Graphic Pick: The Sleepover

 

The Sleepover

by Michael Regina 

Illustrations by the author

Razoerbill

Penguin Random House LLC

2022

224 pages

ISBN: 9780593117361

Perfect for middle grade readers who enjoyed "Stranger Things" and a good scare. 

Three friends arrive for a sleepover at the Russo's. They are hoping to cheer up their bestie Matthew whose beloved nanny has died. He's missing Ruby and grieving, so his friends decide a friendship intervention is needed. Meanwhile ,Mrs. Russo is seeking a new nanny. Enter Miss Swan.

Miss Swan has something "off" about her. Matthew senses it, but his friends don't believe it. The boys believe in the old story about the Witch of the Woods who lures unsuspecting children into the woods and they're never seen again. Indeed, Miss Swan might be the monster they fear. 

The boys with the help of Judy (Matthew's younger sis) must face the monster and escape.

Illustrations are spot-on for spooky scenes and the monster is truly scary. 

Highly recommended grades 5 and up. 

Graphic Kid Pick: Bug Scouts: Out in the Wild

 

Bug Scouts: Out in the Wild

by Mike Lowery

Illustrations by the author

Graphix (Scholastic)

2022

64 pages

ISBN: 9781338726336

also available in paperback (likely to be one Scholastic Book Fairs)

Four bug friends have a super top secret headquarters and form the Bug Scouts, taking an oath that, "all bugs are awesome" and pledging to be brave and seek adventures. The bugs are Doug ( a bug), Abby the worm,  Josh a grumpy spider who's there for the snacks and Luna the firefly. They even have patches for 238 different things. Abby wants all the patches.

The Bug Scouts go on a hike to "forage." A frog lurks nearby and everyone knows frogs eat BUGS! They come face to face with a sly frog who really wants to eat them so they RUN back to headquarters where they realize they did earn a badge for plants after all. 

So cute! Readers will love Bug Scouts. Mike Lowery is my favorite author/illustrator in kidlit. You must read his Everything Awesome series which is non-fiction but incredible FUN! 

Highly, highly recommended and likely to win graphic book of the year. You heard it here first. 

Grades 2-5 but this adult reviewer LOVED it! 

Picture Book Pick: The Library Fish

 

The Library Fish

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Illustrations by Gladys Jose

A Paula Wiseman Book

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2022

32 pages

ISBN: 9781534477056

When librarian Mr. Hughes finds a fish in a bowl on the steps of the library with a note "I love stories," he decides to put the fish in the library. Library Fish loves it on Mr. Hughs desk where it can see all the children and what stories they are reading. Library Fish especially loves story time as she listens in with the children. She hears stories of interesting characters and wild places like outer space. She likes to travel in the bookmobile with Mr. Hughes as he passes out books to children. Mr. Hughes knows the exact book to give to each of his readers. 

One day there's a snowstorm, so the library is closed. Library Fish is sad that no one is coming in, but she knows how to find the perfect story. She launches herself out of her bowl and goes to the story time area. She begins reading. Outside,  the bookmobile honks its horn, and Library Fish realizes she can read to the little truck through the library window. Library Fish has a night full of adventures and climbs back into her bowl. 

The next morning Mr. Hughes comes in and swears Library Fish looks especially tired. She might have even yawned. When Mr. Hughes sees all the picture books on the floor and books propped up in the window and the Bookmobile truck pulled up to the window, he's confused and scratches his head. 

But readers know, Library Fish knows, and the Bookmobile knows who was reading the stories and sharing them in the window. 

Heartfelt and sweet, The Library Fish celebrates reading, libraries, books and smart, helpful librarians. It's nice to see a MALE librarian, and even more fantastic, he's a librarian who listens to the kid readers and matches them all with a book he knows they'll like. Library science is a science of the heart (I might need to trademark this sentence). TM. Library science is a science of the heart and it feeds the soul (TM Ha, even better) and it's nice to see an author celebrate the heart  and soul of a good librarian.

Highly recommended for any story time at every library and classroom. A must read ages 3-9. 

Children's Poetry Pick: Zoobilations!

Zoobilations!

by Douglas Florian

Illustrations by the author

Beach Lane Books 

Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2022

48 pages

ISBN: 9781534465909

Zoobilations! is filled with animal poems and art. Fun animals include the naked mole rat, the hammerhead shark, the flying fox, the antelope and many others. My favorite poem is "The Antelope" which goes...

"I wanted to write a poem on an antelope.

But I cantaloupe." 

Young readers will giggle at Florian's sense of fun and the animals depicted in his art. 

A simple book but a must have for every child's collection. 

Highly recommended ages 2-8. 
 

A Kids' Book With a Sense of Humor: I Don't Want To Read This Book

 

I Don't Want to Read This Book

by Max Greenfield

Illustrations by Mike Lowery 

G.P. Putnam's Sons

An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2021

40 pages

ISBN: 9780593326060

Highly entertaining and enjoyable! 

Charming and silly, humorist Max Greenfield takes on reading and especially reluctant readers in I Don't Want To Read This Book. The unnamed narrator really doesn't want to read this book, or any books for that matter because BOOKS had WORDS and WORDS become SENTENCES and sentences turn into PARAGRAPHS! 

And sometimes words are okay like "cake" and "YouTube." Other times words don't make sense like "doubt." No one pronounces the B, so why is it there? and long words are too hard to understand. Our silly narrator makes perfect sense, of course, and kid readers will be amused and some struggling readers will empathize and agree. 

Before you know it, it's THE END and the reluctant reader has read a book. Even more exciting is the fact that reader ENJOYED READING a book! 

Bold design and color by illustrator Mike Lowery keep readers turning the pages. 

Highly, highly recommended for any young reader especially those who claim they don't like to read. 

Ages 4-8. 

Non-Fiction Graphic Pick: I Am I.M. Pei

 

I Am I.M. Pei

by Brad Meltzer

Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

(with a pop-up page inside)

Ordinary People Change the World Series

Dial Books for Young Readers 

Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2022

Available June 7, 2022

I Am I.M. Pei is a not-to-be-missed non-fiction outstanding book about world famous architect I.M. Pei from his birth in China, his building designs around the world and his masterpiece, the Louvre in Paris, France. 

Pei was born in China in the Year of the Fire Snake. His name translates to "To Inscribe Brightly," but I.M. always went by his initials. While his father wanted him to go into banking, his mother taught him to sit quietly and meditate--to listen to the silence. Pei loved going to the Lion Grove Garden where paths went in every direction and new discoveries were always found. Pei loved buildings and modern things. He decided to become an architect at age ten! 

Pei attended MIT and studied with excellent professors. In his first job, designing a science lab in Colorado, he won Laboratory of the Year. He designed the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and the East Gallery of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. His most famous design is an update of Louvre in Paris, France. I.A. Pei built a pyramid where now everyone can see the entrance easily. The Louvre is the largest museum in the world and the most famous and visited landmark in Paris. 

Pei believes everyone should keep looking at things from all angles, or perspectives. Keeping your eyes and ears open and keep learning and trying new things. He believes we are all, "...the architects of your own lives." 

What a great addition to non-fiction picture books. This little darling of a read will likely earn awards and massive kudos. The story of Pei resonates with all creatives and everyone who loves a great life story. 

The pop-up page of the Louvre is fantastic! This alone sets I Am I.M. Pei above all this year's releases thus far. Illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos are imaginative and the graphic nature of the book is easy for even reluctant readers. 

Highly, highly recommended and a must-have for every child's book shelf. A great gift for any young reader. Ages  5-9.

Dinosaur Picture Book Pick: Eggasaurus

 

Eggasaurus

by Jennifer Wagh

Illustrated by Hallie Bateman

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2022

40 pages

ISBN: 9781534450066

When Maximus gets a special delivery in the mail from Eggasaurus Inc.,  he's thrilled. Their letter thanks him for his purchase and contains the words, "No Refunds." Max's father is not thrilled. He makes Max write to Eggasaurus asking for a refund. 

Eggasaurus writes back reminding there is no refund and sends Max two more eggs. The next flurry of letters back and forth send Dad over the edge. Eggasaurus sends a huge assortment of eggs and tells Max to play rock music to get them hatching. Soon Max receives certificates to pass out amongst his friends for free eggs. Max's eggs begin to hatch. Soon baby dinosaurs are everywhere and Max and Dad open a dinosaur day care. Max's friends all have dino pets, too! 

This funny and whimsical story accompanied by colorful art will wow young readers and kids who love dinosaurs will love this book! This is the most creative dinosaur picture book I've seen in YEARS! A true winner and likely to win awards. 

Highly, highly recommended ages 2 and up. 

Early Reader Graphic Novel Pick: Shell Quest

 Tiny Tales: Shell Quest

I Can Read! Comic

by Steph Waldo 

Illustrated by the author

Harpers Galley

An Imprint of HarpersCollins Publishers

2022

32 pages

ISBN: 97800063067820

One lonely little critter wants to belong. He sees some snails and decides to join them, asking if he can be friends. The snails say no, you don't have a shell. Where is yours? They tell him to go find a shell. Only then he can belong. First he tries using the top of an acorn, but it falls off. Next he finds a metal thimble (?) and wears it, but again it falls off. Finally he finds a real piece of shell and the snails invite him into their circle. 

When his shell breaks, they make him leave. Lonely and afraid, he sets out and one brave snail comes with him. In a rainstorm, they are swept away down a pipe and  meet creatures like him. He asks them what they are, and they explain, like him, they have no shells because they are slugs. The slugs invite both the lonely slug and his friend, the snail, to stay with them and everyone is happy. 

The author has included a page of comparisons snail vs. slug which gives young readers factual information. A fun read for ages 3 and up. The graphic nature of this book will appeal to reluctant readers, and everyone loves a comic! 

Highly recommended.