This Is How You Know written by Kirsten W. Larson and illustrated by Cornelia Li, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "This Is How You Know: How Science Happens" by Kirsten W. Larson, with illustrations by Cornelia Li, is a beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates the wonders of science and discovery. It encourages children to embrace curiosity, imagination, and perseverance. Through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, the book guides young readers on a journey of exploration, emphasizing that science is a process of inquiry filled with unexpected discoveries and joyful learning. The diverse cast of characters and engaging visuals make science approachable, showing that mistakes are part of the learning journey and that curiosity leads to understanding the world around us. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a great book to inspire a love for science in students! The book can be a wonderful read-aloud choice, sparking discussions about scientific inquiry and encouraging students to ask questions and explore their natural curiosity. Librarians can create engaging displays featuring the book alongside related science resources, offering students additional opportunities to dive into STEM topics. The book’s emphasis on diverse characters and real-world applications provides a platform to discuss the importance of inclusivity in science. With its cute illustrations and thoughtful backmatter, it can also serve as a valuable resource for collaborative projects with teachers, integrating science into reading and literacy programs to enhance interdisciplinary learning. This is a great way to introduce the process of scientific inquiry. There is also an easy connection with visual arts and what the illustrator created, to what the author wrote about science. Talk about interdisciplinary! While this would be a great choice for any school library, it is particularly well suited for a IB PYP library. This would be a great addition to an exploration about Inquiry. Students familiar with words from the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning will be able to make thoughtful connections. This book can also easily align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals in a few different ways.

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #4: Claudia and Mean Janine adapted by Raina Telgemeier and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: I had to read one of the most popular series in my graphic novel collection. I was surprised how much I liked this book. The story is easy to follow of the club and and the work they do for their community in babysitting and now play groups. The meat of this story, though, is really about the importance of family. Claudia and her very smart, very studious sister do not get along. Claudia does a lot to help around the house, but her sister is always studying. When their grandmother has a stroke and needs help, the tension increases. I like the way Raina Telgemeier (originally Ann M. Martin) handles this family tension and allows both girls to grow and change in their relationships with their family. I also like how the summer play group interactions allow for this dynamic to change for the better. The pace, graphic format, and club and family depictions are well done. So, the story is about communication all said and done. Communicating is not the same as reacting to things and making time to communicate changes perspectives most of the time. Janine and Claudia are very different and rather than talk through the differences, they allow them to fester. One of the kids the club sits for has a new baby sister and he is allowing his frustrations to get in his own way of celebrating his new sister that he already loves so much. When Mimi, the grandmother of the family is diagnosed with a stroke, she has to relearn communication and Claudia learns quite a bit from that experience enabling her a chance to try connecting with Janine differently. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I have a very mixed reaction to the book series from students and parents in my building. Kids love the series and will also read the Little Sister versions. Parents feel the girls in middle school and what they deal with at their age is too much. I had to divide and conquer with graphic novels. I have a very small budget. When I started my collections, I made a section for only 4th and 5th and put Babysitter's Club books there and the younger section is where the Little Sister books are located. Having read this one, there is no reason I can see that it cannot be read by younger students, but my families have grown used to what I did when I did not have enough graphic novels, so I keep that system. I would recommend that Elementary Librarians be ready for discussions with parents. I read over 500 books a year, but if you cannot keep up with that much reading, join our Libres Blog (https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com/) and read about the books or use NovelList or Titlewave to get reviews. Most parents just want to be heard and know you are thinking carefully about your collections in your school library.

Jibberjack, Fibberjack written by Stefanie Gamarra and illustrated by Marta Pilosio, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Jibberjack, Fibberjack" is a picture book that begins with a series of instant camera photos, setting a delightful retro vibe and introducing characters in an engaging manner. The title itself, "Jibberjack, Fibberjack," is catchy and funny, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue and whimsy.

The artwork throughout the book is imbued with vintage vibes, enhancing the story's nostalgic charm.  The artwork is done with shades of purple, orange and brown.   The color purple addes to the mystery, the oranges draw the attention of the reader and the browns provide an earthy, grounded feel.  I do think the illustrator achieved a whimsical, playful art style. The town of Rumorridge, cleverly named, provides a fitting backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The story kicks off with Frida, a young and inquisitive girl, who is told by adults that she's too young to understand certain things. In an attempt to quell fear, Mayor Tazzleworm assures the townspeople that he will protect them from a mysterious monster lurking nearby.

Frida's curiosity is piqued as she questions the nature of the monster, but her inquiries go unanswered. The plot thickens when two pigs vanish, leaving only a set of ordinary footprints as a clue. In response, the mayor issues a decree that everyone needs a Jibberjack trap, with prices inflating from $15 to $45.

A sense of mystery weaves through the narrative as Frida detects an odd smell and at the same time she declares she smells the"smell of stinky lies." Determined to uncover the truth, she hatches a plan to expose the mayor's deceit. This clever twist invites readers to reflect on why someone would choose to be a Fibberjack.

Straight Talk for Librarians: "Jibberjack, Fibberjack" can be a valuable tool in elementary library lessons, sparking discussions about truth in a media literacy lesson. It encourages young readers to question and explore.  I think adult readers might pick up on the idea of political fear-mongering.  But I think the targeted age range of ages 4-8 will only understand the concept that adults can lie. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and Marshmallow Tree Press for the digital ARC of this book.  The book will be published on April 28, 2026.