Elem. – Give

Arena, Jen. Give. Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. 978-1-524-71499-4 . Unpaged. $18.99. Grades Pre K-2.

In a colorful neighborhood setting, a young boy receives a gift tied with a ribbon from his mother. A young girl loses her hair tie in a blast of blustery wind, and the boy takes the ribbon from his gift and offers it to the girl. The two travel to school and throughout the school day, the diverse classmates practice the concept of paying it forward. Their actions of being there for those in need are described with terse phrases. In full-spread pages splashed with bright colors, the reader enters the classroom and meets the teacher and students as they share, help, and make friends. The simple text will appeal to very young children with its circular story and repetitive words that reinforce the concept of giving–even the illustrations repeat the kindness theme with their heart-shaped leaves.

THOUGHTS: Hopefully, this relatable book featuring school children will impress readers with the fragile concept of being generous, a value so appreciated but often not addressed in our contemporary society. This book takes a light touch and is not preachy.

Picture Book

Elem. – The Light She Feels Inside

Wallace, Gwendolyn. The Light She Feels Inside. Illustrated by Olivia Duchess. Source Books, 2023. 978-1-728-23979-8. 32 p. $18.99. Grades PreK-2. 

Maya goes through her day and talks about her glow that she feels inside especially when positive things are happening to her and around her. She also talks about the glow she feels when something bad happens to her, or when she hears her parents worrying. Maya begins to feel like that glow she has is heavy, and she isn’t sure what to do with it. When Maya goes to her public library, she ends up talking with her librarian who recommends several biographies to help Maya understand what she’s feeling and how other women in history have dealt with that. Maya ends up learning about several famous women in history and she decides to do something about her world and use her glow to help others. 

THOUGHTS: This was a wonderful picture book that has some great biographical information about famous women in the back matter of the book. Highly recommended for an elementary school library.

Picture Book

Elem. – Spanish is the Language of My Family

Genhart, Michael. Spanish is the Language of My Family. Illustrated by John Parra. Neal Porter Books. 978-0-823-45004-6. 36 p. $18.99. Grades K-3. 

When Manolo’s school holds a Spanish-language spelling bee, he is the first in his class to sign up because Spanish is the language of his family. He already knows how to spell some Spanish words, but he turns to his Abuela for help preparing. They review the list of words together, and as she quizzes him, Abuela also shares stories about how school was a very different place when she attended as a little girl. She describes how students were not allowed to speak Spanish and how they were sent home, spanked, or had their mouths washed out with soap if teachers heard them speaking the language. Her stories inspire Manolo to study even harder, and on the day of the contest, his whole family is in the audience to cheer him on. He takes a deep breath and spells his first word correctly. More and more correct spellings follow, until only he and one classmate remain on the stage. His final word, “respeto” reminds him of the respect he has for his family’s language, and he spells the word correctly. Backmatter includes the letters and sounds of the Spanish alphabet. Also included is a note from the author that describes the inspiration for this story; information about the National Spanish Spelling Bee; a history of the prohibition of Spanish in schools during long periods of American history; and background information about El Dia de Los Ninos, or Children’s Day. This title was simultaneously published in Spanish as El espanol es la lengua de mi familia. 

THOUGHTS: This intergenerational story celebrates being bilingual as a strength and a source of family pride. Short sentences and vibrant acrylic illustrations will hold students’ attention, making this title a good choice for a read-aloud, particularly at the end of April when Children’s Day is celebrated. 

Picture Book

Elem. – The Wishing Machine

Hillman, Jonathan. The Wishing Machine. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. 978-1-665-92230-2. 36 p. $18.99. Grades K-3. 

After breakfast every Sunday, Sam and his Mom walk to the laundromat. Here, they not only clean and dry their clothes, but they also visit with friends and spend time together – just the two of them. But, this Sunday is different because tomorrow, they’re moving out of the city and into Grandpa’s far away trailer. Sam is sad to say goodbye, but Mom tries to cheer him up with the promise that he can buy a bag of cookies if they have any leftover change. Sam listens to Mom dropping coins into the washing machine slot, and the noise reminds him of coins falling into a wishing well. Sam makes a wish: to be able to stay in their apartment. He then surveys everyone in the laundromat, asking their wishes. Answers range from a new scooter to a green card to a fat, fluffy cat. When Sam drops the leftover coins into the vending machine, he’s surprised when more than a bag of cookies tumbles out. A cascade of coins spills from the machine, making him think the machine heard his earlier wish! Sam and Mom return the coins to the laundromat owner but share the cookies with their friends. As they leave the laundromat for the final time, Sam realizes he and his Mom will be happy wherever they are because they’ll be together. The colored pencil and digital illustrations, with hand-lettered text, feature a soft pastel palette that reflects the snowy weather outside the laundromat. Cozy jackets, hats, and scarves are a nod to the warmth depicted between mother and son. 

THOUGHTS: Although this title depicts the big emotions that come with a life-changing event such as moving away from a familiar community, it does so with sensitivity, and the overall tone remains optimistic. It will serve as a good conversation starter for students who may be struggling with big life changes too, and the message about being together and happy wherever you are will resonate widely. 

Picture Book

Elem. – In the Night Garden

Berger, Carin. In the Night Garden. Neal Porter Books, 2023.  978-0-8234-4986-6. Unpaged. Grades K-1. $18.99.

This picture book is a wonderful addition to the genre of bedtime stories. Using simple text, the author describes the wonders that can be found outdoors after nightfall, as observed by a young girl’s black cat. In the darkness, some creatures are winding down their day, but Mother Nature is still busy as fireflies illuminate, stars twinkle in the sky, and bats flap their wings. Even though the evening is quiet and shadowy, a survey of the garden is a treat for the senses, where one can see a brilliant harvest moon, feel the wind blowing snow, smell the moonflowers, and hear crickets chirping, even as Mother Fox hurries her cubs home to bed. As the story comes to a close, the cat and the girl are fast asleep in bed, likely to be joined by readers lulled to sleep by the author’s soothing prose. The superb illustrations were created using the technique of collage. Cut paper was “…made from hand, using found ephemera and scraps of paper…”.  Even though the background color of each page is black, the colors of the flora and fauna are vibrant, which creates a reassuring and calming tone. 

THOUGHTS: Readers and listeners will want to experience this charming picture book again and again either as a bedtime story or in a story circle.  They especially will be interested in finding the black cat pictured on every two page spread. This book is highly recommended for elementary collections and could be a Caldecott contender.

Picture Book

Elem. – How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?

Barnett, Mac. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? Illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, 2023. 978-1-536-22376-7. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades PreK-1. 

Mac Barnett ponders the age-old question found in the title of this engaging picture book. The author begins by brainstorming ideas. Some suggestions are that he shrinks, tightens his belt, stretches out like taffy or gets help from a reindeer. For houses without chimneys, there is a different set of hypotheses. Perhaps Santa uses the key under the flowerpot or acts like a contortionist to go under the door or even through a faucet. Other questions raised are about Mr. Claus’s night vision, pets in the home and food preferences. In the end, there is no definitive answer to this holiday conundrum. Jon Klassen’s signature illustrations are done using graphite and ink and refined digitally. The reindeer, pictured standing on their two back legs, and Santa all sport serious faces as they deal with these  challenges. Some details will be sure to get a laugh, like the reindeer drinking a mug of cocoa or the cat’s wide-eyed expression on seeing the jolly old elf doing laundry.

THOUGHTS: A perfect read aloud, this picture book is sure to be a holiday classic. Children will want to listen to this one again and again. Highly recommended for all elementary collections. 

Picture Book

Elem. – The Sharing Book

White, Diane. The Sharing Book. Margaret Ferguson Books, 2023. 978-0-823-44347-5. 32 p. $18.99. Grades K-3. 

Two friends spend the day making memories on a fun-filled camping trip. The day begins with a beautiful sunrise followed by a pancake breakfast. The fun continues with games of hide-and-seek, tire swinging, hiking, fishing, canoeing, napping in a hammock, storytelling, and music around a campfire. These simple experiences become special because they are shared with friends. The lyrical text celebrates life’s simple moments, and the repeated refrain reminds readers that things like meals, laughter, adventures, stories, and music are made even more memorable by enjoying them with those we care about. Hand-painted and digital illustrations feature three families enjoying the outdoors together, and their smiles, laughter, and comradery match the text’s inclusive feel. 

THOUGHTS: This title underscores the idea that love, friendship, and kindness are always worth sharing. After reading, encourage students to share their own camping experiences or other ways they’ve enjoyed the outdoors with those they care about.

Picture Book

Elem. – I’m From

Gray, Jr, Gary R. I’m From. Illustrated by Oge Mora. Balzer + Bray, 2023. 978-0-063-08996-9. 32 p. $19.99. Grades K-3.

A boy starts his day as many kids across America do, with breakfast and getting ready for school. A ride on the bus and a, “you better hurry up” from his dad. I’m from doesn’t mean a location, but more of an answer to who am I? What makes me, me? The boy encounters racial comments at school that make him visibly uncomfortable, but he moves on with his day as any child would. All of the small moments of his day are depicted with Mora’s illustrations in her characteristic collage layered with various paint mediums.  

THOUGHTS: A must purchase, as much for the story as for the illustrations. Would be a perfect title to include in an illustrator study of Oge Mora.  Could also be used to introduce a unit on memoirs or personal narratives.

Picture Book 

Elem. – Bravo, Little Bird!

Silvestro, Annie. Bravo, Little Bird! Simon & Schuster, 2023. 978-1-665-90692-0. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades PK-3.

Attracted by the sound of a piano, Little Bird flies from her valley, up a hill, and to a house where an old man plays his piano while his wife paints. Enchanted by the music, Little Bird joins in, singing to the music. When his grandson visits, the old man teaches him all he knows about music, and as Little Bird’s babies grow, she teaches them all she knows about music. Together, they all make music that floats down into the valley. In time, the grandfather becomes more and more tired, and the grandson and Little Bird keep the music alive. When the grandfather passes, the music stops… until one day Cardinal helps Little Bird discover the old man’s music living on in the valley below. Together, Cardinal, Little Bird and the residents of the valley bring the music back up the hill to the boy and his grandmother.

THOUGHTS: Music comes full circle in this book, both bringing a family together and showing the family that their loved one lives on in others. This gentle message of the gifts we give others in our lives offers a strong addition to library and guidance collections focused on supporting patrons and families experiencing loss. The story also provides opportunities for healing discussions with families. Recommended for libraries and guidance collections looking to add this message to their offerings. Consider as an option for students older than the listed age range as well.

Picture Book 

Elem. – Just One Flake

Jonker, Travis. Just One Flake. Abrams Books for Young Readers. 2023. 978-1-419-76011-2. 32 p. $18.99. Grades K-2.

Liam is determined to catch one snowflake…on his tongue! He bundles up and heads outside. Can he do it? Can he catch just one flake on his tongue before it’s time to go inside?

THOUGHTS: I love this book. It is a perfect way to introduce a lesson on snowflakes, and it’s so adorable. The simple illustrations perfectly capture the feeling of this story. 

Picture Book