“Sports Superstars” presents biographies of some of today’s most popular athletes. These books introduce the athlete’s background with a focus on how they became the superstars they are today. There are also numerous “fun facts” about everything from their favorite hobby to what’s on their trophy shelves. Full of nonfiction text features, these books would be great for students writing reports, getting an introduction to biographies, or just learning about one of their favorite athletes.
Alex Morgan has been inspiring young soccer players for over ten years, and this biography shows why. Following her early skill in the sport, hard work in school, and eventual success on the world stage, the book gives a full picture of why Alex Morgan is such a superstar. Morgan’s role in the US Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay also gives students a model for self-advocacy. I highly recommend adding this biography to any school library.
Suma Subramaniam’s joyful book highlights all the things a bindi can be to the young narrator of this story. The illustrations are bright, beautiful, and full of the delight the girl feels while wearing her bindi. The book does a fantastic job balancing providing information about what a bindi is and celebrating its place on the girl’s forehead. The back of the book features information about what bindis are, why people wear them, and how they are made. There is also a glossary of terms and pronunciation guide to help anyone not familiar with the terminology in the book. This is a great addition to any home or school library.
“Sports Superstars” presents biographies of some of today’s most popular athletes. These books introduce the athlete’s background with a focus on how they became the superstars they are today. There are also numerous “fun facts” about everything from their favorite hobby to what’s on their trophy shelves. Full of nonfiction text features, these books would be great for students writing reports, getting an introduction to biographies, or just learning about one of their favorite athletes.
After watching team USA take home the gold medal in the 2024 Olympics, kids will love learning more about superstar Kevin Durant. Kids will also enjoy the early photographs of Durant and learning about how his long career began. The book follows his career from being drafted to the NBA through championships and trades to where he is today. It also gives information about his career threatening injury and how he now supports injured athletes on their road to recovery. This is an inspiring and high interest pick for any school library.
“Sports Superstars” presents biographies of some of today’s most popular athletes. These books introduce the athlete’s background with a focus on how they became the superstars they are today. There are also numerous “fun facts” about everything from their favorite hobby to what’s on their trophy shelves. Full of nonfiction text features, these books would be great for students writing reports, getting an introduction to biographies, or just learning about one of their favorite athletes.
The debate about whether Messi or Ronaldo holds the title of greatest soccer player of all time is often heard in the sports section of my library. This book is the perfect resource for all those kids needing some backup for their argument that it is, in fact, Ronaldo. The book provides a timeline of Ronaldo’s rise to soccer stardom and also gives information about his business enterprises. This one won’t stay on the shelf.
“Sports Superstars” presents biographies of some of today’s most popular athletes. These books introduce the athlete’s background with a focus on how they became the superstars they are today. There are also numerous “fun facts” about everything from their favorite hobby to what’s on their trophy shelves. Full of nonfiction text features, these books would be great for students writing reports, getting an introduction to biographies, or just learning about one of their favorite athletes.
Chloe Kim has been a competitive snowboarder since the time she was six years old. By age eight, she was training with the U.S national team. Young snowboarders and athletes of all types will love learning about Kim’s path and successes. There are numerous interesting facts about Kim’s traditions, her favorite things, and even her own Barbie doll. This is a great addition to any school library.
Derrick Barnes has created yet another empowering and engaging picture book that will inspire elementary age kids. Like Lava in My Veins follows Bobby Beacon as he starts at a new school for kids with superpowers. Bobby has the power to control fire and lava, but when he gets heated, those powers can get away from him. His teacher at his new school doesn’t understand Bobby or see his amazing talents, and he ends up in the principal’s office. When he’s transferred to a new class, though, Bobby finally starts to feel seen and understand how to control his fire. This picture book is drawn in graphic novel style, which will make it immediately appealing to many readers, but it’s also a phenomenal story for social emotional development. I love that his “fire” is shown to be a superpower. The book showed the value of controlled anger when faced with injustice, which is something I haven’t seen tackled in a picture book. Like Lava in My Veins is a unique and powerful book that will be appreciated by adults and kids alike.
I’m excited to write this review because it feels like a long time since I’ve been able to give a “Highly Recommended.” I’m excited about the prospect of sharing this one with my students. I think it would work great as a shared reading or readers’ theater, perhaps in April, near Earth Day. It’s a cumulative poem, modeled after The House that Jack Built, but describing the inter-connectedness of all who share this planet. The illustrations are vibrant mixed-media collage that celebrate our world. It really is a beautiful book!
I love this book! The text is simple and poetical. A single sentence per two-page spread uses a repeated structure to express some big, complex, sometimes intangible ideas. The real star of this book are the illustrations: for every big idea there are many individual illustrations, offering different ways those words could be interpreted. They invite the reader into really pondering those big ideas. The use of color is very deliberate and effective. I listed this book as intended for elementary, but I certainly think it would have uses and appeal for all ages.
Ethan spots three stray kittens on his way to school one morning. He is immediately captivated by them and starts visiting them every day on his way home. Though his brother insists their dad would never let them get a cat, he helps Ethan learn more about stray cats and how they survive. The book also teaches about a local vet’s trap, neuter, return process to prevent more kittens from ending up on the streets.
Kids will immediately connect with Ethan’s obsession with the adorable strays and will be inspired by his quest to make sure they are okay. Hatem Aly’s illustrations will further enthrall kids as they see the kittens run, eat, and play. This is a great book for any animal lover.
The story begins with a tree falling in the forest. The reader follows along with what happens next as the end of one life creates a habitat for fungi, plants, and animals. Young readers will be able to follow along with the simple descriptions of complex concepts and will learn about a wide variety of forest dwellers. Hevron’s charming illustrations add to the tranquil feeling the book gives as we watch one thousand years of life pass by over the course of 40 pages. Young nature lovers will be fascinated by all they see and inspired to go out searching for nurse logs to investigate.
written by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by EG Keller
In a twisty-turny house live four humans a rabbit, seven fish, a rat, two cats and three dogs. The cats are upstairs, the dogs are downstairs and the other pets are in the middle, which seems right. You know, cats and dogs don’t get along. But, one day, one of the cats comes downstairs. The pets in the middle are worried about the impending interaction – will the cat hiss and scratch? Will the dogs howl and chase it? Surprisingly, they get along. The dogs show the cat all the awesome things about living downstairs – the best snacks, great places to dig and great views of squirrels. The cat, along with his pal, show them the great things about upstairs – cold water, great clawing spots and a great place to watch squirrels. But, they wonder if they could look for even better things together in the middle? And, that’s what they do. The middle is the best, together.
This book is a gem! The simple text and colorful illustrations work so well together to convey the curiosity, trepidation, excitement and joy of the animal characters. The twisty-turny house is lovely and detailed and the animals are energetic. Readers will enjoy the interplay between the animals and eventual community they build. Buy this book for your library!
Cat and Dog are hanging out and a mouse shows up. The ensuing chase ends with the mouse coming out of his mouse hole with…a violin? Each two page spread has a question about the scene on the recto and the next verso has the correct yes or no answer. This fun call-and-response story is sure to be a hit, with readers breathlessly turning the pages to see what will actually happen. This would be a great read-aloud as well. What a winning combination: Mem Fox with her witty word play and Mark Teague with his wonderfully expressive illustrations. Buy this for your library!
written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Melissa Castrillon
A young girl and her small white dog set out on a trek and along the way are gently encouraged by Mother Nature to appreciate and nurture their world. This lovely book has a beautifully lyrical text accompanied by stunningly detailed artwork. The message is simple and the illustrations fit it so well. Us the book for Earth Day (or any day) and share it with children as a reminder to really look around and observe the breathtaking beauty of their natural world. Highly recommended
“The World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
In Dilophosaurus, readers learn about a crested dinosaur that ate meat and had a special finger that acted much like a human thumb, which scientists believe was used to hold prey. This apex predator was once the largest dinosaur in North America. Illustrations and graphics do a great job of enhancing the text about this Jurassic period dinosaur. Be prepared to be awestruck by this book!
The “World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
Therizinosaurus describes a beaked dinosaur, whose defining feature is its three foot long claws – the longest of any animal that ever lived! This herbivore was large and fossils hav been found in Asia and North America. Its other claim to fame? It was in the 2022 Jurassic World Dominion movie! This dinosaur book will not be on your shelves long. Its engaging content and accessible text make it a popular choice for budding paleontologists.
The “World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
Pachycephalosaurus describes the dome-headed dinosaur that roamed North America during the Cretaceous Period. Scientists used to think that this dinosaur used its thick skull for head-butting. But, scientists have now determined that the domes on their skulls weren’t strong enough for this. We learn more about these interesting dinosaurs as new fossils are found. Budding paleontologists will love learning about this herbivore.
The “World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
Amargasaurus describes a relative newcomer to the dinosaur world as the first fossils were discovered in 1984. This smaller plant eater had spines all along its back and scientists believe that the longer neck spines were covered in skin, creating double “sails” there. Its long tail might have been used in defense against much larger predators. Young readers will love to read this book and learn about a ‘new’ dinosaur.
written by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I don’t usually start a book review this way. But, extraordinary books deserve to be acknowledged at the very beginning.The story opens with an old snag of a tree, ready to die as the end is near. But, is it? That is the premise for the this absolutely stunning picture book about the life cycle of trees; in this case, a Douglas fir in the Pacific Northwest. After we are introduced to the old tree, we go back to the beginning when it was a mere seed. settling into the perfect spot to grow and thrive. It is lucky, because we see that many other seeds end up in the wrong place or are eaten and don’t get a chance to grow. This particular seed sprouts and grows despite all the obstacles it faces – wind, ice, drought, and fire to name a few. It survives despite being clawed, clipped and nibbled while others were cut by humans. This tree becomes home to many other flora and fauna that thrive. The tree eventually dies and falls to the ground to be home to others as a log. Finally, it decays (with a little help from insects, bacteria and fungi) and adds to the nutrients of the forest floor, creating the perfect environment for the next tiny seed to grow. And, the cycle continues…
I can’t say enough about this beautiful book. The text is lyrical and conveys the essence of the long life of a Douglas fir. The font and spacing are perfect for a read aloud, allowing the reader to easily share with a group. The accompanying illustrations are perfect. They bring even more life to the story with the animals, flora and changes of the forest.
Back matter includes a thorough explanation of the life cycle of a tree, the connection between trees and people, a glossary and a list of the sources used. The author acknowledges many others in the writing of the book, including scientists, educators, scholars and Tribal representatives.
Run out and buy this book right now! You will be glad that you did.
Emi and her grandma (Obaachan) spend time together making a family recipe of mochi. As they work, Obaachan shares the history of the recipe back to her own grandmother. Obaachan brought that recipe with her to America, along with her wedding kimono and some cherished red lacquer dishes. The two also reminisce about Ojiichan (grandpa), who the reader assumes is deceased. They finish the mochi, package some together to gift to family and friends, and then enjoy their mochi – some wrapped in seaweed and dipped in soy sauce just like Ojiichan like to eat it. In this story, mochi is love, family tradition and a thank you.
The soft colors of the mochi and surroundings add to the gentle approach of this book. The love between Emi and Obaachan is evident in the text and the illustrations. This small window into their time together is sweet and filled with memories and promise. The additional back matter – author’s autobiographical note, mochi history and family mochi recipe adds to the richness of this book. Words and illustrations make you feel like you can almost taste the mochi along with Emi and Obaachan. Purchase this one – it’s wonderful!
Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.
Throw a Halloween Party is chock full of ideas and information about the holiday. We learn the ancient beginnings of Halloween and traditions surrounding it. Projects include foods and decorations using materials that are readily available. Those projects that require the use of tools that might be dangerous to kids have safety tips included. This is a fun, easy-to-read book that will enhance your holiday collection. And, really…who doesn’t love a party?
Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.
Throw a Lunar New Year Party gives information and directions for projects related to that holiday. Projects include decorations, foods and activities along with additional information about their history or cultural relevance. Most projects can be done independently except for the dumplings and stir fry noodles, which should have adult supervision. Photos are attractive and directions are clearly written with accompanying illustrations. This attractive book will be a great addition to your collection.
Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.
Throw a St. Patrick’s Day Party is one of six books in the Express!: Party Time! series. Did you know that the reason people wear green is that leprechauns can’t see that color? Therefore, your chances of being pinched by one are lower if you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. This fact and many others are interspersed throughout this engaging book that shares food, decorations and activity projects for kids to make. Items are made with easily accessible materials and “Top Tips” give alternative ingredients or extra information for each project. Young readers will make some cool stuff and learn along the way!
Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.
Throw a Valentine’s Day Party shares information and projects related to the holiday. Foods, decorations and other crafts are presented, beginning with a short history or description of the relevance of the project to the holiday. Kids will love reading about the origin of the heart-shaped box of chocolates and candy hearts. A fun addition to the holiday is that several cultures celebrate Friendship Day on this date as well. This book gives directions for making a friendship bracelet for a friend in honor of that aspect of the holiday. All in all, this is a great resource for budding party planners as well as kids that are curious about the holiday and its origins. Add this to your library!
Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.
Would you like to have an eco-friendly celebration of Earth Day? Take a look at Throw an Earth Day Party, a part of the Express!: Party Time! series. In this book, you learn about the history of Earth Day and directions for a variety of party decorations and foods for the celebration. The decorations rely on recycled items, which most people should have access to at home. Foods are healthy, using items readily available in most grocery stores. This book has very accessible activities and readers will enjoy preparing for a fun Earth Day party. Highly recommended.
Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.
Throw and Independence Day Party has all the red, white and blue that one would expect for this holiday. Projects range from decor and food and drinks to games and party hats. Readers learn about the history of this day and the symbolism of the colors, Stars and Stripes and fireworks. One fact that I learned was the Thomas Jefferson had his own ice cream recipe – yum! Many of the projects use easy-to-find materials. “Top Tips” are located throughout to help make the process easier or different. For example, one tip suggests that you can make a sweet version of the veggie dip flag using cut fruits and yogurt dip of the same colors. This is a nice addition to your holiday books.
