Picture Book Pick: Simon and the Better Bone

 

Simon and the Better Bone

by Corey R. Tabor

Illustrations by the author 

Balzer + Bray

2023

40 pages

ISBN: 9780063275553

Simon is excited to see a dog just like him when he visits the pond. The dog has a bone just like his, but better! Simon wonders how he can get the other dog's bone. The dog seems to know all Simon's tricks. He is copying Simon. Children will realize Simon is staring at his own reflection and giggle at his doggy antics.

With a nod to Aesop's fable "The Dog and His Reflection," Tabor captures little rascally Simon on every page. The book opens and reads vertically, making this book format stand out from all other picture books this year. Innovative design will capture the hearts of child readers and picture book judging panels. Expect to see Simon and the Better Bone awarded this year! Kudos to Corey R. Tabor. 

Ages 3 and up. A cute, fun, heartwarming tale about a dog learning about himself, the world and others. 

Highly, highly recommended. 

Picture Book Pick: Cloud Babies: Sometimes All We Need To Do Is Look Up

 

Cloud Babies: Sometimes All We Need To Do Is Look Up

by Eion Colfer

illustrated by Chris Judge 

2023

40 pages

ISBN: 9781536231076

When Erin falls ill and has to go to the hospital, she is sad. She finds joy in searching the skies from her hospital window. She remembers watching for  "cloud babies" with her parents and seeing fantastical things in the clouds. Each cloud looks like an animal and they are her cloud babies. 

She shows the other sick kids how to find them. When Erin gets better, she is excited to be going home, but home and school are different than before.  She's been gone so long, she feels she has nothing in common with the other kids. Through compassion and patience, her parents, her teacher and her classmates make Erin feel "at home." 

Cloud Babies is an empathetic story of a sick child and how she handles her lengthy hospital stay. After missing months of school, it's difficult for a child to transition into the "normal." 

Ages 4 and up. 

Picture Book Pick: Big

 

BIG

by Vashti Harrison 

Little Brown and Company

Hachette Book Group, Inc.

2023

60 pages

ISBN: 9780316353229

A National Book Award Finalist

A happy child, a growing child, a caring child is told, "What a big girl you are!" and "What a good girl you are!" and it is good...UNTIL...the words are the same but the tone changes. Sitting on Santa's lap, "You're  a big girl, aren't you?" Standing among classmates, she is the tallest and largest. She wants to fade into the background. 

When adults begin to tell her, "You're too big," and kids begin to laugh at her, calling her cruel names, the girl doesn't fit in anywhere. The words sting and she disappears within herself. When adults try to "fix" her, it hurts her feelings. She decides to give them their words back. All the hurtful words, she gives back to those who hurt her. She sees a way out. She will make more room for herself: for her imagination, her caring, her empathy, her kindness. 

This lovely picture book will resonate with so many girls and boys who are dancers. Sadly, ballerinas are supposed to be lithe and tiny, and BIG is not celebrated in the dance world (or anywhere else usually). The girl owns her uniqueness and bigness and does not want to change. She likes the way she is. 

The inspirational moment the girl spreads her wings to make more room for herself in the world is captured beautifully on a double fold out spread that will take your breath away. Illustrations alone tell the story of the girl's journey to accept herself and insist that others accept her as she is. 

This is a powerful book and a must-read for every child. The customer reviews on Amazon are full of stories of women who bought this book for themselves because of the same type "big" shaming that happened to them as children. 

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. 

Picture Book Pick: Mermaid and Pirate

 

Mermaid and Pirate

by Tracy Baptiste

Illustrated by Leisl Adams 

Algonquin Young Readers 

2023

32 pages

ISBN: 9781643750774

Colorful illustrations by Liesl Adams come to life in this big-hearted gem of a picture book. 

A huge storm comes up at sea, and the pirate loses his ship's mast. The mermaid sees the mast break and swims to save it. The pirate casts his net to save the mast, and is shocked when he pulls in not only the broken mast but a mermaid. They both say hello in their different languages. 

A huge shark approaches, but the mermaid turns it away, saving the pirate's life. They retrieve the mast but it can't be repaired. Another ship approaches, and its captain spots what he thinks is a mermaid. The pirate assures him that it's only his broken mast, saving the mermaid from being captured. The pirate says goodbye to the mermaid and they part as special friends. 

The pirate's boat is towed to shore. Days later, the ship is seaworthy again, and the pirate sails to the horizon, searching. The mermaid sits on a rock singing, searching the horizon until she spots a familiar ship. She swims to meet her friend again. They swim together to the setting sun. 

What a lovely, precious book about inclusiveness, friendship, belonging and kindness. Even though we all may speak a different language doesn't mean we can't understand and help each other. A must have for every child. 

Highly recommended ages 2 and up. 

MG Pick: Finch House

 

Finch House

by Ciera Burch

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

2023

208 pages 

ISBN: 9781665930543

Available September 5, 2023

Finch House is atmospheric, moody, and ghostly. A true treasure for any tween reader who loves a great ghost story with a creaky, scary mansion. 

Eleven-year old Micah is sad to be leaving Poppop's house and moving an hour away. Her favorite thing in the world is "thrifting" with her grandfather. They drive around and search for great stuff left on the curb before the waste trucks pick it up. 

Poppop assures Micah change happens and change is a chance to grow. Not assured, Micah goes on a long bike ride to assuage her problem. She bikes down to Finch House, a decrepit Victorian mansion that Poppop told her to stay away from. This day, Finch House is different. It's all fixed up and back to its grand glory. Someone has moved in and fixed the entire mansion. Micah is spooked when a boy pops up from a snowpile. His name is Theo and he's the new resident. Micah sees a box for VHS tapes and asks if she can take it away. Theo agress, and Micah phones Poppop to come pick her  and the box up. 

Poppop looks terrified when he pulls up to Finch House. He makes sure Micah did not go inside and orders her into the truck. She waves goodbye to Theo, sensing Poppop knows more about the house than he is letting on. 

She's not wrong. There's something about Finch House. Something terrifying--a family secret that's about to be uncovered. When her grandfather vanishes, Micah must explore the house to find her Poppop. But, to save herself and her grandfather, she must understand what gives the house life. 

For fans of "Monster House" and Coraline. Ages 7 and up. Excellent choice for MG reluctant readers. 

Marvel Pick: Miles Morales: Suspended (A Spider-Man Novel)

 

Miles Morales: Suspended

(A Spider-man novel)

by  Jason Reynolds

Illustrated by Zeke Pena

Caitlyn Dhoulhy book

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

2023

320 pages

ISBN: 9781665918466

Readers and fans of Spider-man will love this book by prolific YA writer and poet Jason Reynolds. Miles Morales is a typical teen who just so happens to save the world. Using prose and poetry written by Miles, the reader gets to know Miles and his world. 

Although he attends a fancy boarding school, Miles feels out of place, buttoned up, stranded, unaccepted and misunderstood. Some of the teachers are racist which not only angers Miles but causes him to stand up to them. He belongs on his block in Brooklyn where he knows all the neighborhood. It's not pretty but it's got its own charms and rhythm. 

Miles says, he's, "Boricua and Black and Brooklyn as hell," but not like is uncles and father. He's his own kind and has spider superpowers to prove it. 

He takes on the powerful minions of the Warden who want to imprison and erase black and brown people. Because Miles stands up, he's a target, but he's okay with that. It's who he is: "...Boricua and Black and Brooklyn as hell." 

Illustrations by Zeke Pena are inspiring.  Miles' poetry shines especially "The Pledge of Annoyance." Reynolds captures Miles' personality through thoughtful and masterful storytelling and profound poetry.

Simply magnificent and highly recommended. Fans of Marvel will love it. 

grades 8-up. 

Non-Fiction PB Pick: Our Blue Planet

 

Our Blue Planet

Stories from Blue Planet II, BBC

by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe

Illustrated by Emily Dove

A Paula Wiseman Book

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

First published in in Great Britain, 2020

2023 

64 pages

ISBN: 9781665928021

A refreshing dip thanks to lively imagery in both art and narrative. (Kirkus Reviews) 

Beautifully illustrated by Emily Dove, Our Blue Planet is a treasure to hold and read. Young readers will discover secrets of the deep--the oceans which cover 71% of our planet, yet we have better maps of Mars than our own oceans. 

Creatures abound that children and adults have probably never heard of, for example, the vampire squid, the flapjack octopus, the pyjama shark and many others. Each two page spread (or layout) is detailed with eye-catching art and animals that seem to dance off the pages. 

A call to all future marine biologists, scientists, engineers, and ocean lovers to protect our oceans complete this compelling text. A lovely book to gift to any child, but especially to children who are interested in all things marine. 

Highly, highly recommended. Foreward by David Attenborough.

Grades 1-up. This book can be appreciated even for middle grade and YA readers. Reluctant readers will love this book. 

Non-Fiction Pick: Meet the Megafauna!

 

Meet the Megafauna!

Get To Know 20 of the Largest Animals To Ever Roam the Earth

by Gabrielle Balkan

Illustrated by Quang And Lien

Workman Publishing 

2023

56 pages

ISBN: 9781523508600

 Meet the Megafauna! is an impressive book with ten gatefolds that fold out for young readers to see the huge size of the mega-animals. Complete with a nice title page that directs readers to each part of the book including explanations of what megafauna are,when and where they lived (and currently live) and a timetable of geologic periods. 

Twenty giant animals including giant dear, wooly mammoth, supercroc, saber-toothed cat and my personal favorite named the terror bird. The blue whale has a double gatefold that kids will love. Each creature has a text box with facts including their scientific name, period, length, weight, and modern relative animals. 

Where Did They Go? is explained on its own page. Some animals may have suffered due to temperature shifts which caused changes in vegetation and their ability to find food. When land masses moved apart, it caused more animals to compete for food with each other. Humans arrived and began hunting animals for food and hides. Megafauna had much longer gestation periods, sometimes the offspring would take two years to be born. Because of this, many animals couldn't reproduce in numbers to insure their species would thrive. 

Illustrations by Quang and Lien depict the beauty and power of each animal. A true inspiration of art. 

Complete with glossary and list of further books and internet links, this book is a true gem. Because of its glorious design it may limit library use. Every young reader needs their very own copy. 

Highly recommended grades 1 and up.  

Picture Book Pick: Plántanos Are Love

 

Platanos Are Love 

by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris

Illustrations by Mariyah Rahman

Antheneum Books for Young Readers

An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2023

40 pages

ISBN: 9781665902731

What a beautiful book about love, food, culture, tradition and family! 

Plántanos Are Love is is love letter to Puerto Rico and ancestors who passed down family recipes that not only feed the stomach but feed the soul. 

A young girl learns to cook at her abuela's side and listens to stories about how the plantanos were harvested by her ancestors. She tells the girl that the recipes had to be memorized and passed down in secret since their ancestors were not allowed to write, read or draw.

At the mercado, Abuela explains, "Plantanos are love." The granddaughter sees this love in their family and friends. Sharing a meal brings them together and there is love. Abuela writes down the recipes in their family cookbook, so the recipes will go on in the future. 

Many Spanish words in the text that add depth to the story. Those kids who don't know Spanish will learn new words. A glossary of terms as well as three family recipes from the author's family are included. 

While not a bi-lingual book, it does contain almost fifty Spanish words. By using illustrations and context clues, even the youngest reader should be able to understand the word without using the glossary. 

Illustrations by Mariyah Rahman capture the colors and food of the island.  Author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris captures sounds of the kitchen as Abuela cooks: cracks, mashes, chops, fries, peels and sauté are words that must be read aloud. This picture book MUST be read aloud. 

Highly recommended for every child's bookshelf. 

Ages 3 and up. 

Non-fiction Picture Book Pick: Welcome to the Opera

 

Welcome To the Opera 

by Carolyn Sloan

Illustrated by Kaly Quarles

Workman Publishing Company, Inc. 

Subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

2023

32 pages

ISBN: 9781523516964

On Sale Date: October  10, 2023

What a fabulous book! Young readers (and those adults reading to them) will be transported to the world of the opera. Join some very cultured dogs and cats who attend Mozart's "The Magic Flute." 

This gorgeous, glorious book has interactive buttons of opera sounds for readers to listen to and learn opera singing voices and singing groups. Each button activates the overture, the flute, the trio, bass, soprano, baritone, tenor, and other parts of the opera. 

As kids read, each voice is described in the story as well as the plot of Mozart's The Magic Flute. Pages follow the story about Mozart, singing, definitions of opera terms, the cast of characters and the singers who played them and a list of the musicians who performed. 

Simply ethereal, Welcome To the Opera is the best non-fiction picture book of the year! A must have for every library, music class and child's book shelf. 

Highly, highly recommended. This little gem will win major awards this year. The publication date is perfect for most awards contests.  The October publication date insures readers and judges will remember this book just in time to award it.