Book Reviews

3 Witty Witchy New Picture Books

| Tasha

Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Charles Santoso (9781250804211)

Evelyn wakes up one morning with a feeling that she is missing something. It’s not her pumpkins or her potions, but it might just be a pet! However, she doesn’t have enough money for a pet of her choice and has to settle for the discounted mystery pet box. Inside is an egg. Now, Evelyn isn’t very patient, so she sets out to use her magic to hatch the egg. However, she also doesn’t know what hatches from eggs. Perhaps a unicorn? A narwhal? A porcupine? When nothing works, she decides to just be patient and take the best care of her egg. But what could be inside? A book that looks at patience through a wonderfully witchy lens. This picture book has a delight of a mystery at its center that will entice children to find out what in the world is in that egg.

A great Halloween read aloud without any scares. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Roaring Brook Press.

This Year a Witch! By Zoey Abbott (9781665956024)

The young narrator of this picture book has been a bunny for Halloween and a mouse the year before that. In fact, every year, she has been entirely adorable for Halloween. But this is the year that all changes and she dresses up as a witch. She’s been preparing by growing out her hair, making accessories, and preparing for her witch’s brew. But when she is finally ready and in her costume, she’s a bit more witchy than she can handle! With a little help from her father, she embraces her pointed hat, witchy robe and dark side. 

Abbott has created a funny and smart book about the immense decision of what costume to wear at Halloween and how regrets can set in at the last minute. Children will recognize the joy at embracing a new character, the build up to the holiday and the rush of feelings as it all starts. The illustrations add to the pleasure of the book with their vibrant Halloween colors as they capture the little girl’s emotions clearly. 

A non-scary Halloween book just right to share aloud. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Atheneum.

Witch Cat by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Laura Hughes (9781547616718)

Pippin has always loved being a witch’s cat, but then he starts to long for something different. When he discovers a pirate ship about to leave, he is invited to join the crew and solve their mouse issues. But the sea is not the right place for seasick Pippin and he quickly leaves them at the first island they visit. It’s there that he considers very briefly being a knight’s cat but the local dragon keeps him moving. Perhaps being a pet? A cowboy’s cat? Nothing quite seems right, until he sees a rather witchy broom. But how is Pippin to find his way back home? This picture book is told in rhymes with just the right mix of Halloween and humor.

Great for sharing aloud and full of fall fun. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

Reviewed from copy provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

3 Picture Books to Make Your Heart Soar

| Tasha

Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser (9780593693254)

Three well-known children’s book creators have come together to each tell part of the story of the caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly life stages. Papilio starts life bursting out of her egg. She eats leaves but then falls to the ground. She can’t reach the enticing strawberry above her without some help from a friendly mouse. In her chrysalis, she is safe and sound or so she thinks. A robin gets a bit too interested in her and it’s that same friendly mouse who rescues her. Finally, as a butterfly she finds getting to the flower a little more challenging than she thought. Luckily, the mouse is there again to lend a paw. Seeing the stages done in different but supportive art styles is a real pleasure.

Young readers will enjoy the energy and action in each stage. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

To See an Owl by Mathew Cordell (9780593649893)

Janie loves owls and dreams of being able to see one in the wild. Her teacher this year is a birder and his favorite birds are owls too. She tries to find an owl, learning about whitewash and pellets, listening hard and keeping an eye out. She even heads into the woods at night with her mother, but no owl is found. Months go by and Janie brings in her collection of owl information and shares it with her class. Her teacher is amazed and shows her on a map where he saw a pair of great horned owls. Could this be the clue that Janie needs?

This quiet picture book speaks to the importance of persistence and patience when entering nature. Watching Janie’s knowledge grow organically throughout the book is a treat. Cordell’s signature fine-lined drawings offer a glimpse of nature, Janie’s family and her search for the elusive owl. 

Appropriate for ages 4-7.  Reviewed from library copy.

Wind Watchers by Micha Archer (9780593616550)

Wind blows in a variety of ways. Fluttering spring blossoms, bringing spring showers. It helps fly kites and ripples the pond on hot days. Sometimes Wind brings a surprise thunderstorm. In fall, Wind scatters seeds and blows leaves off trees. Winter wind brings icy cold and blizzards. Celebrate the seasons with this joyful interaction between children and the wind. Written and illustrated by Archer, a Caldecott Honor winner, the illustrations are done in inks and collage. The nature scenes and the rain fall are particularly striking and will draw young readers in. 

Appropriate for ages 3-5. Reviewed from library copy.

3 Wonderful Watery Picture Books

| Tasha

The Peddler of Puddles by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld (9780063318342)

The peddler of puddles is a turtle who moves slowly across the area. Using his heavy puddle machine makes puddles for all sorts of creatures along the way. Puddles for ducks, frogs, insects and children. He doesn’t ask for anything in return, but the others often give him food or smiles in thanks. When he reaches the seashore for the first time, the peddler is shocked. It’s an enormous puddle! He loves playing with a girl in the sea, but when it’s time to go his cart is stuck in the sand. He almost gives up, but then his friends that he’s helped along the way come along with a big surprise.

With just enough machinery and tinkering, this soggy read is also sunny throughout. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

Shark Girl by Kate Beaton (9781250184924)

In a story delightfully different than Little Mermaid, Shark Girl sets out to protect sealife by joining the crew of a fishing vessel. She wants a quick revenge but soon finds out that it takes a lot more to get a crew to mutiny even against an awful captain. But through hard work together, skill in fishing, and studying human nature, Shark Girl starts to make new connections. It is then that the captain has a plan that will keep Shark Girl in his boat forever. What’s a toothy girl to do? Beaton is a wonder, effortlessly moving between children’s picture books and award-winning adult graphic memoirs.

This book reads aloud beautifully telling a story of both ecology and girl power. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from library copy.

We Leap Together by Christopher Silas Neal (9780593812648)

A human mother and child is shown next to a mother whale and her calf in this smart picture book. The similarities between the two lives are emphasized with busy lanes of car traffic compared to the busy shoals of fish. They listen to songs, blow bubbles, dive deep, see colorful creatures, and wave to friends. The bring the book full circle, the humans board a whale-watching boat and the two families leap together in joy. Told in simple sentences, this picture book is approachable and clearly shows our connection to nature and our similarities with other creatures. The illustrations are simple too, telling the story just as profoundly as the words.

Just right for sharing and discussing. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

Reviewed from library copy.

Are You a Friend of Dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff – Book Review

| Tasha

Are You a Friend of Dorothy?: The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi Hastings (9781665931663)

This nonfiction picture book explains to children that LGBTQIA people used to not be able to share openly about their sexuality. Instead, they used a code and asked one another if they were a friend of Dorothy. The book explores why it was unsafe to share sexuality openly with people losing their jobs, being arrested or placed in mental institutions. Then there are the people who hear the code who are working for the government. But they could never figure out who this mysterious Dorothy was. There are some ideas about why the name Dorothy was chosen. The ending returns to the present day and all the progress that has been made for LGBTQIA rights with the caveat about the continued dangers and threats to those who come out. 

Lukoff tells the history of LGBTQ rights in America using a child-focused approach by focusing on the code phrase. It’s a clever way to share the information of past injustice, modern progress and all the way yet to go. Illustrations by Hastings are colorful at times and other times capture the bleakness of government surveillance. 

All young friends of Dorothy will find a welcoming place in these pages. Appropriate for ages 5-9.

Reviewed from a copy provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

2 Fun New Halloween Picture Books

| Tasha

Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat by Julien Chung (9781665954785)

Another winner in the Chicka Chicka series that deserves a spot in your Halloween read alouds. Taking the familiar format of the Chicka Chicka books, the alphabet letters set out to climb the creaky old tree. They are all dressed in costumes as they climb. But when a witch arrives, all of the letters shiver and the branches break and all fall to the ground. The witch invites them to climb up and they all begin again though many of their costumes have changed due to the fall. 

Readers who enjoy this series will love the Halloween version. It’s a great addition to Halloween stories, particularly for those looking for ones that won’t frighten little ones but engage them in the fun of the season. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Beach Lane Books.

The Zombees by Justin Colón (9781665922500)

Something is coming through the graveyard in Honey Hills with a buzzing sound. With moans and green skin, the Zombees fly by with their Zombee Queen. Are they here to eat our brains? Get help! But when the people in bee veils show up, the Zombees share the real reason they are there. Told in bold rhymes and with a rollicking rhythm that matches the fast-paced tale, this picture book is a joy to share aloud. The bright illustrations that give clues to what is actually happening will make this book worth reading a few times to see all those touches. 

Let’s hope this one gets lots of buzzz. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

3 Picture Books That Rumble and Roll

| Tasha

Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan (9781665938150)

Mabel has a Monday routine. Her family thinks she’s cute and funny, but she doesn’t care. First, she needs a chair. Then she pours herself dry cereal for breakfast, then it’s out to the driveway to watch and wait. Finally it’s here! The glorious garbage truck. It’s the best part of the day and everyone else missed it.

I could read this picture book again and again, it’s so joyous. Awan captures the pleasure of a routine, the amazement of large machinery and the focus of a small child with such a mix of humor and dignity. Let’s be honest, there aren’t many books out there where a truck-loving girl can see herself reflected. And lots of truck books don’t work well for reading aloud. This one does!

Perfect for a trashy story time. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Faith Takes the Train by Kesi Augustine, illustrated by Mokshini (9780063251342)

Faith and her mother are taking the train home from Grandma’s house. They take this train often. Faith is eating a peanut-butter-and-jelly-and honey sandwich. Then she sees their old neighbor Isaiah stand up and ask for some help or some food. Even though her heart pounds, Faith offers Isaiah the rest of her sandwich. Faith wonders if there’s a way to continue to help Isaiah and his family. Perhaps it’s one sandwich at a time.

The jaunty train ride turns into something more profound as one little girl reaches out and makes a difference. The writing is easy to read aloud and the illustrations share a diverse urban experience.

A great addition to any storytime about transportation or helping others. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by HarperCollins.

Midnight Motorbike by Maureen Shay Tajsar, illustrated by Ishita Jain (9780823456628)

When it is too hot to sleep, Amma takes her daughter for a ride on her motorbike. The two travel through Indian villages heading to the Bay of Bengal. The journey is one of many senses from the bright flowers to the smell of chai and dosas, to the sight of rice flour designs to fool the red ants. There is the smell of the jasmine flower garlands and the beauty of the fabrics in the silk shop. When they reach the bay, there is the huge moon waiting for them and the little girl falls asleep in the moonlight.

This is such an evocative book based on the author’s summers with her mother in rural South India. The story is a mixture of magical motorcycle ride that is dreamlike and connection with India’s sensory experiences of flowers, food and customs. The illustrations are just as lush as a hot night, filled with rich colors that weave a gorgeous nighttime journey.

Just the right bedtime story for hot summer nights. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

2 Great Ghostly Picture Books

| Tasha

Little Boo by Maddie Frost (9780063267831)

At first having a younger sibling was a lot of fun, but when Little Boo learned to crawl and then float, they became incredibly annoying! Big Boo isn’t sure what to do since Little Boo follows them everywhere. When they go to the library together, Big Boo decides to trade Little Boo for Little Howl, the younger wolf sibling. After all, Little Howl is being quiet and reading books, they have to be better than Little Boo. At first things are good, full of watching shows together, playing cards and reading books. But suddenly Little Howl is eating everything! Perhaps Little Boo wasn’t so bad after all?

Frost captures the frustration of having a pesky younger sibling perfectly in her ghostly characters. Told in a mix of prose and speech bubbles, the book has a modern lively feel. The illustrations are full of action, chomping, floating and more as the young monsters take over Big Boo’s life. Great fun for Halloween and those who enjoy monsters other times of the year. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Clarion Books.

To Catch a Ghost by Rachel Michelle Wilson (9781339031958)

Starting a new school, a girl discovers that show and tell is coming and they take it very seriously. So she has to do something incredible. Perhaps she can catch a ghost! There are steps to catching your ghost. You must look under, between and over, checking everywhere. Once you have found your ghost, it’s time to observe them so you can understand them. If all else fails, try pizza. Now it’s time to build your ghost trap! Don’t hesitate, get them! But just maybe, you might like your ghost too much to trap them for long. 

This picture book takes on the format of both a ghost-catching manual with chalkboard-like pages and also tells the story of a girl and her ghost. The clever humor of the format and the story is matched nicely with a big heartedness. The illustrations are gloriously bold, moving briskly between close ups and far off perspectives. 

A spirited look at ghost catching. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Scholastic.

3 Beautiful Picture Books Celebrating Black Lives

| Tasha

Fish Fry Friday by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by C. G. Esperanza (9781419766930)

In this companion book to Soul Food Sunday, a grandson gets to spend his day off of school with his grandmother fishing. She is known as a lucky charm at the pier and is one of the best fishers out there. Everyone cheers when she arrives and she waves like a queen. After the two catch all sorts of fish, each out declared his grandmother’s favorite, they head back home to clean and filet them. Next comes the batter and finally the real favorite, hushpuppies! 

This picture book is a celebration of how food brings people together and transcends generations. The joy of the two characters spending time together and loving one another is just as filling as the meal they create together. Children will love the time spent on the pier fishing as well as the time in the kitchen. Award-winning illustrator Esperanza captures the colorful characters and their cooking with energy and detail. 

A delicious addition to the soul food celebration. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Abrams Books for Young Readers.

The History of We by Nikkolas Smith (9780593619681)

This remarkably beautiful picture book tells the history of where human beings started, Africa. It is the story of where language began and where art started on cave walls and faces. It speaks to the creation of music and dance. It tells of survival, of invention, of building and planting. It was where people traveled from using their boats to cross watery divisions and to populate the world. It is our story, of our origins and the many gifts created in Africa.

Smith has crafted such beauty on these pages with his art. The paintings are done in acrylic and offer a gorgeous textural experience to the reader that creates depth and wonder. This book is a clear response to the erasure of Black history and the origins of humans as reflected in the author note. Throughout the book both in text and image, there is joy and pride. There is a richness in both as well, a focus on the achievements, the impacts and the importance of that history.

Beautiful and impactful, this book belongs in all libraries. Appropriate for ages 5-9.

Reviewed from library copy.

When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by London Ladd (9780823453801)

In a glorious combination of verse and lines from well-known African-American spirituals, this picture book soars. A young girl expresses what hearing spirituals does to her emotionally and readers are along for the journey. From tears to joy to wanting to dance to acknowledging heroes and movements of the past, this book explores the power of music to connect and convey.

The incorporation of a verse of a corresponding spiritual is particularly effective, allowing the book to be not just read aloud but sung aloud. The illustrations add to the emotional journey, using deep colors, famous African-American figures, and a connection to church.

A great introduction to spirituals as a music form or a celebration for those already familiar. Appropriate for ages 5-9.

Reviewed from library copy.

Millie Fleur Saves the Night by Christy Mandin – Book Review

| Tasha

Millie Fleur Saves the Night by Christy Mandin (9781339023373)

This sequel to Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden is all about loving the dark. In Garden Glen, everyone fought back against the dark with lanterns and lights, hiding in their homes after dark. Millie’s house was the only one left dark since she knew there were special things that only come out in the dark. But even Millie was missing those things due to the brightness of the rest of the town. So, she set out to rediscover the dark and invite it into her garden. Millie plants a moon garden and bakes moon pies, creating just the right space for the creatures of the night to come. When others in Garden Glen smell the moon garden, they come to visit too, but Millie insists that they leave their lanterns behind and be brave. 

Marvelously peculiar and winsome, this picture book shows darkness as a mythical creature that is both strange and marvelously huggable. There is beauty in this garden and space that Millie creates, a lovely stand up to authority and a straight-forward take on light pollution and what is lost. 

Sure to have children wanting to explore their own dark spaces, this picture book is a delicious night-filled read. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Scholastic.