My Presentation Today is About the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by AnneMarie Van Haeringen, - ADVISABLE

My Presentation Today is About the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by AnneMarie Van Haeringen, 224 pages. Levine Querido, 2025. (originally published in the Netherlands in 2022). $20. 

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (some talk of animal reproduction, not awkward or cringy) Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

A group of animals have prepared presentations about, well, animals. Sometimes they have a real connection - did you know there are only 7 animals that are truly black and white and they don't interact with each other geographically? The Zebra did! The fox gives their presentation on stalking, catching, killing and eating geese - despite the goose's objections. Other animals include the snow leopard, sea anemone, hummingbirds and even a unicorn. 

Most of the animals are relatively obscure, and the information is accurate and interesting. The reader learns about both the animal presenting as well as their presented animal. What a great lesson on perspective, voice and tone. The presentations can be read out of order. Some of the animals in the classroom interrupt and add their own information, just like in real life. Bibi Dumon Tuk has won the Batchelder award twice and I adore her stories - Mikis and the Donkey and Soldier Bear. I really think kids would love this hybrid non fiction. Includes an index. 

Lisa Librarian 

Outfoxed by Elise McMullen-Ciotti - ADVISABLE

Outfoxed by Elise McMullen-Ciotti, 256 pages. Scholastic, 2025. $8 (pb)

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Cherokee Skye is spending the summer with her aunt and uncle. Her older cousin Braeden has just landed her dream job as a Park Ranger.  When Skye finds an injured baby fox, she meets Ivy at the local vet’s office.. Together the two girls are determined to find the poacher, even if it hurts people close to her.

The Wish books are all so good - a variety of stories and characters, well-written, and fun. While the page count seems long, it didn’t read long - the story flowed quickly, with nice moments of tension and mystery.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Creaky Acres by Calista Brill & Nilah Magruder - ADVISABLE

Creaky Acres by Calista Brill & Nilah Magruder, 268 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Kokila (Penguin), 2025. $15 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

10yo Nora has to move and leave her best friends and her horseback riding team behind. She is their star rider, so the first thing she does when she gets to her new town is to find a barn for her horse, Hay Fever. Nora hates the new barn, called Creaky Acres, because it's so run down and she doesn't like being the only black kid in her school. Nora has to adjust on a lot of levels and find out how to make her new life work. 

The artwork is great and there is interesting information about how to care for a horse. I like Nora's character, because even though she is flawed, she rises to the occasion and helps her new barn friends rise to theirs. Nice messages about friendship and watching out for each other. Even though it's about horse riding, anyone who has had to move can identify with Nora. I had a hard time with Nora being the team coach at age 10, and one of her riders being in a competition at age 8 without a parent there to watch. The ages seem a little young for what they do. Young readers probably won't notice though. Nora is black.

Michelle in the Middle 

They Saved the Stallions by Deborah Hopkinson - ADVISABLE

They Saved the Stallions by Deborah Hopkinson, 163 pages. Scholastic, 2024.  $10 (paperback)

Language: G (0  swears, 0  “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL; MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

During World War II, the Lipizzaner horses of Austria were in constant danger - first from bombing, then from being conscripted into the war once Hilter seized Austria, and then the stallions were in a different country from the mares and foals. It took the school’s dedicated director and a daring group of American soldiers to keep all of the Lipizzaners safe, preserving 400 years of tradition.

Hopkinson always does meticulous research when she presents a book. The size of this one (under 200 pages) means that it may find a wider audience than some of her larger works. As an adult, I loved learning about this aspect of WWII - and students who love horses will too. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Underdogs of Upson Downs by Craig Silvey - ESSENTIAL

The Underdogs of Upson Downs by Craig Silvey, 307 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random), 2024. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

11yo Annie Shearer likes to fix things, but she can't figure out how to help her parents save their sheep farm. There is a drought in Upson Downs, Australia and to make matters worse, Earl Robert-Barren is keeping all of the water to himself. But when she and her dog Runt enter a canine agility contest, Annie thinks she can save the farm with the prize money. There is only one problem, Runt will not perform in front of a crowd. Along with the support of her quirky family and new friends, Annie works to find a solution.

This wonderful story is about family, supporting those you love, and being yourself. Annie and her family also learn the importance of following your own path. I really enjoyed this book.

All of the characters are assumed to be white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

The One and Only Family by Katherine Applegate, - ADVISABLE

The One and Only Family (The One and Only Ivan #4) by Katherine Applegate, 262 pages. HarperCollins, 2024. $20.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (child in peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Ivan and his mate Kinyani are parents! With no role models, Ivan relies on distant memories and instinct to be the best father he can be to his twins. But living in a zoo is very different from living in the jungle, and Ivan must learn that being a father is more than protecting his troop. 

I am always so happy to see Applegate has written another installment in the Ivan story. She acknowledges this as the conclusion, and it's the perfect wrap-up. All the characters make an appearance, some in mention only, like Tag, Ivan's sister, and Stella the old elephant at the mall. While "The One and Only Family" can stand on its own, readers should experience the series in order, as there's not much character-building at this point. A quick read as Ivan again narrates. Patricia Castelao's illustrations are great, the twins couldn't be cuter! 

Lisa Librarian

Looking For True by Tricia Springstubb - ADVISABLE

Looking For True by Tricia Springstubb, 273 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2022. $19

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (mistreatment of dog)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

11yo Gladys, small for her age, quite eccentric in her dress and vocabulary use, meets Jude, also 11yo, but he is quite laid back, easy going and tries to always be obedient. Both kids live in a ramshackle neighborhood. Gladys’ mom runs a daycare and Gladys often has to help out; her dad works all day. Jude has a mother and a little brother, but no father. Jude's mother works at the rest-home and takes every shift she can get. She is always exhausted and not always very nice. Jude is mostly responsible for his little brother. A chance meeting with a neglected dog brings these two kids together. They name the dog True. They find out where the dog lives and go by to visit as often as they can. One day True is gone. They set out to find True, and when they do they decide to hide the dog in a safe place, and visit every day. They even make a schedule. Things do not go as planned and the kids panic a little, then come up with a new plan.

I loved this book; it touched my heart. Here are these two kids who really have nothing, doing all they can to save this dog. The story is told by both Gladys and Jude in alternating chapters. Gladys is extremely bright and Jude is so level headed. It really is great to see how these two, very different kids end up working together. It is great, this way you get the perspective of both the children. I would highly recommend this book. It might even want you and your children to get a dog of your own.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel - ESSENTIAL

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel, 224 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Simon and Schuster, 2023. $26 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (carnivorous bats) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Shade is a young silverwing bat. He gets separated from his colony during the annual migration and ends up facing storms, vengeful owls, and carnivorous jungle bats that would destroy everything he holds dear. 

Incredible graphics and an intense storyline make this impossible to put down. The art is lush and intricate and I totally bought into the story even though I am not a fan of bats. I found myself cheering for Shade and am ready for the next book. A bonus is that readers will take in facts about bats and not even realize it. Totally engaging from start to finish. 

Michelle in the Middle

The Great Pet Heist by Emily Ecton and Dave Mottram - ESSENTIAL

The Great Pet Heist by Emily Ecton, art by Dave Mottram, 250 pages. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster), 2020. $18 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When their owner, the elderly Mrs. Food, slips and hits her head, her house full of pets, a dog, cat, bird and two rats, overhear that she may not return from the hospital. They need a plan for taking care of themselves, so they pool their resources - not much except a mysterious coin found in the lobby that could be very valuable. So, they hatch a plan to find the man who dropped it, and steal the rest from his apartment. 

I laughed out loud so many times! This is a delightful story, with such great characters, the pets are terrific, Butterbean the dog steadfastly keeping watch, Walt the Cat and Oscar the bird with their well thought out plans - which often have to change, and the rats Marco and Polo! I know this will be read and re-read. What a great introduction to the mystery novel.

Lisa Librarian

A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry - ESSENTIAL

A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry, 256 pages. Greenwillow Books, 2019. $17.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f') Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (animals hunting and killing)

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Swift's pack is scattered and killed by a rival pack of wolves, he finds himself alone, searching for food and companionship. With the help of a raven, Swift survives by using his wits, the lessons he learned from his father and life lessons that come from experiences. 

Based on the true story of a collared wolf (OR-7) who made an amazing journey through the Pacific Northwest, Parry's story is easy to read, engaging and informative. Although a bit violent because of the animal interactions, I loved following the story from Swift's perspective; a gentle and often worried animal who was determined to be the best wolf he could be - not the blood thirsty villain of the fairy tales. Includes an afterward with wolf facts and more information about the real wolf. I know my readers love books about wolves, and this one is marvelous!

Lisa Librarian

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker 314 pages. Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2019. $17.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (hunting, skinning animals).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Mia and Uly are fox kits, separated from their litters before they are really big enough to survive on their own, but strong and resilient and resourceful. Mia feared walking through a scary part of the woods so she and her mother walk around, with disastrous consequences, leaving Mia on her own in the clutches of a hunter. Uly was born with a withered paw - when his father finds out he is still alive, Uly's mother hides him in the woods, hoping he can fend for himself. In this collection of 6 connected stories - told to yet another litter of fox kits - we follow these two brave foxes on an adventure, sometimes together, sometimes apart - trying to survive monsters, hunters, their family, each other and the elements, but they are really just trying to get back home to their mothers.

I'm not usually one for scary stories - and yes, some of them are quite intense, not just peril but actual danger of being eaten, or worse - yes, there's worse! The book is so well designed - black with white text pages for the storyteller, white with black text for the story, and the illustrations - OH! beautifully Illustrated by Junyi Wu (charcoal?) the shadows, the depth, the expression - wow, I loved this so much! This is not your sweet little book about foxes, it is an amazing ride through the woods, full of love, and fear, and friendship, and villains, and terror and hope. No wonder it got a nod from the 2020 Newbery committee.

Lisa Librarian

The Queen of the Frogs by Davide Cali - OPTIONAL

The Queen of the Frogsby Davide Cali, illustrated by Marco Soma. PICTURE BOOK Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2017. $16. 9780802854810

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)—OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The frogs of the pond spend their days swimming, catching flies, and singing. One day, a crown falls into the pond and when a little frog places it on her head, she is proclaimed the queen. The queen now rules over all the frogs, but her subjects soon begin to object. Now she must prove herself if she wishes to continue to wear the crown.

Beautiful illustrations in muted tones far surpass the quality of the story. Young readers will have little interest in a book that acts as a metaphor for oppressive governments and the ability and desire of the people to revolt to secure their individual freedoms. The ending also hits the wrong tone feeling as though it was added as an afterthought.

AEB

Yellow Kayak by Nina Laden - ESSENTIAL

Yellow Kayak by Nina Laden, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon. PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2018. $18. 9781534401945

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)—ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young boy and his giraffe set out in a boat to travel the seas. As they ride the waves together they experience the thrill of adventure on the open water finding both courage and joy. When the winds quiet and the rain stops, they make their way back to the comfort of home.  

Simple, yet effective, verse tells the story of a boy and his giraffe. The adventure they embark on will excite young readers as they will experience the diverse creatures and changing moods of the sea. The gorgeous jewel tone illustrations perfectly compliment the story giving an overall surrealist feel.

AEB

Whale in a Fishbowl by Troy Howell - ESSENTIAL

Whale in a Fishbowl by Troy Howell, illustrated by Richard Jones. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade Books (Random House), 2018. $18. 9781524715182.

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K, EL(K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Wednesday the Whale lives in a fishbowl in the middle of a city. Its the only place she has ever known and while life is fine, she occasionally catches sight of a bit of blue when she leaps high out of her fishbowl. The blue draws her in a way she can't explain. With the encouragement of a little girl, Wednesday finally leaps high enough to find her way out to sea and a home where she really belongs.

I really loved this story. Its simple, heartwarming, and has a beautiful ending. The illustrations--and especially the blue grey color palate--have a great artistic flair but perhaps will not be immediately appealing to young audiences. I imagine there are a lot of ways to use this book--the animal rights idea of whales belonging in the sea, the impact of one child on somebody's life, Wednesday taking charge and making a difference in her own life, etc. I also think it could be a great pick as a gift book to adults in your life who understand homesickness to any degree. It is an overall delightful book and one I will recommend highly to family and friends.

Reviewer: TC

Matylda, Bright & Tender by Holly M. McGhee - ADVISABLE

McGhee, Holly M. Matylda, Bright & Tender, 210 pages. Candlewick Press, 2017. $17.
9780763689513.

Language: G (0 swears); Violence: G; Mature Content: PG (death, shoplifting)

BUYING ADVISORY: 
EL - ADVISABLE, MS - OPTIONAL.

KID APPEAL:  EL - MEDIUM, MS - LOW

Sussy and Guy are in the 4th grade and have been best friends for years. When Sussy's dad finally gives in to their pleadings, they go together to buy a leopard gecko and name her Matylda; she lives with Sussy but its Guy that holds Matylda's heart. When Guy is suddenly taken in a terrible accident, Sussy finds herself completely lost except for Matylda--a small piece of Guy that Sussy still has. As she desperately tries to make a real connection with Matylda--a connection like Guy had--Sussy also has to figure out how to deal with her grief and find a way to carry on. 

This is a fantastic little book with a story that really resonates on a variety of levels. The characters are believable and the story is simple yet profound. I found myself very moved by how a young girl might grieve over a devastating loss, and I think the story does a great job of tackling a difficult subject. That being said, this also strikes me as a book that adults might love more than kids. Its definitely still a great book for upper elementary, but I do not know if young readers will fully appreciate the great message of this story without some parent or teacher guidance.

Reviewer: TC 

A Prickly Problem by Jacqueline Kelly - ESSENTIAL

Kelly, Jacqueline A Prickly Problem 104 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan) 2018 $16 Content: G.

EL (K-3) ESSENTIAL

Calpurnia's dog Ajax is the best bird dog around, but he's certainly not very smart. After chasing a porcupine up a tree and getting a muzzle full of quills, Ajax should have learned his lesson, but when he encounters the porcupine again, Calpurnia may need to practice her vet skills on the family dog. 

I love this series so much! Designed for the much younger reader that the original novel, these short illustrated stories are charming, nostalgic and perfect for a bedtime story or a read along. 

Lisa Librarian

Ride: Kit Meets Covington by Bobbi Jo Weiss - ESSENTIAL

Weiss, Bobbi JG Ride: Kit Meets Covington, 269 pages. Candle Wick Entertainment, 2017. $17 Content: G.

Kit Bridges is a 14 year old girl. Kit's Father, Rudy, gets a job at a fancy riding school in England. They move to England from their home back in America. When they get to the school, Kit is forced to ride TK. This might not seem like a big deal, but Kit hadn't ridden a horse since her mom died. TK has one last chance for someone to ride him before he is shipped away and sold. 

This book has an amazing story. I absolutely loved how Kit had to learn to make new friends with not only humans but horses too. This book is one of my favorite books ever! Kit moves to a whole different continent to support her dad and ends up making great friends. 

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 7th Grade Student Reviewer AH

Ten Horse Farm by Robert Sabuda - ADVISABLE

Sabuda, Robert  Ten Horse Farm PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2018. $30  9780763663988

10 different horses and what they are doing on the farm. Running, jumping, bucking, drinking, grazing, pulling, playing, sharing, resting.  

In this spectacular pop-up book, each horse is large and literally jumps off the page.  There are other farm animals on many of the pages, so it makes a great "can you find it  game.  Because of the nature of the book, it may not last long in a public or school library.

Pre-K ADVISABLE  Lisa Librarian

Adelaide's Secret World by Elise Hurst - ESSENTIAL

Hurst, Elise Adelaide’s Secret World, PICTURE BOOK, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2018. $16. Content: G

Adelaide is shy and keeps herself apart from others. Even though she lives in a vibrant city full of many curiosities, she watches instead of joining in. One day she notices someone who could be a true friend. Panicked she runs away, but later she reconsiders and tries to find a way to connect.

Gorgeous illustrations are the perfect companion to a sweet story. Themes of loneliness, the difficulty in connecting, and the rewards of taking a risk are all successfully communicated. Young readers will appreciate the beautiful pictures, which are stronger than the writing, but will respond to the lovely tale of a rabbit who wants to find a friend.

EL(K-3)—ESSENTIAL 

AEB

Rodent Rascals by Roxie Munro - ADVISABLE

Munro, Roxie Rodent Rascals Holiday House, 2018. $18 PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION Content: G

Get acquainted with members of the rodent family! So many different furry friends are waiting to meet you as you learn all about their life cycles, habitats, and unique qualities.

Life-sized illustrations accompany a book overflowing with facts about the rodent world. Young readers who are interested in animals and want to learn more about rats, guinea pigs, capybaras, and more will be endlessly entertained.

EL (K-3), EL—ADVISABLE. AEB