Author Archives: Kerry Beardsley

Poo Pile on the Prairie

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Poo Pile on the Prairie

By Amy Hevron

Amy Hevron follows up her two previous Tiny Habitats books with a fascinating look at the life that flourishes around bison poo on the prairie. The story begins in spring, as dung beetles and flies discover the fresh pile, and continues through the seasons, ending in winter when the last of the nutrients return to the soil to feed the grasses. When a baby bison bounds by the following spring, we are reminded that this natural cycle has repeated for generations, and it will continue as long as bison roam the prairie.

While the book centers on excrement, it steers clear of potty humor and instead highlights the animal species and natural processes connected to this vital part of prairie life. Hevron’s illustrations are adorable, and bring an element of cuteness sure to hook many young readers. The back of the book includes additional facts about bison, along with a lovely illustration featuring all the species introduced in the story. I’m thrilled to add this to my nonfiction collection and can easily see both teachers and students reaching for this title.

Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!

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Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!

Written by Lindz Amer. Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh.

Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They! celebrates the many different ways people can feel like themselves. It introduces a variety of pronouns that someone might use, but rather than diving into detailed explanations of each, it keeps the focus on the joy of finding a pronoun that feels right. The story highlights how meaningful and respectful it is when someone uses the correct pronoun for you.

This book is a great introduction for younger kids to what pronouns are and why they matter. There’s a thoughtful “Dear Grown-ups” section at the end where the author shares their personal story, which I think both kids and adults will find valuable. Kip Alizadeh’s colorful, joyful illustrations of children throughout make the book feel like a true celebration. It would be a wonderful addition to any school or home library.

See Marcus Grow

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See Marcus Grow by Marcus Bridgewater

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.

You Are Not Sleepy!

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You Are Not Sleepy!

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.

The Pharaoh vs. the Felines

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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.

Mistaco

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A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas

By Eliza Kinkz

Izzy is having a terrible day. She’s the self-proclaimed “President of Mistakes,” and though we don’t know right away what she’s done, it’s clear she believes it’s a big one. As she visits family and helps make tortillas, her frustration only grows as nothing seems to go right. Eventually, the truth of her mistake spills out, leading to a sweet moment of connection as she and her lito make “mistacos” together. Soon, the whole family joins in, and Izzy begins to feel lighter.

This is a wonderful SEL story. Many kids will relate to Izzy’s frustration and the sense that everything is going wrong. Kids will find her big confession hilarious, and Kinkz’s bright, expressive illustrations add charm and humor to every page. At its heart, this story is a reminder that talking about our feelings is often the first step toward feeling better.

Kinkz also weaves Spanglish naturally throughout the text, creating a voice that will feel authentic and familiar to many readers. At the end, she makes a heartfelt plea for Spanglish to be accepted and celebrated, especially when spoken by children who are navigating two languages and cultures. This book would be a great addition to any home or school library.

Garbage Gulls

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Written by Dorson Plourde and Illustrated by Isabella Fassler

Two brothers hatch a plan on a hot summer day that involves fries, ketchup, and a whole lot of waiting. The younger brother tries to fill the silence with questions, restless in the stillness, while the older brother insists they must stay quiet if they want the garbage gulls to arrive. Eventually, the gulls do come, whisking the boys away from the sweltering concrete of the parking lot.

Plourde’s poetic style makes this a delightful read-aloud, and kids will relate to both the sticky, endless feeling of a hot summer day and the longing to escape it. Fassler’s illustrations perfectly match the mood, encouraging readers to slow down and soak in that atmosphere of waiting. This is a perfect summer read and is ideal for sharing aloud in the classroom, either before the break begins or as kids reflect on it after returning to school.

Quiet Karima

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By Nidhi Chanani

Karima’s world is alive through sounds, not through words. She delights in the everyday music around her: the scurrying of squirrel feet, the beep of bus cards being scanned, the symphony of sounds in the park. She doesn’t speak aloud in the text, and so, to others, she is “Quiet Karima.” There is much more to her than that, though. “Quiet Karima is not all that I am,” she thinks after expressing herself through music.

This story could connect with so many of the quiet kids constantly being prodded to speak more or being called shy in most every interaction. It may also speak to nonverbal kids or help other children understand that complexity can live in quiet too. It celebrates the richness of spirit that can hide in the most seemingly introverted kids.

The Bigfoot Field Guide to Campers (and Other Mysterious Creatures)

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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.

The Arguers

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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.