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*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*

Encourages Tummy Time

This wordless book is a boldly colored novelty book to inspire babies during tummy time. The pages are accordion style with illustrations on both the front and back giving a good variety of faces and objects to look at. While black, white, and red are the standard choices for young infants to gaze upon, this book uses golden yellow, blue, orange, and green that would be of interest to slightly older infants. I like that the faces are inclusive and use a variety of ages and color choices for wider appeal. The illustrations are clear and simple depictions of common objects that would be great to use as a language builder as well. I love that there are books like this that encourage tummy time.

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A master of the wordless form imagines a futuristic Noah’s Ark in a luminous sci-fi parable for our changing world.

The Earth has flooded. The only signs of humankind are the waterlogged structures they left behind. Peeking out from the deluge are the remnants of a zoo, home to rare and endangered animals, survivors of long neglect. Tender-hearted NOA is a construction robot who’s found new purpose as the caretaker of the zoo’s beleaguered inhabitants. Bracing for the next storm, NOA builds an ark from the wreckage in search of new land and a new home, only to discover something even more profound. With boundless compassion and sweeping scenes of sea and sky punctuated by detailed wordless panels to pore over, Caldecott Honor–winning creator Aaron Becker delivers a timely and concrete message about the rewards of caring in even the most difficult of times that is sure to inspire the dreamers among us.

*Review Contributed By Jan Farnworth, Staff Reviewer*

What would we do without humans

The Last Zookeeper is the perfect book for young children as there are no words printed on these pages, but beautiful watercolor illustrations will help fuel a child’s imagination to create a story. From the pictures, you can tell that a robot has encountered a zoo that needs a caretaker. The robot takes care of these animals and provides support when no one is left to do it. As they say, each illustration is worth a thousand words, so let your child’s imagination take flight as they create a tale for you about the last zookeeper.

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Down at the bottom of the tall buildings of New York City, Magnolia Wu sits inside her parents’ laundromat. She has pinned every lost sock from the laundromat onto a bulletin board, in hopes that customers will return to retrieve them. But no one seems to have noticed. In fact, barely anyone has noticed Magnolia at all.

What she doesn’t know is that this is about to be her most exciting summer yet. When Iris, a new friend from California arrives, they set off across the city to solve the mystery of each missing sock, asking questions in subways and delis and plant stores and pizzerias, meeting people and uncovering the unimaginable.

With each new encounter, Magnolia learns that when you’re bold enough to head into the unknown, things start falling into place.

*Review Contributed By Karen Yingling, Staff Reviewer*

Mystery in a City Neighborhood

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Almudena has always wondered about the dad she never met.

Now, with her white mother headed on a once-in-a-lifetime trip without her, she’s left alone with her Guatemalan father for an entire summer. Xavier seems happy to see her, but he expects her to live in (and help fix up) his old, broken-down brownstone. And all along, she must navigate the language barrier of his rapid-fire Spanish—which she doesn’t speak.

As Almudena tries to adjust to this new reality, she gets to know the residents of Xavier’s Latin American neighborhood. Each member of the community has their own joys and heartbreaks as well as their own strong opinions on how this young Latina should talk, dress, and behave. Some can’t understand why she doesn’t know where she comes from. Others think she’s “not brown enough” to fit in.

But time is running out for Almudena and Xavier to get to know each other, and the key to their connection may ultimately lie in bringing all these different elements together. Fixing a broken building is one thing, but turning these stubborn individuals into a found family might take more than this one summer.

*Review Contributed by Rachel Moulden, Staff Reviewer*

Brownstone is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel full of heart and a resonating story of finding where you belong. Following the main character Almudena, readers watch her journey over the Summer of meeting her dad for the first time. She is a whirlwind of emotions as she comes to grips with getting to know him along with the language barrier as she doesn’t know Spanish. What awaits her is a Summer full of new surprises, found family, and becoming one with her identity.

This was such a beautiful graphic novel, inside and out. It took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in the best way. I smiled, laughed, and even cried as the story struck a deep chord within me. I loved how the illustrations spoke for themselves even with the dialogue as readers get to meet the beloved residents of the neighborhood and their colorful personalities. Though they struggle with gentrification and an ever-changing neighborhood they still have immense love for each other and the place they call home. Watching them come together in times of need was utterly heartwarming. Especially when they accept Almudena with open arms and give her the support she needs to thrive in this new environment.

Once I started to read this graphic novel I didn’t want to leave its world. I loved the setting of the Summer season making it a perfect read for this time of the year. I enjoyed learning about all of the characters and appreciated that each one got their time to shine (as well as spotlighting their backstories). Though Almudena is hesitant at first to open up she shows so much growth by the end of the novel. She learns more about her Guatemalan background and has a greater appreciation for her culture.

This graphic novel teaches us that there is no one way to “fit in” when it comes to our culture, neighborhood, identity, and family. The most important thing is having an open mind to acceptance and taking the time to learn from each other.

I highly recommend this graphic novel about family, summer shenanigans, and identity. This Summer vacation tale is full of heart, and I commend the writer and illustrator for bringing us this wonderful story!

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From beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes the first book in a warm and funny early-reader trilogy about a misanthropic rat and a naive owl—and the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech. A small owl has gotten caught in a trap in the barn. Can Orris “make the good and noble choice” (as the king on his prized sardine can might recommend) and rescue the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies? And if he does, will he be ready for the consequences? With humor and tenderness, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo brings us this first of three tales celebrating unlikely friendship and the power of sharing stories and doing the right thing—a soon-to-be classic brought to expressive life by the full-color illustrations of Carmen Mok.

*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*

The Beginning of an Unlikely Friendship

ORRIS AND TIMBLE is a great early chapter book with illustrative support for beginning readers. Orris is a wise mouse who takes pity on a young owl named Timble who gets stuck in a trap. Orris knows that he is the natural prey for an owl but agrees to help anyway. This results in an unlikely friendship where Timble returns for more stories and a treat to thank Orris for his help.
I used both the audiobook version and the physical print version for this review. I felt some substance was lost in the audiobook version because the illustrations add a lot to the story, so I recommend using the printed book as a better choice to engage with this story. This is a deceptively short book – while the physical book appears quite thick, the audiobook version is approximately 20 minutes – which makes it an especially good choice for reluctant readers or older readers, since it looks more challenging than it is, which helps build confidence.
Overall, this story has a feel-good ending resulting in an unlikely set of friends and a good message about taking a chance with others. It also leaves room for more stories featuring this sweet pair since this is just the beginning of how they meet.

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*Review Contributed By Karen Yingling, Staff Reviewer*

A Juiced Up Cure for a Cold

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Find out how YOU can help endangered animals and make the world a better place, too!

From beetles and butterflies to porpoises and polar bears, animals and habitats all over the world need our protection. This book is full of simple everyday ways for you to help save the environment.

Learn how to help critters in your own backyard or spread the word about endangered animals further from home, as you discover all the little things you can do to make a big difference. Featuring creatures from 9 incredible different habitats — forests, deserts, swamps, freshwater, coastlines, oceans, savannahs, jungles, and mountains.

Filled with animal facts and plenty of practical, creative little ways that nature enthusiasts can make a BIG difference.

*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

Saving the world’s habitats

What worked:
The book is divided into nine different habitats with a similar format in each section. The first two pages of a section describe wildlife that can be found in that habitat and how the habitat is being harmed. The next two pages explain facts about unusual animals specific to the area and ways young readers can help conserve the habitat. The end of the book includes an index and glossary to help locate individual topics or to learn definitions of terms used. There are also pages sharing additional information about endangered species including the address for the IUCN’s website where visitors can learn the endangered status of different animals. The purpose of the book is to inform but it also provides suggestions regarding how young people can help. In general, many of the ideas can be summed up with reduce, reuse, and recycle. Other hints suggest using environmentally friendly products, becoming more aware of what’s happening in nearby habitats, and helping to educate others about harmful habits and different ways to protect nature.
The book includes colorful illustrations of the habitats along with the unique animals found there. There is a nice blend of familiar and uncommon animals to help readers relate to the content. The savannah shows a giraffe and African wild dogs, the swamp shows a beaver along with a meadow vole, and the jungle displays an orangutan and a proboscis monkey. The author provides brief highlights of the different animals so young readers won’t be overwhelmed by an overabundance of information.
What didn’t work as well:
The information and conservation suggestions don’t significantly differ from what’s been shared in other books and magazines. However, highlighting the information in short, specific pieces should make it easily understood by young readers.
The final verdict:
This book is a reader-friendly introduction to learning about habitats and conservation around the world. It reminds me that individual readers live in individual habitats so the different sections will appeal differently to individual audiences. Overall, I recommend this book to young readers interested in science, animals, and nature.

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*Review Contributed by Georgie Bartlett, Staff Reviewer*

The Souls of Flowers is a book I am so glad I discovered. In this collection of 21 beautiful botanical paintings, talented artist Pavlina Kourkova shares her knowledge and love of flowers with us through her artwork. I loved that this compendium also dives into the history of flowers, detailing their medicinal uses, and my personal favorite, explaining each flower’s unique meaning in the language of flowers. On each page, Pavlina also includes a paragraph or two reflecting on each of her paintings, sharing her process, thoughts, and challenges. Not only do these musings give us insight into her creative process, but they help to give us a greater appreciation of both the subject and the artist.

I have always loved botany, especially floriculture, and I was excited to learn more about the topic. I found my knowledge of flowers much expanded after reading this book, and now I can’t help but stop to appreciate each flower I see for its uniqueness and its distinctive beauty.

I hope that Pavlina will consider writing another book like this in the future. I would love to see this expanded into a collection eventually, perhaps with more delightful flower paintings or even herbs.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about the often-overlooked blooms around us, particularly children, teens, and families. It would also be a perfect encyclopedia for artists to gain inspiration and study new techniques. I enjoyed this book so much, and I hope to see more from Pavlina Kourkova.

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Get ready for another deliciously cozy story from the creator of Set Sail for Pancakes!

“A fun, snuggly read-aloud that will get tummies rumbling.”—BCCB

A stormy and windy night is the perfect time to make a grilled cheese. But Margot is worried about Mama. She left in her little sailboat hours ago and the storm is raging! As Margot and Grandpa welcome other busy seafarers into their home to shelter from the storm, her hope–and sandwich supplies–begin to run low. Will Margot ever be able to make Mama that grilled cheese?

Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please! provides a gentle but beautiful reminder about the importance of community, helping others, and–most importantly–the healing power of a perfectly made grilled cheese.

*Review Contributed By Karen Yingling, Staff Reviewer*

Margot, Put the Kettle On

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Celebrate the many wonderful ways families are unique and chickens are adorable!On the way to school, Little Chick notices all the other kids are traveling with a mom or a dad, a big brother or a big sister. Little Chick doesn’t have a dad or siblings. He has two moms. His friend Want to borrow a bear brother? No! Little Chick likes being an only chick. Although he’s fascinated to see that some families swim together and some fly, some have teeth and some have beaks, he’s happy to be a chicken—and to be right where he’s meant to be—with the family that loves him.

*Review Contributed By Bethany Wicker, Staff Reviewer*

Diversity in Families

Little Chick starts to notice that not all families are the same. Some have a mom and a dad. Others have brothers and sisters. But he has two moms. No brothers, sisters, or a dad. He finds himself with a lot of questions and his mothers have one thing to say: “family is family.” Just because he has two moms doesn’t mean they aren’t family. They all still love each other just the same.

FAMILY IS FAMILY introduces to children the different family dynamics that can exist in our ever-changing world. Family runs deeper than blood though and this book showcases that idea. The illustrations are cute and I love that the main characters are animals.

Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children who may come from a different type of household or for those parents who want to introduce diversity to their children. It’s also perfect for children who love animals.

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