Here is the mark of a good children's writer. Helen Frost is able to take weeks and months of research about a wondrous natural event and explain it in beautiful, descriptive prose, without leaving out any important information, suitable for children. Monarch and Milkweed is not packed with text, about one to two sentences on a page, and yet I came away having learned so much about the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly. Supporting the poetic text are gorgeous illustrations by Gore, done in acrylic and pastels on paper. Gore has obviously done his research too, as butterflies, caterpillars, and flowers are all shown in stunning detail. Monarch and Milkweed appeals to both the eye and the ear. Find it in nonfiction, 595.789.
Umami By Jacob Grant New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Picture Book. Umami is a little penguin who is sick of eating the same thing everyday, cold fish --ugh! She becomes determined to find new foods and flavors, so Umami begins a journey across the sea in search of something different to eat. She reaches a place with a plethora of delicious options, and tries bitter, sweet, sour, and foods with umami (just like her name!) among others. Umami decides to bring all these delicious new flavors back for the other penguins to try in a feast. But, will the other penguins enjoy this new experience? Filled with charm and humor, Umami is a diverse romp through a universal experience --am I willing to try something new? What will it be like? The idea of trying new foods and flavors make it especially relatable, and the appealing illustrations will have many readers ready to hop out on a culinary adventure. A humorous and sweet ending, caps off this delig...
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