Reading Level: Early Elementary

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  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

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 

  • None 

Violence 

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None   

Language 

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None  

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  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

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  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

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  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

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  

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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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Language  

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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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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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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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Cooler Than Lemonade: A Story about Great Ideas and How They Happen

One scorching summer day, Eva comes up with a great idea: a lemonade stand! But when she sees that Jake across the street has his own stand and he’s giving away free cookies, Eva knows she needs another idea to keep people lining up. Eureka—new flavors. 

Except Jake has ideas too. Bigger and better ones, and more customers! Soon Eva is out of ideas, and she thinks, out of business. But when she takes a moment to be creative again and makes a batch of delicious kulfi ice cream, she discovers fresh inspiration—and a new way to succeed. 

Eva is an inspiring main character who is always willing to “fix problems, to try new solutions, and to make new things.” The story shows how Eva often “stews” about an idea before putting her thoughts into action. However, her solutions require trial and error. For example, when Eva wants to add strawberries to lemonade, she “experiments, she tests, and she adjusts” based on her friends’ and family’s input. The story shows Eva’s thought process, which culminates in a new idea that snaps, sizzles, and spouts. Young readers will be inspired by Eva’s can-do attitude, which allows her to meet each new challenge.  

Eva’s story comes to life in bright colors, cute illustrations, and fun fonts. Keywords are printed in oversized font, making them jump off the page. Young readers will love examining the full-page illustrations because of the unique elements. For example, one illustration shows Eva watching in shock as her competitor, wearing a crown and holding a cookie, is carried on a surfboard. In another illustration, a boy dressed as a lemon holds a megaphone and a “free cookies!” sign. The illustrations add humor to the conflict. Many of the illustrations depict Eva’s little brother, reinforcing the idea that Eva is a good role model.  

Even though Cooler Than Lemonade 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. Each page has one to nine short sentences. However, younger readers may need help understanding some of the words. The end pages also include a brief description of kulfi and a kid-friendly kulfi recipe. 

Cooler Than Lemonade is a fun story that will leave readers feeling empowered to come up with their own ideas. The engaging story has a positive protagonist who demonstrates how to solve problems, adapt, and maintain a growth mindset. The story’s conclusion is perfect not only because it shows Eva’s cultural pride but also because it reveals her willingness to become her neighbor’s business partner rather than his competitor.  

The story’s positive message, determined protagonist, and emphasis on STEM thinking—particularly Eva’s habit of experimenting, testing, and adjusting her ideas—make Cooler Than Lemonade a must-read book. For more encouraging stories that focus on STEM education, read Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished, Cece Loves Science and Adventure, and Ada Twist, Scientist.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

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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Cloth Lullaby: The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois

Imagine growing up in a grand Parisian home that also functions as a tapestry repair workshop along the banks of the Seine River in the 1940s. Cloth Lullaby follows Louise as her life gradually unfolds, offering insight into how a world-renowned artist takes shape. Through quiet, observant moments, readers watch a young girl grow up and eventually leave her childhood home to attend college in Paris. 

The story of Louise Bourgeois demonstrates a rare level of sophistication for a children’s book through its use of literary devices such as allegory, along with the selective inclusion of a few French terms. At its core, the narrative honors the bond between mother and child, showing how loss reshapes a life and leads to a creative path of expression. 

A central thread in the story is Louise’s mother. Readers can picture her repairing fabric on a summer afternoon and sense the care she brings to Louise’s life. As the text notes, “She loved to work in the warm sun, her needle rising and falling beside the lilting river.” When Louise turns twelve, her mother begins teaching her the family trade. Through lessons in form and color, readers glimpse the start of Louise’s lifelong artistic path and her understanding that textiles can communicate meaning: “Some bore elaborate patterns, others told stories.” 

Cloth Lullaby unfolds with a steady, flowing narrative structure, yet attentive readers begin to notice underlying discontent. Louise’s father is largely absent from her life. When the text notes that “he was always leaving, which made Louise so mad, she threw herself into the river,” the phrasing is striking and unsettling. Within the context of a picture book, this moment reads as hyperbole, yet it signals deeper emotional unrest. 

Difficult themes such as neglect and loss are handled gently, though adult readers may notice subtle cracks in what appears to be an ideal childhood. For young readers, the story returns to comforting moments, such as Louise pitching a tent with her siblings and falling asleep to “the rhythmic rock and murmur of river water.” The “big house on the river” serves not only as a home but also as a source of creativity and sustenance, as the tapestry studio, surrounded by gardens, “provided flowers and fruit, a lullaby and a livelihood.” 

“Louise’s mother was her best friend.” This single line foreshadows the devastation Louise experiences after her mother’s death. While studying mathematics in college, grief redirects her path. Heartbroken, “she abandoned mathematics and turned to painting, applying the lessons she’d learned so far to art.” In this moment, the artistic life of Louise Bourgeois begins to take shape, leading eventually to her monumental, emotionally charged sculptures. 

Through allegory, the spider becomes a symbolic stand-in for Louise’s mother and a lasting source of inspiration. As the text explains, “Her mother was not unlike a spider, a repairer of broken things.” Bourgeois’s best-known works, her towering spider sculptures, some reaching thirty feet tall, can appear frightening at first glance but become deeply meaningful when viewed through this lens. As the text describes, “she missed her mother so much she sculpted giant spiders made of bronze, steel, and marble.” She named them Maman, meaning mother. 

Alongside these monumental works, Louise also created smaller-scale art. “She sewed. She stitched. She reworked. She wove.” She stuffed stockings to form cloth sculptures and figures, sewed colorful spirals and circular webs, and made cloth drawings and books, continuing the tactile traditions she learned at her mother’s side. 

As the story unfolds over time, select French words appear, such as araignée (spider) and rentrayage (to reweave through a hole in fabric). The text also introduces weaving terms of the trade, including warp and weft, with the warp referring to the fixed vertical strands on a loom and the weft to the horizontal threads that interlace with them. These specialized terms are made accessible through clear context and accompanying illustrations that visually reinforce their meaning.  

In conclusion, Cloth Lullaby is best experienced like a work of art, inviting readers to engage with its abstract, symbolic, and interpretive qualities rather than a strictly linear narrative. The last three pages of the Author’s notes add valuable context to Louise Bourgeois’s life, describing the recognition she began to receive. Her career culminated in a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art at age seventy-one. Bourgeois remains one of the most renowned modern artists of her generation, and Cloth Lullaby offers young readers a meaningful introduction to art as a way of understanding personal history, loss, and creativity. 

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 

Can I Give You a Squish?

Kai is a little mer-boy who’s big on hugs—or “squishes,” as he and his mama call them. But not everyone’s a fan of Kai’s spirited embrace, which he discovers soon after squishing a puffer fish, who swells up in fright! Kai feels awful; but with the help of his friends, he figures out another way to show his affection, and everyone demonstrates their preferred ways of being greeted. Because, as Kai realizes, “Every fish likes their own kind of squish.” 

Can I Give You a Squish? is a sweet story that helps young readers understand that not everyone feels comfortable getting a hug. When Kai learns this lesson, he feels really sad, but with the help of his friends, Kai discovers that there are other ways to show affection, including fist bumps, tail claps, tentacle shakes, and even a claw pinch. The short, simple story teaches readers the importance of respecting other people’s boundaries. 

One of the best parts of the book is the illustrations, which are beautiful and full of humor. Almost every page features Kai’s friends: an octopus, a dolphin, and a crab. The sea creatures’ facial expressions do an amazing job of showing emotions. For example, when Kai hugs the puffer fish, the octopus is grabbing hold of kelp, his eyebrows are lowered in a look of concern, and he is partly covering his eyes. Readers will love looking at all of the small details in the pictures, such as the snails floating in bubbles, the sea urchins hiding among the coral, and the colorful fish throughout. 

Can I Give You a Squish? will quickly become a favorite story thanks to its positive message and cute illustrations. Plus, with only a few short sentences on each page, it’s the perfect length for a bedtime story. While the story’s message is intended for younger children, it is engaging enough to entertain elementary-age readers. Explore more ocean-themed books that teach positive lessons by reading Pout-Pout Fish Adventure Series, Clark the Shark, and The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark. 

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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Pocket Bear

Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some. 

Told from Zephyrina’s point of view, Pocket Bear tells readers a sweet, gentle story about the hardship of war and the importance of bravery. When she was a kitten, Zephyrina didn’t have a home or a family to help care for her. This makes her slightly cynical and standoffish toward her human family, Elizaveta and Dasha. However, Zephyrina is completely loyal to her best friend, Pocket. Throughout the book, the cat looks to Pocket for guidance, who wisely says, “Sometimes, the most precious things in life are right under our noses.” With the bear’s help, Zephyrina transforms from a lonely, self-serving cat into a strong, capable leader and a loving pet who comforts Dasha. 

The story begins with Zephyrina, Pocket, and the other stuffed animals living in the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. At first, readers may assume that these stuffed animals are just a random collection brought together by chance. This could not be further from the truth. Elizaveta, Dasha, Pocket, and another stuffed animal named Berwon have all been impacted by war. In a twist of irony, Pocket’s soldier served in the “war to end all wars,” World War I. In the story’s conclusion, Pocket reveals that his soldier had died in the war. 

Dasha’s story unfolds slowly, ultimately revealing that she and her mother, Elizaveta, left Ukraine after a bomb injured Dasha and her father died. Dasha’s story unfolds through Zephyrina’s eyes, which softens the effects of the war. Additionally, Dasha doesn’t like to talk about the war because, “Unless you’ve been through it yourself, you can’t really understand.” In the end, the book doesn’t describe what happened during the war; it focuses on its aftereffects, showing that war doesn’t just affect soldiers—it also affects innocent children like Dasha. 

Pocket Bear conveys an important theme: Bravery comes in many forms. For instance, Dasha considers Pocket a hero because, “He has been through a lot. But he is still kind.” However, Pocket is not the only hero. Zephyrina shows courage by saving Berwon from being auctioned off. Additionally, the bears and Zephyrina show the importance of loyalty, kindness, and friendship. One of the most heartwarming parts of the story is when the cat helps Pocket stay with Berwon, even though Zephyrina must say goodbye to Pocket forever. 

Black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout the book. These drawings help readers understand not only what the stuffed animals look like but also how tiny Pocket is compared to them. Readers will adore the illustrations, but the beginning of the story drags, and younger readers may struggle with the difficult vocabulary, such as disemboweled, tenant, arctophiles, and decipher. Many of the words cannot be easily deciphered from context clues; however, some are explained in the text. For example, when Zephyrina reflects on Dasha, she thinks, “People say cats are inscrutable. But I’ve learned some people are equally hard to read.” 

In the author’s note, Applegate discusses the importance of recycling stuffed animals and other toys. “About 80% of stuffed animals and other toys worldwide are eventually thrown away, making up 6 percent of plastics in landfills across the globe.” Applegate also lists organizations that would provide a home for “gently-loved” stuffed toys. After reading the unforgettable story, readers will gain a new perspective on toys and those who have suffered the effects of war. The book will also empower readers: even if you feel like a “small speck,” with others’ help, you can make a difference in someone’s life, and that is heroic. If you know a child who has been affected by war, reading The Day War Came and Survival Tails: World War II may help them process their emotions. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Zephyrina finds a stuffed bear, she carries it home by using her teeth. On the way home, a dog named Goofus gives chase. “Goofus loped over, all spittle and stink. Goofus and Zephyrina play tug-of-war with the bear. Zephyrina was not in the mood for a game of tug-of-war, particularly with a dog who enjoyed eating his own poop.” The bear isn’t hurt because “everyone knows toys can’t feel pain.” 
  • To get Goofus to leave, Zephyrina “slashed him across the nose with a claw. . . It wasn’t a dramatic swipe. . . But it was enough to get my message across.” Goofus leaves. 
  • When a family takes in Zephyrina, she’s thankful. “To show my gratitude, I brought them deliveries of mice and rats, grasshoppers and salamanders, baby birds and newborn opossums. Still alive, ideally with just enough squirm to keep them interesting.” 
  • Zephyrina thinks about the stuffed toys she’s found. “Most of the stuffed toys I’d known had been through a lot of . . . stuff. . . They’d been slobbered on and tossed aside and buried in toy boxes. They’d had their eyes yanked out and their tails chewed off and their stuffing spread around the family room like little snowballs. They’d been left alone in playgrounds while squirrels chittered at them and raccoons gnawed on them and dogs peed on them.” 
  • Zephyrina lives in a house with a child named Dasha. Pocket tells the story of her injury. “Dasha’s leg had been badly injured when a bomb hit her house.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • Heck is used twice. 
  • When reflecting on Pocket, Zephyrina thinks, “He was my teacher. My coach. The guy who (gently) reminded me when I was being a jerk.” 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

A Kite for Moon

What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together! 

A Kite for Moon begins when a little boy flying his kite notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, writing notes promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years of studying, learning, and training to become an astronaut until he finally goes up, up, up in a big rocket ship with a fiery tail. 

Inspired by astronaut Neil Armstrong, A Kite for Moon follows an unnamed boy’s friendship with the moon. Through the years, the moon watches the “very small boy” study algebra and geometry. The boy also learns how to “ride a bicycle, drive a car, fly a plane, and a rocket.” As the boy grows, he never forgets his promise to the moon. Several illustrations show him surrounded by books and his telescope, reminding readers that achieving dreams takes dedication and hard work. 

Illustrator Matt Phelan created beautiful illustrations that often cover an entire two-page spread. The simple illustrations show the vastness of the sea and sky, hinting at the seeming impossibility of the boy’s dream to visit the moon. Reflecting the ocean and moon’s blue hues, the muted colors give the book a dream-like quality that will captivate readers. Although it’s a picture book, adults will need to read it to young children because of its complex sentences and vocabulary. For example, as the moon watches the boy grow, it “waxed and waned.” 

A Kite for Moon is an inspiring book to read to a child, inviting readers to imagine their own dreams taking flight. The story also makes a wonderful gift for anyone transitioning through life, reminding them that dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements. The book includes a beautiful presentation page, making it ideal for gift-giving. Young readers who are fascinated by the moon should also read Mousetronaut, Rocket Says Look Up, and Moon’s First Friends: One Giant Leap for Friendship. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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