Written by Jessica Kulekjian, Illustrated by Zoe Si
This is a wonderful non-fiction title about the water cycle that is well written and with clear illustrations for young readers. Any teacher would be excited to see this book in the library for check out as it is easy to read and gives opportunities for smooth transitions to discussion on the topic. I would highly recommend this book for any elementary library.
Written by Dorson Plourde
Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
This is a stunningly beautiful picture book that delves into feelings of sadness and depression. The main character feels that she no longer fits with the other kids in the pool and so she swims down to the bottom of the pool, pulls out the drain cover and plunges into another world where she is able to cry blue tears enough to fill an entire pond. The content seems quite maturely written and thus, I would recommend this picture book for older readers. The images are quite stunning and the art is fantastic. “You can’t cry in the pool. It’s already blue.”
Written by Fredrik Sonck
Illustrated by Jenny Lucander
This is a tale about a girl and her family who see a snake nearby. Freya feels that the snake is harmless and should be left alone but her parents are concerned about her younger brother getting too close and the snake causing him harm. Her father ends up killing the snake and Freya is quite upset by this and will not talk to him. In the end, she and her dad resolve their differences and she is more understanding of the situation. This book is translated from Swedish and I am unsure as to if it is a good translation into English. I feel that there could have been different word choices. For example, It uses the word murderer quite a bit including this last part on the last page: “My dad loves me. I love him. I love a snake-murderer.” While the book reflects loss, mourning and anger, I would not recommend this book for an elementary library purchase.
By A.F. Steadman
In book 4 of this epic fantasy series, Skandar must join his friends at the Eyrie to solve the mystery of the Skeleton Curse which is killing pegasus and their riders. Skandar’s sister, a rebel fighting to save her life and her pegasus’ life will do anything including cursing all others on the island. Not only that, the commodore of the Eyrie wants to destroy all spirit wielding riders including Skandar and his sister. Will Skandar survive against his sister? Will he help his sister survive?
This is an epic fantasy series that has the feel of Harry Potter but the perk of pegasus. It is also a series that MUST be read in order. This is book 4. I would recommend it for any who are searching for that next series to pull kids into reading.
Written and Illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel
Our narrator doesn’t like to try new things or venture to new places but when she spends the evening at an ice sculpting event she finds herself feeling okay with the crowds and noise as long as her mom is there. When she returns home she finds that she has lost her favorite horse statue and is sad that she will never see it again. After spending the day in sadness they once again go to the sculpting event to see the results from the day before feeling more familiar and comfortable only to see a beautiful sculpture of a horse that looks just like hers. Will she find her horse? Only reading this picture book will tell.
What a beautifully illustrated book about pushing past one’s fears. As the back cover says, “Sometimes you have to brave the cold to experience something special”
Written by Seth Fishman, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
One day, Brandon decides to build a time machine. After doing all the things one must do when building this type tool such as: seeing dinosaurs wish upon a REALLY big falling star, and watching creatures learn to climb and live on land, he decides to venture into his own past and try to fix things like acing the test he failed the day before. He soon starts to depend on his future self to do everything for him. Cleaning, doing homework, and other things that his present self doesn’t want to do. Future self starts to sabotage past self and a humorous battle ensues. Will Brandon realize he is only fighting himself?
What a fun and well illustrated book that sends a great moral. I recommend this book for any elementary library.
Written and Illustrated by Paul and Henrietta Stickland
In a fun and well illustrated way, this book simply discusses opposites. First, what kid doesn’t like dinosaurs? Second, it’s cartoon-like nature will attract all. With two simple sentences on each page such as, “Dinosaur weak, dinosaur strong” as well as rhyming throughout, this book will attract all emerging readers. This will also be a great and short read-aloud for for any librarian or family member.
I strongly recommend this book for libraries who serve preschool and primary readers.
Written by Isabel Allende, Illustrated by Sandy Rodriguez
Perla has two superpowers. First, she can make anybody love them. Second, she can roar like a lion. When she is adopted by the Ricos, she finds herself in the position to help Nico Rico who is being bullied. Nico learns how to roar like a lion against a bully at school.
Written from the viewpoint of Perla, this is a light story about how a dog’s love can support the boy who cares about him the most.
Written by Richard T. Morris, Illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch
A young boy adventures into a jungle, or is it the woods? He stumbles upon a house where he meets the poet, Robert Frost. From there the boy and the poet argue about his famous work, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”. The boy argues that the poem needs more action and needs to include his hippo in the jungle. The poet insists that the poem should be calming and meditative. An humorous adventure ensues with a jingling hippo, meteors, snakes and karate.
This book contains bright and vibrant illustrations. It has the original poem at the end as well. If one has a specific theme to focus upon or the actual Frost poem is a focus within the school, this would be a fun extra purchase for your library.
Written by Cristina Oxtra, Illustrated by Jamie Bauza
Maria and her Lolo (Grandfather) have a beautiful relationship. They spend a great deal of time together: in the garden, getting ice cream and especially drawing. Lolo can draw anything! But when Maria’s Lolo starts to feel unwell and forgetful, Maria gets worried. Soon, Lolo starts having problems remembering names of things and people. It is a struggle for Lolo to explain what he needs. How will Maria help her Grandpa remember and communicate what he wants?
This lovely picture book has threads of Philippine American traditions and culture within it. It carefully discusses Dementia in a kind way that children can understand. The illustrations are beautifully done in pencil and watercolor. I would recommend this book for any elementary library.