Published by Orchard Books

Summary:  “The world needs your voice,” begins this book, then goes on to suggest ways for readers to express themselves.  Sometimes that means talking, like saying “Stop!” if you see someone getting hurt, or telling people why you are angry.  Other times, you can express yourself with painting, planting seeds, or having your own sense of style. It may seem like no one is listening, but if you keep speaking from the heart, you will find someone, and you may be surprised to find the whole world listening.  “Some people find it easier to say something than others,” concludes the author, “but everyone has something to say.” 40 pages; ages 4-9.

Pros:  I love how this book offers ways for introverts to express themselves, as well as those who aren’t shy about speaking up.  As usual, the Peter Reynolds illustrations are adorable and offer a diverse cast of characters.

Cons:  Ironically, the flap of the dust jacket covered up some of the speech bubbles on the front endpaper.

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Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Summary:  It starts out simply enough: “Sit.  Stay. Roll over.” A boy issues commands, and his dog obeys them.  But then the commands get a bit more complex: “Juggle. Cook. Serve.”  Outside, the two get on a bike: “Pedal”. They find a broken-down sailboat: “Fix”.  And finally, they create a rocket ship: “Build” and “Go”. After traveling to another planet, they return home and get ready for bed.  The dog is about to leave the room, when he gets one more command: “Stay”. The last page shows the two snuggled in bed with the caption, “Good boy.”  40 pages; ages 3-6.

Pros:  A nicely illustrated friendship story with a unique approach and an adorable dog.

Cons:  Does the dog ever get tired of being bossed around?

Published by Dial Books

Summary:  The expression “Hands Up!”, sometimes used by Black Lives Matter protesters, is seen through the lens of a young black girl’s experiences.  Starting as a toddler, she lifts her hands to greet the sun or to help her parents dress her. As she grows, she raises her hands to show she has the answer, to reach books on a high shelf, and to dance.  Still later, her hands are up in worship and in basketball…and to hoist the  trophy over her head at the end of the game. The last page shows her as an adult, marching with others, her hands up to show her sign reading “Lift Every Voice.”  Includes notes from the author and illustrator about their inspirations for creating this book. 32 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  This empowering picture book transforms an expression that sometimes has connotations of anger or hopelessness into one filled with power and connection.  

Cons:  The librarian who put the adventure books on the top shelf should consider making the collection more accessible.  

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Published by Neal Porter Books

Summary:  The new babysitter takes a little getting used to, but after the two kids adjust to her alien ways, they think she’s the greatest.  The pictures tell the story: while the babysitter performs mundane tasks like helping with tooth-brushing and singing a lullaby, the illustrations show a magical loop of toothpaste traveling to the brushes and the children floating up the stairs to the song.  When the parents go out the next Friday night, the children send their teenage babysitter packing and call up the babysitter from another planet. This time, she bring some friends for a groovy intergalactic party.  32 pages; ages 3-6.

Pros:  Readers will be clamoring for their own alien babysitter after seeing the fun these two children have.  Their house looks like it was designed by Mike Brady and furnished by Ward and June Cleaver; parents will enjoy the retro styles.  

Cons:  For some reason, this felt to me like it should have been told with rhyming text.

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