Published by Balzer + Bray

Summary:  One day when Mama’s away from the nest, Mel decides she’s going to try flying.  “It sure is a long drop,” her brother comments, while her sister asks, “Aren’t you scared?”  “Yes,” says Mel, “But I won’t let that stop me.”  Off she goes, spreading her wings and diving straight down, past owls, bees, ants, spiders, and other tree inhabitants, who all try, unsuccessfully, to break her fall.  Finally, Mel lands headfirst–in the water.  She dives deep, catches a fish, and heads out again, flying back up the tree.  The animals she passed on the way down watch in amazement, cheering her all the way back to the nest, where she is joyously greeted by Mama and her siblings (the fish gets released and has his own dive back into the water).  Includes a brief author’s note about kingfishers, which is what Mel and her family are. 40 pages; ages 3-8.

Pros:  Well, this is just pure fun.  The book is designed to be read top to bottom instead of side to side.  After Mel’s dive, there’s one page that’s read the conventional way, and then the book is turned in the other direction…it’s kind of hard to explain, but the unique design may help win some awards, and definitely will win the hearts of young readers.  A good lesson about trying things when you’re scared is subtly inserted as well.

Cons:  I found myself trying to figure out how I could turn this uniquely-formatted book into a Google slideshow to share on Zoom. Then I remembered that I hopefully will never have to do that again (that part is not a “Con”).

Published by Roaring Brook Press

Summary:  Two animals tell their stories: Monkey is stranded on a dessert island made of chocolate, frosting, and berries, while Fox is stuck on a rocky desert island.  While Monkey is feasting on cake, Fox is going hungry.  When a berry falls off the cake, Fox is thrilled to scoop it up as it floats by.  Fox plants one of the berry’s seeds, and a rainstorm helps grow a plant–and starts washing away Monkey’s cake.  The plant proves key to Monkey’s rescue, and the last berry from the cake allows the two new friends to start over.  The final spread shows the two friends on a desert island with a berry plant flourishing, and their thought: “We are very lucky.”  40 pages; ages 3-8.  

Pros:  This picture book debut tells a simple story, but could spark some interesting discussions about kindness, cooperation, and how quickly fortunes can change.  Monkey and Fox are a pretty cute pair; it would be great to see more about what transpires on their desert island.

Cons:  Despite the berry plant, the desert island situation doesn’t seem sustainable.

Published by Orchard Books

Summary:  “The night wished it was quieter.  The bag wished it was deeper.  The light wished it was brighter.”  The story of a family’s escape from their home in an open sailboat is told with spare text and illustrations, showing them saying goodbye to loved ones, walking a long road with three small children, and traveling by boat on a stormy sea until they are finally picked up by a larger ship and see their destination ahead.  “I didn’t have to wish anymore,” concludes the story, switching into the first-person voice of the young girl narrator. Includes notes from the artist and the author, telling of her family’s escape from Vietnam in the 1980’s and tying it into the story of present-day refugees.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  It’s amazing how much of a story can be told in just a few brief sentences, accompanied by the lush, detailed illustrations, which should not escape the attention of the Caldecott committee.  The back matter fills in details and invites readers to think more deeply about how they can help new refugees.

Cons:  It’s hard to know what age to recommend this book for.  It looks like a 4-8 picture book, but I think older kids would benefit from it and understand it on a deeper level.