Written by Lindz Amer. Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh.

Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They! celebrates the many different ways people can feel like themselves. It introduces a variety of pronouns that someone might use, but rather than diving into detailed explanations of each, it keeps the focus on the joy of finding a pronoun that feels right. The story highlights how meaningful and respectful it is when someone uses the correct pronoun for you.

This book is a great introduction for younger kids to what pronouns are and why they matter. There’s a thoughtful “Dear Grown-ups” section at the end where the author shares their personal story, which I think both kids and adults will find valuable. Kip Alizadeh’s colorful, joyful illustrations of children throughout make the book feel like a true celebration. It would be a wonderful addition to any school or home library.

Written by Marcus Bridgewater. Illustrated by Reggie Brown.

See Marcus Grow is a heartfelt ode to both the garden and a beloved grandmother. In this book, Marcus Bridgewater (known in real life as Garden Marcus) shares what it was like for young Marcus to learn about gardening from his garden expert grandmother. She lovingly compares the needs of a garden to the needs of a young boy, and she teaches Marcus the importance of patience, care, and respect for all living things.

Reggie Brown’s vibrant, colorful illustrations add warmth and energy to each page, perfectly complementing the story. You can truly feel the author’s deep love for the garden, his grandmother, and the natural world woven throughout every part of the book.

By Mark Teague

You Are Not Sleepy tells the very relatable story of a pig who, though it is nap time, is not at all sleepy. It begins with the room being too bright, then too dark, then too moth-filled, and continues in this fashion throughout the rest of the story. It’s a great choice for any kids who love the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series as it will feel like a new twist on a familiar structure. Teague’s illustrations are also a delight, and the expressions on the supporting characters are sure to bring joy to young readers.

Written by: J.F. Fox. Illustrated by Anna Kwan.

The Pharaoh vs. the Felines tells of Cambyses II, ruler of Persia, and Pharaoh Amasis II, ruler of Ancient Egypt. While it might seem challenging to make this historical conflict engaging and accessible for early elementary readers, Fox pulls it off by centering the narrative around one irresistible subject: cats.

The book begins with a brief explanation of the fertile crescent and its historical significance. The author goes on to tell the story of the conflict between Camyses and Amasis that led to the eventual invasion of Egypt. Mixed in with the story are numerous cat puns and cute illustrations, so while this would be a great story to share during a unit on early civilizations, it’s also sure to be a hit with cat fans.