Fancy Dogs written and illustrated by Tini Malina and translated by Tammi Reichel, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

 

Summary: Fancy Dogs is a fun and funny rhyming picture book celebrating dogs in all their glory—fancy and silly alike. The striking (mostly) three-color illustrations are beautifully stylized and reinforce the playful text, captivating young readers with a retro vibe.  The story starts by showing and writing how the main character dog is fancy.  Then it goes on to show how the dog still has to be an everyday dog.  

Straight Talk for Librarians: In the classroom, teachers can use it to explore IB PYP themes of identity and community, discussing how we appreciate others despite their quirks. The rich vocabulary—including words like taboo, gnaw, and prance—sparks meaningful language conversations. With its perfect blend of visual appeal, clever rhyming structure, and sophisticated word choices, Fancy Dogs will make for a good read aloud.This German translation deserves a place in elementary school libraries for its engaging rhythm, perfect for echo reading and early literacy development. It also made my 11 year old laugh out loud at a few page spreads, so it might even be a hit with slightly older readers.

Thanks to NetGalley, NorthSouth books for an ARC of this book.  It will be available for purchase on October 6, 2026.

Dinosaurs Roar: Lift-the-Flap and Discover written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins reviewed by Klaudia Janek

 

Summary: Chomp into Steve Jenkins’s lively board book: bright cut-paper illustrations, bold action verbs, lift-the-flaps, and simple nonfiction facts introduce toddlers to dinosaurs and their lives long ago in an engaging, sturdy format. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book fits well in an elementary library program as a hands-on read-aloud for preschool and primary classes, supporting storytime, dinosaur-themed units, and early nonfiction skills; keep near picture-book displays and pair with related nonfiction titles.

Use this book as an inquiry starter for early PYP units on sharing the planet or how things change. Its vivid images and lift-the-flaps invite wonder and provocation: ask “What do we notice?” and “How do we find out more?” Use it during transdisciplinary read-alouds to model stakeholder voices (curiosity of young learners), and to spark formative questions for research lines (e.g., How do scientists learn about the past?). A dinosaur lover will enjoy this book because its bright, realistic cut-paper illustrations bring each species to life, the bold action words invite roaring and movement.  Fun times for all ages!

Lizzy Longlegs written by Kai Lüftner, translated by Tim Mohr and illustrated by Wiebke Rauers, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Lizzy Longlegs comes from a stern musical family that insists on playing every note the same way, without smiles or dancing. Lizzy, a punk-spirited little spider, longs to feel music in her body and to improvise and move. Tired of rote performances, she secretly organizes a lively music festival that fills her family home with diverse instruments, dancing, and joy. At first her relatives are shocked, but the contagious energy of the festival opens their hearts. By the end they loosen up and discover that music can be both precise and full of feeling. The story, told in playful rhyming verse and quirky illustrations, celebrates individuality, creativity, and the many ways people can experience music. 

I loved this book as a reader and a musician! Lizzy’s yearning to improvise and to feel the beat resonates with anyone who’s wanted to move beyond strict interpretation. The festival scene captures the transformative power of communal music-making and shows how diverse musical approaches can coexist and enrich one another. In a school library setting this book supports IB PYP transdisciplinary inquiry by connecting who we are (identity, creativity), how we express ourselves (arts), and how we organize ourselves (community events). It prompts open-ended questions and opportunities for student-led investigations into cultural music practices, improvisation, and performance etiquette. Music teachers can use the book to launch units on improvisation and listening by comparing strict vs. expressive performances. They can facilitate ensemble activities where students experiment with style, tempo, and movement. All teachers can encourage interdisciplinary projects—designing a class “music festival” that integrates art, language, and social studies. Promote social-emotional learning: empathy, respect for different musical tastes, and collaboration. The illustrations blend vintage, Regency-inspired settings with a playful punk aesthetic, using bold colors and quirky details that give each insect character clear personality. The lively, textured artwork enhances the book’s humor and emotional beats, inviting readers to linger on expressive faces and inventive costume choices.  I think most readers will enjoy this book!  A great choice for any library serving elementary aged readers.

Mayhem at the Museum written and illustrated by Hannah Brückner translated by Laura Watkinson and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: During a museum visit, Yuri is startled by a parakeet and accidentally knocks down a giant dinosaur skeleton. At first Yuri feels humiliated and sure the damage is a catastrophe. He calms himself by taking deep breaths and then asks for help. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds—children, adults, tall, short, and people with different abilities—come together to sort the bones, follow a careful plan, and rebuild the dinosaur. The community’s teamwork turns embarrassment into a surprising, magnificent result that delights everyone. It has a beautiful 4 page pull out spread of the completed dinosaur.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Children should read this book because it models healthy emotional regulation and the power of asking for help. Yuri’s simple strategy—pause, breathe, and seek support—shows kids a practical way to manage fear and shame. I like that some of the rhymes were able to stay in the translation.  The playful language and detailed illustrations invite close looking, build observational skills, and spark curiosity about museums and science. In a school library, this book supports social-emotional learning and cooperative play. It pairs well with a display on community helpers or museum visits and can prompt group activities where students practice calm breathing and collaborative problem-solving. Yuri feels what he did was a major life catastrophe, but after a while the author reassures the reader that the catastrophe was not as bad as it first seemed. The book aligns well with the IB Learner Profile trait “Communicator,” as characters share ideas, listen, and work together to rebuild what was broken.  It's a lovely book for any school or public library.  Perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts!  Highly Recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Make a Friend written by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Olivia Aserr and reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: From start to finish learn to make a friend by following these instructions. Do you want a friend to play with you or a friend to help you do homework? Once you choose what you want, it is time to start building your new friend from blueprints. Remember to measure twice and cut once and don’t forget to hide your spare parts. You can play games with your friend, but remember that you have to share them with others. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is written as a mechanics manual on how to build a friend using material & tools. After a lot of sweat, we learn of the ups and downs of relationships. Some friendships last and others were not meant to last because of our differences. We should reflect and recover and take away something in every relationship. This is a funny and entertaining book relatable to everyone. Highly Recommended.

The Frog Book written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: The Frog Book offers an engaging exploration of various frog species through vibrant illustrations and intriguing facts. It introduces readers to the unique characteristics, habitats, life cycles, and behaviors of frogs, including the alarming fact that many species are endangered. Organized into sub-topics like "What is a frog?" and "Finding a mate," the book invites curiosity and wonder. A table at the end provides additional information about the frogs discussed, making it a valuable resource for young learners. With its combination of art and science, this book captivates readers while educating them about the fascinating world of frogs. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The Frog Book is a great book to fit into a variety of library programming. It is a good book for themed storytime sessions, focusing on environmental awareness and biodiversity. Interactive activities such as scavenger hunts can help students find specific information within the text, enhancing their research skills. Additionally, librarians can encourage students to create KWL charts to track their prior knowledge and new learnings about frogs. This book can also serve as a springboard for informational writing projects, allowing students to delve deeper into their favorite frog species and present their findings creatively. Overall, it’s an excellent book for fostering curiosity and learning about nature.

Sheep Go to Sleep written by Nancy E. Shaw and illustrated by Margot Apple, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In the eighth volume of the beloved "Sheep" series by Nancy Shaw and Margot Apple, five restless sheep struggle to settle down for bed. A patient collie comes to their aid, fulfilling each sheep's bedtime wishes—offering hugs, drinks of water, lullabies, teddy bears, and quilts. The soothing rhymed text and charming colored-pencil illustrations create a calming bedtime atmosphere, making it perfect for young listeners. As the sheep drift off to sleep, the story incorporates counting and subtraction challenges, rewarding children with a familiar literary reference at the end, making it an enchanting addition to bedtime routines. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can incorporate "Sheep in a Shop" into storytime sessions by engaging children with interactive counting activities as the sheep fall asleep. Using Keva planks or legos, librarians can track the number of sheep settling down, reinforcing math concepts in a fun and relatable manner. After the reading, children can participate in a craft activity, such as creating their own sheep or collie, which ties into the story's themes. Additionally, librarians can host a "Sleepytime Tales" program, featuring soft, calming stories that help children unwind before nap time, enhancing their love for reading.

Be Brave Little Penguin written by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this delightful rhyming story, a little penguin named Pip-Pip is terrified of water, longing to join his friends swimming in the sea. With encouragement from his mother, Pip-Pip learns to face his fears and discovers the joys that await him. The narrative emphasizes the importance of self-belief and bravery, guiding young readers to understand that overcoming fears can lead to wonderful experiences. The charming illustrations and rhythmic text engage children, making it a perfect tale for fostering discussions about confidence and trying new things. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a good read aloud that focuses on themes of courage and self-esteem. Before reading, librarians can invite students to share their experiences with overcoming fears, fostering a supportive environment. After the story, discussions can revolve around the importance of encouragement and trying new activities, whether in sports, hobbies, or food. Creative activities, such as drawing or writing about a fear they'd like to overcome, can further engage students and help them express their feelings. This book serves as an excellent tool for building confidence among young readers.

Baby Monkey, Private Eye written by Brian Selznick and David Serlin, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This chapter book for all ages has bold black text and a hilarious main character working as a private detective. (Baby Monkey, Private Eye will be as endearing for adults who may notice the nods to films of years past in the illustrations.) Baby Monkey will search for clues, eat a snack, take notes, and solve the case. (Take careful note of the paintings and newspapers in the illustrations for more connections.) So, in short this is a picture book read aloud in the form of an early chapter book. (Don't miss the back matter, if you book talk this one.) Selznick and David Serlin have created a masterpiece in this sweet and funny book. Teachers who need to teach mystery books really need to consider this one. Librarians who teach back matter in their books will have much to discuss with the index and bibliography after the story. Even art teachers will find joy in the paintings on the wall and how they connect to each story. This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all libraries! (I read this one before I received this book to review and have hoped for a sequel from this pair ever since.) 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This may be the single hardest book to place in a school collection. I put it in chapter books with a label that alerts my readers that it has more white space and picture support. I could see some choosing picture book locations, especially if they want parents to see this charming and unique book. It is possible we will continue to have this confusion with Brian Selznick as he continues to push the definition of picture book and chapter book to extremes. (To my great joy!)

Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months written by Maurice Sendak, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

 

Summary:  Anytime of the year is a good time to have chicken soup with rice.  A small child goes through the months of the year while reiterating it is always nice to have chicken soup with rice.  Each page has a month and each month has a rhyming story, but in every month it is good to have chicken soup with rice.  

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Obviously for all you foodie teachers out there, this would be a wonderful book to have around during the cold season along with a cup of chicken soup with rice.  It helps to teach the months of the year and you cannot overlook the rhyming poetry lesson that goes along with it.  Some months are congruent to the seasons and some concentrated on rhyming.  Originally written in 1962, this book may need a makeover like an old house needs an update.  Update the pictures and rewrite some of the months to relate to today’s students. Keep it congruent to the seasons.  The bones are good, but it is revealing its vintage pages.

Haggis and Tank Unleashed #2: Digging for Dinos written by Jessica Young and illustrated byJames Burks, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

 

Summary:  Haggis and Tank take off on an adventure to find Dinosaurs.  Tank read that they found dinosaurs right there near their backyard.  Haggis gets talked into searching for dinosaurs.  They pack food and set off on an adventure.  They find 3 dinosaur eggs all alone so they make a plan to sit on them to hatch, when along comes Mama triceratops and charges at them.  Tank shows her they mean no harm and helps cover them with leaves and grass.  She trusts them and makes them her friends.  They play games until a Tyrannosaurus Rex comes along to eat them, but as the ground starts to shake, he runs off.  Suddenly all the creatures, followed by all the dinosaurs, run away.  Tank and Haggis get worried and find a way to get home quickly.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This easy reader chapter book with colorful pages has entertaining comical conversations between Haggis and Tank.  Tank is a dreamer, who misunderstands a lot of what Haggis says.  He constantly confuses similar sounding words into something else, which makes for a highly funny and entertaining book about vocabulary. Haggis, who is the smart one, is talked into these adventures by Tank.  Students learn how to be friendly towards people, some who are aggressive towards them or misunderstanding the conversation.  We all can learn to handle a hard of hearing grandparent or older person in our life.  This book would make a great classroom library book on diversity and age differences.  Highly recommended. 

Mr. Complain Takes the Train written by Wade Bradford and illustrated by Stephan Britt, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Mr. Complain takes a vacation and on the train he notices things are not quite as he wants them to be.  He is a grumpy man and lots of things are wrong on the train.  His seat is too lumpy.  The passenger next to him is too prickly, although a porcupine can’t help it.  The train is moving too fast or too uphill.  He can never seem to find the train comfortable.  After the train and tracks do a loop de loop and a ride through a river, cleaning out the inside of the train, he finally makes it to his destination of Dullsville, but is that what he wants in a vacation?

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Mr. Complain makes a lot of work for the conductor and says mean things to those around him.  All the passengers and conductor remain in good spirits while trying to satisfy his complaints.  Vacations don’t always go as planned.  Students need to learn how to handle their emotions without hurting the others around them.  They can either learn to make a bad situation into a good situation or sulk.  This would make a great classroom discussion on how they would handle himself.  The interactive book is a lot of fun.  This large picture book is fun to read as the train moves up, down, and upside down as do the words on the page and most scenes take up both pages. Highly recommended.

Carmen Sandiego: Secrets of the Silver Lion written by Emma Otheguy, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Vile stole the throne of  King Felipe IV of Spain in 1621 from a New York museum.  On it are 3 hallowed out inlays for 3 silver symbols, two of which were stolen back in King Felipe’s time. One of them was found and Vile has stolen it too.  Carmen and friends fly to Spain to steal them back.  She is up against her arch rival Paperstar from days together in Vile training.  They constantly competed against each other in school and the animosity towards each other has not changed.  They must find this throne and all its components and return it to the people of Bolivia.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Carmen’s feelings about being latin and stolen away in Argentina by Vile are surfacing in this caper. She’s longing to know who her parents were and to dig deeper into her family history.  Something several adopted teenagers have in common.  Students enjoy the mystery and the good vs evil in Carmen books.  As they run through Spain and Bolivia, they learn about the people and customs.  It would be a great addition to any social studies unit.  Detective-mystery books will always be desired in a school library and Carmen Sandiego books are like the old time Nancy Drew.   Highly Recommended. 

 

Louis written by Tom Lichtenheld and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Louis is a teddy bear who thinks he is unloved.  He is left on the subway train.  He is splashed with milk and he has been bitten by dinosaurs.  Louis wants to leave and find another home that will love him.  Louis feels underappreciated so he makes plans to run away.  With his decision made, now he has to find the right time to leave. He can’t do it during the tea party with cake, nor during bedtime struggles, he ferrets out that maybe he likes it right here at home.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Things look different if you take the time to see it.  It’s not always bad.  This would make a great group read in a classroom or an individual building up reading skills.  A lesson plan could be about how to treat others and dealing with empathy.  Not everyone will find fun in everything you like to do. Colorful big pictures and large words will provide viewing from the back of any reading circle.

 

Be a Friend written by Salina Yoon, reviewed by Debra Gantz

 

Summary:  Dennis is a quiet boy that wears black and white stripes and communicates through mime, like his hero Marcel Marceau of stage and screen fame. It can be lonely to not speak with words as other kids do not always understand. During show and tell, he mimed. When students climbed a tree, he became a tree. One day that all changed when Dennis kicked an imaginary ball and a classmate caught it. Together they played and discovered that play does not need words to fill our hearts with joy!

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Wow! What a special book this is and I have already added it to both of my school collections. Salina Yoon has found a way to help students treasure the differences in communication in our school communities. I have shared this book with all of my classes. I see the joy of students who are a part of both a small special services class and included into their grade level class for specials when I share this book in both library times. I see this book as a first purchase.

This Is the Day! written by Amy Parker and illustrated by Leeza Hernandez , reviewed by Terry Wahrman

 

Summary:  Psalm 118:24 says This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.  Today,  we will wake up and rejoice.  God created this day - He made it for you.  Get up; get ready to go. Go see and do all the things God has created for you.  Sing songs and ride rides.  Even if you are feeling sad, you can make this the best day you’ve had.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This Christian book references Psalm 118:24.  This is the Day encourages small children to see the new day as one of wonder.  It brings the promise of a new joyous beginning and tells of all the happy things and sites to see in the new dawn. They talk about God and how he is present and gives us all these wonderful things.  This is a good fit for any school library catering to a Christian community.  This love and goodness book can be a welcome addition to an elementary library.  Recommended.