With engaging rhythm and catchy rhymes, Exca-gator! will be a hit with preschoolers who love construction vehicles. In his enthusiasm and confidence, Exca-gator believes he can accomplish the construction tasks on his own. Instead of completing the work, he makes a big mess and angers all his friends. In the end, by working together, Exca-gator and his swamp friend construction workers were able to complete their work. A great preschool read-aloud to encourage working together.
“This is a story about music. It is also a story about Aaron Copland.” Veronica Mang uses the role of music in Copland’s life to tell the story that reflects an era in American History. This story about music is also a story of a first-generation American, trying new things, struggle, who we are as Americans, and about change. Copland turned the experiences of everyday Americans around him into music. Copland’s quintessentially American music was frequently judged harshly during his life. Now he is recognized as one of the greatest American composers.
The author’s note includes suggested listening for kids as well as further reading and a bibliography.
Recommended for libraries seeking biographies on musicians or biographies of 20th century Americans.
The results of reintroduction of wolves at Yellowstone offer an interesting story of how the actions of humans can restore ecosystems. Rick McIntyre, a National Park Service Ranger who spent 30 years observing the Yellowstone wolves, partners with David Poulsen to tell the young reader’s version the story of 06, a well known alpha female. From an outsider and loner to part of a well-known alpha pair, 06 and her progeny impacted the interrelationships and pack dynamics of the Yellowstone wolves. Within the story of 06, the reader also meets many of the other extraordinary wolves of the Yellowstone region.
The complexity and constant change of the packs described in the story can be at times confusing. Still, this will be a hit with young animal lovers, especially those interested in wolves or ecological impact of species reintroduction.
With regular evidence of our strained electrical grid, this is a timely story told in graphic novel format that reinforces the importance of people becoming more resilient. A young girl experiences an increasing number of blackouts with the real life considerations such as not opening the refrigerator, no internet, and limited cooking options. Additionally, the mother in the story helps Luz understand the implications of increased fuel costs; limiting car use, increased expense of food, household essentials, and luxuries. Not able to enjoy her normal activities, she leads an initiative to turn a local abandoned lot into a community park and garden. Her success helps her feel more resilient and helps bring her community closer together. The bonus material provides a brief lesson in composting. This edition is revised from the original 2011 edition.
The format and text make this story an accessible inspiration for young people interested in ecology and environmentalism. The situation and Luz’s actions are relatable and feasible.
First published in 2012 2026 edition with revised text and an illustrations
It’s a hot summer day and water restrictions are in place. Luz’s solution is to head to a local pond. Unfortunately the pond’s proximity to the new cola production plant had robbed the pond of its spring, turning the pond into a mud hole. Luz, her family, friends and community all work together to raise awareness. As their initiatives attempt to make the cola company change their practices, Luz also works to find a way to water their community park and garden. Luz and her community create a rain collection barrel and a water reclamation gray water filter. Luz experiences the impact of community and industry on the water availability and how it accentuates the consequences of drought.
The format and text make this story an accessible inspiration for young people interested in ecology and environmentalism. The situation and Luz’s actions are relatable and feasible.
First published in 2012. The 2026 edition contains revised text and an illustrations.
This Bellwether Media series is sure to be a hit with car enthusiasts. Each title is packed with stats and specs focusing on special features for each vehicle. The text is supported by diagrams, timelines, maps, and a glossary. Nontraditional options are included such as hybrid and electric vehicles. Students who are familiar with cars will easily connect with the content.
There are 32 titles in this series. The books reviewed from this series: –Ford Mustang: Dark Horse –Toyota GR: Supra –Lamborghini: Countach –Maserati: Grancabrio
Sammy wakes up in the morning, takes off her bonnet, and gets dressed. Today is the first day of school! Sunny, her cute dog, accompanies her as she gets ready. After Sammy is dropped off at her first day of kid school, Sunny is dropped off at the first day of puppy school. Both kid school and puppy school are full of firsts, feelings, and learning. The end of the day comes with the realization that tomorrow will be the second day of school.
A sweet and charming introduction to the start of school. The parallel story of Sunny’s puppy school experience helps calm possible anxiety through shared experiences and routines.
Lucinda’s neighbors scurry inside and close their doors tightly as the sounds of battle grow near. Lucinda peers outside before locking the shutters. As family and friends gather inside, the earth trembles, flashes of light burst between the shutters and sounds and smells of battle pervade the house. Lucinda wonders how her mother can continue to cook with all that is going on. Her mother explains that everyone does their part in the family when times are rough and her part is to cook. Lucinda helps her mother and finds that by being part of the solution makes a difference in how she copes with the uncertainty of armed conflict.
The juxtaposition of the percussive rat-a-ta-tat with the soothing sounds of her mother cooking and the supportive actions of her Abuelo and Tia create a story of human resilience and unity. While a complex and troubling topic, this soothing story is still clearly written for young children.
The story is set in the 1950s during the Cuban Revolution and is based on a story the author’s mother told her. The recipe for Mama’s picadillo is included.
This book is also available in Spanish – Una luz para Lucinda: Una historia de la Revolución cubana (978-1-62354-819-3)
Napesni and Renegade – the two names given a young bison calf transported with 6 other bison from South Dakota to Minnesota as part of a multi-tribal partnership to nurture bison as a traditional food source. The story is based on a real calf who escaped an enclosure when a storm hit the first night at his new Minnesota home. The calf earned his name Renegade for his ability to avoid capture. Just before hunting season was to begin, Renegade calmly entered the enclosure to join his mother. The themes of Native tribal stewardship and ecological repair by native species are clear in this animal story.
Author Marcie Rendon also wrote Stitches of Tradition and Powwow Summer as well as a number of titles for adults. Illustrator Sam Zimmerman draws on Anishinaabe traditions and ancestral connections in his art.
This graphic novel series highlights memorable sports accomplishments from the past. From boxing to tennis, horse racing to rowing the series highlights the achievements of 20th century athletes.
Series includes:
The Miracle on Ice
Rumble in the Jungle: Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman
Billie Jean King and the Battle of the Sexes
Going for Gold: Wilma Rudolph and the 1960 Olympics
Off to the Races!: Secretariat and the Triple Crown
A Winning Crew: The 1936 U.S. Olympic Rowing Team
The stories are factually accurate and told through illustration, text boxes, and speech bubbles. The speech bubbles with red font are direct historical quotes. Speech bubbles with black font are recreated dialog for the sake of the narrative story.
