A QUICK LOOK AT SOME OF OUR MOST RECENT REVIEWS (UPDATED 4/12/2024)
Adventuremice (Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre) Jamie Bills: “PERFECT for new readers and readers drawn to early graphic novels. The colored illustrations on each page make the book more engaging and consumable.”
Dogs Do Science: Light (Anna Claybourne, Luke Séguin-Magee) Children's Literature Comprehensive Database: “This book offers an enjoyable way to gain an understanding of the basics of light and could be used to initiate further study of the topic.”
Dogs Do Science: Sound(Anna Claybourne, Luke Séguin-Magee) Children's Literature Comprehensive Database: “The comic book format is appealing for children and creates interest in what could be a rather dry subject. The scientific facts are summarized in an attractive format in the end pages. The book includes a maze and a pop quiz which invite the reader's interaction with the material. This book offers an enjoyable way to gain an understanding of the basics of sound and it could be used to initiate further study of the topic.”
Duck Goes Meow (Juliette MacIver, Carla Martell) Picture Book Recommendations: “HILARIOUS! Kids will absolutely love chiming in with this absolutely brilliant rhyming read aloud. … It is sure to have kids laughing while opening up important conversations around a perfect diversity in family, adoption, and belying expectations.”
Jamie Bills: “This darling book is written with rhyme and has a lot of playful onomatopoeias. It is full of humor and is a perfect read-aloud. And I love the ending.”
Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf (Craig Barr-Green, Francis Martin) Book Reviews, ILA CL/R SIG “Drop Everything and Read”: “Meet Gina Kaminski, a creative, spirited, neurodivergent little girl who thinks in threes. … Through sketch-like, animated illustrations, Francis Martin artfully captures Gina’s feisty nature and determination to make things right for the wolf.”
Hotel Flamingo (Alex Milway) Jamie Bills: “The writing and artwork are charming. ... I would have LOVED this series as a kid. It’s the stuff imagination and dreams are built on.”
Menus for Meerkats (Ben Hoare, Hui Skipp) Book Reviews, ILA CL/R SIG “Drop Everything and Read”: “For each animal, Ben Hoare presents a “menu” broken down into main course, sides, and drinks. … An additional “dinner with …” double spread provides facts about the animal’s size, habitat, and where they fit in the food chain. Hui Skipp’s brightly colored and richly detailed illustrations invite readers to look closely at what they reveal. A glossary and an index are included.”
Pop Pop Pop (Géraldine Cosnea) Little Cub Literacy: “In all the books I’ve come across, these are the first I’ve seen that have pop-ups that have a front AND a back! Combining a first-words book with pop-ups and a seek-and-find element, the Pop! Pop! Pop! series is sure to be a hit with the littlest readers.”
This Little Unicorn (Coral Byers, Alberta Torres) Books Grow Minds: “Had to share this gem for Unicorn Day! … it’s seriously the cutest read aloud.”
Vlad the World's Worst Vampire Jamie Bills: “I think Vlad has the cutest character design. This is a great series for kids who like vampires.”
Worries Big and Small Picture Book Recommendations: “[A] fantastic way to discuss worries and anxiety. It shows that worries are a part of life and that not all worries should carry equal weight. It also encourages young readers to talk and shows the value in sharing feelings with others. It gives tons of examples of worries and empowers kids to discuss their worries, take action, and lean on those around them.”