By Sarah Kurpiel

This softly illustrated picture book tells the tale of a girl who loves the old tree in her backyard. How she adores it in every season of the year and how it speaks to her and her family. One spring the tree is not doing well and the family must take it down as it is dying. As she processes the loss of her beloved tree, her family helps her by showing her how to press the leaves and make art. When it is gone, they family creates a butterfly garden and plants a new tree. In the end she decides that like the old tree looked out for her, she will look out for the new baby tree.

I would recommend this book about loss and renewal. It can be a great tale for any young reader who may be experiencing the loss.

By Tamra Orr

How can you go wrong with a non-fiction book about cats? This cat in particular? Maine Coons are very popular with kids and this book has chapters about this breeds history, living and taking care of these gentle giants, and if Maine Coons would be a good fit for you. There are details on how to read non-fiction for kids as well as recommendations on further reading of books as well as on the internet. The glossary and index are helpful as well.

I would recommend this book for purchase. The pictures are adorable as well as insightful. The book clearly describes these wonderful cats as well as how to care for them. Young readers will enjoy looking through the book over and over again.

Joanne Mattern

This book is a great addition to any elementary library’s non-fiction sports section. It has great color images of kids playing pickleball. It explains the history of the sport, the rules and how to play the game, what equipment is needed, and if it is the sport for you. It also explains how young readers can successfully read non-fiction. It has a glossary as well as recommendations for further reading and internet sites. It is clear and concise and an interesting read. I would recommend this book for purchase as there are few books about this sport at a lower reading level.

Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy Bombers

By Christy Mandin

This adorably illustrated book is about Berlin after World War II. It describes how many were short on food and supplies and many buildings were destroyed and rubble was everywhere. Hilda was struggling to survive as the roads, rivers and railways were being blocked by the eastern side of the city. The U.S. decided that the best way to resolve this by flying over and dropping supplies. One pilot decided that kids needed hope and thus dropped chocolate and other treats for kids.

This is a great book that talks about post war situations that could be happening today in our world. It also talks about how others can create hope in the world. I would recommend this book for purchase as there are many ways to address it. There is also a great author’s note at the end as well. For older readers it would be a great pairing with Michael Tunnell’s non-fiction book, “Candy Bomber: The Story of Berlin Airlift’s Chocolate Pilot”.