Reading Level: Early Elementary

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret

Heidi is not excited to go to school for the first time. While her 5-year-old little brother, Henry, is thrilled to be transitioning from homeschooling to Brewster Elementary, Heidi is terrified to be entering second grade in a public school. What if the teacher is mean to her? What if her classmates are gross? Heidi spends her morning in a very grumpy mood, thinking about how much she wants to stay home with her mother. 

Heidi remains grumpy when she gets to school and enters Mrs. Wellington’s second-grade classroom. A girl sitting next to her, named Melanie, makes fun of Heidi for being smelly, and it makes Heidi feel even more like an “alien” outcast. Still, Heidi’s day improves when her classmate Lucy Lancaster is nice to her and sits next to her at lunch. The two quickly become friends. Later, though, Melanie puts Heidi in an even worse mood by ruining Heidi’s self-portrait in art class. The bully ends up going to the principal’s office, but Heidi is left feeling miserable. 

Melanie returns to class when Mrs. Wellington’s second-graders are in the auditorium rehearsing for The Wizard of Oz. Heidi would rather not participate in the play, but much to her dismay, Melanie (who plays Dorothy) tells the drama teacher that Heidi should play the part of the “scary apple tree.” When the teacher agrees, Heidi is furious. As the school day comes to a close, Heidi thinks of ways to get back at Melanie. At home, Heidi gets an idea. Melanie might be a bully, but Heidi is something better. Heidi is a secret witch! Back in her room, Heidi pulls out her favorite book, her Book of Spells. She finds a spell for memory loss, gleefully planning her wicked scheme against Melanie. 

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret is told through third-person narration and follows 8-year-old Heidi’s first day of public school. Heidi’s “secret” remains a secret for the audience until the very end, adding a minor twist that sets up the fantastical elements of the next books. This installment focuses less on Heidi’s life as a witch and more on slice-of-life issues that children could face, such as bullying and isolation. 

Despite Heidi’s grumpy mood, she is a very compelling protagonist. She is very smart and ahead of her class, but she doesn’t come across as a know-it-all. Melanie’s harsh treatment of Heidi is inexplicably cruel, and readers will feel empathy for Heidi. Heidi’s feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and confusion are depicted realistically, and children of all ages can relate to her struggles. 

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret is ideal for children navigating life changes or those who feel different from their peers. It teaches that, while things may be difficult at first, there are always friends to be made. Heidi’s method of dealing with Melanie’s bullying is retaliation (through painting Melanie’s smock, planning to throw apples at her in the play, and planning to cast a spell on her). The implicit lesson is one of self-reliant retribution, but the book does depict multiple adults intervening on Heidi’s behalf. School administration, however, is unable to effectively stop Melanie’s teasing. 

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret features a large, spaced-out font, making it an ideal early chapter book for children to read independently. The book also includes illustrations on every page that are both aesthetically pleasing and helpful in understanding the story. Illustrator Priscilla Burris effectively conveys the characters’ emotions and actions, as well as the various settings and objects, through her simple yet effective drawings.

Children who enjoy reading about Heidi Heckelbeck may also enjoy the Lucy Lancaster Series, another magical series set in Heidi’s world. Between homework assignments and elementary school bullies, a little bit of witchcraft can go a long way. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Melanie paints a zig-zag over Heidi’s self-portrait in art class, Heidi retaliates by wiping her paintbrush “across Melanie’s smock.” Melanie tries to do the same to Heidi, but the art teacher, Mr. Doodlebee, grabs Melanie’s arm before she can get paint on Heidi. 
  • Melanie is playing Dorothy in the school play, The Wizard of Oz, and Heidi is playing the evil apple tree. Heidi imagines throwing apples at Melanie, and the scene is illustrated. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Heidi’s favorite “growly word” is “merg,” and she says it every time she feels annoyed. She even writes it on the car window on the way to school. 
  • Heidi thinks that a “winter wonderland mural” in her school’s hallway looks “dumb.” 
  • Melanie is cruel to Heidi, calling her “smelly” in front of the whole class. 
  • Heidi and her classmates practice writing homophones, and Heidi writes: “School is a big, fat bore. Melanie is a mean, nasty boar.” 
  • Heidi teases her little brother Henry, calling him “a total Froot Loop.” 

Supernatural 

  • Throughout the day at school, Heidi feels like an alien compared to the other children. In art class, Heidi is told to draw a self-portrait, and she thinks, “Should I draw my alien self or my regular self?” 
  • Heidi’s secret is that she is a witch. After her rocky first day of school, Heidi pulls her Book of Spells out from a keepsake box in her room. In the book are the signatures of “The Witches of Westwick.” She opens a page that says, “How to Make Someone Forget,” and plots to use it against Melanie during the play to make her forget her lines. The spell is not cast in this book. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Gabrielle Barke 

The Wild Robot on the Island

Roz, a robot, lives in a box that crashes onto the side of an island. While there is no one on the island like her, she feels that she belongs there. Many wild animals inhabit the island with Roz. Though Roz is very different from the animals, she learns to move, hide, and communicate like them. Soon enough, Roz and the animals become good friends. All the creatures on the island, including Roz, form a community where they help each other when needed. 

One day, Roz finds an abandoned goose egg and decides to care for it. When the gosling hatches, Roz names the bird Brightbill and raises him as if he were her own child. Brightbill learns to talk, walk, swim, and fly like any other bird. While Roz cannot teach Brightbill how to behave like a bird, she teaches him how to be a good friend to all creatures. 

Eventually, the seasons begin to change, and Brightbill feels that he is changing too. Like the other birds on the island, Brightbill needs to fly south for the winter. Roz supports her son’s decision to leave with the other birds even though it makes her sad. During the colder months, the rest of the island’s creatures hibernate together. The animals support Roz as she misses Brightbill. When the seasons change again, all of the birds, including Brightbill, fly back to the island. Roz feels that all is right on the island because everyone is welcome. 

Roz is a fun protagonist that kids will love. She is silly and stands out among the wild animals. Readers might not relate to Roz because she is a robot, but she still teaches young children many lessons about friendship, such as sharing, adapting, and inclusion. However, the ways in which she demonstrates these values are completely unrelatable to humans. For example, when Roz is teaching Brightbill how to be a good friend, they watch as a duck gives a beaver “a fallen tree as a gift.” While this doesn’t happen for humans, it provides a simple and engaging way for people to learn the values of friendship. 

The animals and Brightbill on the island demonstrate the key themes that Peter Brown weaves throughout The Wild Robot. The island’s wildlife illustrates the value of approaching strangers with curiosity rather than fear. Once Roz masters their language, the animals confess they initially believed she was “a monster,” revealing how prejudgment can prevent meaningful connections. Their eventual acceptance of Roz shows that open-mindedness and inclusivity are essential for creating a thriving community. Brightbill embodies another central message: while genetics determines what we are, our upbringing shapes who we become. Though he migrates south with other geese following his natural instincts, his capacity for friendship and loyalty stems directly from Roz’s nurturing care. Through these relationships, Brown shows that community bonds can transcend biological differences when built on understanding and compassion. 

The Wild Robot on the Island is a shortened version of Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot. This version includes brighter pictures with scenes that are easy for young children to understand. Roz’s attempts to become an animal are humorous, and the pictures of Roz’s actions will entertain younger audiences as well. The clear images and short sentences make this book enjoyable for kids of all ages. This picture book adaptation simplifies an already beloved story, allowing younger audiences to read and understand the messages that Peter Brown conveys. 

Like The Wild Robot, this story explores the profound theme of extending kindness to those who are different from us. Though it may appear to be a simple tale of a robot finding her place among forest animals, Brown weaves deeper messages about compassion and open-mindedness triumphing over fear and exclusion. Communities are built on shared spaces, and everyone who inhabits those spaces deserves friendship regardless of their origins. Brown demonstrates this principle through Roz’s nurturing relationship with Brightbill and the mutual support that develops among all the island’s inhabitants. Through these interconnected acts of care and cooperation, Roz discovers that the island truly becomes “a safe place for all.” 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Class President

It’s time to pick a class president, and Mindy really wants to win—and she’s basing her entire campaign on snacks and being kind, so how could she NOT be chosen?

But there is one big thing that Mindy is not sure she can do—make a speech to her class about why she would be the best pick for president. Can Mindy face her fears and show the class—and herself—that she can be the best class president ever? 

The story’s protagonist, Mindy Kim, is a realistic and kind third grader with a relatable conflict—speaking in front of the entire class. Mindy’s fear is described in kid-friendly language that leaves readers empathizing with Mindy’s fear of public speaking. For example, when Mindy tries to give her speech to her babysitter, Mindy’s, “face felt really hot like I had a fever. I was holding the speech-planning sheet, but my hands were shaking so much that I couldn’t read what it said.” Mindy has a supportive network of people who advise her on overcoming her fear. For example, before giving her speech to anyone, Mindy practices speaking to her stuffed animals.  

Mindy’s struggle with public speaking highlights the importance of preparing and practicing before a big event. Even though Mindy didn’t win the vote to be class president, she is happy for the winner and doesn’t complain. Plus, Mindy’s father is proud of her for trying. Her father says, “I think you still deserve a prize for working so hard on your speech. You improved so much, and that’s a really big accomplishment!” 

After Mindy loses the election, her father reminds her that “the things that you promised in your speech—being everyone’s friend, being nice to everyone, and giving out snacks—those are all things you can do on a day-to-day basis. You don’t have to be class president to do all three!” Mindy’s story encourages readers to be kind, even when it’s difficult. Parents will want their children to emulate Mindy’s positive behavior and kindness.   

Class President is intended for readers who are ready to read chapter books. The story has fourteen short chapters, easy vocabulary, and illustrations approximately every four pages. The pages have oversized text and some complicated sentence structure. The black-and-white illustrations will help readers visualize the characters and understand the plot. Even though Class President is the fourth book in the Mindy Kim Series, the book focuses on one event that is concluded at the end of the book, allowing readers unfamiliar with the series to enjoy Class President as a stand-alone book.   

Class President introduces readers to the voting process, gives advice on overcoming the fear of public speaking, and includes fun Halloween scenes. The mixture of home and school life blends into an entertaining story that will help readers navigate through their own conflicts and disappointments. Readers who want to learn more about running for class president should also read Jada Jones Class Act by Kelly Starling Lyons. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • Mindy’s friend, Sally, calls a mean boy a jerk. Later, Sally says, “He’s such a big baby!” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None

Crocodile Encounters!: And More True Stories of Adventures with Animals

Crocodile Encounters follows National Geographic explorer Dr. Brady Barr as he comes face to face with crocodiles and learns more about their behavior. Crocodile Encounters has four short stories, each broken into three short chapters.  

“Undercover Crock”: To catch a crocodile, Dr. Barr usually snares it with a rope, wrestles with it, jumps on its back, and then ties its mouth and legs. It’s difficult and dangerous. While visiting a school, a student asked, “Dr. Brady, why don’t you dress up as a crocodile and join the club?” So, Dr. Barr did just that. Scientists and artists made a strong crocodile that Dr. Barr could climb into. When Dr. Barr used the suit, he got an eye-to-eye view of a crocodile. 

“Toy Story”: While visiting a school, Dr. Barr asked students for ideas on how to catch a crocodile. One student suggested using a remote-controlled toy car with a camera attached. Dr. Barr thought the idea was great. He waited until the crocodiles were basking in the sun and drove the toy car into the area where the crocodiles were sunning. Unexpectedly, a big old crocodile jumped out of the water and ate the toy car. Months later, another scientist found the toy car and the camera. The camera had recorded the crocodile’s stomach.  

“Deep Dark Den”: In Costa Rica, 13 big crocodiles lived in a lake near humans. Dr. Barr was hired to move the crocodiles to a safer place, but first, he had to catch them. Since finding crocodiles in a lake is difficult, Dr. Barr drained the lake. When the lake was empty, the crocodiles had disappeared. Another scientist found a large hole. When Dr. Barr climbed into the hole, he heard a hiss. When he turned on his flashlight, crocodile eyes stared back at him! 

“Croc in a Box”: A very large and very smart crocodile lived close to a village in Uganda. The crocodile had to be moved. Dr. Barr wanted to move the crocodile to a zoo in the United States, but first, he had to catch it and find an airliner to fly it to the U.S. Dr. Barr caught the croc and put it in a large box. Dr. Barr didn’t think the crocodile would escape, but it did! Luckily, that was before it was put on an airplane. 

Crocodile Encounters takes a deep dive into the world of crocodiles from Dr. Barr’s point of view. Readers will be amazed as they learn facts about crocodiles and how to keep them safe from humans.  

Based on the hit feature in National Geographic Kids magazine, National Geographic Chapter Series features true stories that are divided into three short chapters. The book is packed with full-color photography, lists, and infographics. Some pages also include orange boxes that contain additional facts about the animals. For example, “Humans only have two sets of teeth, but crocs lose teeth and grow new ones throughout their lifetime.”   

Readers who are fascinated by crocodiles will find Crocodile Encounters entertaining and educational. The pictures will help readers understand how crocodiles see at night and other interesting facts. Dr. Barr’s love of crocodiles comes through on every page, but readers who don’t already love crocodiles will quickly become bored. Crocodile Encounters is an excellent book to use for crocodile research. If you love crocodiles, you may also want to read the Ancient Animals Series by Sarah L. Thomson. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • In Costa Rica, crocodiles in a lake were labeled problem crocs. “They were upsetting human neighbors by attacking dogs, cats, and even cows!”  
  • In most countries, when crocodiles are labeled problems, they are killed.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Darn is used once. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Dodsworth in London

Dodsworth, a distinguished mouse, and his mischievous friend—a white duck known only as “the duck”—are visiting London. Join this charming duo as they tour the city and take in the familiar landmarks of a fictional early 20th-century England, bustling with a menagerie of impeccably dressed animal characters who go about their days and speak in proper British accents. 

Their first stop is a pub, and almost immediately, the duck’s shenanigans land the friends in trouble. After attempting to join a city tour on a red double-decker bus, a crowded station separates the pair, setting off a comical series of events that brings as much distress as they do delight. From losing his duck friend to a case of mistaken identity, Dodsworth is left feeling utterly devastated. Will Scotland Yard solve the case of the missing duck—and will these two friends find a way to reunite? 

In this chapter book, Egan’s themes of friendship, loss, and perseverance run through a simple narrative that is sure to keep young readers in suspense. Picking up where Dodsworth in Paris left off, the duo arrives in England by hot air balloon, and the duck immediately causes havoc. Dodsworth is constantly trying to ensure his friend behaves appropriately, while the duck—driven by earnest curiosity—seeks mischief at every turn. Spotting the pub’s darts and dartboard, Dodsworth warns, “Don’t even think about it.” You can guess what happens next! The two friends have a lighthearted way of coexisting, and ever-practical Dodsworth decides the best way to tour the city is by bus, so he can keep an eye on his friend and avoid losing him in the fog. But the plan backfires. 

What comes next steers the story toward a spectacular final twist. Young readers will relate to the heartbreak Dodsworth feels when he realizes he’s lost track of his friend, but that realization doesn’t come right away. Playfully, Egan introduces another duck into the story, and through a case of mistaken identity, Dodsworth meets a “Royal Duck.” A series of hilarious exchanges soon makes it clear that this duck, who speaks “with a British accent,” isn’t his duck. Fortunately, the Royal Duck proves to be a soothing and empathetic presence, becoming a pivotal ally in the search for Dodsworth’s missing friend. 

The story is suitable for fluent readers who are ready for a book with multiple plotlines. Cheerful watercolor and ink illustrations appear on every page. Many of the illustrations depict the characters’ facial expressions, which will help readers understand their emotions more clearly. Additionally, readers can use context clues and illustrations to understand the meanings of unfamiliar words, such as pub. The story subtly introduces British English vocabulary, such as crumpets and tea, as well as landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Although Dodsworth is a series, the books do not need to be read in order, as each focuses on a distinct storyline. 

Reminiscent of the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing, this lighthearted story unfolds as readers try to discover where the duck actually is. This all unfolds against Dodsworth’s unwavering perseverance to find his friend. With help from the Royal Duck, Scotland Yard, the Buckingham Palace guards, and the Queen herself, the story concludes on a happy note sure to satisfy young readers and parents alike. The story concludes when “Dodsworth laughed and hugged the duck again. And this time, as the night fell on London, the duck actually hugged him back.” 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

A Fairy Finds Her Song

Every fairy has a gift that makes their wings grow—but Lily, a young fairy, is having trouble discovering hers. She watches her fairy friends Jasmine, who has super strength, and Sky, who can fly to extraordinary heights, excel in their talents. With the help of Jasmine and Sky, and her human friend, Willow, will Lily be able to discover what makes her special? 

Lily’s human friend, Willow, plays a pivotal role in Lily’s breakthrough. One day, Lily finds a lost bird and sings a song to communicate with it. Her song helps the little bird reunite with its mother. After witnessing this, Willow suggests that Lily’s songs may be her gift. Feeling encouraged, Lily sings songs and forms connections with frogs, bees, and butterflies. As Lily sings, her wings start to grow. 

Though she struggles, Lily never loses hope that she is destined for something great. Lily thinks, “My gift is hard to find. It must be extra special.” Her fairy friends encourage her to attempt new things, such as trying to see objects clearly in the dark, until she finds something that clicks. Lily’s determination will inspire young readers to stay curious and never give up on their own journeys to self-discovery. 

Young readers will be enchanted by the vibrant, magical illustrations that will transport them into Lily’s whimsical world. The artwork mirrors Lily’s growth throughout the story. Initially, she appears small in comparison to her fairy friends and certain animals. By the end, Lily soars high with her large, glowing wings as her three friends cheer her on. These drawings will help young readers identify Lily’s growth—both in her wing size and her character. 

Alongside these detailed illustrations, each page contains one to four short, simple sentences. The book opens with the lines “I am Lily. I am a fairy.” Beginning the story with these two sentences will help readers immediately identify and connect with the main character. Each page has one to two sentences that include sight words. The concise language makes this story accessible to young children who are beginning to read independently. 

While the simple plot is easy to follow, Bea Jackson weaves a meaningful message about individuality into the narrative. Through Lily’s journey and friendships, young readers will learn that everyone has different strengths and talents, and that with practice and perseverance, they can discover their own. A Fairy Finds Her Song is a joyful celebration of the unique gifts that we carry—and how using these gifts to help others can make the world even more magical. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Madeline Hettrick 

Drive It! Fix It!

Meet Ace, a determined and curious girl who readers will follow to a go-kart race with a car she built herself. This story is engaging yet to the point: Ace builds her car on her own, works through obstacles while maintaining a positive attitude, and wins the race. 

Ace faces her first obstacle before the race even begins when she realizes her car won’t start. She tests several parts until she finds the right one, showing readers how to try different solutions when faced with a problem. During the race, her wheels get stuck in a rut and begin wobbling, causing her to lose speed as other racers pass her one by one. Instead of giving up, Ace grips the steering wheel, corrects the wobble, regains her speed, and passes the other racers to cross the finish line first. With each conflict, Ace remains calm and does what she can to fix it, whether finding a missing part or guiding the wheels back on track. These moments highlight her problem-solving skills and demonstrate that perseverance can help overcome any challenge. This satisfying victory rewards readers who have watched her overcome adversity. 

Although there are no supporting characters, the illustrations feature other racers in the background to provide context to Ace’s world. Ace remains the focus as she models resilience and resourcefulness throughout the race. Her determination, resilience, and victory make her an excellent role model for any child. 

The Racing Ace series employs short sentences with bold fonts and varied text placement to maintain a quick pace throughout the story. This approach makes the language accessible and easy to follow, perfect for young readers who are beginning to build their reading stamina and transition into chapter books. The book supports early reading comprehension with its fun story, steady pacing, and straightforward narrative without major deviations from the main plot. 

The text features repetition of words and phrases to build rhythm and emphasize Ace’s determination. Phrases like “And faster, and faster, and faster” build excitement as Ace gains speed and passes other racers. This mirrors her emotions and draws readers into the action. 

The full-color illustrations are bright and dynamic, reflecting Ace’s energetic personality. Each page is designed to keep readers engaged, matching the thrilling speed and resilience of Ace’s journey. The illustrations add clarity to the story, giving readers both visual and narrative understanding of how the race unfolds. 

Racing Ace: Drive It! Fix It! is an enriching read perfect for young readers interested in cars, races, or stories about brave, capable characters. The book offers a powerful reminder that creativity, perseverance, and quick thinking can help overcome challenges and find success, even when the road gets bumpy. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Rayna Burlison 

The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is a quiet, emotional story about a scarecrow that spends his life standing alone in an empty field. The story is told in the third person, allowing readers to watch his life unfold. The scarecrow is not human; he can’t speak, but his gentle nature and deep sadness make him an easy character to sympathize with. He spends his days and nights scaring animals away, never getting a chance to experience companionship. Readers will find his loyalty and silent kindness admirable, as his life is dedicated to protecting the fields, despite his loneliness. 

The other character is a small, vulnerable crow that falls into the field. At first, the crow is weak and needs the warmth from the scarecrow to survive. The scarecrow protects the crow from nature’s elements. Their bond brightens the scarecrow’s life. When the crow grows and is strong enough to fly, he leaves to explore the world, leaving the scarecrow all alone once more. However, the crow later returns, bringing his own family with him, filling the scarecrow’s life with joy and love. The crow adds hope to the scarecrow’s silent life, showing readers that acts of kindness and love are never forgotten. 

The story is gentle and deeply emotional. It explores themes of loneliness, kindness, and friendship in ways that young readers can easily understand. The ending is heartwarming, showing that even if someone is alone for a long time, love can find its way back to them. There is no high conflict or dramatic stakes, just a progression from solitude to companionship. It has a gradual and soothing pace that makes it a comforting story for young children. 

The Scarecrow uses poetic text with a consistent rhyme scheme to create a calm and reflective reading experience. The soft rhythm and descriptive language reflect the changing seasons and emotional beats of the story. The full-color illustrations are rich and warm, using earthy browns, soft golds, and gentle greens to bring the fields to life. The scarecrow’s stitched expressions and the tiny details, such as falling leaves, ripening corn, and sunset skies, keep the reader engaged. Overall, the warm illustrations, combined with the descriptive story, enhance the narrative and make it a great read-aloud experience. 

The Scarecrow is the perfect book for adults to read with a child, especially those who want to help young children understand the importance of kindness, empathy, and caring for others. The overall message is that love and friendship can be shown in the simplest acts. Through its powerful yet gentle story, The Scarecrow reminds readers that no one is meant to stand alone forever. Get in the mood for warm snuggles and falling leaves by also reading The Very Best Pumpkin by Mark Kimball Moulton and Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant & Adam Grant. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Rayna Burlison

The Desert Challenge

Sophie loves camp – except for all the creepy crawlies. Getting trapped in the tent with a Daddy Long Legs is terrifying, and spiders make her scream. It’s so embarrassing. But then a mysterious compass transports her to a fiercely hot desert, where Bear Grylls, her guide, is waiting. The sun is beating down, and together they must trek to find water and overcome the dangers of lurking in the dunes.

Sophie’s fear of all bugs is extreme. When she sees a bug in her tent, she thinks, “Insects just made her feel sick, and there was nothing she could do about it. She hated them all. Spiders, wasps, bees, beetles, caterpillars, earwigs. . .” While readers may not relate to her fear of bugs, she remains a likable character because she openly admits to her fear and never complains about it. When Sophie is transported to the desert, she eagerly learns about the dangers lurking in the desert as well as how to survive.

During her adventure, Bear shows her how to survive, including how the desert provides food. Sophie discovers that eating a scorpion isn’t as disgusting as expected, and she overcomes her fear when she sees “an enormous snake, coiled, and staring right at her.” Instead of panicking, she is “strangely calm. [The desert] was changing her for the better, making her tougher. She was learning to deal with shock and trauma like someone who could handle the pressure of the desert.”

The Desert Challenge has large text and illustrations that will appeal to readers and help readers visualize the story’s events. Because the book is written in the UK, some of the terms will be unfamiliar. For example, the zipline is referred to as a zipwire, and a flashlight is called a torch. Additionally, some of the desert terms may be new to readers, but the context clues make it easy to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words. For example, Bear explains that a wadi is “a dry riverbed.”

The Bear Grylls Adventure Series books can be read as a standalone and do not need to be read in order. Each book focuses on a different child at the outdoor activity camp. Once the camper is given the magical compass, they meet the adventurer, Bear, in an amazing place and learn new skills and facts they can take with them back to their real life. Each book aligns with Common Core Standards, making it suitable for educational purposes. Plus, the book is printed “in a reader-friendly font and design” to help those with dyslexia. Three pages of additional information about deserts are included at the end of the book.

The story’s conclusion is abrupt, making it feel as if Sophie’s journey was cut off too quickly. However, readers familiar with the Bear Grylls Adventure Series will enjoy the familiar format and the easy-to-understand plot. The Desert Challenge teaches important lessons about overcoming your fears. The engaging format, the simple plot, and the encouraging message make The Desert Challenge a good choice for readers who aren’t ready to tackle longer, more complex books.

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Bear kills a scorpion in order to eat it. “He pulled out his knife and killed it calmly and quickly, then cut off the stinger on its tail and put the scorpion in his pocket.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • When Sophie falls off a zipline, she thinks, “What kind of idiot can’t even sit on a zipwire?” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Elvis & Romeo

Elvis & Romeo is a lighthearted story about two dogs who couldn’t be more different, yet they still manage to form an unexpected friendship. Elvis is a serious, older bulldog that shows little interest in games. Romeo is an energetic, young golden retriever. When the two meet at the dog park, Romeo attempts to play games such as tag and hide-and-seek with Elvis. Despite Elvis wanting nothing to do with him, Romeo continues his attempt to bond with the grumpy dog. The contrast in their personalities is both amusing and relatable for children, especially those who have had to learn how to get along with someone very different from themselves. 

The dogs shine as the only characters in the book, with only brief illustrations of other dogs and humans present. Romeo’s enthusiasm is contagious and will entertain readers as he attempts to win Elvis’s friendship. What finally brings them together is not a game, but something much simpler: a shared love of sandwiches. The moment is simple, silly, and powerful. The dogs connect over something they both enjoy, showing young readers that friendship can begin with the smallest common ground. The rest of the story shows the two new friends dreaming of the world’s best sandwich, getting excited over treats, and leaving the park having had a great day.  

Elvis & Romeo is a funny, sweet, and emotionally intelligent story. It explores themes of patience, respect, and friendship in a way that young readers can easily understand. The colorful illustrations are warm and expressive, capturing the personality of each dog. There is no huge conflict or high stakes in this story; instead, it follows a slow progression from frustration to friendship. Elvis & Romeo is a thoughtful and playful story that encourages empathy and finding joy in each other’s differences. 

Elvis & Romeo uses varied text placement and page design to enhance the story’s humor and pacing. The spacing and rhythm reflect the emotional beats, especially in moments of chaos, such as when treats are brought up. The illustrations are full of life, featuring a warm and inviting color palette. The story also employs onomatopoeia to add energy and humor. Fun word sounds, such as “chomp” and “crinkle,” make it perfect for a read-aloud experience. Each two-page spread has one to five short sentences and funny illustrations that will keep readers engaged.  

Children who are learning to share space, build friendships, and understand different personalities will relate to Elvis and Romeo’s conflict. The book uses humor to show that meaningful connections can form in the most unexpected ways. Through a silly yet powerful story, it encourages readers to slow down, stay open-minded, and remember that sometimes all it takes is a sandwich to bring two hearts together.  

Sexual Content 

  • None 

Violence 

  • None

Language 

  • OMG is used once. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

Gravity Falls: Lost Legends

Four new short, illustrated stories from the Gravity Falls universe explode from the page in this exciting graphic novel! Shmebulock, the gnome who is cursed to only speak his name—except for one night every 1,000 years—spills the beans on four thrilling new stories! After each story, he presents a witty joke or a brief epilogue, concluding each story in a satisfying manner. 

In Face It, Pacifica Northwest comes to her friends, Mabel and Dipper Pines, hoping for some magic to make her ageless. Against their wishes, she summons the monster Mr. What’s-His-Face, who steals Mabel’s face! Dipper and Pacifica must travel to an underground monster market to get it back. Pacifica overcomes her vanity when she realizes that beauty is not the most important aspect of a person. 

In Comix Up!, Stanley Pines (Dipper and Mabel’s grand-uncle) accidently curses a comic book and then gets sucked into it. Dipper, Mabel, their friends Soos and Wendy, and their other grand-uncle Stanford, all must travel through various comic book styles to save him. Stanley Pines initially makes fun of comic books but later reveals that he actually loves comic books and is jealous because his comic book series never took off. 

In Don’t Dimension It, Mabel gets transported to an alternate dimension where everyone is another version of her! As her grand-uncles try to save her, she must work together with her other selves and learn a valuable lesson about the dangers of selfishness.  

Finally, in The Jersey Devil’s in the Details, Stanley and Stanford Pines flashback to when they were kids, solving the mystery of who stole their dad’s gold chain. They encounter a rival set of mystery-solving twins, as well as the Jersey Devil itself. Then they confront their relationship difficulties with their father and each other.  

The graphic novel format of this book will appeal to many readers because of how bright and vibrant the illustrations are. Each story has a new illustrator, meaning the styles slightly change depending on the story—for example, Don’t Dimension It, which is about Mabel, is drawn in a slightly more cutesy style. Furthermore, Comix Up! uses comic book illustration style in an incredibly fun way—the style of illustration regularly changes from manga to Peanuts-influenced to superhero-esque! Each page of each story has numerous speech and thought bubbles, so readers get lots of chances to read real dialogue rather than only looking at pictures. 

The main characters of each story are humorous and entertaining, but also often overcome a flaw in an admirable fashion. Because the characters learn more about themselves and how to be kinder people, their journeys are truly charming, and it is easy to fall in love with them. Furthermore, highlighting each characters’ flaws portrays them as realistic, three-dimensional characters rather than perfect heroes.  

Despite the light-hearted tone of the book, the stories deal with serious topics such as vanity, self-esteem, selfishness, and more. Pacifica’s aforementioned issues with vanity are one, but Stanley Pines’ self-consciousness as the “dumb twin” is also addressed in The Jersey Devil’s in the Details. Furthermore, Mabel must confront how, despite her intentions, she can be unwittingly self-centered and not think about what anyone else wants. She learns a valuable lesson about being more aware of others. These lessons are articulated quite gracefully, without feeling out-of-place or preachy. 

The graphic novel is a lot of fun, but it might not be very fulfilling for readers who have not seen the original show Gravity Falls. Gravity Falls is a cartoon on Disney Channel about twins Dipper and Mabel moving to the supernatural town of Gravity Falls and discovering its mysteries. There are numerous references to the show, and readers unfamiliar with it will likely be confused. However, for readers who are familiar with the show, this book is a fantastic addition because it further develops the characters’ traits while maintaining the same tone as the source material. 

Gravity Falls: Lost Legends is a fantastic addition to the original show Gravity Falls, and a truly entertaining comic book in its own right. The illustrations are vibrant and entertaining, and the book boasts a surprising depth, as it develops the characters into full-fledged individuals and empathetically addresses their flaws. The quality of this book and the richness of its storytelling raise the bar for TV show novelizations. You can find more humorous, action-packed fun by reading the Hilo Series by Judd Winick and the InvestiGators Series by John Patrick Green. 

Sexual Content  

  • In Face It, it is revealed that Stanford Pines dated a siren.  
  • Pacific insults Dipper by saying, “Just like how you care about kissing aliens or whatever!” Dipper responds, “I’ve never kissed an alien! I’ve never kissed anyone!” 
  • Pacifica gives Dipper a hug. Later, she texts him, claiming that the hug wasn’t on purpose and that Dipper shouldn’t “get the wrong idea or anything.” Unfortunately, she accidentally texts Mabel, who gets excited and thinks Pacifica likes Dipper romantically. Mabel asks, “WHEN’S THE WEDDING LOLLLLLL” and sends kissy emojis.  
  • In Comix Up, there’s a brief visual gag where the characters are illustrated in a romantic manga style. Mabel is attracted to many of the characters, including an attractively-drawn sink, and a boy named Gideon, who tells Mabel, “Help me collect the seven crystal sailor angel capture cards, and then we can finally kiss!” Mabel refuses. 

Violence  

  • In Face It, a vendor in the underground monster market, called the Crawlspace, sells, “Severed hands! Straight from a wet cave!” 
  • When Dipper and Pacifica trespass, monsters capture them in a net, sell them, and then put them in a sack. “Sold! Hope you like burlap!” declares a monster vendor. 
  • To protect Dipper and Mabel, Pacifica sets Mr. What’s-His-Face on fire using some magic pills. Mr. What’s-His-Face yells, “Aughh!! My face! My beautiful flesh-tornado of a face!”  
  • Mr. What’s-His-Face threatens to kill Pacifica, Dipper, and Mabel. Mr. What’s-His-Face yells, “When I get my hands on you, they’ll never find your faceless bodies!” 
  • Dipper and Mabel’s grand-uncle Stanford uses a sci-fi ray gun to freeze Mr. What’s-His-Face in a block of ice. “Prepare to be destroy—ack!” 
  • In Comix Up, there is an extensive amount of humorous, comic violence. The characters dodge obstacles such as anvils, dynamite, and swinging logs, which make comedic sounds like “Zoip!” “Poomp!” or “Brak!”  
  • There is a zombie who rises from the grave. He has an eyeball hanging out of his skull. He is only in one panel. There is no dialogue about his decomposed state, but the zombie says, “Nyaaaaaargh.”  
  • Mabel breaks the fourth wall, grabbing the speech bubble and attacking a superhero with it. When she does, the comic superhero cries, “Augh!! My one weakness!”  
  • The characters all gain comic superpowers and defeat the superheroes—their powers include “Telekinervousness,” “Cutting blades and cutting sarcasm,” “Growing bigger every time [Soos] says ‘dude,’” and using a rainbow as a weapon. 
  • Out of frustration and resentment, Stanley Pines threatens to poison a character’s food. Stanley Pines says, “I’ll poison your lasagna, Sarcasti-pup!” after Sarcasti-pup makes fun of him. 
  • In Don’t Dimension It, Mabel travels to the Nightmare Realm and a giant hand with a mouth in the palm tries to eat her but fails. She cries, “This can’t be happening! I’m too adorable to die!”  
  • A Cthulhu-esque monster tries to eat Stanley’s head. Stanley emerges from another dimension with the monster on top of him. Stanley says, “Keep looking.”  
  • All of the Mabel versions wield grappling hooks.  
  • An evil version of Mabel sticks Stanley and Stanford to the floor with a sticky gun and attempts to throw them out of the spaceship they’re in. The evil Mabel says, “Sounds like you two need some space. Endless space!” 
  • The good versions of Mabel have a comical fight with the evil version of Mabel. Evil Mabel glues a bunch of Mabels to the ground and severely wounds Military Mabel (who ultimately survives). Good Mabel punches Evil Mabel and sends her into space. “This is for Military Mabel,” declares Good Mabel. 
  • In The Jersey Devil’s in the Details, Stanley ties a knife to a possum in hopes of turning him into a violent, protective pet. Stanley tells his brother, “Say hello to my associate . . . Shanklin the Stab Possum!”  
  • Stanley pushes two rival twins off a small hill after they make fun of him and his brother. Stanley shouts, “Oh my god! We killed the Sibling Brothers!” They are fine and just passed out. 
  • The Jersey Devil, some sort of dinosaur-esque monster, attempts to eat all of the twins, and also breathes fire. It does not harm anyone. Stanford yells, “I think this is the end!”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • In Face It, Pacifica purchases pills “guaranteed to cure your wrinkles and make you a stunning queen, girl.” 

Language    

  • In Face It, Pacifica refers to homeless people as hobos.  
  • Pacifica refers to the monster Mr. What’s-His-Face as a “freak show.” 
  • In Comix Up, it is revealed that, as a kid, Stanley wrote a comic book with swear words in it. Later, a boy picks it up and says, “A book for kids that has swears in it! Cool!” 
  • In Don’t Dimension It, Evil Mabel calls Good Mabel an idiot. When Stanley and Stanford discover Evil Mabel is pretending to be Good Mabel, Stanford exclaims, “Dang it, Stan! You got the wrong one!” 
  • Evil Mabel calls Good Mabel a “giggling punch line” as an insult.  
  • In The Jersey Devil’s in the Details, Stanford and Stanley debate the existence of ghosts’ crotches. Stanford says, “I’m not sure ghosts have crotches.” 
  • After being accused of stealing, Stanley exclaims, “Darn, Pa!”  
  • The circus performers insult Stanford and Stanley for being normal. “Yeah, we ain’t got time for average jacks in freak-town!” says a heavily-tattooed circus player.

Supernatural  

  • This book is almost entirely supernatural. Each story involves the main characters interacting with a supernatural world or element. 
  • In Face It, Pacifica, Dipper, and Mabel encounter a monster called Mr. What’s-His-Face who steals people’s faces. Mr. What’s-His-Face refers to himself in the third-person, declaring, “Mr. What’s-His-Face can fix anything you don’t like about your face for a price.” 
  • Pacifica and Dipper travel to the Crawlspace, an underground paranormal market for monster vendors. Humans are not allowed. Dipper exclaims, “It’s a paranormal black market under the town!”  
  • In Comix Up, Stanley puts a bunch of comic books in a treasure chest, which turns out to be cursed and sentient. “Stan, that chest is cursed!” Stanford cries in horror. 
  • The characters jump into the comic book world, often breaking the fourth wall and experiencing different styles of comic illustration. Stanford warns the group about the dangers of the world, saying, “This world is subjective and unstable and could change styles at any moment!”  
  • In Don’t Dimension It, Dipper, Mabel, Stanford, and Stanley are in the woods trying to clean up damage from a past event that was almost apocalyptic. “We’re searching for leftover multidimensional rips from Weirdmaggedon to patch with aliens adhesive,” explains Stanford. 
  • Mabel gets transported to the Mabel dimension. “Razzle my dazzle, it’s a Mabel bonanza! There’s every possible version of me…” Mabel says in wonder. 
  • In The Jersey Devil’s in the Details, Stanley and Stanford encounter the Jersey Devil, a flying dragon-dinosaur type monster that breathes fire. “Legend has it that this cloven-hooved weirdo of the night hides by the boardwalk and pilfers gold and jewels to add to its collection,” Stanford informs Stanley. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Football Fumble

The flag football season is in full swing for Franklin Elementary School, and the MVP Club, which comprises five best friends, is preparing for a major showdown against their rival school, Hamilton Elementary School. For the past several years, Hamilton has dominated Franklin’s flag football team, and it always seems like “their players are bigger and better.” However, the MVP Club is determined to change their school’s fortune, and its members have dedicated themselves to practice, teamwork, and super-secret football plays. Will they finally bring home a resounding victory? 

The Football Fumble is an action-packed book about the power of teamwork in the face of difficult challenges. Told from a third-person perspective, the story focuses on the five members of the MVP Club—Max, Alice, Nico, Luke, and Kat—and their roles on their elementary football team. While the book attempts to give each member of the club adequate attention and development, much of the conflict and difficulty revolves around Max, who struggles to complete football plays. Max also faces opposition from Hamilton football team’s bully, Logan, who makes his life more difficult with constant teasing and taunting. Nonetheless, each of the five kids displays exemplary character and fortitude in their ability to work as a team. In addition, their optimistic attitude despite tough times will be inspiring for many readers. Add in the charm of flag football and fun rivalries, and the book and its characters become relatable for readers who have competed in team-dependent sports. 

The book presents a positive outlook on the themes of teamwork and self-belief. Early on in the big game against Hamilton, the MVP Club struggles to execute plays and work well together. However, after leaning into each other’s strengths, such as Kat’s football intelligence and Max’s speed, they turn a disappointing start into an unbelievable victory—something that Kat reiterates after the final whistle: “We didn’t give up when we were down, and we believed in ourselves enough to come back and win the game!” The story reminds readers of the importance of working towards a goal and demonstrates that teamwork and the right mindset can accomplish mighty tasks. 

The book also wraps up Max’s struggle with Logan by having the two characters admit their shortcomings to each other after the game. For example, Logan recognizes his unkind behavior by telling Max that he “should have focused on football instead of teasing you. Sorry. Sometimes I try so hard to be tough.” Through Max and Logan’s repaired relationship, the story teaches readers that bullying can be solved through honest conversations and acknowledgment. 

The Football Fumble is divided into eight small chapters, with each chapter typically comprising eight to twelve pages and containing a couple of hand-drawn illustrations. Although the story doesn’t use advanced diction, its paragraph-oriented structure and longer sentences might be challenging for emerging readers. At the end of the book, a small section provides real-life facts and definitions for key football terms and plays. It also includes a sneak peek of the next MVP book to keep readers interested. Overall, The Football Fumble is a fabulous book that utilizes the sport of football to highlight the importance of teamwork, friendship, and self-belief. Although the characters and plot can be enjoyed by a broader audience, this book will appeal more to football and sports fans alike. 

Sexual Content 

  • None 

Violence 

  • Logan, a mean bully from Hamilton’s football team, makes fun of the opposing teammates. Kat, the kid coach of Franklin’s football team and one of the MVP kids, gets angry and “Kat smooshed her cone right into Logan’s forehead! The cone stuck to Logan’s head for a moment. It made Logan look a little bit like a unicorn.”  

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Language 

  • After Max, one of the main characters in the story, fumbles the football during practice, his friend Alice teases him by shouting, “Butterfingers! Max has butterfingers!” 
  • Logan bullies one of his smaller teammates because he doesn’t run fast enough. Logan says, “My grandmother runs faster than that! You’re out for the next five plays.” 
  • Logan makes fun of Max, calling him names and comparing his small stature and personality to a bunny. Logan says, “Look at this one! He’s small and has big ears, just like a rabbit.” This teasing scene lasts for four pages.  
  • During the coin flip, Logan teases Max, referencing his earlier bunny joke. Logan says, “‘Aww, its Hopper! The wittle bunny came to play football.’ Then, Logan stuck out his upper teeth and made rabbit sounds at Max. ‘Tuc-tuc-tuc!’” 
  • After Logan stops Max from reaching the end zone, he teases Max and references his bunny joke again, saying, “Oh, wook at the poor wittle bunny wabbit. He slipped and messed up. Why don’t you get up and hop along back to the other baby bunnies?” 
  • When Max approaches Logan with the football during a play, Logan mocks Max by pretending to cry and again calling Max a bunny. Logan says, “Aw, wook at the wittle bunny. He can’t go weft and he can’t go wight. Poor wittle bunny is going to cry!” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

Dear Wild Child: You Carry Your Home Inside You

A house was once built in the “shade of ancient redwood trees, by a creek, not far from the ocean.” It was a place of comfort and protection for a young girl, filled with games, laughter, and memories. It was a place of discovery for the girl, where she learned and experienced life’s most precious moments: her first steps, her first sleepover, and her first holiday gathering. However, when a strong thunderstorm sends her beloved home into flames, it raises an important question: what makes a home when one’s home is gone? 

Dear Wild Child: You Carry Your Home Inside You is an emotionally gripping tale about a young girl’s relationship with her cherished home in northern California. Told by an omniscient narrator, the book follows the life of a nameless, young girl and her coming of age inside her family’s house. The girl is depicted as a typical youth, enjoying both the woodsy outdoors and the comfortable confines of her house with excitement and joy. Although the readers aren’t given any dialogue or exposition about the girl, they can deduce the girl’s bubbly personality through her activities and expressions. And many of her activities, such as swinging off tree branches in the forest, can be relatable for many readers, connecting them with experiences that characterized their own childhood. 

The heart of Dear Wild Child: You Carry Your Home Inside You lies within its heartwarming message about home and family. Although not overly explicit, the book teaches readers that one’s home doesn’t necessarily mean one’s physical place of residence. In the case of this young girl, her home was her family and the experiences that characterized her life. For example, the narrator quotes, “You are made of hardwood and stone, bright stars, and the wind’s song,” suggesting that these aspects of her time in California comprise who she is just as much as her home. The book challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the moments and things that made their home and childhood so special.  

The short story features colorful, full-page illustrations that reflect the wonder and imagination of a young child. Although the art style is simplistic, it complements the text by depicting the true meaning and emotions of the story. While the illustrations don’t actually depict the wildfire, the topic of losing a home to a natural disaster can be stressful for some kids. However, the book’s positive view of the disaster can spark uplifting and profitable conversations. Alongside this message, each page typically contains three to four simple sentences in small paragraph form, and at the end of the book, an author’s note explains the true-life events that served as inspiration for the story. Overall, Dear Wild Child: You Carry Your Home Inside You is a beautiful and compelling children’s book whose message will warm the hearts of many readers. 

Sexual Content 

  • None

Violence 

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Language 

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

Dodsworth in Paris

Dodsworth, a distinguished mouse, and his hilarious friend — a white duck known only as “the duck”—are visiting Paris for the first time. Join this charming duo as they explore the city streets and familiar landmarks of a fictional early 20th-century France, bustling with a menagerie of impeccably dressed animal characters going about their days. 

There is never a dull moment as they dine in a café and visit the Eiffel Tower, bicycling through town, admire the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and sail over Paris in a hot air balloon. A few days in the City of Light provide a charming backdrop for a series of comical missteps and surprising twists for these two complementary characters. After losing their money due to the duck’s whimsy, getting caught up in a chance mishap, and crashing their bicycle—only to end up penniless on a park bench—will these two friends find a way to recover their funds? 

In this chapter book, Egan presents themes of humor, friendship, and resilience through a simple narrative that is sure to delight young readers. Dodsworth and the duck arrive in Paris by sea. Immediately after disembarking the ship, the duck comically picks up an acorn cap and wears it on his head to resemble a beret. Dodsworth is constantly trying to ensure his friend behaves appropriately, while the duck — driven by earnest curiosity — seems to seek mischief at every turn.  On their first morning, a spontaneous desire to scale the towering clock tower leads the duck to climb out of his hotel window and make his way “all the way up” the structure, while Dodsworth is still fast asleep. 

Young readers will relate to the lighthearted setbacks and moments of serendipity that unfold throughout this Parisian holiday. One scene that highlights forgiveness between friends occurs when the duck accidentally loses all their money, leaving Dodsworth furious. Sensing his friend’s anger, a tear “fell onto the duck’s beak.” Dodsworth instantly feels remorseful and reassures him, saying, “Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t cry.” Comically, Egan reveals that the duck wasn’t really crying. “He just had something in his eye for a second.” Readers are left to interpret the moment themselves, knowing the duck’s mischievous nature. Similarly, after a bicycle crash, Dodsworth fears the worst, but after a tense pause, the duck dramatically opens one eye and declares, “Bonjour.” 

The story is suitable for fluent readers who are ready for a book with multiple plotlines. Cheerful watercolor and ink illustrations appear on every page. Many of the illustrations depict the characters’ facial expressions, which will help readers understand their emotions more clearly. For example, after losing all their money, Dodsworth and the duck are seen bicycling down the street, with Dodsworth wearing a furrowed brow of frustration and the duck shedding a tear from his downcast eyes. Another positive aspect of the story is that most of the French words are explained within the text. Additionally, readers can use context clues and illustrations to understand the meanings of unfamiliar words, such as Monsieur and magnifique. Although Dodsworth is a series, the books do not need to be read in order, as each focuses on a distinct storyline. 

Resilience in the face of misfortune, along with the deep bond of friendship between these two characters, brings the story full circle. A chance visit to the Louvre sparked a creative idea that ultimately fell flat, but the characters never gave up. “The duck did not like his friend to be sad. He had an idea.” The idea was a well-intentioned effort to earn money, although it initially failed. What followed was a final twist that will charm young readers and parents alike. Animal-loving readers who are always ready for a little mischief should also read The Great Pet Escape by Victoria Jamieson. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Mary Blair’s Unique Flair: The Girl Who Became One of the Disney Legends

As a visionary artist for Walt Disney Studios in the 1940s and ’50s, Mary Blair created artwork for some of the most iconic animated film masterpieces and attractions in history, including Dumbo, Cinderella, and It’s a Small World. A college-educated woman in the 1930s, Mary was ambitious and independent, defying the expectations society placed on women at the time. In the male-dominated field of animation, she forged her own path and ultimately became one of Walt Disney’s most celebrated artists. 

Mary Blair’s Unique Flair is a picture book that inspires readers to learn more about the origins of beloved Disney animated films. Mary Blair introduced inventive color palettes to Walt Disney after a pivotal visit to South America in 1941, where “she had never seen such bright and happy colors before.” Her concept art dazzled with vivid colors, swirling shapes, and childlike imagination. Working with cut paper, she created whimsical forms that felt fresh and magical. Walt Disney couldn’t deny her extraordinary talent. 

Long before she became a legendary talent, Mary Blair was Mary Brown Robinson, a little girl growing up in Texas with grand aspirations. “Mary was a dreamer . . . she dreamed of being an artist.” Mary’s path wasn’t easy. Her parents, both creative but with limited means, often went without necessities so she could have art supplies. Even as a child, her imagination and talent stood out. 

Eventually, the family relocated to California, setting the stage for her future. Recognized early for her talent, she pursued a bachelor’s in art and advanced studies, challenging the norms of her era. “She later married another artist, named Lee, and became Mary Blair. They vowed to make art. But it was hard to make a living as an artist.” Still, Mary never gave up on her dream! 

In 1940, she secured a rare art position at Walt Disney Studios and created artwork for major animation projects, including Dumbo and Lady and the Tramp. These projects showcased Mary’s unmistakable talent. Seeking more artistic freedom, Mary briefly left Walt Disney Studios to work from her home studio and focus on fine art.

Soon after, she asked Walt Disney if she could join the art department’s research tour to South America—and he agreed. “Walt believed in magic, and he believed in Mary.” Her return from abroad marked a turning point in her career, as she rejoined Disney and created artwork for films like Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan. 

Mary’s belief in herself embodied true empowerment, and what followed was a legendary career. One of her most meaningful projects was It’s a Small World, a Disneyland attraction inspired by her South American travels and featuring animatronic dolls in traditional dress from cultures around the world. Her endearing artwork celebrated unity, goodwill, and global peace. 

Mary Blair’s Unique Flair uses vibrant illustrations and a playful font to bring the story to life. Young readers will enjoy the cheerful sequence of events and the large, colorful artwork on each page. With just one to seven short sentences per page, the text is easy to follow and accessible for early readers. An especially engaging page is dedicated to Spanish words for color names. Readers can use context clues and illustrations to infer the meanings of words like rosa and lavanda. 

The story offers adults an opportunity to discuss meaningful themes with children, such as boundless imagination, women’s empowerment, and appreciation for diverse cultures. Mary Blair was ahead of her time, and her perseverance and vision continue to encourage aspiring artists today. For Disney enthusiasts, learning about this pioneering artist offers deeper insight into the artistry behind classic animation. 

The book includes informative supplementary material at the end, featuring a note from illustrator Brittney Lee, a message from Mary Blair’s niece Maggie Richardson, a list of books Mary Blair wrote or illustrated, and a photograph of her with Walt Disney. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Maureen Lowe 

Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret

Lucy Lancaster is a bright young student who loves her parents, her friends, and her school. She is always the first to enter her second-grade classroom, saying hello to her teacher, Mrs. Welli, and feeding the classroom fish. Her two best friends, Heidi Heckelbeck and Bruce Bickerson, sit next to her in class. 

One morning, Lucy’s teacher announces that the class will be raising caterpillars and watching them turn into butterflies. To Lucy’s dismay, she gets paired with Bryce Beltran instead of Heidi or Bruce. Bryce calls Lucy “boring” for wanting to name one of their caterpillars Tony, and then something strange happens. Lucy’s toes start tingling, and she hiccups! Suddenly, Bryce is no longer opposed to naming the caterpillar Tony. What changed? 

Lucy’s hiccups persist, and strange things continue to happen. One day, Lucy hiccups after seeing her caterpillars become butterflies, and the rest of the class’s caterpillars suddenly transform and escape from their containers. The class erupts into chaos, so Lucy hiccups again, and all of the butterflies gather to safely land on Lucy. Ms. Egli, the visiting librarian, takes Lucy aside and tells her to come see her at the library. Lucy is very nervous. Is Lucy in trouble for the butterflies? 

As it turns out, Ms. Egli is a witch, and Lucy is one too! Lucy’s hiccups show the beginnings of her powers. Ms. Egli leads Lucy to a magical part of the library where Lucy can learn spells to control her powers. Lucy returns to school the next day feeling different but excited for her future as a young witch. 

Told in the third person, Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret follows the magical mishaps of a young girl as she learns that magic does exist. Since readers follow Lucy’s point of view exclusively, their understanding of magic evolves alongside hers as she gradually discovers who she is. Small, strange occurrences become signs of a larger, magical power that will be expanded upon in later books, making for an immersive journey into the life of an almost ordinary second-grader. Even though Lucy must keep her magic a secret, there is no overarching moral or commentary provided on keeping secrets. 

Lucy herself is a relatable and realistic child. She is smart, eager, and friendly, enjoying school and diligently completing her homework. This makes Lucy a likable protagonist whom children can aspire to emulate. When faced with Bryce’s unkindness, Lucy does not respond with cruelty. Instead, she chooses to stand up for herself without putting him down. Parents and children can discuss Lucy and Bryce’s interactions as an introduction to the topic of early childhood bullying. 

Children interested in stories of everyday magic will appreciate the quick and humorous tricks that Lucy manifests with her hiccups. Despite the supernatural quality of her powers, the magic in the Lucy Lancaster Series is very grounded. Lucy’s spells are simple; the first entry in her spellbook is “The Call-It-Back Spell,” an incantation that reverses mistakes. 

Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret is a fun book suitable for independent readers. Large black-and-white illustrations appear on almost every page. The illustrations are charming and highly expressive, effectively highlighting key details of every scene and visually conveying the characters’ emotions. Illustrator Priscilla Burris also drew the page of Lucy’s spellbook containing “The Call-It-Back Spell” in its entirety, adding to the story’s immersion. Other short pieces of text, like the words on Lucy’s magical library card, are included in the illustrations. Each chapter begins with a full-page illustration that seamlessly transitions readers into the next section, picking up where the previous chapter left off. The Lucy Lancaster books can be read as individual stories because each book focuses on a new adventure. 

Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret primarily serves as an introduction to Lucy Lancaster and her magical powers. Readers who enjoyed the Heidi Heckelbeck books will appreciate the familiar characters in Lucy Lancaster, including Heidi herself. The story’s end offers readers a comforting lesson: even if you change as a person, your friends will remain by your side. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • Lucy’s partner for the butterfly project, Bryce, calls Lucy boring for naming a caterpillar. Bryce says, “Only a BORING person would choose a BORING name like Tony.”
  • Lucy’s teacher, Mrs. Welli, exclaims, “Oh my!” when the butterflies are let loose in the classroom. 

Supernatural 

  • The first time Lucy uses her powers, Bryce magically changes her mind about naming a caterpillar. Lucy lets out “a big, loud hiccup,” and her toes start tingling. Immediately afterwards, Bryce calls the caterpillar Tony, signifying that he has suddenly agreed on the name.
  • Lucy wonders to herself if she should let her best friend, Heidi, win their game of Super Flag Tag. In that instant, she hiccups, and her toes tingle. The ensuing spell causes Heidi to find “EXACTLY where [Lucy] was hiding.” 
  • Lucy and Bryce’s two caterpillars become butterflies, and Lucy is so mesmerized by their beauty that she hiccups. Her magic causes all the butterflies in the classroom to hatch at once, their containers popping open. Lucy worried that they would never catch all of the butterflies, and she hiccups again. “One by one, the butterflies landed on Lucy’s arms, shoulders, and even the rim of her glasses, until she was covered from head to toe!” 
  • The librarian, Ms. Egli, takes Lucy to a corridor in the library that has a painting of a witch. Lucy holds up a “golden library card,” and the wall disappears to reveal a hidden entrance to “the magical library.” In this hidden room, books magically fly. 
  • Ms. Egli asks Lucy, “Have you ever thought you might be a witch?” Lucy is astonished by the question, causing her to hiccup and send “a whole shelf of books” flying around the room. One flying book turns into a cat, and Ms. Egli uses a magic key to turn it back into a book. 
  • In the library, a blank “Book of Spells” chooses Lucy to be its next reader. Lucy decides that the first spell she wants to learn is an undoing spell, and the incantation magically appears in the book. 
  • Ms. Egli uses her magic key to make many books fly around the library, and Lucy chants the words to the new “Call-It-Back Spell” in her spellbook to return the books to their piles. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Gabrielle Barke 

One Day at a Time

Lily, a young girl, has to navigate the changing seasons and the swirl of emotions while in foster care. With her loyal friend, a yellow bird named Sparrow, by her side, she finds comfort, courage, and hope for each new day. Inspired by Matthew 6:25-34, One Day at a Time shows that just as God “cares for the sparrow in the sky and the lilies in the field, He cares for and deeply loves every child.” 

One Day at a Time chronicles the changes that Lily faces. From getting to know new foster parents to seeing a therapist, Lily learns ways to express her emotions. During dinner, Lily and her foster sibling begin to fight, and Lily “loses control, throws her drink, and bumps her bowl.” The next page shows Lily alone in her room, and an unknown speaker reminds her that, “You’re not bad.” Likewise, when Lily feels shame at being a foster child, her teacher tells her, “It’s not your fault, you’ve done nothing wrong.” Throughout the story, Lily’s biracial foster family treats her with kindness and love.  

The illustrations pop with beautiful, bright colors that radiate joy. Each two-page spread focuses on a single aspect of being a foster child, and Lily’s facial expressions are used to convey her various emotions. A little yellow bird appears on each spread to remind readers that “God provides for the birds and flowers. He is faithfully watching over and providing for each one of us.” The backmatter includes a chart of feelings that uses a cute, color-coded creature to represent the sixteen feelings, ranging from anxious to confused to loved. There is also an infographic with ten calming skills that readers can use. 

Even though One Day at a Time is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read independently for the first time. One phrase is on almost every page: “Place your hand on your beating heart, God’s been with you from the start. He gives hope, makes you precious and kind.” The repetition helps reinforce the message that God is always with you. Emotion words are printed in different colors, providing adults with a way to pause and discuss the word with a child. Adults should read the story alone before reading it to a child because the text jumps around the page, which sometimes makes it difficult to know where to start reading. In addition, the text-heavy pages will make it difficult for wiggly readers to follow along as an adult reads the book. 

According to the author, “One Day at a Time is more than a book, it’s a trauma-informed faith-based tool designed to help children process big feelings, navigate foster care, and find hope.” Although One Day at a Time focuses on a foster child, all children will be able to relate to Lily’s emotions. Reading Lily’s story will help children develop empathy for others and learn valuable coping skills for themselves.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Hurricane Rescue

Meet the Disaster Squad! Leela, Jaden, and the rest of the Jackson family travel the country and respond to natural disasters, helping people in need and rescuing animals along the way. 

In this second adventure, the Jacksons are called to Texas, where a hurricane is heading down the coast. Stormy skies, flooding streets, and crowded storm shelters… there are people and animals in danger! Will the Disaster Squad be able to weather the storm and lend a helping hand? 

Hurricane Rescue educates readers on the different aspects of hurricanes, including how they are named, how to evacuate safely, and the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. The plot of Hurricane Rescue is broken up into small sections showing how the Jackson family helps many people. 

The Jackson family goes to a shelter to help where needed, and Leela and Jaden jump in and help when it is safe. The reason the Jackson family goes to the shelter is unclear. However, they still find ways to help during the storm. While there, they meet Mayor Garcia, who shows them emergency dos and don’ts. While at the hurricane shelter, the lights go out, so Leela and Jaden use a flashlight to make shadow puppets to entertain the little kids. They also help rescue a baby dolphin that was beached during the storm. Interspersed throughout the book are short animal interactions that will appeal to animal-loving readers. 

The kids see a rattlesnake and wonder if they should help the snake find shelter from the hurricane. Their mom tells them, “Never touch a rattlesnake in the wild. They are very aggressive. . . Your aunt Maya often finds rattlesnakes in her backyard in Arizona. She calls a trained professional who captures the snake and puts it back in the wild.” Even though the Jackson family helps animals in need, they always use procedures that keep them and the animals safe. 

For young readers who live in an area affected by hurricanes, Hurricane Rescue can help them understand how to prepare for a hurricane and the importance of going to a shelter. The story begins while the Jacksons are traveling to Florida. While there, the family helps at two different shelters. The Jacksons change locations often, making the plot a little choppy. Even though the book uses kid-friendly descriptions, younger readers may need help understanding the cause and effects of the hurricane.  

Hurricane Rescue focuses on the Jackson family—a biracial family with two professional parents. The book also features a Hispanic female mayor who plays a significant role at the shelter. The Disaster Squad Series is part of Scholastic‘s early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. The easy-to-read text and illustrations on every page will appeal to readers ready for chapter books.  

Hurricane Rescue reminds readers that “It’s important that people see how natural disasters and climate change are affecting the planet.” However, the book doesn’t give any information about how to help stop climate change. Still, the increasing number of natural disasters worldwide makes Disaster Squad a relevant series that will help readers understand the complexities of natural disasters. Readers interested in helping animals in need can find another action-packed adventure by reading  Storm Rescue by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Storm Dragon by Paula Harrison and Lucky Leopards by Aline Alexander Newman. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Pup and Hound Catch a Thief

A broken bank, a missing locket — there seems to be a thief about! Who could it be? Hound has no doubt. It must be Cat! Only she sneaks and slinks like that. But where will the trail of clues lead the doggy detectives?  

Readers will be eager to follow the clues along with Pup and Hound. When the farmer’s locket, earrings, and hairpins go missing, the two dogs are convinced that Cat is the culprit. But when they follow the clues, they find a surprise. In the end, Pup and Hound learn that Cat is a friend who can help them guard the farmer’s house. 

As a Level 1 Reader, Pup and Hound Catch a Thief uses easy vocabulary, simple sentences, and lots of repetition and rhyme. The playful illustrations provide visual clues to unfamiliar words. Each page has two to four simple sentences, making the book perfect for beginning readers learning sentences and word recognition. Plus, the use of rhyme and onomatopoeia makes Pup and Hound Catch a Thief a good book to read out loud.  

Pup and Hound Catch a Thief is a suspenseful mystery that will have readers guessing if Cat is indeed a thief. The basic plot is easy to follow, and readers will be eager to follow Cat as he sneaks around the farm. The conclusion has a fun surprise, and readers will be glad to discover that “Cat was no thief!”   

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Good Night Thoughts

With their mind racing with visions of tarantula-filled toilet bowls, giant robot sharks and the dentist, a child struggles to find the quiet mindset they need to fall asleep. They remember the time they envisioned the world popping into a piece of popcorn or pictured themself falling off a cloud and flying towards the sun. With these scary thoughts bouncing around in their mind, the narrator wonders how they will ever fall asleep. Though they attempt to think of happier things, such as a baby panda and singing donuts, they cannot convince their minds to settle down. 

However, they begin to feel less anxious when they remember that their thoughts are just in their head, and that all those scary ideas are not reality. After reminding themselves that they are okay, the child finds the peace they need to say goodnight to their thoughts and go to sleep.  

Told from the first-person perspective, the main character experiences a common struggle as they attempt to navigate their racing thoughts. Although the young child is the only character in the book, the child’s imagination becomes a character of its own as it surrounds the narrator. The child’s facial expressions are exaggerated to show their emotions, which range from scared to completely at ease by the end of the book. Full-page illustrations appear on almost every page. The child and their surroundings are depicted in dark blue, while the things they imagine are drawn mainly in pink, blue, yellow, and green. The colors take away from the image’s realism. For example, a toilet filled with tarantulas is depicted fully in pink, making the drawing appear less lifelike and, as a result, less scary.  

Although Good Night Thoughts is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read independently for the first time. Each two-page spread features one to three sentences that occasionally employ complex sentence structures. For example, when the child can’t sleep, they say, “And if I really can’t fall asleep, if it feels like my brain won’t ever calm down, I try to think about all the people who love me holding hands and wearing every piece of clothing that they own.” The book is an excellent bedtime story because it conveys an essential message: anxious thoughts are not always a reflection of reality.  

Through the narrator’s struggles, readers will learn that nighttime can often be when the brain is at its noisiest, but the child’s ability to bravely tune out scary thoughts and peacefully fall asleep will encourage children to do the same. Readers will be drawn in by the imaginative illustrations and fall deeper in love with the story as they find themselves relating to the child’s struggles. The humorous images will engage children and reinforce the idea that thoughts are often just the imagination running wild. Good Night Thoughts is an essential and entertaining tool for helping children learn how to identify and manage their anxiety before bedtime. If you know a child who has a difficult time falling asleep, pair Good Night Thoughts with Pippa’s Night Parade by Lisa Robinson, Arlo, The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep by Catherine Rayner, and The Pout-Pout Fish and the Can’t-Sleep Blues by Deborah Diesen. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • None

Supernatural  

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away. . .  

On the remote desert planet Tatooine, a young slave named Anakin Skywalker dreams of freedom. One fateful day, two Jedi knights discover that Anakin is exceptionally strong in the Force. Anakin grows up to become a powerful Jedi and a hero of the Republic in the Clone Wars, but eventually is seduced by the dark side. Now, the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader, Anakin, betrays the Jedi Order and helps his master establish the first Galactic Empire. 

Anakin’s son, Luke Skywalker, grows up on Tatooine, raised by his aunt and uncle and watched over by his father’s former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. When two droids with an important mission show up on his farm, Luke joins Obi-Wan to rescue Princess Leia, destroying the Empire’s feared Death Star in the process. Now a hero of the Rebellion, Luke trains to become a Jedi knight, learning the truth of his father’s identity. In a final confrontation with Darth Vader and the Emperor, Luke resists the temptation of the Dark Side and helps redeem his father from the evil he had been consumed by, saving the galaxy and restoring peace. 

Thirty years later, a girl named Rey has spent her entire life as a lonely scavenger on the planet Jakku, yearning for a sense of belonging in a harsh world. Drawn into the ongoing conflict between the Resistance and the First Order, Rey discovers her sensitivity to the Force. Upon uncovering the location of the missing Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, she is shocked to learn that Luke is not interested in returning to the fight. The older Jedi reluctantly agrees to train Rey as she tries to find her place in the galaxy while avoiding the temptation of the dark side. 

The Skywalker Saga is an entertaining retelling of the first eight films of the Star Wars saga, specifically told through the lens of each trilogy’s main protagonist—Anakin, Luke, and Rey. There are eight chapters, one for each film. The stories do not begin when the film starts, but with the introduction of each protagonist.  However, the overall plot is identical to the films. The Skywalker Saga is essentially an illustrated chapter book, with an average of seven to ten sentences on each page, and features beautiful illustrations by artist Brian Rood that almost appear to have been taken directly from the movies, reminiscent of Drew Struzan’s iconic Star Wars poster art. The images are large; some take up entire pages. The combination of a concise, engaging retelling by author Delilah S. Dawson and Rood’s illustrations makes for a compelling combination.  

Overall, Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga would be a good introduction to the saga for young readers and a key addition to any Star Wars fan’s book collection. Even if you’ve seen the movies a million times, Dawson still makes the story entertaining. The Skywalker Saga streamlines and simplifies complex plot points, making them understandable and engaging for readers of all ages. 

Sexual Content 

  • While enslaved by Jabba the Hutt, Princess Leia is forced to wear a metal bikini. “Leia was dressed in dancing clothes and forced to sit near Jabba’s throne.” 

Violence 

  • In The Phantom Menace, “Obi-Wan watched in horror as Qui-Gon sprang into action, only to be stopped forever by a swift slash of the dark warrior’s red saber.”  
  • Anakin watched in horror as “the blue electricity enrobed Master Windu and hurled him out the window to his death.”  
  • During Attack of the Clones, after Anakin discovers the Tusken Raiders have held his mother captive, Anakin “showed no mercy . . . he slaughtered the entire encampment.” 
  • In Revenge of the Sith, Anakin chops off Count Dooku’s hands in a lightsaber duel, before ultimately beheading him. “Finally, he found his Jedi calm, and with one swift stroke, he sliced off Count Dooku’s hands and caught the Sith’s lit red lightsaber midair.” 
  • In Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader uses the Force to choke his pregnant wife Padme “to silence her, to punish her for hurting him so.” The Emperor later confirms that this led to her death. “The Emperor gave him a pitying look. ‘It seems, in your anger, you killed her.’” 
  • In A New Hope, Luke Skywalker “found smoke rising from their ravaged home. Luke’s aunt and uncle had been killed by the Empire.” 
  • In A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi confronts his former apprentice, Darth Vader, on the Death Star. To buy Luke and his friends time to escape, “He held his blue lightsaber and closed his eyes. As Luke watched, helpless, Darth Vader struck the old man down with a fatal blow.” 
  • During the climactic final duel in Return of the Jedi, when Luke refuses to join the Dark side, “the Emperor snarled and began his final blast of Force lightning to kill the young Jedi, once and for all. Suddenly, Darth Vader picked up Emperor Palpatine and threw him down a shaft at the center of the Death Star!” On the next page, there is an illustration of the Emperor falling to his death. 
  • In Return of the Jedi, Leia, a captive of Jabba the Hutt, “wrapped her chain across Jabba’s neck and choked the powerful gangster who had dared to treat her as a slave, ending his cruel reign.” There is a two-page illustration of Leia choking Jabba.  
  • In The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren murders his father, Han Solo, during a tense confrontation on Starkiller Base, “just as the sky outside went dark, he ignited the red blade, driving it through his father.”  
  • In The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren shows Rey an altered vision of himself, with his former master (and uncle), Luke Skywalker, confronting the younger Kylo with a drawn lightsaber. Kylo “lit his lightsaber to block the killing stroke, then used the Force to pull the temple down on top of his master.”  
  • In The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren later betrays his master, Supreme Leader Snoke, by “slicing him in half” with a lightsaber. 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • In A New Hope, Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi visit a cantina on Tatooine. During an altercation between Luke and a pair of aliens, Obi-Wan offers to buy one of them a drink. 

Language 

  • The book contains examples of mild language throughout. For instance, in The Empire Strikes Back Princess Leia calls Han Solo a “stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy looking nerf herder.” Generally, the profanity in Star Wars is toned down compared to its real-world counterparts.  

Supernatural Content 

  • In A New Hope, the Force itself can be interpreted as some form of supernatural entity. As Obi-Wan explains to Luke, “It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.” 

Spiritual Content 

  • The Force is viewed as a form of religion by some characters, most notably Han Solo, who initially doubts the Force and its powers. As Han tells Luke in A New Hope, “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.” 

Goat on the Go: Scout’s Muddy Day

In the first book of the Goat on the Go Series, meet Scout—a spirited goat with a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of adventure. When he decides to explore the world beyond the goat pen, he finds himself in a whirlwind of fun and unexpected encounters. From muddy misadventures to curious critters on the farm, Scout’s day is anything but ordinary. But as the sun starts to set, one question remains. . . will Scout find his way back to his pen by sunset, or will his journey take an unexpected twist? 

Scout, the lovable protagonist, isn’t content to stay in his pen. As he wanders the farms, he meets the other animals, including Highland cows, pigs, and guinea hens. However, Scout gets so dirty that no one can recognize him. Young readers will want to shout out when the other animals ask, “What are you?” and they will cheer when an unexpected friend helps Scout when the other goats won’t let him back into the pen. 

Scout’s Muddy Day comes to life with cute illustrations that use bright primary colors. Readers will enjoy seeing all of the farm animals and laugh as Scout gets so dirty that no one can recognize him. For example, a Highland cow tells Scout, “You don’t look like any goat I’ve seen. You look like a tall pig with horns.”  

While Farmer Ray searches for Scout, the goat hides, making the book feel like a fun game of hide-and-seek. Scout’s big blue eyes express his emotions, and most readers will be able to identify Scout’s feelings of excitement, embarrassment, and sadness. 

Even though Scout’s Muddy Day is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read independently for the first time. The story uses complex sentences and advanced vocabulary. For example, one sentence reads “‘I’d better skedaddle before I get caught!’ Scout said, and trotted off towards a lush green pasture where the cows were grazing peacefully.” The book only has one to two sentences per page. However, the sentence length and vocabulary may be confusing to younger readers, and an adult may need to pause and explain some parts of the book, making it best suited for reading on a relaxing day with no plans. 

Scout’s Muddy Day allows readers to follow Scout’s playful antics and learn more about life on the farm. Scout’s adventure also shows the importance of being curious and trying new things. The book ends with Scout “dreaming of his next big adventure” and leaves readers wondering what Scout will do in the next book, Scout’s Delicious Day. 

If you’re looking for another animal-themed book, there are many options, including Biscuit and the Little Llamas by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Time for School, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle, and Sloth at the Zoom by Helaine Becker. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Digger Man

A little boy imagines driving a great big digger – scooping and pushing mud to make a playground for his baby brother. The boy scoops rocks, pushes mud, and honks the horn, and “sometimes my mom and dad can bring my brother to see me.”  

Any child who is fascinated by trucks will love Digger Man. Each page features bold colors that highlight various types of trucks used for digging. But this isn’t just a book about trucks; it’s a book about family. The boy’s family is depicted in some illustrations, and the narrator discusses teaching his brother. “As soon as my brother gets bigger, I will teach him so he can be a digger man, too.”  

Each two-page spread has a single sentence and an array of trucks. The end pages depict the park the boy created by digging a hole for the ducks, building a dirt mountain, and designing a playground. One of the best parts of the book is that the boy is creating something that he and his brother can enjoy together.  

Digger Man will leave readers dreaming about all of the things they can create. You don’t have to dig into a library shelf to find more transportation-related books. Instead, scoop up Bulldozer Helps Out by Candace Fleming, Go, Go, Trucks! by Jennifer Liberts, and Construction Site: Taking Flight! by Sherri Duskey. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Cave Challenge

Harry likes to look his best – new white trainers for indoor games, designer jeans for the evening Camp barbecue. But when he meets Bear Grylls exploring an underground maze of caves and tunnels, Harry realizes that his clothes are going to be put to the test – and so is he, if they want to make it back to the surface. Will Harry discover that there’s more to the right kit than just keeping it clean?  

Readers will instantly connect with Harry, who is overly fashion-conscious but seems destined to get dirty. Harry “hated the idea of getting filthy. He would never usually sign up for anything that meant he would trash his clothes or look stupid.” When he’s magically transported into a cave system, Harry has no choice other than to belly crawl through bat guano, swim inside a tunnel, and complete other tasks that get him filthy. At first, Harry’s dislike of dirt is comical, which makes Harry’s transformation all the more satisfying for readers. 

With Bear Grylls as a guide, Harry faces his fears and gains confidence along the way. Throughout the adventure, Harry learns many important life lessons, such as the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Bear also teaches him that, “Sometimes you just have to take things as they come. . . Some things, you just don’t worry about until you have to.” In the end, Harry no longer cares about keeping his clothes clean because “he had helped Bear get through the caves by being brave and working hard, not because of what style of outfit he was wearing.” 

The Cave Challenge’s large text and illustrations will appeal to readers. The illustrations help readers visualize the story’s events, while also adding humor and suspense. When cave terms are used, the story incorporates a definition, making it easier to read. Additionally, the book is printed “in a reader-friendly font and design” to help those with dyslexia. Two pages of additional information about caves are included at the end of the book. These facts discuss a soccer team in Thailand that got trapped in a cave. Readers who would like more information on the team’s experiences should read All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat. 

The Bear Grylls Adventure Series books can be read as a standalone and do not need to be read in order. Each book focuses on a different child at the outdoor activity camp. Once the camper is given the magical compass, they meet the adventurer, Bear, in an amazing place and learn new skills and facts they can take with them back to their real life. Each book aligns with Common Core Standards, making it suitable for educational purposes.  

The Cave Challenge takes readers into the depths of a natural cave system, where they’ll discover many fascinating facts about the formation of caves. When Harry is uncertain or afraid, Bear’s voice is kind and gentle, which allows Harry to overcome his fears. While Harry’s antics are often funny, Bear never rebukes or teases him. Instead, Bear helps Harry view crawling through caves as a fun adventure, and that tone is infectious. While the plot isn’t unique, young readers looking for adventure will find the story engaging, and it will encourage them to try new things. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • A magical compass transports Harry to an extensive cave system. One minute, Harry is at camp, and the next, “Camp had vanished.”  
  • Without any explanation, Harry is transported back to camp.

Spiritual Content  

  • Deep in the cave, Harry finds a statue of a person. Bear says, “The ancient peoples who used to live in this part of the world thought the caverns were entrances to the Underworld, so they would throw offerings in for their gods.” Out of respect, Harry leaves the statue where he found it. 
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