Picture Book Pick: Merry and Hark: A Christmas Story

 

Merry and Hark: A Christmas Story

by April Genevieve Tucholke

Illustrations by Rebecca Santo 

Algonguin Young Readers

An imprint of Workman Publishing Companty Inc,
A subsidiary of Hachette Book Group Inc.  

32 pages

2023

ISBN: 9781643752389

Available October 3, 2023

Merry and Hark is a lovely tribute to  the tiny northern saw-whet owl who fell asleep in her favorite tree in the forest and is transported to a noisy city. 

Merry always wanted to have a big adventure like the great owls she has heard stories about, but she's such a tiny thing, she spends her time in Hark, her favorite tree. The city is strange and loud. There's no food for Merry.

Lucky for her, a lady discovers her hole on the third day and takes her home, nursing her back to health. The lady shows Merry her tree, now decorated for Christmas. Merry thinks the humans are trying to bring the stars to the city. Merry is released back into her forest when she is better. 

A beautiful story of the forest, its creatures and caring humans who make things right. 

A lovely Christmas story. 

Recommended 3 and up. 

CYBILS AWARDS 2023 Picture Books/Board Books Judge

Graphic Novel Pick: Dear Brother

 

Dear Brother 

by Alison McGhee

Illustrated by Tuan Nini

A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book

Atheneum Books for Young Readers 

An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2023

192 pages

ISBN: 97815344487086

Through a series of letters to her older brother, overlooked little sister states her case: look at the family photo album! A series of photos featuring older brother as the star and little sister as America's Overlooked Sibling. In every adventure Sister does the grunt work while brother gathers the attention and accolades. She's had enough! A cute pop quiz follows the section. 

Even though brother plays a banjo, sister is a talented bongo player. and once again, overlooked. Brother, being the oldest, always gets his way. He gets to choose his room first, he chooses their vacation and most horrible, his choice of pet is okayed by parents. Sister wanted a dog so much, yet brother gets a bearded dragon. To add insult to injury, brother gets to go away to summer camp while sister is forced to stay home and care for aptly named Frightful, the bearded dragon. 

Much to sister's chagrin, she discovers she acturally likes taking care of the atrocious bearded dragon and even admits it in letters to her dear brother when he is away at camp. When brother comes home, there is a new friendship between the siblings. 

Cute storytelling through letters, texts and "evidence" presented by the sister makes this a fun read. This is a great choice for reluctant readers and anyone with a "problem" sibling. 

Highly recommended grades 4 and up. 

Picture Book Pick: Bitsy Bat School Star

 

Bitsy Bat School Star 

By Kaz Windness 

APaula Wiseman Book

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2023

48 pages

9781665905053

Bitsy Bat is a cute young bat who wants to be a big star on her first day of class. Her family believes in her and tells her to shine and her first day will be great. But sadly, Bitsy finds school a frightening experience. The other students laugh at her when she tries to hang upside down. They tell her she must sit in her chair. 

During art, they laugh when Bitsy uses her toes for her art. When lunchtime comes, the others are disgusted by Bitsy's lunch.  Brokenhearted, Bitsy goes home. Her parents assure her that she is unique and magnificent. Bitsy gets an idea. Aren't all of us special and shine in our own way? She makes everyone a star and passes them out the next day. Everyone writes what makes them special on their own stars. Bitsy is a "terrific toe hanger." Others are caring or leaders or have great ideas. Bitsy truly is a shining star in a constellation of all the stars in the classroom. 

The author/illustrator explains her experiences being autistic in a letter to readers and a page "More About Autism." This is a special book for every classroom and library. 

Highly recommended grades 1-4. 

Halloween Pick: I Love My Magic!

 I Love My Magic!

by Kelly Leigh Miller

Illustrations by the author

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2023

40 pages

ISBN: 97815344497696

Willow is a young witch who loves her magic, so much so, that she uses it for everything. She conjures up a sub sandwich when she's hungry, she uses it to do her chores and her schoolwork, but when Willow uses her magic to cheat and win games on the playground, her teacher takes her wand away, warning that magic isn't for cheating.

Willow is sad but learns her lesson. Magic is fun and sparkly but not to be used to cheat at games or make others unhappy, She discovers she doesn't have to use magic for everything, 

Cute seasonal read for preschool.