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. 

Picture Book Pick: Does a Bear Poo in the Woods?

 

Does a Bear Poo in the Woods?

by Jonny Leighton

Illustrated by Mike Byrne

Aladdin

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2023 (In the USA)

originally published in Great Britain in 2021

32 pages

ISBN: 9781665903479

Does a Bear Poo in the Woods? is a funny rhyming romp featuring  a very shy bear, winsome illustrations by Mike Byrbe and deft storytelling!

 Barry the Bear wakes up after a long sleep and searches for a place to go to the bathroom. He's shy, so he wants privacy. Looking for the perfect hidden spot, Barry runs into a moose, woodpeckers (who will poo anywhere!), smelly skunks and an old friend Brenda Bigpaw.

Brenda tells Barry there's the perfect place just up the stream where he can poo happily. Barry finally spots a cozy cabin. It's a true poo paradise. No sooner than Barry gets comfortable, the homeowner returns. Both Barry and the woodsman are surprised. Barry tells the woodsman he'll have to wait. The woodsman runs off, and Barry thinks he's not the only one who is shy to poo in public. 

Toddlers will delight in a story about poo. 

Young readers will love the antics of Barry and what kid doesn't like a book about poop and skunks farting? New words for young readers are: clambered, peering, lurking, desperate, familiar, reeds, paradise, and .trekking

Novel in Verse Pick: Enter the Body

 

Enter the Body

by Joy McCullough

Dutton Books

An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2023

320 pages

ISBN: 9780593406755

Told in a series of stage directions and lines from the script as well as sections in verse, Enter the Body is unlike any YA book out there. If you like plays and poetry, this is the read for you. 

Based on several of Shakespeare's most famous plays, the leading ladies take the stage in this well-imagined tale of woe, greed, hate, love, violence and jealousy. Each tragic death (and life) is told by the girls. This is their story after all. Shakespeare merely told it from his point of view.

The girls take control telling the reader what actually happened to each of them: Juliet, Cordelia, Ophelia and Lavinia who cannot tell her story as her tongue and hands have been cut off in her story. She represents perhaps those who have been so hurt, physically and mentally, that they cannot tell their own stories. 

There is a content warning of possible triggers for some readers before page one that although none of the violence, death or suicide happens in these pages, they are a part of Shakespeare's works. McCullough does a good job of reimagining what truly happened to each character and gives the women their voices. They step to center stage and take their power. 

Readers who are familiar with Shakespeare and especially theater and drama will love this book. Without any background knowledge of the women of Shakespeare, it may be tough for the less seasoned reader to enjoy. This is not to say, don't try it. Try it and learn something new. Then go and read the bard's works referred to in the book. 

Grades 8 and up and especially for drama and poetry fans. 

Summer Camp Pick: Camp QUILTBAG

 

Camp QUILTBAG

by Nicole Mellaby and A.J. Sass 

Algonquin Young Readers

2023

352 pages 

ISBN: 978164752662

From a reviewer on Amazon: 

As a queer person, I wish I had a book like "Camp QUILTBAG" when I was growing up. 

My review: 

Camp QUILTBAG is an inclusive summer camp for queer and trans kids and their friends. When Abigail hears about the camp she is excited. Kai is not as excited. When the two of them meet, they decide to share a friendship and teach each other what it means to have someone's back. 

This amazing book should be in all collections as it would help so many middle grade readers learn about the community and maybe even themselves. A summer camp for kids to feel at home should be available to every child, no matter their gender, and importantly, should be available no matter their family income. So many low income and middle class kids miss the opportunity to be away from home and learn to get along with others their age. 

When readers (adult, parents, guardians) first read about this book, they may assume it contains sexual acts, but Camp QUILTBAG is a wholesome, heartfelt  story about diverse kids who learn about themselves, identity, inclusiveness and friendship through teamwork. Nicole Melleby and A.J. Sass have a true winner: Camp QUILTBAG!

LGBTQIA+, fluid, trans, pansexual, homophobia, deadnaming, bullying, body dysphoria, pronouns.

ages 12 and up. 

Picture Book Pick: Take a Chance

 

Take a Chance

by Sujean Rim 

Illustrations by the author

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2023

40 pages

ISBN: 9781534492554

Once Bob learns to fly, he goes everywhere and sees all his friends but never stops long enough to take a chance. He passes up splashing at the beach and hanging out with the crows. He passes up eating delicious "people food" like pizza because he's afraid it might not agree with his system. Bob makes excuses to all his friends that he has to go. He has an appointment or needs to be somewhere else. 

It's not until Bob flies west and meets Eagle, that he is willing to try to take a chance. The top of the mountain is up in the clouds and Bob is afraid. He realizes he can take small flights and rest. After several short flights, Bob finally makes it to the top of the mountain and the view is fantastic. Bob has an A-HA  moment and realizes he needs to take a chance. He'll never know if he likes pizza or if he likes swimming at the beach unless he tries. Bob retraces his flight path and meets all his old friends and takes chances. 

What a cute story! Bob will entertain young readers who will empathize with his struggles to try something new. In the end, "sometimes you don't know what you're missing...until you take a chance." 

Highly, highly recommended for every picture book collection and every kid's bookshelf. 

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.