A solid story about a positive experience with a first haircut; this is a good choice for libraries needing books about people in the community for young readers.
Regardless of slight flaws, this is a welcome addition to the series.
A recommended, entertaining, and educational bilingual adaptation that will be a great resource for language learning.
A community-oriented Valentine’s Day story to sweeten any library holiday collection.
As a beautiful introduction to the Oroqen people or a subtle look at the environment, this book would be a powerful choice for ecologically themed story hours.
A whimsical holiday read with standout artwork, recommended for most collections.
Add to collections where more secular Easter books are in demand.
A thoughtful, if uneven, resource for introducing a wider range of Jewish holidays to young audiences.
This delightful introduction to colors, Mandarin Chinese, and Lunar New Year traditions is recommended for general purchase.
This title is highly recommended for school libraries, offering rich opportunities for discussions on heritage, history, and community.
A recommended purchase, especially to add Islamic titles to picture book shelves.
This beloved and well-known series will be a delight to find in the children’s Spanish section. A solid staple for any Spanish-language collection: reassuring, vibrant, and informative.
A charming read-with-me experience in the tradition of many door-based, lift-the-flap board books.
Part vocabulary building and part philosophy lesson, this is great for sparking the imagination of readers to find out more about mysteries in this world.
A spot-on cautionary tale and a perfect addition to any library’s collection of folktales and myths. Recommended.
A nice addition for libraries wishing to expand their classic canon English literature collection.
This Father’s Day tale is a welcome and meaningful addition to any collection.
A lighthearted book for preschoolers who ask these kinds of questions and need Henkes’s kind of answers.
A strong addition to school and public library collections, this is ideal for young readers, especially those interested in learning about family traditions, Ramadan, or the joy of preparing special meals together.
A high-quality book that combines mystery and fun with math and learning. Highly recommended for the dual-language format and bilingual story time.
Purchase for browsable nonfiction collections, especially where there’s a gap on bilingual titles.
A simple story with lots of charm, this is a nice addition to any fall book collection.
Whether bug lovers or bug dodgers, they’ll be drawn into Lydia’s enthusiasm. Add this playful, fact-filled pick to the shelves.
Flett’s sentiments shine but never overwhelm in this simple message of love; it’s a first choice for any library’s picture book collection.
A lot of high jinks and not much reward.
This is a terrific book to read aloud when some humor is needed, or classroom pizza parties are about to commence.
This warm family story will resonate with youngest children everywhere, regardless of a particular holiday or season. Highly recommended.
This nonfiction picture book has a place in every collection. This would also make a great curricular tie-in.
This story reflects the inclusivity of the Lunar New Year and the love people have for one another as they celebrate a holiday that brings the community together.
A vibrant tale of island life, quick thinking, and community building, ripe for the classroom or group sharing.
Not an essential purchase, but a decent addition to library Easter collections for its depiction of imaginative play.
An exceptional, heartfelt Eid story that gently impresses upon readers that community is about both giving and receiving.
With limited quality titles centered on St. Patrick’s Day, this book is a charming and worthwhile addition to any holiday collection.
Sure to spark conversation for any age. Recommended for public and school picture book collections.
A delightful story certain to win over listeners at story hours or in classroom units about food and what it means.
A heartfelt reminder that care, imagination, and memory are powerful forms of protection worth celebrating in every classroom.
Children will love the surprise ending and the expressive characters in this silly hibernation story.
This offers an engaging message for readers who want to follow their dreams and is a solid choice for fans of Jitterbug and Goth Moth.
A great introduction to Holi for young readers, who may find its simplistic telling more accessible than a nonfiction book.
An essential tool for parents and teachers alike which will foster meaningful conversations with little ones experiencing big feelings.
Children will understand the joy of arguing, as well as its downside, in a book that needs both group-sharing and one-on-one deep dives.
For big groups or just two reading, this book leaves one with the lingering feeling that this is a work to be shared and reshared.
Add to picture book collections to expand on Jewish culture and history through the prism of a warm, intergenerational afternoon.
An outstanding addition to collections of animals and ecosystems.
A sweet, soothing take on a familiar daily ritual, not necessarily for the library shelves.
A strong choice for libraries needing books to support scientific nomenclature for young readers.
Pleasing illustrations offer a visual introduction to the Golem of Jewish folklore but is less successful as an SEL title.
Young readers who feel that they too are not being seen (or heard!) will respond strongly to this confident and visually bold declaration of selfhood.
With themes of friendship, loyalty and persistence, this would be a good companion to I Must Have Bobo by Eileen Rosenthal.
A lively, culturally rich holiday tale that blends folklore, language, and inclusivity; a recommended addition to library shelves.
With a great mix of humor, action, and heart, this book packs a punch as a great choice for collections everywhere.
The ABCs can appeal to younger readers and the detailed information about atypical tools will keep older readers engaged, too.
This is a natural choice for bedtime collections, toddler story hour, and board book shelves; what could be more delightful than simple, rhythmic bedtime with whimsical art.
This is charming Korean retelling of a familiar story is refreshingly adapted, and will have listeners in story hours clamoring for more.
Rich vocabulary and a hilarious water-hating cat make this a stellar choice for all collections. Highly recommended and highly enjoyable.
An irresistibly witty look at modern parent-child dynamics, sure to delight at read-alouds.
Purchase where the “Lolo and Birdie” series and bilingual books circulate well.
A thematically rich story for all its seeming simplicity, excellent for shared reading and reflection around the December holidays or any other time.
A fantastic depiction of the upside of boredom
This book is great for all ages and should find a home in every public library and school library setting.
A well-intentioned concept bogged down by trite, inauthentic execution.
Not an essential purchase, but a fun addition for collections serving families who love folklore, cryptids, or anything just a little out of the ordinary.
A highly recommended, warm, funny, and meaningful addition to holiday and multicultural collections.
Mike and the ladies are sure to delight kids and adults alike with his magic coughs; this book is an ideal purchase for libraries wishing to bring smiles to their younger patrons’ faces.
Those who loves boba will appreciate the design and illustrations, as a way to introduce the very small to milk tea.
Perhaps this is best for the shelves intended to help grandparents seeking to connect with the young generation.
This title is one any pair of sisters can relate to and encourages being honest with familial frustrations. A recommended general purchase for picture book collections.
A warmly illustrated, heartfelt resource that combines comfort with information, this is an essential purchase for libraries serving young families.
Though not for every collection, this bright and inclusive board book celebrating the value of family and community is an ideal selection for Jewish families welcoming a newborn.
Lilting prose and textured collage visually and lyrically represent big feelings in this powerful title. Highly recommended.
National Geographic books are a trusted favorite for a reason: kids love them, parents and educators rely on them, and the learning happens almost effortlessly. This one is a must for home, classroom, or library shelves.
A thoughtfully designed book for adults to share with children or for young readers to explore on their own, with plentiful, stunning images of many African animals, sparse text, and helpful scaffolds for engaging with nonfiction works.
Important lessons on bodily autonomy, consent, diversity, and self-love wrapped up in an age-appropriate hug of a book.
This touching story of a mother and son planting vegetables for the season would be a great addition to any library’s nature or gardening collection.
A lovely look at the seasons, an excellent choice for story time, that shows the sensory experience of a child who is never depicted as anything but whole.
The predictable, lesson-y nature of the story will likely keep young listeners from returning for additional readings.
Snow’s cinematic vision is mesmerizing; this is recommended for school libraries and older picture book readers.
Children will enjoy this sensitive and nuanced story focused on social and emotional themes.
This is a perfect fit for SEL lessons about owning up to one’s mistakes and asking for forgiveness. A must-buy and ideal read-aloud for all libraries.
Fans of more challenging search-and-find books will enjoy the intricate artwork and the visual challenge this title delivers; upper elementary students may enjoy the hunt as well.
A solid addition to picture book collections, best for libraries looking for quirky stories to add to their rotation.
A charming tale that will certainly be enjoyed by aunts and their loved ones.
A lovely, if difficult, title that belongs in many collections.
Fine if you need a book on the subject, but unnecessary for a robust collection.
A must-read during Women’s History Month, this is a solid purchase for every library.
This is a delightful and highly recommended picture book that celebrates imagination, communication, and the power of forming new friendships. It supports social-emotional learning (SEL) by encouraging openness, curiosity, and embracing unexpected connections, making it ideal for school libraries.
Attractive but not an essential purchase.
A secondary purchase for libraries serving young children.
Regardless of flaws, this book is a welcome addition. It’s a a beautifully illustrated and gentle retelling that will remind young people of the duty to care for the planet.
A meaningful addition to school and public libraries, as well as a lovely choice for readers to take home, where they can consider their own neighborhood’s history.
A compassionate and workmanlike story, lacking important nuance.
This book offers a unique and engaging blend of fictional storytelling and scientific education, making it an excellent addition to school library collections. It celebrates themes of self-identity, bravery, and understanding scientific concepts in a fun, accessible way, making it valuable for young readers and for social-emotional learning.
A satisfying story that also could be useful for discussions about our need for natural spaces or about what community means.
A joyful celebration of both individuality and community and a great purchase for public libraries, pre-schools, and lower elementary schools.
This may be the story that sends readers off to research other ancient stories from China. And Treelings certainly feel like a merch moment waiting to happen.
Heartfelt and moving, this is an exceptional and a must-have for the shelves helping children deal with divorce and other challenges.
A great choice for an Earth Day story time, this book is applicable all year round. Readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and strong message Morales delivers.
A meaningful choice for enthusiastic five-years-olds, this will also work for students in the lower elementary grades.
Readers will enjoy this easygoing but slight story about perseverance and friendship.
A secondary purchase where folktales are popular or in need of modern reinvigoration.
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