Little Worlds
Collet, Geraldine
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Step into the Little Worlds of many different kinds of children with
unusual ways to look at the world. Author Geraldine Collet and illustrator
Sebastien Chebret have created a colorful picture book for children ages 3-7.
This picture book is sure to inspire some wonderful conversations about how
exciting it is to be an individual who looks at the world in a fresh, new
way.

Reviewer's Name: Anonymous
Bob, Not Bob!
Scanlon, Liz Garton
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

For the parent, teacher or librarian who loves a good read aloud that can only be done with "the voices" - this is your book. A boy with a cold in his head calls for his mom, but it sounds like "Bob," and of course his dog, Bob, comes running instead. Hilarious situations will tickle reader and listener alike in Bob, Not Bob! by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick with pictures by Matthew Cordell. For ages 3 - 7.

Reviewer's Name: Barb
Big Bear Little Chair
Boyd, Lizi
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Big Bear Little Chair by Lizi Boyd is reminiscent of the block cut, three color art children's books of the 40's and 50's. Very simple text accompanies the beautiful illustrations depicting size comparison. Each page is a story unto itself, and children will love filling in the details of why the big zebra has such a little broom or why the big bird is carrying a little red umbrella. Perfect for ages 2 - 5.

Reviewer's Name: Barb
The Beach at Night
Ferrante, Elena
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

“The Beach at Night” is an amazing read. The dolls tale is dark and scary but rich with life. Through words, the doll recognizes her existence, identity and family. When the thief tries to take those words from her, to sale on the doll market, she faces the potential loss of the things she values most. However, I think this story is much more than a dolls scary adventure, it is a reflection of who we are based on the words that have been given to us. In addition, to have those words taken is to be essentially silenced an existential fear for many in our world.

Reviewer's Name: Monique
Tyrannosaurus Rex Vs. Edna, The Very First Chicken
Rees, Douglas
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

Tyrannosaurus Rex Vs Edna The Very First Chicken is a thoroughly enjoyable read. What caught my eye first is the adorable chicken on the cover with the very big eyes, eyes that remind me of a young child exploring their world for the first time. Inside I found Edna, who is a small thing not to be underestimated and Rex, who is a big thing intent on taking what he wants. The story demonstrates that size does not matter when you believe in yourself and stand for what is important for yourself and your community, in this case, survival. The illustrations are wonderful adding character to Rex and Edna and coloring a world long gone, a great read for children. However, the end of the story left me thinking about the impact our actions ultimately have on others, in this case Rex. He only wanted breakfast and was denied the opportunity to eat, leading to an end of the Rex.

Reviewer's Name: Monique
Have You Seen Elephant?
Barrow, David
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

An adorable tale about a small boy and a very large elephant combined with an exciting game of hide and seek. This elephant is very good at hiding as you will see in the subtle but wonderful illustrations. This story ends with a new friend and new game, and will have your kiddo delighted with giggles. This is a very worthwhile, silly, and fun story. (JEasy...Grades PreK-2)

Reviewer's Name: Alicia
Claude in the City
Smith, Alex T.
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Claude is an adorable dog that wears a beret, a red sweater, and loves adventure. When his owners go to work the fun begins. Claude and Sir Bobblysock, his best friend, visit the city for the very first time. They have an exciting time going shopping for more berets, and having tea, but the most fun happens when they visit a museum. This charming adventure continues and more antics ensue. Claude in the City is a joy to read and sure to entertain. (Grades 3-5)

Reviewer's Name: Alicia
'Twas Nochebuena
Thong, Roseanne
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This is a really well-done version of Clement Clarke Moore’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” that incorporates the traditions of Guatamala and Mexico by using key words in Spanish. Even this non-speaker can easily interpret the Spanish, as it is woven so seamlessly into the text. The bright illustrations add to the overall enjoyment of this multi-cultural portrayal of Christmas celebrations. A nice addition to all your Christmas favorites! Best for 5+.

Reviewer's Name: Kristin
You're All My Favorites
McBratney, Sam
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

What a fabulous way to assure your little ones that they are all your favorite! Three bears wonder if their mom or dad likes one of them better than the others. But the parents give really good answers to their questions. A perfect book to snuggle up with and comfort all your little bears.

Reviewer's Name: Kristin
Stick and Stone
Ferry, Beth
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

COMPLETELY ADORABLE! Stick and Stone is so simple and accessible for shy, retiring children. Stick and Stone start out alone. But when Pinecone comes and Stick defends Stone, a friendship blossoms. With lovely illustrations and clever text, Stick and Stone will worm their way into your heart – and you will become friends with them, too.

Reviewer's Name: Kristin
The Lump of Coal
Snicket, Lemony
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

With the snarkiness that we’ve come to expect, this is a story of miracles – sort of. It’s a story of a lump of coal that can think, walk, and talk – which is a miracle – sort of. We read this out loud and couldn’t stop laughing; which is a certain kind of miracle. Pick up The Lump of Coal to laugh while you discover miracles – despite the omnipresent snark of Lemony Snicket.

Reviewer's Name: Kristin B.
Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine
Whelan, Gloria
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

A great, rolling doggerel accompanies this story about finding a way to allow the queen to enter the sea without any part of her being “seen!” Funny and factual, this will be a fun read for you and yours.

Reviewer's Name: Kristin Brown
Spot, the Cat
Cole, Henry
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Spot, the Cat by Henry Cole, is a beautiful wordless pen and ink book. An open window allows Spot to escape out into the city and a wonderful adventure ensues. Wordless books are a lovely opportunity to have a conversation about what is on the page. You may be surprised by what your little one notices that escaped your attention – just like Spot escaped!

Reviewer's Name: Kristin B.
Rivers of Sunlight: How The Sun Moves Water Around the Earth
Bang, Molly
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

"I am your sun. My energy warms your days. I light up your world." So begins a lovely book about how the entire Earth's water system works. The illustrations are the sort you can sink into and perseverate over. This book is so beautiful, in fact, that you will absorb the complexity of our Earth's hydrology without even realizing it. Check out Rivers of Sunlight and pour yourself into knowledge and beauty.

Reviewer's Name: Kristin
Pi-Shu, the Little Panda
Butler, John
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

There is no better way to describe Pi-shu than to say, "It's Pukin' cute!!" Follow a new panda through his day by poring over John Butler's luxurious illustrations. Heartwarming and very dear, you will enjoy reading this one over and over!

Reviewer's Name: Kristin
Wolves
Gravett, Emily
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

What a fun book! Rabbit checks a book out of the library that's all about wolves. As he becomes lost in the text, he doesn't realize that real wolves are lurking about him. The book ends with a mystery: did Rabbit get eaten? Or is the alternative ending the truth?

Reviewer's Name: Kristin
Luna's Red Hat: An Illustrated Storybook to Help Children Cope With Loss and Suicide
Smid, Emmi
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Luna’s Red Hat is a children’s book to help with loss and suicide. Though these are topics from which we wish we could always shield children, the reality is that there are times that you might need such a book.

This one is written with knowledge, compassion, and a deep understanding of children. I highly recommend Luna’s Red Hat if you find yourself facing such a difficult time as having to explain to a child the realities of death and suicide.

Reviewer's Name: Kristin
Book Review: Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Steptoe, Javaka
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This is a beautiful book. It won the Caldecott Medal, so that's saying something. The artwork is fantastic. The book tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat's life in a free form jazz-inspired style. I'm not familiar with Jean-Michel Basquiat's work and now I want to see it for myself. There's a biography in the back. I only read this book once to my daughter. If I had read it more than once, I'd probably give it 5 stars.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Dragons Love Tacos
Rubin, Adam
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This story has it all, from tacos, to laugh out loud humor, to dragons, to colorful illustrations, and most importantly you also learn about why NEVER to give dragons totally mild salsa with jalapenos. The results are action packed, disastrous, and hilarious. Luckily, the dragons make everything right in the end.

This book is just plain old fashioned silly, and even a bit absurd, fun! The pictures in this book really capture the tone and elevate and enhance the story rather than get in the way. I'd even argue that they might be the main draw of this already entertaining book. The illustrator, Daniel Salmieri, didn't take the illustrations too seriously and you can tell they had as much fun making the book as you will reading it. Enjoy this lighthearted, humorous romp and feel free to enjoy a few tacos along the way when reading!

Reviewer's Name: Will
Book Review: The Sock Thief
Crespo, Ana
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

My daughter and I really enjoyed this book, which was written by a local author. We learned about Brazilian culture and the role football (soccer) plays in various world cultures. Well written and illustrated, we definitely recommend this book!

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn