Frannie and Grandy have a special day planned together but a punny misunderstanding threatens to ruin their day! Young readers and their adults will delight in this adorable book.
Tea Time by Beth Ferry, Dana Wulfekotte (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 9781524741082, 6/1/2021)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Very sweet boy-and-puppy friendship story. Great gift for any child who’s just gotten a puppy.
Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer, Leah Nixon (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, Clarion Books, 9781328987839, 5/25/2021)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
This book about Scott Joplin is beautifully written and even more beautifully illustrated. I loved the historic details, like the inclusion of the real 1911 sheet music cover of “Maple Leaf Rag”! Scott Joplin is an iconic part of American music history and every child deserves to know his story.
King of Ragtime by Stephen Costanza, Stephen Costanza (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 9781534410367, 8/24/2021)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
I loved that this picture book introduces young readers to the refugee crisis at the Mexico-US border in a friendly and colorful story. The story doesn’t hide the unfairness, but it ends on an optimistic note.
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, Erika Meza (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, Kokila, 9780593111048, 8/24/2021)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
This book would make a great bedtime story! I loved the pictures and the simple message of appreciating everyone’s unique contribution to the world.
All of Us by Kathryn Erskine, Alexandra Boiger (Illus) (List Price: $17.99, Philomel Books, 9780593204696, 5/18/2021)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
With beautiful illustrations and a sweet message about patience and caring, Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog is an awesome picture book for kids 4-8 years old. This is the third “Madeline Finn” book (previous were the Library Dog and the Shelter Dog). In this one, little Madeline helps her dog train to visit nursing home residents and learns that some people need more time to make friends.
Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog by Lisa Papp (List Price: $17.99, Peachtree Publishing Company, 9781682631492, 9/1/2020)
Reviewed by Serena Wyckoff, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida
Super cute and imaginative read! Kalamata is afraid to start school, but she takes a trip through a magical world of food with her alligator pal Al Dente where she finds her bravery admits the aromas and flavors she loves. It’s adorable and will make you hungry!
Kalamata’s Kitchen by Sarah Thomas, Derek Wallace, Jo Kosmides Edwards (Illus) (List Price: $17.99, Random House Books for Young Readers, 9780593307915, 7/6/2021)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
This is too perfect!
Cat Problems by Jory John, Lane Smith (Illus) (List Price: $17.99, Random House Studio, 9780593302132, 8/3/2021)
Reviewed by Jessica Osborne, E. Shaver, bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
Judith Scott was a fiber artist with Down Syndrome; she lived in an institution for 35 years before learning to create mixed media sculptures. I loved this beautifully heartfelt book by Judith’s sister Joyce; I particularly appreciated the reminder that too often we keep people who are different from us at a distance.
Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott, Brie Spangler, Melissa Sweet (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780525648116, 6/8/2021)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
An adorable take on the classic phrase, Clovis the bull and his precious Granny’s china shop totally stole my heart. It’s a great reminder for everyone at any age that one must practice mindfulness, but if you slip up, it’s okay—you just have to gather yourself up again, keeping calm and kind. Every face on every page is so expressive, and Clovis’ suspenders are too cute. This picture book made my day.
Clovis Keeps His Cool by Katelyn Aronson, Eve Farb (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, Page Street Kids, 9781645672135, 8/17/2021)
Reviewed by Amber Brown, Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, North Carolina
This book is downright wonderful! The illustrations are crisp and timeless, the story clever and fun. Brave as a Mouse feels like an instant classic.
Brave as a Mouse by Nicolo Carlozzi (List Price: $17.99, Random House Studio, 9780593181836, 5/25/2021)
Reviewed by Cristina Russell, Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida
A very clever take on the classic what do animals say book. Great for a preschool storytime.
Cow Says Meow (A Peep-and-See Book) by Kirsti Call, Brandon James Scott (Illus) (List Price: $12.99, HMH Books for Young Readers, 9780358423348, 3/16/2021)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
A cute read-aloud story with plenty going on in the pictures to keep little ones intrigued! The surprise ending makes this book extra fun.
Secret, Secret Agent Guy by Kira Bigwood, Celia Krampien (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 9781534469211, 5/11/2021)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
This story works on many levels: It’s great for any child nervous about attending school and it’s also a wonderful friendship and kindness story. Plus, all the fun you’ll have explaining why bats go to school at night!
Little Bat in Night School by Brian Lies (List Price: $14.99, HMH Books for Young Readers, 9780358269847, 6/29/2021)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
This is such a cool book!!! It explains body autonomy perfectly for very young children. Not only that, but it does so in a way that would make kids like Doug feel less alone about their preferences. Will definitely be recommending!
Don’t Hug Doug by Carrie Finison, Daniel Wiseman (Illus.) (List Price: $16.99, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 9781984813022, 1/26/2021)
Reviewed by Ellen Linville, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
