Monthly Archives: November 2023

Elem. – Bitsy Bat, School Star

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Windness, Kaz. Bitsy Bat, School Star. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. 978-1-665-90505-3. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Bitsy Bat has big star dreams but is nervous. It’s her first night at a new school, and she’s worried she isn’t ready. After a quick review of raising her wing, painting friends, and sharing snacks Bitsy feels more confident in going to school. As Bitsy flies into Crittercrawl Elementary, readers will see things from Bitsy’s perspective. While the beginning of the story features the bats right side up (close observers will note them hanging not standing), Bitsy’s school looks like a typical elementary classroom with tables and chairs and a variety of students. After her initial confusion over sitting in a chair, Bitsy feels dizzy from being wrong side up. Then she doesn’t paint like her classmates, and her snacks make them squeal. Constantly being told she’s doing things “Wrong, wrong, wrong!” makes Bitsy “Screeeeeeech!” with awful feelings of never, ever fitting in. After being comforted by Mama and Papa, Bitsy flies home and  dreams she was “a very small star.” Refusing not to attend school, Bitsy’s Mama and Papa have some good advice for her, explaining how “Everyone shines a little differently.” With a few tools to help her feel safe, Bitsy is ready to share her big star idea. Will her classmates and teacher like Bitsy’s idea, or will it be another way for her to feel like she’s doing everything wrong?

THOUGHTS: The book ends happily then shares more about autism and an author’s note in which Windness compares herself with Bitsy (no, she doesn’t fly or hang from her toes). Highly recommended for elementary collections, this title will help teachers promote an inclusive environment which celebrates the many different ways we each are special stars.

Picture Book

Elem./MG – Party Time!

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Neuenfeldt, Elizabeth. Party Time! Bellwether Media, 2023. $19.95 ea. $119.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades 3-7. 

Throw a Halloween Party. 979-8-88687-182-1.
Throw a Lunar New Year Party. 979-8-88687-183-8.
Throw a St. Patrick’s Day Party. 979-8-88687-184-5.
Throw a Valentine’s Day Party. 979-8-88687-185-2.
Throw an Earth Day Party. 979-8-88687-186-9.
Throw an Independence Day Party. 979-8-88687-187-6.

The Party Time! series offers readers tips and suggestions for celebrating six holidays. Each volume offers instructions on creating crafts, games, decorations, snacks, and drinks to celebrate a holiday. This reviewer had the opportunity to read Throw a Halloween Party. Some of the items readers learned to create included spooky bat bunting, eyeball cake pops, a ghouslish party punch, and a witch hat ring toss. Each craft included a paragraph that offered readers insight into the history and symbols of the holiday. A materials list (or ingredients list for recipes) and step by step visual instructions were provided with all projects. Basic art supplies (paper, glue, scissors, etc) were all that was needed to create the craft projects. Adult assistance would be needed for the cooking-related projects. For those looking to go the “extra mile” when throwing their party, tips accompanied all projects that offered ways to vary or enhance the craft.

THOUGHTS: A great choice for party planners, this series could also be used by educators looking for seasonal projects/activities for their classrooms. Several volumes of the series focus on holidays that do not often receive coverage in party-planning related books available to students. Librarians looking to re-fresh or add to their party/event planning collections should consider this series.

745.594 Crafts and Activities

Elem. – Baby Animals in the Wild (Series NF)

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Baby Animals in the Wild. Bullfrog Books, 2023. $18.95 ea. $265.30 set of 14. 24 p. Grades K-2. 

Chanez, Katie. Beaver Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24403-9.
Brandle, Marie. Elephants in the Wild. 979-8-885-24062-8.
Chanez, Katie. Fox Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24406-0.
Brandle, Marie. Giraffe Calves in the Wild. 979-8-885-24065-9.
Brandle, Marie. Gorilla Infants in the Wild. 979-8-885-24068-0.
Brandle, Marie. Hippopotamus Calves in the Wild. 979-8-885-24071-0.
Brandle, Marie. Lion Cubs in the Wild. 979-8-885-24074-1.
Brandle, Marie. Monkey Infants in the Wild. 979-8-885-24077-2.
Chanez, Katie. Rabbit Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24409-1.
Chanez, Katie. Racoon Cubs in the Wild. 979-8-885-24412-1.
Chanez, Katie. Skunk Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24415-2.
Chanez, Katie. Squirrel Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24418-3.
Brandle, Marie. Tiger Cubs in the Wild. 979-8-885-24080-2.
Brandle, Marie. Zebra Foals in the Wild. 979-8-885-24083-3.

The only thing cuter than a fully grown animal is a baby animal, of course! In the new series Baby Animals in the Wild, young readers will have the opportunity to learn more about some common baby animals. Each volume follows a species of baby animal from its earliest hours, through formative experiences like bonding with family, playing, learning to hunt and fend for themselves, and more. The volume ends with the baby animal now fully grown and with a family of its own. This reviewer had the opportunity to read Fox Kits in the Wild. Simple text introduced early readers to fox kits only a few hours old. Readers learned how fox fur changes color as it grows, that foxes have bushy tails, and that their mother teaches them to hunt, among other facts. Numerous photographs are included throughout each volume and photo labels identify key words mentioned within the text. Each volume contains a picture glossary; a labeled photo identifying parts of the animal; an index; and tips for parents and educators how how they can support young readers before, during, and after reading the book.

THOUGHTS: This series does an excellent job of introducing young readers to the amazing world of baby animals. Familiar words, repetition, and photo labels will assist emerging readers as they read. A worthwhile addition for elementary libraries looking to expand their animal collections for young readers.

590s Animals

Elem. – Dino Discovery (Series NF)

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Anderson, Josh. Dino Discovery. The Child’s World, 2023. $22.95 ea. $275.40 set of 12. 24 p. Grades 2-5. 

Armored Dinos. 978-1-503-86521-1.
Dino Relatives. 978-1-503-86523-5.
Duck-Billed Dinos. 978-1-503-86522-8.
Fierce Dinos. 978-1-503-86524-2.
Horned Dinos. 978-1-503-86525-9.
Huge Dinos. 978-1-503-86526-6.
Little Dinos. 978-1-503-86527-3.
Long-Necked Dinos. 978-1-503-86528-0.
Long-Tailed Dinos. 978-1-503-86529-7.
Plated Dinos. 978-1-503-86530-3.
Speedy Dinos. 978-1-503-86531-0.
Toothy Dinos. 978-1-503-86532-7.

The Dino Discovery series features twelve volumes exploring various types of dinosaurs. This reviewer had the opportunity to peruse the volumes on Little Dinos and Long-Tailed Dinos. Each volume primarily focuses on one dinosaur. For example Little Dinos features the dinosaur Compsognathus. The opening chapter of the volume discusses the work of paleontologists and how their examination of fossils has revealed what we know about dinosaurs. The middle chapter of the volume discusses what facts are known about the dinosaur, while the concluding chapter discusses the ongoing search for new information related to dinosaurs. Included within each volume are infographics, photos and illustrations (mostly digital renderings of dinosaurs), a historical timeline, and fun facts. A glossary, sources for additional research (both in print and online), and critical thinking style questions are also included. 

THOUGHTS: Dinosaur non-fiction is perennially popular in many school libraries. Elementary libraries looking to expand their dinosaur shelf may wish to consider this series for purchase. 

567 Dinosaurs

Elem. – Squash, the Cat

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Mayer, Sasha. Squash, the Cat. Random House Studio, 2023. 978-0-593-56653-4. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Squash is orange and round, and when he sits up, he kind of looks like a squash (the food); that might be how he got his name. While Squash is a fan of naps, his best (human) friend Maggie is a “wild-playdate kind of girl.” Together they team up to begin each day perfectly, and they are the best duo for many situations (curbing conflict, winning more playtime, finishing dinner, and walking the dog). When Squash tries to rescue Maggie from “being devoured by a GIANT SNAKE!” things fall apart (literally). Squash and Maggie have lost their dynamic duo connection, and now Squash can’t eat, can’t sleep, and even can’t face Maggie. Will Squash and Maggie find their way back to being “perfect-for-each-other best friends,” or are they destined to live the rest of their lives separately?

THOUGHTS: Readers will adore this cat and human friendship and will laugh at the ridiculous things they do together then root for Squash and Maggie to make up after a mistake. Highly recommended for elementary collections.

Picture Book

Elem. – There’s Always Room for One More

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McGrath, Robyn. There’s Always Room for One More. Illustrated by Ishaa Lobo. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. 978-4-665-92537-2. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Claire’s family is getting ready to have a new addition, but in order to have enough room at the table for Grandpa they need to get a new one. Claire is excited to have Grandpa come live with them, but her old table has so many wonderful memories of “playing cards, homework help, and Saturday morning pancakes!” While Claire’s family shops and dreams of the opportunity a bigger table will bring (“more room for baking…space for all my crafts…and perfect for Grandpa’s thousand-piece puzzles”), Claire remembers “Chocolate birthday cakes, Pa’s bad jokes, and the feel of Penny’s soft fur against her feet.” Despite her wishing, the old table does not come home. As neighbors and friends stop by with things to prepare for Grandpa’s arrival, Mama and Pa invite them each for Grandpa’s surprise, and they respond with “There’s always room for one more.” After Claire’s emotions become too much for her, Claire’s mother comforts her by getting her to see that Grandpa is going to miss his things too, but “now we get to make room for new memories.” Will Claire learn to accept this life change, and how will Grandpa make out with his?

THOUGHTS: Hand this book to a child who is struggling with a life change. The bigger change (a grandparent moving in) is downplayed by the physical change the house takes (we need a bigger table). This title may help a reader who is experiencing a change (like getting a new sibling) look at the situation with optimism instead of focusing on what they’re losing.

Picture Book

Elem. – Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started Tate’s Bake Shop

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King, Kathleen, and Lowey Bundy Sichol. Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started Tate’s Bake Shop. Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. Random House, 2023. 978-0-593-48566-1. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Who doesn’t love to eat a good treat, especially a freshly baked cookie? Young readers will learn a lot about persistence from eleven year old Kathleen Tate’s (founder of Tate’s Bake Shop) determination to bake the perfect cookie. Kathleen’s father makes her a deal where she can keep the money she earns. All she has to do is bake and sell cookies at their farm stand every day that summer. With a desire to create the perfect thin and crispy cookie and motivation to use her earnings to get new clothes for school, Kathleen tweaks the recipe each day with “A little more flour. A lot more salt. A little less sugar.” When the recipe was “Still not right….she tried again.” All along the way Kathleen’s dad Tate supports and encourages her quest for the right recipe. Tasting cookies from every farm stand gives Kathleen the perfect idea, but how will she execute her plan, and will customers like them?

THOUGHTS: Young readers will be hungry for a warm chocolate chip cookie after reading this book. This picture book biography is a great addition for elementary collections, especially those looking for unique biography subjects not commonly featured. Readers will be inspired by Kathleen’s entrepreneurship, which begins at a young age and eventually leads to her successful business.

Picture Book

Elem. – Interesting Animals (Series NF)

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Murray, Julie. Interesting Animals. Abdo, 2023. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2. 

African Painted Dogs. 978-1-098-26412-3.
Caracals. 978-1-098-26413-0.
Flamingos. 978-1-098-26414-7.
Honey Badgers. 978-1-098-26415-4.
Red Pandas. 978-1-098-26416-1.
Tree Kangaroos. 978-1-098-26417-8.

Early readers will have the opportunity to learn about some of nature’s unique creatures in the Interesting Animal series. Each volume incorporates high-quality photographs and simple text to share basic information (range, habitat, size, physical characteristics, diet and more) about the animal. In Caracals, readers will learn all about the wild African cat known for its tufted ears, strength, and speed. Backmatter includes an Animals Features page with close up views of some of the key physical features of the animal as well as a visual/text glossary. A QR code leads readers (or educators) to additional resources online, including a craft, word search, coloring page, and more. 

THOUGHTS: This visually appealing series is sure to fly off library shelves and is an excellent non-fiction choice for younger readers. The series would also be a great option for teachers looking for resources for a unit on animals. The online resources could be used within the classroom setting as extension activities or projects. 

599 Animals

Elem. – Amazing Animal Self-Defense (Series NF)

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Ruby, Rex. Amazing Animal Self-Defense. Bearport, 2023. $19.95 ea. $119.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades 1-4. 

Bloody Eyes. 979-8-885-09385-9.
Bubbling Drool. 979-8-885-09386-6.
Deadly Quills. 979-8-885-09387-3.
Eye-Watering Stink. 979-8-885-09388-0.
Gooey Slime. 979-8-885-09390-3.
Oozing Toxins. 979-8-885-09389-7.

The many unique defenses deployed by animals against predators are the subject of the new series Amazing Animals Self-Defense. This reviewer had the opportunity to examine the volume Gooey Slime: Gross Hagfish. Hagfish (also known as slime eels) are sea creatures that live mostly on the bottom of the ocean. Their predators include much larger animals such as sharks and seals. When one of these predators attempts to attack the hagfish, the hagfish shoots a gooey slime at the predator! The slime can clog gills, so many potential predators steer clear of the hagfish. Readers also will learn key information about the animal featured in each volume including habitat, diet, life cycle, and more. Numerous photos, including close up views of the self defense mechanism of the animal, are featured throughout the text. Each volume includes a glossary and a link to find additional resources online.

THOUGHTS: An animal that shoots slime at its predators?!? Say no more – this is certainly a topic that is sure to grab the attention of readers (As will the other self-defense mechanisms featured within the series)! A great choice for research or recreational reading, this series merits consideration for elementary libraries looking to expand their animal offerings. 

590s Animals

Elem. – Toy Mania! (Series NF)

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Hansen, Grace. Toy Mania! Abdo, 2023. $22.95 ea. $137.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2. 

Barbie. 978-1-098-26426-0.
Hot Wheels. 978-1-098-26427-7.
Lego. 978-1-098-26428-4.
Play-Doh. 978-1-098-26429-1.
Pokemon. 978-1-098-26430-7.
Potato Head. 978-1-098-26431-4.

It’s likely that many readers have never heard of Barbara Millicent Roberts of Willows, Wisconsin. However, their eyes will light up in recognition once they find out that she is better known by her nickname–Barbie. The history of Barbie is explored in one volume of the Toy Mania! series. This series for younger readers explores the history of some of today’s most popular toys. Readers will learn a brief history of the toy, how it has evolved and changed over the years, and the role of the toy today. Barbie, for example, was developed by a parent who co-owned a toy company and realized there was a market for older looking dolls. Thus Barbie was born in 1959. As the years have passed, Barbie has changed, too. Her fashions have kept up with the times and she’s taken on many careers and hobbies. Each oversized volume features numerous photos showing the evolution of the toy over the decades, and contains a glossary, index, and link to Abdo’s extension activities and resources online.

THOUGHTS: This series would be ideal for young researchers and/or those with an interest in toys. The set spotlights some of the most popular toys of the last 50+ years, thus increasing the likelihood the titles will circulate. Libraries serving younger readers seeking resources on toys and/or popular culture topics should give this series consideration.

688 Toys