Janey, a fourth grader, is excited about living in the Caribbean on her family's boat, the Merimaid, but she also misses her best friend, Rae, and theJaney, a fourth grader, is excited about living in the Caribbean on her family's boat, the Merimaid, but she also misses her best friend, Rae, and the comforts of life onshore. When she meets another girl, Astrid, who is older than she is, she immediately gravitates to her and wishes her life were more like Astrid's. But as it turns out, Astrid isn't living the fairy tale existence Janey thinks she is. In fact, there are several scenes when her actions toward Janey are suspicious and downright cruel. This is one of those rare stories in which raw, honest emotions spill over on several pages despite the story's exotic setting. Clearly, growing up is not always as smooth sailing as might be expected. The colorful panels and relatable characters add to the pleasures of reading this one, which should be a hit with middle graders who love the sea or are looking for something a bit different in their reading choices. Since this is the first in a planned series, I will be eager to see where Janey's parents take her next. ...more
Best friends Murray and Bun, a cat and a rabbit, slip through a magic cat flap into the Viking world where they must hunt for trolls and avoid being kBest friends Murray and Bun, a cat and a rabbit, slip through a magic cat flap into the Viking world where they must hunt for trolls and avoid being killed. The book contains plenty of humor as well as action and an unlikely scenario. But readers won't care because it's all so entertaining, and there are complementary illustrations that add to the text, making this book a good choice for beginning or reluctant readers. This is the first book in the series....more
Eye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story aEye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story about an unusual journey. The lyrical language in this picture book [3.5 for me!] adds to the story's magic as a young girl takes a motorbike ride with her Amma through the villages and rural parts of South India. The images and words capture the heat present even late at night as well as the mysterious experience of riding through the dark during this unexpected adventure, during which it seems that they "reach the end of the world" (unpaged). Unconditional love seeps through every word and page as the two share these special moments when anything seems possible. There's a nostalgic, almost regretful feel to the story since these moments won't last forever and can't be recaptured. Be sure to check out the Notes from the Author and Illustrator to learn more about the inspiration behind this picture book. ...more
In this strangely fascinating picture book originally published in Sweden four adventures take a trip through the human body. Although they have guideIn this strangely fascinating picture book originally published in Sweden four adventures take a trip through the human body. Although they have guides along the way, the journey is far from easy. The illustrations are striking, allowing readers glimpses into the stomach, the small intestine, the lungs, the muscles, and even through the muscles. Many youngsters will be enthralled by the journey. After all, how many of us have wondered what it might be like to be inside our own bodies and be part of the circulatory system or climb up along the vertebrae? This particular expedition is like nothing you've ever read or seen before. ...more
Anyone who's read one of this author's previous books will know that she is particularly skilled at immersing readers in her setting through vivid desAnyone who's read one of this author's previous books will know that she is particularly skilled at immersing readers in her setting through vivid description and the use of vocabulary that fits the time period. In this case, it's the summer of 1894 in the Northwest. Having lost her job at a mineral springs hotel in central Oregon, Sally O'Malley, an orphan whose life has contained few moments of joy, decides to head west. Her aim is to see the sea, something she's heard about but never seen. Along the way, she meets Major, who delivers goods to various stores, and is accompanied by her faithful dog, Sarge, and a donkey, Mabel. Seeing something in Sally, 13, that may remind her of herself, she offers a ride to Sally. Along the way, they pick up an unusual package--a standoffish, priggish boy named Lafayette--who needs to be taken to yet another relative after other of his kin washed their hands of him. Sally is as rough around the edges as Lafayette is refined, but slowly, a friendship builds, and just as slowly, Sally realizes that there are individuals who are trustworthy, kind, and those who won't break her heart or take advantage of her. She also starts to see that she, too, is worthy and resilient. An ideal choice for a classroom read aloud, this well-written historical fiction might be predictable in many respects, but Sally's journey [to her best self and to the sea] will speak to middle-grade readers, some of whom will see themselves in her tough as nails exterior that hides a tender interior that emerges by fits and starts. ...more
One of the aspects of this picture book biography that I most appreciate is how the author not only describes Junko Tabei's formative years and her clOne of the aspects of this picture book biography that I most appreciate is how the author not only describes Junko Tabei's formative years and her climb to the top of Mount Everest, but how she highlights her efforts to clean up and protect the area in the years afterward, something that it seems other climbers had not been as concerned about. The story is inspiring since she had to deal with sexist attitudes toward women climbers and form her own expedition, eventually becoming the first woman to summit Everest, a feat only a handful of individuals had accomplished at that time (1975). The text is rich with culturally specific terms related to Nepal as well as to mountain climbing; for instance, these: "egg-scented air," "a slope bristling with boulders," "air thick as a mug of butter tea," and "the jangle of yak bells and the grunt of voices," among others. All of these descriptions take readers along Tabei's journey. And the artwork! Oh, my! Rendered with a Japanese calligraphy brush and black India ink and then colored digitally, the illustrations are breathtaking, layered, and as complex as the book's subject. The opening double-page spread, for instance, show Junko's head filled with images of mountain peaks as pink sakura blossoms float around her. The next double-page spread is just as interesting, depicting the ten-year-old girl and her classmates climbing a mountain, one much smaller than Everest. Later, when she and her all-women team are in Nepal, the double-page spread is crowded with the faces of her Nepali supporters, almost overwhelming her with kindness. Two pages later, the illustrator carefully uses white space as the team heads upward, snow almost obliterating them and their path, marked by a vivid red rope. The courage and determination to keep climbing against adverse weather conditions and to push for change in how others treated the mountain serve as great reminders and sources of information for youngsters today. Tabei's step-by-step approach to life and mountain climbing and the entreaty to go "Up, up, and ever up!" (unpaged) are great pieces of advice to the rest of us. Having adored the illustrator's work in The Cat Man of Aleppo, I'm pleased to see that this illustrator continues to adorn children's books with her beautiful, precise work. It's clear that she immerses herself in her projects. The 2025 Caldecott Honor was well deserved. ...more
Fans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia NatiFans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park in California. The youngsters, Owen, Vivian, and Amy are spending the night all on their own near a lake while their parents--his father and their mother--are camping on the other side of the mountain. What begins as a small step toward independence after the family's hike ends up becoming a struggle for survival after an earthquake closes off the trail. With little food and water but plenty of determination, the youngsters take the long way around the park, facing various challenges, including rugged terrain and a bear, as well as some of their own demons about life back home. While some of the nicknames and encounters grew a bit tiresome, most of the text was riveting, keeping readers guessing about whether the cousins would be able to make it to safety--and at what price? It's a good thing that they knew more than the usual facts about surviving in the wilderness or else the ending could have been quite different. The author's decision to focus on their journey and not go back and forth between the youngsters and the adults makes the book even more suspenseful and appropriate for its intended audience. The inclusion of a map of the area allows readers to see just how treacherous their trek was. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. In this, the fourth in the series, Trim is settling into routine as the ship's cat. But he's never experienced a storm at seThis one is a 3.5 for me. In this, the fourth in the series, Trim is settling into routine as the ship's cat. But he's never experienced a storm at sea before, and the wind and rain are scary. While seeking cover from the unfamiliar weather, he meets a young albatross, Wisdom, who is also looking for shelter and nervous since this is her first storm as well. The two of them shelter in place together, and after the storm abates, Trim brings a snack to his new friend. He also finds something the captain has lost. This series is so delightful, well-written, adventurous, and with an appealing feline protagonist in Trim, determined to be the best ship's cat ever. The fact that the story is based on a cat just like Trim and the story is accompanied by lively, color-filled artwork, created with ink, Acryla gouache, colored pencils, and digital touches, makes it especially appealing for elementary readers to read on their own or to hear independently. ...more
It has been acknowledged that life is filled with little adventures and small moments that add up to grand experiences and take on significance over tIt has been acknowledged that life is filled with little adventures and small moments that add up to grand experiences and take on significance over time, and this picture book [3.5 for me!] is a good example of that. With carefully chosen words and illustrations that almost need no words, author/illustrator Peter Carnavas tells the oh, so relatable story of six explorers who mount an expedition during the summer heat on August 20. The specificity of their mission--to deliver a parcel--contrasts with the fact that many youngsters like these spend their summer days in a similar fashion. Led by Robert, each member has a responsibility, even Floyd, the dog. Things start off well; the crew has water and a map, and they are eager and fresh to travel. But one by one, members drop off for various reasons, leaving only two explorers to complete their journey. The illustrations are priceless, especially the double-page spread in which the survivors survey the terrain over which they've just passed. It surely took them a long time to travel such a short distance. This picture book needs to be read whenever someone needs a pick-me-up. It left me with a grin on my face at just how well Carnavas knows youngsters. ...more
There are plenty of counting books on classroom and library shelves, but this one--2.5 for me!--is unique in that it features VERY active, adventurousThere are plenty of counting books on classroom and library shelves, but this one--2.5 for me!--is unique in that it features VERY active, adventurous babies. These babies dive into the ocean, ride a carousel, and even surf. Each number from one to ten showcases the appropriate number of little ones engaged in various pursuits as well as additional creatures such as ladybugs, stars, and puppies to count as well. After all that activity, it's good to see those babies--all ten of them!--taking a well-deserved rest. This board book is sturdy for repeated handling, and it also contains a mirror into which youngsters can gaze....more
Inspired by an adventure story he's reading, Raccoon decides to set off on one of his own--a trip around the world. As part of his preparation, he visInspired by an adventure story he's reading, Raccoon decides to set off on one of his own--a trip around the world. As part of his preparation, he visits four animal friends who suggest that he take along with him various provisions as well as each of them with their special skills. They load a boat borrowed from Badger and set off. They don't get very far, what with needing to stop to eat and play, and as night draws near, they decide to head back home since they miss parts of their comfortable routine. Content and thrilled with their adventure and "trip around the world," they vow to do it all again sometime. This gentle story reminds readers that they need not go far in order to have an adventure of their own and that sometimes adventures are best when they're shared with others. The soft colors and details in the artwork complement the story well, allowing readers to see the unique qualities of each animal friend. ...more
Rollicking rhymes and colorful characters who appear in the bright illustrations make this picture book [3.5 for me!] an ideal choice for a classroom Rollicking rhymes and colorful characters who appear in the bright illustrations make this picture book [3.5 for me!] an ideal choice for a classroom or individual read aloud. Although readers and listeners will probably guess the outcome of the conflict, they'll also be charmed by the simple rhymes and the plight of Stoat, who simply wants to enjoy his boat and have it all to himself. That solitude is interrupted by Goat, who boards the vessel anyway, prompting quite a tussle and resulting in a dunking that leaves both animals all wet. But Stoat learns that there's more to Goat than his seaworthiness since he comes to Stoat's rescue. Maybe Stoat's boat can carry the two of them. Reading this one aloud necessitates a nimble tongue and some practice, but it's almost as much fun as The Dinky Donkey or this author's previous title, The Cat and the Rat and the Hat. Youngsters will smile at the expressive faces of the two characters as well as Goat's bright-yellow coat, and they will also enjoy the vertical pages. ...more
This suspenseful novel, set in 1964 Tanzania is a 3.5 for me. While it mixes Hollywood glamor and white privilege with powerful descriptions of the AfThis suspenseful novel, set in 1964 Tanzania is a 3.5 for me. While it mixes Hollywood glamor and white privilege with powerful descriptions of the African terrain and the animals whose domain it is, the book also touches on fame, race, power, and treachery. The premise is an intriguing one--a beloved Hollywood actress celebrates her marriage with an all-expenses paid safari for her family and close friends but things go terribly wrong. From the start, I knew there'd be a kidnapping and that there would be several deaths. I also suspected that David, the husband of Katie Barstow, the actress who paid for the excursion, was in some way involved or responsible for the kidnapping--and if he weren't, then his father must be involved in some way, and I wish there'd been a bit more discussion of the kidnapping plot since the kidnapper seemed rather inept and unprepared for certain events. I was honestly surprised at the amount of violence in the book and the constant threat of animals lurking nearby waiting for a chance to snack on fresh meat. Unlike some reviewers, the flashbacks and reflections on the part of the large cast of characters added to my appreciation of the author's writing and served to develop the characters further. Sometimes these flashbacks made me like a character more, but sometimes, the opposite happened. The same was true for the selected quotes from various newspapers and magazines that introduced the chapters. I would not mind reading an entire book about Katie's formative years and rise to fame as well as how her brother Billy managed to survive such an abusive childhood. As this was my first foray into this author's works, I'm still undecided about how I feel about his abilities as a storyteller. He uses a conversational tone that draws readers into the story quickly but perhaps needs to linger a bit more at certain spots. I'll see if my assessment changes when I read the next book. ...more
Two dog friends, Jack and George, one blue and one black with touches of pink, are hanging out together, doing a little of nothing, when a large, blueTwo dog friends, Jack and George, one blue and one black with touches of pink, are hanging out together, doing a little of nothing, when a large, blue round ball lands right next to them. They test the strange object out and discover that it can roll and take on all sorts of shapes while leading them on various adventures. The minimal text and intense color palette will be appealing to young readers, who will also find themselves wishing that such a versatile ball would appear in their own back yards. Even if that isn't possible, they can comfort themselves by creating their own adventures similar to these. In some respects this one reminds me of some of Jon Klassen's books. ...more
Fascinated by scientists and explorers as a child and intrigued by the South Pole by a friend's interest and travel there, author G. Neri uses a traveFascinated by scientists and explorers as a child and intrigued by the South Pole by a friend's interest and travel there, author G. Neri uses a travel grant from the National Science Foundation to travel there and spend almost two months on a continent completely different from anyplace else. His intent was originally to create a graphic novel of his journey, one that would provide a glimpse into Antarctica to youngsters, but he ended up changing the format to this one, which is more like a scrapbook with notes, interview snippets, vignettes, lists, preparation, and even a map of the camp, color photographs and comics. While in Antarctica, Neri made snow angels, collected glacier berries, saw mummified seals, and even found a pickax reportedly belonging to one of the original explorers. He also saw part of the ice core, bundled up in layers to stay as warm as possible, watched divers and penguins, pondered how to slow down the melting of the ice in the polar regions, and came to consider this unique place home. The book's format with large photos and drawings and descriptive, kid-friendly text will attract many middle-grade and teen readers who will feel as though they, too, have been to Antarctica. Neri has a keen sense of how to communicate adult experiences in a way that young audiences can understand, and his sense of wonder is clear on every page. Although he doesn't use exclamation marks in the telling, the enthusiasm is certainly there. Here's hoping that the book will be a wake-up call for those who poohpooh the idea of climate change or global warming, making them realize what a treasure may be lost if things continue as they are. ...more
At times youngsters whose cultural heritage stems from two very different cultures that seem worlds apart may feel confused and think that those two mAt times youngsters whose cultural heritage stems from two very different cultures that seem worlds apart may feel confused and think that those two must be at odds. But in this moving and affirming picture book, a young boy learns that they can coexist peacefully and represent "a powerful magic that lives inside" him. At bedtime, his mother reveals that this secret magic exists and then leads him on two separate imaginary adventures where he meets two different grandmothers. Each woman invites him inside their house and tells him about dragons. The first one describes dragons as living in caves, being fierce, deadly, and hoarders of gold. The second one regales him with a gentler take on dragons, who are responsible for the rain and floodwaters and live in the clouds. One dragon is to be avoided; the other is to be cherished. At the end of each adventure story the boy's mother tells him the this would be "a truth about dragons" (unpaged). Her son need not choose between the stories, according to the mother, but can embrace both types of dragons, journeys, and worlds. This well-written story is exquisite in its telling, easy to read, and relatable, and the artwork, created with traditional ink and then colored digitally, is sumptuous, breathtaking, and culturally rich with borders and significant symbols. The boy's expressive face in several scenes shows just how attentive and invested in the stories he is, and the dragons fill several double-page spreads with their power and beauty as they move about their terrain. The last double-page spread with the boy embracing and being embraced by both dragons, the fiery reddish orange one and the one with delicate blue and green scales, sums up the book's message perfectly. There will be many young readers who will see themselves and their family's culture in this reassuring picture book. What a great choice for the 2024 Caldecott Honor distinction!...more
Sixth-grader Noah, who is on the autism spectrum, feels completely lost after his friend, Lewis, died in a car wreck. The two of them had many things Sixth-grader Noah, who is on the autism spectrum, feels completely lost after his friend, Lewis, died in a car wreck. The two of them had many things in common, including the fact that both of them were trans. Lewis was obsessed with a cryptid called the Mothman, an interest that Noah shares to some extent although he's not completely convinced of Mothman's existence. Because he's so lonely and curious, Noah decides that his science fair project will focus on Mothman. He writes letters in a journal for Mothman that he leaves in the woods near his Pennsylvania home, hoping for some sort of response. He also makes friends with three girls in his classroom, Molly, Alice, and Hanna, when he sees them acting as wolves during recess. Slowly, he starts to trust them and shares some of his secrets--about being trans and about Mothman. As the day for the science fair draws near, Noah takes drastic action to find proof that this cryptid actually exists. The letters, lists, and journal entries allow readers to be immersed in Noah's heart and mind as well as briefly in Hanna's. The tension builds as the story nears its conclusion, and the parallels between a cryptid or what others may consider to be impossible or monstrous and being trans are impossible to miss as an important part of the story. While there are some odd, puzzling line breaks among the letters, Noah's writing is moving, lyrical, and filled with heartfelt observations about loss, identity, and fitting in. Those who are skeptical about cryptids just may change their minds after reading this book....more
Johannes takes his job seriously. As a dog able to run freely and quietly through the park without being noticed, he's considered the Eyes, responsiblJohannes takes his job seriously. As a dog able to run freely and quietly through the park without being noticed, he's considered the Eyes, responsible for noticing everyday happenings and any changes, and reporting them to the other animals. When things seem to be different and the park starts changing, with a new building being erected, Johannes begins to worry about how safe his home actually is. He and some of the others concoct an unlikely plan to free the Bison living in the park. I can see the appeal of this story with its fetching animal characters, each of whom has a distinct personality, and the way they all work together, managing to live in harmony and off the human grid. The author makes storytelling look easy, blending humor, pathos, and adventure skillfully, and readers can enjoy this one as is or also look beneath the surface to explore the importance of community and the appeal of independence. I'm not sure that I'd have chosen it for the Newbery Medal, but I can certainly understand its strengths as a story in which the animals are a lot more sympathetic than humans. It's worth considering how one's reality is shaped by whatever one is familiar with and how impactful it can be to go outside comfort zones and look over those mountains or move past those woods for an entirely different perspective....more
While the colorful illustrations in this picture book prove that the young boy in the pictures is spending time with a dinosaur, the prehistoric creatWhile the colorful illustrations in this picture book prove that the young boy in the pictures is spending time with a dinosaur, the prehistoric creature is so much more than that. Clever, original word play based on the -osaur part of the beast's name ["sign-osaur" and "shine-osaur," for instance] carries the story all the way to the affectionate end. The repetitive language, questioning, and direct address of the text draw readers into the story, making them a bit envious of the adventures the boy and the dinosaur have, not to mention their close relationship. If having this sort of dinosaur by your side was possible, most youngsters would want one just like the protagonist. This one is a good read aloud, but be sure to read it ahead of time and practice a bit so the reading performance flows well. ...more
This incredibly detailed account of the journey of the British ship that left England in 1740 only to encounter extremely rough winds and water once iThis incredibly detailed account of the journey of the British ship that left England in 1740 only to encounter extremely rough winds and water once it reached the Cape of Good Hope is hard to put down. The author's thoroughness and deft writing keeps readers engaged on every page, so much so that they might feel a bit queasy at times from all the motion. As exciting as the voyage itself is, parts of it are horrid and shocking--the many deaths that occur, the sickness from typhoid and scurvy, the various temperaments of the crew and their leaders, and then, the ship's death, casting its crew into the sea where they take refuge on an island and try to survive. All of this is exciting enough, especially since the author relies on various accounts of the men on the voyage to tell their stories, but once on the island, there are disagreements, mutiny, and betrayal. A robust bibliography and index add to the book's interest as well as attesting to the story's credibility. This one was another great read from David Grann, who clearly knows how to tell a nonfiction story in a relatable way. In this case, there are many perspectives to the story, and readers themselves must determine for themselves which version of what actually happened aboard ship and afterward that they believe. ...more