Everyone's Thinking It

★★★★

A well-written book that tackles multiple themes including racism, gossip and bullying, mental health, and class issues. When aspiring photographer Iyanu has her camera stolen, the photos are spread throughout her boarding school with secrets written on every picture. The novel starts out a little slow with many characters being introduced, but once it gets going it really pulls in the reader. A good choices for fans of Mean Girls or Gossip Girl.

Reviewed by Meg F.

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall Book 1

★★★★★

A fun start to a series that blends real-life people contemporary to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the characters he made famous through his Sherlock Holmes stories. This middle grade novel reimagines Conan Doyle’s early life as an impoverished youth who has the opportunity to attend Baskerville Hall, a private boarding school chock full of secrets. Mystery lovers will rejoice at the puzzles, twists, and turns presented in this fun romp. The series’ second book is slated for release in October 2024.

Reviewed by Heather K.

How to Spacewalk: Step-by-Step with Shuttle Astronauts

★★★★★

How To Spacewalk: Step-by-Step with Shuttle Astronauts is a book co-written by Kathryn D. Sullivan, who was the first American woman to walk in space, and Michael J. Rosen. The book explores Kathryn’s younger life, and how she developed an interest in becoming an astronaut, and the challenges she faced as a female who wanted to travel in space. The book also reveals what someone has to go through to train to be an astronaut, and, finally, what it’s like to be an astronaut in space! Some of what astronauts have to go through is monotonous and time consuming, but, it is all needed in order to have a safe experience. To be in the space shuttle, orbiting the Earth, and, then, actually to be floating in space, is such an amazing and unique experience, and, as she states, it will be with those who are able to experience it for the rest of their lives! She also serves as a role model for young girls who look up at the sky, wanting to know what it’s like to look at the earth from space! There are pictures on most pages dealing with the space program that were important to her and her progression as an astronaut. I gave the book 5 stars, as it accurately informs younger readers, who are interested in learning more about being an astronaut, a compelling look at what it’s like to be in the space shuttle program.

Reviewed by Mary B.

Ultimate Mammalpedia (National Geographic Kids)

★★★★

As is standard with National Geographic publications, the photographs in Ultimate Mammalpedia are stunning. In the first few pages alone, readers will be greeted by a smiling Meerkcat, an African Lion baring its teeth, a Humpback Whale emerging from the water, and a Brown Bear readying to catch a fish midair. An identifying label accompanies each animal photograph. This non-fiction title can be read from beginning to end by animal enthusiasts or used as a reference to look up specific animals. The first chapter includes basic information about mammals including such things as where they live and how they eat. Later chapters focus on a particular group of mammals: meat-eating (carnivores), hoofed (ungulates), mammals with pockets (marsupials), toothy mammals (rodents), oceangoing mammals (marine), monkeys and more (primates), and mammal oddities. Each chapter includes an All About section, special features of this group, extinct animals in the selected category, and animal profiles (these include fact boxes with scientific names, group names, size, weight, and eats). Throughout the text, page numbers are included when mammals are referenced outside of their profiles. This makes finding more information about a particular animal easier, but there is also an extensive index in the backmatter. That’s Fact-tastic asides provide lesser known information related to the featured animals. While most words that would be unfamiliar to the target audience are explained in context, the words included in the glossary are not bolded in the text. It could have been helpful to include asides for these new animal-related terms. Backmatter includes an interview with a mammologist, a limited glossary, a find out more section that includes recommended books, websites (cleverly described instead of including URLs since URLs are often not static), movies & TV, and places to visit, as well as an index and photo credits. 4 STARS - RECOMMENDED This is a standard National Geographic Kids reference book that will be much loved by animal enthusiasts.

Reviewed by Melissa A.

★★★★

This is the picture book "The Cafe At the End of the Woods". Rene always dreamed of fine cuisine, so one day she builds herself a cafe at the edge of the woods. She hires Glumfoot as her waiter and they both wait for patrons to come in. Glumfoot went out walking one day, and brings back an ogre. After the initial surprise, Rene offers him some of her food on the menu (cheddar tarts for example) but the ogre only wants bats that smell like farts! What's Rene going to do?! Glumfoot to the rescue. He mixes all of her food around to make it look like gross things (rice to look like maggots, etc) and the ogre loves it! Now she has a thriving cafe with lots of other creatures coming in for the unique fare (Glumfoot is in charge of writing the menu now). Very cute. Also written in rhymes, so that's always a hit, too.

Reviewed by Leala A.

A Snow Day for Plum!

★★★★

A Snow Day for Plum is the second in a series by Matt Phelan. Plum is a peacock from the Athensville Zoo. A group of animals are being taken to the elementary school when a blizzard hits. The animals have to stay overnight in the school and meet up with classroom pets. Tragedy ensues and the animals work together to save the day. It was a cute story and the illustrations were very cute, as well, but I had a hard time keeping track of which animal was which because they all had human names. Maybe if I had read the first in the series I would have had an easier time. I would still recommend this book to animal lovers who are in the transitional chapter book stage.

Reviewed by Dierdre M.

Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees

★★★★

Abuelo, a gardener, and his granddaughter investigate the wonders of trees around the world. The fascinating and colorful digital illustrations emphasize each specimen discussed while presented in verse. The pair's connection is lovingly displayed with inserts throughout as the double page spread of featured trees. Additionally, there is a well-researched collection of facts about each tree as well as helpful resources and extensive bibliography.

Reviewed by Sally R.

The Mighty Pollinators (Step Gently, Look Closely)

★★★★

Think you know all about pollination? Do you immediately think of bees? You might have more to learn! This beautiful book is full of photographs of all different types of insect pollinators. The photographs are accompanied by simple poems. A gentle book reminding us of the usefulness of many of the small animals around us.

Reviewed by Alison M.

The Baker by the Sea

★★★★★

Lovely story about a father and son, and what goes on in the tiny village by the sea. The story is interesting and the drawing are great.

Reviewed by Natalie P.

Runaway Pond

★★★★★

Based on a true account, this historical fiction story is a beautifully illustrated master peace that centers around an early nineteenth century settlement in a remote section of Northern Vermont. Named after the long narrow pond that the village stand along side of. The story tells of seasonal activities including a summer celebration centered around a foot race that the local runner - Spencer Chamberlain always wins. It is this town runner that turned into a hero when during a rain storm the dam at Long Pond broke and he ran with all his speed downstream to warn the local people of the coming flood. Buildings were destroyed but no human life was lost thanks to Spence Chamberlain. Today Long Pond is known as Runaway pond that is now nothing more than a marsh marked by a monument. But in honor of Spence Chamberlain a foot race is held there each summer. Interesting story with spectacular illustrations marks this book for any school library shelf. It deserves five stars.

Reviewed by Robert L.

Rock Stars Don’t Nap

★★★★★

A fun, rockin' romp by first time author, Jason Perkins. Jimmy was born to rock! He and his family are shown throughout, doing regular activities, but with a splash of rock and roll. All throughout the book are fun references to rock songs in the text and to rock groups in the illustrations. A cereal is named ZZ Pops, the cash register shows B. Melons (Blind Melon?) costing U.2, "Go-Go Crazy for Sales" on a sign, a yellow submarine toy outside the tub, etc. It was fun to read through and try to spot the rock and roll references for an adult, but also an entertaining story about the little rocker not wanting to nap. Another cute detail is that the book is "Composed by" and for the illustrator it reads, "Album Art by." For those interested, there is a list of Jimmy's Jams in the back to see all the songs that were referenced. A fun addtition of any collection.

Reviewed by Dierdre M.

Be Happy: A Little Book of Mindfulness

★★★★

Emma Dodd's charming illustrations show young readers different aspect of being mindful. Two dog friends (based on the author's two dogs) are shown being careful, happy, showing love, etc. A good way to introduce these concepts to young children. Ages 4-7 or older children if working with mindfulness/feelings/emotions.

Reviewed by Melody C.