Picture Book PIck: Mother Goose Goes to India

 Mother Goose Goes to India

by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal

Illustrated by Wazza Pink 

Beach Lane Books

Simon & Schuster

2022

32 pages

ISBN: 9781534439603

Publishing Date: January 4, 2022 

In this charming rendition of beloved Mother Goose rhymes, readers are transported to India where the colorful illustrations by Wazza Pink capture the country and culture in vibrant, bold orange, yellow, pink, green and purple, Each page is a blossom of Indian art and design. Not only beautiful, this lovely rhyming book captures the rhythm, beauty and joy of India by introducing readers to Indian words incuding dahi (yogurt), panee (water) and naan (Indian bread). 

Featuring Patty Cake (Pat-A Naan) and Star Light, Star Bright (Taara LIght, Taara Bright) and thirteen other Mother Goose favorites,  children are sure to love this introduction to Mother Goose and the Indian language. 

Highly, highly recommended baby-5 years old. A must-have for every child reader. 

Graphic Novel Pick: Huda F Are You?

 

Huda F Are You?

by Huda Fahmy

'Illustrated by the author

Dial Books

Penguin Random House LLC

2021

192 pages

ISBN: 9780593324318

Huda F Are You? is a treasure to behold. It's an inspiring story of five sisters raised by immigrant parents in the United States. Dearborn has a large population of Muslim immigrants, but it's not so "easy peasy."  Lots of women wear  the hijab, but Huda feels like she doesn't have any interests. She thinks she's only good at doing homework and taking tests which is a great parent pleaser.   

As Huda tries to navigate high school, she is called racist names, blamed for being a terrorist, teased about her name, her dress, her religion and even asked if she understands English. It's not only students, teachers are horrible to Huda as well. Teachers are morally blind and assign papers about Muslim extremists and hold beliefs like women can't travel if they're Muslim. Huda finally finds her voice, and next school year promises to be much better. 

I'm thrilled Huda Fahmy shares her story in graphic form where it is easily accessible and understandable for all readers, including reluctant readers. Huda F Are You? is an important book for every collection and a shining example of how graphic novels can teach HUGE LESSONS. Kudos, Huda Fahmy! 

Highly, highly recommended for everyone! 

Vampires Are Back! Vampires, Hearts & iother Dead Things

 

Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things

by Marie Fuston

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

2021

339 pages

ISBN: 9781534474574

Vampires are back! And in a big way. There are quite a few to choose from this year, but make sure this titles is one of them. 

Victoria is beside herself. Her dad has been diagosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer and there's no medicine or procedure that can save him. She can't possibly live with her best ally and friend. Her Dad shares her love of everything vampire. 

Victoria hears about a living vampire who may or may not be real living in New Orleans. After a falling out with her BFF Henry, Victoria is angry he wants to tag along to New Orleans with her. Bless his heart. Henry is a true friend, only trying to keep his bestie alive. 

Victoria with Henry in tow meets a possible vampire. Her plan is to give herself over to the undead, travel home and infect her father so he can live forever. Sounds plausible, right? 

Early Chapter Book Pick: The Protest

The Protest

by Samantha Thornhill

Illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez

Lee & Low Books Incorporated

2021

32 pages

ISBN: 9781643792088

Lily discovers the neighborhood garden is facing ruin. Plans are to turn the beloved garden into a parking lot! Rallying her friends behind her, Lily decides kids can do a lot and they can save their garden. 

Lily and her friends make signs, create a chant and invite neighbors and friends to a rally in one week. It starts small with Lily t's a big rally and a news reporter covers it. The city decides to wait a year and leave the garden alone. Lily vows to be ready next year if the city tries to take their garden. 

A cute story that shows kids in action and promoting change in their own world. Great message for young readers. 

Recommended ages 4-8.

Chapter Book Pick: Kitty and Dragon

 

Kitty and Dragon   

by Meika Hashimoto

Illustrated by Gillian Reid

Epic! Andrews

McMeel Publishing

2021

104 pages

 ISBN: 9781 5 to 48 6100 1

Kitty and Dragon is a winsome book containing three stories about friendship between a little kitty and a lonely, but friendly dragon. Kitty lives in a very noisy barn. All the animals make noise at night and Kitty can't get any sleep so she decides to look for a new place to live. She goes into to but it's too noisy. Next she ventures into a forest but she keeps walking. Fnally she climbs a giant hill and finds a cave and a new friend. Dragon is happy for company and invites her to stay.

In the next two stories Kitty gets a cold and Dragon nurses her back to health. Then their roles are reversed. Kitty llikes it very very tidy in the cave but Dragon is very messy. They are just like The Odd Couple. Kitty decides to visit the potions shop in town and buys a potion so Dragon can be neat, but it backfires. Kitty decides Dragon isn't so bad after all, and they learn to clean together.

Beginning readers will love these sweet stories and whimsical  illustrations Gillian Reid capture Kitty's and Dragon's personalities and humor. Kitty and Dragon has the nostalgic look of older picture books and whimsy that will captivate young readers.

Highly highly recommended for new readers end beginning chapter book readers grades 1 and 2. This is the perfect Christmas gift for a young reader.

Picture Book Pick: Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose

By Lauren Tarshis

Illustrated by Lisa Bronson Mezoff

Orchard Books

Scholastic

2021

48 pages

ISBN: 97813 38 680 2 5 6

A young boy and his best friend, his dog, go everywhere together. When he's a good boy who eats his vegetables, plays with his sister, and goes right to sleep anyone can see he's always a good boy. Only it sometimes he doesn't go right to sleep. Sometimes he doesn't follow all the rules. Sometimes he burps very loudly and sometimes he picks his nose, but only his dog knows that.

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose is a love letter to every childhood pet. Pets love us no matter what. Dogs accept strange human behavior and this dog not only accepts it, he seems to expect it. What a charming picture book! Brilliantly titled for toddlers, the marketing team deserves kudos.

Highly, highly recommended for every young reader and a welcome bedtime story to put in the nightly rotation.   

Non-Fiction Pick: Everything Awesome About Space and Other Galactic Facts!

Everything Awesome About Space and Other Galactic Facts!

By Mike Lowery

Illustrated by Mike Lowery

Orchard Books

Scholastic Incorporated

2021

128 pages

ISBN: 978 1338 3 5 9 7 4 9

Everything Awesome About Space and other Galactic Facts Is sure to be a hit with young readers, especially reluctant readers. Information  and exciting facts are  at readers' fingertips. Genius design using  comic book bubbles and fonts make weird facts fun to  read.

Lowery certainly understands his audience. They want fun and informative factoids. They want to learn funny things they can share with their friends and family. Chock-full  of space minutiae even a NASA astronaut is likely to learn something new reading this little gem. This is the perfect book for a beginning Astronomy unit.

Incredible little known discoveries like that of the tardigrades will thrill readers. Tardigrades are known as water bears and are microscopic, yet considered the most resilient animals discovered. In 2011 scientists put them outside their spaceship without a spacesuit. Ten days later scientists discovered 68% of the tardigrades survived in space without a spacesuit! 

In the early Space Program astronauts had to eat food from squeeze bottles. It was not very good. Today astronauts enjoy using tortillas in the place of bread to make sandwiches. Not only are they flat and easy to store, they don't have crumbs like  bread. Did you know you can't snore in space? It’s because there's no gravity, You sleep without snoring.

Vibrant, full-color illustrations will delight the eye. Brilliant cover design  makes this book jump off the shelf. Lowery has a new bestseller  on his list. Bravo Mike Lowery  for making space science attainable and understandable for everyone.

Highly, highly recommended  grades 3 to adult. This is a must have for every science aficionado and every science classroom  and  collection. 

Picture Book Pick: There's a Ghost in this House

 

by Oliver Jeffers

Illustrations by Oliver Jeffers

Philomel Books

Penguin Random House LLC

2021

80 pages

ISBN:9780593466186

Using photos from an 18th century mansion, Oliver Jeffers magically turns a scary haunted house into a pleasant story about a young girl searching for ghosts in her family's home. It's supposed to be haunted but she doesn't see any ghosts. She looks high and low, in each nook and cranny, but no ghosts. 

Readers will be thrilled with this book's design. Young readers will squeal with glee when they spot the ghosts. This is a picture book quite like no other. 

Highly, highly recommended for everyone and a lovely gift for any artist. 

Picture Book Pick: A Walk in the Words

 

A Walk in the words

By Dustin Talbott

Illustrations by Dustin Talbott

Nancy Paulsen Books

Penguin Random House LLC

2021

32 pages

ISBN: 978 0 399 54871 0

Not every child learns to read the same way. For Hudson Talbott it was difficult. He wanted to know what happened in stories but the words got away from him. He was always better with pictures than with words. Hudson liked words one at a time. Long sentences were confusing for Hudson. He was a slowest reader in his class. He felt like the books were coming for him.

Pretty soon the pictures got smaller and happened less often and more words appeared.  Hudson felt like he could take one word at a time and break it in two several words. He took a word like overwhelm and broke it into over and whelmed. When he faced the words in the Scarywood he saw each word as a stepping stone for reading. He began to think of the stories in pictures his favorite way.

The author's note is very helpful for teachers,parents and children who have trouble learning to read. Talbott shares his story to help others understand how some readers picture words. Lovingly Illustrated as only the author can do A Walk in the Words is a picture book triumph.

Highly highly recommended ages 4-8. This book is a likely Award winner. A must have for every classroom and every library.

Easy Reader Pick: J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

by J. Dillard

Illustrations by Akeem S. Roberts

Kokila

2021

128 pages 

ISBN: 9870513111529

Editorial reviews: 

“Dillard has a sharp ear for dialogue, and J.D.’s conversational narration paired with the story’s gentle humor and perfectly placed pop culture references will ensure a wide appeal. Akeem S. Roberts’ cartoon-style illustrations of J.D. and his friends are packed with personality and make this a great choice for readers transitioning into chapter books. The first book in a planned series, J.D. and the Great Barber Battle feels like a winner.” 
—BookPage
 
"The African American cultural references and community values will resonate with readers of all ages, while the joyful, wholesome story will give them something to look forward to in subsequent entries."
—The Horn Book

Editor's pick on Amazon Best Book for children 5-8.

J.D. begins the first day of third grade in the morning, so his mother cuts his hair. J.D.'s is horrified by the outcome. His hair is a hot mess! When he goes to school, everyone teases him, even his best friend. 

J.D. takes things into his own hands. Literally. He grabs the clippers and gives himself a haircut. The results are amazing. The next day, J.D.'s haircut is a hit. Now all the boys want to hire J.D. to cut their hair. The word gets out that a kid entrepreneur is stealing the local barber's kid clients, and the great barber battle begins. 

This series features a tight-knit extended family, siblings who get along, a funny kid with a great friend and a cute story. Great for reluctant readers. Chapters are short and illustrations will lure them in. 

This book is likely to be heavily awarded this season. 

Highly recommended for elementary libraries and reluctant readers. 
 

Non-Fiction Pick: Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers?

 

Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers? 

A WhoHQ Book 

by James Buckley Jr. 

Illustrated by Gregory Copeland

Penguin Workshop

2021

112 pages

ISBN: 9780399542657

When the U.S. become involved the World War II, the Axis powers were already taken huge parts of Europe. The marines recruited twenty-nine men who could speak the Navajo language. Their code saved missions, men and countries. Their "code" was never broken, and no one knew about their secret mission until twenty-five years later. 

The Navajo have lived in the southwest over one thousand years and called themselves Diné (dee-nay). The history of the Navajo Nation is addressed including their horrendous treatment even after serving in World War I. The Navajo now reside in the four corners area: where New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Colorado meet. Over 14,000 Navajo served in WWI and 540 served as Marines in World War II, twenty-nine of them in the Navajo Code Program. 

Their job was to choose Navajo words which would represent letters of the alphabet; for example: N is nesh-chee, or nut. The men had to memorize each letter quickly and translate messages back and forth to demonstrate how it could be used to pass along secret information. 

The Navajo code talkers are considered instrumental in the battle for Iwo Jima. They were crucial for the entire outcome of fighting in the Pacific. It wasn't until 1968 the government allowed the code talkers to tell their story. Now revered for their bravery, spirit and heroism, the Navajo code talkers are truly great Native American heroes. 

Highly recommended for every school and classroom library. Great read for reluctant readers and fans of World War II. A powerful book celebrating heroes of this country. 

Beautiful, Poetic Voice Pick: Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World

by Benjamin Aliré Saenz 

Simon & Schuster  

2021

528 pages

ISBN: 9781534496194

Benjamin Aliré Saenz's prose sings off the pages and cannot be compred to any other writer, YA or not. In Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World, Aristotle and Dante are in their senior years of high school. Set in a border town (El Paso?) in the 1980s, both boys are closeted but accepted with love and acceptance from their families. We don't see this in YA much, and it's beautiful to behold. 

Themes of love, joy, sorrow, friendship, belonging, self-acceptance, desire, growth, family and coming out as gay in an era that was rife with AIDS and people were afraid they might "catch something" from touching or knowing a gay person.

This Amazon reviewer from Canada says:

"For me, parts of the story brought back sad memories of AIDS and the early days, and I try not to think about that time. Like the author, I lost my brother to the condition, and I thought, "It could happen to me." I was closeted then much because of the time, much because I couldn't defend myself, and because I was scared. I watched a lot of young men who died while visiting my brother in his hospital stays, many young men with promising, creative, and rewarding lives.

I always knew I was gay, although I didn't always know what it was or what the word was to describe myself. At first, all I knew I was that I was different and I didn't fit in. But it wasn't just because I was gay - I am disabled too.,,,

I am a lot like Ari in that I am always "in my head." In contrast, my Doug reminds me of Dante a lot. Yes, the characters remind me of us, except we are much older than the two young men depicted in this story.

It's nice to see a lovely story about two men falling in love. When I grew up, gay stories carried a lot of strife, struggle, and usually ended in death. "

What a tribute to Saenz's gentle story that has touched so many young men (and women) who are afraid to "come out" to their parents, family and friends. Although much more understood and accepted today, as a career educator myself, I have had discussions with many kids about how they can tell their parents. 

Saenz pays tribute to all who teach and impact teens which is a love letter to teaching and I, for one, applaud this at the highest level. 

If you enjoyed Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, you MUST READ this book! If you haven't discovered Saenz and his characters, you need to purchase both books. If you don't cry, you may need to have your tear ducts examined. 

The BEST YA OF THE YEAR! If this one doesn't win every single award, I'd be shocked. I have had the extreme honor and privilege of meeting Benjamin Aliré Saenz several times, and he is the most patient, gentle, understanding, understated, and humble humanitarian I've ever met. Bravo, Mr. Saenz! Thank you for such a joyous opus! This is truly the HIGHLIGHT of your writing career. 

So highly recommended I give it every star in the universe! 

Grade 8 and up. 

 

Picture Book Pick: Tomatoes for Neela

 Tomatoes for Neea

by Padma Lakshmi

Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal 

Viking (Penguin Random House)

2021

40 pages

ISBN: 9780593202708

Beautiful, ethereal illustrations (acrylic paints and colored pencils on hand-textured papers) lovingly capture a young girl learning to cook and her relationship with her amma  (mother) and her paati (grandmother) who lives far away in India. Through cooking, the mother and daughter embrace their family's heritage. 

Neela loves cooking with her mother and writing down each recipe in her notebook. A cloth-covered book Neela is sure, "...belonged to a wizard," sits on a shelf in the kitchen. It is her paati's recipe book. Amma takes Neela to the market on Saturdays where they buy ingredients for the week's meals. The market is alive with people selling and buying all sorts of fresh produce. Neela is excited to learn more about the tomatoes they will need to cook paati's favorite tomato sauce. 

Neela learns to use produce that is in season and to can the rest for the long winter. Young readers will learn the names of types of tomatoes and their history. Top Chef judge Padma Lakshmi includes two of her family's recipes: Neela's Tomato Chutney and Paati's Tomato Sauce and fun facts about tomatoes and a note about farmworkers with a brief bibliography of books about farm workers for children. 

Caldecott Honor Winner illustrator Juana Martinez_Neal will likely win another honor with her work on the lovely picture book. 

Highly, highly recommended ages 3-7. 

Geraldine Pu and Her Lunch Box, Too!

Geraldine Pu and Her Lunch Box, Too!

Ready To Read Graphics

by Maggie P. Chang

Illustrations by the author

Simon Spotlight

2021 

64 pages

ISBN: 9781534484696

A Junior Literary Guild Selection 

Geraldine Pu takes her lunch to school every day. Her amah (grandma) packs yellow curry and stinky tofu for her. A boy named Nico makes fun of her lunch calling it stinky. Pretty soon other kids at the lunch table join in calling her lunch "gross" and "weird." Geraldine is mortified. She asks Amah to pack her a sandwich for tomorrow's lunch. 

The next day, she has a bao ( a special sandwich in her lunch) which is a type of Chinese sandwich. Nico again says mean things about Geraldine's "strange" lunch, and Geraldine doesn't eat her bao. Later, she hides her lunch box from her Amah. She doesn't want to hurt her grandmother's feelings. 

The next time Geraldine opens her lunch box, she sits far away from Nico, but he's still saying, "Yuck, that stinks." This time, it's not Geraldine's lunch, it's Devon, a boy from her bus. Geraldine knows exactly how he feels and goes to sit beside him. She even tries a bite of the fruit Devon says that in Jamaica is called, "stinking toe." They bond over their stinky lunches. 

What a cute way to introduce emergent readers to different cultures and foods other than their own! Included is a page of definitions of all the Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese words and Geraldine herself instructs readers how to navigate reading a graphic novel. An intelligent book about inclusion and belonging. A must read! This would be a great class read and tie it to a discussion about foods that are popular in the children's households. 

Highly, highly recommended. This little gem of a book will be an award winner for sure! 

Ready to Read Fun: Goat Wants To Eat

 

Goat Wants To Eat

Ready-To-Read

Simon Spotlight

by Laura Gehl

Illustrated by Fred Blunt

32 pages

ISBN: 9781534483613

Goat Wants To Eat introduces young readers to word families, sight words and "bonus words" they will read in this cute story about a hungry goat and a cat who just wants a nap. 

Goat follows cat around to every new napping spot and eats it! Poor Cat tries to escape in a boat, but when that doesn't work either, the two animals share a hammock. 

Illustrations by Fred Blunt done mostly in pastel colors match the two characters. Cat has a stuffed cat that appears on every spread and page with Cat. Young kids who have a favorite stuffed animal or blanket will empathize with Cat. 

Three questions at the end of the book get young readers thinking and talking about what they read. Well-done! 

Highly, highly recommended ages 3-5. 

Hilarious Early Reader: Thunder and Cluck: Friends Do Not Eat Friends

 

Thunder and Cluck: Friends Do Not Eat Friends

Ready to Read Graphics

by Jill Esbaum

Illustrations by Miles Thompson

Simon Spotlight

2021

64 pages

ISBN: 9781534486522

Thunder is a giant dinosaur who likes to roar and scare everyone. Cluck is a witty, kind bird. Cluck wants to show Thunder that even though he thinks he's big and scary, he's secretly not.

Young readers will giggle at Cluck's arguments for Thunder to be friends with him. Thunder doesn't stand a chance with Cluck's quick energy and intelligent dialog. 

Two very different animals become friends. Thunder realizes he's lonely and having Cluck around could be fun and interesting. 

Beginning panels tell young readers how to read a graphic novel, what a speech bubble is and the definition of panels. Colorful illustrations by Miles Thompson capture the personalities of the two character: the joy of Cluck and the pessimism of Thunder. Brilliantly done! 

Thunder and Cluck is a Junior Library Guild Selection and is up for more awards this year. Keep your eyes on this book. A must have for every young reader and library!

Highly, highly recommended ages 3-5. A great introduction to graphic novels! If you're a parent or have young kids to buy for, you need to buy this book ASAP.  

Graphic Novel Pick: The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem

 

The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem

Book One

(Graphic Novel-Chapter Book)

by Jarrett Lerner

Aladdin

2021

128 pages

ISBN: 9781534498808

Publication Date: October 26, 2021

The Hunger Heroes get an urgent call: a student at the elementary school has skipped breakfast and now he won't be able to concentrate to pass his math test. Hunger Heroes to the rescue! They jump into their Hovercraft (a giant flying taco, of course) and zoom to Pinchkid (hilarious!) Elementary School.

The Hunger Heroes are: a bean named Mr. Toots (haha!), A Chip Ninja, Tammy the Tomato and Leonard the wedge of cheddar cheese. First, they'll have to find a way into the school and navigate through a boisterous gym class where dodge balls threaten to smash them, they duck, dash, dart and dodge then they'll have to figure out the maze of hallways to find hungry Jason in Mrs. Sternbladder's (silliness, tee-hee) classroom where there are RULES against any type of food, or even more horrifying, SNACKS! 

How will  the heroes help Jason and escape the peril of Mrs. Sternbladder? Only the brain of Jarrett Lerner could dream up this silly, funny, wacky and entertaining jaunt into a school to save a student in the nick of time to ace his math test. 

The advance reader copy has a book one on the spine, so I'm sure there's more Hunger Heroes in our near future. Fun reading for fans of easy readers, those who are reluctant readers and fans of graphic novels. 

Highly recommended grades 2-6. 

 

Fun MG Pick: Pizazz

 

Pizazz (book one)

by Sophy Henn

Graphic illustrations by the author 

Aladdin

2021

208 pages 

ISBN: 9781534452431

Meet Pizazz, an unlikely nine-year old superhero who hates being super all the time. Every time she's having fun with her friends, she gets a message from her mission control dog (who wears a space helmet and receives and transmits messages to the superfamily) that she must drop everything and zoom off to save the world again and it's getting old. 

Not only that, being a superhero means ALWAYS wearing the same outfit. And it gets worse. Everyone else in her family has cool superpowers, but Pizazz's superpower is super embarrassing. Pizazz longs to be normal like real people. 

Readers who love a quick read and reluctant readers will find Pizazz and easy, entertaining humorous story. Pizazz has just enough snark to keep the pages turning. Graphic elements mixed with pages resembling Dog Man and Wimpy Kid books will draw those fans to this book. 

Recommended ages 8 and up. Easy chapter book for grades 3 and up. Fans will be happy to know there's two more books in the series. 

Bestselling YA Authors Anthology: Up All Night

 

Up All Night: 13 Stories Between Sunset & Sunrise

Edited by Laura Silverman

Stories by Karen M. McManus, Nina LaCour, Maureen Goo, et al.

Algonquin

2021

352 pages

ISBN: 9781643750415

What happens when a group of teen friends get together after dark? Is an amazing idea and Up All Night is a true winner. This is the best teen anthology published and a must have for every teen collection. 

This collection of diverse short stories and genres represents some of the best voices in Young Adult fiction. The stories feature cultural diversity, LGBT, and non-binary voices. Editor Laura Silverman crafted a volume of coming-of-age stories that will appeal to any YA reader. 

Stories include horror, romance, first love, high school woes, graduating high school, losing friends, a super-hero story and a haunted house. Readers will encounter characters with typical teen situations: siblings, blended families, first crush, the excitement leading up to the prom, pets,  a "Never Have a Ever" game that goes frightfully wrong. Every story takes place after dark and before dawn as teens navigate all-night "parties" and adventures. 

Warning: One story "Con Nights, Parallel Hearts" has abuse which some readers may find triggering. 

Stories by Karen M. McManus, Maurene Goo, Kayla Whaley, Marieke Nijkamp, Laura Silverman, Amanda Joy, Tiffany D. Jackson, Brandy Colbert, Kathleen Glasgow, Nina LaCour, Julian Winters, Francesca Zappa, Anna Meriano.

Highly, highly recommended. If you can only afford to buy one anthology, make it this one! Reluctant readers may find this a great choice as they can choose to read any or all the stories.

Vibrant and Musical: A Song of Frutas

 

A Song of Frutas

by Margarita Engle

Illustrations Sara Palacios

Antheneum Books for Young Readers

2021

40 pages

ISBN: 9781534444898

Colorful, magical and musical, A Song of Frutas is a joy to read! 

Margarita Engle weaves English and Spanish text together she explains in her author's note, "...because that is the way people talk on both shores of the strip of sea that separates Cuban and Cuban American family members." A Song of Frutas is a love poem to Cuba and Engle's abuelo (grandfather) who sold fruit from his cart always singing the names of the fruit he has for sale: mångo, limæon, piña, coco and plæatano. Young Margarita would walk with him taking in the sights and sounds of a vibrant city scene. Women are hanging laundry out to dry, other vendors are singing their own songs to sell their wares. 

Every New Year's Eve there's a celebration where they eat twelve grapes and make a wish for each month of the coming year. Now that an ocean separates her from her abuelo she wishes for a day both countries can be friends and open up. She misses her abuelo and his songs of frutas, but she writes poems and verses in her letters to him and imagines birds carrying her letters to her beloved grandfather. 

Also in the author's note is information about travel restrictions between America and Cuba that made it hard for Cuban Americans to visit their homeland. Engle states that she began returning to see her family in 1991. This is an important book for all collections. Palacios' illustrations are wonderfully rendered capturing the heart and soul of Cuba. 

Highly, highly recommended. This book WILL win multiple awards for both Engle and Palacios. 

Halloween Pick: Hardly Haunted

 

Hardly Haunted

by Jessie Sima

Illustrations by Jessie Sima 

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2021

48 pages 

ISBN: 9781534441705

A lonely, empty house on a hill thinks she might be haunted. She wants someone to buy her and move in and make her a home, but no one does. Only the funny black cat hangs out with her. 

House decides to be very quiet and maybe no one will notice she's haunted. But here comes a powerful wind that makes her roof moan, her foundation groan, her pipes rattle. House is impressed because all that noise was fun! 

She decides she'll wait for the right family who doesn't mind the fact that she's haunted. And a family of ghosts decide to make House their home. The house on the hill is happy.

Adult readers will have fun reading the creepy noises out loud and young readers will giggle and help with the "reading" of the noises. 

The character of House is a brilliant storytelling decision to personify a haunted house as the main character. Creative and whimsical, outright fun and only a teensy bit spooky, this is a great pick for Halloween story time. 

Highly, highly recommended for all young readers. This book is likely to be in the mix for many awards. 

Series Pick: The Oddmire: Deepest Darkest (Book 3)

 

The Oddmire: Deepest, Darkest (Book 3)

by William Ritter

Algonquin Young Readers

2021

320 pages

ISBN: 9781643750927

Entertaining, Thrilling, Non-Stop Action 

Book Three in William Ritter's The Oddmire series does not disappoint. The "twin" brothers Tinn and Cole go in search of Cole's missing father who disappeared when they were both babies. They enlist help from their two best friends, Evie who knows all about strange creatures and Fable, destined to become the next Queen of the Wild Wood. 

Going underground in search of their father worries Tinn. He's afraid if they do find him alive, his dad won't accept him as the goblin he truly is. The character of Tinn is so lovable, readers will want to hug him and comfort him in his pain. 

 The boys' mother Annie travels with them and their friends. She has hope to see her husband alive again, but there is ancient evil building and they will have to work quickly to complete their mission. 

Ritter has a knack for creating magical, whimsical creatures, and Deepest, Darkest is full of trolls, spriggans, elves, nymphs, goblins and more.

Readers will be on the edge of their seats with the pages turning at a fierce pace. Don't start this book at bedtime because you'll be up all night finishing it. It's that great! 

Highly recommended for fans  and readers of the first two books, and if you've not read The Oddmire series, what are you waiting for? 

A must have for all middle school libraries and readers.

Halloween Treats: Three New Books for Littles

 Just in time for Halloween: Here are three great new books from Simon for your youngest readers. 

                                                                    BOO! BAA, LALALA!

by Sandra Boynton 

9781534452831Boo! Baa,  Lalala! a cow discovers a new sound as she says "Boo!" for Halloween. She's answered by another voice, "Baa!" This is a quaint read aloud for the youngest readers. Priced at $5.99 it's a true bargain for parents. 

Knock Knock, Trick or Treat! A Spooky Halloween Lift-The-Flap Book 

by Amy E. Sklansky

Illustrated by Chiara Galletti

9781534492677

This is a must-have for all kids! Rhyming text and lift the flaps reveal Halloween favorite characters appear: a witch, a mummy, a ghost, a zombie, a skeleton, Frankenstein and even a cyclops! Lovely little fun book for parents to read and kids to lift the flaps to uncover monsters. 

How To Hide a Ghost: A Lift-The-Flap Book

by MacKenzie Haley 

9781534487635

Rhyming text and winning illustrations make this a gem. The cover even has a lift-the-flap. Innovative design on each flap will keep kids entertained as they discover how each one lifts. 

All three books are highly recommended for the youngest readers. Why not purchase all three for someone you love this Halloween? 

Middle Grade Pick: The Girl and the Witch's Garden

 

The Girl and the Witch's Garden

by Erin Bowman

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2020

273 pages

ISBN: 9781534461581

Twelve-year old Piper Peavey doesn't want to stay at her grandmother's cold and imposing estate. She wants to stay with her sick father. Dying of cancer, Dad needs her, but Aunt Eva insists Piper must stay at the mansion because she has a busy job and must be in Colorado. 

Dumped at the Mallory Estate, Piper expects to be met by her grandmother and finally spend time with her runaway mother. She hasn't had any contact with her mother since she was a baby, but she longs to meet her and find a relationship. When she's greeted by four orphans her mother has taken in, she's gobsmacked. Her mother who never had time for her has now adopted a band of orphans in her place? Things don't make sense and Grandmother is strangely missing. Pipe knows something isn't right. 

When her mother sits down for dinner in the vast dining room she lays down the law. She will not dine with Piper. Piper must stay away from her part of the mansion and no sneaking around the grounds. Also, there's a strange Persian cat who seems to patrol the children whenever they are someplace they shouldn't be. 

It doesn't take long for the kids to fill Piper in: her mother is looking for a way into the garden to find a magical elixer that grants immortal life. What Piper wouldn't give to find that elixir and save her father's life! Nothing is as it should be and Piper's going to have to work hard to figure out puzzles and clues to find the elixir. 

Beautiful cover art will help sell this story. 

Readers who love a smart girl and solving mysteries with a little magic will like this book. 

Recommended grades 4-7. 

Native American Pick: Living Ghosts & Mischievous Monsters

 Living Ghosts & Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories

by Dan SaSuWeh Jones, Ponca Nation (written and selected stories)

Illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre, Tonava Nation 

Scholastic Press

2021

176 pages

ISBN: 9781338681604

Publishing Date: September 7, 2021

What a welcome addition to any folklore, myths and legends collection. Compelling and entertaining stories from various Native American Nation members and collected by Dan SasSuWeh Jones,  the former Chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma and consultant for National Geographic Encyclopedia of the American Indian insure this book will be a bestseller and likely multiple awards winner. The state of Oklahoma is likely to make it the state winner of 2021. 

The publisher recommends this beauty for fans of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys legends, stories and myths and readers who want to know more about Native American stories. 

The author informs readers that as a young child he listened to ghost stories every night from elders around him. Later, he traveled across the country seeking out other tribes' stories. One common thread ran through all the stories: ghosts. Ghosts, the author states, are a part of every day life. 

From the story of his great-aunt who visited them daily titled "My Great-Aunt's Last Ten A.M. Visit" to Herman Viola's (Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian) story of his dead brother who comes home titled "You Don't Live Here Anymore" readers will find the stories entertaining and provocative. These stories are not soon forgotten. "You Don't Live Here Anymore" sticks with me always. Their father goes to the gate of the property and tells the spirit, "You don't live here anymore. Join the spirit world. We love you and miss you, but it's time for you to go." It is heart-breakingly beautiful and filled with paternal love. 

You must have this book or buy it for a special reader. It's a must-have, must-read.

So highly, highly recommended grades 3-7.

MG Pick: Better With Butter

Better With Butter

by Victoria Piontek

Scholastic Press

2021

320 pages

ISBN: 9781338662207

Twelve-year old Marvel has anxiety disorder and you name it, she's afraid of it or anxious about it. When she freezes up onstage, she becomes the laughing stock of her entire school. She tried to tell her mom she couldn't do it, but Mom sent her to school anyway. Now the brunt of jokes and terrorized by mean eighth grade boys, Marvel is afraid to walk home alone. 

She sees the mean boys standing around something and forgets to be afraid. The boys are scaring a baby goat. Each time they do, the goat faints and they laugh. Marvel forgets to be afraid and stands up to the boys, rushing in to comfort the poor creature and warning the bullies off. Marvel doesn't know where her bravery came from, but she knows the goat needs her and she needs the goat. She names her Butter and takes her home. 

Her mother doesn't want a pet goat, but when her dad comes home from the military, he sees that Butter is a good therapy pet for Marvel and builds an enclosure for her. Mom insists Marvel try to find Butter's owner. As girl and goat form an unbreakable bond, Marvel's anxiety disappears. With Butter, anything is possible, but someone answers Marvel's lost pet ad. 

Marvel may have to face the future alone and she's terrified. Readers will love Marvel and her voice! She's more feisty than she thinks she is, and readers will notice her strength even when she does not. 

Highly, highly recommended grades 3-7. A feel great book about the power of pets and love and overcoming anxiety. 

Inspiring Pick: 1000 Timeless Quotes: The Thoughts of 1000 People

 

1000 Timeless Quotes: The Thoughts of 1000 People

compiled by Elizabeth Hamm

BookBaby

2021

172 pages

ISBN: 9781098357016

Inspirational quotes to make readers pause, consider, ponder and think. What could be a better gift for a new graduate or a child going off the college or off to another state or country? This useful quote book has an eclectic collection of quotes from people in a wide variety of fields, from all parts of the world and over centuries of time. Opening with Horace, "Seize the day," the reader knows they are in for a great book of life lessons and wisdom. 

Quotes include those from astronauts, scientists, philosophers, teachers, religious figures, emperors, heads of state, geniuses, critics, humorists and artists can become talking points for any group setting be it book club, classroom, or even religious meeting. 

"No one was ever wise by chance..." Seneca

Imagine what a great science teacher or philosophy teacher could do with that quote! 

Highly, highly recommended as a daily inspirational book. 1000 quotes, 1 to ponder each day, gives the reader 1000 days of great thoughts. A brilliant book for teaching and learning. Grades 6 and up and thoughtful younger children can think about the easier ideas. Excellent for meeting starter or starting your day with a new thought. 

Graphic Novel Pick: Long Distance

 

Long Distance

by Whitney Gardner

Illustrations by the author

Simon  & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

2021

320 pages

full color illustrations

ISBN: 9781534455665

Available June 29, 2021

simultaneous release both in hardcover and paperback

When twelve-year old Vega's family moves from Portland to Seattle, she's not happy. She's missing her life, her school and her best friend Hailey. The girls text and Facetime but it's not the same as being together. Fearing Hailey has replaced her already, Vega mopes around he house. Not even her telescope can calm her, so her parents decide to send her to summer camp to meet "new friends."

At the camp, Vega's phone quits working. Now she can't reach Hailey at all. She decides to write a real letter and send it, but she makes the mistake of not mailing it herself. It's hard to know who to trust as the camp gets stranger and stranger. 

Vega, Gemma and Querty discover speakers in rocks and worry who's watching them and why.The kids notice there's no birds or squirrels near the camp. Vega can't find the North Star or any stars because  clouds obscure the sky every night. Three friends in the woods at a camp they don't trust and strange things are happening to the sky. What could go wrong? 

You'll have to discover on your own and you won't expect the twists! My favorite character is Qwerty. Quirky, strange, funny, Long Distance is bound to be a big hit among graphic novel fans. 

Recommended ages ten and up. 

Charming! Picture Book Gem: Secret, Secret Agent Guy

 

Secret, Secret Agent Guy

by Kira Bigwood

Illustrations by Celia Krampien 

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2021

32 pages

ISBN: 9781534469211

Simply charming and laugh out loud funny, Secret, Secret Agent Guy is a WINNER! Think Harriet the Spy, 007 and Inspector Gadget, and you'll understand. 

Secret, secret agent guy is prepared for his next mission: Operation Lollipop. He has everything he needs: a grappling hook, night vision goggles, a walkie talkie and even a "jet pack." As he sneaks around the house, he must avoid Mom and Dad and snatch the lollipop. 

Mom has sent a spy! Oh, no! Not that guy! Oh, yes, he's on the friendly side. As our agent escaped detection, he is bested by an opponent who's outsmarted him! Spy kids will love this book. 

For every kid who spies on the parents, every kid who searches for clues, every kid who walks around with a magnifying glass, every kid who writes in invisible ink, every kid with a spy coat or vest, every kid with binoculars or a telescope, Secret, Secret Agent Guy is their book! 

Charming, lively illustrations and rhyming text to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" make this an unforgettable read. This will be a bedtime favorite for generations.

Secret, Secret Agent Guy is the most fun, most entertaining, most creative picture book I've read this year and it will win awards! Get ready, Kira Bigwood and Celia Krampien, you have pulled off the BEST PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR! (and I'm always right). 

Highly, highly recommended. A MUST HAVE! 

Great Fun! Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf

 

Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf

by Sam Wedelich

Illustrations by the author

Scholastic Press

2021

40 pages

ISBN: 9781338359008

Chicken Little is the bravest little chicken in the barnyard. She's smart, scientific and well-read. When she meets the Big Bad Wolf, she realizes he's not scary, simply misunderstood. 

The other chickens in the coop want to fly the coop, but everyone knows chickens aren't the world's greatest flyers. Chicken Little decides to investigate why everyone is so afraid of he Wolf. She asks him if he's big and bad, and he assures her that he tries to be be a good person. He's actually a vegetarian, so there is no danger in him eating the chickens. 

Poor Wolf has nowhere to go. He doesn't fit in with his pack (being a vegetarian and all), so the chickens decide he can join them. They have a "pot-cluck" dinner to help welcome him. The message of inclusion and acceptance is delivered with humor and grace. 

Wonderfully captured with illustrations from the author and tongue-in "beak" writing, Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf is a must read for all littles. Parents will love its wit and word choices. 

Highly, highly recommended! 

 

Novel In Verse: Your Heart My Sky

 

Your Heart My Sky

by Margarita Engle

Atheneum

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2021

205 pages

ISBN: 9781534464964

Gripping, profound, moving, Your Heart My Sky is a must-read.

Cuba 1991: a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of Cubans are starving including fourteen-year old Alina. Skipping forced work camp and putting her family in danger, Alina happens upon a mystical dog she befriends. The "singing" dog is starving like the people, but he leads Alina in her search for food. They meet a boy, Amado, who skipped out on work to forage for food and the trio become a unit.

Police patrol the streets looking for anyone who has not reported for forced work, so Alina and Amado hide in the shadows in order to keep their parents safe. Hunger is constant. It is the only thing Alina can think of except the fact she can share her hunger with a sensitive boy. Together, they search and hope and dream. Their island has no opportunity for them and no food, yet it is their homeland and their soul. 

The Pan-Am Games are to be held in Cuba, and all the food is for tourists, not for citizens. Alina dreams of opening a restaurant and having enough food to feed not only herself but hungry guests. The kids plant a garden with the hope of harvesting food. "How can love be enough in a time of hunger?" Alina asks. 

Thousands of islanders are leaving Cuba in rafts, hoping to reach freedom and food, but many drown. Alina and Amado consider taking the chance, but worry one of them will drown. What will the survivor do? How lonely is survival? Amado realizes, "Hope is the only cure for hunger." They will stay in their homeland and they will nurture their garden and they will work for their dreams to become reality. 

The author's note is especially poignant and Cuba's singing dogs are real (Engle believes so, and I agree).  

Non-Fiction Pick: A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You

 

A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You: A Laugh-Out-Loud Guide to Life on Earth 

by Mike Barfield

Illustrated by Jess Bradley

Aladdin

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

original copyright 2020 in U.K.

2021 U.S. edition

128 pages full color illustrations 

ISBN: 9781534467217

Where was this ESSENTIAL book when I was in middle school? The author explores the human body, the animal kingdom and earth and science. Fun, fascinating facts and cartoon-like illustrations by Jess Bradley make this a great pick for reluctant readers and fans of non-fiction. This is a teaching tool for any beginning science class as well. 

Features include "A Day in the Life of a Hiccup," "A Day in the Life of a Pimple, how your major organs work, and "You and Your Poo" teaches how to tell if you need more fiber, more water or if your poo is healthy! Any middle school reader will love that! 

In the animal world, earthworms, spiders, dung beetles, weird types of fish like the gulper eel and the long-nosed chimaera, koalas, skunks, pandas and other animals are highlighted. Did you know pandas poop up to fifty times in one day or that worms can be both female and male? 

In the science and earth section, readers will learn about some plants, fungi, weather, volcanos, auroras among many other subjects. A fun-filled, illustrated glossary ends the book.  Kids won't even realize how much they've learned because this little gem is so much fun to read. Who knew science was so cool? 

HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This is a must-have, must-read for any science buff and even those readers, like me, who really aren't into science. Note to educational publishers: maybe if you made science books more fun, more kids would excel in the sciences. 

Grade 4 and up. Easy to read, each page is filled with illustrations and fun facts. The pages will turn fast!