Picture Books

Most People, by Michael Leannah

E Leannah

Summary: "Looks at the goodness of most people, pointing out how many more people there are in the world who would like to help others than would like to hurt them, and that even most of those who do bad things can change."

Sarah's Thoughts: Oh, I could not love this book more! I almost cried when I read this sweet and reassuring picture book. This book is the perfect reminder that "most people" are good and kind and caring, especially during these unsure and troubling times we seem to find ourselves in. The very diverse characters in this simple book remind children (and parents too!) that although it seems we hear about the bad in the world more often, there is plenty of goodness in the world and there always will be.

Sophie Scott Goes South, by Alison Lestor

E Lestor

Summary: Sophie Scott is only nine years old, but she's going to Antarctica on an icebreaker with her dad, the ship's captain. During the voyage to Mawson Station and back, Sophie keeps a diary. She sees icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. She makes new friends, wonders at the southern lights and even becomes stranded in a blizzard!"

Cassie's Thoughts: This is a marvelous book about Antarctica that includes a wonderful mix of drawings, paintings and photos mixing the girl's imagination with wonderful photographs. It's a longer-than-typical picture book but it held my 5 year old's attention very well. The voice of the young narrator is very inviting as we learn and journey along with her. 


If You Were a Penguin, by Wendell & Florence Minor

E Minor

Summary: "Pictures and rhyming text present some of the many extraordinary things penguins can do. Includes facts about penguins as well as related websites."

Kelly's Thoughts: Add this duo to my list of favorite authors who write about nature - animals in particular. The rhyming text is a bit goofy, but the information that is imparted, along with the beautiful, realistic illustrations, make this a great book for animal-loving families with varying age groups. 


Robinson, by Peter Sís
E Sís

Summary: "Robin and his friends are planning to dress up as pirates for their school's annual costume party, but instead his mother creates a Robinson Crusoe costume for him, and while the adults love it, his friends are less welcoming."

Adelle's Thoughts: I'd recommend reading this book for the artwork alone, but that may suggest this enchanting and heartwarming story isn't equally amazing -- and it is. IT SO IS. Read it for both and get ready to fall in love. My favorite Sís title to date. 


Thank You Bees, by Tony Yuly
E Yuly

Summary: "Combines spare, repetitive test with bright, torn-paper collage artwork in an introduction to how everyday things, from clouds that bring rain to sheep that provide wool, are connected to the natural world."

Kelly's Thoughts: This is my new favorite book about gratitude for very young people. Super simple prose - take this book home and have your kids thank the bees, the sun, the clouds and the dirt with you out loud! In my humble opinion, there's not a whole lot that's more important for children to learn than appreciation for the things that our earth gives us. 


Children's Non-Fiction


How to Survive as a Firefly, by Kristen Foote
J 595.7644 Foote

Summary: "Provides a unique take on insect science that will entertain and educate in and out of the classroom. Full of opportunities for extended learning, this book includes fun facts hidden throughout the hilarious illustrated story."

Adelle's Thoughts: Don't let the silly cartoon drawings, bug boot camp background, and gruff firefly sergeant fool you. This book is amazingly informative and is as fun as it is educational. A glossary of terms, frequently asked questions, as well as real photos of the insect at various stages are included, adding to the book's credibility. Perfect for curious kids and insect lovers alike! For another similarly formulated title with less humor, try Robins! How They Grow Up by Eileen Christelow. 


Chapter Books


Saving Lucas Biggs, by Marisa de los Santos
J de los Santos

Summary: "When thirteen-year-old Margaret's father is sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit, she knows the only way to save him is to use the forbidden family power of time travel."

Kelly's Thoughts: What a wonderful read! The characters are so beautifully developed and the subject gives a real page-turner quality to the book. 


Super Turbo series, by Lee Kirby
J Kirby

Summary: "After the last bell, classroom pet hamster Turbo becomes Super Turbo to fight evil, but he soon finds that he isn't the only super pet in town when he is forced to face an evil rat named Whiskerface."

Cassie's Thoughts: This is a fun, fast-moving, adventurous early chapter book series for kids who love humor, animals and superheroes. Each of the animal superheroes has his/her unique personality and strength. Your kid will fly through the series and will be ready for more! Luckily there are other similar series like Class Pet Squad.


Picks for Parents


History of Bees, by Maja Lunde
F Lunde

Summary: "Three generations of beekeepers from the past, present, and future pursue their dreams and endure painful losses while connecting with nature against the backdrop of an urgent global crisis."

Kelly's Thoughts: This is for the reading adult who cares about the environment and climate change (and can handle the seriousness and scary premise of the book! Be forewarned: it's not an easy read - I get it if you don't want to jump in!). It's an amazing novel about what could happen to civilization if we continue to ignore the adverse effects the machinations of humankind have on bees, the pollinators that we depend upon to support our food systems. A fascinating look into what can happen when we continue to ignore history.


The Animators, by Kayla Rae Whitaker
F Whitaker

Summary: "Two women, who met in an art class in college and instantly became best friends, try to salvage their relationship after their successful animated filmmaking partnership nearly destroys their personal lives a decade later."

Cassie's Thoughts: Wow. This book has such vivid characters that I feel lost without them now that the book is over. This is an incredible book that explores the depths of true friendship and how it is that we each come to be with the stories of our past. So good. 


Love Walked In, by Marisa de los Santos
F de los Santos

Summary: "Harboring romantic notions about golden-age Hollywood film stars, thirty-one-year-old Philadelphia café manger Cornelia Brown embarks on a too-good-to-be-true relationship with the debonair Martin Grace."

Kelly's Thoughts: For an adult fiction author to bring you back to the here and now and to hope and love, look no further than this one. Start with this, and be prepared to yearn for more by this author after you've finished the book. As a parent, I loved the premise of the book.