Max & Mo’s Science Fair Surprise by Patricia Lakin, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

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Best friends Max and Mo, the art class hamsters, watch as the “the big ones” put together their science projects and decide to do one of their own. They use physics they learn from one science fair poster to escape from their cage. After some research, which includes another science fair poster and a cool book about plants, they decide to put observe plant growth. These clever little rodents find their materials in the art room odds and ends bin and get to work. After a few days, their beans begin to sprout and they note the growth. They are doing a science fair project! And, the best part is that they get to participate in the school science fair with the kids. Nice work! The story ends with a directions for a simple science project for the inspired readers.

Max and Mo are likable class hamsters, who show would-be scientists how to work together and make things happen in the classroom. Illustrations are bright and fun and the this level one reader has a mixture of sight words and words to sound out and is a fun introduction to science projects. Recommended.

The Beak Book by Robin Page

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This book is takes a close look at twenty one different birds’ beaks, their shapes and uses. Some beaks are for filtering and others are for crushing or tossing. Each beak is described and pictured in colorful detail. Budding ornithologists will devour the information in this book and will never look at birds (or beaks) the same way again.

The last few pages include size comparisons with the average adult human, where the birds live and what they eat. There is also a short bibliography and further reading noted on the last page. Highly recommended.

This is the Path the Wolf Took by Laura Farina and illustrated by Elina Ellis

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Gabe is reading stories to his little sister and they begin somewhat familiarly. Red Riding Hood, The Three Pigs and other fairy tales flow from his book. But, then the stories always take a turn – to Sir Gabriel saving the day! While this is a totally satisfying way to end a story in Gabe’s mind, his sister has other ideas. She like the scary wolf and the ‘bad stuff’ that happens. But, Gabe doesn’t feel the same way.

Unfortunately, Gabe’s versions are a little boring and he realizes that there has to be some excitement and adventure in order to make the story work. Of course, everyone still lives “happily ever after”.

Fans of fractured fairy tales will enjoy this mix of familiar stories and young readers will delight in naming each as Gabe and his sister waltz through each tale. Cartoon like digital illustrations enhance the fun and Sir Gabriel, even though he is nervous, will still save the day! Additional purchase for those that want to refresh their fractured fairy tales.

The Whole Hole Story. Written by Vivian McInerny and illustrated by Ken Lamug

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Zia has a hole in her pocket. This might be a problem for others, but not for Zia. The hole falls out of her pocket and grows. This might be scary for any other child. But, Zia knows that this is her imagination and she is in control. Therefore, there is nothing to be afraid of when she falls through the hole (somewhat Alice in Wonderland-ish). She turns that hole into a whole series of adventures. It transforms from a fishing hole to a swimming hole to a watering hole (complete with lions, giraffes and more) to many more holes and fun. Finally, she decides to take a rest on a tree branch and watches the hole shrink down small enough to fit back into her pocket, thus ending the Whole Hole Story.

This story is a heartwarming take on imaginative play from a child’s perspective and is reminiscent of Harold and the Purple Crayon as Zia directs her tale. She is a confident young Black girl, who blithely moves from one adventure to the next. Illustrations are bright, bold and cartoon-like. Young readers will certainly enjoy hanging out with Zia in this fun, energetic bo0k. Recommended.

Spacebot by Mike Twohy

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One quiet night, the family pup is snoozing in his dog house when something strange happens. The kitchen appliances notice it first. Then, the house looks up. Finally, the pup looks up (yep, that rhymes and so does the book!). A UFO lands and out walks a…robo-dog. The pup is thrilled! A new friend! But, this spacebot is actually a friend of the kitchen appliances, who greet him like a long-lost relative. He points up and they all start to fly, except the pup, who begins to feel a bit neglected. The appliances have a joyous space romp and are finally directed to return to their places in the kitchen, cords trailing. The spacebot turns to enter his UFO and stops to toss a red ball to the pup. This is no ordinary ball, though. It fits on his nose and he begins to fly!

Spacebot is a fun, rhyming frolic of a story. One must smile at the happy group of kitchen appliances as they soar around the night sky. Toaster loopty-loops and refrigerator nearly loses her magnets as they fly around with their electrical buddies. Pup’s disappointment is palpable until he is gifted with the magical red ball. Text is minimal and illustrations are dynamic as the story moves forward. This is a great book for the newly-minted reader and can be used as a read-aloud. Highly recommended.

Marsha is Magnetic. Written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez.

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I loved this story. Marsha is an adorable science “nerd” who views the world through her scientific mind. This is useful as she contemplates her birthday party. Using the Scientific Method, she plans her party. Step 1: Observe kids at school, Step 2: Question why some kids are popular and have friends and others don’t, Step 3: Hypothesis and build a creation, Step 4:Testing it out at school (and yes her magnetic suit does attract friends) and Step 5: Data which demonstrates that she has attracted friends by being her “scientific minded” self. Step 6: Conclusion is to just be herself!

This is a delightful read and the illustrator is mindful of a strong representation of children of color and diverse characters. The charming pictures add to the likability of this book, along with the easy to follow and application of the scientific method wrapped up in a story that children can relate to and enjoy! I recommend this book.

Tiny Monsters, The Strange Creatures That Live On Us, In Us, and Around Us. By Steven Jenkins and Robin Page

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Another winning addition for any library! The combination of science and art propel Steven Jenkins and Robin Page’s books. Once again, the artwork is fabulous, as the details of each tiny creature is illustrated with minute details and enlarged for our viewers along with an actual size for each tiny monster. Each tiny monster has a paragraph describing them and a close up artistic illustrations.

My favorite page was the ending page. A two page spread on the infamous indestructible Tardigrade, also known as the Water Bear. In the year 2007 the European Space Agency sent tardigrades out in space. Our book reminds us that they can live for 30 years without eating or drinking! The illustration is also enlarged 1,000 times! This book is a wonderful addition of art and science for your collection.

Packs: Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer

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There is more to living in a pack than mere survival or safety in numbers. Hannah Salyer showers us with her colorful images and sprinkles us with her words to inform us of the wonders of togetherness.

“Together, we are better.” Together various animals: harvest, speak, hunt, nurture, travel, work, sing, build, dance, and sleep.

The various animals included: wolves, bison, penguins, dolphins, monarch butterflies, ants, bats, lions, goldsaddle goatfish, wildebeest, bees, frogs, coral, flamingos, mongoose, zebras, crocodiles, and humans are better, together.

In her author’s note, Hannah Salyer, urges the readers of this book to be inspired to help save these animals and the planet we live upon together.

I am Benjamin Franklin, by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos (Ordinary People Change the World series)

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Ordinary People Change the World series is highly recommended by this librarian. The wonderful combination of a fusion of graphic style and comic illustrations with the interesting format and dispensing of information about whichever hero the book features. High interest plus quality equate happy readers.

This story begins with Benjamin Franklin introducing himself and walking the reader through his childhood, full of family, experiments with play and nature, and his avid love of learning. His first attempt at writing was under a psuedoname for his brother’s independent paper press in Boston. He later set out to begin his adult life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He met his future bride, and worked to imporove himself by creating his “Plan for Future Conduct.” Rules to live by. He went on to begin the Junto Club where he pondered great questions of life. Later he opened his own print shop called, The Pennsylvania Gazette. He was a champion of free press! He authored the Poor Richard’s Almanac, a collection of good advice. “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

Benjamin encourages our readers to never give up, use their power to improve themselves, learn from failures and keep trying. We witness him with the kite and discovering the nature of electricity as well as drafting and editing the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson. An inspirational and delightful read!

If You Love Cooking, You Could Be… by Elizabeth Dennis

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If You Love Cooking, You Could Be… offers the reader and food lover a few ways to enjoy their passion. They may not know there are other ways to enjoy cooking in addition to being a cook or chef. One, two, three, say, “CHEESE!”

Chapter One does indeed talk about being a cook and/or a chef. There is no need to wait until the young reader is older to learn their way around a kitchen. They can read and watch cooking shows. Cooks must be strong when working with the big pots and use teamwork because in a restaurant each team member cooks only at one station, cooking only one type of food. The young person can start learning now by taking a cooking class and/or working with an adult.

Chapter Two informs about recipe developers. Recipes have to come from somewhere. They are not all handed down from relatives. The recipe developer works much like a scientist experimenting with ingredients, cooking times, temperatures, and taking exacting notes so the same food is made every time.

Chapter Three deals with food presentation. Food Stylists, like a hair stylist, make the food look wonderful for photos in cookbooks, websites, advertisements, and more. They are not necessarily the photographer. The food stylist also must deal with the plates the food is present upon and the environment around the food. Is the food being eaten at a fancy dinner party or at a picnic? The food stylist must take all of this into account. (Take out your cell phones. If You Love Cooking, You Could Be… does not suggest this, but a young reader could get their beginning here.)