Reviews
Disco Dave
“The illustrations are outta sight, with colors, patterns, and hairstyles that will entertain children and their radical reading helpers alike.”—Foreword Reviews View →
The Library in the Woods
“This uplifting story will find a place on fiction shelves, but it also shares a piece of American history. . . . Highly recommended for upper elementary readers, as well as reluctant middle-grade readers. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature View →
Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability
“Readers looking for a book about the power of inclusion, determination, and purpose will find this book inspiring. . . . The illustrations in this picture book are gorgeous. The vibrant colors are full of action and emotion, providing further windows into Kathleen’s… View →
Lullabies for the Insomniacs: A Memoir in Verse
“The author is analytical at times, breaking down her symptoms as if identification and categorization will make them more manageable, but other poems come from a more primal place, the thoughts that come when life feels both precious and unendurable. . . Sometimes spare, even… View →
Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs
“In this innovative picture book biography, poetry and lush illustrations tell the story of James and Grace Lee Boggs. . . The art is rich and profound, with intense colors paired with expressive, detailed portraits and scenes that reflect the text.”—The Bulletin of the… View →
Isabel's Birthday Surprise
“Zapata honors the disappointment children feel when their hopes don’t align with reality while also modeling resilience and the joy that can come from flexibility. Galvez’s soft pastel hues set a gentle tone. . . . A warm and uplifting reminder that love and creativity are what… View →
Muchas formas de ser (Many Ways to Be)
“Nuanced and affirming representation and insight into children’s lives. Highly recommended, especially where Sesame Street is popular.”—School Library Journal View →
The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate, 2nd Edition
“Through its excellent character development, the story delivers an impactful message about first impressions not always being quite what they seem. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature View →
Kai and the Golem
“Children will recognize themselves in Kai. Their emotions may be overwhelming, but circumstances can be improved by helping others and by looking at events in a more positive light. The sweet color illustrations, including that of the furry, orange golem, enhance the story and the View →
Rembrandt's Blessing
“Barghigiani’s engaging illustrations evoke the texture of Rembrandt’s era and help bring this little-known slice of art history to life. The format succeeds beautifully as a gateway to discovering art, faith, and friendship across different religious faiths… View →
Who Will Rule the Trees?
“Straathof’s art is particularly appealing, with layers of watercolor and ink, shifting colors, and expressive tree faces. The deeply textured backgrounds will have children running their fingers over the pages. A visually compelling ode to flora.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Duck, Death and the Tulip
“Erlbruch gives us a spooky, wondrous space to contemplate our own mortality in a picture book that will first get the neighborhood children playing River of Styx and then lead them toward and adulthood of pondering, say the crazed jottings of some mad French poet.”—The… View →
The Elephant and the Purim Crown
“Young readers will experience a new type of beauty and kindness as they cheer for Rachel and her elephant. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature View →
Sammy Spider's Big Book of Jewish Holidays
“Parents will appreciate the warmth and clarity with which the narrative explains the traditions, making it a helpful resource for both Jewish and interfaith families. The colorful illustrations capture the joy and diversity of the celebrations, giving children plenty to notice and View →
Start with a Teapot: An Unexpected Guide to the Art of Drawing
“Engaging, thought-provoking, and fun, this charming book invites children to see the world with fresh eyes and endless possibilities. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature View →
Sometimes the Girl
“Mason-Black brings together themes of love, loss, addiction, grief, power, and fear into a compelling story. The spotlight shines brightest on Holi, who narrates the story, but secondary characters get respectable attention in this appealing and surprisingly philosophical novel.… View →
Something Happened to Our Mom: A Story about Parental Addiction
“The co-authors sensitively unpack complex feelings and dynamics, underscoring that addiction doesn’t make someone a bad person, that the path to rehabilitation can be bumpy, and that drug issues are far more common than children might realize. Tan’s artwork is emotionally charged, View →
All Aboard the Poo Boat: Book 2
“The book is an excellent resource for classroom use and is well-suited for a unit on marine biology or ocean life. This title is a strong continuation of the series and a worthy addition to any elementary school library. Highly recommended for its educational value and engaging… View →
The Black Mambas: The World's First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit
“The book is an excellent resource for classroom use, particularly for a social studies program in elementary grades, as it balances the representation of South African and global efforts to protect wildlife. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature View →
The Golden Poo: Book 1
“Park successfully crafts a narrative that is both educational and entertaining. The book’s engaging and whimsical illustrations complement the unique subject matter, making the science of scatology accessible and fun for a young audience. Reviewer Rating:… View →
Isabel's Birthday Surprise
“A helpful tool for talking about the emotions that surround special events. Isabel’s inner world is vividly illustrated, with brightly colored art swirling around her in a style reminiscent of papel picado, visually expressing her hopes and worries. A robust bilingual reader’s… View →
Jason Belongs: The Story of Jason Schachter McKinney
“The story arc, deliberately simple, makes McKinney’s journey accessible to any child who has questioned where or how to fit in with community, family, and school. The story also has an inevitability that makes his arrival at the synagogue in Antwerp a pitch-perfect moment.… View →
Just Say Welcome
“The story offers young children an avenue toward connecting despite cultural differences, a message that, especially now, deserves to be amplified. A useful addition to collections in communities welcoming immigrants and refugees, especially with its celebration of… View →
They Thought They Buried Us
“Ramos explores the struggles and complexities of being BIPOC in a mostly white and affluent environment with nuance and sensitivity. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature View →