SLJ Reviews

In these fun picture books, children can follow along with kids—and animals!—on their quest to obtain a new live-in best friend. These 11 stories range from the first desire for an animal companion to the responsibility of caring for another life. 

This month Donna Barba Higuera's latest novel is a must-have, Phillip Pullman returns to the world of 'His Dark Materials' and the duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen ask, 'How does Santa go down the chimney?'

The iconic Dr. Seuss’s Horton and Grumpy Monkey star in stories that reminder readers scary situations become slightly less ominous when there are good friends around to help you face your fears.

Reading about animals who have the same fears and other feelings about going back to school can help young readers face their own.

The braids of challah include love, joy, and unity, and a missing babka leads to community. If you're seeking out books about Jewish joy, we've spotlighted two picture books sure to make readers glow. Bring snacks!

This month's starred reviews include inclusive back-to-school picture books, the latest Zelda video game, and two audiobooks by Alex Segura and Monica Gallagher.

For teens eagerly awaiting their escape to college or those reading "up" about older students, here are 12 YA novels set on colleges campuses.

For book lovers, the library is the best place in town. For young children who have never entered that space, the shelves seem endless, the stacks are tall, and they have no idea where to begin. These eight books comprise a love letter to libraries to help newcomers get their bearings. They're only a start.

Going to school for the first time, or going back to school, can be a scary experience for many children, but especially for those who are afraid they won't be accepted for being different. These four titles can help reassure children that classrooms are welcoming to all.