The titles in these series focus on building something new, getting messy, and creating memories. Using age-appropriate instructions and references, many of this season’s series demonstrate creativity through STEM, artistic design with food, and upcycling materials. Other titles provide biographies of popular cartoon characters and mix comedy with the history of various holidays. These series offer readers a wide variety of crafts, cultural recipes, silly jokes, and tech-free activities to encourage connection and curiosity in the classroom or at home.

Elementary

Amstutz, Lisa J. Grow Your Own Basil. ISBN 9780756589486.
––––. Grow Your Own Green Beans. ISBN 9780756589509.
––––. Grow Your Own Sunflowers. ISBN 9780756589493.
––––. Grow Your Own Tomatoes. ISBN 9780756589516.
ea vol: 24p. (Pebble Maker Grow). Capstone/Pebble. Jan. 2025. Tr. $29.99.
K-Gr 3–Readers learn to grow their favorite plants in this series. Each title starts with a table of contents, and vocabulary is in bold throughout the text. The end of each title includes a glossary. Short paragraphs are accompanied by photos and diagrams. A description of the plant is given along with a list of materials needed to help it grow, followed by step-by-step instructions for planting and care. The final pages have a “Take It Further” feature where readers learn how to use the plant they have grown, “you can add [basil] to soups or sauces. Put chopped leaves on pizza…” (Grow Your Own Basil). With help from a teacher or caregiver, these titles give students the opportunity to see the full life cycle of a plant. VERDICT A good introduction and basic instruction guide for young elementary readers on how to grow plants.

Anderhagen, Anna. April Fools’ Day Snickers & Snacks. ISBN 9781098295172.
––––. Groundhog Day Giggles & Goodies. ISBN 9781098295189.
––––. Halloween Tricks & Treats. ISBN 9781098295196.
––––. May Day Merrymaking & Munchies. ISBN 9781098295202.
––––. Thanksgiving Chuckles & Chow. ISBN 9781098295219.
––––. Valentine’s Day Belly Laughs & Bites. ISBN 9781098295226.
ea vol: 32p. (Holiday Jokes & Sweet Treats). ABDO/Super Sandcastle. Jan. 2025. Tr. $35.64.
Gr 2-4–Fun treats for various holidays and some silly jokes can be found in this series. Each title opens with a message to caregivers, a table of contents, basic ingredients list, how to prepare a recipe, and an introduction of the holiday: “The most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil,” (Groundhog Day Giggles & Goodies). Each title has approximately five recipes, which have step-by-step instructions and helpful images to follow along with the text. Jokes are highlighted in text bubbles throughout. End matter includes a section encouraging readers to continue creating, followed by a glossary of vocabulary words. While not every holiday is religious, much of the background information given is Euro-centric. VERDICT Silly jokes and fun treats are accompanied by some historical background in these collections of recipes.

Clarke, David J. The Art of Photography. ISBN 9781098295790.
Hale, K.A. The Art of Dance. ISBN 9781098295752.
––––. The Art of Theater. ISBN 9781098295820.
Ransom, Candice. The Art of Music. ISBN 9781098295776.
Richmond, Marley. The Art of Painting. ISBN 9781098295783.
––––. The Art of Sculpting. ISBN 9781098295813.
Shaw, Mary. The Art of Film. ISBN 9781098295769.
Stickney Laura. The Art of Poetry. ISBN 9781098295806.
ea vol: 32p. (Amazing Art Forms). ABDO/Kids Core. Jan. 2025. Tr. $35.64.
Gr 3-5–From poetry to sculpting, theater to painting, this series covers different art forms for elementary readers. Each title opens with a table of contents and features a glossary, online resources, more reading, and an index at the end. Full-color photos accompany text, with vocabulary words presented in a contrasting color. Each chapter includes additional resources for readers who want to make further connections within a topic. Charts and diagrams are used when necessary along with smaller, framed paragraphs with interesting facts: “Ancient cultures in India, Egypt, China, and Greece showed images of dance in their art” (The Art of Dance). Primary sources are provided in the form of topical quotes, along with the full citation and a question that examines the source. VERDICT This series offers elementary readers a basic knowledge of different art forms and is a great source for projects and reports.

Hansen, Grace. Garfield. ISBN 9798384902904.
––––. Mickey Mouse. ISBN 9798384902911.
––––. Pikachu. ISBN 9798384902928.
––––. Scooby-Doo. ISBN 9798384902935.
––––. Snoopy. ISBN 9798384902942.
––––. Winnie the Pooh. ISBN 9798384902959.
ea vol: 24p. (Classic Cartoon Character Bios). ABDO/Abdo Kids Jumbo. Jan. 2025. Tr. $34.22.
K-Gr 2–Fan favorite cartoon characters from television, like Pikachu and Mickey Mouse, are rediscovered in this “biography” series. Each title starts with a table of contents, and vocabulary words are shown in a contrasting color throughout the text. The origin of each title character, along with their personality and artistic description are used to give a well-rounded picture for readers, such as, “Scooby-Doo is a brown Great Dane with black spots. He has bowlegs and a long tail” (Scooby-Doo). At the end of each title there is a “Get to know…” section where the drawing of the character is labeled and there are sidebars that share their friends, personality traits, skills, or quotes: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart” (Winnie the Pooh). The back matter includes a glossary, index, and QR code for access to extra material. VERDICT A cute series of popular cartoon character biographies for younger elementary readers.

McAneney, Caitie. Fun with Puns. ISBN 9781538397961.
––––. Nifty Knock-Knock Jokes. ISBN 9781538397930.
––––. Really Ridiculous Riddles. ISBN 9781538397879.
––––. Rollicking Rhymes. ISBN 9781538397992.
––––. Terrific Tongue Twisters. ISBN 9781538397909.
ea vol: 24p. (Let’s Get Silly!). Rosen/Windmill. Jan. 2025. Tr. $26.27.
Gr 2-5–Silly jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, and more can be found in these fun titles. Each title opens with a table of contents and a definition or description of the type of comedy presented. For example, the text explains the format of knock-knock jokes: “The answer may rely on wordplay. It may also rely on the element of surprise” (Nifty Knock-Knock Jokes). Word bubbles, short paragraphs, and illustrations in a graphic novel style show off different jokes and formats. Text bubbles offer additional fun facts about the topic of some of the jokes. The back matter includes a glossary, more print and internet information, and an index. While the text of the series might be difficult to read for some, it makes the title seem more like a graphic novel, which can be appealing to a wide range of ages. VERDICT A silly series for elementary-level readers who want a good laugh.

Phillips-Bartlett, Rebecca. Tech-Free Activities at the Park. ISBN 9798892327442.
––––. Tech-Free Activities on a Road Trip. ISBN 9798892327459.
––––. Tech-Free Activities When It Rains. ISBN 9798892327466.
––––. Tech-Free Activities When It Snows. ISBN 9798892327473.
ea vol: 24p. (Unplugging Set Two). Bearport/Fusion. Jan. 2025. Tr. $30.95.
K-Gr 3–Readers are encouraged to discover the world around them as they unplug from electronic devices. Each title starts with a table of contents, and vocabulary words are bold throughout the text. Short paragraphs with colorful, captioned photographs and diagrams are used to inform readers. Tips or ideas can be found within the text: “Follow animal tracks in the snow to see where the creatures have gone” (Tech-Free Activities When It Snows). The end matter includes a glossary of vocabulary words and an index. Although these activities appear simple for adults, some children will find them novel and even whimsical. VERDICT Quick and easy introductions to non-technology fun in everyday life.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Luciow, Chelsey. Breakfast Across Cultures. ISBN 9781669093015.
––––. Dinner Across Cultures. ISBN 9781669093138.
––––. Lunch Across Cultures. ISBN 9781669093077.
––––. Treats Across Cultures. ISBN 9781669093190.
ea vol: 32p. (Cooking Across Cultures). Capstone. Jan. 2025. Tr. $33.99.
Gr 5-8–Recipes from around the world can be found in this series. Each title starts with a table of contents and is followed by a short chapter about materials needed to make the recipes, kitchen tips, and a standard vs. metric measurement chart. There are about 13 recipes within each title, and each includes an itemized ingredient list, numbered instructions, and a full-color photo of the finished product. Recipes also include information about how or why a food is made in its original culture: “People in Somalia drink mango milkshakes during hot summers and the fasting month of Ramadan” (Treats Across Cultures). A small text bubble can be found with each recipe, adding and interesting fact about the culture or language associated with the recipe. “Fiji has three official languages: English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi” (Lunch Across Cultures). The final page includes resources for readers to find more information. VERDICT A short series with recipes for dishes from around the world. Good projects for middle schoolers, or younger children with support.

Luciow, Chelsey. Build 10 Bold Bridges with STEM. ISBN 9781669086437.
––––. Construct 10 Radical Roller Coasters with STEM. ISBN 9781669086444.
––––. Create 10 Sensational Circuits with STEM. ISBN 9781669086451.
––––. Make 10 Marvelous Machines with STEM. ISBN 9781669086468.
ea vol: 32p. (10 Ways to Build with STEM!). Capstone. Jan. 2025. Tr. $33.99.
Gr 3-6–This series introduces STEM projects, such as building roller coasters and connecting circuits, using everyday items. Titles focus on different types of engineering and how creativity is connected to science. There are approximately ten projects within each title that employ basic materials creatively while encouraging readers to learn and improve their design. Every project starts with a photo of the finished product, a list of materials, step-by-step instructions with labeled photos, and a STEM Break: “A steep incline means the marble will accelerate faster because more gravitational force is acting on it” (Construct 10 Radical Roller Coasters with STEM). Resources for further exploration are included. VERDICT A fun series full of projects for older elementary to middle school; great for classroom or homeschool activities.

Macgregor, Ben. Dripping Art. ISBN 9781482466997.
––––. Pouring Art. ISBN 9781482467024.
––––. Printing Art. ISBN 9781482467055.
––––. Squeegeeing Art. ISBN 9781482467086.
ea vol: 24p. (Messy Masterpieces). Gareth Stevens. Jan. 2025. Tr. $24.27.
Gr 4-6–Projects for those who aren’t afraid of a little mess can be found in this art series. Titles open with a table of contents and an overview of what materials are needed, along with simple tips to help readers create successful projects. A purple splatter of paint can be found in each chapter with a “messy alert,” helpful hint or fact: “If you want to wash your fabric often, then use fabric paint,” (Printing Art). Projects show a photo of the final piece, and present step-by-step instructions in both text and images. Each titles includes about ten projects, and an index is included in every volume. While the art projects are messy even for older creators, the activities seem adaptable for younger audiences. VERDICT Messy, artistic fun. Great for controlled artistic chaos and sparking creativity.

Upper Middle School to High School

Luciow, Chelsey. Upcycle Creative Gifts!ISBN 9781669086710.
––––. Upcycle Your Accessories!ISBN 9781669086697.
––––. Upcycle Your Closet!ISBN 9781669086703.
––––. Upcycle Your Room!ISBN 9781669086680.
ea vol: 32p. (Extraordinary Upcycled Crafts). Capstone. Jan. 2025. Tr. $33.99.
Gr 7 Up–Each title in this series begins with a table of contents, a basic supply list, crafting tips, and an explanation of what upcycling means: “Upcycling is when you take something old and change it to make something fresh and new” (Upcycle Your Room). Each title contains about 12 upcycled crafts, and there are “crafting tips” used throughout the activities: “Look at pictures from trips or other events for inspiration for the magnets,” (Upcycle Creative Gifts). A sample finished project is provided for each craft, and the materials list and step-by-step instructions are clear. The back matter includes a list of print and internet resources for more reading. While some of the crafts might be impractical, like napkin holders for children of any age, many of the concepts are fun. VERDICT A good introduction to upcycling for middle to high school readers.

These series offer creative outlets for a variety of interests. Readers who are obsessed with popular characters will love “Classic Cartoon Character Bios” (ABDO/Abdo Kids Jumbo), while kids who enjoy a good laugh will like “Let’s Get Silly” (Rosen/Windmill) and “Holiday Jokes & Sweet Treats” (ABDO/Super Sandcastle). Grown-ups and young readers may love to connect with series like “Unplugging Set Two” (Bearport) and “Pebble Maker Grow” (Capstone Press/Pebble). If readers love building and improving their designs, “10 Ways to Build With STEM” (Capstone) and “Amazing Art Forms” (ABDO/Kids Core) will be for them. Those who love crafting while helping the planet will enjoy “Upcycled Crafts” (Capstone) and students who need a little controlled chaos will enjoy “Messy Masterpieces” (Gareth Stevens), and “Cooking Across Cultures” (Capstone Press). Readers will be encouraged to think more about what they can create and how they can connect with the world around them.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS