A little didactic, but it gets its message across -- and it is an important one. Red Panda is distraught to find that they are left out of every book A little didactic, but it gets its message across -- and it is an important one. Red Panda is distraught to find that they are left out of every book about pandas and so decides to write her own. Downtrodden, she begins to worry that no one will even want a book about red pandas. But when her unfinished manuscript is discovered by other red pandas, she realizes there are lots of people waiting for a story about someone who looks like them....more
Really lovely illustrations but I found the text to be a little dense. I skipped through a lot of the longer passages but I really enjoyed the poems aReally lovely illustrations but I found the text to be a little dense. I skipped through a lot of the longer passages but I really enjoyed the poems and verses that I read....more
I love this cozy picture book where a little girl named Chino spends her day playing with her mama's special sleeping scarf while her mama is at work.I love this cozy picture book where a little girl named Chino spends her day playing with her mama's special sleeping scarf while her mama is at work. This is a lovely and joyful celebration of family love....more
This modern retelling of The Secret Garden features a diverse cast of characters without trying to make Mary (Maria) and Colin into sweet nice childreThis modern retelling of The Secret Garden features a diverse cast of characters without trying to make Mary (Maria) and Colin into sweet nice children. In fact, this book explores Maria Latif's deep grief and feelings of isolation at being not only orphaned but sent from Pakistan and Bangladesh to Long Island, New York -- wouldn't you too feel cranky if you'd been passed from home to home because you seemed like a burden on family? Like in the original novel, tending to a long forgotten garden gives Maria and Colin a chance to heal themselves. A great book to read in tandem with the original, and in response to the fetishizing, colonizer elements of the Burnett classic....more
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one bothered by how similar the beginning of this book is to heavyweights. I love heavyweights, and I loved the ideaI’m glad to hear I’m not the only one bothered by how similar the beginning of this book is to heavyweights. I love heavyweights, and I loved the idea of heavyweights with vampires. Maybe just wanted more acknowledgment that that’s what’s happening?
Otherwise, a fun summer camp book with lots of body positivity and a good resolution of mother daughter weight-related tension...more
Isaac is a middle schooler with ADHD who struggles with intrusive thoughts that keep him from focusing. His mom is overprotective to the point of focuIsaac is a middle schooler with ADHD who struggles with intrusive thoughts that keep him from focusing. His mom is overprotective to the point of focusing on Isaac with all of her energy and preventing him from doing things that may make his compulsions worse. When he's invited by some kids at school to play a role-playing fantasy game, his mom is reluctant but Isaac is happy.
Effective use of color to show how Isaac manages his compulsions as the story goes on. The relationship between Isaac and his sister Miriam is especially poignant -- as all focus goes on Isaac, Miriam feels ignored. ...more
This is a beautiful picture book that expresses the richness of intergenerational family bonds and the strength that family stories can lend in the faThis is a beautiful picture book that expresses the richness of intergenerational family bonds and the strength that family stories can lend in the face of tragedy. Centering Zora, a young Black girl, this book is very smart -- it zooms in on one family and their generations of Black American life -- and inspires readers to think of many others. The illustrations are done by Dare Coulter so they are evocative and colorful and radiant. A beautiful picture book for a deep family discussion....more
This was a highly anticipated book for me because I loved ‘See You in the Cosmos’ and because I’m always looking for middle grade novels with male proThis was a highly anticipated book for me because I loved ‘See You in the Cosmos’ and because I’m always looking for middle grade novels with male protagonists.
Andy is a relatable character and his care for his family makes him especially empathetic. I love the exploration of anxiety and hair pulling — which are not as discussed for boys but just as important.
This is such a great book about friendship ...more
This is a lovely picture book that is relatable for a lot of kids while still offering a window into a different culture. I loved little Asha -- sneakThis is a lovely picture book that is relatable for a lot of kids while still offering a window into a different culture. I loved little Asha -- sneakiness and all -- and I think this book can offer a good (and rare) opportunity to talk about how sometimes parents should take kids more seriously....more
A picture book that accomplishes a lot in a nice compact format. This book begins with a retelling of a story from the Ramayana -- how Lord Rama battlA picture book that accomplishes a lot in a nice compact format. This book begins with a retelling of a story from the Ramayana -- how Lord Rama battled the ten-headed demon Ravana and then was heralded home with celebratory lights. The story behind Diwali celebrations. Raaga hears this story and longs to participate in a Diwali celebration at the palace sharing her talent for singing. When she gets the courage to perform, she is mocked for for her dark skin color. But thinking back to Lord Rama she perseveres and her beautiful voice earns her a spot at the Diwali mela. I don't know a lot about Diwali, but this seems like a good introduction for younger readers with lots of richly hued illustrations. ...more
Emma decides that the world is too noisy and so she decides to live inside a whale. Finally, peace. But before long, another child invades her isolatiEmma decides that the world is too noisy and so she decides to live inside a whale. Finally, peace. But before long, another child invades her isolation to play with her. Emma strikes a deal, if the boy is quiet for half the day, she'll acknowledge him for the other half. To Emma's surprise, the plan works. Then she is able to "find her voice" which is what drove her to the whale to begin with, and Emma tells stories. The illustrations are cozy and whimsical and Emma's desire to retreat from too much stimulation is relatable. ...more
An inspiring picture book biography about resilience in the face of unbelievable trials. Yusra Mardini is a Syrian refugee who left her home in DamascAn inspiring picture book biography about resilience in the face of unbelievable trials. Yusra Mardini is a Syrian refugee who left her home in Damascus and walked and swam to Berlin before she was able to resume her dream of swimming at the Olympics. Spoiler, since this is a biography: she swam in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics as a member of the Refugee Team -- where she caught the world's attention....more
A really interesting biography of an unbelievable moment early in the career of a world-class athlete who is not widely known. This was an engaging boA really interesting biography of an unbelievable moment early in the career of a world-class athlete who is not widely known. This was an engaging book with exciting illustrations and rich back matter....more
I will start by saying I haven't read the original novel yet, so I can't really speak to changes between the two. But I can say that I really liked thI will start by saying I haven't read the original novel yet, so I can't really speak to changes between the two. But I can say that I really liked this book and I hope that this new format will help even more readers find this story. This is a cruelly realistic story about bullying and about how dramatically it can change your life and what it feels like when you don't have anyone to turn to. Readers will empathize with Piddy and feel indignant towards Yaqui who is bullying a girl she doesn't know at all. A limited color palette makes this book feel extra cool....more
Fair warning, you will read this book and want a cup of warm, sweet, spicy chai for yourself. Which is my way of saying this book does what it sets ouFair warning, you will read this book and want a cup of warm, sweet, spicy chai for yourself. Which is my way of saying this book does what it sets out to do and more. Rajani LaRocca is a true poet who can transport readers with her words and this book is no exception. With the help of lovely tonal illustrations readers will slow down and think about their favorite smells, tastes, and people. A story about stick-to-it-iveness and about slowly down to enjoy the best things. A lovely tale of mindfulness that has obvious classroom extension opportunities....more
This is a very thoughtful and needed book about a father who returns from deployment with PTSD and his son who is eager to help him get better. ThrougThis is a very thoughtful and needed book about a father who returns from deployment with PTSD and his son who is eager to help him get better. Through yoga, the father-son duo begin to heal. This book is handled in a compassionate and developmentally appropriate way with an emphasis on self-care and healthy conversations between family. The conversation that young Butta Bean has with their mother is especially poignant and effective. The illustrations use color to juxtapose healing and hurt and the subtle introduction of gold mirrors Daddy's healing journey. So needed and so well-done....more
It is always shocking to me how few great sports picture books are out there -- especially ones not written by athletes. Honestly, that is enough to mIt is always shocking to me how few great sports picture books are out there -- especially ones not written by athletes. Honestly, that is enough to make me like this book already. But we've recently had parents at my library looking for books about teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill-building and I know that this is the kind of book they are looking for. Being an athlete takes a lot of skill-building that isn't always fun, but can be so rewarding. The message of this book is straightforward but essential for anyone who wants to learn the game. Basketball terminology sprinkled throughout will help readers feel like this isn't dumbing things down for them, and the training that Maxwell receives in Basketball Town is just silly enough to not seem dull. Some references to basketball history (Phi Slama Jama, Harlem Globetrotters' headbands, etc.) make this a fun read for older ballers as well....more
Gorgeous picture book! I also loved Virginia Hamilton's The People Could Fly from the very first time I read it. This picture book based on a song basGorgeous picture book! I also loved Virginia Hamilton's The People Could Fly from the very first time I read it. This picture book based on a song based on that book is a perfect tonal match. Paying homage to the history and heritage behind the classic, while also exploring the themes anew. The illustrations are ethereal and full of color and love....more
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