Reviews
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The Sorry Seeds, by Tina Shephardson
Illustrated by Bong Hyun Shin
Struggling with guilt and remorse after taking a neighbor’s apple, Courtney wants to make peace with herself and her neighbor. Struggling with guilt and remorse after taking a neighbor’s apple, Courtney wants to make peace with herself and her neighbor. The Sorry Seeds’ sparse text and insightful illustrations help readers feel Courtney’s angst without over-moralizing and provide a perfect segue to discuss difficult feelings. It also shows children that they can come up with their own way to make amends. A true treasure, this book will enrich kids’ emotional IQ.
Who’s Walking Dawg?, by Marie Prins
Illustrated by Leanne Franson
This is a bouncy, fun look at a dog’s life that shows Dawg taking himself for a walk around his neighborhood. The lyrical text echoes Dawg’s good nature and shows us what dogs “see” when they sniff things and how much fun dogs have with simple things. Kids will relate to Dawg’s experience of family members’ being too busy for them, and some may see that they, too, can find ways to entertain themselves—but hopefully they’ll stick closer to home.
Home Is Calling, by Katherine Pryor
Illustrated by Ellie Peterson
This may be Katherine Pryor’s best book yet. Its lyrical, sensual language draws readers into the story of the monarch butterfly and makes them care deeply about the fate of this endangered species. The main character is the population as a whole, and Pryor’s sparse but well-chosen words put readers right there with them as they journey from their northern home to their southern one. Filled with facts that are presented in a poetic way, with bold, bright illustrations that could be framed and hung on the wall, this book educates, yes, but more than that, it makes us care deeply about the monarch and ache with the idea they may go extinct. This is a very intimate, moving story that will stick with sensitive readers forever. Bonus material in the back of the book will be appreciated by all readers who love learning about the natural world and how we can protect it.
Spring Is for Strawberries, by Katherine Pryor
Illustrated by Polina Gortman
Spring Is for Strawberries celebrates the seasons and the relationship between a city child and a farming child who meet at the farmer’s market. Young readers will enjoy the lyrical language and finding various symbols for each season mentioned in the text, and adults will enjoy the opportunity to discuss local eating and supporting community agriculture.
Hello, Rain!, by Katherine Pryor
Illustrated by Rose Soni
This board book will delight children who enjoy nature and being outdoors. The simple, rhyming text effectively leads readers on a walk in the rain, while the cheerful illustrations reveal special secrets, like a mouse napping in a burrow under a tree. The book evokes a warm, cozy feeling while celebrating cool, stormy days. It’s sure to be a favorite rainy-day book!
Girls on Wheels, by Srividhya Venkat,
Illustrated by Kate Wadsworth
Girls on Wheels is an uplifting picture book that shows girls succeeding in what has been a male-dominated sport, skateboarding. In the story, one girl is afraid to return to skateboarding after healing from a broken arm. The support and encouragement of her friends help her try again, and she finds inner strength when she watches ocean waves echoing skateboarder movements. The text is upbeat and energized, and the illustrations show the girls empowered and strong. This is an excellent story to help young girls understand that when they fall, they can get up and try again–and succeed.
Mara Hears in Style, by Terri Clemmons,
Illustrated by Lucy Rogers
This is a lively, upbeat picture book that normalizes hearing aids for kids (and others). Mara starts back to school with colorful hearing aids sure to stand out—hopefully with style. Other children are curious about the brightly colored things in her ears, and Mara’s comparing hearing aids to glasses helps others accept them with ease. This book shows that kids with hearing challenges can have “superpowers” like reading lips and using sign language. The illustrations include some sign language, which is sure to make kids want to learn this superpower themselves. Highly recommend!
Fireflight: A Wildfire Escape, by Cedar Pruitt, Illustrated by Chiara Fidele
This lyrical story draws readers in and connects them with an owl so desperate to escape a wildfire, it takes refuge in a water-bombing helicopter. Cedar Puritt retells this true story in a poem fashion, with sparse but evocative words that build tension and emotion without overwhelming young readers. The illustrations are nostalgic of an earlier era of picture books, creating a safe feeling even in the midst of a crisis. A must-have for all children who love owls.
Snake’s Big Mistake, by Sarah Kurpiel
Snake makes 2 bad choices when no one is looking, but living with his uncomfortable secret becomes unbearable. A story about friendship and forgiveness, Snake’s Big Mistake will help children understand the squirmy feeling that lying causes and how, when we are wronged, forgiveness can heal us. The story and its colorful, engaging illustrations have just the right mix of humor and angst. I highly recommend it!
Paisley’s Big Birthday, by
This book is ideal for kids ages 3-6 who want to grow up all at once. In it, we see Paisley struggle with the idea that even though she is suddenly old enough for “Big Bunny School,” she isn’t suddenly “bigger,” i.e., more mature, more agile, and more capable. The story will help children understand that growing up happens in increments we don’t always notice.
