A Few Favorite Picture Books I Read in 2023

 I did not read as much as I usually do in 2023, but I still have some favorites to share. These picture books were not all books published in 2023, but they are books I read in 2023. I won't post descriptions, but if you click on the covers, you can read about the books on Goodreads. 

Fiction Picture Books

Nonfiction Picture Books

What are some of your favorites from 2023? 

Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska by Helen Moss

Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska

by Helen Moss

Published Nov. 2023

Godwin Books

Hardcover

192 Pages

Historical Fiction

Middle Grade

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

It's the winter of 1924 and a diptheria outbreak is threatening the population of Nome, Alaska. The only way to stop the deadly illness from causing a full blown epidemic is to immediately deliver one million units of the diptheria antitoxin to the affected communities ––a task that seems impossible given that the only way to reach any place in Alaska at this time of year is by dog sled. The stakes are high, and the snow is piling higher. Will the antitoxin make it in time? Or will the infection spread faster than they can treat it...

Follow along as Balto and Togo lead the way in this race against time to get the antitoxin and save lives.

My Thoughts

The story of Balto is one that many children, and adults have heard before. There are many books on the heroic sled dog delivering medicine to Nome Alaska, but most focus almost solely on Balto, the brave sled dog. In this story, the reader gets a clearer picture of the tremendous collective efforts that were necessary in making this mission a success. While Balto is the most famous of the dogs, we learn about various sled mushers and dogs and the challenges they face. In particular we learn about Togo, a smart and strong lead dog who keeps his team on track. 

Moss has researched the event well and includes important and interesting details that will have readers on the edge of their seats. She included discussions between the dogs that she imagined they would have had as they forged on in subzero weather. This dialogue makes the story even more interesting. 

I will definitely be adding this books to my school library. 

See What Others Have to Say About this Book:

Kirkus

Here is some more info on Togo if you are interested. 

Duel by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley

 Duel 

by Jessixa Bagley 

Illustrated by Aaron Bagley

Published Nov. 7, 2023

Simon & Schuster

Paperback

Graphic Novel

307 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A rivalry between sisters culminates in a fencing duel in this funny and emotional debut graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.

Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). They’ve only got one thing in fencing. Oh, and they’re sisters. They never got along super well, but ever since their dad died, it seems like they’re always at each other’s throats.

When GiGi humiliates Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges GiGi to a duel with high sisterly stakes. If GiGi wins, Lucy promises to stay out of GiGi’s way; if Lucy wins, GiGi will stop teasing Lucy for good. But after their scene in the cafeteria, both girls are on thin ice with the principal and their mom. Lucy stopped practicing fencing after their fencer dad died and will have to get back to fighting form in secret or she’ll be in big trouble. And GiGi must behave perfectly or risk getting kicked off the fencing team.

As the clock ticks down to the girls’ fencing bout, the anticipation grows. Their school is divided into GiGi and Lucy factions, complete with t-shirts declaring kids’ allegiances. Both sisters are determined to triumph. But will winning the duel mean fracturing their family even further?

My Thoughts

I have admired Jessixa Bagley's work for years, but to my knowledge this is her first graphic novel. Her husband Aaron, a comic illustrator, created the illustrations in his first graphic novel project. 

First, I love that there is a character named GiGi. My younger self would have been beyond thrilled to see her name in a book! 

There is a unique set of complex and powerful emotions involved in sibling rivalry. Why is it that we can say and do the most awful things to our siblings that we would never imagine doing to another person? The Bagley team does an amazing job in depicting the tangled emotions between Lucy and GiGi through intense dialogue and actions. They use thought boxes to show the show the characters' inner feelings of fear, anxiety and deep sadness. I think students will enjoy being able to see what is going on in the heads of the siblings as they argue. 

I learned a lot about the sport of fencing through the chapter introductions. Each one introduces an aspect of the sport that also relates to the current action and mood in the story. The action gradually builds to a climax that leaves the reader surprised, satisfied and hopeful for the sibling and family dynamic. Perhaps there will be a sequel? 

I am excited to add Duel to my school library.  

See What Others Have to Say About Duel:

Kirkus

Publishers Weekly

Bookworm for Kids

Creepy Books by Aaron Reynolds in the Library

This past week was "Creepy Week" in the library. I decided to start a bit of a tradition during Halloween week and read all three of Aaron Reynolds' and Peter Brown's books in the "Creepy" series. 

I read Creepy Carrots with 1st grade, Creepy Pair of Underwear with 2nd grade, and Creepy Crayon with grades 3-5. This is the order of publication and I kept them in order, even though they can stand alone, because the last 2 books have an "Easter egg" from the previous books. Jasper Rabbit is an endearing character and the "creepy" characters have a silliness to them that draw students in without scaring them. 

Although some of the students had read the books, or some of them, they still enjoyed the stories. I used the soundscapes from Novel Effect which added just the right amount of effect of music, sounds and brief dialogue without overpowering the story. 

 

We are currently working on tracking fiction stories, story elements, and orally summarizing. These stories lend themselves perfectly to this work as the problems are obvious and Jasper tries several things to get rid of the creepy characters without success until he finally gets rid of them or solves them problem in some way. 

After checkout I like to have choices for the students. This week they could design their own carrots, underwear and a crayon bookmark from templates included in the Novel Effect resources. 

The most popular choice was the STEM challenge to build a trap to capture the creepy characters. The students were provided different building supplies and they were able to design and build their prototypes. I do not have a makerspace, but I do have a small collection of building supplies and consumables and I am trying to be more intentional about using them. 

A successful read aloud, in my opinion, leaves students wanting to read more from the author or stories similar to the read aloud. These books were checked out right away on Friday and I am fairly certain that they will not be on the shelves for a while. It was a fun week for sure. 

Quick Share-The Great Big ME Experiment by Alli Brydon

The Great Big ME Experiment by Alli Brydon
Illustrated by Harry Briggs

Expected Publication Oct. 17, 2023

By Odd Dot Publishing

Paperback

176 Pages

Interactive format

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Goodreads Summary

Uncover all the unique and incredible things about your body, your feelings, your mind, and more! Filled with experiments to test you, teach you, make you giggle, and make you go Whaaaa?!, each page will inspire wonder and show you the remarkable, surprising, beautiful, and messy stuff inside us all.
Get ready to experiment . . . on YOU!
Activities fab fingerprints • tell your smell • dissect a booger • dye your poop pink • color your feelings • fear crusher • can you fool your brain? • animal attributes • and sixty-seven more!

Image from Amazon.com.

I would have LOVED this book when I was younger! It is filled with personal quizzes, interesting facts, tips on managing feelings, friendship, art activities and so much more. Perfect for tweens and early teens. 

Quick Share-Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love by Saira Mir

Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love 

by Saira Mir

Illustrated by Shahrzad MayDani

Published August 22, 2023

Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Hardcover Picture Book

Fiction

32 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

This much-needed picture book about navigating the difficult experience of pregnancy loss meets young readers at their level to offer a tender look at grieving someone who never entered the world.

Raya can’t wait for her baby sister to arrive. She’s already got a name—Nura—and Raya is certain they’ll be best friends. She’s got all kinds of plans for things they’ll do together like run through the sprinklers, play dress-up, and give piggyback rides.

But one day, Mama returns from the doctor with tears in her eyes. Nura won’t be coming home after all. Raya feels confused and sad, like all the love she has for Nura is trapped inside her. With the help of family, friends, and her school counselor, though, Raya finds a way to grieve this loss and to share the love she’ll always feel for her sister.

This sweet book portrays the excitement of a new sibling about to enter the world and the feelings of loss, confusion and sadness of a lost pregnancy in a way that is straightforward without being scary. 

It is an important reminder that siblings also grieve after this kind of loss. 

The illustrations are soft and fuzzy. Color changes and patterns are used to show emotional changes throughout the story. 

This book would make a great addition to a collection about grief and loss. 

Recent Reads-September 9, 2023

Hi everyone!

Here are a couple of books I have enjoyed reading lately. (Images from Goodreads). Click on the covers to learn more about each book. 

When looking for books to share around Indigenous People's Day, I read these two books. I loved them both and plan to get them for my library. 

Add this one to your collection of books on stereotypes and gender norms and expectations. 

I read there Maine Student Book Award books recently. 

I have a student who discovered skateboarding over the summer. 

I can't wait to share this book with him. 

Just Beautiful!

This gorgeous book is accessible to all students.

This was a really good audiobook. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? August 7, 2023

 

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

I am still enjoying summer reading! Here are a few recent highlights. Click on the book covers to learn more about the books.

This book is on the Maine Student Book Award List this year. It is a great historical fiction choice that gives a unique perspective of WWII. 

This graphic novel is also on the MSBA list. 

I predict that it will never be on my shelf. 

Told through the voice of a teacher trying to explain slavery to students. An honest, important book to read, share and discuss. 

Powerful illustrations add to the emotional experience. 

Listening 

Upcoming Reading

I am trying to work my way through many of the Maine Student Book Award book for this year so I can recommend them to my students. I am also reading books from various mock Caldecott lists. 

What are you reading friends? 

Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staub

 Bark Ship Bonnie 

by Stephanie Staub 

Art by Fiona Lee

Published March, 2023

Cameron Kids

Fiction

Hardcover

32 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A sailing adventure featuring a girl, her dog, and their boat, complete with a “Ship Slang” glossary and diagram of a real bark ship

Bonnie lass, bark sailor on a bark ship cast off, set sail, chase sea tales, befriend whales, scope islands, outwit squalls, and make it home in time to slip back into the slip and sleep, in this delightfully salty tale of a girl, her dog, and a boat.

My Thoughts

I did not know what a bark ship was prior to reading this book. Thankfully there is a diagram of a bark ship as well as a glossary of "ship slang" at the end of the book. 

The lyrical text is full of these slang and many more rich vocabulary terms that can be explored with children. 

The illustrations are simple and colorful, each page with a nautical feel. This book could make a nice addition to an ocean or boating unit. 

Image from Amazon.

They Are Here!: How Invasive Species Are Spoiling Our Ecosystems

 

They Are Here!: How Invasive Species Are Spoiling Our Ecosystems

by Roland Smith

Published May, 2023

Henry Holt and Co. 

Nonfiction

Hardcover

160 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

From the New York Times -bestselling author, Roland Smith, comes a fascinating, fact-filled resource that explores how humans have introduced―on purpose and by accident―plants and animals to parts of the world where they were previously unknown. . .sometimes with disastrous results.

Did you know that brown rats were brought to the United States in the eighteenth century on a ship from England? Or that thousands of exotic pets were released into the Florida Everglades after a hurricane in 1992, leading to today’s booming Burmese python population? All over the country, non-native species from around the world have been introduced to our lands, irrevocably changing the natural balances of their new habitats.

This is the story of some of those newcomers, but also of human error and nature gone wild. By looking at thirty different intrusive plants and animals, They Are Here! explores invasive species, their impact on our environment, and the steps we can take to support local ecosystems under threat.

My Thoughts

I found this book really interesting. It includes definitions and describes ways that invasive species enter ecosystems. I was very surprised by how many animals are categorized as invasive species, the damage they do and the money it costs to try to control them. I do wish there was a table of contents, but the chapters are organized by type of animal. I found the chapter about how Burmese Pythons became an invasive species in Florida because of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. 

While there are very few illustrations and no photographs, the short sections with interesting information will appeal to many students. 

Some Books I Have Read Recently-July 13

 Here are a few books I have finished in recent weeks. 

Tumble

by Celia C. Pérez

A 2023-24 Maine Student Book Award Contender

Addie seeks answers from her absent biological father and learns agreat deal about  herself and what it means to be  family in the process.

Hidden Truths 

by Elly Swartz

Expected Publication October, 2023

ebook copy provided by Netgalley

Can secrets and mistakes destroy a lifelong friendship? 

There is so much to dive into in this thoughtful middle grade book. 

Look for it this fall. 

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library 

Graphic Novel

Expected Publication November, 2023

ebook copy provided by Netgalley

The graphic novel captures all the important events from the original novel. I think this version will appeal to many students and will create new fans of the series. 

Garvey's Choice 

The Graphic Novel

I loved the original Garvey's Choice novel in verse. Although this version sticks closely to the origin text, I prefer the original. Part of Garvey's struggle is that he is overweight, but the illustrated Garvey doesn't really seem to be quite what I would picture. But, many students will enjoy it. 

Two Spring Releases: Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy and The World's Worst Time Machine

  Here two finished copies of spring releases that I was able to read this week. 

Doggo and Pupper and the Search for Cozy

by Katherine Applegate

Illustrated by Charlie Alder

Expected publication March 28, 2023

Feiwell and Friends 

Hardcover

96 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

In Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy — the conclusion to the Doggo and Pupper early readers trilogy by New York Times-bestselling author Katherine Applegate with a brightly colored palette from Charlie Alder — the canines help Cat adjust to a big change: A new bed!

When Cat announces that the Humans have given her a surprise present, Doggo and Pupper are all ears. But when they find out that Cat has a new bed and misses her old one, they set out to help her search for cozy.

Change is difficult, and Katherine Applegate understands how it feels to miss a beloved source of security. Very young readers will relate to Doggo, Pupper, and Cat, and appreciate their friendship and empathy.

My Thoughts
This was the first book I have read in this series. It is adorable and I am sure kids love it already. The full color illustrations add another layer of appeal. I am always searching for short books with lower reading levels that don't seem too young. I would suggest this book for grades 1-3 as an independent read and K-2 as a read aloud. 

World's Worst Time Machine

by Dustin Brady

Illustrated by Dave Bardin

Expected Publication April 25, 2023

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Hardcover

192 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

From best-selling author, Dustin Brady comes a new illustrated novel series perfect for fans who love funny, unexpected adventures and wacky plot twists.

For kids, life can be boring, but Liam and Elsa know how to create their own fun—or so they think. After finding a $3 time machine at a garage sale, Liam uses the machine to summon Thomas Edison for help with his book report. It's not until the time machine sends a different Thomas Edison from the 1930s that chaos ensues.

World's Worst Time Machine is the newest series from best-selling children's book author, Dustin Brady. Using his signature style, Brady's laugh-out-loud sense of humor and daring adventure will keep even the most reluctant reader wanting to turn the page.

My Thoughts

If you like fast-paced events with some silliness and a bit of chaos mixed in, this is the book for you. It is described as an illustrated novel, but in my opinion, it could use lots more illustrations for the intended audience. I would lean toward 5th grade and middle school for this one. 

Bomb (Graphic Novel): The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Bomb (Graphic Novel): The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

By Steve Sheinkin

Illustrated by Nick Bertozzi

Published January, 2023

Roaring Brook Press

Paperback

Nonfiction

Graphic Novel

256 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary

A riveting graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning nonfiction book, Bomb —the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War.

In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.

In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.

New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin's award-winning nonfiction book is now available reimagined in the graphic novel format. Full color illustrations from Nick Bertozzi are detailed and enriched with the nonfiction expertise Nick brings to the story as a beloved artist, comic book writer, and commercial illustrator who has written a couple of his own historical graphic novels, including Shackleton and Lewis & Clark.

Accessible, gripping, and educational, this new edition of Bomb is perfect for young readers and adults alike.

 

My Thoughts

I have to say that I really enjoy reading nonfiction graphic novels. I read the original novel when it first came out several years ago and enjoyed it very much. Bertozzi took the original story and created a riveting graphic novel version that will have wide appeal.  Students who found the original denser text intimidating will be able to access this new version. The detailed illustrations give the feel of an old comic and darker coloring make the reader believe they are in the 1940's. 

Bomb will make a great addition to any middle school or high school collection. 

See What Others Have to Say About This Book:

School Library Journal

Kirkus

Evergreen by Matthew Cordell

Evergreen 

by Matthew Cordell

Published Feb. 2023

Feiwel Friends 

Hardcover

Picture Book

Fiction

48 pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A picture book by Caldecott medal winner Matt Cordell about a timid squirrel who makes a brave journey to help a relative who is ill.

Evergreen the squirrel is afraid of many things: thunder, hawks, and the dark paths of Buckthorn Forest. But when her mother tasks Evergreen with delivering soup to her sick Granny Oak, the little squirrel must face her fears and make the journey.

Along the way, Evergreen is met by other forest dwellers – some want to help her, but some want her mother’s delicious soup! It’s up to Evergreen to stay the course, and those who help her will surprise and delight young readers.

Using an art style reminiscent of the work of William Steig and Arnold Lobel, Matthew Cordell creates a classic tale of bravery and love.

My Thoughts

I would describe Evergreen as a new book with a classic feel. Evergreen is a sweet character that students will fall in love with. They will also relate to her fears and her bravery in doing hard things. 

Readers will get treated to an adventure story that is longer than most picture books (48 pages). But the length feels appropriate for all  Evergreen needs to do. Divided into 6 sections, this story could be read in one longer sitting or over multiple days. It will appeal most to students in K-3. 

Evergreen offers opportunities to have rich discussions about fear and bravery. Readers can also explore character feelings, traits and character changes over time, and the various roles of minor supporting characters. 

I love Matthew Cordell's unique illustration style. It is on full display in this new book. He has chosen muted earth tones which is what I think gives it a classic feel reminiscent of Frog and Toad. 

Image obtained from https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250317179/evergreen 

I will be happy to add this new adventure story to my school library.