Reading Level: Early Elementary

Archie Celebrates Diwali

Archie loves her family’s annual Diwali party, and this year she gets to share it with all her friends from school. She helps with the decorations and the food, and is eager for everyone to arrive. But once the party starts, a thunderstorm kicks up and drenches the outside decorations and knocks out the power. Archie worries that everything will be ruined. How can there be a festival of lights without any electricity?  

From the first page, readers will connect with Archie’s fear that her friends won’t accept her cultural differences. She worries that her friends won’t like “Dida’s special curry.” She’s also afraid that her grandmother’s karaoke and her uncle’s jokes will be embarrassing. She even worries about her dress. “Maybe her friends will think she looks weird. They’ve never seen her dressed up like this.” All her worries make her reluctant to share her favorite holiday with her friends. 

Even though the night of the party isn’t perfect, Archie’s friends embrace the Diwali experience by tasting new foods, learning about the holiday, and enjoying Archie’s grandmother’s karaoke. Instead of the party being “boring and terrible” like Archie feared, it is fun and wonderful. Best of all, Archie’s friends love her holiday tradition, her family, and everything about the party. Archie thinks, “Maybe next year, I’ll hand out more invitations at school.”  

Archie Celebrates Diwali shows the importance of embracing and sharing your cultural traditions. At first, Archie is fearful of sharing her favorite holiday with her friends, but as the night unfolds, her confidence grows, and her pride in her traditions shines through. While the story revolves around Diwali, anyone who has ever felt different will relate to Archie’s fears. The book also shows the importance of trying new things, whether it’s eating a new food or dancing in a conga line.   

The full-page illustrations use bright colors and lively details that reflect the joy of celebrating Diwali. The characters’ facial expressions clearly convey their emotions. Through Archie’s facial expressions, readers can see how her fear turns into excitement. The end of the book includes more information about the holiday, the story of the Ramayana, and a glossary. Even though Archie Celebrates Diwali is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. Many of the pages are text-heavy with complex sentences and vocabulary, with words like pronouncing, garland, and arranging, which young readers may need support with.   

Archie Celebrates Diwali is a delightful story that allows readers to step into a Diwali celebration and come away with a new understanding of the holiday. The story will encourage young readers to embrace differences, share their culture, and have fun while learning something new. The festival of lights celebrates good triumphing over evil, and Archie learns that sharing this belief with others should be celebrated as well. If you’d like to learn more about the holiday, read My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Archie and the women in her family wear a bindi “for decoration.” The book doesn’t explain the significance of the bindi.  
  • Archie tells her friends the story behind Diwali. “A long time ago, this king and queen saved the world from a whole bunch of demons. . . Then they tried to find their kingdom, but it was super dark, and nobody had electricity. . . The people didn’t know if the king and queen would find their way, so they lit thousands of little oil lamps. . . The king and queen made it home safely. Everyone lived happily ever after.” There is a picture of the king fighting demons. 
  • The end of the book includes a paragraph explaining more about the festival of lights. “There are many mythical stories about the origins of Diwali, like ancient warriors defeating powerful demons, but at their heart, all the stories are about how good triumphs over evil.” 

Haunted Mansion

Ever since they moved to Orlando, Gemma and Torin have experienced Disney magic like no other. They have a hand-drawn map of Walt Disney World that can magically transport them onto any ride!

Gemma and Torin find out there are no longer 999 happy haunts staying at the Haunted Mansion. Two animatronics have gone missing! Are they thrilled to use the map to chase Pickwick, the chandelier ghost, and Constance, the ax-wielding Bride? Not really. 

But their Mom needs their help, so that means braving the creepy creeps with eerie eyes and the grim grinning ghosts. Will Gemma and Torin find the spooks from beyond the grave? Or are they doomed to extend their stay at the Haunted Mansion? 

Right from the start, Torin reveals that he’s hiding a secret from Gemma: he’s the one responsible for the Haunted Mansion going haywire. This time, Gemma is reluctant to enter the attraction at all, since she’s scared of ghosts. That reluctance means less action than in the previous book—rather than interacting directly with the Haunted Mansion’s ghosts, the siblings spend much of the story hiding as they move from room to room in search of the missing spirits. Still, Gemma and Torin rely on their problem-solving skills to fix the attraction, and Gemma’s struggle to face her fears gives Haunted Mansion more depth than a typical ghost story. 

When the kids find Pickwick and Constance, only Pickwick interacts with them. Readers will relate to him because he’s been lonely hanging from his chandelier, and even as a ghost, he still longs for friends. Gemma helps him see that his role in the attraction matters: he helps frightened children feel braver. Once Pickwick recognizes his own importance, he willingly returns Constance to her place and takes his own spot back. One loose thread, though: the story never explains why Constance remains an inanimate object while Pickwick is able to become a real person. 

While Haunted Mansion is quieter and more subdued than its predecessor, it will still hold the attention of strong readers. Full-page, black-and-white illustrations appear every four to five pages, though readers who are just beginning chapter books may need an adult’s help to get through it. 

Fans of Disney will recognize the attraction’s iconic scenes throughout, which adds an extra layer of fun for readers already familiar with the ride. Though it trades some of the first book’s momentum for a slower, more introspective story, Haunted Mansion still delivers a satisfying blend of gentle scares and sibling teamwork, proving that even a story about facing your fears can be as much about friendship as it is about ghosts. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Gemma calls her brother a numbskull. 
  • Pickwick says, “I’ve been an indulgent old fool.”  

Supernatural 

  • While holding a magical map, Gemma recites a magical rhyme: “Leave no place / we leave no trace / of where and when we went. / We journey there, / we must play fair, / imagine and pretend.” After reciting the spell, Gemma and Torin are transported into the Haunted Mansion attraction.  
  • To make sure they don’t leave a “trace of where and when we went,” Torin holds a gold coin and recites a spell.  
  • While in the library, Gemma and Torin start talking differently. For example, Gemma says, “My dear brother, did you happen to make a note about the library journal?” They believe the library is responsible for making them “talk funny.” 
  • The ghost Pickwick said, “Every time a human being is off-balance, it is a ghost who puts them upright. We save thousands of people a day from falling over and hurting themselves.” 
  • Pickwick levitates Gemma and Torin. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi is an award-winning picture book that tells the story of an insightful cat living in Kyoto, Japan. Although a few human figures appear in the background, the story focuses almost entirely on a cast of animal characters, a feature that will delight animal lovers. More than a well-paced journey, the book is both poetic and philosophical, offering readers a gentle introduction to Eastern philosophy, primarily Taoism. It also invites readers to embrace new perspectives in unexpected ways. Even the book’s design reinforces this theme: its vertical orientation, rather than the traditional horizontal format, echoes the look of Japanese hanging scrolls and sets it apart from most picture books. 

As the story begins, readers are introduced to Wabi Sabi, an inquisitive brown cat who longs to understand the meaning of her name. Her name is more than an identifier—it is a literary device. Wabi Sabi herself serves as a living metaphor for the book’s central philosophy, also known as wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic and way of seeing the world. Her search for meaning unfolds through a series of conversations with other animals, each as self-aware as she is. Wabi Sabi’s search begins at home, where she asks the two animals she lives with to explain the meaning of her name. One offers a harsh response, while the other can only admit, “that’s hard to explain,” prompting her to continue her search elsewhere. 

A bird kindly offers Wabi Sabi a solution: “There is someone who can help you. His name is Kosho and he lives on Mount Hiei, to the east.” The bird explains that Kosho, a wise monkey who lives in the forest, understands the meaning of wabi-sabi and can provide the answer the curious cat has been seeking. Determined to uncover the truth, Wabi Sabi embarks on a journey in search of meaning. 

At this point, the story begins to feel less like a picture book and more like a timeless fable. Each page is enriched with traditional haiku, Japanese calligraphy, and the author’s original text, creating a layered reading experience that encourages readers to reflect on both the words and the artwork. 

Rather than revealing its message all at once, the book allows readers to explore the meaning of wabi-sabi alongside Wabi Sabi, with each encounter adding another layer of understanding. A conversation over tea with the enlightened monkey is one of the story’s most memorable scenes. Its peaceful setting and thoughtful dialogue reflect the very philosophy the characters are exploring. The text explains that wabi-sabi is a way of “seeing the world that is at the heart of Japanese culture. It finds beauty and harmony in what is simple, imperfect. . . and mysterious.” Familiar examples from nature, paired with collage illustrations, help readers visualize and understand the philosophy of wabi-sabi. Ultimately, the monkey distills its meaning into a simple truth that Wabi Sabi—and readers—can easily understand: “Simple things are beautiful.” 

Satisfied by her conversation with the monkey, Wabi Sabi begins her journey home. Along the way, she stops at a temple and quietly observes her surroundings. “There was nothing silver there, but she found the place to be very beautiful—in a wabi-sabi kind of way. Although the buildings and gardens were shaped by humans, they were neither fancy nor grand.” In this quiet moment of reflection, the story’s central message comes into focus. Inspired by what she has learned, Wabi Sabi composes poetry, affirming her understanding of her name while inviting readers to arrive at the same realization alongside her.  

Wabi Sabi is an excellent choice for readers with an interest in Japanese culture. While its philosophical themes may present a challenge for younger readers, Ed Young’s collage artwork provides rich visual context that supports comprehension on every page. His artwork reflects the book’s central message of finding beauty in imperfection, a cornerstone of Eastern philosophy. Using cut paper, origami, foliage, splattered paint, and photographs, Young creates layered mixed-media collage illustrations that deepen the story’s meaning. 

The book concludes with two pages of supplemental information that provide valuable background on the history of wabi-sabi and the art of haiku. Best suited for fluent independent readers, the story will appeal to readers of all ages: younger readers drawn to its inquisitive feline protagonist and older readers who appreciate its poetry, layered artwork, and philosophical themes. Throughout, the book evokes a quiet sense of curiosity, peacefulness, and contemplation, creating an almost meditative reading experience.   

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Maureen Lowe 

The Bumpy Pumpkin

At Stephens Farm, pumpkins of every shape and size eagerly await being chosen for Halloween. Each pumpkin is unique in size and shape, but they all have the same smooth, orange skin, except for the Bumpy Pumpkin, who is smaller and has patchwork skin of orange, yellow, and green. Worse, the pumpkin’s skin is covered in bumps—big ones, little ones, and even uneven ones. Would anyone want to pick the Bumpy Pumpkin? 

Anyone who has ever been made fun of will relate to the Bumpy Pumpkin, who is teased because he is different. When the other pumpkins say mean things to the Bumpy Pumpkin, he “did his best to stay hopeful, sitting up as tall as his little stem would allow.” When no one picks him, the Bumpy Pumpkin “drooped with sadness, feeling hollow inside—as if all his seeds had been scooped out.”  

But then, Olivia arrives at the pumpkin patch, and she’s looking for a really special pumpkin to be part of her Halloween decorations. She chooses Bumpy Pumpkin because he is “one of a kind.” He is the star of the night and learns that “he was perfect in his own way. He was loved just the way he was. . . bumps and all.” 

The Bumpy Pumpkin blends adorable pictures with vivid descriptions to illustrate that each pumpkin—or person—is uniquely beautiful. Children will empathize with the pumpkin and understand his emotions because of his facial expressions and the text. For example, when Olivia chooses him, the Bumpy Pumpkin “felt a warm, happy flutter inside.” Young readers will also enjoy the fun Halloween pages, where the pumpkin shines.  

While the story is perfect for Halloween, its message of self-acceptance can be applied year-round. The simple plot is easy to follow, and the text incorporates fun shapes and colors. The full-page illustrations use the colors of fall—brown, green, and orange—often with a blue background, which creates a cheerful mood. Each page has one to two long sentences. However, the book should be read aloud to a child, because the sentences are complex. Despite this, young children will also enjoy looking at the pictures on their own.  

The Bumpy Pumpkin is a non-scary Halloween book that children will enjoy reading again and again. The end of the book has a house decorated with cute bats, spiders, and ghosts. Just beware: when you read The Bumpy Pumpkin to a child, they’ll want to visit the pumpkin patch to pick their very own bumpy pumpkin. For more fall fun, add these books to your reading list: Marley and the Runaway Pumpkin, A Purr-fect Pumpkin, and How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

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Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

High and Dry

High and Dry opens with an urgent question: what do you do when you discover a stranded orca calf, and the clock is ticking? 

Dylan lives on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest with his parents, but when they have to go to the mainland, his grandfather weathers a storm to come spend time with him. Grandpa brings Dylan several gifts, and one comes in handy the next day as they explore the coast. In fact, this gift leads the duo to a dangerous discovery: a young orca stuck on the rocks during the storm. Racing against the sun and the heat, Dylan and Grandpa need to work together to figure out how to save the calf while his pod circles nearby. 

Dylan’s life revolves around family, exploring nature, and watching the animals that live nearby. He is kind, curious, and willing to work hard, which makes him a likable protagonist. When he discovers a young orca in need of help, Dylan immediately springs into action — and even in the face of an exhausting, difficult challenge, he never loses focus or complains. What makes Dylan especially compelling, though, is not just his determination but his capacity for empathy, which is at the heart of the story’s most memorable moments. 

The most endearing part of the story is Dylan’s growing connection with the orca, whom he names Oreo. To keep the stranded calf alive, Dylan drapes sheets over Oreo and keeps them wet to prevent his skin from burning in the sun. Throughout the long day, Dylan talks to the orca, and a quiet but powerful bond forms between them. This moment of connection is captured beautifully in one of the book’s most moving passages: “He could see that the whale was thinking. Maybe about Dylan or about the situation or about his pod. But he was thinking. . . The fear was gone, and Dylan thought he saw hope in the eye looking back at him.” It is a small, still moment in an otherwise tense story, and it lingers long after the chapter ends. 

Equally warm is the relationship between Dylan and his grandfather. Rather than taking over, Grandpa offers gentle guidance and encouragement, trusting Dylan to rise to the challenge. Their partnership models the kind of intergenerational respect and teamwork that gives the story much of its emotional grounding, and it mirrors the book’s broader message: that people and orcas are more alike than different — both are intelligent, family-oriented, and stronger when they work together. 

The story is told in nine short chapters, with black-and-white illustrations approximately every three pages. The illustrations help readers visualize the story’s events, and the frequent animal pictures will delight young nature lovers. As part of the Orca Echoes Series — designed for readers ages 7-9 — the book features accessible text and focuses on social responsibility, character-building, and relatable everyday adventures. 

High and Dry will appeal to a wide variety of early chapter-book readers, especially those who love animals and the outdoors. With its fast-moving plot, heartfelt relationships, and an unforgettable orca named Oreo, this is an ideal choice for classrooms and home libraries alike — and a gentle, meaningful introduction to themes of wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship. Readers who enjoy survival stories should also read the Bear Grylls Adventures and Girls Survive. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The orca is injured. When Dylan covers his tail with a sheet, “he’d seen blood from one of the cuts being absorbed by the sheet.” The orca fully recovers.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Florette

Have you ever had to leave the place you called home and start over in a new city? This simple yet heartfelt picture book explores universal themes of hope, determination, and friendship that resonate with readers of all ages. Mae’s imaginative search for nature in the heart of the city encourages readers to look at the world around them with fresh eyes. Florette (“little flower” in French) is a gentle reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places.  

Florette follows Mae and her small dog as they adjust to life in a new city. After moving from the countryside, Mae and her family settle into a tall apartment building. On the opening page, the wilted flower she carries foreshadows the challenges of adapting to an unfamiliar environment. Encouraged by her mom to create “a new garden,” Mae looks out her apartment window and wonders if there’s room for nature in the city. 

When Mae ventures outside, she returns feeling uninspired. Although surrounded by her family, her loneliness is evident as she adjusts to her new surroundings. She observes sadly that “there was no room among the crowded buildings for apple trees and daffodils.” 

Over the next few days, Mae tries to create nature herself, drawing flowers and animals in chalk on the cobblestone street below her apartment and on the stacked moving boxes inside her home. But these efforts can’t recreate the outdoors. Determined, she grabs her binoculars and peers out the window and spies an open space “with trees and a swing.” For the first time, she sees a glimmer of hope. 

With her mother, sibling, and dog by her side, Mae leads her family through the city in search of the space she spotted from her window. The park turns out to be smaller than she imagined, but disappointment gives way to curiosity when a bird catches her attention. Following its path around the corner, she discovers a magnificent plant shop just as the bird flies through an open window. 

What Mae finds is unlike anything she has seen before: a towering neighborhood shop with floor-to-ceiling windows overflowing with lush foliage. To Mae, its grand scale feels like a “leafy forest,” making her seem wonderfully small. The shop’s name, Florette, subtly foreshadows the transformation awaiting her, reminding readers that, like a flower, she can take root and flourish in a new place. 

For parents, the story’s portrayal of moving may inspire quiet reflection on how a shift in perspective can transform one’s experience. For readers, Mae’s determination to find nature within the confines of a city is inspiring. Though the shop is closed, she discovers a small green sprout growing through a crack in its wall. She brings it home, plants it in a jar on her windowsill, and inspires neighborhood children to do the same. Before long, the neighborhood is alive with plants, flowers, birds, friendship, and a renewed sense of community. The illustrations do much of the storytelling, quietly charting this transformation as color, greenery, and human connection spread from page to page. 

The delicate watercolor illustrations evolve from soft, muted tones to vibrant greens, mirroring Mae’s emotional journey from uncertainty to hope. As the neighborhood blossoms alongside her, readers share in her newfound sense of belonging. With just one to four sentences per page, the text is approachable for early readers. In the end, Mae creates more than a garden—she cultivates a community. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None

by Maureen Lowe 

Pirates of the Caribbean

Ten-year-old Gemma wishes everything could stay the same, but that’s impossible after her mother accepts a new job at Disney Parks in Orlando. Struggling to fit in and make friends, Gemma’s focus is instead drawn to a weathered journal left behind in her mother’s bookshop by a mysterious stranger.

After Gemma discovers a hand-drawn map of Walt Disney World, riddles begin appearing across the page like magic! Even weirder are the problems her mother is facing at work: the animatronics on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride keep moving all on their own in the middle of the night.

With the help of her brother, Torin, Gemma discovers that the map can transport them onto the Pirates attraction. But there’s something wrong—this version of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride has real live pirates! Will Gemma and Torin figure out a way to save the ride, or will they be forever trapped in the pirate stockades? 

When Gemma is given the map, she knows there must be a reason for it. This plucky heroine and her reluctant brother are thrust into the world of the ride, where they must figure out how to get the pirates and other characters back to their proper places. Gemma is determined to save her mother’s job, even if it means facing down the pirates herself. One of her best qualities is her willingness to admit she doesn’t know everything: “She didn’t spend a lot of time feeling sorry about her mistake. It wasn’t her first. It wouldn’t be her last. She not only had to live with her mistake, but she also had to fix it.” 

The pirates and other characters from the attraction are delightful, especially for anyone who’s ridden through the scene before. Readers will love imagining the mayor escaping his bounds while his wife yells at the pirates to leave her husband alone. These funny antics give the story a sense of suspense that’s more humorous than scary, and Pearson throws in a few surprises along the way, including an octopus and a flock of chickens. 

As the first book in the series, this story sets up a fun premise that will engage strong readers. Full-page, black-and-white illustrations appear every four to five pages, though readers who are just beginning chapter books may need an adult’s help to get through it. Pirate-loving kids who aren’t quite ready for longer books may instead enjoy the Puppy Pirates Series by Erin Soderberg and All Paws on Deck by Jessica Young. 

Pirates of the Caribbean is a fun adventure that any pirate-loving reader will enjoy. Gemma and Torin share a sweet, believable sibling bond, and neither one has any idea how to fix the attraction, but that doesn’t stop them from facing the pirates head-on. Their determination and problem-solving carry the story, and their willingness to learn from mistakes gives the book real heart alongside its humor. Overall, this is a fabulously fun start to a series that celebrates imagination, resourcefulness, and the courage it takes to fix what you broke, even when you’re only ten years old. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • One of the pirates grabs Gemma. “Her arms were yanked behind her back and her wrists tied together. The pirate spun her in circles, wrapping the rope around her and restraining her arms.” Gemma is tied to two other “captives.” 
  • White hens attack Torin with a loud squawk. “They pecked at his feet and shins. He cried out for help. There were six hens hammering Torin’s ankles and feet. . . One daring hen rose to Torin’s shoulder and drove its beak into the side of Torin’s head.” Torin isn’t injured. 
  • An octopus grabs Torin. “The tentacle holding Torin erupted, shook the boy, and pulled him back underwater. . . Again, Torin was lifted out of the water, spitting and coughing, the tentacle holding him tightly. His arms flailing alternately.”  
  • To escape the octopus’s tentacles, Torin bites it. “The tentacle loosened slightly. Torin popped out of the monster’s hold.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • One of the characters tells a pirate, “Shut your blowhole, you rancid piece of jerky.” 

Supernatural 

  • While holding a magical map, Gemma recites a magical rhyme: “Leave no place / we leave no trace / of where and when we went. / We journey there, / we must play fair, / imagine and pretend.” After reciting the spell, Gemma and Torin are transported into the attraction.  

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

How to Save an Otter

Ivy and Ezra are “critter couriers” whose family volunteers to transport injured and orphaned animals to their local wildlife hospital.

When they discover a baby river otter with a hurt leg, Ivy worries about the little otter being separated from its family – a feeling she knows all too well. She’s struggled to make new friends since her twin cousin BFFs moved away. 

Taking on a big project for the wildlife hospital keeps her busy, but can she find the confidence she needs to make it a success, build new friendships, and help the otter heal enough to return to the wild? 

Many readers will instantly connect with Ivy, who is struggling to adjust to her cousins moving away. Their absence makes Ivy question her place in their friend group: “Gemma and Sara were more her cousins’ friends than hers. Sometimes it seems like they only included Ivy because they felt stuck with her.” When the three girls are assigned a group project for Earth Day, though, it helps bring them closer together. As part of the project, they collect towels for the wildlife rescue center, and by the end of the story, sharing the otter’s story with others has given Ivy a stronger bond with Gemma and Sara and a newfound confidence in using her own voice. 

When Ivy finds the injured otter, another girl tries to feed it a granola bar. To help her understand why she shouldn’t, Ezra says, “If you got hit by a car and were in lots of pain, you wouldn’t want somebody shoving a hamburger in your face, right?” This and other examples make it easy for readers to understand how to help an animal in need. Ivy and her family have limited interaction with the otter after they take it to the wildlife rescue center, but it doesn’t disappear from the story. The book acknowledges that some animals brought to the center don’t survive, though the otter Ivy finds is ultimately released back into the wild. 

How to Save an Otter educates readers on the different ways kids can help injured animals. For example, it explains what to do if you find a baby animal alone: “Some animals, like deer, leave their babies alone for a long period of time. That’s why it’s important to call the wildlife hospital for advice if you found a baby animal on its own.” While the information is aimed at younger children, the book juggles several plotlines, making it best suited for independent readers. Still, it includes elements that will appeal to younger readers, too, such as short chapters, easy vocabulary, and full-page black-and-white illustrations — many featuring otters — appearing every three to seven pages. The back of the book also offers simple ways kids can help wildlife, like picking up litter and supervising pets. 

How to Save an Otter will have wide appeal thanks to its lovable otter and Ivy’s relatable conflicts. Ivy often compares the otter’s feelings to her own, helping readers understand how an injured animal might feel, and she models exactly the kind of behavior readers can emulate by using her voice to help the rescue center. The combination of a cute otter and genuine life lessons makes the Wildlife Rescue Series worth reading. Readers who finish this one are likely to come away curious about other animals in need of rescue and eager to see what the series covers next. It’s a gentle, encouraging introduction to conservation that never talks down to its audience. Readers who love otters should also read Odder, The Disappearing Otters and Otters Love to Play. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The otter is injured when an animal attacks it.   

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • The injured otter is given pain medicine and an antibiotic.  

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • At church, Ivy asks her father if it was okay to pray for an animal. She asks the congregation: “Please keep our otter in your prayers this week, too.” 

Cork and Fuzz: The Babysitters

Cork, a small muskrat who enjoys helping others, is always eager to lend a hand. His best friend, Fuzz, a possum, prefers to help in his own unique way. One day, Cork agrees to babysit a mother porcupine’s baby. However, things quickly spiral out of control when the young porcupine starts eating random objects. Desperate to get the situation under control, Cork enlists Fuzz to help him watch over the mischievous baby. 

“Ack! Ack! Ack!” the porcupine yelps after swallowing bitter berries. As Fuzz tries different ways to calm the baby down—from standing on his head to singing made-up songs—the situation only grows more chaotic. In the confusion, Fuzz ends up caught in a bear trap, and the porcupine goes missing. Suddenly, Cork and Fuzz must work together to rescue Fuzz and find the missing porcupine before something worse happens.  

Through this humorous and fast-paced story, Dori Chaconas explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and responsibility. Although Cork and Fuzz approach problems differently, the two must learn to work together in order to keep the porcupine safe. Cork remains focused on solving the problem by quickly pulling objects out of the porcupine’s mouth, while Fuzz attempts to calm the baby through creative and often silly ideas. By presenting these different approaches, the story teaches readers the importance of collaboration, even when viewpoints and problem-solving styles do not align.  

As Fuzz dangles from the bear trap, he spots the porcupine climbing up a tree. The porcupine’s habit of eating random objects ultimately becomes helpful, as he chews at the vine that traps Fuzz until he can break free. This moment highlights how differences can become strengths when people work together. Although Cork and Fuzz use different tactics to try to stop the porcupine from swallowing objects, it is ultimately this very trait that helps rescue Fuzz. Through these moments of teamwork, the story reinforces the idea that friends can support one another by contributing different skills and perspectives.  

The Cork and Fuzz series is designed for emerging readers. A page included at the beginning of the book is addressed to parents and educators, explaining how the text supports children who are beginning to read multisyllabic and compound words. The page also offers activities for young readers to complete after finishing the book, including a creative writing assignment that encourages readers to brainstorm and write a paragraph about how they would make the porcupine laugh, similar to how Fuzz does in the story. These activities promote comprehension and critical thinking skills that are important for young readers’ continued growth and success.  

This book is divided into short chapters, and nearly every page contains colorful illustrations that support the text. The characters’ facial expressions and body language clearly convey the chaos and emotion of each moment, from Cork’s panic as the porcupine swallows objects to Fuzz’s confusion while trapped in the bear trap. These visual elements help young readers follow the story while also understanding the characters’ reactions and emotions.  

Cork and Fuzz: The Babysitters is a humorous and engaging story that combines adventure with meaningful lessons about friendship and responsibility. Through Cork and Fuzz’s chaotic babysitting experience, the story encourages young readers to work together, appreciate different perspectives, and support one another during difficult situations.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural  

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Spiritual Content  

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by Madeline Hettrick 

Gabby Torres is the Best Winner Ever

Gabby Torres is back and more mature than ever! While she’s still only nine years old, her adventures with social media have taught many lessons. Now, Gabby is on a quest to become the best winner ever! All of her friends seem to be winning awards, so Gabby is determined to win one for herself. She decides to join a baking competition, despite having just learned how not to burn her cookies. Gabby dives into the world of baking and budgeting, but it proves to be harder than she thought. Not only are her baking attempts ending in disaster, but she’s also quickly running out of money to buy supplies! How will Gabby win the baking competition and prove herself to be the best winner ever? 

Both of Gabby’s friends have won awards—Kat for bouldering and Priya for an essay—but Gabby has none. Determined to get one, she tries different things, like playing tennis with her mom and dancing with her cousin, but she isn’t good enough at either. Gabby finds her answer when she sees a flier at the grocery store: she will enter a baking competition, earn a trophy, and win a cash prize to donate to save otters’ homes!  

After gathering her money and creating a budget, she goes to the store to buy supplies. She attempts to bake éclairs, but they don’t turn out well. After buying more supplies, she tries again with macarons. Later, Gabby tries a more ambitious dish: Baked Alaska. Using the oven by herself, she quickly loses control and makes another mess. Her parents sideline her, threatening to pull her from the competition. When Gabby’s grandparents come to visit, they show her how to make a beloved family recipe, and Gabby decides this will be her competition dish. On the morning of the event, she makes it herself and nervously enters it. Gabby wins third place and a $100 prize—but she must use it to repay her parents for the borrowed supply money, leaving nothing for the otters. Undeterred, Gabby decides to hold a bake sale to raise money for them instead. It is a success, and Gabby learns that winning isn’t everything. 

Gabby continues to be a likable and energetic protagonist. Her baking adventures bring chaotic fun that sometimes gets her into trouble, and she tells the story with a plethora of colorful images that capture her feelings—often in the form of Girl Scout badges. Gabby Torres is the Best Winner Ever also continues the previous book’s natural inclusion of different cultures. Her asides not only provide translations for Spanish words, but also share fun facts about birds, otters, and baking, making the book an educational adventure well-suited for young readers. 

The story is more tightly focused than its predecessor, with side threads that complement the main plot and build toward a meaningful conclusion. The Sea Musketeers remain central, with river otters appearing throughout the illustrations as a reminder of Gabby’s goal to protect them. This element adds heart to the story and inspires young readers to channel their own talents toward a good cause. 

Gabby Torres is the Best Winner Ever also tackles the surprising complexities of baking and budgeting. Gabby’s parents require her to pay for her own supplies, prompting her to create a budget—and eventually take out loans from her parents when necessary. Gabby handles these challenges in a mature, yet fun way that will engage young audiences and teach them the importance of money management. Once again, author Angela Dominguez succeeds in addressing grown-up topics through the relatable point of view of a nine-year-old. 

The story is told through an entertaining mix of a traditional book and graphic novel panels. Each page has a fun illustration such as a river otter wearing square glasses and a red tie. Others include pictures that highlight Gabby’s emotions. For example, a page includes stickers to show her emotions—one says “Dreams Crushed You Should Give Up” with a unicorn crying. In addition, Gabby’s friends are diverse, and their faces are also full of emotion. Many of the animals that Gabby learns about are introduced with facts paired with a humorous illustration that helps make it memorable. For example, it is stated that, “Birds apparently love water.” The illustration shows a bird lying in a tub and wearing glasses as it floats down a river. If the book sparks readers’ interest in helping wildlife, they may want to read Odder and the Seaside Sanctuary Series. 

Gabby Torres is the Best Winner Ever is an effective sequel that builds on what made the first book successful. While it doesn’t tackle as large a topic as its predecessor, it teaches young readers valuable lessons about financial responsibility and the true meaning of winning. Gabby’s voice keeps the story entertaining while conveying its themes in a way that is both easy to understand and genuinely meaningful. As a worthy follow-up, the book solidifies Angela Dominguez’s ability to craft stories that both kids and parents will appreciate. Readers who enjoy Gabby Torres is the Best Winner Ever may also like Cooler Than Lemonade, The Bakery Dragon, and Awesome Orange Birthday.  

Sexual Content 

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Violence 

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Drugs and Alcohol 

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Language 

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

  • An illustration depicts the Ten Commandments. 

by Brent Krueger

Mr. Putter & Tabby: Make a Wish

Mr. Putter is enjoying a perfectly ordinary morning with his beloved cat, Tabby, sharing jam and reading the newspaper. But his peaceful routine is interrupted when he suddenly remembers an important detail: it’s his birthday! Reflecting on birthdays from his childhood — filled with new scooters, model planes, and exciting celebrations — Mr. Putter can’t help but feel a little uncertain about getting older. After all, he’s now “too old” to blow out birthday candles without a fire hose! 

Unsure of how to celebrate, Mr. Putter invites his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, and her dog, Zeke, over for a birthday visit. Although Mrs. Teaberry happily accepts, a series of phone calls and unexpected delays leave Mr. Putter wondering if he’ll ever get the celebration he’s hoping for.  

Readers will be drawn into the story by Mr. Putter’s subtle humor. When he reads the date on the newspaper, he immediately looks to his cat and exclaims, “Good heavens, Tabby! It’s my birthday!” His humorous reactions to growing older will amuse young readers and leave them eager to spend more time with him.  

Mr. Putter becomes disappointed when Mrs. Teaberry repeatedly calls to explain why she is running late. However, his mood quickly changes when she shows up at his door carrying a gigantic cake and a birthday present. Explaining her delay, Mrs. Teaberry says, “I had to make you wait so I could bake a cake.” Her thoughtfulness teaches readers that making others feel special often requires effort and care. Additionally, Mrs. Teaberry’s kindness towards Mr. Putter will inspire young readers to take the time to celebrate the milestones in their friends’ lives.  

Make a Wish is split into three short chapters, and each page has six or fewer short sentences. Additionally, colorful illustrations of the characters take up most of each page. The book uses basic vocabulary and familiar words with a simple plot. The bright artwork focuses on the characters’ facial expressions, giving readers insight into Mr. Putter’s emotions. Readers will enjoy seeing Mr. Putter and Tabby riding on a scooter as Mr. Putter worries about his age. The accessible text and engaging illustrations make this book an excellent choice for young readers who are beginning to transition from picture books to chapter books.  

Filled with humor and heartwarming moments, Make a Wish is a delightful book. Young readers will enjoy following Mr. Putter’s birthday adventure while learning the importance of friendship and celebrating the people we care about. This charming book is a wonderful choice for fans of the Mr. Putter & Tabby Series and readers beginning their journey in chapter books. Children who are getting ready for a birthday—either their own or someone else’s—should also read Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat, The Perfect Birthday Recipe, and Ice-Cold Birthday. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language    

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Supernatural  

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Spiritual Content  

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by Madeline Hettrick

Bear in the Family

On returning to their home after a massive wildfire, nine-year-old Jasmin and her seven-year-old brother, Hunter, thought the biggest surprise would be whether their fire-resistant house had survived. 

Jasmin and Hunter did not expect to find an orphaned bear cub stuck in the neighbors’ well. Rescuing the tiny cub from the well was the easy part; now they need to care for it until the people from the bear-rescue sanctuary can make it safely through the fires to pick it up. The cub turns out to be exactly what one would expect of a wild animal—a huge handful! 

Jasmin and her family have many positive qualities that make learning about their wildfire experience suspenseful rather than frightening. On the ride back to their home, Jasmin’s parents remind the children that their house may have burned down, like many of their neighbors’ homes. The uncertainty keeps readers engaged while highlighting the effects of wildfires. This also introduces the importance of fire-resistant houses and defensible space. Through the story, Jasmin’s parents use positive communication skills to guide and teach their children as they learn about wildfires and caring for an injured animal. 

What gives the story the most appeal is the baby bear cub that the family finds and names Boo-Boo. While the entire family helps care for the bear, it has a special relationship with Jasmin and the family dog, Bruno. After finding the bear, Jasmin feeds Boo-Boo a bottle of baby formula, which makes the bear attached to her. Later in the story, Jasmin and Bruno cuddle up and sleep with the bear. The relationship the bear has with Jasmin and Bruno is sweet. However, the book doesn’t stress the importance of keeping wild animals from becoming attached to humans so they can be reintroduced into the wild. 

The story is told in nine short chapters, with black-and-white illustrations approximately every three pages. The illustrations help readers visualize the story’s events, and the frequent animal pictures will delight young nature lovers. Interesting bear facts are presented in a fun, kid-friendly way. As part of the Orca Echoes Series — designed for readers ages 7–9 — the book features accessible text and focuses on social responsibility, character-building, and relatable everyday adventures. The author’s note also includes information about donating to animal shelters. 

Since our world is increasingly affected by wildfires, young readers are likely to see frightening images in the news or hear stories about fires. Bear in the Family introduces a frightening topic in an appealing, child-friendly way, depicting the destructive nature of fire while maintaining a hopeful tone. Another positive aspect of the story is Jasmin’s family—a traditional two-parent biracial family—who treat each other kindly. Bear in the Family will help children understand and cope with a wildfire. Because of the book’s topic, adults may want to guide children through the reading experience and be ready to answer any questions they have. There are also several other books that explore the effects of wildfires, including Out of the Woods, The Fox and the Forest Fire, and Wildfire Rescue. Readers interested in helping injured animals should check out Rescuing Animals from Disasters and Odder.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art

Imagine young Wassily Kandinsky, known as Vasya, growing up within the strict classical traditions of late 1800s Moscow. One day, he would become one of the pioneers of abstract art. After his parents’ divorce, he was raised by his aunt in Odesa, a vibrant coastal city on the Black Sea. There, she introduced him to art and gave him his first paint set. This small, latched box may have seemed ordinary, but once opened, it offered endless possibilities. What began as a simple gift became a symbol of Vasya’s future, guiding him toward the artistic path that would one day change modern art. 

The Noisy Paint Box follows young Vasya as his imagination begins to awaken, while a quiet longing for something more slowly grows. The text explains that Vasya tried to “live the way people expected,” but adulthood brings him closer to a moment when he can no longer ignore his artistic calling. The story reads like the wonder of a picture-book biography, using imagined dialogue while remaining grounded in documented events from Kandinsky’s life. 

Through specific moments, readers watch young Vasya grapple with his individuality, dream beyond established norms in art, and reveal a surprising gift that makes him different. The text gently suggests that Vasya experiences chromesthesia, a sensory phenomenon in which sounds are perceived as colors. “What a noisy paint box!” Vasya exclaims as he hears hissing, clinking, burbling, clanging, and twinkling in his head while he stirs and swirls colors together. This rare sensory trait becomes especially meaningful, helping readers understand how Vasya’s unexpected way of seeing and hearing the world shaped his creative vision. 

A central thread in the story is individuality. Vasya’s first experience with painting feels magical, as the text describes color trilling “like an orchestra” in his head. But this freedom does not last long, as Vasya is soon instructed by his family and teachers to make art in a more conventional way. “He learned to draw houses and flowers–just like everyone else.” When he grows older, Vasya studies to be a lawyer. The illustrations first convey the joy of his childhood discovery of painting, then gradually shift toward a more reflective longing as he becomes an adult. 

Imagination and the courage to be different are themes that readers will especially appreciate. “Vasya couldn’t ignore the sounds of the colors singing to him in the streets of Moscow.” A dramatic turning point comes when Vasya attends an opera and is overcome with feelings and artistic inspiration. At age thirty, he decides to leave the law profession and study art in Munich, Germany. Yet restlessness follows. His college professors assess his paintings and ask him, “What is it supposed to be?” Though Vasya cannot yet put his vision into words, he finds support among artist friends and perseveres, slowly moving closer to the abstract style that would define his legacy. 

The Noisy Paint Box offers a look into a remarkable life. What begins with a simple paint box given to a child eventually helps set in motion the career of one of the pioneers of abstract art. Although it took many years for Vasya to fully share his gift with the world, he would go on to become legendary. The text explains, “Vasya heard the colors singing. Vasya saw the music dancing.” His gift is described throughout the story in ways young readers can easily visualize. The illustrations, which earned a 2015 Caldecott Honor, echo the colors, shapes, and energy of Kandinsky’s work without directly copying it, creating a child-friendly interpretation of his artistic style.  

The Noisy Paint Box is a picture book biography with the charm of whimsical historical fiction. The final author’s note provides helpful context on Vasya’s life and explains how his first fully abstract painting helped spark a revolution in the art world. Through a well-paced narrative and expressive illustrations, the story introduces children to art as a way to understand individuality and encourages conversations about each person’s unique point of view. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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by Maureen Lowe 

Starry Henna Night

Priya’s party-planning business is hired to put together a henna-night party for teenagers! Priya gets more and more nervous as she struggles to find a theme for the party. What do TEENAGERS like?! All she knows for sure is that this party will help save endangered pangolins! Can Priya create a perfect henna-night party, or will it be a flop? 

Priya jumps into her party planning by brainstorming and setting the rules for each party, such as, “Sweet Treat Rule: serve dessert!” This time, the theme is galaxy-dessert, and Priya has a hard time figuring out the party’s vibe. But with a little help from her family, friends, and social media, the party is a great success. Most of the book focuses on party planning and follows the same format as the first book in the series, Awesome Orange Birthday. While this makes Starry Henna Night predictable, it also helps readers recognize the supporting characters. 

Not all of Priya’s ideas turn out the way she imagined, but she doesn’t worry about making everything perfect. For example, when cooking the cake, one of the layers is a little lopsided. Despite this, Priya decorates it. She wonders if she should take the “wonky” cake to the party, and in the end, she does. No one notices that the cake isn’t perfect. At the end of the party, Priya is given a surprise: business cards. Through this, Priya sees that even though she doesn’t like being surprised, surprises can be fun.  

Starry Henna Night uses bright colors in its illustrations, which appear on every page. Priya makes lists that look like paper taped to the page. These lists always have a visual element such as hearts, stickers, or small illustrations. The text is easy to read because the narration is printed with black font on lined paper, and the dialogue appears in speech bubbles. To help readers understand Priya’s emotions, a picture shows her facial expressions, with her feelings listed next to it. The book ends with instructions for making starry lanterns out of empty cans. 

Young readers will be drawn to Starry Henna Night for its brightly colored illustrations and fun format. Because each book focuses on one person’s party, the books can be read in any order. Anyone with a creative mind will love Priya’s great ideas for DIY projects. However, readers who are more interested in animals might enjoy the Disaster Squad Series and What If You Had an Animal Tail!? 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

  • After a glitter disaster, Priya unknowingly goes to school with glitter in her hair. A boy says, “Hey, PriyaCORN! Why are you so sparkly?” Priya is embarrassed but otherwise ignores the comment.  

Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

  • None

Cork and Fuzz: Short and Tall

Cork, a short muskrat, is feeling insecure about his height. His best friend, Fuzz, a possum, is younger than Cork but towers over him. Troubled by this difference, Cork becomes determined to change it. He comes up with a plan to make Fuzz shorter, encouraging him to walk on his knees and eat less to stop growing.  

When this plan fails, the two friends shift their focus to make Cork taller. Cork tries to eat like a possum and stretch his body in hopes of increasing his height. Each attempt is unsuccessful, leaving Cork and Fuzz to question whether they can remain best friends despite their physical differences.  

Through Cork’s struggles with his appearance, Dori Chaconas explores the idea that friendship is built on personality and shared experience, rather than physical traits. When Cork realizes he cannot change his height, he tells Fuzz, “We are too different. I am older than you. You are taller than me. There is no way to change that.” However, Fuzz offers a new perspective when he finds two differently sized nuts lying side by side. He explains that, despite their differences, they still belong together. This moment helps reframe Cork’s thinking and reinforces the idea that differences do not have to divide friendship.  

By presenting size as a visible and easily understood difference, the story makes its message accessible to young readers. Cork’s emotional journey reflects a common childhood experience of insecurity, while the resolution emphasizes acceptance and understanding. Through its simple language and relatable conflict, the story encourages readers to embrace their differences and recognize that strong friendships can exist regardless of outward appearance.  

The Cork and Fuzz Series is designed for emerging readers. A page included at the beginning of the book is addressed to parents and educators, explaining how the text supports children who are beginning to read multisyllable and compound words. It also provides suggested activities to promote discussion after the book is finished. One activity is a character Venn diagram that asks young readers to identify the differences and similarities between Cork and Fuzz. This activity also includes instructions for creating a Venn diagram, helping early readers develop skills they can use throughout their education.  

The book is divided into four short chapters, and almost every page includes a colorful illustration. The detailed illustrations allow readers to see the characters’ emotions, showing Cork’s frustration with his height at the beginning, followed by his joy at the end when he realizes he can still be friends with Fuzz despite their differences. These visual elements support the text and make the story more engaging and accessible. Cork and Fuzz: Short and Tall is a thoughtful story that addresses themes of insecurity, identity, and acceptance in an approachable way for young readers. Through Cork’s journey, the book encourages readers to embrace their differences and recognize that friendships can remain strong despite them.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language    

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Supernatural  

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Spiritual Content  

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by Madeline Hettrick

Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers

Gabby Torres is only 9 years old, but she’s very mature for her age. She’s the youngest member in the Sea Musketeers Club, a group of students who do fundraisers to help save the oceans. Gabby has the best idea to help the club reach more people – make a social media page! What Gabby doesn’t expect is that her post gets three comments – and one of them is mean! Even worse, she is caught going online without her parents’ permission and accuses her friends of being cyberbullies! She’s in big trouble, but she can fix it. . . right? 

Gabby has a great idea to increase awareness for the Sea Musketeers Club: start a social media page. After convincing her parents to let her on social media (with some very strict rules), Gabby makes her first post. Despite having orders to never go on social media by herself, Gabby checks her post and finds a mean comment. She is outraged and determined to find out who wrote it. Gabby rudely interrogates people she knows. When she accuses her friends of leaving the mean comment, Gabby has a falling out with them.  To make matters worse, Gabby’s parents catch her sneaking online, and they have a much-needed talk about social media safety. She realizes that the person who left the mean comment is probably just an internet troll. Gabby apologizes to the people she hurt and makes up with her friends. Afterwards, Gabby passes on the role of social media organizer of the Sea Musketeers to an older, more qualified candidate and decides to stay off social media. 

Gabby is a very likable and energetic protagonist who narrates the story. The full-color illustrations— molded from her imagination—add a charming and humorous touch to the narrative. While Gabby is only nine years old, she is mature enough to understand the lessons the book teaches, explaining complex issues like social media in a fun and easy-to-understand way. However, Gabby is still at times rebellious and rash in her actions, and she learns her lessons from their consequences. The book also includes a diverse cast of characters, from Gabby’s friends to her extended family. This ensemble creates a full world with a warm atmosphere that young readers are sure to enjoy. 

Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers excels at infusing different cultures into the story in a natural, educational way. It begins by introducing Gabby and her family: she has a diverse Latino-white background and often visits both sets of grandparents. This creates a blending of the two cultures in Gabby’s home, and they positively interact with each other. Because of her background, Gabby speaks both English and Spanish. While Spanish appears infrequently throughout the main story, it adds cultural depth. When Spanish words are used, Gabby explains their meaning in brief asides, helping non-native speakers learn about the language through natural integration. Gabby also has an Indian friend who hosts a Diwali party, and readers learn about the holiday along the way. These inclusions of diverse cultures enhance the book’s value and represent the increasingly diverse world we live in. 

The main message is about social media. However, Gabby’s social media page centers around ocean and animal conservation and promotes much-needed activism among youth. The handling of social media itself is very well done, demonstrating both the good and the bad that can come from it. Gabby’s parents teach her about the dangers of social media, and she in turn relays those lessons to the reader in an interesting and digestible way. When Gabby receives a negative comment, she becomes obsessed with finding the culprit, insulting many of her friends in the process. This illustrates how social media can have negative consequences. In the end, Gabby decides to stay off social media, imparting valuable wisdom to young readers growing up in a digital age. 

The charming book delivers its story through an entertaining mix of a traditional book and a graphic novel. Each page has a fun illustration such as a grumpy cat wearing an octopus hat, while others include pictures that highlight Gabby’s emotions. For example, one picture shows Gabby with a huge smile and hearts in her eyes. In addition, Gabby’s friends are diverse, and their faces are full of emotion. Gabby’s social media post looks like a computer screen complete with pictures, hashtags, and icons to leave a comment.  

Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers is an essential book for young readers today. It tackles important topics in a simple yet effective manner, exposing readers to many positive ideas. Most importantly, the format and illustrations will immediately draw readers in, and Gabby’s personality will make them love the book even more. However, the lessons on social media are what make the book a must-read. Overall, it is a stellar first installment in the Gabby Torres Series that children are sure to love. 

Sexual Content 

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Violence 

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Drugs and Alcohol 

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Language 

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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by Brent Krueger

Woven of the World

From the perspective of a young girl and her curious, playful blue cat, this lyrical picture book takes readers on a global journey to celebrate the art of weaving. Like the rhythm of poetry, the text moves with a lyrical flow, making it a great choice for reading aloud. Weaving is used as a metaphor for life –– showing how connections of family, culture, and place come together to shape who we are. 

The story unfolds through a series of vignettes that offer glimpses into weaving traditions around the world. Accessible to young readers, the text remains inviting and clear, establishing a steady, engaging pace. It presents weaving as both a technical skill and a cultural inheritance, as well as a means of self-discovery. The story’s journey builds on the relationship between youth and elder, honoring the ways traditions are passed from one generation to the next. 

Readers are introduced to weaving as a technical skill. A charming sequence highlights the origins of silk, starting with a silkworm’s cocoon, accompanied by a simple illustration of metamorphosis. The young girl and her cat observe the curious process of making silk, beginning with the tiny silkworm’s cocoon. A recurring phrase through the story brings to life the sound of the loom, the device used to weave cloth: “Clack. Clack. Swish – Pull back.” Even for readers who have never heard the sound in real life, the rhythm sparks the imagination.  

Woven of the World centers on the idea of cultural inheritance, the passing down of traditions, portraying the bond between elder and child. The author’s point of view is one of inclusivity, celebrating different cultures with warmth and respect. In learning how to weave cloth, the young girl considers the many forms it can take – clothing, blankets, rugs – and begins to see how each item reflects its maker and the place they are from. “Our loom sings love and artistry passed down from hand to hand. Of ties that bind us, one and all, no matter where we stand.” 

Self-discovery begins with observation. The young girl and her cat start their journey as observers and emerge as active participants, carrying a deeper understanding of their place within the story. “Our loom sings tales of fabric, friendship, families long ago.” Through weaving, she comes to see how one skill can connect family, culture, and history, expanding her sense of possibility. From Egyptian weavers and Middle Eastern artisans to nomadic tribes and colonial traditions, she encounters a rich continuum of those who came before her. The story closes with an embrace between the girl and her elder, followed by a quiet, meditative moment as she sits down at her own loom. 

Woven of the World is best experienced like a work of art, inviting readers to engage with its symbolic poetry rather than follow a strictly linear narrative. Dinara Mirtalipova’s gouache and pencil illustrations enrich the story with bold, folk-inspired artwork. The vocabulary is especially well-suited to older picture book readers, with a generous glossary of weaving terms and rich language that includes words such as dynasty, pharaoh, and nomad. Together, the text and illustrations offer young readers a meaningful introduction to the art, history, and cultural significance of weaving. 

The book concludes with several pages of thoughtful supplementary material, including a glossary, selected historical notes, an Author’s Note, and an Illustrator’s Note. Together, these additions deepen the reader’s understanding of weaving as both an art form and a shared human tradition. The closing message is celebratory, captured in the line, “We are all tapestries, woven of the world.” 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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by Maureen Lowe

Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid

Imagine growing up surrounded by stunning mosques and palaces in the Middle East during the 1950s, a time when Baghdad, Iraq was experiencing a vibrant period of cultural growth. Building Zaha traces the life of Zaha Hadid, revealing how she rose to global prominence as an architect and broke through barriers in a male-dominated field to become one of the world’s most celebrated designers.  

Zaha Hadid’s story is both rare and powerful, tracing the rise of a woman who defied expectations, not only in her place in the world but also in redefining what architecture could be. Her gravity-defying structures and bold, curvilinear forms are truly remarkable. At its heart, the narrative highlights simple, relatable lessons for young girls who dream of becoming designers: trust your instincts, remain resilient in the face of criticism, and pursue excellence by setting goals and striving toward them. 

This picture book invites readers to explore both urban and rural landscapes as sources of artistic inspiration. One of Zaha’s most memorable childhood trips was to Sumer, in the Middle East, where she observed floating homes in the Sumerian wetlands. She “wondered whether it was better to live in a modern city like Baghdad or to live as one with nature.” She was drawn to ever-shifting elements like rays of sunlight and rippling water, a fitting reflection of the fluidity that would later define her work. 

Building Zaha traces her journey through the years, highlighting key milestones while capturing young Zaha’s delight in the world around her and the warm support of her family. Her ability to trust her instincts is evident from the start. As a child, she confidently declares, “I want to be an architect,” after observing a fascinating scale model of a building. The model, much like a dollhouse, represented her relatives’ future home, but for Zaha, it marked the first time she truly began to think about buildings and how they are made. 

Readers follow Zaha through her college years, first studying math in Beirut and then moving to London to study architecture. During this time, resilience becomes essential as she faces criticism and challenges. “She stayed in the studio for hours on end, sketching, reading, and thinking.” Like many architects, Zaha entered competitions, but she also faced early rejection when her designs were considered too complex to build. Although her ideas were bold and original, she struggled to bring them to life at the start of her career, leading critics to label her a “paper architect – someone whose designs never get built.” Rather than discouraging her, this only strengthened her resolve. “She had to be tougher than most and confident in her vision.”  

A recurring theme in the story is Zaha’s drive for excellence and her commitment to achieving her goals. Early on, a simple scale model of a building inspires her to “set a goal for herself” and learn more about how buildings are made. She begins by observing the structures around her and strengthening her math skills. After college, her ambition becomes clear when she opens her own architecture studio just three years after graduating. Her career begins to take off with her first major project in Germany, leading to work across Europe, the United States, and Asia. What follows is a long and influential career marked by daring, original designs that reflect her unique vision. “All over the world people stopped to stare at the shapes and structures she had created.” 

Building Zaha unfolds like a journey, guiding readers through the key moments that shaped her life, while highlighting the determination and imagination behind her success. Fluid watercolor washes fill each full-page spread, with sweeping, organic forms that align with Zaha’s design sensibility. The layered, painterly mixed media style captures the energy and originality of her ideas. The book’s length and vocabulary are best suited for older readers. Some pages feature complex sentences that use advanced vocabulary, including terms such as mosque, architect, conjured, and unconventional. This picture book offers young readers a meaningful introduction to a fearless woman who became one of the world’s most celebrated figures.  

The story concludes with supplementary material, including an “Author’s Note” and a “Selected Timeline.” This marks the author’s first work as both writer and illustrator. In the “Author’s Note,” Tentler-Krylov shares meaningful lessons from studying Zaha Hadid’s work that readers can connect to, including “How to set yourself apart from the competition.” This book is especially inspiring for young girls who dream of becoming designers.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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by Maureen Lowe 

Awesome Orange Birthday

Priya is excited to plan her aunty’s birthday party. She will donate the money she makes to help the cutest endangered animal on the planet, the quokka! But the party is this Saturday! With so many items on her to-do list, can she get it all done in time? Priya sends out handmade invitations, makes DIY decorations, and sets an orange-only snacks menu – including pumpkin samosas! Will Priya’s very first party be a success? 

Planning a party is a lot of work, but Priya has help from her family and friends. As she prepares for the party, she relies on her to-do list. However, she finds that after party planning, her “whole body is tired now. Achy brain from thinking. Achy legs from biking. Achy fingers from crafting.” Even though the planning is a lot of work, Priya is enjoying herself. On the day of the party, with the help of others, the birthday bash is fun for everyone. At the end of the party, Priya is proud of her new business. She thinks, “I feel really good doing what I love — DIY crafts, making people happy, and helping animals.” 

Priya is a likable main character who hates being surprised but loves surprising others. Like many, she worries that the birthday girl won’t like the decorations and that something might go wrong. Instead of focusing on store-bought decorations and gifts, Priya makes everything. One of the best gifts is a book with notes written by the party guests to the birthday girl. Not needing gifts is reinforced when instead of the party girl receiving gifts, her friends donate money to help quokkas. 

At the beginning of the story, Priya introduces her mom and her friends, saying, “They might look like quiet ladies. But when the five of them get together, they are actually a wild bunch.” The friends are shown driving a golf cart into a lake and setting off the sprinklers in a hotel room. However, it is unclear if the woman intended to do this or if it was an accident. Adults may want to discuss this part of the story with readers to make sure they don’t copy the women because it looks fun.  

Awesome Orange Birthday uses bright colors in its illustrations, which appear on every page. Priya makes lists that look like paper taped to the page. These lists always have a visual element such as hearts, stickers, or small illustrations. The text is easy to read because the narration is printed with black font on lined paper, and the dialogue appears in speech bubbles. To help readers understand Priya’s emotions, a picture shows her facial expressions, with her feelings listed next to it. Overall, Awesome Orange Birthday is a visual treat that young readers will love. The book ends with instructions for making a paper chain curtain. 

The book’s topic is highly relatable because almost every child has been to a party, either their own or someone else’s. The book’s focus on making homemade gifts and gift-giving for a cause will give readers a chance to reflect on their future gift-giving. In addition, the book encourages readers to create their own DIY projects with simple items found in most houses. While Priya donates money to a worthy cause, there is little information about quokkas or other ways to help endangered animals. Awesome Orange Birthday’s vivid illustrations, kind protagonist, and fun birthday party will leave readers feeling like Priya is their friend.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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Cork and Fuzz: The Collectors

Cork is a small muskrat who loves collecting stones. His best friend, Fuzz, a possum, shares the same enthusiasm for gathering interesting objects. One day, when Cork visits Fuzz, he finds his friend sweeping the ground with a feather in search of stones. Excited by the possibility of discovering something new, the two friends decide to set out together on a mission to find shiny treasures to add to their collection.  

While searching, Fuzz uses his feather to uncover what appears to be small green stones. However, the discovery quickly takes a turn when the stones begin to crack open. One by one, the tiny shells split apart as something inside wiggles free. When a mother duck arrives and sees Fuzz holding the feather, she mistakenly believes he is one of her ducklings. Suddenly, their simple collecting adventure turns into an unexpected situation, and Cork must find a way to help his friend escape this misunderstanding.   

Through this humorous and imaginative story, Chaconas explores themes of friendship and problem-solving. Cork and Fuzz’s adventure shows young readers how working together and thinking creatively can help solve unexpected problems. After Cork saves Fuzz from the duck, Fuzz expresses his gratitude. “Do you know why I like you? Because you look out for me.” The story’s playful tone and surprising twist keep readers engaged while highlighting the importance of helping a friend in need.  

The Cork and Fuzz series is designed for emerging readers. One page is included in the book’s introduction, addressed to parents and educators. This page explains how the book is designed to support children who are beginning to read multisyllabic and compound words. It also gives examples of activities that parents and educators can assign to children after they read the book. One of these activities asks readers to connect Cork and Fuzz’s love for collecting stones to something that they would like to collect. These activities will help children think more deeply about the book and develop skills that will help them as they continue their reading journey.  

The book is divided into four chapters, and each page is supported by colorful illustrations that take up much of the page. The characters’ expressions and body language help show the emotions in each moment, from the excitement of searching for shiny stones to the confusion that arises when the ducklings hatch. These visual details help young readers follow the plot and understand the characters’ reactions.  

Cork and Fuzz: The Collectors is an engaging and thoughtful story that combines humor with meaningful lessons about friendship and teamwork. Cork’s determination to help his friend highlights the importance of loyalty and quick thinking when unexpected problems arise. Through its lighthearted adventure and relatable characters, the story encourages young readers to value cooperation, curiosity, and the joy of shared discoveries.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language    

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Supernatural  

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Spiritual Content  

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by Madeline Hettrick 

Crash From Outer Space: Unraveling the Mystery of Flying Saucers, Alien Beings, and Roswell

In 1947, during the early years of the Cold War, a field in Roswell, New Mexico was disturbed by a strange crash and smattering of debris. Some say the bodies of extraterrestrial beings were strewn across the ground, that a UFO had crashed there, and that the government was covering up the evidence in a massive conspiracy. But what really happened at Roswell? 

The infamous “crash from outer space” has become a fixture in our culture, inspiring a surge of UFO sightings and conspiracy theories. But at its heart is the story of military scientists, a city on the brink of the Cold War, and a debris field scattered with mystery. What was it that actually crashed at Roswell? Were alien bodies found? Was it Russian spies? Secret military technology? And did the government try to hide what they found? 

Crash From Outer Space takes an in-depth look at the witnesses and evidence surrounding the Roswell UFO sightings, beginning with the first evidence that came to light—a press release from the military. Fleming expertly walks readers through all of the evidence, and at times explains why it was deemed “bogus.” Since most of the physical evidence was taken by the military, there is a lot of speculation about what it actually proved. Readers who want to play detective and have all the clues point in one direction will be disappointed. Many of the clues in Crash From Outer Space can be interpreted in several ways, and even today, not everyone agrees about what happened in Roswell. 

Most of the evidence comes from witnesses, so it is important for readers to assess the credibility of each source. Crash From Outer Space forces readers to think critically about whether witness testimony and the information presented are credible by using criteria for weighing evidence, such as whether the witness is an expert and whether other experts have studied the information. The book also discusses the validity of witnesses who “merely repeated what someone else had said.” Furthermore, there are many instances of “extraordinary evidence” given. To help readers think critically about the evidence, Fleming breaks down the basic principles of critical thinking into five categories. This allows readers to put the information into perspective and use the scientific method to determine if the evidence is reliable.  

Using news reports, witness testimony, photographs, and other evidence, Crash From Outer Space allows readers to examine the complicated history of the Roswell alien crash. Fleming breaks down the information into manageable sections and includes black-and-white illustrations, photographs, and historical documents. This information helps readers understand why experts don’t always agree. For example, the book shows photographs of lights in the sky, which some believe prove aliens have visited Earth. Despite the large amount of information, the book is easy to read and engaging. 

Crash From Outer Space is a must-read book for anyone interested in UFOs. Moreover, any young person who wants to understand the importance of evaluating evidence should read the book. In today’s world of fake news, chatbots, and AI, Crash From Outer Space challenges readers to look at evidence objectively and warns that people often trust witnesses even when they are not credible. This book helps readers develop media literacy and critical thinking skills and learn to analyze both sides of the story. Anyone who wants to understand the Roswell incident better will love Crash From Outer Space.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • During World War II, the United States dropped “atomic bombs—more powerful than anything previously made by humankind—on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The bombs had essentially vaporized both cities, and killed a quarter of a million people.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

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Supernatural 

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Cork & Fuzz: Spring Cleaning

Spring has arrived, and for Cork the muskrat, that means one thing: cleaning! Cork and Fuzz: Spring Cleaning tells the story of two best friends with very different attitudes towards tidiness. While Cork is eager to organize and prepare for the new season, Fuzz the possum would rather stay in his nook and nap. Through their disagreement, young readers learn about compromise, communication, and the value of friendship.  

Written in third person, readers get to see both characters’ perspectives as they work to clean Cork’s yard. Cork is organized and motivated, immediately laying out a plan to pick up twigs and branches in his yard. In contrast, Fuzz is easily distracted, finding more joy in searching for stones and taking restful breaks. Their opposing personalities create tension, especially when Cork becomes frustrated and begins ordering Fuzz around. When Fuzz responds, “You are not the boss of me,” readers see how quickly small disagreements can grow into hurt feelings. This conflict helps children recognize the importance of expressing emotions and listening to others.   

As the story progresses, both characters reflect on their behavior. Cork realizes that he was being too bossy. He brings Fuzz a bag of potato chips as a peace offering and says, “I apologize for being bossy.” Fuzz accepts this apology, and the two friends share the snack together in Fuzz’s den, made from the very twigs Cork wants to clean up. This resolution reinforces themes of accountability and forgiveness, showing young readers how friendships can grow stronger after honest conversations.  

Cork and Fuzz: Spring Cleaning is designed for emerging readers. An introductory page addressed to parents and educators explains that the story supports children who are beginning to read multisyllable and compound words. It also helps young readers identify important story elements such as setting, characters, problems, and solutions. Divided into four short chapters, each page contains simple sentences that range from three to fourteen lines, making the book accessible to children transitioning from picture books to early chapter books.   

Colorful illustrations appear on every page, bringing Cork and Fuzz’s woodland environment to life. Readers can see Cork carefully raking leaves with a stick-made tool while Fuzz yawns and sleeps in his twig den. These visuals support readers’ comprehension and convey the characters’ emotions, helping young readers connect with the story.   

Cork and Fuzz: Spring Cleaning is a charming and engaging read for early readers. Through relatable characters and lessons about cooperation, the story encourages children to communicate openly, take responsibility for their actions, and value their friendships. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language    

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Supernatural  

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Spiritual Content  

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by Madeline Hettrick 

Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat

It’s Makeda’s birthday! To celebrate, she is excited to make her marvelous coconut drops to share with the class. But everyone else brings cupcakes for their birthdays. Will her classmates like her special treat? 

Makeda decides to bring coconut drops to school because she wants “to share things I love. Coconut drops and back home stories.” She is excited to share her special treats, but her classmates aren’t eager to try them. One person “made a rude face” and another asked, “Did you make a mistake?” Makeda explains her tradition: “I make them with Nana and my momma. We drop the drops, we dance, we sing. And Nana tells back home stories.” Soon, her classmates try the treats and begin sharing stories about their own family traditions. 

Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat is part of the Step into Reading Level Two series, which targets readers in preschool through first grade. Each page features one to eight sentences in large font, making it accessible for early readers. The book uses basic vocabulary and familiar words with a simple plot. Many pages include full-page illustrations of Makeda and her family, who are African American. The illustrations of her classmates show a diverse group of students, including one in a wheelchair. The artwork uses bright colors and focuses on the characters’ facial expressions to help readers understand their emotions. 

Readers will relate to Makeda, who is anxious about bringing coconut drops instead of cupcakes. Despite her nervousness, Makeda shares her special treats and stories with the class. Other students then share their own special treats such as halo-halo, moi moi, and stollen. The story gives adults the perfect opportunity to discuss different cultures and the importance of trying new things. Through Makeda’s brave act of sharing, young readers learn that celebrating our unique traditions can inspire others to embrace and share theirs. Encourage young readers to share their traditions through storytelling by introducing them to these books: Jingle Dancer, The Storyteller, and Octopus Stew. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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Scout’s Rainy Day

Scout the Goat has been counting down to the County Fair for what feels like forever, looking forward to the rides, the treats, and the laughter with friends. But when a thunderstorm sweeps in and ruins the big day, Scout is sure all the fun is over. In Scout’s Rainy Day, Scout learns that even the cloudiest moments can bring the brightest surprises. With imagination, teamwork, and a little help from his farmyard friends, he discovers that sometimes the best adventures happen when things don’t go as planned. 

Scout’s Rainy Day is broken into two sections, with the first section focusing on the farm animals talking about what they enjoy about the county fair. All of the animals share what people do at the fair, such as going on rides, playing games, and eating “sweet treats.” There is even one cute illustration of Scout imagining himself riding a Ferris wheel while eating cotton candy.  

The second part focuses on what happens after a storm ruins the animals’ plans and Farmer Ray puts them into the barn. At first, “Scout’s face scrunched as a grumpy feeling rumbled in his belly. He shook off the rain, stomped his hooves hard, and huffed, ‘This is not fair!’” Afterward, Scout kicks an apple barrel before lying down with tears in his eyes. However, Scout isn’t sad for long. His friends come up with fun games to play in the barn, such as bobbing for apples and knocking over milk pails. In the end, Scout exclaimed, “This turned into the BEST rainy day ever!”  

Scout’s Rainy Day has cute illustrations that feature pigs, a horse, a highland cow, and other farm animals. Scout’s big blue eyes express his emotions, and most readers will be able to identify Scout’s feelings of excitement, sadness, and joy. Even though Scout’s Rainy Day is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it independently for the first time. The story uses complex sentences and advanced vocabulary. However, the story’s dialogue and use of onomatopoeia make it fun to read aloud.   

The story features a fun protagonist, a relatable conflict, and a simple plot that will engage young readers. When Scout’s plans are ruined, he is at first understandably upset, but with a little imagination and a positive attitude, his day turns into a fun adventure. Anyone who wants a fun book to share with a little one will find Scout a fun protagonist to spend time with.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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