How to Carry a Cupcake

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By Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson

When Elinor and her friends realize their teacher, Ms. Mole, is having a birthday tomorrow they decide to bring her a cupcake. Olive, the elephant is ready to bring one to school but is not sure how to get it to their teacher safely and not squished in her bag. Elinor, Olive and Ari study nature to solve their problem.

This is a elementary level book in the series “Elinor Wonders Why” where Elinor and her friends work to solve problems as well as explore nature. It is a fun story in the popular graphic novel format that will introduce science concepts as well. This reader highly recommends this series for young readers in the elementary library.

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination

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By Brad Montague, Illustrated by Brad and Kristi Montague

Sparky, a very shy mail figment in the Bureau of Imagination, has a very busy job but always has time to write poetry. He never shares his poetry as he if very shy. One day while working diligently, he finds that his lack of sharing may be a part of the cause of a possible disaster. Sparky greets Brenda the dragon who to lives at and manages the Cave of Untold Stories and finds out that the cave is exploding! Sparky tries to help but only finds that the challenge is too daunting for him alone and thus, he writes a letter to all the humans in the world encouraging them to be agents of the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Will others join in to fix the challenge? Will YOU be one of the NEW agents of the bureau?

This is a wonderful book for any elementary library. There are many activities that can revolve around this whimsical tale. I would highly recommend it!

Elbert in the Air

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By Monica Wesolowska, Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey

Even as a baby Elbert could fly. Throughout his life, may gave suggestions to keep him from doing so but his mother always encouraged him to be himself. This is a tale of reaching for your dreams, being yourself and always moving forward to be the best you can be. It is also a great message for any parent, friend or mentor to support one another. While it is a nice story with a happy ending, I would recommend this book as an extra purchase as there are many others that give the same message in a more heartwarming way.

How to Make a Memory

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By Elaine Vickers, Illustrated by Ana Aranda

This adorably illustrated book encourages one to create memories in a variety of ways. It also gives examples of how to save these memories by writing them down, creating a picture or taking a photograph. One may remember memories just by hearing a few notes from a song or seeing something. The author also explains that there will be times when you cannot necessarily remember the entire memory or may forget all of it but that it’s okay to do so. In the end, the book encourages the reader to go out into the world knowing that these memories are a reminder of who they are, what they have endured and that one has the strength to overcome. This is a great read-a-like with “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.

I am a Great Friend!

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By Lauren Stohler

Baby Capybara is a happy, fun-loving soul that enjoys playing the drums (on rocks), blowing bubbles and making obstacle courses. Unlike the other capybaras, he has no bird friends that stay on his back. His mother explains that he needs to be calm and relaxing in order to gain friends like birds. He tries to do these things and eventually is successful. Will his new friends enjoy the high energy activities that he wants to share with them or will he always be a lonely capybara?

The author has created a cute story that gives readers a message that while there are times finding and making friends can be challenging. She also sends the message that being yourself will make you a happier person in the long run. With adorable a pleasing illustrations, this picture book will make young readers smile.

Stomp! by Stephanie Calmenson

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Stomp! by Stephanie Calmenson is a part of the Ready-to-Read collection for young emergent readers. A hippopotamus named Ziggy and a raccoon named Zak want to go to the Stomp City Show, but the train is late, the bus is full, the bike pops a tire, and when they finally arrive, the show is sold out! Ziggy is mad enough to stomp—until the Statue of Liberty gives him breathing instructions to help calm him down. Once Ziggy is calm, the two characters follow a beat to join in on a party in the park. 

This is a humorous fast paced story that will engage those early readers. The two main characters Ziggy and Zak are fun and entertaining. Easy words, fun rhymes, and a lesson on how to stay calm by counting to ten all make for an exciting adventure. Baptiste Amsallem’s illustrations of ink and watercolor clearly share the emotions of the characters.

The Greedy Worm

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by Jeff Newman

In this (pretty much) wordless picture book, a worm finds a beautiful, huge apple. When others come along he has to make a decision. Will he share or not? As the title says, this worm is greedy. He quickly eats it all so others don’t get any. This makes him a very plump and pretty much immobile worm that a hungry bird is VERY interested in. Do the others choose not to help? Or do the step in even though he decided not to share? This is a very simply illustrated book that all will understand.

The Greatest in the World! by Ben Clanton

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“The Greatest in the World!” is the first book in the Tater Tales by Ben Clanton. Rot is a mutant potato students may recognize from the picture book, “Rot the Cutest in the World!” Rot is a cheerful, medium-sized and brownish potato, his brother Snot is larger, grumpy and greener. Tot is the smallest, with yellowish skin and a blue and white polka-dotted bow which matches the endpapers. 

In this beginning chapter book series, brothers Rot and Snot have a competition to decide who is the greatest in the world, to be judged by their little sister, Tot. When neither a potato sack race nor a game of hot potato produces a winner, they have a laugh-off, with an unexpected result. 

This book has five short chapters, ­and has some early graphic novel features with speech bubbles and vibrant illustrations. The end of the book includes “Spudtacular Facts”  as well as step-by-step instructions for how to draw Rot. This book introduces readers to Clanton’s new characters, who are just as silly and ­appealing as Narwhal and Jelly.

Snow Horses A First Night Story by Patricia MacLachlan

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“Snow Horses: A First Night Story” by Patricia MacLachlan, with enchanting illustrations by Micha Archer, is a stunning  picture book that captures the magic of a snowy winter night. MacLachlan’s lyrical prose transports readers to a serene winter landscape, while Archer’s intricate artwork evokes a sense of wonder and tranquility. 

The book’s gentle narrative follows a child’s journey into the snowy world, emphasizing the bond between humans and nature. Through its soothing words and stunning visuals, “Snow Horses” sparks imaginations and ignites a sense of connection with the environment. 

 “Snow Horses” is a perfect read-aloud choice that transports children to a world of snowy landscapes and tender moments. This book is a heartwarming addition to our library that beautifully celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of companionship.

If You Were a Princess by Hillary Homzie

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“If You Were a Princess” by Hillary Homzie, with vibrant illustrations by Udayana Lugo, is an empowering picture book that will resonate with our young readers. Homzie’s engaging narrative invites children to explore various roles and embrace their uniqueness, while Lugo’s colorful artwork vividly brings these possibilities to life.

The book’s inclusive representation and relatable scenarios foster a sense of connection and confidence among readers. Through its charming storyline and captivating illustrations, “If You Were a Princess” encourages creativity and celebrates the diverse dreams and aspirations of every child. This book will be a heartwarming addition to any library to encourage young minds to dream big and embrace their own royal journeys. I highly recommend this enchanting tale, which celebrates imagination and self-expression.