Cat Sees Snow

 Cat Sees Snow

This book is a great one to support introduction or reinforcement of the -ow word family. I love that the author or publisher includes a guide at the beginning with the focus word family, sight words, and some “bonus” words. Here in Pennsylvania, we have seen a few snow flurries already so on top of everything else, this is a very timely title!

Title: Cat Sees Snow

Author: Laura Gehl

ISBN: 978-1-6659-2039-1

Published 2023 by Simon Spotlight

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Critter Cam: Kitty Cam

Critter Cam: Kitty Cam

In Kitty Cam, readers will love following along with Kitty through the day. Repetition of key words will help with both phonics and sight word reinforcement. 

Title: Critter Cam: Kitty Cam

Author: Margie Palatini

ISBN: 978-1-6659-2731-4

Published 2023 by Simon Spotlight

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Best Buddies: A Pie for Us

 Best Buddies: A Pie for Us

This book is a winning combination for early readers with opposites and fun characters. There is even a how to draw included for how to draw Scratch (the cat). As it is, I’m currently teaching a 4th Grade STEM class and the character for the Scratch (MIT based kid’s coding program) is…a cat!

Title: Best Buddies: A Pie for Us!

Author: Vicky Fang

ISBN: 978-1-338-86558-5

Published 2023 by Acorn

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Cat vs/ Vac

 Cat vs/ Vac

First of all, Kaz Windness - GREAT name. 

Second - GREAT book! This early reader incorporates short and long vowels in such a way that young readers won’t even realize they’re sounding out those words and following along so easily. The development of the storyline of the pets taking on the vaccuum is entertaining and the entry of a Roomba at the end could lead to a next book with these characters. The independent exploration of the pets in an apartment home has me connecting this book for lovers of “The Secret Life of Pets.”

Title: Cat vs/ Vac

Author: Kaz Windness

ISBN: 978-1-6659-3718-4

Published 2023 by Simon Spotlight

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Henry, Like Always

 Henry, Like Always

Mika Song’s illustrations give Henry and his classmates characteristics that make them unique. Samuel who seems like a student who needs movement and needs to express himself shines in the parade illustration where he gets to showcase himself and Henry finds his own place that is just right, even though a parade does not belong on Friday. Students will relate and empathize to Henry’s need for some consistency and develop a deeper understanding of classmates on the autism spectrum. 

Title: Henry, Like Always

Author: Jenn Bailey

ISBN: 978-1-7972-1389-7

Published 2023 by Chronicle Books

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Chicken Karaoke

 Chicken Karaoke

Chicken Karaoke has a fun rhyming pattern with a storyline where kids will “crack” up as they watch Duck hold that high note for way too long. As is often the case, the youngest of the bunch sees the solution. My favorite is the illustration by Aaron Spurgeon of Rooster “fixing” the karaoke machine. 

Title: Chicken Karaoke

Author: Heidi E.Y. Stemple

ISBN: 978-1-6659-1390-4

Published 2023 by Simon Spotlight

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See

See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See

I love the interaction between the reader and the characters in this story and Dog’s resigned attitude toward being blown right off and then back onto the page whereas the Cat is along for the ride, “This is fun!”. Kids will get a kick out of the ghost scaring itself in the mirror and the narrator being blown right off the page as well. Kids and adults alike will keep turning the page to see what comes next!

Title: See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See

Author: David LaRochelle

ISBN: 978-1-5362-1982-1

Published 2023 by Candlewick Press

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

The Hidden World of Gnomes

 The Hidden World of Gnomes

Lovely. Simply lovely and whimsical and fun. Instead of more words though, I’ll leave you with my favorite quote of all from this treat and some of my favorite images.

“…to grow old is a precious and beautiful gift.”

Title: The Hidden World of Gnomes

Author: Lauren Soloy

ISBN: 978-0-7352-7104-3

Published 2023 by Tundra

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Try a Bite, Trilobite

 Try a Bite, Trilobite

I have two “trilobites” at home who have decided in advance which foods they definitely will not like. One of my trilobites is 14 and rolled her eyes…deeply when I passed her this book to check out. But only because it rings true for the pickiest of eaters. We also have LOTS of noodles in our house. Try a page, reader, you’ll really “eat up” Try a Bite, Trilobite.

Title: Try a Bite, Trilobite

Author: Jonathan Fenske

ISBN: 978-1-6659-3266-0

Published 2023 by Simon Spotlight

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Worm and Caterpillar are Friends

 Worm and Caterpillar are Friends

This book is quite simply gorgeous with lasting messages about how change is good and being accepting and supportive of our friends even (and especially) when they are different is incredibly important. Beyond that, the illustrations are breathtaking with obviously cartoon-like characters but STUNNING backgrounds of beautiful sky-scapes at every time of day and trees that twist and glow. This book makes my heart happy and a good how to draw is always welcome to capture the engagement of our budding artists.

Title: Worm and Caterpillar are Friends

Author: Kaz Windness

ISBN: 978-1-6659-2001-8

Published 2023 by Simon Spotlight

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Cornbread and Poppy at the Museum

 Cornbread and Poppy at the Museum

Cornbread is excited for his favorite day in his favorite place and invites Poppy to come along. Poppy agrees reluctantly because Cornbread agrees to go camping! Poppy dusts off her family heirloom of a hat and her best fancy clothes to go to the museum. This story is one that demonstrates one person’s trash truly is another’s treasure and your personal history might lie in the unlikeliest of places!

Title: Cornbread and Poppy at the Museum

Author: Matthew Cordell

ISBN: 978-0-316-50847-6

Published 2023 by Little, Brown, and Company

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Fox Has a Problem

 Fox Has a Problem

What a lovely story of how working together can solve problems. And how sometimes one person’s “great” solution can really just lead to new and different problems…

This book would pair well with My Kite is Stuck by Salina Yoon. 

Title: Fox Has a Problem

Author: Corey R. Tabor

ISBN: 978-0-06-327792-2

Published 2023 by Balzer + Bray

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy

 Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy

Reina loves dogs, but she doesn’t realize until her friend gets Chico (a BIG dog) that she mostly likes little dogs and big dogs make her scared. At the same time, Reina learns a cartwheel and wants to share in the gymnastics fun with her friend but while Lila loves gymnastics, cartwheels scare her! Both friends learn that they can still have fun together and communicate about why they’re feeling scared but still be great friends in Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy. The inclusion of a Spanish-English glossary at the end of the book will help readers create some context for some of Reina’s phrases. 

Title: Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy

Author: Emma Otheguy

ISBN: 978-0-06-322315-8

Published 2023 by Harper

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water

 Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water

I didn’t even realize until I checked out the end pages that the character I’d read about before was Cece in “Cece Loves Science.” There are also books featuring the character named Libby. Vivi’s story progresses naturally with a beach cleanup that leads to inquiry regarding where the dunes and tide pools went? Vivi and Graeme soon learn more about erosion, they even learn enough to teach their class about the topic when they are back in class. An experiment to replicate the one featured in the book Is included for readers to apply what they’ve learned as well as a picture dictionary.

Title: Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water

Author: Kimberly Derting

ISBN: 978-0-06-311659-7

Published 2023 by Greenwillow Books

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Maddie and Mabel Know They Can

 Maddie and Mabel Know They Can

Each of the Maddie and Mabel stories start with the same introduction about the sister characters. In the first adventure, disappearing dandelions, Maddie explains how sometimes things change and take wishes and patience. Young readers will relate to the second story, For Sale - where younger sister, Mabel, opens a lemonade stand but has some trouble attracting customers. Maddie longs to help but Mabel wants to do it all by herself. In The Fall and The Ride, Maddie conquers a fear and learns something new and Mabel is right there, cheering her on!

Title: Maddie and Mabel Know They Can

Author: Kari Allen

ISBN: 978-1-63894-019-7

Published 2023 by Kind World Publishing

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

The Rescues: Finding Home

 The Rescues: Finding Home

This sweet story will find its way into any reader’s heart just as Moose, Bear, and Tiger found their way into a new owner’s heart and home.  Moose and Bear (both dogs) make quite a pair but how will they react when Tiger the cat joins their family too. From a fence installation to a new bed in a new house, they all navigate life’s trials together. 

Title: The Rescues: Finding Home

Author: Tommy & Charlie Greenwald

ISBN: 978-1-63655-076-3

Published 2023 by Red Comet Press

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

Willa the Werewolf

 Willa the Werewolf

Willa is a pig by day and a werewolf by night, who uses her speed and strength to travel to the world’s fashion epicenter and learn all she can to enhance her brand. When Willa is tasked with the styling three pigs (who end up with straw, stick, and brick inspired ensembles) the clock ticks later and later while she waits for the trio to arrive - will Willa end up a Big, Bad Wolf? A fashion icon? Or maybe both? Read Willa the Werewolf to find out!

Title: Willa the Werewolf

Author: Michele McAvoy

ISBN: 978-1-956378-13-9

Published 2023 by The Little Press

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

Maddie and Mabel Make a Plan

 Maddie and Mabel Make a Plan

Maddie and Mabel are making a plan…to get a pet but when they settle on a wild animal, they need to decide if that’s the best plan. Hint - it’s not! 

Title: Maddie and Mabel Make a Plan

Author: Kari Allen

ISBN: 978-1-63894-024-1

Published 2023 by Kind World Publishing

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

The Talent Show

 The Talent Show

All of Henry’s friends assume that he will want to play drums in the school talent show - but what if Henry wants to do something different? Will Henry play drums or dance, like he does at home with his family? Henry and friends get a chance to showcase their talents and have fun too!

Title: The Talent Show

Author: Samantha Thornhill

ISBN: 978-1-64379-493-8

Published 2023 by Lee and Low Books

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.