Written by Marcus Bridgewater. Illustrated by Reggie Brown.

See Marcus Grow is a heartfelt ode to both the garden and a beloved grandmother. In this book, Marcus Bridgewater (known in real life as Garden Marcus) shares what it was like for young Marcus to learn about gardening from his garden expert grandmother. She lovingly compares the needs of a garden to the needs of a young boy, and she teaches Marcus the importance of patience, care, and respect for all living things.

Reggie Brown’s vibrant, colorful illustrations add warmth and energy to each page, perfectly complementing the story. You can truly feel the author’s deep love for the garden, his grandmother, and the natural world woven throughout every part of the book.

By Mark Teague

You Are Not Sleepy tells the very relatable story of a pig who, though it is nap time, is not at all sleepy. It begins with the room being too bright, then too dark, then too moth-filled, and continues in this fashion throughout the rest of the story. It’s a great choice for any kids who love the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series as it will feel like a new twist on a familiar structure. Teague’s illustrations are also a delight, and the expressions on the supporting characters are sure to bring joy to young readers.

Written by: J.F. Fox. Illustrated by Anna Kwan.

The Pharaoh vs. the Felines tells of Cambyses II, ruler of Persia, and Pharaoh Amasis II, ruler of Ancient Egypt. While it might seem challenging to make this historical conflict engaging and accessible for early elementary readers, Fox pulls it off by centering the narrative around one irresistible subject: cats.

The book begins with a brief explanation of the fertile crescent and its historical significance. The author goes on to tell the story of the conflict between Camyses and Amasis that led to the eventual invasion of Egypt. Mixed in with the story are numerous cat puns and cute illustrations, so while this would be a great story to share during a unit on early civilizations, it’s also sure to be a hit with cat fans.

By Jami Gigot

The Bigfoot Field Guide to Campers (and Other Mysterious Creatures) by Jami Gigot is a charming story told from Bigfoot’s point of view. Styled as a guide for sasquatches, it warns about the mysterious and dangerous creatures known as “campers.” The text offers tips on how to stay safe when campers enter the woods, and these are peppered with a bit of potty humor that will keep elementary-age kids laughing.

The text of the book is contrasted with the illustrations. While Bigfoot is advised to stay far away from humans, the pictures tell a sweeter story of a forming friendship between a camper and a sasquatch. It’s a cute and funny book that encourages looking beyond fear and embracing connection.

By Corinna Luyken

Corinna Luyken’s The Arguers is a fairy tale that turns a small disagreement into an absurd adventure. What begins as a debate over how best to comb the king’s beard quickly grows into a full-blown argument about everything imaginable. Soon, arguing becomes the kingdom’s favorite activity. Kids will find it especially funny when the characters start bickering with flowers and stones, and adults may quietly recognize themselves in the chaos.

Luyken’s illustrations will captivate kids, and they add whimsy to every page. It is a lovely book, and I can see families using it as a reference point for small disagreements around the home. This would be a great addition to any family collection or library.

By Dev Petty and Jared Chapman

Apparently, mushrooms are incredibly loud. Monty, a marmot who loves peace and quiet, isn’t thrilled when a gust of wind blows spores near the entrance to his home, bringing a rowdy group of noisy mushrooms to his neighborhood. In this charming story by I Don’t Want to Be a Frog author Dev Petty, Monty must figure out how to cope with his unexpected new neighbors.

Packed with silly mushroom antics and even a catchy mushroom song, this book is sure to have kids giggling. The dialogue-rich text includes a few challenging words like irritable and fretful, but overall, it remains accessible for young readers. Jared Chapman’s vibrant and playful illustrations add to the fun. This will be a popular one with elementary-aged students, even without a clear moral.