrator
Pajama Press
http://pajamapress.ca
9781772780932, $17.95, HC, 28pp, www.amazon.com

Lili Macaroni loves drawing butterflies, counting the stars, and being exactly who she is. That is, until she starts kindergarten. There her classmates tell her that her hair is like a pumpkin, her eyes are squinty blueberries, and her laugh is like a parrot's squawk. She has never felt such unhappiness before. It makes her want to erase herself and draw a brand new Lili. Then she reconsiders. Does she really want to erase her hair that's just like Mom's? Her eyes just like Grandma's? Her Grandpa's infectious laugh? With her parents' help, Lili creates a polka-dotted butterfly to wear at her collar, publicly announcing her own resilience and symbolically letting her sorrows be flown away. And when she explains the butterfly to her classmates, Lili discovers she has begun a powerful conversation, and that everyone has some trouble to be carried away on butterfly wings. Featuring a deftly crafted social message of individual worthwhileness, "Lili Macaroni" is an utterly charming and entertaining picture book story for children ages 4-7 that is especially commended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

Meet Monique
Denise Lawson
Brown & Lowe Books
www.brownlowebooks.com
9781732230309, $15.99, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com

Deftly written and charmingly illustrated by Denise Lawson, "Meet Monique" takes children ages 5-8 on a picture book journey as a young girl named Monique looks at an atlas and imagines herself in different places around the world. From the highlands of Scotland to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, in her imagination Monique plays the bagpipes on a hill full of thistle and plays steel drums barefoot in the sand. On her adventures, she encounters koalas, zebras, and giant pandas and even scales the Eiffel Tower! Thoroughly 'kid friendly' and wonderfully entertaining, "Meet Monique" is especially recommended and unreservedly endorsed for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.

Miss Olive Finds Her "Furever" Home
Susan Marie, author
Miss Olive, author
Rebekah Phillips, illustrator
The Doggy Diva Show, Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/TheDoggyDivaShow
9780692150177, $16.99, HC, 30pp, www.amazon.com

Miss Olive Finds Her "Furever" Home is the first book in the heartwarming and inspirational picture book series The Doggy Diva Diaries. When we first meet Miss Olive, she is a sad and lonely little pup hoping to find a loving family and her "furever" home. With the help of her magical fairy dog-mother, "Sophia the Doggy Diva", Miss Olive learns a valuable life lesson: It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside. It's the kindness and love you have on the inside that counts. Your dreams really can come true! A wonderfully entertaining picture book for children ages 4-9, and one that deftly carries an important message about self worth, "Miss Olive Finds Her "Furever" Home" is especially recommended and unreservedly endorsed addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that Miss Olive Finds Her "Furever" Home is also available in a paperback edition (9781725171176, $9.99).

Catalina and the King's Wall
Patty Costello, author
Diane Cojocaru, illustrator
Eifrig Publishing
www.eifrigpublishing.com
9781632331052, $14.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

One day a young girl named Catalina overhears the king planning to build a wall and fears her family will never be able to visit. Catalina tricks the king into building walls that droop, drip, swirl, and swoosh away. But now the king demands a wall that will outlast even a Twinkie. Luckily, Catalina has the perfect ingredients to bake up a family reunion! The collaborative work of author Patty Costello and illustrator Diane Cojocaru, "Catalina and the King's Wall" is an entertaining and original picture book for children ages 4-10. While especially recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Catalina and the King's Wall" is also available in a paperback edition (9781632331014, $9.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).

A Day in the Garden
Su Kim
Xist Publishing
PO Box 61593, Irvine, CA 92602
www.xistpublishing.com
9781532412127, $9.99, PB, 30pp, www.amazon.com

Children ages 2-6 will join a little garden gnome for a day of fun in Su Kim's "A Day in the Garden", a gentle picture book celebrating flowers, tea parties, and good friends. Delicate illustrations are paired with a simple story sure to charm little readers. "A Day in the Garden" is especially recommended for fairy lovers and little children who would rather be out in the garden than cooped up inside! While an especially endorsed addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "A Day in the Garden" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.49).

Dash To The Rescue
Jan Fenimore, author
Vickie Kastl, illustrator
Doodle and Peck Publishing
PO Box 852105, Yukon, OK 73085
9781733717038, $18.99, PB, 32pp, www.doodleandpeck.com

Dash loves living at home with her family. Many children she knows live at a boarding school far, far away. But Dash's teacher comes to their yurt three times a week for home school. Today, her teacher reads Dash's favorite book. But a big snowstorm is on its way and she must leave quickly to get home before it hits. Father and Grandfather worry the animals will freeze out in the bitter cold. But Dash has an idea that just might help her family save their animals. Unreservedly recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections, "Dash To The Rescue" is a charmingly entertaining picture book for young children about imagination and the survival of a Mongolian nomadic family.

Emma Lou the Yorkie Poo
Kim Larkins
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.lovinghealing.com
9781615994571, $26.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Written and illustrated by Kim Larkins, "Emma Lou the Yorkie Poo: Breathing in the Calm" is the story of Emma Lou, the Yorkie Poo -- a little dog with big worries. She loves playing with her best friend, Pearl, but Pearl doesn't always pay attention to Emma Lou's worries. With the help of some new friends, Caleb the Calico cat, Patrick the pig and Gigi the ginormous giraffe, Emma Lou and Pearl begin to learn a new technique to calm their minds and bodies. Children ages 4-7 will benefit from this charming picture book story of Emma Lou and her friends' curious adventure leading to a mindful experience. While fully endorsed and highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Emma Lou the Yorkie Poo: Breathing in the Calm" is also available in a paperback edition (9781615994564, $15.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.95).

The Wolf Will Not Come
Myriam Ouyessad, author
Ronan Badel, illustrator
Schiffer Kids
c/o Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764357800, $16.99, HC, 28pp, www.amazon.com

A small rabbit getting ready for bed questions his mother on how she can be so sure that the wolf will not come to their house. Meanwhile, on the opposite page, children can follow the progress of the wolf who is indeed creeping closer and closer to them, foiling the mother's reassurances one by one. In a delightful twist, the rabbit's fears are defused and all ends well. The irresistible drawings by Ronan Badel and surprise ending by author Myriam Ouyessad will put the nighttime anxieties of young readers into light-hearted perspective. A clever and entertaining picture book story "The Wolf Will Not Come" is certain to disarm childhood bedtime anxieties in an unexpected and thoroughly 'kid friendly' way! While unreservedly endorsed and recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-6, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Wolf Will Not Come" is also available in a paperback edition (9780764358760, $9.99).

Special Paws: The Family List
Tracey Kusinitz Altman, author
Joseba Morales, illustrator
Inspired Forever Publishing
www.facebook.com/Special-Paws-2164856647152519
9781948903110, $9.99, PB, 38pp, www.amazon.com

When a young dog named Boston finds herself in a shelter, another dog named Hunter becomes her friend in the neighboring crate and offers to help her make a very special list. In the picture book pages of "Special Paws: The Family List" by author Tracey Altman and illustrator Joseba Morales, young children ages 4-6 will enjoy reading how two adorable rescue dogs figure out who they want to live with and why! While unreservedly endorsed and recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, kindergarten, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Special Paws: The Family List" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Lucy Dancer
Eva Zimet
https://www.evazimet.com
Rootstock Publishing
www.rootstockpublishing.com
9781578690121, $13.95, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Lucy's dream is not ballet. Lucy wants to fly! She leaps on the shore with feathers, she practices gymnastics, but it's dancing that really sets her free. Lucy unexpectedly finds the treasure of her spirit in dance and the world of dancers. Splashed with humor, engaging and charming watercolors, and a delightful and appealing personal story by author/illustrator Eva Zimet, "Lucy Dancer" has the ring of authenticity and real-life emotions that link effortlessly to experiences and an imagination we can all share. A delightfully charming and original picture book story for children ages 5-9, "Lucy Dancer" is unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections.

The Farting Princess
Fredrik Colting, author
Darla Soak, illustrator
Moppet Books
www.moppetbookspublishing.com
9780998820583, $15.95, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com

Princess Cleo lives in a lovely kingdom far away and spends her days feeding the royal ducks in the royal pond, riding the royal horses across the royal meadows, and baking princess cake in the royal kitchen. One day a wizard, disguised as a black raven, puts a spell on her and after that she just can't stop farting! The entire kingdom suffers from the green, smelly gas, and Princess Cleo is forced to move to the edge of the kingdom, where her only friend is a skunk named Jeremy. Together they have to figure out how to break the spell of the Farting Princess! A unique and original picture book story by author Fredrik Colting and illustrator Darla Soak, "The Farting Princess" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children age 4-8.

Li'l Booger Buddies Inventors from Outer Space
Heather Konet
Independently Published
www.stemshorts.com
9781979068055, $9.99, PB, 25pp, www.amazon.com

The Li'l Booger Buddies are curious green aliens from the Planet Boogie Woogie. Long ago, they discovered a small spaceship that they now use to fly and collect space junk in outer space. They love using the space junk to make inventions that improve their lives at home. Some inventions are just for fun, other inventions are intended to help their friends and family. In Heather Konet's charmingly original picture book that combines an entertaining story with equally entertaining do-it-yourself activities for children ages 5-8, "Li'l Booger Buddies Inventors from Outer Space" showcases life on planet Boogie Woogie and how the Li'l Booger Buddies use old junk to make scrappy new inventions. Introduces the concept of inventing and the creative reuse of materials through fun characters that make kids laugh, "Li'l Booger Buddies Inventors from Outer Space" is an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Li'l Booger Buddies Inventors from Outer Space" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).

Oink and Gobble and the 'No One Can Ever Know Secret'
Norman Whaler, author
Mohammad Shayan, illustrator
Ellie Firestone, editor
Beneath Another Sky Books
www.normanwhaler.com
9781948131209, $19.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Oink and Gobble were best friends and, with the all the other animals on the farm, had a BIG secret they could never, ever let any humans know! But, did Oink let the cat out of the bag? "Oink and Gobble and the 'No One Can Ever Know Secret'" is a delightfully charming picture book story that is certain to entertain children ages 4-7. While certain be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Oink and Gobble and the 'No One Can Ever Know Secret'" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

Twinkle, Twinkle, Dinosaur
Jeffrey Burton
Simon and Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781534439757, $5.99

Twinkle, Twinkle, Dinosaur is a fun board book about a little dinosaur who is ready to sleep. As a take-off on the classic nursery rhyme, it's a fun survey and the second in a board book series designed for read-aloud parents and their kids, offering a fun combination of easy rhyme and appealing, colorful images perfect for kids fascinated by dinosaurs.

Disney/Hyperion
www.disneybooks.com

Boo to You, Winnie the Pooh (9781368043588, $6.99) provides a fun board book surveying Winnie the Pooh's preparations to celebrate Halloween, and is the perfect seasonal title for the very young. Winnie, Tigger, and Eeyore dress up with no problems, but Piglet is scared of his very scary costume, while Pooh's bee friends see through his disguise. As subjects range from scary costumes to understanding what makes Halloween spooky, readers receive a gentle celebration of the day. Dan Santat and Mo Williams are artist friends who collaborate on Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! (9781368027168, $9.99), the fun story of friends who are very different. Hog is careful, and a worrywart, but Harold the elephant is neither. They're best friends. But when they pretend to be characters in the same book they're reading about them, potential confusion emerges. A fun story of a hog and elephant who discover their identities and friendship emerges.

Scholastic, Inc.
www.scholastic.com

Four new picture books are outstanding leisure choices for youngsters, parents, and educators looking for something different and fun. Aaron Blabey's I Need a Hug (9781338297102, $14.99) tells of a porcupine who longs for a hug, but the problem is obvious. Neither rabbit, moose, bear, or other animals will give "that prickly thing" what he really needs. What's a porcupine to do? A fun story emerges, perfect for read-aloud. Beth Ferry's Squirrel's Family Tree (9781338187366, $17.99) receives lovely, realistic drawings by A.N. Kang pairing these with a rollicking rhyme about a little squirrel who plots and plans for the future. The habits and methods of the squirrel come to satisfying life in a winning story that focuses on a little squirrel's passion for eating. Claire Evans' The Three Little Superpigs Once Upon a Time (9781338245486, $14.99) tells of three little pigs who dream of being superheroes. In fact, their obsession leads them on a journey to Fairyland, terrible confrontations, and surprises that prove the resourceful piggies are actually super in this fun tale. Mark Teague's Felipe and Claudette (9780545814321, $17.99) tells of a grumpy cat and an energetic dog who don't get adopted at the shelter. Each believes the other's personality is at fault, but when one is adopted and the other is left behind, a surprising truth emerges about their real relationship in this gentle tale of friendship, differences, and love.

Tundra Books
www.penguinrandomhouse.ca

Two new books from Tundra offer fun stories and lively adventures perfect for new young readers. Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail's Alis the Aviator (9781101919057, $17.99) is illustrated by Kalpna Patel and provides an ABC primer with a focus on aviation, which will please parents and kids with a plane orientation and fine cut-paper artwork. The title comes from Dr. Alis Kennedy, one of the first indigenous women to get her commercial pilot license in Canada. This follows her on a tour through all kinds of planes and flight experiences that even includes hot air balloons and experimental crafts. Plane-crazy kids will love the simple primer. Kelsey Garrity-Riley's Frankie's Favorite Food (9780735264311, $17.99) tells about a food-crazy boy who has too many favorite foods to count, much less choose. Usually this isn't a big problem, but in the school play about food, he has to choose just one favorite food to represent. How can Frankie make such a choice? A fun dilemma is solved by a savvy drama teacher in this fun story of too many interests.


The Bilingual Shelf

Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii / I Am Not a Number
Kathy Kacer & Jenny Kay Dupuis, authors
Gillian Newland, illustrator
Geraldine McLeod & Muriel Sawyer, translators
Second Story Press
http://secondstorypress.ca
9781927583944, $18.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

When a young girl named Irene is forcibly removed by the government from her First Nations family to live in a residential school, she is confused, frightened and terribly homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from despite being told to do otherwise. When she goes home for summer holidays, her parents decide never to send her away again, but where will she hide and what will happen when her parents disobey the law? Deftly written, illustrated and presented for children ages 7-11, "Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii / I Am Not a Number" is a bilingual (English/Nishnaabemwin/Nbising dialect) picture book story about the residential school experience endured by the indigenous Ojibwe people. While unreservedly recommended and fully endorsed for family, elementary school, and community library bilingual picture book and Native American picture book collections for young readers, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii / I Am Not a Number" is also available in a paperback edition (9781772600995, $14.95).


The Easy Reader Shelf

Gobble Up, Snoopy!
Charles M. Schulz
Simon Spotlight
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781534448612 $17.99 hc / $4.99 Kindle amazon.com

Featuring the beloved Peanuts newspaper comic strip characters created by the legendary Charles Schulz, Gobble Up, Snoopy! is a "Level Two Ready To Read" book for young people building their vocabulary and comprehension of longer sentences. The delightful story is in keeping with the Thanksgiving holiday theme - Charlie Brown and his friends invite Snoopy inside the house for a special meal and celebration, for which Snoopy feels deep gratitude. Illustrated throughout with full-color artwork in the style of the classic comic strips, Gobble Up, Snoopy! is a heartwarming easy reader, highly recommended especially for grade school and public library children's collections.

Who is the Mystery Reader?
Mo Willems
Hyperion Books for Children
www.disneyhyperionbooks.com
9781368046862, $12.99, HC, 96pp, www.amazon.com

In "Who is the Mystery Reader?" by Mo Willems, Zoom Squirrel tries out a new superpower with help from a mysterious Mystery Reader. But will the Squirrel pals ever find out who the real Mystery Reader is? Do you know more about reading than the Squirrels do? You will by the end of this book! Written to entertain children ages 6-8, "Who is the Mystery Readers?" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library collections for young readers.


The ABC Shelf

My First ABC
Shirley Hughes
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
9780763697297, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

From airplanes high in the sky to ZZZZZ for sleepy time, Katie and Olly's daily pastimes offer plenty of ways to learn their letters. There's L for the leaves you can wade through when they fall from the trees, P for the play-group where it's fun to jump on big cushions, and V for the vacuum cleaner that vroom-vroom-vrooms when Dad cleans the carpet. Narrated in Katie's voice and depicting the simple pleasures of a familiar world, "My First ABC" by author/illustrator Shirley Hughes shows both upper- and lowercase letters and ends with an alphabet on the final spread illustrated with an alternate set of images, making it an ideal and highly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, kindergarten, and community library collections for children ages 2-5.

A Visit to Grandad: An African ABC
Sade Fadipe, author
Shedrach Ayalomeh, illustrator
Cassava Republic Press
9781911115816, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

In "A Visit to Grandad: An African ABC", children ages 4-7 will join a young girl named Adanah on an alphabetical adventure as she goes to visit her grandfather in Modakeke, Nigeria. Every letter, from A to Z, is featured in this African alphabet book, including C for a camera to take pictures, E for an eagle spied above the trees, P for a pump for fetching water, and S for stories told by Auntie Sumbo. Adana recalls with excitement a memorable experience at her Granddad's village and the relaxed pace of rural life compared to the hustling city that she lives in. Her audience is her best friend Zainab, to whom she extends an invite to join her, when next she returns. Written in a bouncing rhyming style, children will learn while having fun as they join Adanah on her school holiday adventure! Providing positive models for the African culture, food and way of life, "A Visit to Grandad: An African ABC" is an especially recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

Being Me from A to Z
Lauren Kukid, author
Aviel Basil, illustrator
Beaming Books
PO Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440
https://www.beamingbooks.com
9781506452593, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

The 26 letters of the alphabet provide the building blocks of the words and stories comprising "Being Me from A to Z". They are what provides children ages 4-8 with a picture book primer in living adventurously, bravely, and courageously. From empathy and kindness to the importance of asking questions and helping others, kids will be inspired, affirmed, and encouraged to love themselves, be kind to others, and care for the world around them. "Being Me from A to Z" is especially endorsed for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

From A to Z with Energy!
Connie Bergstein Dow, author
Gareth Llewhellin, illustrator
Free Spirit Publishing
www.freespirit.com
9781631982996 $15.99 amazon.com

From A to Z with Energy! is a children's alphabet book featuring healthy and fun activities to go with each letter. Rhyming passages make From A to Z with Energy a fun read-aloud title for parents to share with young children. Exuberant illustrations of a diverse group of children add the perfect touch to this thoroughly delightful title.


The Board Book Shelf

I Love My Dragon
Jodi Moore, author
Howard McWilliam, illustrator
Flash Light Press
www.flashlightpress.com
c/o IPG (dist.)
www.ipgbook.com
9781947277304 $7.99 amazon.com

I Love My Dragon is a thoroughly charming board book for babies and toddlers. Colorful illustrations show a young boy and his dragon who love to swim together, share snacks together, and look after his baby brother together. The exuberant, colorful art brings to life the antics of the dragon-and-child duo! Sure to delight the littlest dragon fans, I Love My Dragon makes an excellent and highly recommended gift or read-aloud book.

The Misplaced Toy Hammer
Misti Kenison
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764358005, $9.99, Board Book, 28pp, www.amazon.com

Sofia has misplaced her toy hammer, and detectives Fox and Goat are on the case! Young children ages 2-4 will be delighted to join in with them as they search a construction site for clues -- and learn new concepts along the way! Is the hammer long or short, round or flat, large or small? Close observers may find the hammer before our professional sleuths do! This toddler's version of Sherlock Holmes is certain to engage and entertain young minds, making it an ideal and highly prized addition to family, daycare center, preschool, and community library board book collections.

All of Us
Alice Melvin
Tate Publishing
c/o Harry N. Abrams
195 Broadway, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10007
www.abramsyoungreaders.com
9781849765947, $9.99, Board Book, 20pp, www.amazon.com

Charmingly written and illustrated by Alice Melvin, and certain be an immediately popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, kindergarten, and community library collections, "The World of Alice Melvin: All of Us: A Book About Family" is a wonderfully entertaining board book for children ages 2-5 that tells the simple tale of a family coming together to celebrate a special birthday.

Beaming Books
PO Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440
https://www.beamingbooks.com

Beaming Books has published two new and thoroughly 'kid friendly' board books for children ages 1-3 by author Deborah LeFalle and illustrator Keisha Morris. "Bitty Brown Babe" (9781506448534, $7.99, 24pp) is about bonding with a new baby in the family. In "Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle" (9781506448589, $7.99, 26pp) when it's time to calm down and get ready for bed, then chaos erupts! Both of these charmingly entertaining board books are certain to be immediately popular additions to family, daycare center, preschool, and community library collections!


The Environmental Shelf

A Walk Through Nature
Libby Walden
Caterpillar Books
9781848578036, $19.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

A first book of nature that encourages children ages 3-6 to pause and notice when flowers bloom, discover why leaves change color, and learn how birds build intricate nests and how tadpoles become frogs, "A Walk Through Nature" by author and illustrator Libby Walden is an ideal and unreservedly recommended introduction to the wonderful and beauty and interconnectedness of our natural environment. Of special note are the peek-through pages and a seek-and-find element adding to the entertainment factor. "A Walk Through Nature" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.


The Biography Shelf

Mahatma Gandhi
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, author
Albert Arrayas, illustrator
Frances Lincoln Children's Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400m Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781786037879, $14.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

As a young teenager in India, Gandhi led a rebellious life and went against his parents' values. But as a young man, he started to form beliefs of his own that harked back to the Hindu principles of his childhood. Gandhi began to dream of unity for all peoples and religions. Inspired by this idea, he led peaceful protests to free India from British rule and unite the country -- ending violence and unfair treatment. His bravery and free-thinking made him one of the most iconic people of peace in the world, known as 'Mahatma' meaning 'great soul'. With innovative illustrations by Albert Arrayas and extra facts at the back, children ages 5-8 will read about the life of Mohandas Gandhi, the father of India in this true story of his life by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. While unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library Biography collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Mahatma Gandhi" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.36).

Just Like Beverly
Vicki Conrad, author
David Hohn, illustrator
Little Bigfoot
c/o Sasquatch Books
1904 Third Ave, Suite 710, Seattle, WA 98101
www.sasquatchbooks.com
9781632172228, $18.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com

As a young girl, Beverly Cleary struggled to learn to read and found most children's books dull and uninteresting. She often wondered if there were any books about kids just like her. With hard work, and the encouragement of her parents and a special teacher, she learned to read and at a young age discovered she had a knack for writing. Beverly Cleary's story comes to life in author Vicki Conrad's "Just Like Beverly" narrative nonfiction picture book biography as Beverly grows up to follow her dreams of writing the books she longed for as a child, becoming an award-winning writer and one of the most famous children's authors of all time. Beautiful illustrations David Hohn fully capture Cleary's sense of humor, struggles, and triumphs, -- and are filled with Easter eggs throughout for young fans to discover. "Just Like Beverly" is unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school and community library collections for children ages 5-9.

Mary Blair's Unique Flair
Amy Novesky, author
Brittany Lee, illustrator
Disney Press
c/o Disney Book Group
https://books.disney.com
9781484757208, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com

Even as a child, Mary Blair loved color, and all she wanted to do was to make art. But becoming an artist wasn't easy. Her parents worked hard to provide her paper and paints, and Mary worked hard to enter contests and earn a spot at a school for the arts. She even had to work hard to find her place at the Walt Disney Studios. But Walt was easily impressed by Mary. When she joined his trip to South America, Mary had never seen such color. She collected that color and used it in her concept art for Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, and even the It's a Small World attraction at Disneyland. "Mary Blair's Unique Flair" by author Amy Novesky and illustrator Brittany Lee is a beautifully illustrated biographical picture book that shares Mary's story, in all its inspiring flair, for children ages 7-10 and in an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library collections.


The General Fiction Shelf

Red Dove: Listen to the Wind
Sonia Antaki
One Elm Books
c/o Red Chair Press
www.redchairpress.com
c/o Lerner (dist.)
www.lernerbooks.com
9781947159129, $17.99, HC, 232pp, www.amazon.com

Abandoned by her white father, thirteen-year-old Red Dove faces another lean winter with her Lakota family on the Great Plains. Willful and proud, she is presented with a stark choice: leave her people to live in the white world, or stay and watch them starve. Red Dove begins a journey to find her place in the world and discovers that her greatest power comes from within herself. An exceptionally well written novel for young readers ages 9-14 that showcases author Sonia Antaki's distinctive flair for narrative storytelling, "Red Dove: Listen to the Wind" is an especially recommended addition to school and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Red Dove: Listen to the Wind" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).

Stover Goes to Camp
Kathy Brodsky, author
Cameron Bennett, illustrator
helpingwords
www.kathybrodsky.com
9780997792225, $19.99, HC, 52pp, www.amazon.com

Stover the pig is going to overnight camp for the very first time! This is a big deal, because he has never spent any time away from home. "Camp Welcome" is very diverse, a place where all are welcome. The campers are different animals, and they all get along. In the process of being away from home, Stover will experience many new things, including a bout with homesickness. He will also get a chance to try challenging, fun activities, and as his time away from home progresses, he will begin to understand himself and others better. Life-Skills questions lead to further discussion of what it's like to leave home for the first time. The collaborative work of author Kathy Brodsky and illustrator Cameron Bennett, "Stover Goes to Camp" is especially recommended for children ages 4-7 and is one that will to help them anticipate what it will be like when they leave home. While an unreservedly commended acquisition choice for family, school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Stover Goes to Camp" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).

The Tales of the Animal Heroes of Livingston Cove
Linda Davis
Archway Publishing
www.archwaypublishing.com
9781480869042, $25.95, HC, 44pp, www.amazon.com

Lost charms, selfish crows, scary forests, and mad dogs! There are so many problems to solve. Thankfully, a group of special animal heroes have the solutions. While living in their small village of Livingston Cove, steadfast McGovern, beautiful EllaBella, energetic Paddy, silly Tank, and brave Duke have made it their mission to help lost animals and children, stop bullies, and run down thieves. Throughout all their adventures, the Livingston Cove Gang will remind young readers age 5-7 that we are at our best when we keep our imaginations active and our hearts open while focusing on helping others. An impressively original, delightfully charming and wonderfully entertaining story of a band of brave and special animals proving that values and morals still exist -- and that humans and animals can always learn from each other, "The Tales of the Animal Heroes of Livingston Cove" by Linda Davis (and all the more impressive considering that this is her debut as a children's book writer and illustrator) is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Tales of the Animal Heroes of Livingston Cove" is also available in a paperback edition (9781480869066, $24.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.15).

Trevor Lee and the Big Uh Oh!
Wiley Blevins
Red Chair Press
www.redchairpress.com
c/o Lerner (dist.)
www.lernerbooks.com
9781947159068, $14.99, HC, 160pp, www.amazon.com

If there's one thing everyone knows, it's that like pickles and peanut butter, Trevor Lee and school don't mix.. When his new teacher announces all the third graders must read in front of everyone at Parents Night, Trevor Lee and his best friend Pinky take action before his secret of not being able to read gets out. After several over-the-top attempts at getting out of Parents Night, Trevor Lee enlists the help of his Mamaw. "Some days are just bad. You gotta hold your head high and keep moving," she always says. Can Trevor Lee remember her advice as he stands in front of a crowd on the biggest night of third grade? "Trevor Lee and the Big Uh Oh!" is an especially well crafted and exceptionally entertaining novel for young readers ages 8-10, making it an unreservedly recommended addition to family, school, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Trevor Lee and the Big Uh Oh!" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).

The Math Kids: An Unusual Pattern
David Cole, author
Shannon O'Toole, illustrator
Common Deer Press
https://www.commondeerpress.com/an-unusual-pattern
9781988761374, $9.99, PB, 120pp, www.amazon.com

The Math Kids are at it again! When their new friend, Special Agent Carlson, asks them to take a look at a cryptic poem written by a dying bank robber, they know they will need all of their math skills to crack the case. The poem isn't their only problem, though. Their favourite school janitor is fired for stealing from student lockers. The Math Kids know Old Mike would never do anything like that, but how can they prove it, especially with the new janitor watching their every move? Jordan, Stephanie, Justin, and Catherine will need math, bravery, and a little bit of luck if they hope to solve the bank robbery case and get Old Mike his job back. Will they be able to figure out the unusual pattern in time? "The Math Kids: An Unusual Pattern" by David Cole (who is a math teacher as well as a writer) is very highly recommended for family, school, and community library general fiction collections for children ages 8-11.

Storm Blown
Nick Courage
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780525645962, $16.99, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com

A little rain and wind don't worry Alejo -- they're just part of life at the beach. As his padrino says, as long as there are birds in the waves, it's safe. When people start evacuating, though, Alejo realizes things might be worse than he thought. And they are. A hurricane is headed straight for Puerto Rico. Emily's brother, Elliot, has been really sick. He can't go outside their New Orleans home, so Emily decides to have an adventure for him. She's on a secret mission to the tiny island Elliot loves. She's not expecting to meet up with an injured goose or a shy turtle. And nothing has prepared her for Megastorm Valerie. Soon Alejo and Emily will be in Valerie's deadly path. Who will survive? A riveting, deftly crafted, and consistently entertaining novel for young readers ages 9-12, "Storm Blown" by Nick Courage is unreservedly recommended for both school and community library general fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Storm Blown" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Scholastic, Inc.
www.scholastic.com

Alyson Gerber's Focused (9781337185973, $16.99) tells of Clea, who is easily distracted and lacks the focus what most people around her seem to effortlessly achieve to get through school and life. Everything is a distraction, and it's affecting more than her schoolwork. When she is diagnosed with ADHD, she finds life even more challenging. Readers of stories about teens facing such a diagnosis will find this a realistic, involving story. Padraig Kenny's Tin (9781338277555, $16.99) tells of orphan Christopher, who works for a man who engineers mechanical children. He's the only human among his tin friends, but when disaster strikes, he's also the only one with the ability to save his friends. This much-changed story of friends confronting their identities and Oz-like world goes far beyond Wizard of Oz and will delight both young adult readers and adults interested in Oz. Keith Calabrese's A Drop of Hope (9781338233209, $16.99) tells of sixth graders who face a magic wishing well that emerges in the small town of If Only, Ohio. But, what makes wishes come to life? Does belief factor into things? And what is the well's real secret? Three friends make an effort to find out in a story that pits their abilities against a changing world. The result is a fantasy story that is uplifting and entertaining all in one. Fiona Shaw's Outwalkers (9781338277500, $18.99) tells of Jake, who escapes from the Academy orphanage to join a world ruled by the Coalition, which can track anybody in the world. Jake's parents made him promise he'd leave England if something happened to them. Now he and his dog are charged with keeping that promise against a deadly force that can hunt them down easily. This engrossing story of a much-changed world is highly recommended reading for teens who enjoy apocalyptic fiction.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Woof
Spencer Quinn
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
9780545643313, $16.99, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com

There is trouble brewing in the Louisiana swamp -- Bowser can smell it. Bowser is a very handsome and only slightly slobbery dog, and he can smell lots of things. Like bacon. And rawhide chews! And the sweat on humans when they're lying. Birdie Gaux, the girl Bowser lives with, also knows something is wrong. It's not just that her grammy's stuffed prize marlin has been stolen. It's the weird rumor that the marlin is linked to a missing treasure. It's the truck that seems to be following Birdie and the bad feeling on the back of her neck. When Birdie and Bowser start digging into the mystery, not even Bowser's powerful sniffer can smell just how menacing the threat is. And when the danger comes straight for Birdie, Bowser knows it up to him to sic 'em! A deftly crafted 'Bowser & Birdie' mystery for young readers ages 8-12 by Spencer Quinn, "Woof" is unreservedly recommended for school and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Woof" is also available in a paperback edition (9780545643320, $7.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying
Kelley Armstrong
Penguin Random House
www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
9780735265356, $16.99

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying follows the story of preteen Rowan, next in line to be Queen, and her twin brother Rhydd, who is slated for the role of Royal Monster Hunter. Rowan doesn't want to be the queen, and is slated for quite a different life until a change of events places her in the unlikely role of being both. Her quest to join both sides of her personality leads her into a world of sentient animals, passions for monster-hunting, and individuals who both support and challenge her bid to keep her kingdom intact. Advanced elementary to middle school readers will find it an absorbing tale of a feisty girl's special challenges.

Song of the Abyss
Makiia Lucier
Houghton Mifflin Company
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
9780544968585, $17.99, HC, 368pp, www.amazon.com

As the granddaughter of a famed navigator, seventeen-year-old Reyna has always lived life on her own terms, despite those who say a girl could never be an explorer for the royal house of St. John del Mar. She is determined to prove them wrong, and as she returns home after a year-long expedition, she knows her dream is within reach. No longer an apprentice, instead: Reyna, Master Explorer. But when menacing raiders attack her ship, those dreams are pushed aside. Reyna's escape is both desperate and dangerous, and when next she sees her ship, a mystery rises from the deep. The sailors--her captain, her countrymen--have vanished. To find them, Reyna must use every resource at her disposal -- including placing her trust in a handsome prince from a rival kingdom. Together they uncover a disturbing truth. The attack was no isolated incident. Troubling signs point to a shadowy kingdom in the north, and for once, the rulers of the Sea of Magdalen agree: something must be done. But can Reyna be brave enough to find a way? "Song of the Abyss" showcases author Makiia Lucier's impressive talents for originality and a narrative storytelling style that is able to fully engage the reader's rapt attention from cover to cover. While especially and unreservedly recommended for school and community library YA Fantasy Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Song of the Abyss" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

The Snow Bear
Holly Webb
Tiger Tales
www.tigertalesbooks.com
9781680101683, $22.99, Library Binding, 192pp, www.amazon.com

Sara loves to listen to Grandpa's stories of his adventures in the Canadian Arctic when he was a boy. As the snow begins to fall, she builds a snow bear just like the one in Grandpa's story. In the middle of the night, Sara wakes up and sets out on an enchanted journey through a world of ice and meets a special polar bear cub who befriends her. But will she ever find her way home? Very highly recommended for both school and community library fiction collections for young readers ages 7-10, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Snow Bear" by Holly Webb is now available in a paperback edition (9781680104462, $6.99), in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.74) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Bolinda Audio, 9780655611288, $19.95, CD).


The Activity Shelf

BigFoot Goes on Great Adventures
D. L. Miller
Happy Fox Books
c/o Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781641240253, $14.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com

In "BigFoot Goes on Great Adventures", children ages 8-12 can sharpen their search and find skills by locating BigFoot at his favorite metropolis. But it won't be easy! BigFoot has undertaken 10 different challenging quests, including penetrating the Amazon Rainforest, climbing the Himalayas, discovering the Great Barrier Reef, going on expedition in Antarctica, exploring Madagascar, and more. Deftly presenting each adventure as an immense two-page visual puzzle, full of teeming people and creatures. The young reader's task is not only to find BigFoot and his legendary footprint, but also more than 500 other unusual and sometimes unexpected personalities and objects! Fun facts and pictures accompany each scene to help children learn more about the world's historic and cultural treasures. While very highly recommended for family, school and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "BigFoot Goes on Great Adventures" is also available in a paperback edition (9781641240437, $9.99).


The Graphic Novel Shelf

The Prophet: A Lucky Luke Adventure
Patrick Nordmann, author
Morris, illustrator
Cinebook Ltd.
www.cinebook.com
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
9781849184403, $11.95, PB, 48pp, www.amazon.com

Returned once again to their penitentiary by Lucky Luke for the umpteenth time, the four Dalton brothers meet a troubling character -- Dunkle, who is a self-proclaimed prophet fond of fiery speeches. His continual preaching eventually converts the ever hapless Averell. Soon, all five escape together and find refuge in a friendly, welcoming community, where they sow chaos and discord each in their own way -- unaware that Lucky Luke is already tracking them. Laugh-out- loud funny, "The Prophet" is the 73rd title in the now legendary Lucky Luke Adventure graphic novel series. Especially recommended for young readers ages 8-12, "The Prophet" is unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists as well as school and community library graphic novel collections for children (and adults needing a good and sustained laugh!).

The Secret Life of Pets: Pet Tails
Stephanie Lapuss, author
Goum, illustrator
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781787733145, $14.99, HC, 96pp, www.amazon.colm

A truly comedically funny compilation of cartoons that is based on the popular animated movie, 'The Secret Life of Pets 2', "Pet Tails" by Stephanie Lapuss' author Stephanie Lapuss and illustrator Goum reveals what our pets really get up to when we are not at home! "Pet Tails" introduces new characters including a Welsh Sheepdog named Rooster. An hilarious animal anarchy is unleashed and side-splitting antics ensue as the pampered pets embark on an all-new adventure with some all-new friends joining favorite pets, Max, Gidget, Snowball, Chloe, Duke, Buddy. Although specifically intended for young readers ages 6-9 and highly recommended for both school and community library collections, "Pet Tails" will prove to be a solidly entertaining read for anyone of any age who has enjoyed watching "The Secret Life of Pets" movies.


The Audiobook Shelf

Britfield & The Lost Crown
C. R. Stewart, author
Ian Russell, narrator
Devonfield Publishing
9781732961234, $19.99, CD, https://www.britfield.com/store

In a place where learning is suppressed, and children are treated as labor, best friends Tom and Sarah outsmart the nasty owners Mr. and Mrs. Grievous, the seedy caretaker Mr. Speckle, and even the legendary watchdog Wind. Yet shortly before leaving, Tom discovers a clue that will change his life forever. Relentlessly chased by the illustrious Detective Gowerstone, the two narrowly escape by commandeering a hot air balloon and flying over central England. Crashing at Oxford University, they receive the sympathy of Dr. Hainsworth, an esteemed professor who decides to help them safely get to London. Forced to land the balloon at Windsor Castle, Hainsworth asks for help from former student and head butler Philip. After a white-knuckled chase through St. Paul's Cathedral and the London underground, with Detective Gowerstone still in hot pursuit, Tom and Sarah are nearly out of time. A fast-paced adventure novel, this audio book edition of "Britfield & The Lost Crown" by C. R. Stewart and dramatically narrated by Ian Russell transports the young listener from the smoldering crags of Yorkshire, through the heart of England, and finally to the magnificent shores of Dover. Creating an interactive world of mystery and adventure, Britfield is about friendship, family, loyalty, and courage. "Britfield & The Lost Crown" is unreservedly recommended and certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to both school and community library audio book collections for children.


The Music CD Shelf

Beneath the Cherry Tree
Kare Strong and Josh Goforth
karestrongmusic.com
joshgoforth.com
Humming Bear Music
$12.99 CD amazon.com

Beneath the Cherry Tree is an album of original songs for all ages, featuring Kare Strong's mellifluous vocals and award-winning fiddler Josh Goforth's entrancing performance. Brimming with reverence for the beauty of nature, Beneath the Cherry Tree is a heartwarming audio experience that the whole family can enjoy together. Highly recommended. The tracks are "The Cherry Tree", "The Happy Groundhog", "The Little Tree", "Little Bluebird", "The Flower Faeries", "Down on Blackberry Lane", "The Daffodil & the Faery Child", "The Merry Band", "On Our Carolina Farm", "The Bluebell & the Boy", "Autumn Jewels", "A Party for Pig", "To the Country We Will Go", and "Song of the Wind".

Go for the Moon
Andrew & Polly
andrewandpolly.com
Palindrome Records
$12.00 CD / $9.99 digital cdbaby.com

Go for the Moon is the fifth album by award-winning children's music duo Andrew & Polly. The upbeat songs shine with the spirit of discovery and adventure. Featuring a mixture of original music and inventive covers, Go for the Moon embraces the drive to reach for one's highest, most cherished goals. Highly recommended! The tracks are "All Star", "Crazy House", "Chair School", "You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd", "Brass Chuckles", "Aquarium", "Mom's Name", "Three Charitable Buzzards", "Garden of Your Mind", "Zipper + Saw", and "Circus by the Sea". 30 min.

Moozika!
Jesse Goldman
Ruminator Records
www.moozika.com
$14.99 CD / $14.99 digital, cdbaby.com

Moozika! is the debut family album from multi-instrumentalist and music educator Jesse Goldman. Featuring songs that encourage young listeners to move and groove with the original music, Moozika! is a veritable showcase of music styles, including folk, jazz, samba, blues, ranchera, pop, Latin, rock, and house music. Moozika! is a choice pick, especially for public library collections and children's parties. The tracks are "Moove to the Moozika!", "Moose on the Loose", "Uno, Dos, Tres, Cuatro", "Supa Dupa Soup", "Wiggle Wagglin'", "Wave Your Scarf", "Burro", "Sleep My Child", "Brooklyn Baby", "Limpia", "Roly-Poly Train", and "Hasta Luego". 30 min.

Finding Friends Far From Home
Oran Etkin
www.oranetkin.com
Timbalooloo
$TBA www.timbalooloo.com

Recorded on location in Zimbabwe, China, Czech Republic, and Turkey, Finding Friends Far From Home: A Journey with Clara Net celebrates the traditional music of multiple nations, with aid from masters of each country's mellifluous heritage. As educational as it is engaging, Finding Friends Far From Home is highly recommended especially for school and public library children's music collections. The tracks are "We Want a Story", "Intro to Chaye Shukariye", "Chaye Shukariye", "Intro to Karige Mombe", "Karige Mombe", "Intro to Kutapira", "Kutapira", "Intro to Mo Li Hua", "Mo Li Hua", "Intro to Dandini", "Dandini", "Intro to Tumbalalaika", "Tumbalalaika", "Intro to Sakura", and "Sakura".


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Movie Novel
Adapted by Sonia Sander
Written by Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
9781338529425 $6.99 pbk www.scholastic.com

Featuring eight pages of full-color photographs, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Movie Novel adapts the story of the popular Detective Pikachu movie to a middle grade novel. Based on the immensely popular series of Pokemon video games for all ages, Detective Pikachu is set in Ryme city, a place where Pokemon and humans co-exist in harmony; Pokemon battles are allegedly forbidden within city limits. The story follows young Tim Goodman, whose estranged father recently perished in a fiery car crash. When Tim investigates his father's former apartment in Ryme City, he discovers a Pikachu wearing a detective hat - and unlike every other human, Tim can understand what "Detective Pikachu" is saying! A mystery-adventure filled with intrigue, danger, and adorably cute Pokemon, Detective Pikachu Movie Novel is a great way to encourage young Pokemon fans to read. Highly recommended, especially as a souvenir gift for children who loved the movie!


The Multimedia Shelf

Child of Wonder
Marty Haugen, author
Stephen Nesser, illustrator
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638
www.giamusic.com
9781622772858, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

Bestselling composer Marty Haugen's "Child of Wonder" was originally written for the baptism of his godson and celebrates the sacredness of human life and childhood. Now in this wonderful book, artist Stephen Nesser beautifully illuminates the lyrics with scenes of childhood rituals drawn from faith traditions and cultures around the world. These vibrant illustrations are a perfect complement to Marty's inspired poetry. Included with the volume is a link to a free mp3 download of the song, as well as the full notation of "Child of Wonder" for families that wish to sing along. Unique and very special, "Child of Wonder" is unreservedly recommended for family, preschool, kindergarten, and community library collections for children ages 5-7.


The Geography Shelf

National Geographic Kids Beginner's World Atlas, fourth edition
National Geographic Kids
c/o National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426334825, $17.99, HC, 64pp, www.amazon.com

Children ages 7-10 will learn all about the people, places, animals, and environments of our world in this newly updated and expanded fourth edition of the "National Geographic Kids Beginner's World Atlas". It's got a fresh, kid-friendly design; fun, lively photos; and all the latest, greatest geographic and political information that make this such a valuable resource. It's the perfect reference for kids to learn about lands close to home or oceans away -- making it ideal for classroom use, homework help, and armchair exploration. While also available in a paperback edition (9781426335525, $12.99), this new fourth edition of the "National Geographic Kids Beginner's World Atlas" will be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, school, and community library collections.

National Geographic Student World Atlas, fifth edition
National Geographic Kids
c/o National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426334801, $19.99, HC, 144pp, www.amazon.com

From the cartographic experts at National Geographic comes the fifth and latest edition of its award-winning student atlas packed from cover to cover with everything kids want and need to know about our changing world. Dynamic, user-friendly content includes photos, facts, charts, graphics, and full-color political, physical, and thematic maps on important topics. Completely updated maps and statistics ensure that kids have all the latest information as they learn more about current events and become global citizens. Simply stated, this newly updated and expanded fifth edition of the "National Geographic Student World Atlas" is unreservedly recommended for family, school, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that the fifth edition of "National Geographic Student World Atlas" is also available in a paperback edition (9781426334795, $12.99).


The Christian Shelf

God Made Me
Stephen Robert Blandino
Independently Published
9781793435361, $10.00, PB, 24pp, www.amazon.com

Parents can spend a quiet moment with their child and experience "God Made Me" together. This beautifully vibrant colored easy reader book learning how God created life and beauty with His love that He blessed on to the earth. "God Made Me" with its eye catching colors and easy text will fill children ages 3-5 with wonder and joy as they read along and discover the importance of the beauty and love that surrounds them. Perfect for a bonding 'read along' experience, "God Made Me" is inspired and inspiring, making it an especially ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to family picture book collections.


The Judaic Shelf

Feeling Better A to Z
Malka Nussbaum Chomer, author
Bill Bolton, illustrator
Hachai Publishing
527 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11225
www.hachai.com
9781945560170 $13.95 hc amazon.com

Featuring laminated pages that are easier for little hands to turn, Feeling Better A to Z: A Book about Bikur Cholim is a children's picturebook with a positive message about different ways one can help a sick person feel better. Though created especially for Jewish children, in order to help them understand and carry out the mitzvah about visiting and offering aid to the sick, Feeling Better A to Z has an invaluable lesson for young readers of all faiths. Every letter of the alphabet is paired with a suggested way to help a person who is recovering from illness. "A - Give a stuffed animal. If someone doesn't feel well, it's nice for them to have something soft to cuddle. / B - Bring a book of activities with coloring, puzzles and games." Feeling Better A to Z is highly recommended, especially for synagogue and personal children's picturebook collections.


The Parenting Shelf

When You Lived in My Belly
Jodi Meltzer Darter, author
Caryn King, illustrator
Jody King Camarra, illustrator
http://jodidarter.com
Mascot Publishing
http://mascotbooks.com
9781543960310, $17.99, HC, 38pp, www.amazon.com

As a mom, Jodi Meltzer Darter answers her son's seemingly endless "Why?" questions -- one of which was an inquiry about their innate bond and was the basis for her picture book story "When You Lived in My Belly". A delightful month-by-month storytelling of pregnancy from the perspective of both baby and mom, "When You Lived in My Belly" gives children 5-6 an age appropriate glimpse into a past they can't remember, and will take moms back to a time they will never forget. It features kid-friendly descriptions of the developmental milestones babies reach in utero, coupled with the corresponding physical and emotional changes experienced by moms. Illustrated by the team of Caryn King and Jody King Camarra, "When You Lived in My Belly" also includes a page for moms to pen a personal note to their children about their individual pregnancy journey. Very highly recommended, it should be noted that "When You Lived in My Belly" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).


The Holocaust Studies Shelf

The Brave Princess and Me
Kathy Kacer, author
Juliana Kolesova, illustrator
Second Story Press
http://secondstorypress.ca
9781772601022, $18.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com

In 1943, the Second World War is raging, and the Nazis have taken control of most of Europe. Princess Alice of Greece has a reputation for kindness. Born deaf, she knows what it is like to be discriminated against. With the invasion of the Nazis, all Jews in Greece are in danger, including young Tilde Cohen and her mother, Rachel. On the run, they are in search of a safe place to hide. When they arrive unannounced on Princess Alice's doorstep, begging her to shelter them, the princess's kindness is put to the test. Based upon a true story, "The Brave Princess and Me" Includes a special section, with photographs, about Princess Alice. A real-life hero, Alice is the grandmother of the United Kingdom's Prince Charles, and the great-grandmother of Princes William and Harry. Unique and very special, "The Brave Princess and Me" is especially recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 5-6.


Books in Series

We Go On an Airplane
Joanne Mattern, author
Red Chair Press
www.redchairpress.com
c/o Lerner (dist.)
www.lernerbooks.com
9781634406321, $25.32 (list), $18.99 (S & L), HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com

From the LOOK! Books series of Red Chair Press comes "We Go On an Airplane," teaching kids ages 5-8 years ways we go places today. Filled with bright color photographs and large text with special highlighting and sidebars, this delightful flying guide for pre-K through grade 2 readers covers topics such as a first airplane trip, flying suitcases, staying safe, waiting to fly, take off, in the air, and on the ground. Flying can be a daunting experience for young children. "We Go on an Airplane" helps replace some of the natural fearfulness with information, safety procedures while flying, and many details about what to expect in the whole passenger flight experience. Helpful additions are the Words to Know vocabulary section and the Learn More at the Library section. "We Go On an Airplane" is an excellent educational resource for early elementary students about flying experiences in transportation. Other titles in the Ways We Go series that are also highly recommended for family, school, and community library collections include: "We Go on a Train (9781634406307, $18.99)," "We Go on a Subway (9781634406314, $18.99)," "We Go on a School Bus (9781634406352, $18.99)," "We Go on a Ferry (9781634406338, $18.99)," and "We Go on a City Bus (9781634406345, $18.99)," all by Joann Mattern.

Pianos
Pamela K. Harris, author
The Child's World
1980 Lookout Drive, Mankato, MN 56003
www.childsworld.com
9781503831865 $28.50, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com

Written for elementary student reading (grades 3-6), "Pianos" is a color photo filled brief encyclopedia on acoustic pianos. The piano is a historic stringed instrument that uses hammers to hit strings that are activated by depressing keys on the keyboard. Thus it is also a percussive instrument. Chapters are presented on the secret of piano strings, the keyboard, the strings, why the piano is made of wood, the pedals, who invented the piano, the shapes of pianos, great musicians (includes Beethoven and Mozart), pianos and music, and other instruments with a keyboard (including the melodica, accordion, miniature piano, organ, and electronic piano. A glossary is included at the end plus a section titled To Learn More listing relevant books and web sites. "Pianos" is an excellent resource on the instrument that also encourages readers to explore pianos further by taking piano lessons. Also highly recommended for family, school, and community library collections for young readers ages 8-11 are the following titles from the same musical instrument nonfiction series: "Violins (9781503831889)," by Pamela K. Harris, "Recorders (9781503831902)," by Kara L. Laughlin, 'Drums (9781503831834)," by Pamela K. Harris, "Saxophones (9781503831926)," by Sharon Sharth, "Trombones (9781503831858)," by Bob Temple, "Trumpets (9781503831969)," by Pamela K. Harris, "Tubas (9781503831940)," by Bob Temple, "Flutes (9781503831841)," by Pamela K. Harris, "Guitars (9781503831933)," by Kara L. Laughlin, "Cellos (9781503831872)," by Kathryn Stevens, "Clarinets (9781503831896)," by Pamela K. Harris.

Jumping Cow Press
www.jumpingcowpress.com

The delightful picture book 'Cows Can't' series by author Dave Reisman and illustrator Jason A. Mass will prove to be an entertaining delight for children ages 4-6. This outstanding series is comprised of "Cows Can't Jump" (9780980143300, $7.99 PB, $3.99 Kindle, $7.99 Board Book) 44pp) about animal actions; "Cows Can't Quack" (9780980143348, $7.99 PB, $3.99 Kindle, $7.99 Board Book, 50pp) about animal sounds; "Cows Can't Spin Silk" (978-0998001029, $7.99 PB, $7.99 Board Book, 42pp) about animal creations; and the newest addition -- "Cows Can't Blow Bubbles" (978098143324, $7.99 PB). All four of these wonderfully entertaining and original picture books are unreservedly recommended and certain to be enduringly popular additions to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

Crabtree Publishing
www.crabtreebooks.com

Two new series addition titles are fine picks for elementary-level collections seeking standout books for reference, research, or even leisure choices. Ellen Rodger's Cybercrime and Espionage: Secrets in Science that Led to Discovery or Disaster (9780778759928, $31.32) joins others in the 'Top Secret Science' series for grade 5, providing nearly fifty pages of detail that supports CCSS for Reading Informational Text. Sidebars of information accompany discussions of how spying and surveillance needs have relied on science to push boundaries of investigation. Any elementary-level child interested in spies, computer science, or cybercrimes will find this an excellent link between science and information management. David Jeffries' Dreams of Space Before Apollo (9780778754084, $27.60) joins others in the 'Moon Flight Atlas' series for grade 5, supports the same CCSS program, and provides maps and discussions about early rocket development and exploration efforts. A little over 30 pages is packed with photographs, charts, and colorful details designed to interest any young person fascinated by space. Both are fine stand-alone recommendations, as well.


The Story Monsters Ink Shelf

www.storymonsters.com


Story Monsters LLC is dedicated to helping authors of all genres strive for excellence through our marketing and publicity services, Dragonfly Book Awards contests, Story Monsters Approved! awards program, opportunities for connecting with schools, and the award-winning Story Monsters Ink(R) magazine.

The Tall Man and the Small Mouse
Mara Bergman, author
Birgitta Sif, illustrator
Candlewick
www.candlewick.com
9781536201680 $16.99 amazon.com

Larissa Juliano
Reviewer

Picking apples, rescuing kites and cats in trees … there are lots of jobs that are perfect for this tall man! And other tasks, like finding tiny treasures and trinkets, attract the skills of a small mouse. Together? The two of them make quite a pair, and when the town clock needs fixing, it's a team effort! This rhyming, sing-song type of story has a poetic feel and lovely illustrations. This story reminds me of a fairytale … a tried and true lesson with a hardworking little mouse, and a kind and selfless man who enjoys helping others. (Ages 2-5)

The Pawed Piper
Michelle Robinson, author
Chinlun Lee, illustrator
Candlewick
www.candlewick.com
9781536201659 $16.99 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

This sweet story of love and innocence will stir the simple longing of a childhood pet. A little girl longs for a cat to call her own. She seeks out all the things cats and kittens are known to love, and diligently sets them out with hopes of luring one. But, to her amazement, her efforts are overly rewarded. She had so many cats she lost track counting. This delightful tale is heartwarming and promotes the rewards of desire, diligence, and a heart full of love. (Ages 2-5)

Hip Hip Hooray, It's Grandparents Day
Danita Mahler and Sarah Rice, authors
Ah Ha Studios, illustrator
The Grand Adventure LLC
9781733664509 $28.50 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

I'm delighted to review this book. It captures the special bond between children and their grandparents. Whatever wonderful titles are picked and personally bestowed, a grandparent cherishes them? more than any may know. It's a loving tie that wraps life tight, with memories that pass down like folklore. A special inclusion provides for child and grandparent to share their own special page in the story. I hope every child and grandparent gets to share this bonding story. Take time to enjoy the illustrations. There are precious moments to be shared there, too. (Ages 3+)

Butterflies on the First Day of School
Annie Silvestro, author
Dream Chen, illustrator
Sterling Children's Books
www.sterlingpublishing.com
9781454921196 $16.95 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

I love this sweet story's easy flow. Butterflies stirring within us can be such an uncomfortable feeling. It can often be mistaken for illness. Silvestro's light and gentle explanation is filled with compassion, allowing the experience to empower, rather than debilitate. The illustrations perfectly capture the fine texture and quality of its intent. This is truly an enjoyable read. (Ages 3+)

As Warm as the Sun
Kate and Jim McMullan
Neal Porter Books
c/o Holiday House
www.holidayhouse.com
9780823443277 $18.99 amazon.com

Christine Irvin
Reviewer

Toby is the head dog in his house. He can spend his days as he pleases, basking in the morning sun in his special spot, snuggling on someone's lap in the afternoon, and keeping warm by the fire at night. That is, until Pinkie comes along. When Pinkie steals his special spot in the morning sun, crowds him out of his special lap in the afternoon, and plops herself down in his spot in front of the fire, Toby heads off to a cold spot to be by himself. What happens next will warm your heart. (Ages 3-7)

The King of Kindergarten
Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Nancy Paulsen Books
c/o Penguin
www.penguin.com
9781524740740 $17.99 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

This will truly be a confidence-boosting experience for every child braving the brand-new world of kindergarten. Walking out a mental path to soothe those separation anxieties that creep along just under the surface. The lively illustrations depict the fun that eagerly awaits every child as they enter the great halls of education. (Ages 3-6)

Spend It! A Moneybunny Book
Cinders McLeod
Nancy Paulsen Books
c/o Penguin
www.penguin.com
9780399544460 $16.99 amazon.com

Dr. Dawn Menge
Reviewer

This is the second in the Money Bunny series about little rabbit Sonny. In this book, Sonny has the daunting task we all have of not knowing what to spend our money on. Sonny wants to buy everything! A toy rocket, a pogo stick, and even a huge bounce house. His mother teaches him how to make good choices with his money and to be happy with what he has. This is a great tool for teaching a young child the value of earning an allowance and how to spend it wisely. The very cute illustrations will capture and keep the attention of your young child. (Ages 3-5)

Dave's Rock
Frann Preston-Gannon
Nosy Crow
c/o Candlewick Press
www.candlewick.com
9781536202717 $15.99 amazon.com

Larissa Juliano
Reviewer

Dave's Rock is a delightful and funny story that shares with readers the ups and downs of friendship. Dave is a caveman who naturally loves all the elements in nature, especially rocks! Dave finds a rock, and his friend Jon also finds a rock. The two cavemen jockey back and forth with who has the better, bigger, taller, prettier, and best rock. Text is short and simple, but readers will find lots of connections with friends and their own competitive spirits. Illustrations are bold and eye-catching. Readers will enjoy the different perspectives in the illustrations and the sweet conclusion to the story. (Ages 3-7)

I Love My Glam-Ma
Samantha Berger, author
Sujean Rim, illustrator
Orchard Books
c/o Scholastic
www.scholastic.com
9781338151831 $17.99 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

As a grandma myself, I personally enjoyed this loving tribute. Though we may come in all shapes and sizes, we all come with the same big heart. A grandma seems to have a magic twinkle, a mysterious connection to all around her. Things just seem bigger and brighter when you're with her. It's great when we stop in the middle of life's busy hustle and bustle to let our grandmas know we think so! This would make a fun gift for kids to share on Grandparents Day. (Ages 3-5)

The Treacherous Tingling Tanglelow Trial
Greg McGoon
Pelekinesis
http://pelekinesis.com
9781949790221 $22.95 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

This author never ceases to amaze me. This third wonderful Tanglelows tale is (as always) a great adventure of the heart. An inside view of the windings and tanglings, and even the knotting up of our emotions that so often escape our notice until we are boggled up, and hope cannot flow. These adorable illustrations and gentle rhyme of truth brings revelation and understanding, which frees the tingles and makes life whole. Emotions are tricky and can baffle the best. Keep the Tanglelows coming Greg McGoon, until society can rest. (Ages 3-12)

Up to Something
Katrina McKelvey and Kirrili Lonergan
EK Books
c/o Exisle Publishing
www.exislepublishing.com.au
9781925335705 $17.99 amazon.com

Christine Irvin
Reviewer

When Billy's dad sees an ad for The Big Race, he decides to build Billy a racecar. Billy wants to help his dad build the racecar, but his dad doesn't think Billy is old enough to use tools. Billy has different ideas. So, while his dad is busy sawing and hammering on his racecar, Billy is busy sawing and hammering on his own racecar. When they are both done with their individual efforts, the two learn a valuable lesson about working together. (Ages 4-7)

Why?
Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Neal Porter Books
c/o Holiday House
www.holidayhouse.com
9780823441730 $18.99 amazon.com

Christine Irvin
Reviewer

Bear and Rabbit are best friends. When Bear goes about his normal activities throughout the year - watering his flowers, gazing at the stars in the night sky, eating honey - Rabbit is right there beside him, always talking and always asking "Why?" Why does Bear water his flowers? Why does Bear gaze at the stars? Why does Bear eat honey? Bear very patiently answers each of Rabbit's questions. When it comes time for Bear to hibernate, Bunny tells Bear not to go. "Why?" asks Bear this time. The simple text and expressive watercolor illustrations describe a delightful example of friendship. (Ages 4-8)

The Very Impatient Caterpillar
Ross Burach
Scholastic
www.scholastic.com
9781338289411 $17.99 amazon.com

Larissa Juliano
Reviewer

This hilarious, unique, and relatable tale will have readers giggling with every page turn. Caterpillar and friends are ready to metamorphosize! And Caterpillar cannot wait! Literally, he cannot wait. Our dear little caterpillar is quite impatient and soon discovers that "metamorphosizing" takes a few weeks! Gasp! He gives himself lots of pep talks as he hangs in his cocoon and readers will empathize and laugh with how much work and frustration he feels until all of the sudden ... he is a butterfly! The illustrations are bright and fun, and this is a perfect story for read-alouds. (Ages 4-8)

Bea's Bees
Katherine Pryor, author
Ellie Peterson, illustrator
Schiffer
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764356995 $16.99 amazon.com

Christine Irvin
Reviewer

Beatrix is drawn to a tree that she finds on her way home from school. The tree contains a nest filled with busy bumblebees. Bea loves watching the bees and spends time with them every day. But one day, on her way home from school, she can't find any bees. Where did they go and why did they go away? Bea needs to find a way to bring them back. The author includes some great information about bees in the back of the book. (Ages 5-6)

Beware of the Crocodile
Martin Jenkins, author
Satoshi Kitamura, illustrator
Candlewick
www.candlewick.com
9780763675387 $16.99 amazon.com

Dr. Dawn Menge
Reviewer

This colorfully-illustrated book covers all aspects of a crocodile's life. Mother crocodiles create a mound of leaves as a nest to lay from 40-90 eggs at a time! When the eggs have hatched, she gathers the tiny crocodiles and places them in the water. The last page is filled with resources and facts to address. "Sooner or later, something passing by, something with a bit of meat on it, will decide that it's thirsty and needs a drink. And then?" Find out what happens as you read this fun, factual book with your child. (Ages 5-8)

Growing Season
Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Sterling Children's Books
www.sterlingpublishing.com
9781454927044 $16.95 amazon.com

Christine Irvin
Reviewer

When the school year starts, El and Jo are the shortest kids in their class. They are also best friends and they like to do everything together, like two peas in a pod. During the school year, the class works on a project to start flowers from seeds. Also during the school year, Jo starts to grow, but El doesn't. When the school year ends, the teacher gives each student a chance to take home a flower of his/her own. El gets the last flower, the smallest one. Jo is spending the summer at her grandma's house, so she gives El her flower to take care of and El plants both flowers in her garden, side by side. When the summer is over and Jo comes back, there is a surprise waiting for both girls. A page in the back of the book describes the life cycles of plants. (Ages 4-8)

The Day Punctuation Came to Town
Kimberlee Gard, author
Sandie Sonke, illustrator
Familius
www.familius.com
9781641701457 $16.99 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

This easily-relatable book makes learning not only fun, but memorable. Association comes easy with a quick glance through the people we know. Like Explanation Point, we all have that one friend who is always excited and lends that extra punch to every endeavor. Just as Comma, we know that one sensible friend who carries caution for us all, and gives us pause to think things through. Or the emphatic Period, that gives the definitive finish to every statement. Seeing these punctuations with personalities makes them easy to understand, and fun to use. (Ages 5-8)

Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline!
Ants on a Log
Ant Hill
https://www.antsonalogmusic.com
$13.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

This is a fun and creative singing tale of young siblings and how they found their voice in their local community. We all have that defining moment when we become active and aware of our civil society. A time when once obscured issues focus and become personal. When Taylor develops asthma, his sister becomes aware of the importance of clean air, and begins to investigate. This is an uplifting and inspiring way to enlighten and encourage young people to let their voices be heard. (Ages 6+)

The Hippo at the End of the Hall
Helen Cooper
David Fickling Books
http://www.davidficklingbooks.com
c/o Candlewick
www.candlewick.com
9781910989753 $TBA hc / $17.99 Kindle amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

When Ben receives a mysterious invitation to an odd museum, he's swept into a peculiar world of forgotten secrets and wild magic in this illustrated novel. The invitation to the Gee Museum was delivered by bees. It wasn't addressed to anyone, but Ben knows that it was meant for him. Why else would the images on the postcard have stirred up memories of his father, who was lost at sea long ago? Helen Cooper's first novel brims with mystery and hope, and her lovely illustrations bring the wonders of the Gee Museum to life. This book is the perfect tool to encourage reading. (Ages 7-9)

Gecko
Raymond Huber, author
Brian Lovelock, illustrator
Candlewick
www.candlewick.com
9780763698850 $16.99 amazon.com

Larissa Juliano
Reviewer

Narrative nonfiction has become an increasingly popular genre through teachers and librarians alike, and Gecko is a wonderful and fun addition for lizard lovers. On each color-packed page, there are two different paragraphs of text. One paragraph talks about what the gecko is doing, and the paragraph underneath gives the readers facts about these nocturnal, curious creatures. Fresh, different, and fun! Illustrations done in watercolor, acrylic ink, and colored pencils are breathtaking and this book will be enjoyed over and over again by readers of all ages. (Ages 5-9)

The Awfulizer: Learning to Overcome the Shame Game
Kristin Maher, author
Robert Dunn, illustrator
National Center for Youth Issues
www.ncyi.org
9781937870584 $9.95 amazon.com

Darleen Wohlfeil
Reviewer

Enlightenment is empowerment! Turning on the light in those dark places and giving a face we can confront. Those quiet whispers, those faceless thoughts … are they ours? Are they true? The author and illustrator have brought those looming, overpowering thoughts and feeling into true perspective and size. Just the right size to overcome and be an Awesomizer! Empower your children so they can conquer those debilitating fears of condemnation. (Ages 5-8)

Superman of Smallville
Franco Aureliani and Art Baltazar
DC Zoom
https://www.dccomics.com
9781401283926 $9.99 amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

Can Superman keep Smallville from going to the dogs? Acts of awesomeness are happening around town. People are being rescued, runaway tractors stopped, and fires extinguished. This is all in a day's work for the hero known only as "Superman." But who is he, really? Thirteen-year-old Clark Kent knows. He has a super-secret - one his parents are constantly worried will get out. Clark promises to be extra careful, but when random objects begin to take flight and disappear, his parents threaten to ground him. Except he's innocent! If Superman isn't responsible ... who is? Join Clark in this hilarious adventure as he sniffs out the real culprit. A fun read for any early reader to middle grader. (Ages 7-11)

The Little Grey Girl
Celine Kiernan
Candlewick
www.candlewick.com
9781536201512 $15.99 amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

In the second book of the Wild Magic trilogy, courageous young Mup and her family are trying to heal and restore the kingdom when they uncover an ancient and powerful anger. The old queen and her raggedy witches have fled Witches Borough, and Mup's family has moved into the cold, newly empty castle. But the queen's legacy lingers in the fear and mistrust of her former subjects and in the memories that live in the castle's very walls. Celine Kiernan weaves a timely and essential truth: that dismantling oppression means honoring the pains of the past, and perhaps the most potent magic of all is encouraging joy and hope wherever possible. This story just flows from one exciting place to the next. It had me second-guessing every character; I couldn't tell the good ones from the bad. It's scary fun! (Ages 9-12)

The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid
Kirk Scroggs
DC Zoom
https://www.dccomics.com
9781401290689 $9.99 amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

Warning! Anyone caught reading this notebook without my permission will be tossed in the bayou with a rabid snapping turtle! Seriously, I mean it! My name is Russell Weinwright and if you think you've got problems in middle school, try being a half kid, half algae swamp creature who's terrible at sports! It's not easy. I eat sunlight for lunch, I've got duck weed for hair, and I think a frog might be living in my tree trunk arm. I'm literally pond scum! Some kids call me Swamp Kid, but my best friends Charlotte and Preston keep me sane. This book has so much - comedy, adventure, and danger all wrapped up in the everyday life of a teenager. This is a great lesson to kids to just be yourself and don't be like everyone else. (Ages 8-12)

Speed Demon
Fred Bowen
Peachtree Publishing Company
www.peachtree-online.com
9781682630778 $6.95 amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

Tim Beeman is a newcomer at Hilton Prep, and he's nervousabout finding his place at this elite school. But when he sets a new school record for the 50-yard dash during the first week of classes, he reveals his special talent: speed. Before long, the track and the football teams are urging Tim to join their sport. But Tim faces a difficult dilemma: His father would love to see him play football, but his mother, who died three years ago, always felt that the sport was too dangerous for young boys. Tim is torn. How can Tim put his talent to the best use and at the same time satisfy his own needs? Middle grade and YA readers will love this book! (Ages 7-12)

running with slugs
Eric Arnold
https://ericarnold.net/index.html
Apprentice House
https://www.apprenticehouse.com
9781627201575 $14.99 amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

Eighth grader Kro Kandle discovers that Ernest Hemingway wrote that there are four things one must do to become a man. Kro takes that blueprint to heart. With Hemingway as his guide, he navigates his odyssey through middle school with an eye keenly targeted on manhood. Writing in an experimental style replete with humor and poetry, Eric Arnold captures life in a middle school world surrounded by slugs. Running with Slugs is for middle schoolers, anyone who works with middle schoolers, anyone who lives with middle schoolers, and anyone who has ever been a middle schooler. The title suits the message perfectly: when you feel like you're going nowhere and you're getting there at a slug's pace. This book serves to teach us to try to make our dreams come true and not let anything stop us. (Ages 12+)

Spoken
Melanie Weiss
http://www.melanie-weiss.com
Rosehip Publishing
9780988609839 $9.99 amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

High school freshman Roman Santi has everything - good looks, great friends, and a mansion - except the one thing he really wants: a relationship with his father. When Roman's life gets turned upside down, he is forced to leave his pampered Hollywood lifestyle and move into his grandparents' Midwestern home. Sleeping on a lumpy pullout sofa and starting at a new high school is the worst, but Roman's life starts to look up when his pink-haired friend, Zuzu, and his crush, a classmate named Claire, introduce him to performance poetry through the high school's Spoken Word Club. This is an encouraging story to young readers who also may have a missing parent. (Ages 13+)

Beau & Bett
Kathryn Berla
https://www.kathrynberlabooks.com
Amberjack Publishing
https://www.amberjackpublishing.com
9781948705448 $12.99 amazon.com

Diana Perry
Reviewer

In a faraway land, Bettina Diaz lives in a shining castle ... okay, so she lives on a sprawling ranch in California, but close enough. Nicknamed "the Beast" at school, Bett has an infamous temper. And a secret. When Beau LeFrancois' mother hits Bett's luxury SUV, his family faces an impossibly large bill. To pay off the debt, Beau spends his weekends working on the Diaz Ranch. He's prepared to work, but he's not prepared for Bett's harshness to melt away as he learns what's behind her tough facade. Beau finds himself falling for her ... until the day he catches her in a lie. I found this to be a beautiful and heartwarming story and a good example for kids not to judge others until they've walked in their shoes. It also reveals the mob mentality of young adults who just want to fit in. A must-read for all our young adults. (Ages 14+)


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Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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