Board Books

Eliot, Hannah. I’m Your School Bus. illus. by Belinda Chen. 18p. S. & S./Little Simon. Jun. 2025. Board $7.99. ISBN 9781665951975.
Baby-Toddler–It’s time for school! A school bus introduces young children to the fun in a place where the children can learn and play. The vibrant illustrations are the highlight of this book: colors, settings, and characters are a treat to look at. Unfortunately, the target audience for the content is older than the usual demographic for the board book format. There’s a disconnect between what the book is trying to present and how it’s presenting it. The vehicles are all personified, and while the ice cream truck, hot dog vendor, and recycling truck are easily identifiable, the school bus’s colors and face don’t fit the traditional look that most children will ultimately encounter. The school bus hangs out with the other vehicles while the children are at school, and even shares a garage with them at night. But in leaning into the personification of the school bus, this doesn’t show the actual school bus yard. VERDICT Libraries, especially those with fans of buses and vehicles, looking to increase their board book collections will find this title worth the purchase. Otherwise, an additional purchase.–Shana Shea

Moyle, Sabrina. Preschool Is Cool! illus. by Eunice Moyle. 26p. (Hello!Lucky Book). Abrams/Appleseed. Jun. 2025. Board $8.99. ISBN 9781419779077.
PreS–In this bright and colorful board book, an omniscient narrator follows different critters through preparing and attending their first day of preschool. The animals do projects, play outside, eat lunch, and play pretend, all while making new friends. This book inclusively addresses the worries of most children in a fun and innocent way; for example, at one point, the teacher writes on the board, “It’s OK to say ‘I don’t know.’ Everyone is here to grow.” The story ends with the students loving preschool and cheering the fact that it will last all year. Colorful, graphic art depicts happy and excited animal preschoolers and an exciting and welcoming preschool classroom environment. This is the perfect introductory read for those just beginning preschool. VERDICT For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that ease nerves and make school look like a place to learn and grow.–Kristen Todd-Wurm

School: A Super Fun Question & Answer Lift-the-Flap. 10p. (Toddler Trivia). Flowerpot Pr. May 2025. Board $9.99. ISBN 9781486731411.
PreS–This board book will appeal to those who enjoy flaps and are curious about school. The text is presented in a trivia format, with multiple-choice questions and answers that are illustrated and clearly labeled. As a bonus, the format is a good way to encourage readers to explore as they read. Some concepts, such as a whiteboard, may be above readers’ heads, but offer a conversation opportunity: markers don’t go on walls or people. This book was viewed digitally; flaps appear to be chunky and great for little hands. While the text is not specifically written to calm fears, it does present facts about the school day. The content of the book relates more to getting ready for school: what items to take, riding the bus, and what to expect in a classroom. The school day does appear to end after lunch. Illustrations are one-dimensional and vibrant. While there are different objects to find and discuss on various pages, the artwork is very basic and almost generic. The illustrations include diverse skin tones in children and adults. VERDICT Purchase where back-to-school collections need bulking up.–Sarah Sieg

Sobel, June. The Goodnight Train Ready for School. illus. by Laura Huliska-Beith. 14p. HarperCollins/Clarion. Jun. 2025. Board $10.99. ISBN 9780063354142.
PreS-Gr 1–A group of children excitedly jump aboard the Goodnight Train as they prepare for their first day of school in the morning. They collect their backpacks and outfits for the next day from the animal conductors of the train. They assemble items, such as school supplies, school lunches, and snacks, and get excited for recess as they finally drift off to sleep. This book features short, simple rhyming sentences on each page. An onomatopoeia of train sounds, such as “Chugga! Chugga!” and “Toot! Toot!” are also featured on every spread. Illustrations are beautiful and bright, with blue tones to help lull readers to a sleepy, but excited, bedtime. VERDICT Perfect for the younger crowd to get them excited about going to school, or for a back-to-school storytime.–Kristin J. Anderson

Picture Books

Adamson, Deb. I’m a Preschool Kid! illus. by Tasneem Amiruddin. 24p. Random/Golden. Jun. 2025. Tr $5.99. ISBN 9780593814499.
PreS-K–Transitioning from home to preschool can be a challenge for some children, and Alex feels the separation deeply as his mother leaves him for the first time. Luckily, a new friend is nearby, and she helps Alex to settle into his surroundings. Before long, the day is filled with fun, adventure, discovery, and joy; Alex is excited to share his experiences with his mother at pick-up time. This book is a lovely tool to help young children prepare for preschool. The text itself is brief, made up of rhyming couplets that sometimes appear on one page and sometimes are divided between one page and the next. This deliberate choice gives the book a well-paced momentum as it is read aloud, offering children the opportunity to absorb one thought before moving into the next. While the meter is not consistent throughout, the singsong rhythm makes the book enjoyable to read aloud. Accompanying the text are bright, colorful illustrations that feature a diverse assortment of children in both skin tone and ability. Alex and his parents appear white, and a handful of classmates appear to have darker complexions. Overall, the color choice is cheerful, and readers will recognize similarities between the depictions in this book and their own experiences. VERDICT An accessible introduction to preschool, helping young children as they prepare to transition to a new environment.–Mary R. Lanni

Ajayi Jones, Luvvie. Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name. illus. by Joey Spiotto. 32p. Philomel. May 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593694251.
Gr 3-4–On her nerve-racking first day of school, Luvvie encounters challenges many children can relate to. Illustrated with vibrant, cartoonish digital art, this story captures Luvvie’s journey as she introduces herself and navigates the complexities of friendship and identity. When her classmate Tommy bullies her by calling her “Lava,” Luvvie’s initial response leads her into trouble. Through heartfelt moments, Luvvie learns to express her feelings. The narrative deepens as her mom guides her in communicating with both her teacher and Tommy, fostering understanding and reconciliation. Their bond over shared lunches beautifully illustrates the power of connection. This book is a valuable resource for parents and teachers looking to discuss emotions, making it essential for nurturing empathy and emotional intelligence in young readers. VERDICT A simple, yet impactful, story about big feelings and how kids can effectively manage them. –Haley Amendt

Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta. Alpaca Goes Back-A to School. illus. by Leeza Hernandez. 40p. Abrams/Appleseed. Jun. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781419773907.
PreS-K–Starting a new school or going back to school after a long break can be scary for little ones. Alpaca is getting ready to start the school year, and Mama helps Alpaca get off on the right foot with shoes tied and a snack-a to pack-a. Singing songs, doing art, and making friends are all part of a successful first day, and even small struggles like a paint spill don’t ruin Alpaca’s day. Bardham-Quallen’s inventive rhyming pattern of adding “a” to anything with the “ack” sound at the end keeps the alpaca rhyming going from beginning to end, resulting in a bouncy read-aloud for little ones. Colorful graphic art represents the dynamic environment of an early childhood classroom and will get kids excited to go “back-a” to school. VERDICT Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.–Kristen Todd-Wurm

Campbell, Chelsea M. When You Go to Dragon School. illus. by Charlene Chua. 32p. Feiwel & Friends. Jun. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250293015.
K-Gr 2–What if a school was overflowing with kids and had no room for more? They could head off to dragon school, where students of every culture and age can attend the “best place in town!” The kids may be a little different than their flying, fire-breathing classmates, but all students will brush their teeth. Just when the kids and dragons start to think the other is “weird,” they discover that dragon school is a place where no matter how different, all come together to teach one another new things and find ways to collaborate. This tale is told directly to readers in a second-person voice that is engaging and funny, easily finding a place among strong read-alouds and back-to-school books. Author and illustrator know their audience well and show it by asking questions of readers in the text and in the purposeful use of perspective in the illustrations, as well as the varied facial expressions on the kids and the dragons. The strong emotions that come with going to any school, let alone dragon school, are visible via a wide range of diverse students and paired with vibrant scenery that will attract a variety of readers. Digitally created dragons will become friendly favorites as readers enjoy the mix of silliness and seriousness of going to dragon school. VERDICT A must-purchase. This one will leave kids wanting more.–Danielle Schwessinger

Canterbury, Bill. My Teacher Is a Dinosaur! illus. by Jeff Harter. 24p. (My Life Is Weird). Doubleday. Jun. 2025. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780593807934.
PreS-Gr 3–A T. rex teaching school? What could possibly go wrong? From accidentally crushing classroom desks to overzealous roaring, this teacher’s instruction style is definitely unconventional. There’s one thing the students in this class never experience—boredom. A field trip to the natural history museum, while filled with firsthand expert information from the teacher, quickly devolves into chaos when it’s assumed that she’s an exhibit come to life. The illustrations aptly capture the energy in the story, and the intended audience will enjoy the silly antics. Speech bubbles and dialogue make this title more suited for a lapsit than a group story time read. A diversity of genders and skin tones are represented in both teachers and students, making the story even more relatable. VERDICT Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections. –Jennifer Noonan

Carter, Leigh Anne. Yeti Is Not Ready for School. illus. by author. 32p. Random. Jul. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593808078.
PreS-Gr 1–Tomorrow is the first day of monster school and the “fire-breathing moths” in Yeti’s stomach are conquering her cool. The anxious blue yeti plots ways to finagle out of going to school. Yeti claims that her pet goat ate her pencil, but her dad produces a bulk supply of extras. After Yeti intentionally loses her backpack in the refrigerator, her dad pulls it out, saying, “Looks like your bag has found its cool! We’ll work on yours.” Yeti’s dad delivers an optimistic pep talk when he drops her off the next morning, drawing attention to her breath and encouraging open-mindedness about starting school. When Yeti apprehensively enters her new school, she notices that the other ghoulish pupils are worried, too; a purple unicorn wonders if they are too sparkly, a nervous vampire’s teeth shake, and a ghost hopes they are invisible. Does the first day of school give everyone the shivers? Carter’s colorful cartoon illustrations are bold and bright. Front endpapers depict Yeti’s cherished memories before her first day of school and back endpapers depict the new memories she creates with her friends from school. “Howls, growls, and vowels,” may echo from the pages of this story, as will the supportive message that there is space for anxious feelings on the first day of school. VERDICT Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.–Emily Brush

Freeman, Martha. Kitty vs. Kindergarten. illus. by Eda Kaban. 48p. Disney-Hyperion. Jun. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781368097284.
PreS-Gr 2–Kitty is minding his own business, living his best kitty life, when he’s suddenly swept up and taken in his carrier to—school. Kindergarten. He doesn’t like it. He likes his cozy life at home. Everything is different there. And there’s a gerbil at school. A gerbil with whom he has an incident. Things improve slightly when he’s given the task of supervising naptime. But the day truly turns around when he finds out why he’s really there. The plot feels somewhat generic and slightly overextended. It is easily consumable, though, and vivid illustrations help bring kindergarten and the story to life, giving it kid-appeal. VERDICT A generally amusing title for cat lovers and school newbies.–Jennifer Noonan

Hegedus, Bethany. Batter Up for the First Day of School! illus. by Nomar Perez. 40p. Viking. May 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593526637.
PreS-Gr 1–It’s the first day of school at Grand Slam Elementary and twins Hank and Erin, both with light skin and brown curly hair, are eager to go. They wake up cheerfully in their baseball-themed bedroom, while their parents radiate the enthusiastic energy of supportive fans. Hegedus’s inventive game announcer narration increases the anticipation: “The Twins are off to a sluggish start. And here they come…with a bit more pep in their step…and they are ready for some fuel!” At Grand Slam Elementary, designed to replicate a baseball stadium, Hank and Erin meet their teacher, who plays the role of a coach. The class huddles for an overview of the dugout rules before starting their school day innings, which include art, spelling, lunch, and recess. Will Hank and Erin’s first day of school be a home run? Reminiscent in style to his book Coqui in the City, Perez again digitally paints colorful illustrations, which are bright and uplifting. Endpapers are scattered with mitts, helmets, foam fingers, and pennants against a vibrant yellow-green background. Hegedus and Perez are a winning team, hyping up young readers for their own first day of school. Intent on positivity, anxious feelings about starting school are not addressed, leaving that experience to be tackled in other stories about the first day of school. VERDICT This is a peppy first day of school story to knock game-day jitters out of the park.–Emily Brush

Lazar, Tara. Flat Cat: The Class Pet. illus. by Pete Oswald. 40p. (Flat Cat). Penguin/Flamingo. Jun. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593404607.
PreS-Gr 2–Flat Cat was born flat, and most of the time he likes it that way. One day, the wind blows Flat Cat into his friend Willow’s hoodie, and he looks forward to new experiences with her at elementary school. But the chaos becomes overwhelming, and Flat Cat seeks a quiet place to hide. When Willow needs help, Flat Cat quickly comes to her aid, and, in the process, realizes that being seen and loved isn’t so bad. A pastel palette, alliterative adjectives, and plenty of motion create the playful atmosphere of Flat Cat’s world. Illustrations expand on the narrative; simple facial expressions ensure that Flat Cat displays an array of emotions, while dynamic poses and diagonal lines show action. Full-page illustrations set the pace of work, while a short section of small vignettes emphasize the boisterousness of a school setting. Flat Cat’s adventures are amusing—he’s a paper airplane, a secret note, a bathroom pass—but like the message in Jeff Brown’s Flat Stanley, this shows Flat Cat’s willingness to go with the flow and help out a friend in need. VERDICT An amusing and memorable story for cat lovers.–Maggie Mason Smith

Pilutti, Deb. Fish Don’t Go to School. illus. by author. 40p. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano. Jul. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780316565271.
PreS-K–Henry is proud of his fabulous fish costume that he puts on every day. He wears it shopping, playing, and even when he takes his goldfish, Marigold, for a ride in the wagon. Henry is most comfortable when he wears his shiny suit since it is sparkly on the outside and warm and cozy on the inside. “It felt like wearing a hug.” Henry’s mother tries to explain why it would be better for the boy to wear regular clothes on his first day of school instead of his costume, but Henry is not persuaded. Upon arriving at school, Henry finds that his classmates are unsure about his unusual garb, but they gradually come to accept it, and he even receives compliments. As the day progresses, he realizes that parts of his fish suit are a hindrance, so the fins, the tail, and the head are gradually removed. When the school day is over, Henry’s classmates plan their outfits for the second day of school. Cheerful illustrations were created with gouache, wax pastels, and a bit of digital painting. VERDICT Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.–Maryann H. Owen

Rabe, Tish. On the First Day of Preschool. illus. by Summer Macon. 32p. HarperCollins/HarperPop. Jun. 2025. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780063444225.
PreS-Gr 1–Told in the lyrical style of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” this book lists things the children will be doing in preschool over the course of several days in a harmonious manner. They are learning about raising their hands, dancing out their wiggles, sharing giggles, learning their ABCs, playing a game, having snacks, and taking naps. Each page depicts diverse multiethnic children, parents, and teachers engaging in various activities that show the merriment of the children as they enjoy working together to learn new ideas and concepts in their first days at preschool. Readers will not be able to stop themselves from singing the words of the story to the tune of the song. VERDICT A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.–Annmarie Braithwaite

Steinberg, D.J. I Love Kindergarten! Numbers. illus. by Leire Martín. 32p. (I Love Kindergarten). Grosset & Dunlap. May 2025. pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780593754436.
PreS-Gr 1–“The world is filled with numbers,/ everywhere you look” states this poetic primer on numeracy. Each verse focuses on a foundational concept of early mathematics, including numeral recognition, number sequence, and properties of shapes. Steinberg also devotes entries to less widely recognized skills, such as sorting, matching, and pattern-making, that also deserve their moment in the spotlight. The quality of the writing tends towards the prosaic, with plodding rhythm and end-stopped rhymes: “Here come the dinosaurs, one and all./ We line them up from big to small./ Across the playtime rug they go,/ dinos marching in a row.” In one instance, a detail in the book’s design detracts from the effectiveness of presentation: in a poem on the confusion between the numerals 6 and 9, the text employs a typeface in which the 6 is formed with a curved stroke while the 9 is made with a straight vertical line, thereby removing the putative resemblance and undercutting the humor. Martín capably illustrates the poems with an eye toward supporting the learning content. The curricular tie-ins are clear and accessible, bright spreads and vignettes featuring the objects to be found, counted, and categorized. From a stylistic standpoint, the art is less appealing. Characters float against vague digital backgrounds, sporting identical wide-eyed smiles on nearly every page. VERDICT An academically solid, aesthetically underwhelming volume of math-themed poetry.–Jonah Dragan

Stutzman, Jonathan. Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies: A Back-to-School Book. illus. by Jay Fleck. 52p. (Tiny T. Rex). Chronicle. Jul. 2025. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781797233208.
PreS-K–Tiny T. Rex is going to a new school, and he is feeling both prepared and nervous. Readers follow him through his first day, as he confronts new tasks and routines. When Tiny makes mistakes, like squirting his juice box on a friend and tooting his instrument when he was asked to woot it, he worries he is not ready for school. With support and assurance from his teacher, friends, and family, Tiny understands that mistakes are part of learning. Confidence restored, Tiny feels big, smart, and ready for school. Through clear and simple text, Stutzman tells Tiny’s story from a child’s point-of-view and addresses common first day of school fears. Fleck’s illustrations, rendered in pencil and then colored in digitally, use primary and secondary colors to create inviting illustrations that are easy to read. VERDICT Young children will relate to Tiny and his first day of school jitters, while being reassured that school is a place to make mistakes and grow.–Sarah Pousty

Verdick, Elizabeth Weiss. Trusty Bus. illus. by Jeff Harter. 40p. S. & S./Beach Lane. Jun. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665948494.
K-Gr 1–A familiar journey to school from the perspective of an iconic vehicle. Using comforting onomatopoeia and rhyme, Trusty Bus takes readers through its daily routine of getting ready for the day, picking up children for school, and bringing them home. Trusty has a sense of self-awareness (he wonders if his driver notices he needs a bath) and dedication (he hopes his extra stops won’t make him late), echoing the development of a child who might be entrusted to his care as well as the experiences of those reading the book. The story has a similar feel to Netflix’s popular show Trash Truck. While Trusty may not be overly loquacious, his simple, genuine personality will be appreciated and loved by readers. Warm and minimalistic illustrations show the expressive features of Trusty and his driver, a friendly brown bear named Dee, and add to the darling details of the feathered and scaled inhabitants of the town, enhancing its cozy, homey charm. VERDICT A comforting tale about a necessary and sometimes overlooked companion in a successful school day. This story will resonate with beginning school populations and lovers of things with wheels.–Amelia Kmiec

Ward, Lindsay. Sunnyside School: A Community Helpers Book. illus. by author. 40p. (A Community Helpers Book). HarperCollins. Jun. 2025. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780063208193.
K-Gr 3–It’s the first day of school, and siblings Ali and Matty are heading to their classes. Ali is in second grade, and Matty is starting kindergarten. Both are nervous about their first day of school. While these two begin their day, readers are introduced to all of the helpers of the school. Several pages are dedicated to specific staff positions in each part of the school the children visit throughout the day, such as a parent volunteer in the library and a health aide in the nurse’s office. The illustrations are cute and appealing to the eye. They include a diverse group of both students and staff in the school. Noteworthy people and places are highlighted in bubbles, sidebars, and gold boxes. Featured questions at the bottom of some pages promote interactive participation. Back matter includes a glossary of words that are set in bold throughout the book and a seek-and-find activity where children can go back through the book to locate specific items. VERDICT This is an awesome addition to all collections. People are always looking for community helpers books, and the bonus here is the school setting.–Kristin J. Anderson

Young, Jessica. Today at School: With Yesterday and Tomorrow. illus. by Renée Kurilla. 40p. Knopf. Jun. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593812754.
PreS–Young has written a gentle celebration of yesterday, today, and tomorrow for the novice or experienced school-bound child. Sisters Yesterday and Tomorrow, anthropomorphic animals, are the main characters. They share a bedroom, a classroom, and a table in the lunchroom. Their differing attitudes towards the day and school are highlighted through bubbles of text. Tomorrow has a tendency to pull Yesterday along in a hurry-up manner. Yesterday longs for summer, and Tomorrow is looking forward to spring. The sisters exchange hurtful words over lunch. Following the spat, they meet new friend Today who shows them how to enjoy the current day during recess. Kurilla portrays adorable forest animals wearing typical preschool clothing. One school friend is depicted using a wheelchair. The illustrations, especially the recess time in a field of flowers, are delightful and add a touch of whimsy. Text and illustrations work together to convey expectations for classroom happenings and student behavior. In a Bluey-esque way, the tree where Yesterday and Tomorrow live reflects the reality of having children; the house is rarely perfectly clean. VERDICT A cute social-emotional back-to-school must-purchase.–Sarah Sieg

Zoboi, Ibi. First Day Around the World. illus. by Juanita Londoño. 48p. HarperCollins/Clarion/Versify. Jun. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063078888.
Gr 3-4–This title takes readers on a vibrant journey from Addis Ababa to New York, showcasing the universal experience of starting school. Through bright, whimsical illustrations, the book highlights daily activities and traditions in various countries, including Morocco, Japan, and Argentina. Each page captures the essence of school life, from national anthems to packed lunches, emphasizing both the similarities and differences among cultures. The narrative weaves together the experiences of children across the globe, demonstrating how, despite geographical distances, the first day of school binds them together in shared excitement and anticipation. The text is rich and complex, serving as an excellent resource for teachers and librarians aiming to introduce diversity and multiculturalism to young students. VERDICT A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.–Haley Amendt

Chapter Books

Broach, Elise. Bulldozer Goes to School. illus. by Kelly Murphy. 128p. (Bulldozer and Friends: Bk. 2). Little, Brown. Jul. 2025. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780316564199; pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780316564205.
Gr 1-3–Bulldozer, who lives with his human parents in an everyday human world, will be starting school. He is very worried about it and wonders if he will fit in. When he tries to find ways to get out of going, his parents, along with his friend and neighbor Millie, reply with encouragement. At school the first day, Bulldozer makes a number of clumsy mistakes and fears that he will never fit in. The day is redeemed when the opportunity to help his classmates build a clubhouse-castle calls for Bulldozer’s strength and skill, and he is rewarded with feelings of pride and belonging. The use of a bulldozer as a protagonist seems appropriate in scenes where clumsy mistakes, misunderstandings, and shyness may make a child feel different and out of place in a new situation. This deceptively simple story successfully addresses the fears and worries of young children and offers positive solutions that will encourage the resilience needed to overcome them. The five chapters use simple vocabulary that makes the story accessible to young readers. A collection of creative word play activities in the back helps students build and enhance their reading skills. This book was reviewed from an uncorrected proof with unfinished illustrations; the finished illustrations will likely match the art in the first book, which included simple black-and-white line drawings shaded in orange, yellow, and gray that beautifully captured the heart of the story. VERDICT Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.–Carole Phillips

Graphic Novels

Lang, Suzanne. Grumpy Monkey School Stinks! illus. by Max Lang. 80p. (Grumpy Monkey Graphic Novels). Random House Studio. Jun. 2025. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9780593709344.
Gr 3-5–Another series title offering a humorous learning experience combined with the frantic energy level of Grumpy Monkey. Jim Panzee is playing with his jungle friends when he is sprayed by a polecat. Everyone agrees: he stinks! Could this accident have been avoided? What about attending school where he, accompanied by readers, can learn jungle life lessons? Jim resists attending, but begrudgingly goes with his friends. The animals learn jungle survival skills, like identifying other animals through their sense of smell and recognizing tracks. As the students begin “physical tests,” they put their senses to work. Jim is starting to learn that school can be both practical and fun. The creators know how to keep young readers engaged. There’s great humor when Jim experiences something new, with his entire body going into a pouting, curled-up, sulking pose. Jim’s actions and emotions are on full display through very energetic illustrations that reveal exactly what he’s thinking. Pages dedicated to learning new animal terms and a snack-making activity are a bonus. Grumpy Monkey will win over readers with his antics and possibly introduce them to some new animal facts. VERDICT Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.–Jessica A. Bushore