Category Archives: Recommendation

We Are Going to be Pals!

Posted on by

By Mark Teague

In another well illustrated and fun book by Mark Teague, author and illustrator of the “How to Dinosaurs” series, he introduces symbiotic relationships to young readers in a humorous way. The overly chatty cattle egret introduces themself to the ever silent rhino. While getting to know each other the egret tells jokes and explains what you need to have a good friendship.

This beautifully illustrated book will have young readers giggling at the egret as he tries to get the rhino to talk to him. This is yet another great book from Mark Teague that will be popular in your library.

Bugging Out

Posted on by

By Jorge Cham and daniel Whiteson

In this volume of the series, “Elinor Wonders Why”, Elinor and her friends are preparing for insect day at school by trying to decide what bug they want to dress up as. Elinor goes home to create her butterfly costume but searches in her garden with her dad to make sure her costume is correct. While searching, she learns many things about this beautiful insect.

This graphic novel series for young readers introduces science content in a fun way. The format is pleasing and the images are vibrant and appealing. This reader highly recommends this series for all elementary libraries.

How to Carry a Cupcake

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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.

The Greedy Worm

Posted on by

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.

My Town= Mi Pueblo

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.