Ready*To*Read Pick: Nat the Cat Takes a Bath

 

Nat the Cat Takes a Bath

Ready*To*Read Pre-Level One

by Jarrett Lerner 

Simon Spotlight

An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2023

32 pages 

ISBN: 9781665918947

The beloved cat is back! This time Nat MIGHT take a bath. Nat comes up with excuses why he's not taking a bath, but the invasive narrator keeps giving Nat what he asks for. The narrator insists that Nat the Cat will take a bath and provides him with bubbles and toys, yet Nat is still leery of the bath.

Nat finally admits that he is afraid of water. Enter Pat the Rat. Pat loves baths and jumps into the bubbles and toys. Nat joins him because everyone knows when your friend joins you it's not scary anymore. 

Lerner's sense of humor and Nat's expressions are spot-on for young readers. Kids will laugh at Nat's antics and those readers who really don't like bath time will take cue from Nat and jump on in. 

Highly, highly recommended for new readers who love Nat already and for those who will discover him. 

Non-Fiction Board Book Pick: Big Stuff: Dozer,, Excavator, Mixer & More

 

Non-Fiction Board Book Pick: Big Stuff: Dozer,, Excavator, Mixer & More 

by Joan Holub

Illustrated by The Little Friends of Printmaking 

Little Simon

An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2023

26 pages

ISBN: 9781665917896

It's time to build! Each heavy machine is illustrated and its parts labeled for young learners who love big trucks and machines. Fun facts and its history are explained. Even adults will learn facts that they might never learn anywhere else. 

The newest machinery like construction robots and remote controlled machines are also included. Full of useful information yet highly entertaining, this board book is a must have for future engineers and builders and anyone who loves construction. Curious kids who love watching buildings go up will love this book. 

Highly, highly recommended ages 4 and up. 

Picture Book Pick: Our Day of the Dead Celebration

 

Our Day of the Dead Celebration

by Ana Aranda

Illustrations by the author 

Nancy Paulson Books

an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2022

32 pages

ISBN: 9780522514282

Our Day of the Dead Celebration bursts with colors and happiness. The family honors their relatives who have died and celebrate their memories. In Mexico,  it is traditional for families to make altars from decorated sugar skulls,  pan de muerto (tradional bread), marigolds, poems they write and favorite foods. Then the living relatives gather to remember earlier times through stories and songs. 

After all the relatives arrive,  grandchildren beg their grandparents, aunts and uncles for stories from the past. Aranda captures the excitement of the younger kids as they dance and sing. The children and adults (even the sugar skulls) are smiling and happy. 

A lovely tribute to a Mexican celebration, Our Day of the Dead Celebration is a must have for every collection.

Highly recommended K-4. 

MG Series Pick: The Chaos Monster

 

The Chaos Monster (The Secrets of the Sky series, book 1)

by Sayantani Dasgupta

Illustrated by Sandara Tang

Scholastic Press

2023

240 pages

ISBN: 9781339006086

Available July 19, 2023

Twins Kiya and Kinjal are ordinary ten-year olds who live in New Jersey with their parents and their dog Thums-Up. That is until searching for answers in their dark and creepy basement, they open an old book their father stores in a locked trunk. Once the book is opened, the adventure begins. 

A loud noise in their yard causes them to race upstairs and throw open the door. Thums-Up runs outside and is grabbed up by a giant cloud-like blob. The kids are afraid of the menacing blob, but when it disappears with their dog, the twins must save their pet. 

Next thing they know two giant flying horses are pawing the lawn and waiting for the kids to come along with them. On their wonderful (yet terrifying) ride through the stars, the horses reveal that the kids are going with them  not only to find their dog but to meet the Princess and help their kingdom. The pair are uneasy and gobsmacked to think that they, mere ten-year old humans, have anything to do with this magical kingdom and trying to save it. The horses say the Princess will tell them when they meet her. 

It seems their parents may be much, much more than they seem and their dog, Thums-Up may not be just an ordinary family pet. Kinjal begins to believe in the magic because he's seen Thums-Up do undog-like behaviors before and he knows what he saw. He tries to get his sister to believe their dog has wings, but science-based Kiya finds it hard to believe. 

Once they meet Princess Pakkhiraj, she tells them her kingdom is dying. The bees are dying causing plants and trees to die. The kids must figure out why the kingdom is dying and fix it or unfathomable harm will come not only to the kingdom but also to New Jersey. 

The quest is on! With the help of Raat and Snowy (the horses) and Thums-Up who is reunited with them, they set off with magical feathers and heads full of doubt. 

A solid beginning to a promising series, The Chaos Monster will enthrall and entertain middle grade readers who love adventure and fantasy. Cover art and illustrations by Sandara Tang and Elizabeth Parisi by will have this book flying off the shelves of bookstores everywhere and libraries will need to stock several copies because readers will demand this title. 

Highly, highly recommended grade 4 and up. Strong emphasis on the welfare of our ecosystem and a lovely, lovely theme is revealed near the end. 

Middle Grade Series Pick: Spy School: Project X

Spy School: Project X

by Stuart Gibbs

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2022

352 pages

ISBN: 9781534479494

Once again, Stuart Gibbs delivers with this fun middle grade spy series romp. Ben Ripley is in trouble and there's a price on his head. He's going to need to stay alive and keep his head  in order to outwit his nemesis Murray Hill. 

It's hard not to love Ben Ripley. He's funny and clever. Erica Hale is his crush interest in this installment, but she seems so un-Erica-like. Usually she's the strong, no-nonesense person in charge. In Project X, Erica seems to question herself and she seems much weaker. 

If you're a fan of the Spy School series, you'll enjoy this read. I suggest reading the books in order beginning with Spy School. 

Recommended for fans of the series. 

 

Picture Book Pick: Rain

 

Rain

by Cynthia Rylant

Illustrated by Lisa Congdon

Beach Lane Books

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

2023

48 pages

ISBN: 9781442465091

Rain is a celebration! Vibrant, colorful artwork of squirrels, birds, dogs, cats, ducks and children illustrate how each celebrate rain. The animals know before it rains; squirrels go home to their nests, but the dogs have known it was going to rain since yesterday because dogs can sense it.

The ducks love the rain and revel in the pond. Because of rain, everything is refreshed, renewed and grows strong. "All because of rain," everything is better. 

Rain is a lovely, breathtaking picture book sure to win awards for illustrator Lisa Congdon. 

Highly recommended pre-school to 1st grade. 

PB Pick: When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left

 

When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left

by Marc Colagiovanni

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Orchard Books

an imprint of Scholastic, Inc. 

2023

32 pages

ISBN: 9781338831184

A young boy is having a bad day...a really, really bad day where nothing is going right, so he makes the decision to go left. And he left his worries behind. He notices without the weight of his worries, he could accomplish much more. 

When his fears got too loud, he leaves them behind, and you know what, he felt better! He left behind his worries, his fears, his doubts, and he felt better, lighter. He teaches the reader it's okay to have worries and fears and doubts, as long as they don't get too big or loud and take over your life. He says he's going to keep an eye on them and handle them, so, "when things aren't going, right, go left." 

Choose to do the scary thing like diving off the diving board. The more you do the scary thing, the easier it becomes. Choose to set aside your worries even for a little while. Choose to silence your doubts and they'll get quieter. 

When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left is a lovely picture book intended for children, but everyone could use its advice. This would make a great gift idea for anyone leaving for college, anyone leaving the nest, anyone beginning a new and maybe scary journey. 

I love, love. love this book! Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds capture the sentiment of the boy's every decision and mood. Well done! 

Highly, highly recommended pre-school to grade 4 and yes, adults. 

Non-Fiction Pick: How Do Meerkats Order Pizza?

 

How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? Wild Facts About Animals and the Scientists Who Study Them

by Brooke Barker 

Illustrations by the author

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2023

200 pages

ISBN: 9781665901604

This book sells itself. From its  bright cover to the winsome title, cartoon bubble conversations between animals and scientists and welcoming graphic/print format, readers will have no trouble finishing this book. And the true beauty of it: readers will learn a mountain of facts about interesting animals from bonobos to the humpback whale. 

Each scientist featured has their work explained in a fun, inventive way: part comic book, part non-fiction, part animal encyclopedia of facts, How Do Meerkats Order Pizza is an entertaining romp for all readers. Reluctant readers will have no trouble reading this entire book in one sitting. 

Each animal's habitat, diet, appearance and behaviors are presented to inquisitive readers. This book makes the perfect gift for that child who loves animals and likes to read non-fiction. Complete with a glossary, How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? will likely be heavily awarded for 2023. A superb achievement! 

Highly, highly recommended grades 3-up. 

YA pick: The Corpse Queen

 The Corpse Queen

by Heather M. Herrman

G.P. Putnam's Sons 

an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2021

321 pages 

ISBN: 9781984816702

Macabre and dark, full of twists and turns, creepy and disturbing, The Corpse Queen delivers. 

Set in Philadelphia in 1855, seventeen-year old Molly is surprised to learn she has an aunt who's summoned for her to come to her home. Molly suspects the orphanage she's lived in has sold her to be a maid for the rich, but Aunt Ava is real and incredibly wealthy. 

Although unmarried Ava has amassed a huge fortune by dealing in the nefarious trade of human corpses. She orders which graves to be robbed and sells the bodies to medical schools for disection, but that's not the only place the bodies are ending up. 

When living young girls begin to disappear, Molly is worried and determined to unveil the killer. As she hunts for the killer, she discovers more secrets about her aunt's trade. 

Molly begins to study medicine, but in a profession "meant" only for men, she's belittled and taken as a joke. Searching for the murderer uncovers dark doings and evil Molly never thought possible, but she's not one to back down from a challenge, even if it could cost her life. 

Highly recommended for fans of horror, suspense and twisty tales. Grades 8 and up. Gore and violence. 

MMa

Beginning Reader Pick: Nat the Cat Takes a Nap

 Nat the Cat Takes a Nap

Ready-To-Read, Level One 

by Jarrett Lerner

Illustrations by the author 

Simon Spotlight

an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2023

32 pages

ISBN: 9781665918916

Jarrett Lerner strikes again, and it's a home run! Nat the Cat wants to take a nap, but the pesky narrator keeps interrupting him. Nat sincerely wants peace and quiet, but the narrator won't leave him alone. Soon Nat the Cat is joined by his "brother" Pat the Rat. Nat the Cat vehemently denies that the rat is his brother. 

Soon Pat the Rat wants to nap also. The narrator interrupts and announces that Pat the Rat is taking a nap. Nat the Cat can't believe it. Kids will giggle at the antics of the meddling narrator and empathize with poor Nat the Cat who really just wants a decent nap.

Highly, highly recommended for beginning readers. 

Super Gross: What's in Your Body?

 

Super Gross: What's in Your Body?

Ready-To-Read, Level Two

by Ximena Hastings

Illustrated by Alison Hawkins

Simon Spotlight

An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2022

32 pages

ISBN: 9781665927901

Colorful and welcoming, young readers will love reading about super gross stuff in their bodies: stuff like: bacteria, mucus, pus and germs and yes, pee, poop and passing gas! 

Sure to become a favorite read What's in Your Body has funny illustrations, cartoon thought bubbles, gross, but interesting facts shared by a narrator scientist Dr. Ick and his sidekick Sam the dog. 

Readers will learn super gross facts about their own bodies; for example, did you know that your small intestines are twenty-five feet long? or that skin is an organ? Kids should be grossed out to realize they have tiny bugs in their eyelashes. Mites do the icky job of cleaning dead skin and mucus from around our eyes. 

Complete with a glossary of terms and a fun science project to do at home, this is an entertaining book for the beginning biologist, but every reader will learn important things about the body. 

Highly recommended grades K-4. Reluctant readers will have an easy time reading and more importantly, enjoying this book. 

Picture Book Pick: This Book Is My Best Friend

 

This Book Is My Best Friend

by Robin Robinson

Illustrations by the author 

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2023

32 pages 

ISBN: 9781665906814

Two kids find each other through their love of one book. Sunny loves the book because it's about robots and she dreams of being a robot when she grows up. Aarush likes the book because it has a mouse and he loves mice. For him, it's a quiet book he can read and escape to even when his siblings are noisy.

They each want the book because it's their best friend. They try to talk each other into getting a different book, but both of them want Factory Friends. They realize the robot and mouse in the book become friends, so why can't they become friends and share the book? 

The kids are depicted not as brats or argumentative. Each of them presents their point of view and are allowed to talk without the other interrupting. They take turns. They share and they come to a solution they both agree upon. They read the book together in the library and each of them goes home with a stack of books.

Heartwarming, sweet and profound, this picture book is a winner! I can't count the number of times a student has said to me or another student, "This book is my best friend." One student kept checking out the a same book all year. When I asked if I could get him something else, he said, "No, this book makes me feel better." At the end of the year, I bought a new copy and gave him his choice: take the brand new shiny copy or keep the well-loved, well-used book he loved. He chose the older copy because it was his best friend. I hope he kept that book forever. He was so happy when he left the library with his friend that finally belonged to him. 

Books are truly friends to so many children, and this picture book captures the childhood feeling of loving a particular book and knowing it's your friend. 

Highly, highly recommended grades pre-K and up. 

Novel In Verse: The In-Between (a memoir)

 

The In-Between

a memoir by Katie Wingate 

Aladdin

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

304 pages

ISBN: 9781665929325

Middle grade readers who love novels in verse are in for a treat: The In-Between. Filled with compassion and honesty, grit and determination, emotion and angst, this novel captures that in-between anxiety of too many questions and never enough answers. 

Katie Wingate and her family have been uprooted so many times. When they are evicted from their apartment, they have nowhere to go and no plan to survive. Her mother moves them into an extended-stay motel room--Katie, her younger brother and sister and her mom all sharing a small space, one phone, one bathroom and one desk. Living on top of each other, it's impossible to have a moment alone, so Katie turns to her notebooks. She seeks solace in writing. 

Middle school is hard enough without being "homeless." Katie pours her energy into her verse. She feels cramped in quarters that seem to be shrinking by the day and her mother who's usually a dreamer and happy-go-lucky, but who is now sinking deeper and deeper into depression. Mom can't find a job anywhere. Even an Italian restaurant turns her down, telling her she is "over-qualified."

Katie blows up at her mother and runs from the room, hoping to go live with her father. When Dad tells her about the divorce, Katie sees both sides and is able to make amends with her mother. Her mom is doing the best that she can with limited resources. Ramen for every meal is their norm. When they run out of food and money, Katie realizes they will go hungry until the child support check comes in.  

In-between is never easy to navigate. Not for Katie, not for her siblings and certainly not for her mother. After what seems like forever, Mom gets "the job" and they are moving again. Katie knows this might not be the last move, but it's a start in the right direction. 

Recommended grades 5 and up. A solid pick for reluctant readers. 

Graphic Novel Chapter Book: Paige Proves It

 

Paige Proves It: The Mystery Monster

Book 1 (graphic novel chapter book)

by Amy Marie Stadelmann

Illustrated by the author 

Aladdin

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2021

112 pages  

ISBN: 9781534451612

Eight-year old Paige loves facts; in fact, she collects them. Strange facts like bananas are actually berries and Uranus was originally named George; Paige counts how many windows are on her street and collects facts about her neighbor Penn.

Penn and Paige become friends even though Penn talks too much--way too much. Penn tells her that they have a MONSTER on their street. Paige must collect facts because only facts will prove if they have a monster or not. The pair collect information and facts which Paige is careful to record each fact in her notebook. 

On the night of the Full Moon Festival, the kids hear howling and become convinced there's a werewolf on the loose. Paige must document facts to prove it. 

This easy to love format--graphic novel chapter book--makes Paige Proves It a great choice for reluctant readers. So often graphic novels don't center around a female character, so this is a welcome gem. 

Recommended grade 4 and up. 

Non-Fiction Pick: Save the...Whale Sharks

 

Save the...Whale Sharks

by  Anita Sanchez

Introduction by Chelsea Clinton 

Philomel

An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2022

79 pages

ISBN: 9780593404270

Informative and important for readers of all ages learning about marine life and conservationism. Whale sharks are an endangered, mysterious species--mysterious because they travel thousands of miles always on the move for food. sometimes at depths of over one mile from the surface. One whale shark named Anne was tracked using a GPS device. Scientists discovered Anne had traveled 12,500 miles! Since whale sharks are hard to track, they don't know if all whale sharks travel this far or if Anne is a one-of-a-kind world traveler. 

Whale sharks aren't whales. They are huge fish and are sharks. Huge sharks, but so gentle, divers can get close to them.  

Every whale sharks has a unique pattern or constellation of spots which allows scientists to identify each on. Using a method developed by physicist Edward Groth and used by NASA to map stars, marine biologists can identify every known individual and add new sightings to their database. 

Whale sharks are gentle giants but they are at risk. The biggest danger to whale sharks and other marine wildlife is plastics. Even tiny particles of plastic called microplastics are dangerous. They give off toxins that hurt the whale shark's body including their ability to reproduce. For an already endangered species, this is an emergency. There are things we can all practice to help save these beautiful animals. 

Complete with facts pages and steps we can do take to help the whale shark, Save the...Whale Sharks is perfect for anyone who loves animals, the ocean and this planet we call home. Only humans can save our endangered friends, so we must step up to the plate. 

Highly, highly recommended grade 4 and up. Perfect for all collections and a great choice for reluctant readers.