Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees by Michelle Schaub, illustrated by Anne Lambelet; Sleeping Bear Press, 2024. Road trip! Enjoy poems written in poetic forms (cleverly explained on the endpapers) and learn facts about fourteen trees with historical significance as you traverse the United States with this warm and curious family. “Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky.” ~ Kahlil Gibran Why this book? Why will it matter to kids? There’s so much to love about Leafy Landmarks! From the road trip theme, to the historic trees highlighted, to the variety of poetic forms creatively ..read more

One Sweet Song by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; Candlewick Press, 2024. “One sweet song for heart and soul. One sweet song to make us whole.” Here’s a warmhearted counting tale told in lilting rhyme that mirrors the soothing storyline. A diverse neighborhood comes together through music that gradually grows and gently falls. The notes they play on various instruments help overcome loneliness, lift hearts, and connect young and old. “Music is the universal language of mankind.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow  Why this book? Why will it matter to kids? As Kather ..read more

A Family Like Ours by Frank Murphy and Alice Lee, illustrated by Kayla Harren; Sleeping Bear Press, 2023. The latest in the …Like series of SEL-related picture books, A Family Like Ours explores the beauty of the unique nature of family. In fact, uniqueness is what all families share: families we are born to and those we grow into. Big or small, near or far, family is home. As the refrain that grows throughout the book reflects, “We are braver together, we are better together, we are made to be together. We are safe together; we are stronger together.” “Your family. Their family. His fam ..read more

Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows by D. J. Brandon; West 44 Books/Enslow, 2024. In this absorbing hi/lo middle grade novel in verse releasing on February 1, twelve-year-old Meadow is approached by an adult stranger and chooses to keep the disturbing encounter to herself. Although she strives to find ways to navigate her emotions, it is only when she helps another girl in a similar situation that she finds the courage to speak up and reach out for support, not only for her friend, but also for herself. “I’ve tried to sleep / But every time / I shut my eyes / I hear it. / The crunch of tires ..read more

Sick Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love; Charlesbridge, 2023. In this latest installment in the Jitters series of warm-hearted and gently humorous picture books centering on Mrs. Hartwell’s classroom and students, the beloved teacher calls in sick—but the substitute never shows up! Jitters? You bet! Nevertheless, the students demonstrate their pluck, resourcefulness, adaptability, concern, and kindness while keeping their dear teacher in the loop throughout the day via the “Homeroom Hub” school/home communication system. Let me just say, I want to be part of Mrs. Hartwel ..read more

Next Door by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Isaac Liang; Kids Can Press, 2023. When I first open a book, I turn to the dedication. I then read acknowledgements and the Author’s Note if they are provided. Though not directly part of the story, these portions of the book offer insights into its creation, such as what sparked the writing, who supported the book in its making, and who the creators wish to honor. Deborah Kerbel dedicated Next Door to her late sister Kim with whom she will “never stop communicating.” In an Author’s Note filled with touching personal detail, Deborah explains that ..read more

Squirrel on Stage written by Vivian Vande Velde, illustrated by Steve Björkman; Holiday House, 2022. Get ready for hijinks in the latest adventure of Twitch the Squirrel in which this popular rascal makes his stage debut. Humorous confusion and a bit of upstaging make for a thoroughly entertaining chapter book when Twitch, along with his friend Sweetie the Library Rat, joins the school production of Cinderella.        When it’s a live performance, anything can happen.~ René Angélil Why this Book? Why will it matter to kids? In second and third grade, i ..read more

Eb & Flow by Kelly J. Baptist; Crown, 2023. Eb & Flow (Ebony and De’Kari) don’t have much use for each other and the enmity grows when Eb mars Flow’s beloved sneakers. Antagonism escalates and a cafeteria altercation results in a ten-day suspension that ultimately leads both characters to a clearer understanding of themselves, each other, and the challenges they face. “Look to your left and your right, y’all! You have a lot more in common with the person next to you than you think. Find out how!” ~  Kelly J. Baptist   Why this book? Why will it matter to kids? Eb ..read more

How To Read A Rock: A Graphic Novel on Ocean Science written by Kevin Kurtz, illustrated by Nicole Kurtz; NSF, 2022. This free graphic novel e-book published by theUnited States Science Support Program through a National Science Foundation grant is chock-full of science laced with zany fun. Readers journey to the ocean floor to discover fascinating facts while being entertained by jokes and sidebar silliness. It’s sort of like slipping shredded vegetables into a kid’s favorite food. Perfectly pitched for middle schoolers and up.          For whatev ..read more

The Pie That Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich, illustrated by Chamisa Kellogg; Sleeping Bear Press, 2023. Follow along as Molly plants a seed, nurtures the growing vine, observes bees that carry pollen from flower to flower, harvests a (huge!) pumpkin, and bakes a pie she shares at an outdoor gathering. True to the rhyme scheme of “The House That Jack Built” the text will engage readers and listeners as they learn. Includes back matter that delves into planting tips, offers a pumpkin pie recipe, and reminds readers of the vital importance of bees to growing crops. “If you have a garden and a ..read more