Category Archives: Recommend

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

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Words by Jack Norworth; Illustrated by Gary Clement

A young boy tries to convince his father to take him to a baseball game with the words from classic baseball Anthem, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”. The boy in his blue striped shirt acts out all the important roles; concession worker, fielder, pitcher, base runner, and umpire. With his success in convincing his dad, the two drive into town and munch crackerjacks in the stadium stands.

Cartoon-like illustrations vibrantly show the motion and excitement of a baseball game. A great read-aloud choice for young sports fans. 

A Festival for Luana

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Written by Joana Pastro; Illustrated by Duda Oliva

Luana cannot contain her excitement to reach her grandparents’ house in Brazil. Her arrival feels like a carousel as her grandpa swings her around. It’s only when her grandma introduces her as “my American granddaughter” that she starts to feel like she doesn’t belong. As Luana prepares with her family for the celebration of Festa Junina, her creativity transforms her pretty dress from America into something that represents both her American and Brazilian sides. Now that Luana feels like she belongs, she’s ready to jump right into the dancing. The story reinforces the message that identity doesn’t have to be exclusionary.

Portuguese words are used sparingly to support the story. The illustrations’ warmth helps portray the joy and love of the extended family. Back matter shares the author’s connection to Festa Junina, provides a glossary of Brazilian Portuguese words and includes a recipe for Bolo du Fuba.

The River of Caregiving

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Written by Jocelyn Chung; Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales

Using a river as a metaphor for the love and care that flows throughout an extended multi-generational family, a young child explains how acts of kindness and support are not one directional. Familial titles used in the story are Taiwanese in origin. On first reading, the uncertainty of the meaning of those words helps make the story feel universal. The interconnectedness of support from acts of caregiving strengthens the whole family and the care of any lost member will continue to be felt through the lasting impact of past caring (the fruit trees planted by A-gong or Great Auntie’s knitted clothing). The change in flow, speed, or adjustment of course of the caregiving is to be expected, respected, and celebrated.

Piet Finds a Home

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Written by Carina Wohlleben and Peter Wohlleben; Illustrated by Rachel Qiuqi

The forest is full of stories. In Piet Finds a Home, the wonders of the forest are discovered as Piet finds a home in the different seasons of a forest. Peter, the forester educates the reader through both dialog and notes. Learn about the many ways trees change and how they provide for forest creatures.

Written by Peter Wohllenben, the author of The Hidden Life of Trees and his daughter Carina Wohllenben, the two books featuring Piet the squirrel are great way for young people to learn about forestry.

Sometimes We Pray

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written by Mary Wagley Cops and illustrated by Felishia Henditirto

A gentle introduction to many different people praying in many different places and ways and for different reasons. In the end, we may pray the same prayer or look at the same stars. And, it all can unite us.

Accompanying illustrations are colorful and appropriate. An author’s note and glossary help explain and give context for readers. Add this to your collection. Recommended.

Uh-oh, Hugo!

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written by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Jay Fleck

Hugo is an adorable puppy, who is ready for a perfect day with his human. Starting with a stretch and a yawn, he proceeds to have a day that may not be perfect. But, it’s wonderful anyway. He may grab a snake when he’s looking for a stick and gets too close to a skunk. He doesn’t let the “downs” of the day get in the way of the “ups” that are part of it as well. The day ends with a bath and a snuggle with his human – a perfect ending to a nearly perfect day.

Bright, bold illustrations add to simple text to create a wonderful story of perseverance and not letting the little stuff get you down. Hugo keeps chugging along and has a great day, ups and downs included. Recommended.

It Happens in Minutes

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by Kim Thompson

How do you explain a measurement of time like a minute? This book clearly explains the concept using examples of every day activities with the equivalent time frame (in minutes). For example, a green light usually lasts one minute and a microwave popcorn bag pops in three to four minutes. Most examples are familiar to most readers, which are effective in showing the amount of time for each.

Typical nonfiction features are present – table of contents, index, glossary and bolded text for unfamiliar words. Further exploration of the topic is suggested with websites and books listed. Photos are clear and there is a very nice graphic of the different times we use, from one second to one year.

My only criticism is that an analog clock is portrayed on the pages and that will take some extra explanation from an adult. While the ability to read time in analog is a great skill, I’m not sure analog clocks are widely used. There is a page with a labeled clock face. There might need to be more explanation.

All in all, this is a nice addition to your collection, along with the other books in the series. Recommended.

When We Go Home

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By Heather Beaumont and illustrated by Nátali de Mello

A father and mother reminisce about home as a young family plans their trip to Jamaica. Marlee doesn’t think of Jamaica as home; she’s never even been there. As her parents reconnect with their families and the places of their youth, Marlee is unsure she feels as if Jamaica is home. Her dad says that a person can call two different countries their home. As Marlee connects with the beauty, experiences, and people of the island she recognizes it as a home away from home.

A sweet story that can provide comfort to any child who has moved and feels a connection to more than one place. The story also highlights the experiences of families that have recently settled in a new country.

Pioneers of Space

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by Alex Hall

Part of the Amazing Adventures series, this book details the work of some pioneering astronauts. Photos and interesting facts about each astronaut’s work and subsequent place in history are presented in an engaging and accessible way.

Typical nonfiction features include a table of contents, glossary and index. Photos are clear and captions and short text blocks explain the photos quite well.

This nonfiction is geared toward those upper elementary students who might be at a second to third grade reading level. The information will keep them reading and the text will help them feel successful as readers with books that are interesting to them. Buy this book for your struggling readers. They will be hooked.

I Need a Doctor

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by Rachel Rose

This title, part of the Health Helpers series, is an introduction to the work of a doctor. It begins with the problem (I fell off my bike. My arm hurts) and progresses through the ensuing visit to the doctor. Various children and adults are pictured and the text is simple and effectively relays the information. A nice added feature is a page with doctor tools.

Typical nonfiction features are included: table of contents, glossary, index and bolded words that might be unfamiliar. This is a gentle, effective tool to help ease fears about a visit to the doctor. It acknowledges the child’s feelings and demystifies the experience. Recommended.