Today’s featured review looks at Early Chapter Books nominee Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren Castillo: The animal characters are lovable, and each has his or her own distinct personality. We loved Owl and his penchant for defining vocabulary words. This story has the feel of a classic, with its cozy illustrations and animal friends teaching values. …
REVIEW: InvestiGATORS
Our featured review for today looks at Elementary/Middle Grade Graphic Novels nominee InvestiGATORS by John Patrick Green, the first in a series about a super spy alligator duo: The book reminds me of Richard Scarry’s Great Pie Robbery mysteries, and would probably be appropriate as a read-aloud for a similar age, perhaps 4 or 5 year olds. The full review, …
REVIEW: Ghost Squad
Today’s featured review is from the Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category–Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega: The story features an Own Voices representation of Dominican folklore and culture, and it also puts a spotlight on strong friendships and family bonds (including found family). The story is very action-oriented, and kids who like a fast-moving plot will be entranced. The full review …
REVIEW: See the Cat
Easy Readers nominee See the Cat, by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutak, is the subject of today’s featured review: These entertaining stories give beginning readers a chance to practice their reading skills while having fun at the same time as they admire the expressive illustrations. The simple repetitive text helps readers practice sight words and word recognition in …
REVIEW: Embassy of the Dead
We know, we know–Halloween was last weekend–but we could resist posting a featured review of spooky Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee Embassy of the Dead by Will Mabbitt, illustrated by Taryn Knight: The Embassy of the Dead is an interesting organization whose primary purpose is to keep the living of the Earthly Plane and the dead from the Afterworld protected …
REVIEW: Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business
Today’s featured panelist review is Early Chapter Books nominee Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business, written by Lyla Lee and illustrated by Dung Ho: Through Mindy’s honest, endearing voice, humor, and a lot of heart, Lyla Lee expertly explores topics like grief, cultural identity, loneliness, friendship, and responsibility in age appropriate and fun ways. Click here to read the …
REVIEW: Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera
Today’s featured review looks at Elementary Nonfiction nominee Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann: HONEYBEE: The Busy Life of Apis Millifera by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohman ( 2020) is robust in text, illustrations and backmatter. It pushes all of us to help out our honeybees. The full review was …
REVIEW: Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier
Today’s featured review looks at Elementary/Middle Grade Graphic Novels nominee Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks, both veterans of the science graphic novel genre. There are some great and hilarious anecdotes throughout, and [astronaut] Mary Cleave’s love for space exploration and science comes through, making me hopeful that this book will inspire many, many …
REVIEW: Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
Our featured review for today looks at Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez: Sal and Gabi are back! Sal’s father is worried about the holes in the universe that Sal made in the first book, accidentally and on purpose pulling things like his mother from other universes. Now his machine to repair …
REVIEW: The Dark Lord Clementine
Today’s review is of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist The Dark Lord Clementine (Amazon, IndieBound). Round one panelist Jennifer, who blogs at Raise them Righteous, wrote: Clementine is the perfect awkward heroine of her own adventure and a lovable title character that won’t soon be forgotten. In fact, I hope to see her in a follow-up book soon!! Read the whole …