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Showing posts from November, 2025

De la hora del cuento: La letra "M"

  Cuentos El reno gruñón Por Clare Wilson London : Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2023. PequeƱo libro ilustrado. ¡Es la Ć©poca mĆ”s maravillosa del aƱo! Pero no para el reno gruñón, que se queja y asusta a todos los demĆ”s renos. Los niƱos y niƱas verĆ”n que con la ayuda de Santa el reno descubrirĆ” la importancia de la amistad y tener un buen corazón. --Editor Cuentitos Carlitos friolento Escrito por Dana Meachen Rau Ilustrado por Martin Lemelman New York : Children's Press, 2001. FĆ”cil "Charlie necesita un abrazo para calentarse porque tiene mucho frĆ­o." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "M" Los mariachis de Adela Abran paso a la mariposa Llama destruye el mundo Bitsy MurciĆ©lago, estrella escolar My pet flamingo

From Story Time: The Letter "M"

Preschool Time Moose, Goose, and Mouse Written y Mordicai Gerstein Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein and Jeff Mack New York: Holiday House, 2021. Picture Book. Moose, Goose, and Mouse ride a loose caboose on their way to finding a new house. --Publisher Preschool Time Anonymoose By Shawna J.C. Tenney Minneapolis, MN: Beaming Books, 2024. Picture Book. Ana the moose goes through great lengths to be left alone and stay Anonymoose until an interaction with a classmate makes her wonder if she is missing out. --Editor Toddler Time M is for Mango Written by Atinuke Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank Sommerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2025. Picture Book. M is for morning and M is for little Mo and M is for the moi-moi in Mo's bowl that is mushy, in an alphabet book set in Nigeria that doubles as a cozy family story. --Editor Book Babies Let's Play, Little Rabbit By Jƶrg Mühle Wellington, NZ: Gecko Press, 2022. Board Book. Little Rabbit can hide, swing, splash and fly! He'd like someo...

Review: The Factory

The Factory By Catherine Egan New York, NY : Scholastic Inc., 2025. Fiction. 306 pages.  Thirteen-year-old Asher Doyle has been invited to join the Factory, a secretive research facility in the desert which ostensibly extracts renewable energy from the electromagnetic fields of its young recruits. But Asher soon realizes something sinister is going on. Kids are getting sick. The adults who run the Factory seem to be keeping secrets. And the extraction process is not only painful and exhausting, but existentially troubling. Asher makes a handful of new friends who help him with an investigation that turns into a resistance, which turns into...a cliffhanger! The Factory is a page-turning sci-fi with multidimensional characters, an intriguing plot, and refreshingly straight-forward writing. Egan weaves in detail about climate crises and social unrest, making the story's dystopian setting feel rich and plausible. With its sophisticated themes and accessible storytelling, I would recomm...

Five Faves: Biographies of Authors

 Do you ever finish a book and then instantly want to know more about the person who wrote it? You read the back flap and get the basic information but you think to yourself "but what was their life like when they created this work"? If so, these books are right up your alley. Jim: Six True Stories About One Great Artist By Jerrold Connors New York, New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2025. Biography. 66 pages. This fun book tells the story James Marshall, who you may know from Miss Nelson is Missing, George and Martha, or his Caldecott-Honor adaptation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In this uniquely formatted title, his life is told in six stories, which feature characters from many of his influential works. One of my favorite things about this book is that the artwork is all done in James Marshall's style.  Go Tell It : how James Baldwin Became a Writer Written by Quartez Harris Illustrated by Gordon C. James New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2025. Biograph...

Review: Finding Lost

Finding Lost By Holly Goldberg Sloan New York: Rocky Pond Books, 2025. Fiction. 208 pages. Middle schooler Cordy, along with her mom and little brother, Geno, are still learning how to adjust to their life after “The Accident,” a tragic boating accident that cost their father’s life. When Cordy is walking home from school one day, she finds a little stray dog who the family nicknames Lost, and as he joins their family, he helps them rediscover all of the beauty that life has to offer. Holly Goldberg Sloane delivers a heart-warming and poignant novel about loss, family, and perseverance. This was a well-written novel that could appeal to a wide range of readers. Any middle schooler will be able to relate to Cordy’s experience of dealing with change, and those who have experienced a similar loss will be sure to find solace in this beautiful story.

Display: What's Cooking?

  Star Wars Galactic Baking: The Official Cookbook of Sweet and Savory Treats from Tatooine, Hoth, and Beyond San Rafael, CA: Insight Editions, 2021. Cookbook. 127 pages.  " Embark on a baking journey through the Star Wars galaxy, and craft scrumptious treats inspired by fan-favorite planets.  Get ready to tour the galaxy with this baking cookbook inspired by the snowdrifts of Hoth, the wastelands of Tatooine, and beyond. Star Wars: The Official Baking Cookbook is the most delicious way to experience the planets, flora, and fauna of the Star Wars galaxy. Whether you're throwing a watch party or hosting members of the Galactic Senate, this cookbook is a must-have for fans of all ages. "-Publisher  Bake, Make & Learn to Cook: Fun & Healthy Recipes for Young Cooks Written by David Atherton Illustrated by Rachel Stubbs Sommerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2021. Cookbook. 75 pages.  " The 2019 winner of The Great British Baking Show serves up a kid-friendly col...

De la hora del cuento: La letra "L"

Cuentos ¡Estamos en un libro! Por Mo Willems New York : Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group, 2015. FĆ”cil. "Cuando Geraldo Y Cerdita se dan cuenta de que estĆ”n dentro de un libro, deciden divertirse con el lector." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "L" La primera luna llena de gatita Caperucita roja ninja Un graznido en espaƱol El ladrón del sombrero El lapicero malefico

From Story Time: The Letter "L"

Preschool Time Breathe Deep, Little Sheep Written by Jessica Lee Illustrated by Lucia Wilkinson Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2020. Picture Book. A kid-friendly introduction to self-soothing and mindfulness with adorable animal friends. A child's "very first step" into mindfulness where the story's short rhymes can be used as soothing mantras, paired with delightful illustrations of baby animals working through anxious situations. This book does double duty as a self-help story providing great comfort beyond the pages. --Editor Preschool Time Little Lion Girl Written by Olivia Hope Illustrated by Fiona Woodcock New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2025. Picture Book. Leonie discovers her courage when she explores the big city with her mother. --Editor Toddler Time Rafa and the Wrong Legs Written by Angie Lucas Illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo Palo Alto, CA: Marble Press, 2024. Picture Book. Rafael is finally old enough to visit the supermarket without...

5 Faves About Indigenous History and Culture

This list of 5 Faves highlights the strength, creativity, and spirit that shape Indigenous identity. Their history and culture are shared with heartfelt lullabies and family journeys to stories of community and ancestral wisdom. They remind readers that honoring the past inspires pride and understanding in the present. Together, these books show readers the deep ties between people, land, and heritage—and the importance of remembering and sharing those stories. Of the Sun: A Poem for the Land's First Peoples Written by Xelena GonzĆ”lez Illustrated by Emily Kewageshig Concord, MA : Barefoot Books, 2025, Picture Book. Of the Sun by Xelena GonzĆ”lez is a lyrical picture book that celebrates the warmth, energy, and life-giving power of the sun. Through poetic language and vivid imagery, the story connects the sun’s light to the rhythms of nature and the bonds between people. Its glowing illustrations beautifully reflect the golden tones and radiance of sunlight, making the story feel b...

Review: Shipwreck

Shipwreck Written by Deirdre Laide Illustrated by Carlos VĆ©lez Ann Arbor, MI: Tilbury House Publishers, 2025. Informational. The lyrical text of this informational picture book introduces some of history's most famous shipwrecks and discoveries, from the 16th to the 21st centuries. The wrecks covered range from pirate ships to passenger boats, with the discoveries remaining on the ocean floor or residing in museums. Each subject is given an additional information section asking readers to consider questions like "Will you brave the wreckage?" or "Will you find hidden histories?". The corresponding answer contains further context on the ship's sinking or its discovery and recovery.  The vast array of undiscovered shipwrecks--more than 3 million!--is underscored throughout the book, and an introduction to the profession of marine archeology is included at the end. Vibrant, carefully detailed spreads provide a visual feast of ocean life, tempestuous gales, and ...

Review: A World Without Summer

A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out Written by Nicholas Day Illustrated by Yas Imamura New York: Random House Studio, 2025. Informational. 294 pages. In 1815 on a small island in Indonesia, Mount Tambora erupted. The blast was the largest in human history, and one of the deadliest. Though it couldn't be understood at the time, the deadly blast half a world away would lead to catastrophic famine in Europe, prompt westward expansion in America, and inspire the novel Frankenstein  by Mary Shelley. The global climate disaster following the explosion also led to inventions like modern meteorology and the early invention of the bicycle. The people living at the time couldn't have seen how everything was connected, but this fast paced narrative assures that readers will. As he did in 2024's Sibert winner The Mona Lisa Vanishes, Nicholas Day does an impressive job of weaving together different historical events into one single, compell...

Review: Dinosaurs can be Small

Dinosaurs can be Small Written by Darrin Lunde Illustrated by Ariel Landy Watertown, MA : Charlesbridge, 2024. Informational. Many long neck dinosaurs were big. Some were not. There were also big horned dinosaurs and big meat eating dinosaurs and big dome headed dinosaurs...but some of them were small.  Compare and contrast some of the biggest dinosaurs (and their relatives) to the smallest, in "Dinosaurs can be Small." While not a deep dive into different types of dinosaurs by any stretch, this was still a delightful, lightweight read.  The comparisons between the big and the small, including my favorite part, the side-by-side picture, will be a hit with readers.  I can see dinosuar lovers finding this highly enjoyable, but it would also be a great book for teaching about opposites.  Sure to spark interest in further research about these cool dinos, many of which I had never heard of.

Five Faves: Biographies

I am always intrigued by biographies, and I love how many new biographies I have been able to read recently. I particularly appreciate biographies in children's libraries, because I love that I can learn a lot about multiple people without it being too intense of a time investment. The details are thorough enough that I feel like I get a grasp on their background, while also enjoying lovely illustrations that add to the overall appeal. Following are five of my favorites. I hope you will check them out! Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder Written by Erin Frankel Illustrated by Jasu Hu New York : Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2025. Biography. This biography is a lovely blend of poetry, wonder, and nature, as well as the most beautiful illustrations! I loved reading about Mary and her desire to document the things she found most lovely in life. Some illustrators have an amazing ability to make the viewer feel transported to the world they are displaying via...

Display: A Quarter Century of Books

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest By Aubrey Hartman New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2025. Fiction. 313 pages. An undead fox serving as the Usher of souls has his life upended when a mysterious badger soul appears. --Publisher Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus By Mo Willems New York : Hyperion Books for Children, 2003. Picture Book. When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum. --Amazon Super Ty! Written by Kelly Starling Lyons Illustrated by NiƱa Mata New York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2025. Easy Reader. Ty loves superheroes. He watches them on TV and reads books about them. When he puts on a c...

De la hora del cuento: La letra "K"

  Cuentos La noche antes de preescolar Escrito por Amy Wummer Ilustrado por Georgina LĆ”zaro New York : Grosset & Dunlap, un sello editorial de Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Libro ilustrado. "Era la noche antes del primer dĆ­a en preescolar. Los niƱos y sus mascotas se habĆ­an acostado ya. Un niƱito estĆ” un pelĆ­n nervioso. Pero es seguro que no tardarĆ” mucho en darse cuenta de lo divertida que es su nueva escuela." --Editor Cuentitos Ve, perro. ¡ve! Por P.D. Eastman New York : Random House Para NiƱos, 2003. PequeƱo libro ilustrado. "Los perros en este libro ilustrado van viajando en patineta, esquĆ­s, bote, y carro hasta que llegan a la fiesta." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "K" El koala que pudo El mejor de los abrazos El viaje de Kalak El Conejito Knuffle 9 kilómetros

From Story Time: The Letter "K"

Preschool Time Tiny Barbarian Conquers the Kraken! Written by Ame Dyckman Illustrated by Ashley Spires New York: Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2023. Picture Book. After admiring the new movie poster for Bob the Barbarian Conquers The Kraken, Tiny wants to battle a kraken in the choppy seas, too! There's just one problem: Tiny doesn't know how to swim! Off to the community pool for Tiny's first swim lesson! With a swim cap stretched over his signature barbarian "helmet" and some cool new gear, Tiny learns to blow bubbles, float, dog paddle, kick, and build his confidence in the water. Just in time, because ... A tentacled fearsome foe rises from the deep end of the pool! Can Tiny use his new skills to defend his realm, protect his family, and save the day? -- Publisher Preschool Time This Little Kitty in the Garden By Karen Obuhanych New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. Picture Book Spring is blooming, and what better way for rascally kittens to celebr...

Books to Read When...It's Soup Season!

Chili, chowder, and stew, oh my! (And pho, and borscht, and bisque, and pozole, and congee...) What soups do you like to eat when it's cold outside?  Soup's On Around the World Written by Denyse Waissbluth Illustrated by Chelsea O'Byrne Vancouver/Berkeley/London : Greystone Kids, 2025. Informational. This is a perfect introduction to a world of diverse and fascinating soups. Bite-sized entries explore the ingredients, culture, history, and traditions behind different soups from different places. Really interesting and informative, with adorable illustrations. Ooh La La! Kids Cook French Written by Barbara Beery Sanger, CA : Familius LLC, 2025. Informational. 181 pages. This new cookbook is a great start to child-friendly French cooking. There are dozens of recipes here and sophisticated dishes are presented simply. Choose from one of the six excellent soup recipes to make with your family (and maybe bake some French flatbread with Herbs de Provence to go with it!).  Stone S...