Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge, written by Raúl the Third, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Another great Raúl the Third Vamos! book!! This series is fun, hectic, multicultural and full of interesting easter eggs. The illustrations by Elaine Bay are so good and contribute 1000% to the fun! Little Lobo is off to a celebration so he packs his truck with piñatas, cakes and presents. His friends help him on his road trip to the celebration. And to get to the celebration Little Lobo, and thousands of others, must cross a bridge. On one side of the bridge most people speak Spanish (a dog barks: "Guau, guau") and on the other side most people speak English (a dog barks: "Woof, woof"). The illustrations are so much fun and there is so much to see on each page. The bridge is so busy that the people, whether in cars or walking, also have a lot to see with so much happening. There is a peanut vendor, a juggler and even El Toro and friends! Because the bridge is so backed up and busy Little Lobo and friends are stuck for hours. But, are they really stuck? Of course not! A celebration takes place on the bridge because everything needed is available: people, food, entertainment and friendship! The bilingual text (a glossary is included), cultural references and, most of all, FUN make this book a must have! 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great multicultural book for young children. The illustrations are full of great easter eggs. Spanish and English is used in the text. The glossary will be fun and interesting to explore.

Mr. Walker Steps Out, written by Lisa Graff, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Mr. Walker is the white walking symbol in the street crossing signal. He takes his job very seriously to keep people safe when crossing the street. When it is not safe he holds up a big red hand. But in watching everything going on each day, people splashing in puddles, riding bikes and eating ice cream, he wishes he could step out of his little house to join in something wonderful. One day Mr. Walker jumps out of the box and does enjoy some wonderful things like skateboarding and riding a roller coaster. Of course, Mr. Walker finds out that everything is not working out for people without his guidance. Horns honk, cars swerve and a little girl crosses the dangerous road so Mr. Walker realizes he is needed. Mr. Walker shows us that feeling needed and enjoying what you do is important. The illustrations by Christophe Jacques are very nice and depict the busy streets and activities so well. Young children will get a kick out of the walking symbol coming to life and enjoying activities that they may also enjoy. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Young children will get a kick out of the walking sign symbol coming to life. This is an enjoyable book with a lot of scenarios that may be relatable to everyone.

Best Day Ever, written by Marilyn Singer, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is a great story of a dog and her best friend who is a boy. The story is about the dog having a best day ever or not the best day ever. The dog wakes up happy, licks the boy's face, has breakfast and then plays, digs and chases. However, she gets dirty and smelly and her best friend scolds her and cleans her in the tub. These are some of the not so best days ever. The illustrations by Leah Nixon are perfect and show how the dog has so much fun, gets into a bit of trouble and makes up with her friend. The boy apologizes for yelling at his friend and suggests some training is in order. The story is a very good demonstration of how to treat a pet, to have fun with a pet and that training is ok if needed. The boy is in a wheelchair and it is not mentioned in the text but, instead, the reader only knows because of the illustrations. This book is highly recommended because of the themes of happiness, empathy and compassion. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great book for children to learn about kindness, empathy and compassion regarding animals.

Chill Chomp Chill! written by Chris Ayala-Kronos, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Chomp is a very young dinosaur who learns how to deal with some day-to-day social issues with friends at school, playing a game at recess and when he, seems to be, the only classmate not invited to a party. In the first scenario Chomp needs one more building block to complete his castle but Camara takes that block. What should Chomp do? The big, bright, colorful illustrations by Paco Sordo are excellent as they demonstrate the possible reactions that Chomp could take against Camara. Should Chomp roar or stomp or chomp? But Chomp takes the high road and compliments Camara for creating a masterpiece using teamwork. Each social situation shows that Chomp could frown, cry, run, hide or chomp in response but instead Chomp always chills. And, in doing so, Chomp takes the temperature down in what could have been a harmful reaction that may have escalated. The social situations will, most likely, be relatable to young children and the illustrations perfectly complement the text. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A very straightforward book for preschool and lower elementary aged children about how to deal in awkward social situations. It should get some points across.