Lost by Bob Staake

Lost 

by Bob Staake

Published Oct. 1, 2024

Anne Schwartz Books

48 Pages

Hardcover

Fiction

Wordless Picture Book

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

In this paneled picture book, join a small girl on her hilarious and surprising search for her lost cat--and watch as she helps her neighbors, who have also lost their pets, along the way!Where, oh where is Kitty? She's not upstairs... not in her litter box... not at her food bowl. Hmm...There's only one thing to find this lost cat.As the cat's owner roams town in hopes of finding her pet, she discovers she's not the only one missing their beloved animal. There's also a lost dog...a lost bird...even a lost giraffe! Join the search party in this almost wordless story that celebrates helping our neighbors and gently reminds us that what is lost can always be found.

My Thoughts

I LOVE a wordless picture book and this one does not disappoint. The story is told through panels with flashbacks depicted on full-page circles. There is so much to explore and discuss! 

Why are some characters shown in color and others in black and white? 

Who changes?

How do they change? 

What does the author want us to learn? 

Images from Amazon.com 

You will definitely want to add LOST to your wordless picture book collection!

Bounce!: A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee

Bounce!: A Scientific History of Rubber 

by Sarah Albee

Illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen

Published by Charlesbridge

Published Oct. 2024

48 Pages

Hardcover

Nonfiction

Review copy provided by publisher

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Goodreads Summary

Ever wondered what makes rubber bounce? Or why it's stretchy? And WHY is rubber so . . . rubbery?! Learn the fascinating science and history behind this ubiquitous material!

With sidebars, graphics, fun facts, and more, the history of rubber reveals plenty of fascinating secrets and surprises. Elementary school readers will discover that early balls didn't bounce; that people in the rainforest made waterproof gear from rubber thousands of years before Europeans got into the act; and that sneakers, bicycles, and cars created demand for more and more rubber!

Back matter includes a time line and a bit about the complicated implications of harvesting rubber.

My Thoughts

If someone had asked me if I would like to read a nonfiction book about the scientific history of rubber, I would probably have passed on then opportunity. But if they told me that the book was written by Sarah Albee, I would jump at the chance. Sarah Albee takes a mundane topic, like rubber, and turns it into a fascinating book that combines the history behind the substance as well as the science behind how rubber works. 

I absolutely love how this book is structured alternating bits of history followed by scientific information about rubber including the chemistry that makes it behave the way it does. Readers are exposed to rich content-specific vocabulary throughout the text. 

The illustrations are engaging and help readers understand the historical and scientific content. 

Images from Amazon.com 

I can't wait to add this book to my school library! 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? Oct. 14, 2024

 

Please visit the Unleashing Readers blog who host IMWAYR! 

Here are a few things I have read recently.

This Rock is Mine!

by

Kaye Umansky

Illustrated by Alice McKinley

Published by Peachtree 2023

Hardcover

Fiction Picture Book

Copy provided by publisher

From Goodreads: Friendship wins the day in this fabulously funny quarrel! Two frogs sit on an ordinary little rock. But . . . uh-oh! Both frogs think it's their rock - and they really don't want to share!

The frogs fight and squabble furiously. But when a hungry heron swoops down, both frogs realise it's time to find another rock . . . together!

Kaye Umansky's brilliantly simple rhyming story shows how two grumpy frogs go from fighting . . . to friendship (with lots of laughter along the way.)

Alice McKinley's hilarious illustrations bring to life every twist and turn of this wonderfully witty little drama.

Written in absolutely perfect rhyme, this story is a joy to read aloud. Every parent and child will identify with these squabbling frogs. An excellent (and very funny) lesson in how to resolve a quarrel! Kaye Umansky is one of the UK's best-loved children's authors. She is a brilliant comic writer, and is the award-winning creator of the bestselling Pongwiffy fiction series. Her superb rhyming picture books have echoes of Dr Seuss.

Alice McKinley's illustrations are full of warmth and humour, and packed with clever details to spot.

I enjoyed this book and think it would make a very fun read aloud with it's rhyming text and relatable situation. It offers opportunities to discuss sharing and friendship. 

Snow Is...

by Laura Gehl

Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez

Expected Publication Oct. 29, 2024

Simon & Schuster

Hardcover

Fiction Picture Book

Poetry

Copy provided by publisher

From Goodreads: From award-winning author Laura Gehl, a sparkling, lyrical picture book about the magic of an early snow.
It’s dawn and there is snow all around. The wonder of winter’s first snowfall brings the magic of changing seasons and sees a family sharing the perfect snow day with coziness and togetherness from dawn to dusk.

This is a beautiful book that combines simple poetry with gorgeous illustrations. I can imagine students writing poetry following the same pattern with various topics. 

Currently Reading

I Want to Read ALL the Books by Debbie Ohi

I Want to Read ALL the Books 

by Debbie Ohi

Expected Publication

Sept. 17, 2024

Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Hardcover

48 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

An insatiably curious girl decides the only way to answer all her questions is to read all the books in this funny and charming picture book in the spirit of The Library Fish and Tom Chapin’s The Library Book.Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction. But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what?

My Thoughts

What book lover can't relate to Hana's desire to tread ALL the books? She started with a list of questions and then she read books to find the answers to the questions which, inevitably, led to more questions. I won't spoil the ending, but when she realizes that she won't be able to read ALL the books in the world, she needs to see how she can still read lots of books, but then she realizes she can also share the love of reading. 

I can see lots of lists of questions being created in classrooms after reading this book. I can't wait to read it to students in my library. 

Visit Debbie Ohi's website to learn more about the making of this book. 

Finding Grateful by Dianne White and Faith Pray

Finding Grateful 

by Dianne White

Illustrated by Faith Pray

Published April, 2024

Chronicle Books

Hardcover 

44 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A heartfelt picture book that celebrates embracing the moment and finding gratitude right here, right now.

What does grateful look like? How does it feel? How do you find it? Even in the face of a challenge, you don’t need a You just need to pay attention to the little things—a smile, a hug, the smell of newly cut grass—that add up to a sense of presence and hope.

With evocative, lyrical prose, this warmly illustrated children's book is a reminder to pause, reflect, and take in the glimmers of positivity and connection that can be found amid even the most difficult circumstances. Both a timely meditation on finding gratitude in everyday moments and a timeless ode to the simple joy of truly being present, Finding Grateful encourages readers to slow down and embrace the beauty of being right where they are.

MODELS Kids aren’t immune to the stress and anxiety of an uncertain future—far from it! This book offers powerful tools for reclaiming their thoughts and emotions in difficult practicing awareness, staying open to and present in the world around them, and finding moments of gratitude each and every day.

CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY IN SMALL This picture book's embrace of joy in everyday moments will resonate with parents of observant and curious children who are fascinated by everything in their world.

MAKES BIG FEELINGS MORE Teaching social and emotional skills to kids is more important than ever, and this expressive book models a thoughtful, engaging way of emerging from difficult moments with lasting feelings of gratitude.

A WARM With its accessible and soothing tone, this exuberant yet gentle picture book is just right for reading to kids and for kids reading independently.

Perfect

My Thoughts

Finding Grateful is a sweet reminder that even in the face of challenges, there is still much to be grateful for.  After their car breaks down the girl and her mother find small blessings along the way as they walk to find help: a flower growing in a crack in the sidewalk, a cool sprinkle of water on a hot day, and a smile from a stranger. This book reminds readers that gratitude comes in many forms, big and small. I will be adding Finding Grateful to my school library and our school SEL book list. 

Image from Amazon.com 

September 21 is World Gratitude Day so you still have some time to grab your copy. 

Find recommended reading, activities, and links at findinggrateful.com.

Dianne White is a writing teacher and the author of many award-winning picture books, including Blue on Blue, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes, and Dark on Light, illustrated by Felicita Sala. Forthcoming publications include It's Your Time to Shine, illustrated by Nanette Regan, and Finding Grateful, illustrated by Faith Pray. Dianne loves purple flowers, puppies, and “finding grateful” each and every day. For more, visit findinggrateful.com and diannewrites.com.

Miss MacDonald Has a Farm by Kaylee Gwarjanski and Elizabet Vukovic

 

Miss MacDonald Has a Farm

by Kaylee Gwarjanski Illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic 

Published March 2024

Double Day Books for Young Readers

Fiction

Picture Book

Hardcover 32 Pages

Review copy provided publisher

Goodreads Summary

In this female-forward spin on the traditional children's song "Old MacDonald", readers can join Miss MacDonald on her vegetable farm and see all the work that goes into growing healthy and delicious produce.
"Miss MacDonald has a farm,
She loves things that grow!"
E-I-E-I-GROW! With a "weed-weed" here and a "pick-pick" there, young readers can follow Miss MacDonald as she tends to her vegetable farm. It's a rollicking, rhyming read-aloud that ends in a community feast and celebrates themes of healthy eating, plant-based meals, local produce, gardening, seasons, and female farmers.

My Thoughts

Miss MacDonald takes her garden from planting to tending, harvesting, preparing, and cooking her produce. Readers will be exposed to the vocabulary of gardening in this rhythmic, rhyming text. While you can read it to the tune of "Old MacDonald", this text is not as predictable and offers more information as Miss MacDonald tends to different types of vegetables. 

The illustrations are bright and colorful and show the planting configuration and growth patterns of each unique veggie. 

This adorable book just might have kids eating (and planting) their veggies!

See What Others Have to Say

Kirkus

KALEE GWARJANSKI is a homeschooling mom to four book-loving children living in the woods of Maine. She holds a BS in mechanical engineering and an MS in teaching from the University of Maine. Between degrees, she followed her passion of food by attending Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Ottawa, Ontario and worked as a personal chef before turning to picture book writing full time. Miss MacDonald Has a Farm is her debut picture book. Learn more about Kalee at kaleegwarjanski.com and follow her on Twitter at @KaleeGwar.

ELIZABET VUKOVIĆ is an illustrator from Rotterdam, the Netherlands with a degree from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She is the illustrator of a number of picture books, including An Ordinary Day (Beach Lane/S&S, 2020), which received two starred reviews. See more of her work online at elizabetvukovic.com and follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @elizabetvukovic.

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic by Margaux Meganck

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic 
by Margaux Meganck

Published March 2024

Knopf Books for Young Readers

40 Pages

Picture Book

Library Binding

Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Received a starred review from Kirkus

Goodreads Summary

Everything and everyone has a place in the universe, but for a little speck, lost at sea, it will take an extraordinary journey to find it.

Deep in a tide pool, too small to see,
Thousands of tiny specks go forth.
Each one searching
for a place to stay, and grow, and thrive...

The little speck does not know what it is, only that it wishes to find out. And so it embarks on a journey across the sea. From sun-flecked surf to darkest depths, past schools of fish, storm-tossed ships and hungry eels.... Until, at last, it finds exactly what it was looking a place to belong.

In vivid watercolor paintings, Margaux Meganck brings this tale to life, seamlessly shifting perspective to show how even the tiniest creatures—every barnacle, every child, every star in the sky—contributes to something greater than itself.

My Thoughts

The sparce text makes this book seem simple, but this beautiful picture book is more than it seems. On the surface (pun intended) it appears to be a story about little specks in the ocean finding a place to land. But it serves as a metaphor for each individual living thing having a place to belong. 

The illustrations are outstanding! Meganck uses colored pencil and watercolor to create a wonderous underwater world that readers will be drawn to. 

I will definitely be adding Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic to my school library. 

See What Others Have to Say

Kirkus

Cracking the Cover

Mom Read It

Learn more about the work of Margaux Meganck from her website. 

No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons

No Cats in the Library 
by Lauren Emmons

Published March 2024

Paula Wiseman Books

Hardcover

Picture Book

32 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A stray cat follows her love of books all the way to a new library home in this charming debut picture book, perfect for fans of The Library Fish and Kitten and the Night Watchman .

Clarisse is a clever cat who loves books. She may not understand the dark, squiggly lines, but she can’t get enough of the pictures. One day, she stumbles upon a magical building where people walk in empty-handed and come out with an armload of books. She has to find a way inside!

There’s just one NO CATS are allowed in the library! That’s not going to stop clever Clarisse, though. Once she sneaks in, she stumbles upon exciting new stories and even helps a little girl practice reading aloud. But when the librarian comes looking, will Clarisse be allowed to stay?

My Thoughts

Young readers will love this sweet story and will be begging for read aloud cats in the library. They will be rooting for this little kitty to find its way into the library. Initially the librarian, or "keeper of the books" shoos the cat out. But she eventually agrees to let the cat stay to be a read aloud cat to the children who visit after she sees how much it helped the readers.

The illustrations are done in a limited color palette. The people in the book represent different races and cultures.

I am always looking for new books about libraries and can't wait to share this one with my students.

Visit Laura Emmons' Website.

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants 

by Philip Bunting

Published March 2024

Crown Books for Young Readers

Nonfiction Picture Book

Hardcover

32 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Take a peek under the rock, and discover what we can learn from the world of the ant, in this delightful blend of nonfiction and inspirational humor by author-illustrator Philip Bunting!

There are ten quadrillion ants in the world, and yet I bet you never thought they could teach you anything. But these tiny creatures can do big things when they work together--just like people!

With his signature humor and graphic illustrations, Philip Bunting delivers facts, laughs, and heart all in this special book that teaches that the answers to many of life’s biggest questions can be found in your own back yard (once you’re ready to look).

My Thoughts

Did you know that there are ten quadrillion ants on the planet? I learned that fact, and so many more facts about these amazing insects from this book. It is simple and straightforward filled with engaging information and equally impressive graphics. 

Image from Amazon.com

I can't wait to share this book with my students! 

It's Your Time to Shine by Dianne White & Nanette Regan

It's Your Time to Shine 
by Dianne White

Illustrated by Nanette Regan

Published March, 2025

Little Simon Books

Board Book

Copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Inspire readers to go off into the world as the bold and brave person they are with this empowering board book that tells them now is their time!
It’s your time to shine.
Show the world who you
confident,
courageous
a bright rising star!

Growing up means there are times for feeling your best, succeeding, feeling uncertain, and failing—and everything in between. Things may be ever-changing but this moment, right now—whether it’s a regular day or a pivotal occasion like a graduation—is the reader’s time to take charge.

My Thoughts

Reminicent of Oh the Places You'll Go!, This book takes a positive futuristic view of a young life's ups and downs. With fun rhyming text, little ones will want to hear it read over and over again. I liked how the child in the book grows up throughout the book and she is seen achieving goals and overcoming challenges. The illustrations are very sweet and soft around the edges. 

It's Your Time would make a great baby gift! 

Here is some info about the author.
Dianne White is a writing teacher and the author of many award-winning picture books, including Blue on Blue, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes, and Dark on Light, illustrated by Felicita Sala. Forthcoming publications include It's Your Time to Shine, illustrated by Nanette Regan and Finding Grateful, illustrated by Faith Pray. Dianne loves small moments of quiet, big plans, and making new memories with her family. For more, visit diannewrites.com.

Sourgrass by Hope Lim & Shahrzad Maydani

Sourgrass 

by Hope Lim & Shahrzad Maydani

Expected Publication March 26, 2024

Beach Lane Books

Fiction

Picture Book

Hardcover

40 Pages

Review Copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

What do you do when your best friend moves away? This hopeful and resonant book filled with soft, vibrant illustrations tells the story of two friends who find a way to keep their special friendship alive, no matter the distance.

Every day, Sofia and May meet at the door of their shared fence. Sofia can always count on May to show up and May can always count on Sofia to wait for her. One spring day, Sofia and May discover a field of wild sourgrass flowers beyond their yards. The field becomes their favorite place, and the two friends grow closer than ever. But when May moves away, Sofia starts to Will their friendship last?

As the girls navigate a long-distance friendship, Sofia realizes that some friends are forever, even when they’re apart.

My Thoughts

What a sweet, gorgeous book! 

May and Sofia's friendship is like the Sourgrass, consistent. They can count on each other like they can count on the sourgrass showing up each spring. When their friendship is tested by distance, readers will need to read on see if they can remain friends (I won't spoil the ending here).  

This scenario is very familiar and relatable to children. They will enjoy reading how the long-distance friendship fares after the letters slowly stop coming. 

The story is told beautifully with rich word choices and figurative language. The illustrations are lovely with soft, colorful images. 

Image from Amazon.com

Pair Sourgrass with Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away by Meg Medina. 

This Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhanych

This Little Kitty in the Garden 

by Karen Obuhanych

Published January, 2024

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Fiction

Picture Book

32 Pages

Hardcover

Review Copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Spring is blooming, and what better way for rascally kittens to celebrate than by causing mischief in the garden in this charming picture book!
Spring has sprung on Sakura Way.
The five little kittles will garden today!

My Thoughts

This is a very cute book. Readers will learn about the steps of planting a garden in the spring through the experience of the cats. The rhyming text adds to the book's appeal and readers are exposed to terminology like tendril, rascals, and seedling. The cats are all different with various personalities and a fluffy bunny even makes an appearance. The target audience for this book is toddlers through kindergarten in my opinion. It would make a nice addition to your spring, garden or cat books. 

Image from Amazon.com 

Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah & Aya Ghanameh

Dear Muslim Child 

by Rahma Rodaah & Aya Ghanameh

Published February, 2024

Balzar & Bray

32 Pages

Hardcover 

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

This inspirational picture book from the author of Dear Black Child encourages Muslim children to take joy and pride in their Islamic faith. Perfect for fans of In My Mosque and The Proudest Blue . Dear Muslim Child, your story matters. In this lyrical ode to Islam, Muslim children all over the world are encouraged to celebrate their faith and traditions.

My Thoughts

I found this book to be informative and inspiring. Readers will learn a lot of vocabulary relating to the Muslim faith as they learn about being a Muslim child. Most of the words are accompanied by a story of its origin or its importance in Muslim culture. I appreciate how the people depicted have diverse skin colors and appear to be form different backgrounds showing readers that Muslim people do not all look the same. 

I am always looking for books about different religions that explain the religion and its culture in simple terms. This book would be a good read aloud any time of year, but with Ramadan coming up in March, it would be a great choice as a general book about the Muslim religion. 

Image provided by publisher

See What Others Have to Say About This Book

Kirkus

Crafty Moms Share

Rahma Rodaah was born and raised in Hargeisa, Somaliland. At the age of eight, her family immigrated to Canada where she still resides today. She is a mother of four children and enjoys reading and coming up with silly bedtime stories. She is also the author of two self-published picture books and firmly believes that children need to be able to identify themselves in the books they read. You can visit her online at rahmarodaah.com.

Aya Ghanameh is a Palestinian illustrator, writer, and designer from Amman, Jordan. She received her BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design with a concentration in literary arts, and completed a yearlong Children's Books & Gifts Design Fellowship at Chronicle Books. You can visit her online at ayaghanameh.com.

Don't Trust Cats:Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dev Petty & Mike Bolt

Don't Trust Cats: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog 

by Dev Petty & Mike Bolt

Published January, 2024

Double Day Books for Young Readers

Hardcover

Picture Book

32 Pages

Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads Summary

Chip the dog from Don't Eat Bees is back, with more "wisdom" to share, including some hard-won life lessons about cats. From the favorite picture book comic duo of Dev Petty and Mike Boldt.Chip has been described as very smart and also a dog. And because he's a very good boy, he's going to share his tips on how to live your best life, Don't trust cats. Not even the little, fluffy ones with big eyes. Nohow, no meow.Trust the squirrel you always chase, trust grandpa (sure, he cheats at cards but he always has treats), and trust that skunk (he seems nice. What could possibly go wrong?). Do NOT trust cats, especially not Mittens.In this fabulously funny pet story, dog AND cat lovers will enjoy seeing their own fur-friends in Chip's earnest yet ridiculous guide to life. Also Don't Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog)

My Thoughts

Super FUN! Kids will love this book. Chip is an endearing character who gets into mischief and shares a unique dog's view of the world. The illustrations and text style work well to depict the playful nature of the book. Children will enjoy discussing how Chip interprets situations versus what is really happening. 

      Image from Amazon.com 

I will definitely be adding this book to my K-5 school library. 

School Library Journal Review

This Baby. That Baby. by Cari Best & Rashin Kheiriyeh

This Baby. That Baby. 

by Cari Best & Rashin Kheiriyeh

Published February, 2024

Anne Schwartz Books

Hardcover 

Picture Book

Fiction

40 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Goodreads Summary

In this bouncy, playful picture book for very young listeners, follow two baby friends who live in facing buildings through their day--playing, singing, and napping--till they meet in the park!
Somewhere in the big, big city
two happy babies look out their morning windows
at the very same time.
Just what will these two babies do today? Well, this baby meows like his cat, and that baby barks like her dog. This mellow baby listens to a story, and that rambunctious baby sings a song.
Soon enough, both babies get hungry...and a bit cranky. How will this Mama and that Papa help them feel better? Perhaps a play date in the park will help!
Critically acclaimed and award-winning creators--author Cari Best and illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh--team up for this delightful read-aloud that will have listeners clapping and giggling right alongside this baby and that baby.


My Thoughts
This cute, simple book will appeal to young children from babies, toddlers and pre-k. It shows similarities and differences between the two babies including how they look and what they do all day. The ending comes abruptly, but it ends with the two babies happy to be together. The illustrations are colorful and fun with an appealing smudgy, rough quality.