Sparrow, Always by Gail Donovan, illustrated by Elysia Case (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 160 pages, grades 2-5). Sparrow’s dealing with a lot in fourth grade: a new baby brother, a best friend who seems to be growing up faster than Sparrow is, and some difficulties following directions at school that get her placed in a friendship group with a counselor. She loves animals, though, and the incentive of getting to helping Toby, the new puppy next door, pass his guide dog test motivates her to do better in school. Despite her difficulties, Sparrow’s heart is in the right place, and as fourth grade ends, she realizes that she’s a good friend, sister, and dog trainer, and that if she stays true to herself, she’ll be okay in fifth. Readers will enjoy the last chapter which tells about the guide dog test in Toby’s own voice.

I missed book one of this series, Sparrow Being Sparrow, which came out in 2024. Books 2 and 3 were released together, and I accidentally read book 3, but no prior knowledge was needed for me to thoroughly enjoy it. Sparrow has a Ramona Quimby vibe, and as I’ve said before, I always like discovering real middle grade books about third and fourth graders, which tend to be a bit of a rarity. Unfortunately, I find it hard to pry my students away from graphic novels long enough to read a book like this one, but I know there are many who will relate to and enjoy Sparrow’s adventures if they give her a try.

Night Chef by Mika Song (Random House Graphic, 160 pages, grades 1-4). The Night Chef is a raccoon who has learned cooking by living in the walls of a restaurant. After saving a baby crow that she names Ichi, the Night Chef decides to go on a journey to return Ichi to his flock. Along the way, the chef does a cooking stint at an animal-run restaurant called Mole’s Hole that’s being terrorized by an owl, travels as a stowaway on a train (more cooking, to pay her fare), and finally finds the crows and returns Ichi. On the way home, she stops back at the Mole’s Hole where she’s able to rescue them from the owl’s tyranny, aided by Ichi and the crows who return at just the right moment. The Night Chef learns about her early connection to the crows and discovers that she belongs at the Mole’s Hole, creating delicacies for the animals.

This cute animal graphic novel is sure to be popular with early elementary kids. It took me a minute to understand Night Chef’s circumstances and relationship to humans, but I loved all her animal adventures and the way she used her cooking talents to help herself and others, and the ending was extremely satisfying.