Picture books from well-loved series

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Kitty Camp by Drew Brockington (Harry N. Abrams, 40 pages, ages 4-8). In this follow-up to Puppy Bus, a girl accidentally gets on the wrong camp bus. She’s way more enthusiastic than the Puppy Bus protagonist, excited about camp in general and certain that camp with a bunch of kittens will be even better. But arts and crafts is a chaotic mess, the kitties would rather sleep than hike, it’s impossible to eat her tuna sandwich, and no one wants to join her in the pool. When she sees cats popping out of cardboard boxes, she gets the idea to build everyone a super-sized fort, and before long, she and the cats have found a bunch of ways to have fun together. “Kitty camp just took a little getting used to,” she decides as she boards the bus home. A cameo by the Puppy Bus boy and a surprise ending hints that there may be a third books in the works.

Based on the enthusiastic reactions I’ve had to Puppy Bus over the years (it’s my go-to book for kindergartners starting school), I can’t wait to share Kitty Camp. Those familiar with the ways of cats will get a kick out of seeing how they do camp. It’s a little late in the season now, but keep this in mind for kids going off to summer camp for the first time next summer.

This Book Is Dangerous! A Narwhal and Jelly Picture Book by Ben Clanton (Tundra Books, 44 pages, ages 4-8). The beloved graphic novel characters Narwhal and Jelly now have their own picture book, mostly featuring Jelly the jellyfish, who tells readers, “I don’t do dangerous,” after seeing the title of the book. As he swims through the sea, looking for an escape, he’s faced with all sorts of fearsome creatures, warning readers not to disturb them, then angrily reprimanding them when the animals come after him. His luck unexpectedly changes when he’s swallowed by a shark and discovers a jar of hot sauce in the shark’s stomach. Opening the jar results in a fiery shark explosion that sets Jelly free, only to lead him to the sounds of chewing from another sea creature. But–surprise!–it’s just his friend Narwhal eating a “dangerously delicious” waffle, and giving the book a sweet ending.

One can never have enough Narwhal and Jelly in the library, and this fun interactive picture book is a great way to introduce newly independent readers to the graphic novel series. Those who aren’t quite there yet will love this book on its own merits.

Science acclaim, a mouse’s name, and the G.O.A.T. of the game

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Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas by Michelle Cusolito, illustrated by Ellen Rooney (Charlesbridge, 32 pages, grades 1-5). Maude Delap never left home or went to school, but she became a scientist by studying the ocean life around her home on Valencia Island, Ireland. This story takes place from June, 1899 until September, 1900, a time when Maude made important discoveries about the compass jellyfish’s life cycle through careful observations in the Department, her name for her home lab. After unlocking the mysteries of this jellyfish, she’s shown on the last page scooping up a blue jellyfish, beginning the process all over again. Includes additional information about Maude, jellyfish (including an illustrated guide to their life cycle on the endpapers), notes from the author and illustrator, and some additional resources.

Told in the present tense, with dates shown on each page, this story conveys an air of you-are-there excitement about the scientific process. Maude had to overcome some very unfair obstacles to have a scientific career, but the main theme in the book is perseverance and the joy of new discoveries. The back matter reveals that she made significant contributions to marine science. The illustrations do a great job of capturing that joy, showing Maude with a young niece assisting her, her lab, and the jellyfish.

The Woman Behind the Magic: How Lillian B. Disney Shaped the Disney Legacy by Brittany Richman, illustrated by Joanie Stone (Beach Lane Books, 40 pages, grades 1-5). As the youngest of ten children, Lilly Bounds never had much, but she always enjoyed the magical moments that she shared with her warm, loving family. After her older siblings left home and her dad passed away, Lilly moved out to California to be near one of her sisters. She got a job at the fledgling Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, where she inked and colored cartoons, eventually impressing her boss Walt enough that she became his secretary and then his wife. The studio almost went out of business a few times, but Lilly helped behind the scenes, most notably naming Mickey Mouse after Walt proposed the name Mortimer. From Snow White to the opening of Disneyland, Lilly gave her opinions and feedback that shaped the Disney empire. When Walt died shortly before the opening of Walt Disney World, Lilly pushed herself to step into the spotlight for the grand opening. Includes a three-page author’s note with additional information and a timeline of Lillian’s life.

It was fascinating to learn more about the early days of the Disney empire, particularly this quiet unassuming woman who liked to work behind the scenes, but who had a big impact on the Disney we know today and who saved us from Mortimer Mouse. This illustrations are charming, calling to mind some of the older animated Disney movies.

Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T. by Caroline L. Perry, illustrated by Luciano Lozano (Scholastic, 48 pages, grades 1-5). Lionel “Leo” Messi grew up in a loving, soccer-obsessed family in Argentina. From an early age, his talent was obvious, and his Grandma Celia was his biggest fan. As he got older, though, Leo faced obstacles to his soccer career. His grandma passed away, and he was diagnosed with a growth disorder. Without daily injections, he wouldn’t grow big enough to play professional soccer, but his family couldn’t afford the medicine. At the age of 13, he was signed to FC Barcelona, who also agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Leo struggled to fit in at Barcelona’s youth academy, but his soccer skills helped him find his place. He’s gone on to become one of the greatest soccer players of all times, and if you see him pointing to the sky when he makes a spectacular goal, you’ll know that he’s dedicating it to Grandma Celia. Includes a timeline, additional information about Messi, and notes from the author and illustrator.

Thanks to Scholastic for providing me with a copy of this book, which will be released September 2. I know it will be a huge hit in my library, where I have many football/soccer fans. Leo’s story is inspiring, as he never gave up his dreams despite some pretty difficult setbacks, and went on to succeed beyond the wildest of those dreams. The additional information about Messi’s family life and charity work portray him an excellent role model.

Mysterious creatures of the deep

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In the World of Whales by Michelle Cusolito, illustrated by Jessica Lanan (Neal Porter Books, 52 pages, grades K-4). When a small boat with people in search of sperm whales spots a clan, a free diver (diving without an oxygen tank) goes into the water to investigate. He soon discovers a newborn calf surrounded by its mother and other whales. As he swims nearby, taking pictures, other whales arrive, as if they’ve been summoned to meet the new baby. The mother seems to be introducing them to her newborn, and finally she nudges the baby toward the man. A gatefold page shows him face to face with the baby, while other whales swim around them. Finally, the whales swim away, and the man resurfaces. “He rides home in silence, forever changed.” Includes a labeled diagram of a sperm whale, additional information about free diving and whales, resource lists, and notes from the author and illustrator that tell about Belgian free diver Fred Buyle, who is the inspiration for this story.

Readers will be in awe of the whales in this book, as well as free diving, which seems like a scary but exciting adventure into the ocean. Jessica Lanan’s artwork is breathtaking, and potentially worthy of a Caldecott or another Sibert award.

The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure by Thor Hanson, illustrated by Galia Bernstein (Greenwillow Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Inky was a Maori octopus who lived in the National Aquarium of New Zealand. We’ll never know for sure what went on in Inky’s octopus brain, but this story speculates that he had all kinds of questions about the people and animals around him. The biggest question, though, was if there was a world beyond the tank. Inky got to find out out one night when he noticed the lid of his tank was ajar and managed to squeeze himself out (“An octopus body is boneless/like Jell-o wrapped up in a sack”). He couldn’t survive long outside of the water, but he managed to travel across the floor to a drain and slip into it. The next morning, zookeepers were baffled as to where Inky had gone until someone noticed a trail of water across the floor and deduced that he had traveled 164 feet through the pipe and into the sea. Includes additional information about Inky and other octopuses.

I wouldn’t have recommended writing the story of Inky in rhyme, but somehow, it works, thanks to an interesting story and some excellent rhyming that brings it to life. Kids will be cheering for Inky and undoubtedly inspired to learn more about octopuses.

Early reader series from well-loved authors and illustrators

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Owlets and Tarts (Mouse and Spoon) by Cynthia Rylant (Simon Spotlight, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Ginger, Piper, and Tom are three mice who run the Mouse and Spoon Bakery. When a sleepy owl dad shows up requesting Pillow Tarts for his three offspring who refuse to sleep, the mice are on it. By 4:00, they’ve made three extra-fluffy tarts, as well as Half-Moon Buns for the parents. Everything is delivered to the owls, and three three owlets are asleep before their little heads hit the tarts. The mice have saved the day (and night), making it a happy ending for all.

Cynthia Rylant has yet another enchanting early reader series that would also make a great read-aloud. I think this is actually book two, although it was released at the same time as book 1, The Elephant’s Birthday. Give this to fans of Henry and Mudge and Poppleton, and don’t get caught up in the dark thoughts I had about owls luring mice to their home.

A Great Fall (Bat, Cat, and Rat) by Amy Dyckman, illustrated by Mark Teague (Beach Lane Books, 48 pages, ages 4-8). Friends and housemates Bat, Cat, and Rat enjoy some typical fall adventures: raking leaves, picking pumpkins, and making costumes. In the final half a story, they trade treats on Halloween night so that each one gets what they like best.

This is actually book 4 in a series whose debut I missed last year (#2 won the Theodor Geisel award). Each book has three and a half stories with fairly simple, repetitive text and adorable illustrations of the three friends. Beginning readers will feel a sense of accomplishment reading a chapter book, and now they can enjoy a book for each season.

Learning Black history through historical fiction

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Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Dutton Books for Young Readers, 320 pages, grades 4-7). Fifth grader Cooper Dale is ashamed of the fact that she sometimes wishes she were white, but she can’t help feeling that it would make her life easier at school where she’s the only Black student. While she shares events like grieving the assassination of President Kennedy and excitement about the Beatles with some of her classmates, she’s also the target of racist bullying by other kids, especially Wade. When Cooper’s mom gets a cleaning job with Wade’s family, Cooper finds out that his mother is dying of cancer. Although it’s hard for her to be compassionate, she learns from those around her, including her parents and older siblings, members of her church, and the new Black boy who is dealing with the loss of his own mother. By the end of the book, Cooper has realized that she and Wade may never be friends, but her empathy can help him get through a difficult time and may even change how he sees her and her family.

This novel in verse does an excellent job of weaving historical events of 1963 into a story that today’s readers will relate to. Cooper’s honest voice expresses both her wish to live up to her parents expectations of being “radiant” and her very human emotions in response to some of the difficult situations she encounters.

Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 208 pages, grades 4-7). Will’s family is barely making it as sharecroppers on a cotton farm in Texas when Father hears about the chance for free land in Oklahoma–if they can win the race to get there. Despite the risks of the journey, Father decides it’s worth a try, and 12-year-old Will successfully makes the case to join him. Along the way they encounter a rattlesnake, a rushing river that must be crossed to get to Oklahoma, and a mysterious ex-Civil War soldier named Caesar with some dangerous enemies. Caesar and his horse Midnight join Father and Will, and the three work together to survive and overcome the racism that threatens to derail their plans. When Caesar gets shot, it’s up to Will to ride Midnight all night, covering the last leg of their trip and making his family’s dream of owning land a reality. Includes an author’s note giving more historical context, particularly on the removal of indigenous groups from the land being claimed in the story and the Tulsa Race Massacre that took place in Oklahoma a generation after Will and his family settled there.

Fans of the I Survived series will enjoy this action-packed adventure featuring a courageous hero committed to helping his family. The author’s note addressed some of the more troubling aspects of the land rush, as well as the fact that the story for Black people settling in Oklahoma was unfortunately not as happily-ever-after as Will’s seems to be. I’m guessing both of these books will receive consideration for Newbery and Coretta Scott King awards.

Creating community

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No More Chairs by Dan Gill, illustrated by Susan Gal (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, grades K-3). On the first day of school, Mr. Gill’s students ask him why there’s an extra chair at the front of the room. He tells a story of when he was a kid, and he went to a birthday party with his best friend Archie. At the door, the host’s mother stared at Dan, who was white, and Archie, who was Black. “You can come in,” she told Dan, “but your friend cannot, because there are no more chairs.” At first Dan doesn’t understand, although Archie seems to, and he offers to bring a chair from home or sit on the floor. But when the mom is adamant, Dan finally realizes what’s going on. “Give these presents to Steve,” he says. “We’re going back to my house, where there are always enough chairs.” On the way home, Archie tells Dan he will speak up for him if Dan ever feels like he can’t speak for himself, and the two friends share a big bowl of ice cream. And that’s why, Mr. Gill explains, he always keeps an extra chair in the classroom, to make sure that everyone knows that there are always enough chairs, and everyone is welcome. Includes an author’s note of how he always told this true story from his childhood to his classes on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday to help them understand the meaning of the day.

Use this short but powerful tale to either kick off the school year with a message of inclusion or to begin a conversation about the civil rights movement. It’s a story that will resonate with kids of all ages, as well as with adults, and points to the importance of people with privilege speaking up for those who are being marginalized.

Sunnyside School: A Community Helpers Book by Lindsay Ward (HarperCollins, 40 pages, grades K-3). Welcome to Sunnyside School! The first two pages show 39 different jobs that people have at the school. Then the story begins, with siblings Ali and Matty starting second grade and kindergarten, getting walked into the school by their mom. As the two go through their day, they meet all kinds of people: front office staff, classroom teachers, specialists, cafeteria staff, and more. Sidebars give additional information about their jobs, while questions are sprinkled throughout the text to keep kids engaged, and characters talk to each other via cartoon bubbles. Ali’s best friend has just moved away, and Matty’s going to school for the first time; each of them is successful and finding a new friend. At the end of the day, both kids meet their mom and report an excellent first day. Includes a search and find activity for kids to go back and find things like pencils and backpacks in the book, as well as a glossary.

This is an outstanding introduction to all the people who work in a school woven into a first day of school story that kids will relate to. I thought about reading this to kids at the beginning of school, but there’s so much information packed into it that it almost felt overwhelming to read it all in one sitting. it would be a great book to revisit a few times during the first week or two of school, as well as a good one to share with kids at home before their first day.

Two picture books made for sharing

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Everyday Bean (Tiny Bean’s Big Adventures) by Stephanie Graegin (Tundra Books, 56 pages, ages 3-7). “Bean wants to tell a story about tiny ghosts. And Grandma wants to tell a story about giant strawberries. They can’t decide which story to tell you. So they’ve asked me to tell some stories instead.” Ten stories follow about Bean and Grandma, each one only a few sentences long, with adorable illustrations of a young hedgehog and her grandmother. There are tales about everyday events, like swinging at the park, making different things from a cardboard box, and picking out a cactus at Mr. Green’s plant store (“This plant reminds Bean of Grandma. And it reminds Grandma of Bean.”). The last story, “Bean Burrito,” shows Grandma tucking Bean into bed, and both of them nodding off as she reads a bedtime story.

This feels like a book with great potential to become a well-loved favorite over time, with gentle humor, familiar situations, and adorable characters. Listeners who are paying attention will notice that they get to hear stories about both giant strawberries and tiny ghosts.

More or Less by Alison Hughes, illustrated by Oge Mora (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, ages 3-7). The entire text of this book consists almost entirely of the words “more”, “less”, and “plenty”. Oge Mora’s colorful collage illustrations give readers a lot to consider about what those words mean. A family has plenty, but one of the kids has a room with more…and more (with two pictures side by side that kids can compare to see what’s been added). Less in the room can lead to more donations and community building. Less going into the trash results in more recycling and creative repurposing of unwanted items. The last page shows the family hugging one another with the word “Plenty.”

Take your time going through this deceptively simple book. There’s a lot to see, and many interesting ideas about what we want more or less of in our lives, as well as the meaning of the word plenty. I’m looking forward to projecting this on a screen and sharing it with kids, who I know will see all kinds of things in the illustrations that I missed.

Ghostly graphic novels

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Ghost Town by Eric Colossal (Harry N. Abrams, 256 pages, grades 4-7). Lily’s been accepted to a prestigious science academy, which means a move to another town, but she’s sure she doesn’t want her life to change. After purposely failing her science final in an attempt to lose her scholarship, she’s grounded and assigned to volunteer at the library every morning, but that doesn’t stop her from sneaking out to play baseball with her friends. When their ball goes through the window of an old mansion, the kids stumble upon a ghost and a trap for catching other ghosts. As they go through town, cleaning up ghosts and restoring the power that those ghosts have been sucking up, they slowly unravel a mystery involving an old family from town, and one member in particular, who, like Lily, didn’t want anything to change. As she begins to see the destruction his resistance has caused, Lily realizes that change is inevitable, and it’s okay for her to embrace the new things in her life.

This is a fun tween ghostbusters story with the whole gang taking on the task of trapping ghosts and finding out about their past lives, which they accidentally discover can be done by swallowing the ghost and initiating a flashback of its past life. There’s lots of humor, like when some of the ghosts turn out to be animals, but there’s also a pretty serious message conveyed in the big final showdown.

Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 256 pages, grades 5-8). Margot loves playing the ukulele and writing songs, but everyone around her seems more concerned with getting likes and follows on social media. Her dad goes off to L.A. to pursue his musical dreams and his goal of 10,000 followers, while her two best friends are getting more action on their channel smashing things from a tree house than Margot gets with her music. When she finds an old synthesizer keyboard with a sign reading “Free Piano (Not Haunted),” she thinks it may be just the thing to help her connect with her dad. Instead, it starts making weird sounds, even when it’s not plugged in, and eventually the ghost of ’80’s pop star Vision appears. Vision encourages Margot to embrace her own talents, and together, the two of them exorcise an evil spirit from Vision’s past who’s been haunting the keyboard. The ghost eventually has to move on, but its clear that her influence has changed the way Margot sees herself and her talents. Includes additional information about the Prophet-5 keyboard featured in the story.

This is sure to be a popular choice for middle school kids struggling with their own identities and parental issues, and it never hurts to throw a ghost or two into the mix. The brilliantly colored artwork conjures up Vision’s 1980’s vibe, with the portrayals of ghosts and the haunted keyboard especially effective.

Two books for LGBTQ+ collections

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Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett (Candlewick, 384 pages, grades 8 and up). The title gives a pretty good idea of what this book is: a graphic novel of trans history, starting in ancient times and going to the present, with an emphasis on western cultures. Much of the history is told through the stories of individuals, from ancient Egyptian pharaoh Maatkare Hatshepsut, “a person who was raised to be a queen but instead became a king” to Adelaide/Alexina/Camille/Herculine Barbin, a French intersex woman from the 19th century to trans activists of the twentieth century like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Their stories give some idea about beliefs and treatments of trans people were like at that time. The final chapter profiles present-day activists, each of which is written in their own voice. Includes many pages of source notes and a lengthy index.

I often reflect on how much I’ve learned from the thousands of books I’ve read for this blog, and nowhere is this more apparent than in my greater understanding of trans people. Authors like Alex Gino and Kyle Lukoff have helped me understand what it’s like to be a trans kid, and now Alex Combs and Andrew Eakett have added a whole new level of understanding with this outstanding graphic history. Focusing on individuals makes for a fascinating read, and the interviews with contemporary activists are compelling. It’s a huge amount of information, occasionally a bit overwhelming, but definitely an important book to educate readers in such an engaging format.

Athlete Is Agender: True Stories of LGBTQ+ People in Sports edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby (Christy Ottaviano Books, 224 pages, grades 5-8). In 22 essays, LGBTQ+ people tell the stories of their athletic experiences. Most of the narratives lift up supportive teammates, but there are also examples of bullying and prejudice encountered in sports. Interspersed with personal essays are brief biographies of successful LGBTQ+ athletes like tennis player Billie Jean King, WNBA players (and married couple) Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley, and Olympic gold medalist rugby player and trans activist Ellia Green. The sports are varied: sled dog racing, water fitness, longboarding, and sailing, among others, and each athlete’s experience is equally unique. Introductory material includes a note on pronouns and the history of Title IX, and in the back you’ll find profiles and photos of all the contributors, information on how to be a good teammate and ally, steps to take to form a Queer Athletics Alliance or Gender and Sexuality Alliance at your school, and source notes.

I loved this positive presentation of sports, an area that has been particularly fraught for LGBTQ+ participants, especially trans athletes. The writers are honest about their experiences, and the way gender divisions in sports often made them feel uncomfortable. Each essay could stand on its own as a powerful argument for inclusion in sports, but taken all together that argument becomes all the more compelling.

Life lessons from animal friends

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Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah Rebar (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 40 pages, ages 3-8). Siblings Axolotl and Axolittle are very different–big sis Axolotl lives life to the max while younger brother Axolittle is quieter and more studious–but they’re still the best of friends. When Axolotl’s boisterous play ends up destroying Axolittle’s painting, though, an axo-squabble ensues. Finally, Axo-dad-l comes in to calm things down, and after a bit of a break, family harmony is restored.

Axolotls seem to be having a moment, due to Minecraft, I guess? Whatever the reason, this book will definitely catch the eye of many a young reader, and they won’t be disappointed by the lively rhymes, clever axolotl (and axolittle) plays on words, and relatable family situations. This would make a great sibling gift for the older child in a family with a new baby.

Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat (Dial Books, 40 pages, ages 4-8). After an introduction to mammals, reptiles, and birds, the narrator gets to fish: DON”T TRUST FISH! There are so many reasons, and those reasons grow more preposterous as the book goes on. Some have gills and some have lungs. Some live in salt water, some in fresh water. Very shifty. They live underwater where you can’t see them. They may be in your home, spying from that aquarium, and reporting back to the king fish! And they like to eat poor, innocent, kind crabs…which readers will learn on the last page is the animal responsible for all the information in this book.

I’ll admit I didn’t love this book the first time I tried reading it, and I only looked at the first few pages. But the four starred reviews and inclusion on possible Caldecott lists led me to take another look, and I’m happy to say that now I get it! It would be a fun story to read aloud and have kids try to guess who the narrator is. Dan Santat’s illustrations, of course, add immeasurably to the fun. It could also be a great introduction to a discussion with older kids about considering sources of information in the news and on social media.

You and Me, Anemone by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Chris Raschka (Greenwillow Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Using clever rhyming text, an anemone makes a plea to readers not to BOOP it, then goes on to encourage kids who prefer not to be booped to assertively make their wishes known. The anemone explains that it likes living harmoniously in community with other anemones, and that not being touched doesn’t mean that it doesn’t enjoy the company of others, “to live side by side in our own kind of unity! Resplendent, independently, extending as far as eye can see.” Includes an author’s note about how she learned recently not to touch anemones and giving kids tips for communicating their own preferences as well as noticing those of others.

This is an ingenious book, combining interesting information about anemones with ideas for kids on how to notice what they may or may not want and expressing that. The illustrations are made to look like applique on burlap, with lots of textures and colors.