Hardinge, Frances. Island of Whispers. Emily Gravett, Illus. Amulet, 08/2024. 120pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-41977-433-1. GRADES 4–8. OUTSTANDING. On Milo’s island the spirits of the dead must be quickly transported by his father, the Ferryman, lest they endlessly wander, leaving death and blight in their wake. When [continue reading]
August 2024
Urban Coyotes Review
Carson, Mary Kay. Urban Coyotes. Tom Uhlman, Illus. Scientists in the Field. Clarion, 08/2024. [80]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $21.99. 978-0-06327-147-0. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In the 1990s coyotes first started showing up in city neighborhoods, and animal control agencies were flooded with anxious complaints. Field scientists formed Chicago’s [continue reading]
Big Sister, Long Coat Review
Buchet, Nelly. Big Sister, Long Coat. Rachel Katstaller, Illus. NorthSouth, 03/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.95. 978-0-73584-551-0. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. Intending the best day ever, a smiling, freckled, curly-haired teen sister and a rosy-cheeked, light-brown haired younger sister head out into an urban environment. The younger child [continue reading]
Life After Whale Review
Brunelle, Lynn. Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall. Jason Chin, Illus. Neal Porter, 06/2024. [48]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-82345-228-6. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING. Readers follow an elderly blue whale as she takes her last meal, expires, and sinks to the sea floor. What happens [continue reading]
CLA Beatty Award Winner Announced
The California Library Association Announces Beatty Award Winner Danial Aleman: Join us in congratulating our 2024 Beatty Award-Winning Young Adult author, Daniel Aleman, for his book Brighter Than The Sun! Brighter Than The Sun is [continue reading]
Becca the Brave: Becca and Benj Review
Henderson, Judith. Becca the Brave: Becca and Benj. Amy Jindra, Illus. Becca the Brave;bk. 1. Reycraft, 06/2024. 48pp. Fiction. Trade $15.95. 978-147887-595-6. Paper $9.95. 978-1-47888-793-5. GRADES 1–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Best friends Benj and Becca celebrate [continue reading]
Dream Big Review
Dodd, Emma. Dream Big. Emma Dodd, Illus. Templar, 04/2024. 24pp. Picture Book. Trade$17.99. 978-1-53623-600-2. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL. With tender words that express love and appreciation, an adult lion encourages a little lion to try new [continue reading]
What Does Little Crocodile Say at the Birthday Party? Review
Montanari, Eva. What Does Little Crocodile Say at the Birthday Party? Eva Montanari, Illus. Little Crocodile; bk. 4. Tundra, 04/2024. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-77488-157-6. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Little crocodile enjoys fun and [continue reading]