Written by Janna Matthies; Illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Take a deep breath and enjoy the world found under a towering tree. A young girl centers herself as she sits under a tree and absorbs the world around her. A buzzing bee, a zigzagging squirrel, the soft warm sun all share the space with her. The rhyming predictable text sets a soothing cadence reinforced with rich warm illustrations. Use as a read aloud to inspire nature-lovers or as a mentor text for mindfulness.
Meet Cristiano Ronaldo is part of the Easy Star Biographies. Each spread of pages features a two page spread color photograph and one to two simple sentences about Cristiano Ronaldo. The facts in the book are basic like the team he plays for and the jersey number he wears. More detailed facts are included at the end, as well as key dates, a glossary, index, and websites to learn more about Cristiano Ronaldo. An early introduction to biographies for young readers.
Monster loves school, but hates the commute. When bird wakes them up and tells them it is time to walk to school, Monster stalls. Even though it is pineapple, pepperoni pancake day, Monster is slow to get to school. Monster has to go back in to get one more thing, hop, skip, stop to smell the roses. Will Monster ever arrive at school?
This story is told through dialog and speech bubbles with a lot of alliteration. The illustrations are colorful and engaging. It is a humorous story about procrastination and the struggle of getting out of the house. I wasn’t sure where the story was going at the beginning and was a bit frustrated with Monster and the delays and that the friends brought things for the breakfast, but Monster did not. This would be an additional purchase for me.
By Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson
Nugget 929 has all they need, loving parents yummy food and close friends but when their dunking day arrives they must become a golden nugget all of that must end. 929 realizes that they want to take a different road and not get dunked. These forbidden ideas form them to run and escape from the planet.
This cute graphic novel is a wonderful tale for younger readers about being yourself, not following the path everyone else is on and fighting for what is right for you. The illustrations are vibrant yet have a softness to them. This is a great book one of the Adventures of Tubby Nugget. We will have to see where Tubby’s story goes in future books.
Written by Maureen Fergus, Illustrated by Paul G. Hammond
Worm, as head librarian, has read all the books in the library and is now ready for a new adventure. Many feel that worm cannot be successful at many jobs but he knows he can do anything. As a security officer at an invention convention, worm successfully captures a robber. What will worm do next? Will he stay in this job? or will he move on to another adventure. The illustrations are crisp and comical. They storyline is straightforward. I recommend this book as an extra purchase. Readers will learn from worm that they can do anything if they want it bad enough.
By Sina Merabian
Yalda Night is an ancient Persian celebration that occurs on the Winter Solstice. It is a celebration of darkness being defeated by light. Choori and Shooli are young divs (malevolent supernatural beings) heading out on their first Yalda Night to cause trouble and ruin families celebrations. When they join a family and try to ruin the night they only find that nothing can do that as long as loved ones are together.
This adorably illustrated picture book would need some explanation of this Persian holiday for those who may not know about it. It could also be an opportunity to introduce other cultural celebrations from around the world. I recommend this book as and extra purchase for elementary libraries that are interested in holidays and celebrations around the world.
This early reader story follows May and her large family as they decide to make homemade pizza together. With so many siblings helping out, their simple plan quickly turns into a funny and chaotic situation. As the pizza gets more complicated, May and her family must work together to solve the problem. The story shows the humor and teamwork that comes with being part of a big family.
I recommend this title as an additional purchase for elementary libraries. It is a fun, easy-to-read book that highlights teamwork and family life in a way that will appeal to early elementary students. It is also a good addition to early readers or Ready-to-Read collections.
This story follows Ellie, an elevator who works in a busy apartment building and loves helping the people who ride her every day. She especially cares about Thea, a girl who used to be happy and full of energy. But after her best friend moves away, Thea stops smiling, and Ellie wants to help her feel better. Even though Ellie is just an elevator, she finds a special way to bring joy back into Thea’s life. The story shows kindness, friendship, and how small acts can make a big difference.
I recommend this title as an additional purchase for elementary libraries. It is a sweet and creative story with a strong message about caring for others and helping friends through hard times.
This picture book follows Bea as she visits her great aunt Portia and discovers a hidden attic full of records. Portia shows her that there is a song for every feeling, and together they listen, dance, and explore how music can match different emotions. Based on the song “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae, the story is warm and uplifting. It shows how music can help people express feelings and connect with others.
I recommend this title as an additional purchase for elementary libraries. It is a good read-aloud that helps students understand emotions through music.
This picture book, Take Me Out to the Ball Game! by Jack Norworth, brings the classic baseball song to life with colorful, cartoon-style illustrations. A boy tries to convince his father to take a break from work and join him at the ballpark to cheer for the home team. The story captures the excitement, sounds, and energy of a baseball game. The artwork and familiar lyrics make it a fun and engaging read-aloud for young readers and families, especially those who enjoy sports and music.
I recommend this title as an additional purchase for elementary libraries. It is a joyful, easy read that works well for read-alouds and helps share the classic spirit of baseball with young students.