Starred Reviews
I'm a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods
“Lambelet offers an enchanting blend of whimsy and well-chosen, creatively expressed facts. . . An informative, buoyant, and wildly original look at some marine marvels.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Pecan Sheller
“The story deftly explores the nuances of both Petra’s and Amá’s relationship and traumas, as well as the strength and hope to be found in family and community. A poignantly, beautifully written tale.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People
“A stunningly beautiful book that tells the story of destruction, devastation, and resilience, of both the human and natural world. . . The artwork tells the story in dramatic, compelling, and beautiful ways. Together, text and art will engage readers from the first… View →
I'm a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods
“Perfect for young marine biologists, this title uses humor and fascinating facts to capture the imagination and remind readers that new discoveries are being made every day.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
Second Strike: Book 2
“Readers will find themselves enraptured by the tale and will await the next installment with strong anticipation. This ongoing series will bring graphic novel readers a great delight. Young heroes and aliens always work well together.”—starred, School Library Journal View →
And, Too, the Fox
“Children will be captivated by Fox as they join him on a joyful romp through his world.”—starred, School Library Journal View →
Digger: Dig or Die!
“The fast-paced story includes social-issue themes, including bullying, mental health, and gun violence. Ortu’s crisp illustrations individuate Cholette’s diverse cast of characters and enhance her storytelling. Young readers will find this a (pun intended) breathtaking,… View →
Touch the Sky
“This is a book that soars on multiple levels, grounded in the sense memories of the playground while not only serving as a practical guide but also capturing the challenge, excitement, and wonder of conquering your first swing.”—starred, Booklist View →
Oy, Santa!: Or, There's a Latke to Learn about Hanukkah
“A highly entertaining holiday book that will be popular with readers of all ages. . . . Highly recommended for all collections.”—starred, School Library Journal View →
Sedimentary Rocks: Hit the Road and Discover a World That Rocks!
“Ah, the striated beauty of sedimentary rock. If you didn’t appreciate it before, you will after reading this selection from The Rock Cycle Road Trip series . . . . [A]n effective approach.”—starred, Booklist View →
The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets
“The strength of this collection comes from the authors admitting their mistakes and going on to explain the value of the resulting learning opportunities. A gentle reminder of the stepping stones making up the path to growth, discovery, and creativity.”—starred, Booklist View →
And, Too, the Fox
“The wonder and reverence conveyed through the text and the fluidity of the illustrations result in a smooth and calming experience that will leave readers awed at the beauty of nature. A grounded yet ethereal blend of verse and vulpine sentiments.”—starred, Kirkus… View →
Slippery, Spicy, Tingly: A Kimchi Mystery
“Based on Korean author and illustrator Choi’s relationship with her own grandmother, the story’s playful drawings and writing create a fun, lighthearted feel. The gentle pastel illustrations capture Halmoni’s quirky personality through her facial expressions and… View →
Indigenous Cultures Today: Protecting Native Families and Practicing Cultural Traditions
“The language is clear and concise, doesn’t sugarcoat events, and presents information not generally available for this age group.”—starred, Booklist View →
The Doll Test: Choosing Equality
“This powerful picture book effectively documents the research that validated the substantial damage to generations of students wrought by segregationist, separate-but equal education policies . . . Suitable for kids, but deserving of a much wider audience, award winners… View →
The Rule of Three
“The author’s willingness to tackle difficult topics with thoughtfulness and compassion makes this compelling novel a must-read. Readers will connect to Wyatt’s strife and journey of self-discovery. This book belongs in all middle school libraries; it deftly discusses… View →
The Brighter I Shine
“An Armenian child of refugees muses on ancestral stories as vehicles of connection and identity in this moving picture book.”—starred, Foreword Reviews View →
Starlight Symphony
“The clever concept of comparing the natural world to an orchestra works beautifully, offering both an introduction to animal communication and a range of musical instruments. . . A pleasing and playful performance with something for everyone to applaud.”—starred,… View →
The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets
“Dynamic mixed-media artwork from López (Sylvie and the Wolf) offers energetic visual support for each poem in an anthology packed with a broad spectrum of human emotion and experience.”—starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Call the Bee Doctor!: How Science Is Saving Honey Bees
“Markle provides a heartening update on honeybee health. . .An important peek into how scientists work to solve big problems.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds
“The striking page design evokes a strong sense of the macabre and is reminiscent of dark academia . . . An engaging, visually appealing guide for science buffs, true-crime enthusiasts, and herbalists alike.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
One Wise Sheep: An Untraditional Christmas Story
“Through humorous third-person narration that purposefully occludes the size of the flock, Duck’s Backyard collaborators Hub and Mühle explore Christmas through the lens of a bonded animal family in this unique and sweet holiday tale.”—starred, Publishers… View →
Nature Spy Guide
“A marvelous primer for learning about nature and developing curiosity about the natural world in a playful way.”—starred, School Library Journal View →