Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type

The Only Astronaut by Mahak Jain

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“The Only Astronaut” by Mahak Jain, brought to life through the captivating illustrations of Andrea Stegmaier, is a stellar picture book that ignites young minds with its poignant tale of ambition and courage. The story follows a determined young girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. She quickly discovers that space is a lot of work and sets out to find an assistant. 

Jain’s lyrical prose weaves a narrative of resilience, emphasizing the importance of chasing one’s aspirations. Stegmaier’s art brilliantly balances earthly scenes with dreamlike cosmic visions, sparking a sense of wonder. Together, words and images convey the transformative power of following one’s heart, while making room for both creativity and another person’s perspective. “The Only Astronaut” is a great reminder that dreams are boundless, and determination knows no bounds.

Can You Hug a Forest? by Frances Gilbert

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“Can You Hug a Forest?” by Frances Gilbert is a beautifully illustrated picture book that invites young readers on a captivating journey into the natural world. Through vivid prose and enchanting artwork by Lorna Murphy, the book awakens curiosity about the wonders of nature. The story follows a child’s exploration, pondering if it’s possible to hug elements of the environment, from a tree to a stream, a mountain, and more. 

Gilbert’s gentle narrative and Hevron’s expressive illustrations harmonize to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the earth’s treasures. With its rhythmic language and imaginative approach, this book not only entertains but also encourages children to connect with nature and understand the importance of caring for our planet.

Wonder Dogs! by Linda Ashman

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“Wonder Dogs!” by Linda Ashman is a heartwarming and vibrant picture book that celebrates the unique qualities that make every dog special. Through rhythmic and engaging verse, Ashman introduces readers to a delightful array of dogs, each with its own remarkable talent or trait. The colorful and expressive illustrations by Karen Obuhanych bring these furry characters to life, capturing their personalities and actions with great charm. 

As the story unfolds, young readers are treated to a delightful showcase of canine abilities, from fetching to leaping, cuddling to guarding. Beyond the captivating visuals, “Wonder Dogs!” subtly imparts a message of acceptance and appreciation for individual differences. This book would be a wonderful read-aloud that will leave our dog loving kids smiling.

Linus by Stuart Hausmann

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“Linus” by Stuart Hausmann is a whimsical picture book that takes young readers on a captivating journey of curiosity and friendship. With enchanting illustrations that burst with color and detail, the story follows Linus, a spirited young explorer, as he discovers the magic of the world around him. 

Hausmann’s prose and the charming artwork work in harmony to convey the joy of exploration and the value of forming connections. In just a few pages, “Linus” beautifully encapsulates the wonder of childhood and the importance of embracing new experiences. This picture book is a delightful celebration of curiosity and the bonds that unite us.

My Town= Mi Pueblo

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written by Nicholas Solis; Illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Two cousins live on either side of the Mexico-U.S border and share what they love about their homes as well as their enjoyment of their cousin’s town. Each two page spread shares a unique aspect of their towns in both English and Spanish. They share about their houses, schools, markets, holidays and time together in both towns. This sweet story ends with the cousins and their families crossing the border, a bridge over a river, with guards on both sides and both kids expressing the wish that visits could be easier. They stand overlooking the river and share that both towns feel like home.

This story is great on many levels. The lovely illustrations, which offer details of life on both sides of the border, are perfect for some compare and contrast discussions. The English and Spanish is simple enough for language learners and read alouds. And, students will notice the joy that these two cousins experience no matter what town they are in together.

Guardians of Horse: Legend of the Yearling

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by Roan Black

Four young horses from a divided kingdom come together to fulfill the prophesy of Horsa. Their quest is to locate the magical yearling that will bring peace to their warring realms once again. They are chosen by a magical pink sun and their hooves are marked by that magic. This story, the first in a series, shares their selection to the group and their first attempt at locating the magical yearling with all its dangers along the way. Guided by a special map, they begin this quest underground, fighting off rock monsters and coming to a rather uneasy alliance.

Vivid illustrations and manageable text will gain young fans of graphic novels, fantasy and horses. Each horse’s personality comes through clearly and their interactions are, at times, humorous. The story is nicely paced and young readers will certainly look forward to the next installment in the series. Highly recommended.

Bolivia

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By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is an introduction to a South American country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe of Cocadas and make creative spinning tops. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Andean Condor, Capybaras and Giant Otters. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What sites to see and activities to do in the Madidi National Park, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Finland

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By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is a introduction to a Northern European country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to learn about a famous hockey player and learn to make a “Himmeli”. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Eurasian Lynx, Moor Frogs, and Reindeer. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What a family or person would do in a famous national park, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Slovenia

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By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an Eastern European country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe of Carnival Fried Dough Balls and an activity called Thieves and Cops. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Olm, Alpine Ibex and the Ural Owl. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Taiwan

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By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an Asian country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try basic Mandarin phrases and learn about a famous film director and screenwriter from the country. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Formosan Black Bear, Sambars and Chinese Cobras. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”