My son really enjoyed Jennifer Camiccia's book and read it practically in one sitting. I read it after and loved it! It was so beautiful. Camiccia doeMy son really enjoyed Jennifer Camiccia's book and read it practically in one sitting. I read it after and loved it! It was so beautiful. Camiccia does an incredible job in creating characters we can't help but root and feel for. I loved the relationship between Gram and Lulu, as well as the friendships. The mystery of figuring out who Gram really was was also compelling. And I absolutely loved the fantastic brain facts that worked well with the story and characters!...more
Mi Ciudad Sings is a beautiful, lyrical bilingual (English/Spanish) story with gorgeous illustrations that is so lovely and vivid, it sings! It's a stMi Ciudad Sings is a beautiful, lyrical bilingual (English/Spanish) story with gorgeous illustrations that is so lovely and vivid, it sings! It's a story of a girl and her dog as they walk through Mexico City as the city is waking up, only to come to a screeching halt when an earthquake hits. It's also a story of hope and resilience, and I love how the author took something tragic and wove in hope. The scenes from around the city are charming, and there’s so much beautiful lyricism, from the musical onomatopoeia and alliteration, that it will make a wonderful read aloud in homes, classrooms, and libraries. ...more
Perfect for horse lovers! It's also a wonderful story about friendship and not giving upi. Perfect for horse lovers! It's also a wonderful story about friendship and not giving upi. ...more
NoNieqa Ramos' picture book Hair Story is a beautiful tribute to Black and brown hair, reminiscent of Elizabeth Acevedo's spoken word piece, "Hair." TNoNieqa Ramos' picture book Hair Story is a beautiful tribute to Black and brown hair, reminiscent of Elizabeth Acevedo's spoken word piece, "Hair." This celebratory story of two girls--one non-Black Puerto-Rican and one Black--is written in rhythmic verse masterfully woven throughout. Some of my favorite include “baby’s crown/ lush, wild, beautiful brown” and “pointless/ like trying to straighten out/ the ocean.” It begs to be read aloud, and encourages readers to love and celebrate every aspect of themselves through their hair. Keisha Morris' collage art is stunning, complementing the text naturally. Back matter completes this wonderful addition to libraries everywhere. ...more
Ramón is in a new home and is scared about starting a new school and being new, and it turns out, El Cucuy is, too. In this sweet story, Donna Barba HRamón is in a new home and is scared about starting a new school and being new, and it turns out, El Cucuy is, too. In this sweet story, Donna Barba Higuera explores the anxiousness that comes with being new through the interactions between Ramón and El Cucuy. Add to the sweet storyline the stunning illustrations by Juliana Perdomo, and you've got a winner for home, school, and public libraries everywhere!...more
I adored DEAR EARTH...FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN ROOM 5, written by Erin Dealey and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. The sweet letters written in rhyme and vividI adored DEAR EARTH...FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN ROOM 5, written by Erin Dealey and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. The sweet letters written in rhyme and vivid illustrations capture a lovely exchange between the Earth Heroes in Room 5 and Earth. Readers are taken through the many ways we can take care of our Earth as seen through the eyes of the children. It's a feel-good book that begs to be read aloud and is the perfect gift no matter the season! And a really cool surprise is that the book cover becomes a poster!...more
AJ Irving's picture books DANCE LIKE A LEAF, illustrated by Claudia Navarro is absolutely beautiful, both in text and in illustrations. This story is AJ Irving's picture books DANCE LIKE A LEAF, illustrated by Claudia Navarro is absolutely beautiful, both in text and in illustrations. This story is one that sticks with you long after you've finished reading it. Irving deftly shows us a granddaughter-grandmother's relationship and the aftermath of the grandmother's declining health. Irving's lyrical text and Navarro's colorful illustrations are a perfect pairing. ...more
As a child, I idolized Selena Quintanilla. I loved her and her music. And so I came to Silvia López’s picture book biography of Selena Quintanilla, stAs a child, I idolized Selena Quintanilla. I loved her and her music. And so I came to Silvia López’s picture book biography of Selena Quintanilla, stunningly illustrated by Paola Escobar, with eagerness. It did not disappoint! As a biography, it provides a thorough narrative of who Selena was and the impact she had. Each spread has gorgeous illustrations that depict the scenes of Selena’s childhood and rise to fame—and of her family. This truly is a work of art. ...more
Beautiful and heartbreaking, but at the same time hopeful and funny, with relatable and heartwarming characters you just want to reach in and hug. I'mBeautiful and heartbreaking, but at the same time hopeful and funny, with relatable and heartwarming characters you just want to reach in and hug. I'm a big fan of Adrianna Cuevas' voice, and went in with great expectations, especially after my son read and raved about it....more
My 12-year-old really enjoyed THE WAY TO RIO LUNA! He's particularly drawn to magic and adventure, and this book didn't disappoint. He read it quicklyMy 12-year-old really enjoyed THE WAY TO RIO LUNA! He's particularly drawn to magic and adventure, and this book didn't disappoint. He read it quickly, and asked immediately if there would be a sequel. ...more
Doe Boyle's BLINK! is a fascinating and educational book about the function of eyes in different species. With lyrical text, intriguing facts, and beaDoe Boyle's BLINK! is a fascinating and educational book about the function of eyes in different species. With lyrical text, intriguing facts, and beautiful illustrations, BLINK! is a wonderful resource for hooking kids into science and fostering curiosity about animals. It's a perfect addition to any library--at home or at school!...more
THIS IS A SEAHORSE by Cassandra Federman is so fun! Kids (and adults!) will laugh out loud as they read through a child's book report on seahorses--whTHIS IS A SEAHORSE by Cassandra Federman is so fun! Kids (and adults!) will laugh out loud as they read through a child's book report on seahorses--while getting an earful from the indignant seahorse! I learned a lot about seahorses while thoroughly enjoying this picture book, and the illustrations were wonderful. It's a worthy addition to school and home libraries!...more
Jenny Goebel's ADELITA, A SEA TURTLE'S JOURNEY, beautifully illustrated by Ana Miminoshvili, is a wonderful view into the journey of a loggerhead sea Jenny Goebel's ADELITA, A SEA TURTLE'S JOURNEY, beautifully illustrated by Ana Miminoshvili, is a wonderful view into the journey of a loggerhead sea turtle that's sure to pull your heartstrings. We start with a lovely and sensory description of the hatchling going out to sea, and that's followed by the facts and details of her incredible journey across the Pacific Ocean. Those who love sea turtles and those who love learning about sea animals will be sure to love Goebel's ADELITA! ...more
Ruth Horowitz's SAVING ELI'S LIBRARY is such a beautiful story about a community coming together in the aftermath of a storm to save the library. The Ruth Horowitz's SAVING ELI'S LIBRARY is such a beautiful story about a community coming together in the aftermath of a storm to save the library. The text is absolutely lyrical, Eli's character is endearing, and the illustrations are sweet, bringing this story to life. ...more
Hallee Adelman's WAY PAST WORRIED is a timely book about big feelings with a sweet ending. As someone who worries a lot and faces anxiety, I really coHallee Adelman's WAY PAST WORRIED is a timely book about big feelings with a sweet ending. As someone who worries a lot and faces anxiety, I really connected with Brock as he tries to brave his friend's party without his brother and how the worry and anxiety hold him back--until he meets Nelly and the two work through their worry together. WAY PAST WORRIED shows readers that it's okay to be worried and that talking about it will help to "be brave." ...more