My Friend the Paintbrush: The Colorful World of Marcus Pfister written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister , Translated by David Henry Wilson, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: My Friend, the Paintbrush is a sweet, rhyming book that describes the possibilities and opportunities when creating art with a paintbrush. The pages include images of many different animals, and showcase many textures that can be achieved with different shapes and sizes of brushes. A few pages include information and images about additional forms that can be created with paintbrush, including calligraphy and cubist designs. An author’s note at the end of the book captures Pfister’s love of creating with a paintbrush, and explains that most of the animals featured in the book have appeared in his other published books, including, most notably, The Rainbow Fish. Four pages of detailed back matter showcase one image each from the author’s other books, along with the title of the book, the medium(s) that he used to create the art in each book, a few short notes about those mediums and techniques he used to apply them, and a short summary of the book itself. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: My Friend, the Paintbrush shares a love of art, specifically painting, is an accessible and fun way. The rhyming text and the colorful images make this a delightful book for a read aloud for younger students in early elementary. The information shared about art techniques could make this a nice instructional or anticipatory book for slightly older elementary students as they begin a painting project, or start learning about texture in art. These components would lend themselves nicely to a collaboration between the school library and the art teacher. Young readers will be delighted to see characters that they know from other books, including The Rainbow Fish books and the Milo series, which may encourage further reading as they reminisce. The writing style, which breaks the fourth wall a bit as the reader speaks directly to the audience, is unique and may appeal to kids who have not read a book with a similar style in the past. My Friend, the Paintbrush would make a charming addition to any elementary school library, especially one where collaboration with the art department is strong or where Pfister’s other books are popular.

A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds" by Rebecca Hirsch is an interesting exploration of toxic plants and their role in history, science, and crime. The book delves into how these plants evolved their dangerous properties to deter predators, only to become predators themselves. With chapters on 25 different plants, including Belladonna, Hemlock, and Opium, the book is filled with scientific details, historical anecdotes, and true crime stories. Beautiful illustrations accompany the text, making complex topics accessible to readers. Hirsch's writing is both humorous and informative, ensuring readers are entertained while learning about the natural world's most sinister flora. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I did not picture myself enjoying a non-fiction botany book as much as I did.  I read it in 2 evenings and it was really engaging. It's a great blend of science, history, and intrigue.  The author's writing style, combined with vivid illustrations, makes learning about complex scientific concepts fun. The true crime elements add an exciting twist, making the book feel like a real-life mystery. This book not only educates but also inspires a sense of wonder about the natural world, making it a perfect fit for inquisitive young minds. This book is a valuable addition to any school library, offering rich interdisciplinary content. I think it would also work for an art teacher because the plant illustrations are beautiful. There is an authors note reminding readers that this information is not there to learn how to poison people, but to understand and be aware of some of the harmful plants.  It did remind me of a Poison Garden I visited on some castle grounds in Ireland.  This would have been a perfect guidebook. The author listed a few gardens that are available in the US to visit to see some of the plants in person.  A great purchase for a middle or high school library.

My Roman Summer written by Bruna De Luca, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Livia in Rome" is a heartwarming coming-of-age romance set against the vibrant backdrop of Rome. Sixteen-year-old Livia, a Scottish-Italian teen, feels out of place as she spends the summer helping at her grandmother’s bar. Navigating the city’s sun-soaked streets, Livia confronts her dual heritage and struggles with her identity. She clashes with Giulio, a local boy working at the bar, who quickly becomes a rival...until he becomes a love interest. As family secrets unfold and friendships blossom, Livia discovers new facets of herself and the importance of family and belonging. The story beautifully captures the essence of Rome, complete with Vespa rides, gelato, and the warmth of its people. Through her journey, Livia learns about self-acceptance and the complexities of growing up in a third culture. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Teen readers will appreciate "Livia in Rome" for its relatable exploration of identity and belonging.  Livia’s authentic voice and experiences as a third-culture kid provide a genuine connection for those who feel caught between different worlds. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic with Giulio adds an exciting tension, making the romance engaging and irresistible. The vibrant setting of Rome, filled with vivid descriptions of food, culture, and the bustling city, offers an enticing escape. Teens will enjoy the mix of humor, drama, and heart, finding both entertainment and reflection in Livia’s story.  "Livia in Rome" is a great addition to a school library, offering insights into multicultural experiences and themes of identity and acceptance. If you happen to be in a MYP or DP library, the book aligns with the IB learner profile, particularly in promoting open-mindedness and being reflective. Livia’s journey encourages empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, reflecting the IB's emphasis on global awareness. I really enjoyed this book!  I think some of the reviews are harsh in going after the enemies to something more trope...(not really lovers)....but for a middle/high school reader, this might be the first time they are experiencing this trope.  It is age appropriate and has a happy for now ending.  It will make you want to travel to Italy, learn Italian and make some new new friends in Rome.  I really wish I had the physical copy of this book so I can have the scratch and sniff, with sprayed edges edition!!!! (not fair)  

I read it as an ARC through #NetGalley, Scholastic and Chicken House. (Thank you!)  It's officially out in the US on June 2, 2026.  You'll love it and your students will love it!

Recipe for Disaster written by Aimee Lucido, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Recipe for Disaster" by Aimee Lucido is a unique middle-grade novel that blends prose, poetry, and recipes to narrate the story of Hannah Malfa-Adler. Hannah has always felt somewhat Jewish, but her identity is complicated by her family's inter-faith religious backgrounds. When her best friend celebrates a Bat Mitzvah, Hannah's envy motivates her to explore her Jewish heritage, despite her mother's opposition. With the support of her Grandma Mimi and Aunt Yael, Hannah embarks on a journey to organize her own Bat Mitzvah, confronting family secrets and prejudice along the way. The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery, as Hannah learns that being Jewish is about more than ceremonies—it's about personal understanding and connection. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I really enjoyed this book! Hannah's journey of self-discovery is filled with humor, heart, and the universal challenges of growing up. The inclusion of recipes adds a unique and interactive element, encouraging readers to connect with the story through cooking. Readers will appreciate Hannah's search for her religious identity and an authentic portrayal of friendships and family dynamics. Any IB MYP school librarians will find this novel aligns well with the IB Learner Profile, particularly in fostering the attributes of being reflective and open-minded. Hannah's exploration of her faith and identity encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and embrace diverse perspectives. Teachers can use the book to facilitate discussions on self-identity and cultural heritage, prompting students to consider how their backgrounds shape their understanding of the world. I think any school librarian can bring attention to the many recipes included throughout this story and encourage an event to explore Jewish inspired treats.  It really is a great book for readers looking to learn more about the Jewish faith.  There are excerpts from Leviticus as Hannah is trying to learn those for her Bat Mitzvah.  The author shared a alphabet card to help readers (and Hannah) learn the Hebrew alphabet.  The author does emphasize the many issues that can be present in an inter-faith marriage and the loss of faith.  There are a lot of dimensions to this story, but very readable and understandable to a middle school reader.  I do think that a high school student could enjoy this book and learn a lot, if they are ok with being seen with the cover.  Older readers might really identify with Sam who wants to go to culinary school, but his dad is not ok with anything but a business/finance degree from a university.  I'm labeling this book as a COVID book because it was released in 2021 and probably didn't get the fanfare and attention it deserves.

The Prison Healer #2: The Gilded Cage written by Lynette Noni, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: The second suspenseful and thrilling book in the Prison Healer fantasy series finds Kiva, Jaren and Tipp at the royal palace in Jaren’s kingdom of Vallenia after escaping from Zalindov prison and spending the winter recovering and traveling. Kiva’s bond with Jaren continues to grow, and after becoming close with his family and seeing him amongst his people, Kiva’s feelings for him cannot be denied. But Kiva’s primary goal is to help her family, specifically her brother and sister, who have become the rebel leaders working against Vallenia during Kiva’s time in prison. Kiva’s heart waffles between loyalty to her family despite some new complications in their politics, and devotion to Jaren, who is clearly a great leader and who has earned her love and respect. Kiva has also started to have uncontrollable bursts of healing magic, a power she suppressed during her time in prison, and she must secretly work to contain them so she does not give away her abilities. As Kiva’s internal pressure grows, so does political tension in Vallenia as the rebels gain new information and outside forces from the North begin to threaten. All of the tension comes to a sharp, dramatic finish with significant cliffhangers sure to drive readers straight to the final book of the series. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The Gilded Cage picks up right where The Prison Healer left off and Noni brings all of the romantic tension, interpersonal drama, and secrets that she hooked readers with in the first book. Between Kiva’s loyalty struggle between her family and the royal family, and the slow-burn romance always simmering between Kiva and Jaren, the book is incredibly compelling and feels much shorter than its 433 pages. The book contains romance and characters who deal with addiction, but both are focused on the effects rather than the actions. The violence present is fairly intense in some scenes, but is no more serious than that found in other popular series, but makes this book potentially suitable for middle school readers looking for age-appropriate romantasy. This book should definitely be added to collections in which the first book is popular, and the entire series thus far is recommended for middle school or high school collections that need new fantasy or romantasy options.

Lovely, Dark, and Deep written by Justina Chen, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Viola Chen has her entire life planned out. After graduating high school she will attend an acclaimed journalism program in Abu Dhabi where she will become a foreign correspondent in order to help draw attention to the causes about which she feels passionate. She spends her free time organizing bake sales for a cause, in which she peddles her delicious homemade treats along with information about the cause that will benefit from the sale. She meets handsome Josh at one of these bake sales just as she begins to feel faint. He helps get her medical attention which leads to a lengthy diagnosis of an extreme form of photosensitivity (solar urticaria with polymorphous light eruption) that has no cure. Viola’s parents, both crisis managers by trade, swoop in to help her manage her new health development through SPF protectant clothing, limitations on outdoor activities and a decrease in blue light exposure. Viola finds herself facing difficulties with a potential new relationship with Josh and the future life she has worked so hard for just as her health is making her feel more vulnerable and less capable than ever. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Books featuring realistic depictions of teens dealing with disabilities and medical conditions are still dramatically under-represented which makes Lovely, Dark and Deep a really exciting find. Despite the extremely rare nature of Viola’s condition, watching her realize that she cannot continue moving through the world in the same way will feel very familiar to any reader who has experienced a major life change, health-related or otherwise. This book shines in its highlighting of a newly diagnosed health condition, the confusion and stigma it brings, and the message that the diagnosis doesn't have to be as limiting as it may originally feel. We see Viola go through the phases of grief over her old life, moving into a place of acceptance and even optimism as she begins to realize that she can still strive for her dreams. Viola’s relationship with Josh, while often frustrating to the reader, was a realistic depiction of teen feelings and the often confusing communication that comes with those feelings. Though Viola has greater problem-solving skills than most teens I know, the powerful and uplifting message of this novel is that even difficult situations can be overcome with creativity, a positive attitude and a strong support system. Recommended for all high schools.

Freedom Swimmer written by Wai Chim, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Ming lives in a coastal village in China during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. He is an orphan after watching his mother die of hunger during the Great Leap Forward. His father had drowned years before after trying to swim to freedom in Hong Kong (a “freedom swimmer”). As part of the Communist re-education program, a number of city boys are sent to villages to learn the work and share their knowledge, including Li, who Ming quickly befriends. The two boys have little in common, but bond over evening swims and their shared labor in the fields. As life becomes increasingly difficult, and suspicions about Li’s family at home arise, the boys begin to ponder a better life elsewhere. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This novel, based heavily on the lived experience of the author’s father, paints a picture of a historical time period that is not often represented in YA literature. The concept of “freedom swimmers” is both interesting and compelling and could be a strong addition to collections featuring historical fiction or international history. The prose is stark and spare, a fitting tone for a story that features so much loss, lack, and difficulty. This may make the book feel slow to some, but an astute reader will feel the tension and intensity that fuels these characters’ lives. Curricular applications abound in social studies as topics studied in government, world history, and connections to current events like refugeeism and global politics are included throughout the narrative. Freedom Swimmer is a quick read with two sympathetic main characters that will provide plenty of conversation for a bright, engaged teenager.

Crow Mountain written by Lucy Inglis, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Hope is visiting Montana while her mother does research on a ranch with a particularly undisturbed ecosystem. While there, Hope meets Cal Crow, ranch hand and son of the owner. Despite an immediate attraction, they maintain a friendly relationship while Cal takes Hope under his wing and teaches her about ranch life. Hope finds an old, abandoned journal at the ranch and begins reading it, which kicks off the second narrative of another British girl in Montana, Emily, who is rescued in a time of crisis by a horse-trader named Nate. The story moves back and forth between Hope and Emily as each explores her new environment, finds herself in dark and dangerous moments, and is forced to engage in a partnership with a local liaison. When Hope and Cal are stranded in similar fashion to Emily and Nate, the parallels to the stories become increasingly strong and Hope begins to make connections between Emily’s life in the past, and the Crow family in the present. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: What a pleasant surprise! Both of the narratives encompassed in this book are equally engaging. The characters are fully-fleshed out, complete with complicated back stories and significant flaws, but I was rooting hard for all of them. This book has all of the longing and tension that romance readers are looking for times two, but the relationships are developed reasonably and realistically without the incorporation of insta-love, a common plot device of YA romance. The inclusion of nature and ecology in Montana might allow for a science connection. Emily and Nate’s story offers a lens into early frontier days in 1867, offering a history curriculum connection as well. Both story lines include plot elements that highlight the tense relationships between Native people in Montana and those who eventually settled the land that was stolen from them. Nate, in particular, is able to offer significant insight without crossing the line into cultural appropriation as he is a young white man whose mother married a Blackfoot man, allowing him to live amongst the tribe and have Blackfoot half-siblings, without forcing him into an identity that he cannot rightfully assume. Both Hope and Emily, by the end of their respective stories, have grown incredibly in self-reliance and self-confidence, making them not only excellent characters to follow, but fantastic role models for young women today.

Goddesses of the Underworld #1: Hekate - The Witch written by Nikita Gill, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Hekate is a novel in verse retelling of the Greek goddess Hekate's journey from a child of war to a powerful witch goddess. Born amidst the conflict between the Titans and Olympians, Hekate is forced into the Underworld for safety. Raised by Styx, Pallas, Charon and Hades, she navigates the macabre realm, seeking her purpose. As she uncovers her powers, Hekate realizes her unique ability to end the immortal conflict. The book is written in evocative verse, exploring themes of empowerment, identity, and resilience. Through Hekate’s eyes, readers experience the beauty and brutality of the ancient world, while she discovers her strength and destiny.  Readers will also see Hekate falling in love with Thanatos, which was a favorite part of the story for me.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Readers interested in mythology and magic will love this book. I was not sure that I wanted to jump into a novel in verse, but I loved it! I appreciated the themes of empowerment and self-discovery, and the vivid imagery of the Underworld. The book offers a fresh perspective on a lesser-known goddess. I think readers will be able to explore diverse perspectives, understanding the complexities of identity and power. I also think it's good insight into the feelings of a war refugee who has lost loved ones and seen violence. It's a quicker read for readers looking for a "short" book.  It's a great next step for Percy Jackson fans. The cover art is beautiful.  The black reflects the darkness and death of the Underworld. I did look up why the title is spelled Hekate instead of Hecate and it turns out that the "k" is closer to the Greek translation.  The author is a Irish, Indian writer, living in the south of England. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Great addition to any high school library. 🖤A sprinkle of politics, romance, and Greek mythology.

Fabulous Creatures: Legendary Animals from Around the World by Cornelia Funke , translated by Anna Schmitt Funke and illustrated by Ruby Warnecke, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This is a beautiful picture book by Cornelia Funke, featuring vibrant illustrations by Ruby Warnecke. This book introduces young readers to 19 mythical creatures from diverse cultures. The book starts off with a Qilin "that reveal themselves where things are just and peaceful."  It follows with an Egyptian Phoenix, a Balinese Barong, a Aotearoa (New Zealand) Tumu-Rai'i Fenua who is tasked with teaching humans to live in peace and harmony.  My favorite is the Thunderbird, which might be the most North American mythological creature. Each creature is brought to life with anecdotes and colorful, imaginative illustrations. The book fosters curiosity by providing cultural and historical context without overwhelming detail, making it an engaging read for children aged 4-12. The illustrations, with their whimsical and vibrant style, enhance the storytelling, allowing readers to explore the enchanting world of mythical creatures. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is perfect for fostering global connections. The book’s approachable style and vivid imagery make it both educational and entertaining. Young readers will enjoy discovering new creatures and learning about different cultures, sparking their imagination and encouraging further exploration into mythology and folklore. The book aligns with the IB Learner Profile by encouraging students to be "Inquirers." It fosters curiosity and promotes exploration of global cultures and myths. 

All teachers can use this book to discuss diversity, cultural understanding, and the art of storytelling, creating opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and appreciation for different traditions. It's a great addition to any library's mythology section and sure to be popular. This book could kick off a larger cultural research project, where each student would get a different mythical creature from a different culture/country to research.  Students could also have fun with a Creature Comparison Chart (and learn a research skill).  Finally, all ages could have fun with a Mythical Creature map, where students could utilize a large world map to locate where each mythical creature is said to originate.  This can help them visualize the global diversity of myths.  So many ideas from this one book!  As an adult, I enjoyed the collaborative process outlined in the notes at the end of the book.  So fun to have the insight as to how to book came to be.

This book's expected publication date is March 31, 2026 by NorthSouth Books.  Thank you to the publisher for a advance review copy.

Selma: the Story of a Stellar Spider written by Tini Malina and translated by Tammi Reichel, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Selma - The Story of a Stellar Spider" by Tini Malina is an adorable picture book about a little spider with big dreams. Unlike her family, Selma doesn't spin webs to catch flies. Instead, she weaves artistic creations, capturing the beauty of the world around her. Despite criticism, Selma follows her passion and climbs to great heights, both literally and figuratively. Her journey is about being true to oneself and pursuing dreams, culminating in an extraordinary web that reflects her unique vision. This story, with its beautiful illustrations, encourages children to embrace their individuality and creativity. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I loved this picture book!  The color palette and the illustrations are really unique. The story of Selma teaches kids the importance of staying true to oneself, even when others disagree. The vibrant and playful illustrations enhance the narrative, making it engaging for young readers. The unexpected twist at the end adds excitement and reinforces the theme of embracing differences. IB PYP librarians will love that the book promotes Learner Profile attributes such as being open-minded and reflective. Teachers can use it to discuss the value of creativity, perseverance, and respecting diverse perspectives. It encourages students to think independently and pursue their passions. Any school librarian can use this book to spark discussions about creativity and individuality. It can be featured in a display about art and self-expression, or included in a storytelling session to inspire young readers to think about what makes them unique.  There are lots of crafting opportunities to go along with this book.  Students can make their own web designs on black construction paper using white crayons.  There could also be all kinds of spider crafts like this one or these ones.  I think this could also pair well with a math lesson on patterns.  At the high school, it would be interesting for German language learners to compare this book to the original written in German.  All in all, a great purchase for any level school library.

The expected publication date for this book is March 24, 2026.  Thank you to NorthSouth books for an advance copy of this book.

Time to Split written by Daniel Fehr , illustrated by Raphaël Kolly , translated by Marshall Yarbrough and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Time to Split" by Daniel Fehr, illustrated by Raphaël Kolly, is a charming picture book about a frog who lives a routine life in a greenhouse. Frog wakes up, takes a bath, takes a stroll, drinks banana juice and remarks on his life being "Simply marvelous!" He sees the outside world and can tell when seasons change. He considers leaving, but has plenty of reasons why staying is better. Each day is the same until Bird arrives, bakes muffins, and introduces Frog to new experiences. After Bird departs for winter, Frog reflects on his life and decides to take a risk and try to make muffins. Little does he know this small risk will lead to an even bigger opportunity.  This story encourages readers to discover new things and find courage in new adventures. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Readers will enjoy "Time to Split" for its humor, delightful illustrations, and engaging story. The expressive artwork brings Frog's adventures to life, while the narrative gently encourages curiosity and exploration. Young readers will relate to Frog's journey and the joy of discovering new experiences. Librarians in a IB PYP school will notice that the book aligns with the Learner Profile traits by fostering curiosity, open-mindedness, and risk-taking.  In class, students could create their own stories about trying new things, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences. Any school librarian can use this book for a read aloud. Then focus on themes of growth and discovery. A fun activity after reading the story could include students writing or drawing a new adventure for Frog.  What happens after he leaves the greenhouse?  Where does he go next?  For a super exciting day, there could be muffins!  There could be a class discussion of the ingredients and the baking process, just like Bird did with Frog.  Then students could enjoy muffins together.  The illustrations are beautiful.  They are soft and earthy, but adorable and appealing to any reader who loves animals.  This book is also super high quality.  The binding, the paper, the cover.  This book should be able to withstand lots of circulation.

What's for Dinner? written and illustrated by Larysa Maliush, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this delightful picture book, Big Gray Wolf encounters a lost baby bunny named Bunkins in the woods. According to Wolf Rules, he should eat the bunny, but Bunkins' innocence and a note promising a delicious meal for his safe return challenge the wolf's instincts. Navigating a series of humorous and challenging situations, Big Gray Wolf decides to take Bunkins home, pondering the ethics of his choices along the way. The story is enriched by Maliush's captivating illustrations, which depict a charming cast of characters in a moonlit setting. This tale of unexpected friendship and moral dilemmas explores themes of kindness, generosity, and questioning societal norms, making it a captivating read for both young children and older readers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This beautifully illustrated book offers a whimsical story of friendship and ethical decision-making. Children will enjoy the humorous interactions between Big Gray Wolf and Bunkins, as well as the rich, dynamic artwork. The characters are engaging and relatable, inviting children to explore themes of empathy and kindness. The story's gentle suspense and humor make it an ideal bedtime read, captivating young imaginations while subtly introducing complex themes. If you are in a IB PYP school, this book aligns with the IB Learner Profile by fostering traits such as empathy and critical thinking.  Students can explore how Big Gray Wolf embodies caring and reflective traits as he navigates his choices. All elementary school librarians can feature this book in story time sessions, focusing on its themes of kindness and friendship. It can also be part of a display on empathy, encouraging children to think about different perspectives. The engaging story and illustrations make it a perfect addition to any school library collection, inviting young readers to linger and explore.  I loved it!  Highly Recommended.

Our LIBRES group received an advance copy of this book.  Book is set to be published March 17, 2026.  Thanks to NorthSouth books for a copy.