Everything Awesome About Space and Other Galactic Facts! written by Mike Lowery, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: If your students like facts about space, jokes about space, and learning in a very visual way this book is for them. Each brightly colored page with a comic book feel offers all of the above items. Teachers will still have the non-fiction book parts of Table of Contents and Fact Boxes to showcase, but the delivery in this book is geared toward the readers in a delightfully appealing way that is like none other in my collection. Lowery also includes drawing guides as one of his chapters. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This series is so visually appealing that many of my students want to read them all. (I have not bought them all yet, but I will!) From reading this series I have added some graphic novels by Mike Lowery to my library collection. I have added Everything Awesome about Sharks already and plan to add Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs in both of my elementary schools.

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.

Bisa's Carnaval, written by Joana Pastro and Carolina Coroa, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:  A young girl named Clara and her great-grandmother are preparing for their favorite celebration of Carnaval.  Clara’s Bisa (grandma) is getting too old to be partying in the street celebration and parade.  She is happy to help create the elaborate and colorful costume.  They go shopping to buy all the material needed and Bisa reminisces to Clara about other Carnavals from previous years.  The whole village is coming together to celebrate.  Since Bisa can’t come to the party, the party comes to her with just a slight detour and everyone gets to celebrate!

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book is just as colorful as the title suggests.  You can feel the Carnaval atmosphere with the setting and the colors the illustrator chose. You see a small seaside village where Clara and her Bisa live.  You can tell they are somewhat poor, but still make the best of their situation by making a costume.  There are Portuguese words sprinkled throughout the text and in the illustrations. Both the author and the illustrator originate from Brazil and can showcase with some authenticity the Carnaval of Olinda, a city in the northeast of Brazil.  There is a glossary at the end.  A great book to add to any elementary school library collection to celebrate diverse holidays and celebrations of the world.  A highly recommended purchase for any IB school library collection because of the global community emphasis.  All readers will appreciate the multi-generational relationship between Clara and her Bisa.  A sweet, fun read.
 

The Goody, written by Lauren Child , reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:  Chriton Krauss was a good child.  He did everything his parents told him to do.  He ate vegetables he didn’t like and he finished his sister’s chores that she never did. His parents gave him a button that said “Goody”. Myrtle was Chirton’s sister.  She was the opposite of her brother.  She was always in trouble and it seemed like her parents let her do whatever she wanted.  She was so bad that even her friends stopped inviting her to their birthday parties.  Chirton gets mad one day and decides not to be good.  He gets punished and as a result, his sister goes to a party in his place.  She has a lot of fun and starts reconsidering why she is always so bad.  Myrtle and her brother talk about how they have hurt each other and what they should do.  Then they talk to their parents about how unfair it is to label them.  Because when they get labeled, that is how children proceed to act.  Everyone vowed to do their best.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Lauren Child is the author and mixed media illustrator of this book.  It thought the illustrations looked familiar and it turns out she is also the creator of Charlie and Lola.  This is a beautiful book with fun font.  It’s a good lesson for young children and parents alike.  It makes for a good read aloud.  This would be a good fit for any elementary school library.  Humor is woven throughout the text and the illustrations. I’m not sure if “goody” is more British slang?  However, it can certainly be explained with our US “goody-goody two shoes” phrase.  I would say the main takeaway is to not label children.  It would be a great purchase for any elementary school library.  It makes for a good read-aloud and for silent reading.  I think there could be a lot of creative crafts that can go along with this story.
 

Our Table, written by Peter H. Reynolds, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:  Violet is the youngest in her family and she is fondly remembering sitting around the table enjoying a meal with her family.  Her family is now too busy to make a meal, prepare the table, and sit together.  Dad is watching the big screen tv, mom is on her phone and her brother is playing his video games.  Violent notices that the dining room table is shrinking and then all of a sudden it disappears.  Violet knows that her family needs to “rebuild” the table and their connection to each other.  Violet gives them all a task and they get to work.  The pages go from all violet to full color at the end when the family is back together.
Straight Talk for Librarians:  A cautionary tale for all families today who don’t always take the time to have a meal together.  An all too true telling of how we are all attached to technology more than the people who surround us.  It will make readers of all ages consider how much time they spend connected to technology instead of their friends and family.  It makes for a good read-aloud.  It would be a popular choice for any elementary school library.  For any PYP IB programs, there is a focus on being a Communicator in the Learner Profile.  There could be lots of library activities to complement this book.  My 9-year-old reader stated, “It was really short but still super good!” Highly recommended.  

If You Miss Me, written by Jocelyn Li Langrand, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  When Charlie moves away from her beloved grandmother, Grandma reassures her by telling her to "look at the moon" and she will do the same. Charlie is able to continue dancing without Grandma watching by talking to her on the phone and looking at the moon - but when Grandma passes away, she is lonely and has a hard time continuing to dance without her. By looking at the moon and feeling her grandmother with her, Charlie is able to dance in her big recital.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This beautiful picture book is a great choice for students who have lost a beloved grandparent. The depiction of Charlie's grief and loneliness is realistic, but hopeful, and suggests that loved ones are never really gone as long as they are remembered.
 

10 Spooky Pumpkins, written by Gris Grimly, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  On Halloween night, a young girl meets spooky characters and scenes in groups of ten to two, until they come across one very scary moon that scatters everyone. The illustrations are reminiscent of the "Nightmare Before Christmas" - eerie, angular shapes that would be almost too scary if it weren't for the obvious fun the girl is having! The rhythmic pattern - "7 greedy goblins full of naughty tricks / Looking for a ghost and they found six" - repeats until the culmination in a Halloween dance party.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This creepy countdown is a perfect addition to any Halloween picture book collection. Full of juicy adjectives, a predictable pattern, and spooky characters, read to any kid in the weeks before Halloween and they will be sucked in!

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose, written by Lauren Tarshis, illustrated by Lisa Bronson Mezoff, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Lauren Tarshis (I Survived) makes her picture book debut with this sweet story about the relationship between a boy and his dog. The boy is a helpful, brave, broccoli-eating, toy-sharing brother - but only his dog sees the more mischievous burping, nose-picking, wild, silly side of him. Light watercolor illustrations depict the boy and his dog on their adventures together.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This picture book is a beautiful representation of the special relationship between people and pets, and shows a flawed but well-meaning boy whose dog "knows everything about me, and loves me all the time." Hand to young dog-lovers or read aloud as an illustration that no one is perfect.

We Shall Overcome, written by Bryan Collier, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Accompanying the lyrics of the Civil Rights anthem "We Shall Overcome", four-time Caldecott honoree Collier illustrates the journey of a young Black girl as she passes both historical and current landmarks. As she wanders through black-and-white depictions of the 16th Street Baptist Church, the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to move, and Little Rock Central High School, the girl also passes modern scenes shown in full color, such as a Black Lives Matter rally and the painting of a mural. Often both black-and-white historical and full-color contemporary scenes are shown on one two-page spread, showing the juxtaposition between past and present.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This illustrated anthem is an excellent addition to any civil rights collection. The appendix gives a detailed history of each landmark passed, as well as the titular song itself, and describes the importance of each event. School librarians may want to note that some of the lyrics repeat "The Lord will see us through, someday". A great informational picture book!

No Fair! No Fair! and Other Jolly Poems of Childhood, written by Calvin Trillin, pictures by Roz Chast, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  I think this is the dark side of poetry in this book. I am not surprised to find out that this is a New Yorker journalist that is penning these odes to childhood as they are likely more appealing to adults than children. The illustrations by Roz Chast even feel more appealing for adults than children, though the topics of the poems could be very funny, neither the illustrations nor the poems strike a chord for me. The afterward from Calvin Trillin give some insight into the topics of the poems, but not enough to change my thinking. The poems felt heavy, not fun.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I may be able to talk some of my male students with a darker sense of humor to check it out, but I doubt it will become a favorite for many students. (My brothers might have liked it.)

Squirrel's Family Tree, written by Beth Ferry, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is a very good book about nature and squirrels in nature in particular. Squirrels are more than cute critters in cartoon-like situations. The author writes, in rhyming text, about how squirrels gather seeds and nuts for winter, how they eat, how they prepare for winter (since they do not hibernate) and how the acorn seeds they bury or cache sometimes become oak trees. The book is very interesting and the author explains in a very nice, obviously simplified manner, how these animals that we all see in yards and parks live day-to-day. The symbiotic relationship between squirrels and the food that they eat and cache will be interesting to young children. The illustrations by A.N. Kang are lovely and complete the rhyming text so well! 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a great book for very young children about an animal they see often. They will learn about the feeding, living and sleeping activities of squirrels and the illustrations will be very helpful in understanding these activities. This is a very good lesson on nature.

Impossible Crime, written by Mac Barnett, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary: Mac B., Kid Spy is back for a second adventure when one of the Queen of England's eleven corgis meets him at a mini-golf course and guides him back to England to solve another mystery. This time, he is solving a locked-room "howdunit" - The queen is certain the descendant of a foiled jewel thief is returning to steal the crown jewels. After falling asleep on the job, Mac travels with the queen's guardsman to Ireland to track down the culprit. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Mac's silly, conversational first-person narration is engaging and fun, and the quirky characters and side comments, filled with a surprising amount of facts about England, will keep anyone entertained. Short chapters (often less than three pages) and bold green and orange illustrations on every page make the length of this book less intimidating. A zany, high-paced adventure that even the most reluctant reader will love

Still a Gorilla, written by Kim Norman, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Willy the Gorilla lives in the City Zoo. With all of the other exciting animals around him, Willy decides that he might like to be something different. Willy considers some of the other animals that he could be and wonders if acting like another animal would make him turn into that animal. But each time he tries, he discovers that he is not meant to roar like a lion or hop like a kangaroo, and that he is, in fact, “Still a gorilla.” After Willy tries out the actions of a lion, a walrus, a billy goat, an alligator, and a kangaroo, he puts them all together into one big wacky action parade that makes Willy see that he can be silly, but no matter what, he will always be, “Still a gorilla.” 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This seemingly-simple animal book comes with a big message about being true to yourself. Each four page sequence follows a delightfully repetitive pattern that will engage and entertain preschoolers. The use of rhetorical questions will allow even small children to engage with the story as they ponder whether a gorilla can turn himself into a walrus or alligator. One question in each spread is offered with a catchy rhyme, always popular with the preschool set, and important for vocabulary development as well. The illustrations are bright, color and often humorous. After each question is asked, the following two-page spread shows Willy trying to dress or act like the animal he is emulating, which is sure to elicit giggles from kids (especially the page on which Willy uses two bananas to look like walrus tusks.) The repetition of the title/tagline (“Still a Gorilla!”) throughout the story will encourage children to anticipate it and say it along with the reader. This picture book is a winner! It is engaging, interactive, and focuses on favorite zoo animals which will always delight young readers.

Say Something!, written by Peter H. Reynolds, reviewed by Anneliese White

Summary: A fantastic read with wonderful illustrations, “Say Something,” sends an important message to children in a variety of ways: that their voice matters. Everyone’s voice is needed in this story, and their voices can be shared in a variety of ways and in a variety of situations. From seeing someone lonely and saying something silently by just being there for them, to feeling angry and being able to say something in a nice way for others to understand, this book covers so many situations, and allows children to understand ways to express themselves in a positive manner. There is such a wide range of emotions and situations that all young readers can find at least one page to identify with, if not more. Gentle also in tone, this book has a great ending for readers to say something...when they are ready.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Buy this book! In a simplistic and fantastic way, this book gives an outlet to every single student who reads it in some shape or form. “Say Something,” has a situation for the quiet student, the sad student, the angry student, the empathetic student, and more. The important message that their feelings and voice matter is crucial, and it allows them to see ways to express that voice in a positive and non-aggressive way. It also has an important section on why it’s essential for them to express what they feel, even if no one is listening at the time, because eventually they will find out that someone, or some people, ARE listening. Each situation has a diverse character, so readers of all backgrounds can find an illustration that represents what they look like, which is important. It also explains that saying something is easier for some more than others, which is what some introverted students need to hear. With great illustrations to boot, this book is a great pick for discussions on bullying, emotions, and confidence.

Bedtime Blastoff!, written by Luke Reynolds, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Rahul V.
Summary: This book talks about a boy going to bed but would rather play with his dad. The boy imagines what he could be in the future from a pilot zooming away to pirate sailing in the seas. The father repeatedly asks him if its time for “bedtime” and the boy replies “not yet”. Although the boy refuses to go to sleep the boy’s father continues to play with him and support him.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is suitable for young readers as the book has a poetic touch with a couple of words rhyming and the story moves along quickly and would make a great read-aloud book. This book will teach the younger audience about using your imagination. The boy thinks about different occupations and vehicles as he tries to put bedtime off. The book is beautifully illustrated with computer-designed graphics. It will make a good bedtime story as the story ends with the boy finally falling asleep. It has literary merit as it would introduce the children to rhyming words and new vocabulary. This is a great book to read as bedtime approaches. It would also be a good addition to a bedtime themed book display in a library.

I Will Love You, written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Yitian Z.
Summary: This book is about how a mother expresses her emotions and feelings towards the love for her daughter through a lullaby liked versed tone. She conveys this by using examples of nature and incorporating elements of literary devices like personification and imagery to all five senses. The mother in the story that is trying to convey this message is white, and her daughter is brown. The illustrator expresses the appreciation between their relationships through the fantastical themes shown ranging from “soaring on fluffy clouds” to dancing on the beach, and soothed by animal’s physical features like the “butterfly’s wings. This book can be suited for the general audience of kids that are in preschool or kindergarten that are ages 3 to 5 and moms that would like to read bedtime stories and learn from a book about their loving relationships. In the library, a mother-daughter book display can be set up showing the different kinds of relationships that include adoptive parents, single moms, and just the overall relationship of a mother and daughter.

Straight Talk for Librarians: In “I Will Love You” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, the mother expresses her motions and feeling towards the love for her daughter through a lullaby using versed tone. She conveys this by using examples of nature and incorporating elements of literary devices like personification and imagery to all five senses. By incorporating personification by “tickled by the rainbow a silky rain brings”, it demonstrates the gentle aspects of the youth as seen from nature's perspective. The repetition of this book also stands out for the overall theme or idea of “I will love you” no matter what circumstance has occurred to the child. This is repeated to show the importance of the relationship and the perspectives that can be expressed for the warming tone and quality for her daughter. This is a great book for bedtime stories with just a mom and daughter as the relationship can be developed warmly before the child goes to bed. This is heartwarming for both as a sweet memory of nature’s words on love is expressed before the child starts to sleep. The illustrations in the book are also very creative and fits well with the overall tone of the story. The paintings that are done by color pencil and watercolor create a very soft perspective and use of warm calm colors is underlying the overall mood of the story.

The Astronaut who Painted the Moon, written by Dean Robbins, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Alanna Q.
Summary: On November 14, 1969, the Apollo 12 launched into the gaping depths of space, landing on the barren moon. Alan Bean, the fourth man to set foot on the moon, was the first artist to ever touch the breaches of space, returning not only with important research but with the drive and motivation to translate the emotions and beauty he saw on the moon in the way only an artist’s eye could. He used expressive methods he learned as an art student before he was an astronaut, painting and brushing colors and visions to represent and express his experiences that no photograph could do justice to.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Such a book is valuable to both aspiring artists and astronauts, and it can even be used in history classes to teach about the Space Race and missions to the moon. The illustrations within the book hold excellent examples of color theory with its recurring motifs of the watercolored complementary pair of purple and yellow, using purple, a cooler, receding color, as shadow and yellow, a warmer color, as highlights. The crosshatching throughout the book expresses a sketchy, less realistic style of art, further emphasizing the recurring idea that art does not require realism to be beautiful and expressive. The use of contrast between monochrome color schemes and deep, rich colors aids in the emphasis of certain ideas and images. For aspiring astronauts, the book teaches about some processes of becoming a professional astronaut and appeals to the beauty and vast adventure of being in space. The book targets an audience that is at the prime age of finding their footing in the world, and Alan Bean’s sweet, inspirational dreams of a black sky and bright stars are relatable to the audience. Perhaps a young child who serendipitously picks up this book might one day end up seeing the same stunning view as Alan Bean. In terms of the theme, the book teaches the invaluable lesson that art doesn’t have to be restricted to the rigid expectations of realism; through breaking the restrictive bars of realism, artists can express the most beautiful ideas and views otherwise unachievable. It also serves as an example of dreams and aspirations, setting off the imaginations of young viewers of their future careers. The uplifting and hopeful mood throughout the story gives the audience a sense of determination and hope that they can achieve their dreams. Overall, “The Astronaut who Painted the Moon” is an appropriate, inspiring choice for young readers, useful in a wide variety of contexts and libraries.

The Pirate Jamboree, written by Mark Teague, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: “Morning comes. The sips appear surging o’er the summer sea. While from their decks, a lusty cheer: It’s time for the pirate jamboree!” Teague introduces us to his scurvy brood: Bluebeard, Blackbeard, Beigebeard, Sharktooth Jane, Eye Patch Sue, Cap’n Gunderboom, Peg Leg Jones and Mrs. Jones. Peg Leg Jones is hosting today’s jamboree (aka playtime). Everyone is coming together with mischief on their mind. Chaos ensues as the get together starts. Tables fall, cannons in the hall, missiles shoot across the room and a mess is made out of everything. Finally, Mrs. Jones shows up on the S.S. Clean Your Room!!! She sails the ship of doom. Everyone abandons ship and leaves Peg Leg Jones to “face his destiny.” Dinner brings quiet in the port and all the pirates will come back to fight another day.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is a whole lot of fun and will especially appeal to pirate lovers. Teague’s writing will take readers through the character’s imaginations. They are really all the diverse neighborhood characters coming together at one house for an adventure on a “ship”. Everyone has a pirate persona. They go a little wild during their adventure and the house is turned into a bit of a mess. Mrs. Jones is the mom who puts a stop to the party and expects her son to clean up before dinner. Readers will laugh out loud as the rest of the pirates abandon ship by escaping clean up time. Peg Leg has to stay because it is his house. Everything turns out and the neighborhood gang plans another day of pirating at someone else’s house. Readers will get a bit of an introduction for foreshadowing, fun imagery through the text and illustrations, rhyme and will probably enjoy helping predict the outcome of the story. The illustrations utilize vibrant colors, a diverse cast of characters and their emotions are easy to interpret. It’s a perfect adventure. This book could be used for a read-aloud and also for independent reading. A good purchase for any elementary school library.

Every Day Birds, written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, reviewed by Todd Erickson

Summary: Although Every Day Birds is basically told in verse for very young or beginning readers, it's a book students can grow into, as their is short informational blurbs about each bird a the end of the book for students to dive deeper. Due to the rhyming text, this one would work well as a read aloud. Birds are presented randomly, but they appear in alphabetical order in the simple glossary of informational text.

Straight Talk for Librarians: A basic avian primer told in simple verse, the colorful illustrations of common everyday birds should be easily recognizable to even very small children. The simple rhymes should hook young readers and could even be used to launch a writing lesson for young students to make up their own backyard nature poem. Teachers could use the book as a kickoff to a walk in nature to do some amateur birding to identify some of their avian neighbors.

Pirasaurs!, written by Josh Funk, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Marc B.
Summary: Pirasaurs! is a great book about dinosaurs who travel the open seas as pirates. They are out searching for gold and other treasures. There is a new little orange dinosaur who is hoping he can adjust. The ship's captain is a fierce T-Rex who “points her fabled sword.” The crew finds land but falls into a trap with another shipful of scallywags. The Pirasaurs realize that if they unite they might have an easier time finding the buried treasure. One that will bring them many riches and an opportunity to celebrate.

Straight Talk for Librarians: The rhymes in this book make it a perfect read-aloud. Young readers will fall in love with the little orange dinosaur as he tries to fit in with the other buccaneers. This little guy teaches kids to do their best and to be a part of the team. Fans of dinosaurs and pirates will instantly love this book. With dinosaur brawls and a treasure map, the book is a classic rush to find the treasure against other crews. The book's tone is fun but becomes thoughtful when two dinosaur crews learn that they have to work together teaching kids an important lesson about working together. It is the little dinosaur who suggests this idea which is why he is thanked by the other dinosaurs and they all learn the importance of teamwork. The bright colors and jungle island themes, as well as the great shapes of the dinosaurs, give the book a rough pirate feeling. The artistic dino puns are funny and would make any young reader laugh. A good addition to the school library.