Related
PREMIUM
Penny and Penelope
The children and dolls in the story offer readers a plethora of positive messages and the story itself is fun and creative, making this a good choice for most collections.
PREMIUM
My Island
A sweet additional purchase for libraries looking to add a poetic flight of fancy to their collections.
PREMIUM
The New Bird in Town
This charming book is a great way to deliver the message to children not to jump to conclusions or judge someone before they know them. A solid addition to most collections.
PREMIUM
Watch Out for Wolf!
Children will enjoy the characters and the twist at the end of this fun read-aloud.
PREMIUM
Snakes on a Train
A cute, concise, and versatile choice for all toddler and early preschool collections.
PREMIUM
The Big Book of Colors
An excellent choice for families with toddlers and preschoolers. It encourages conversation between the adult and child, which librarians know is the true cornerstone to language development.
PREMIUM
Rafi and Rosi Music!
Ideal for early fluent readers. Educators may want to pair with music to help youngsters understand the various styles.
PREMIUM
A Slip of a Girl
This is a great selection for young fans of historical fiction who may not be ready for something weightier. A general purchase for public and school libraries that see a desire for historical fiction or address this period of history in class.
PREMIUM
Strike Zone
Baseball acts as the backdrop to tell the story of life as an immigrant in modern-day America. Solid purchase where Mike Lupica and the Yankees are popular.
There are much better discussions of race and friendship available to spark conversation and reflection. Stick with Alex Gino’s “You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P.!” and skip these.
Balcárcel’s well-rounded characters, complex friendships, and nuanced family dynamics will resonate with many readers. This is a title that will remain relevant long past its publication date. A must-have for all library collections
PREMIUM
King of the Mole People
This is an extremely strange story, filled with sly humor and featuring a relatable narrator for any kid who’s ever felt like a total loser. Will appeal to those who enjoy Max Brallier’s “Last Kids on Earth” series or Obert Skye’s “Geeked Out” books
PREMIUM
Dead Voices
Standing just fine on its own (though newcomers will definitely be inspired to read Small Spaces), this is a fine addition to any scary stories shelf
PREMIUM
Penny Nichols
For older teens with an interest in filmmaking, especially horror movies, as well as for fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim” series and the creators’ previous work
PREMIUM
The Courage of Elfina
This slight volume packs considerable punch, laying bare the peril tens of millions of marginalized children face every day. A worthy acquisition for school and public libraries
PREMIUM
A Boy Like You
A strong offering that models pro-social behavior and helps disrupt unhealthy stereotypes about boyhood and masculinity. Pair with Paris and Jason Rosenthal’s Dear Boy
PREMIUM
We Are the Gardeners
Elementary school students learning about gardens and the importance of persistence will enjoy this story
PREMIUM
The Taco Stand
This charming slice of true life may have extra appeal to readers familiar with Phoenix and the Vasquez family restaurants
PREMIUM
Creation Colors
Highly recommended for public, secular, and Jewish as well as other faiths’ religious-school collections. This will also work well as a springboard for discussions about and activities exploring color
Clever and sweet, with broad appeal for all ages, this is a title young readers and their adults will reach for again and again. A first purchase for picture book collections
PREMIUM
A Year with Mama Earth
Similar to Julie Fogliano’s When Green Becomes Tomatoes, this poetic celebration of the change of seasons will particularly resonate with those with connections to this region of North America
PREMIUM
Rabbit and the Motorbike
Recommended for public and school libraries as a tool for children who are experiencing grief. The tone is lighter than in many texts that deal with loss, and the book lends itself to discussion
Lovely illustrations and a fresh look at the historical significance of the hymn add a new dimension that will inspire as well as inform young readers
PREMIUM
Fergal and the Bad Temper
This is a helpful book to have on hand for families working on teaching calming techniques to their children
PREMIUM
The Flops
The irreverence may leave some readers siding with Philip Flop (“By golly, Floppy Joe, I’m totally confused!”), but others will be inspired to embark on creative explorations of their own
PREMIUM
School of Fish
Yolen offers brand-new readers a simple and delightful story that’s perfect for children heading to school for the first time
PREMIUM
The Dark of the Sea
An imaginative coming-of-age story with a thought-provoking perspective; recommended for readers who enjoy modern retellings of mythological tales
PREMIUM
The Big Book About Being Big
A refreshing and empowering message for youth, as well as a reminder to older readers, that one can make a large impact in small ways
Welcome additions to library collections seeking books that explore feelings, especially for the youngest patrons. These titles are the right combination of engaging stories and coping tactics
PREMIUM
Maybe
Stunning illustrations and uplifting themes make this volume a solid purchase for large picture book collections
PREMIUM
One Shoe Two Shoes
Great for storytimes due to the large format and charming folk-art drawings in pencil and ink with computer assisted collage. Also an excellent choice for newly independent readers
PREMIUM
The Salmon of Knowledge
An earnest attempt at bringing a great story to life but one that will leave most readers disappointed
PREMIUM
Animalicious: A Quirky ABC Book
This joke book masquerading as an ABC book will be a hit with young elementary aged word lovers
PREMIUM
Fall with Lily and Milo
A brightly colored seasonal read-aloud that will engage children and allow for natural questioning and conversation
This lighthearted tale with a moral, well suited for most collections
PREMIUM
Don’t Go There!
This book may come in handy as a serviceable addition for caretakers in the throes of potty training
PREMIUM
At the Stroke of Goodnight
Ideally suited to bedtime readings, this rhyming story is a delightful addition to bedtime reading for fans of older style literature brought into a modern light
Young readers and their caregivers will get a kick out of deconstructing all the potato puns, while cheering for these athletic spuds. A winner
PREMIUM
Song of the Abyss
A forgotten kingdom, kidnapped sailors, and an ambitious girl cartographer hungry to chart the unknown
PREMIUM
The Babysitters Coven
Great for those seeking a supernatural, action, and adventure story with of a touch of romance.
PREMIUM
Paul, Big, and Small
This book shows how friendships can be found when least expected. Perfect for libraries building their sports collections, as it clearly explains the fundamentals of rock climbing not often found in other YA books.
PREMIUM
The Stone Rainbow
This is a marginal addition at best and then of interest to communities, like Jack’s, who insist they have only one gay teen among them.
PREMIUM
Here There Are Monsters
This book, dark and eerie with just the right amount of creepiness, is perfect for any fan of young adult horror.
PREMIUM
The World on Either Side
While this is an exciting read with a compelling plot, it’s not recommended because of its flaws.
PREMIUM
Little Miss P
Koyama’s campy collection presents many adult themes that he aims to destigmatize through humor. While the topics explored are important, its bizarre approach will put some readers off, limiting its audience.
PREMIUM
A Swirl of Ocean
Recommended for young readers who enjoy realism with a sprinkling of magic, such as fans of Wendy Mass’s “Willow Fall” series. Otherwise, not a first purchase.
PREMIUM
The Light in the Lake
A complex take on science, magic, grief, and family for fans of thoughtful realistic fiction in the vein of Kathi Appelt’s, Erin Entrada Kelly’s, and Ali Benjamin’s novels
PREMIUM
Ghost and Bone
This fun romp through the City of Ghosts will awe, delight, and creep readers out just a little. A solid purchase
PREMIUM
My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich
Recommended for libraries that have a strong Ibi Zoboi readership, though the audience will be different here
PREMIUM
Broken Strings
A tale that teaches both history and compassion; a great choice for middle grade readers
PREMIUM
The Trouble with Shooting Stars
Luna’s journey to self-acceptance follows a formulaic path that some readers may find overly predictable, and the entirely white, upper-middle-class cast limits the book’s perspective. An additional purchase
PREMIUM
Someplace To Call Home
This historical novel about the importance of family, belonging, and kindness will do well among young readers interested in the past
PREMIUM
Emmy in the Key of Code
This unusual tale seamlessly weaves basic computer coding concepts into a compelling story about middle schoolers struggling to forge their own identities in spite of the expectations of their families and society
Smart, funny, and well paced, this is a solid purchase for any older elementary or middle school collection
PREMIUM
More to the Story
This thoughtful update of Alcott’s classic text features an American Muslim family and deftly balances issues such as microaggressions and cancer treatment with typical middle grade tropes such as sibling rivalry, a first crush, and an early adolescent search for identity
PREMIUM
Hoax for Hire
Martin weaves a wonderful adventure of hoaxes, legendary monsters, and the importance of family connections. Children will appreciate the creative and difficult steps the family takes to accomplish each hoax and the surprises along the way
PREMIUM
Rise of the Dragon Moon
A heavily articulated fantasy middle grade offering that may very well have readers rooting for the dragons, who seem to seethe and swirl off the pages. Fans of Erin Hunter’s “Warriors” series will enjoy the world-building of this quest-driven tale
PREMIUM
The World Ends in April
A fast-paced story that deals with grief, loss, and mental health through the lens of middle school catastrophe. Recommended
PREMIUM
Skyjacked
This riveting middle grade novel is full of excitement and suspense with every page-turn
PREMIUM
Count Me In
A solid recommendation for fans of books like Hena Khan’s Amina’s Voice and Gita Varadarajan and Sarah Weeks’s Save Me a Seat
PREMIUM
Oh, Rats!
This is a charming tale of finding oneself and choosing one’s own destiny. A solid purchase for most libraries
PREMIUM
Trucker and Train
The relationship between the trucker and other vehicles illustrates the complex dynamic of jealousy, admiration, and friendship among peers. A wonderful and fun addition to any library collection
PREMIUM
The Rhythm of the Rain
A lovely and accessible look at the water cycle and the forces of nature that support and perpetuate life on the planet
A fun concept book for the very young with a seek-and-find element for slightly older, more savvy readers
Ten cute chicks plus one lonely mouse equals a fun math story that can be used at various levels. A good general purchase
This enjoyable tale, well-illustrated with bright pencil and watercolor cartoonlike illustrations of the siblings getting into mischief, will be a hit where parents need to make quarreling kids see the funny side of their battles. For an unusual storytime, follow up a reading of this book by having the children play the puzzle game Royal Rescue
PREMIUM
SumoKitty
An expository tribute to the sumo wrestling culture, an additional purchase for most libraries
PREMIUM
Two for Me, One for You
Children will clearly understand and sympathize with the friends’ humorous conundrum. A delightful look at sharing and the problems that can result
PREMIUM
The Playgrounds of Babel
A lighthearted, child-centric framing of a biblical story told without any religious emphasis, housed in a package that is quite exquisite
PREMIUM
How Do You Dance?
This bopping, grooving picture book will inspire readers to get up and dance themselves. Recommended
PREMIUM
The Promise Basket
A lovely message of ongoing love even and especially in the face of difficult experiences
PREMIUM
One Red Sock
With eye-catching colors, sprightly rhymes, and a peppy protagonist, this title makes a charming addition to color-themed concept books. Recommended
PREMIUM
Simonie and the Dance Contest
A relatable story about perseverance and facing your fears, featuring a unique setting. Recommended for purchase
PREMIUM
What If Everybody Thought That?
This is a message-driven work but certainly a message that still needs to be delivered either in a classroom setting or during a parent-child teaching moment. A worthwhile acquisition
PREMIUM
Lionel and the Lion’s Share
A sweet story that teaches the lesson that sharing is the best way to make friends. Great for reading aloud
PREMIUM
Lili Macaroni
A comforting tale of self-acceptance following the tradition of Kevin Henkes’s Chrysanthemum and Patty Lovell’s Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
PREMIUM
Spencer’s New Pet
This clever and imaginative title lends itself to discussion. Highly recommended for public and school libraries
PREMIUM
My Tiny Pet
Fun and informative, a great addition to larger collections and best for a lap-sit or read-alone, to enjoy the details in the illustrations
PREMIUM
The Boring Book
This book was first published in Japan, and is sure to entertain self-proclaimed bored children everywhere, provide them with food for thought, and inspire a few chuckles as well
PREMIUM
Aunt Pearl
This story’s lack of context and the absence of any additional information for parents and caregivers results in a confusing and lackluster attempt to introduce children to homelessness. Readers would be better served by other books that address homelessness such as Michael Genhart’s I See You
Recommended for schools and public libraries. Students may enact and/or illustrate favorite stories or create original Nasruddin tales. Pair the stories with others about tricksters/wise men/fools from other cultures, e.g., Anansi, the Wise Men of Chelm, etc., and have children compare and contrast
PREMIUM
Why?
Illustrations and text meld to provide a rich one-on-one reading experience that will be particularly resonate for any adult who has cared for a child in the ‘why’ phase
PREMIUM
The Pirate Tree
A captivating adventure story for young and elementary-aged readers. Many children will relate, empathy will be promoted, and discussions about kindness, friendliness, and respect can be easily facilitated
A great selection for children preparing to see this ballet in person, or to bring the ballet to the laps of children for whom the live stage is inaccessible
PREMIUM
Twins
A fun and amusing picture book celebration of twinhood, great for one-on-one or small group sharing
PREMIUM
Looking for Yesterday
A wonderful choice for one-on-one sharing that demonstrates the value of science and contains a weighty message for both child and adult
PREMIUM
Spot & Dot
A worthy follow-up that stands just as well on its own, this warmhearted tale will delight the young animal lovers and fans of the search-and-find genre
PREMIUM
It’s Good to Have a Grandpa
These books are full of the warmth and affection that grandparents carry for their grandchildren. Recommended for most picture book collections
PREMIUM
Alfred’s Book of Monsters
This is a wonderfully creative and silly story for readers who enjoy spooky and quirky tales and may be an early introduction to some future horror fans
PREMIUM
Song of the River
The descriptive language draws readers in and envelops them in the story. A perfect choice for young naturalists and budding scientists interested in the water cycle
articles