A Book of Maps for You by Lourdes Heuer, illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III (Neal Porter Books, 40 pages, grades K-3). “I made a book of maps,” the narrator explains, showing the cover which shares the title of this book. Inside there are maps of many places in the community: the narrator’s town, house, school, the library, the park behind the library, Main Street, a favorite art store. Helpful facts are included on each page, like the cafeteria lunch menu on Fridays and the best swing at the park. The purpose of this book of maps is made clear on the last two spreads, when the narrator leaves it on the front porch before climbing into a car behind a moving van, then a new kid sits on the porch, surrounded by boxes, and picks up the book.

This charming book will have readers thinking about what maps they could draw of different places in their communities and what facts to include about each. The ending is kind of poignant, although it could provide a helpful project for kids who are facing a move. My favorite book for teaching about maps remains What a Map Can Do, but this one is a close second and may have the edge for thinking about community and inspiring creative projects.

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor (Greenwillow Books, 40 pages, ages 4-8). Crow greets each animal’s friendly overtures with a loud “Kaw!” which sends each one away, miffed at the bird’s rudeness. Finally alone, Crow gets a phone call from a red phone attached to a telephone pole. “Have you cleared the area?” asks a voice. “It’s time.” A door in the pole leads to an elevator, which Crow rides down to an underground bunker, where a bird-sized spacesuit and rocket are waiting. Crow flies into space to launch missiles and lasers that successfully destroy an asteroid threatening the Earth. Back home, Crow once again perches on the wire, where one by one the animals reappear, each clutching an invitation from Crow. Night falls, and there’s a spectacular display of shooting stars–or rather fragments of the asteroid traveling through space. Is Crow smiling?

I’m always delighted to learn that Corey Tabor has a new book out, and this one is sure to be a favorite. I found more details as I reread it, particularly in the clever illustrations that include visual humor like the buttons for cupcakes and bubbles alongside the missile and laser ones. The text is simple enough to make this a good choice for early readers, and also perhaps for a Geisel award, if not a Caldecott.