A beautiful book that made my heart ache in the best ways. Another masterpiece from Applegate that teaches us a little about ourselves while weaving a tree and the community where it lives.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, (List Price: 8.99, Square Fish, 9781250233899, March 2023)
Reviewed by Rayna Nielsen, Blue Cypress Books in New Orleans, Louisiana
Ghost stories around the fire are almost requisite activities at most summer camps, but what if you realized that the monsters at your camp were actually your fellow campers? That’s just what happens to Sylvie in this hilarious slightly spooky summer sleepaway tale that’s the perfect read for a long summer night.
Monster Camp by Sarah Henning, (List Price: 17.99, Margaret K. McElderry Books, 9781665930055, May 2023)
Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina
A really fun, whimsical picture book capturing the joys (and stresses) of getting a visit from extended family. Vivid illustrations give it extra energy!
Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, (List Price: 16.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797207940, May 2023)
Reviewed by Talia Smart, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Frog tongues, dandelion puffs, snowflakes, All wonders of the world. This charming giftable nature guide/storybook encourages readers to slow down and enjoy all the amazing things in the natural world.
Slow Down and Be Here Now by Laura Brand, (List Price: 22.99, Magic Cat, 9781419765971, March 2023)
Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina
This is the story of Johannes, a wild dog who lives in the park. He runs his round because he is the Eyes for the keeper of the Equilibrium. He decides one day to gain a greater purpose and free his friends the bison. Though for children, I think this story would be enjoyed by anyone who has ever run and felt faster than the sun. Johannes is absolutely endearing, arrogant, feral, and free. Above all else, he’s free and wonderful. I found myself elated with every triumph and breathless with every close call. I loved it and was in tears by the beauty of the writing at the end. I absolutely cannot wait to recommend this to everyone I know. "To be alive is to go forth. So we go forth." Don’t let Johannes slip by you! He’s faster than light, so it might be hard.
The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers, (List Price: $18.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9781524764203, May 2023)
Reviewed by Katlin Kerrison, Story On the Square in McDonough, Georgia
I still fondly remember the summers spent with my cousins; playing at the beach, board games, sharing secrets under the covers, and of course the ice cream. Growing up my favorite person in the entire world was my older cousin Michael. And I always worried that the next time we saw each other, he would have forgotten me and all the memories I treasured. But just like Michael and I, Dhruv and Ravi understand each other. This book wonderfully captures the whimsy of childhood summers, the distance that comes from being apart, and the moments that matter.
Summer Is for Cousins by Rajani LaRocca, (List Price: 17.99, Abrams Books for Young Readers, 9781419757334, May 2023)
Reviewed by Jamie Kovacs, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Just like Tabor’s wonderful Mel Fell, his newest picture book Simon and the Better Bone is a delight that plays with the very format of a book itself. A whimsical retelling of an Aesop fable, Simon gets into an argument with his reflection and soon learns where jealousy can lead. Vibrantly illustrated and simply told, Simon and the Better Bone is a perfect read-a-loud book!
Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor, (List Price: 19.99, Balzer + Bray, 9780063275553, May 2023)
Reviewed by Caleb Masters, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Magical and imaginative, this autobiographical picture book follows a young girl’s explorations under the sea as she observes marine life and our critical need for marine conservation. I loved that Mother of Sharks features a Hispanic woman in STEM!
Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez, (List Price: 19.99, Penguin Workshop, 9780593523582, May 2023)
Reviewed by Jessica Nock, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina
Leeva at Last is the reason I will recommend "kids" books to people of any age. Such a charming, feel-good story of a girl named Leeva, and the journey she goes on to change her community. The illustrations and Sara Pennypacker’s delightful humor tie this precious, yet important book together. Reading this made me feel like a kid again, I cant wait for everyone to enjoy this magical book.
Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, (List Price: 19.99, Balzer + Bray, 9780063114425, March 2023)
Reviewed by Grace Sullivan, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia
Practically Perfect for Poetry month, this pants filled picture book will tickle the funny bone of preschoolers and parents alike!
Animals in Pants by Suzy Levinson, (List Price: 17.99, Cameron Kids, 9781951836627, April 2023)
Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina
Any child who has ever been teased will relate to this delightful picture book about a young girl who at first feels embarrassed for being perceived as different and then learns to celebrate her own uniqueness. It also has lovely themes of family and friendship. Interestingly enough, my name Jill inspired a very similar schoolyard rhyme as the one that Anjali experiences in the story.
Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth, (List Price: 18.99, Random House Books for Young Readers, 9780593648834, April 2023)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
A delightful and vibrantly illustrated book about how your favorite books travel around the world to get to your doorstep and all the dozens of hands who handle it along the way. A fun read aloud with lots of interesting facts at the back. Who knew learning about the supply chain could be so charming?!?
Special Delivery by Polly Faber, (List Price: 17.99, Candlewick Press, 9781536229851, April 2023)
Reviewed by Caleb Masters, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
A dinosaur book about art, narrated by the dinosaur. Warm and measured, it becomes an instruction manual of sorts, while ultimately transforming into a tribute to an artist, by a dinosaur. Actually, the whole book is by an incredibly good author/artist (not a dinosaur, yet).
The Artist by Ed Vere, (List Price: 18.99, Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 9780525580874, April 2023)
Reviewed by Jilleen Moore, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi
An April 2023 Read This Next! Title
Marjan is having to deal with a lot for a teenager — her mom died years ago, leaving her with a strained relationship with her dad…but now her dad’s died suddenly, too, and Marjan has to keep his veterinary practice up and running in addition to her schoolwork and basic necessities. Then Marjan finds out that her dad wasn’t just a vet, that the mythical animals from the stories he told her are real, and he would treat them when needed — and now Marjan has inherited that responsibility, as well. It’s a responsibility that Marjan isn’t sure she wants, but she decides to at least see what it’s all about. And her life changes, sometimes for the worse, sometimes for the better, but ultimately in the ways she needs. A story that will appeal to both middle-grade and young adult readers who love myths, about discovering the missing parts of yourself — whether you know they’re missing or not, and whether or not you want them.
Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef, (List Price: 18.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665928502, April 2023)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
When Hannah’s family is unable to come for their Passover Seder, she asks her parents to let her invite her friends from school. She presents them with invitations with the meaning of Passover: Our History, Freedom, Springtime, and Great Food. Each of her friends interprets their invitations and brings their culture to the Seder creating an amazing dinner filled with good food, friendship, and fun.A fun story that shares the diversity and culture of friendship and family.
An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, (List Price: 19.99, Kalaniot Books, 9798986396507, February 2023)
Reviewed by Gretchen Shuler, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
