February & March 2024

Gross as a Snot Otter (Jess Keating, illustrations by David DeGrand)

Do you love weird animals? This book, number four in “The World of Weird Animals” series, covers animals that we would probably see as gross. Some are covered in mucus, some hang out with poop, and some feast on dead animals to stay alive. Each spread tells you a bit about the animal, why their gross feature might be cool, and has a sidebar explaining where it lives and what threats it might face. You also might not find all these animals gross. Keating explains at the end that what we find gross changes over time. It also might be based on where we live and what we grow up doing. I love looking at all the photographs in this book (except for the one about maggots—that’s my vote for grossest animal!)  (J 591 Keating)

We March (Shane W. Evans)

This book highlights the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom held on August 28, 1963. This is the march that included Mahalia Jackson singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream Speech.” This story uses simple language to explain what the day would have been like for someone in the march—how early they might have gotten up, how they would have traveled to Washington D.C. and what their experience at the March would have been like. Evans’ illustrations show what would have happened, following one family doing the things the text suggests. This book would be a good introduction to the Civil Rights movement for children.  (STORIES Evans) 

The Last Mapmaker (Christina Soontornvat)

As Mangkon's esteemed mapmaker's assistant, twelve-year-old Sai assumes the facade of a refined young lady with a promising future, yet her true lineage as the daughter of a conman threatens to unravel her social standing in a society where ancestry dictates status. Seizing an opportunity to join a southern sea expedition, Sai finds herself among others harboring hidden truths, and as whispers of the ship's potential journey to the legendary Sunderlands emerge, she must confront the sacrifices required to pursue her aspirations. (J Fic Soontornvat)

Literacy Tip from Miss Sam

Parents, when you talk about 'same' and 'different' with your child, they start to learn how to compare things themselves. This helps them be a good reader because they will use the same skills to learn the differences in letter shapes! Talking with your child will help them get ready to read.

5 ALA Youth Media Award Winners

In January every year the American Library Association announces award winners in different categories for youth books. These include some you’ve probably heard of, like Caldecott (awarded to “the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children”) and Newbery (awarded to “the author of the most distinguished American children’s book”.) Today I also want to highlight Geisel (for “the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers printed in English”), Schneider (“honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences”) and Pura Belpre (“to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children’s and youth”). Descriptions of awards taken from ala.org.  

1. Big by Vashti Harrison. This story looks at the transition of “big” from being a positive thing to a negative thing, and how comments on body size make us feel. Harrison does an amazing job using the boundaries of the book to explore how the child is feeling. STORIES Harrison
2. The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris. Johannes’ job is to be the Eyes of the Park for the Bison, who are the Park’s Elders, and help keep the Park’s Equilibrium. The Equilibrium is getting harder to enforce as new buildings and boatloads of goats and more humans show up. This book won the Newbery Medal this year. J Fic Eggers
3. Fox Has a Problem by Corey R. Tabor. Fox has a problem: his kite is stuck in a tree! Don’t worry, he’s got a solution. That leads to other problems though! This adorable book won the Geisel Award this year. Beginner Tabor
4. Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song. Henry likes routine, and the fact that the school calendar stays almost the same every single day. When a parade threatens this routine, Henry must find a way to fit the parade into his world. This is the winner of the Schneider Award for Young Children. J ABC Bailey 
5. Mexikid by Pedro Martin. Pedro Martin grew up in a Mexican-American family as one of seven kids. He and his family take a road trip down to Mexico to bring his grandfather back to California with them. This Pura Belpre winner and Newbery Honor book packs a lot of heart and humor into a story that is ultimately about the love a family gives each other. J Graphic Martin

From Alexis:

5 Books for Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, here are five books highlighting struggles of African Americans throughout history, promoting awareness, education, and understanding of their cultural heritage and experiences.

1. Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Khendi, illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. This book introduces young readers to the concept of antiracism through simple yet powerful rhymes and illustrations, teaching them how to recognize and challenge racism from an early age. With engaging language and vibrant artwork, Kendi's book empowers children and caregivers alike to actively promote equity, justice, and understanding in their communities. (BOARD BOOK Antiracist)
2. Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes. A twelve-year-old black boy named Jerome is shot and killed by a white police officer while playing with a toy gun. As a ghost, Jerome witnesses the aftermath of his death and forms a bond with the ghost of Emmett Till, navigating themes of racism, injustice, and the impact of violence on society. (J Fic Rhodes)
3. Something Happened in Our Town: a Child's Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP, Marietta Collins, PhD, and Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin explores how two families, one white and one black, in a suburban town grapple with a police shooting of a black man. Through sensitive storytelling and poignant illustrations, the book guides young readers and adults alike in understanding and addressing issues of race, justice, and empathy in their communities. (STORIES Celano)
4. Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul, from Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds, which is a remix of Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, with art by Rachelle Baker presents a compelling exploration of the history of racism and antiracism, specifically tailored for younger readers. Through engaging storytelling and accessible language, the book empowers young people to understand and challenge racism, encouraging them to become active participants in creating a more equitable and just society. (J 303.3 Cherry-Paul)
5. That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrations by Nikkolas Smith. Keira and Bianca share an unbreakable bond as best friends at school, until Keira's discovery of the Confederate flag on Bianca's porch prompts her to question their friendship. In "That Flag," Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith sensitively navigate themes of racism, friendship, and historical understanding. (STORIES Brown)