Elem. – Spreckle’s Snack Surprise

Salisbury, Sandra. Spreckle’s Snack Surprise. Illustrated by Sandra Salsbury. Peachtree Books, 2023. 978-1-682-63482-0. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades PreK-2.

Spreckle’s lives on a farm with her fluffy mama, brothers, sisters, and a cozy bed which sounds nice, but it isn’t. The snacks are not good; the choices are slugs or corn. One day Spreckle’s decides to go find the perfect snack and she finds it… a popsicle! However, eating the popsicle turns out to be not so easy, so she has to keep trying. Eventually she decides that  she doesn’t need snacks which is awful because snacks are amazing. All Spreckles needs are her brothers, sisters, fluffy mama, and cozy bed, until she sneezes fire onto the corn and turns it into the most perfect snack ever.

THOUGHTS: This is such a sweet picture book! The reader will love looking at the detail found within the simplistic illustrations. Must have for any elementary school library collection.

Picture Book

Elem. – Mine!

Fleming, Candace. Mine! Anne Schwartz Books, 2023. 978-0-593-18166-9. $18.99. 40 p. Grades K-3.

Mouse spies a perfect apple, high up in a tree. She imagines how happy she will be when it falls. Hare comes along next and spies the apple. He imagines how happy he will be when the apple falls. Fox, Deer, and Bear follow, each animal dreaming of enjoying the apple and  proclaiming it  will be “MINE!” When the apple finally does get blown off the tree, all of the animals charge to get it and a melee ensues. The apple rolls away and is found by a shy possum. Possum instantly finds a friend to share the apple with and proclaims “OURS!” This is an adorable storyline with a bouncy rhyming rhythm and repeating refrain. Black line relief prints on stained tissue paper by Caldecott winning Eric Rohmann are absolutely delightful. 

THOUGHTS: A fun read aloud for younger students.

Picture Book

YA – Chloe and the Kaishao Boys

Coyiuto, Mae. Chloe and the Kaishao Boys. Putnam, 2023. 978-0-593-46163-1. 341 p. $18.99. Grades 9-12.

Chloe Liang’s ultimate dream is to study animation. When she gets waitlisted from the California college of her choice, she resigns herself to stay in Manila; study business; eventually, take over Zip and Lock, her father’s lucrative business; and continue enduring her quirky family’s mandatory Sunday brunches. Then as the school year ends, she receives her USC acceptance and her dream is back in gear: go to college abroad where her Filipino-American mother resides. Her extended family, however, has not gotten the message that Chloe is serious about this pursuit. Her father, who constantly congratulates Chloe through hashtags but has difficulty actually talking to her, continues to refer to animation as her “hobby.” Her well-meaning but intrusive Auntie Queenie insists on planning an extravagant debut when Chloe turns eighteen in August. Part of the ceremony (think Quincenera, Filipino style) involves the selection of 18 of Chloe’s closest male friends to surround her. When Chloe comes up with only her uncles, Auntie Queenie takes things into her own hands. She sets up “kaishao,” occasions where Chloe can “meet up” with eligible boys. Though her best friend, Cia, is sympathetic, she volunteers her older brother, Jappy and her own secret boyfriend, Raf. The preparation for the debut takes center stage, with Chloe suffering some guilt for abandoning her single dad. Chloe feels some sparks with some of her kaishao boys and learns to appreciate the traditions as well as the concessions her Chinese-Filipino family. Though this book has the makings of a Netflix movie all over it, debut author Coyiuto presents a nuanced, colorful cast of Chinese-Filipino characters, whose dialogue–interspersed with Hokkien and Tagalog– is witty, snappy, and funny. Includes glossary of Hokkien and Tagalog vocabulary.

THOUGHTS: Truly funny books with an interesting plot don’t come along often. This is one. Coyiuto has a good ear for picking out the humor in a chaotic family situation and makes sure Chloe never takes herself too seriously. The animation theme is thin, but some students may be drawn to Chloe’s passion. Two situations that aren’t addressed in the book: Chloe’s mother emigrated to America as a child and met and married her father when he studied in the U.S., but never adjusted to life in Manila and left her daughter with her father while she returned to America, and Chloe’s perfect cousin Peter who comes to brunch with his perfect girlfriend, Pauline, shares with Chloe that he is gay. These situations highlight some taboos of this Chinese-Filipino family: homosexuality and divorce. Nevertheless, share this book with any student who needs a laugh, but particularly with Asian-Americans. 

Realistic Fiction

MG – Mabuhay!

Sterling, Zachary. Mabuhay! Scholastic, 2023. 978-1-338-73860-5. $12.99. 240 p. Grades 3-7.

Siblings J.J. and Althea have two things in common. They both have trouble fitting in at school, and they both despise working for their parents. Their parents run a Filipino food truck called The Beautiful Pig, and expect their children to help out because “family comes first,” as their mother often reminds them. Spending a lot of time around their parents’ place of work means they hear a lot of Filipino folklore, and these tales all seem to end with an important lesson J.J. and Althea must learn. One day after work, the family arrives home to find Tito Arvin has arrived from the Philippines. His impromptu visit comes with lamentations about life back home and dreams about a monster who is after their family, a dream both J.J. and Althea have on the same night. Suddenly, the witches and monsters from Filipino folklore are more than just fairy tale creatures, and J.J. and Althea work together to save their heritage and their family.

THOUGHTS: Author Zachary Sterling weaves Filipino folklore with humor and adventure to create a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and food. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive. Tagalog words are used throughout and defined at the bottom of the page, and Sterling includes a Filipino recipe for Chicken Adobo in the back of the book. This graphic novel is a must-have and must-read for middle grade students.

Graphic Novel

Elem. – No is All I Know!

Grabenstein, Chris. No is All I Know! Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. Random House, 2023. 978-0-593-30204-0. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades PK-2.

Oh, Oliver McSnow. “NO!” is his favorite word. It’s “NO!,” no matter what. His “NO!” becomes the world’s strongest NO! and takes over his life and that of his family. No baths, no sleep, no puzzles, or pizza, or even ice cream! Only mac n’ cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When cousin Jess, who loves to say “YES!” comes to visit, Oliver is too tired to say “NO!,” and follows Jess and his “YES!” Suddenly, a new world opens up to Oliver as he tries new things and discovers that “YES!” is a lot more fun than “NO!”

THOUGHTS: Leo Espinosa brings the rhythm and meaning of Chris Grabenstein’s text to life in No is All I Know! Oliver is depicted as stubborn and passionate–and his parents shocked and bewildered by his all-encompassing “NO!” While initially I thought that the book would appeal mostly to a Pre-K audience whose parents are desperate for some relief from the “NO” phase, I believe the book will have broad appeal to primary students who are looking for a fun read and a relatable story. Some younger brothers and sisters may even be treated to story time by siblings who find this book on the shelf in the library. Highly recommended for its humor, universal story, and appealing illustrations.

Picture Book 

Elem. – Bears Are Best!

HoLub, Joan. Bears Are Best! Illustrated by Laurie Keller. Crown Books for Young Readers, 2023. 978-0-525-64533-7. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Bears Are Best! is a picture book that follows a brown bear as he tells readers all about himself, as well as how he is the only bear in this book. However, spoiler alert, he is not the only bear in this book. What the reader finds out is that the brown bear is not the only bear in this book and what follows is each species of bear being introduced. There are several funny conversations had between the bears and even a special appearance from another species of animal.

THOUGHTS: This was a super enjoyable and interesting way to learn simple facts about different species of bears. The reader definitely will want to pay attention to the illustrations and the conversations that the bears are having with each other as it really adds to the book.

Picture Book

Elem. – Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great!

Boynton, Sandra. Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! Little, Brown and Company, 2023. 978-0-316-48679-8. Unpaged. $17.99.  Grades K-3.

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! is a motivational book that features a chicken who follows you and screams about how you are doing great at whatever you are trying to do. The book starts with asking if you have ever felt low or down? Maybe what you need is a chicken to wave and cheer. As the book goes on, the chicken cheers for multiple animals until finally they cheer for a sleeping bear which does not go well. The chicken has made a mistake and learns that everyone makes mistakes. A mouse steps in and teaches the reader what the best woohoo is that you can do.

THOUGHTS: This is such a fun book to read aloud and will be a great addition to any elementary collection. This book would also make a great read aloud for any elementary guidance counselor lessons.

Picture Book

YA – The Love Match

Taslim, Priyanka. The Love Match. Simon & Schuster, 2023. 978-1-665-90110-9 388 p. $19.99. Grades 7-12. 

Zahra Khan lives with her Bangladeshi family in Paterson, New Jersey, a family that includes her mother (Amma), a younger brother and sister, grandmother, and innumerable ‘aunties.’ Her father’s death two years ago has left its mark; they grieve him deeply while also feeling the economic toll. Amma has necessarily changed from housewife to self-employed seamstress, but the bills are always due, and Zahra has accepted the reality that college will have to wait. Zahra helps by having a job at tea shop Chai Ho, working with her best friends, twin daughters of the owner. Zahra’s mother has her heart set on ‘a good match’ for Zahra, and soon Zahra is meeting handsome, wealthy Harun Emon. But Zahra’s convinced Harun is a bad match, nothing like Nayim Aktar, Chai Ho’s new guitar-playing, dream-filled orphan dishwasher. Since both Zahra and Harun are uninterested in being matched, they agree to sabotage their parents’ plans by proving their match to be horrible over several required dates. Meanwhile, Zahra can secretly date Nayim. But soon, planning with Harun brings the two closer, and Zahra’s feeling pulled in two directions.

THOUGHTS: Zahra is an independent young woman with a strong commitment to her family; she realizes how vital each of her family–and friends–are to her.  Knowledge of Bangladeshi culture would help readers, but is not necessary to follow the storyline (though a glossary picturing all of the fantastic Bangladeshi dishes would be fabulous). What is Zahra’s best choice in love–and in her future? Does it have to come down to family security vs. her dreams? Will her antics leave her with no choices at all?  This is a humorous romance with strong, realistic characters, heartbreak, and a surprise twist no one sees coming. Zahra’s friends face realistic issues, as well, including college and relationship choices (one female couple is included), and they all find ways to support each other. This rom-com celebrates family, friendship and love, and is suitable for middle and high school collections.

Romance

Romance; Humor; Bangladeshi culture; Asian Americans; Bengali Americans; Muslim practices; Arranged marriages; Friendships; Mother-daughter relationships; Dating; Family.

Elem. – Gustav is Missing! A Tale of Friendship and Bravery

Zuill, Andrea. Gustav is Missing! A Tale of Friendship and Bravery. Random House Studio. 2023. 978-0-593-48747-1. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Little Cap lived with his best friend, Gustav, in a safe, cozy home. Little Cap needs to have a  safe place because the world is full of very scary things. Unfortunately, someone left the gate open and Gustav goes missing! Little Cap must be brave to find his best friend. He may meet dangerous people and places along the way, but Gustav needs to be found. Little Cap sets out to find Gustav, so they can come home and be safe!

THOUGHTS: This adorable mushroom book about bravery, courage, and facing your fears is fantastic. Despite the scariness of Little Cap’s world, being brave can lead to a new adventure and friendships.

Picture Book

Elem. – Butt or Face?

Lavelle, Kari. Butt or Face? Sourcebooks Explore, 2023. 978-1-728-27117-0. 40 p. $14.99. Grades K-5.

Is it a butt or a face (insert uncontrollable giggles)? Through a series of 13 close-up photos, readers are asked to determine if each picture displays a butt or a face. And they will be surprised by some of the answers. In addition to correctly identifying which body part is shown, readers are given each creature’s name and some facts about it. Though the creatures may be unfamiliar (Cuyaba dwarf frog), each likely is related to a more common animal. The end of the book includes an author’s note, about the author, and map with accompanying table describing where each critter rests their butts and what goes in their faces. Useful for a science lesson, an introduction to animal research, or a hilarious read aloud, young learners will have fun guessing butt or face while the reader has a hard time keeping a straight face. Put this one in a featured display, but be prepared to replace it often.

THOUGHTS: If the title doesn’t catch the attention of young readers, the cover is sure to do the trick. Highly recommended for elementary collections.

Picture Book
571.31 Animal Anatomy