Optical Physics for Babies by Chris Ferrie - ADVISABLE

Ferrie, Chris Optical Physics for Babies.  BOARD BOOK.  Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2017.  $10.

A quick look at optical physics and light refraction with a heavy emphasis on rainbow optics.  Makes sense, because rainbows are a property of refraction that everyone looks for after a rainy day.  

Great for a science teacher friend at any level of education.  My science teachers liked this one a lot.  Even my optometrist husband gave this one a thumbs up.  I really do think that even small children can understand this relationship after going through this a few times.  I guess the real question is – will they care?  I think of this series like Jennifer Adams’s BabyLit books – they are more for the adults than for the children.  I would really suggest buying these for your school library for your science teachers to use.

Pre-K, EL, MS, HS, GIFT – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Princessland by Emily Jenkins - NO

Jenkins, Emily Princessland, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. PICTURE BOOK.  Farrar Straus Giroux (MacMillan), 2017.  $16.99.  Content:  G

Romy is sad and the only thing that will make her happy is if she’s in Princessland.  Pet feline Lady Cat leads Romy on a walk, making her describe Princessland.  After a long day together Romy realizes that she did spend the day there.

The title of this book will interest many young children.  The illustrations are eye-catching with colorful princesses dressed up in fancy gowns.  I believe though the text sends a wrong message to kids.  Yes, if you use your imagination, you can go anywhere.  However, there are already lots of “princess” themed books out there. I think we need books with stronger female characters who can find ways to be happy besides going to Princessland.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – NO.  Reviewer:  Nancy W.

Raisin the Littlest Cow by Miriam Busch - OPTIONAL

Busch, Miriam Raisin the Littlest Cow.  PICTURE BOOK.  Balzer + Bray, 2017. $17.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Raisin is the littlest cow in the herd, has lots of favorite things, and she hates change. So when her mother has a new calf, Raisin is not very happy. Suddenly, she is not the center of attention and she hates that. But she quickly learns that she is older and more capable of doing things on her own. She can even help calm the new calf down.

I found the storyline quite predictable. It is your stereotypical new sibling story. The illustrations, done by Larry Day, are cute, and I think young children who have a new baby at home will enjoy this picture book.

PRE-K, EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL. Reviewer: J. Rosskopf

The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling by Erin - ESSENTIAL

Ering, Timothy Basil The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2017. $15.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

The story begins with Captain Alfred as he plays his fiddle for his new ducks and dog on his small boat.  Nestled in his fiddle case is a single duck egg, a present for his wife.  He chose to name the near-to-hatching duckling, Alfred Fiddleducklin'.  A storm arrives and an hour later, the seas are finally calm and the egg hatches alone, floating in the fiddle case.  The duckling feels frightened until he sees an object and swims over to it.  The duckling hugs the fiddle to him and is filled with joy.  Alfred is magically able to play the fiddle and its beautiful sound comforts him until he reaches land.  As he tries to find his way to a home he's never seen, the reader travels with him, hoping for a happy ending. 

This children's book was intended for children, age 2 to 5, but I found that it was a delightful read for any age.  I read the book with my 16 & 12yo daughters and 8yo son; all were equally taken with the sweet character and beautiful artwork.  The story has just the right amount of narrative and tension, then let's the illustrations say the rest.

PRE-K, EL(K-3), EL-ESSENTIAL; MS, HS-OPTIONAL  Stacee S. Reading teacher

Quantum Entanglement for Babies by Chris Ferrie - OPTIONAL

Ferrie, Chris Quantum Entanglement for Babies.  BOARD BOOK.  Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, JULY 2017.  $10. 

When particles become entangled, it means they are exactly the same as each other no matter how far apart they are. 

The concept of entanglement is very simply explained and I’m sure little ones will get the gist.  However, their parents will want to know a lot more.  I know I and my science-minded husband did.  I think I need to show this to a physics teacher and see what they say.

Pre-K – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher