Reviews
Luis Paints the World
“The vibrant paintings depicting Luis and his community in attractive tones only add to the feel of the story. . . . A solid addition for most collections, especially in communities with a large armed forces population.”—School Library Journal View →
John F. Kennedy's Presidency
“[F]act-filled, well-written examinations. . . . The series handles weighty matters with an appropriately serious tone, while using accessible language that doesn’t patronize. . . . A worthy addition to student collections.”—School Library Journal, Series Made… View →
Elmer and Grandpa Eldo
“McKee’s illustrations are as colorful and carefree as his story line, though adult readers will pick up the more nuanced theme of an aging grandparent’s memory. Elmer fans will be delighted with this new offering.”—School Library Journal View →
Masters of Disguise: Amazing Animal Tricksters
“Johnson hooks readers with gripping descriptions, close-up photographs, and profiles of the various scientists dedicated to studying these animals . . . [making] it easy for today’s students to picture themselves in similar scientific shoes. This exciting and easy-to-digest… View →
“A sweet and satisfying bedtime story.”—School Library Journal View →
I Didn't Do It!
“Ross’s trademark wispy watercolor ink-and-pen cartoons are full of eccentric characters. . . . Fans of this long-running British series will enjoy this humorous, relatable installment.”—School Library Journal View →
The Black Dragon
“[A] gripping series introduction. . . . The pacing is fast, featuring a strong blend of intense action and inner struggle. . . . For fans of action-driven adventure set in the criminal underworld.”—School Library Journal View →
“Every page of this book is hilarious. The juxtaposition between the pigeon’s beliefs about her situation and the illustrated reality is brilliant. . . . [T]he ‘pride goeth before a fall’ story will provide many laughs and plenty to talk about. Recommended for… View →
Are You the Pirate Captain?
“Parson’s humorous artwork is full of seafaring details and is as colorful as Jones’s pirate vernacular. This adventure will please pirate-loving listeners and has the added bonus of a subtle message that a true leader puts in the work first.”—School Library… View →
Detective Gordon: A Complicated Case
“Full of droll asides and an emphasis on the importance of kindness, this is also an excellent read-aloud selection for classrooms or families. . . . A wonderful choice for independent readers who enjoy light mystery and adorable anthropomorphized animals, this is a must-have for… View →
Have You Seen Elephant?
“The mixed-media illustrations work masterfully to tell the story alongside the brief text. . . . The impressive use of light and shadow and incorporation of reds, oranges, and purples add a richness to the pages that will transfix children. . . . This amusingly absurd story paired View →
Tripping Back Blue
“This is a gritty novel . . . [with] a touch of magic. . . . Chapters leave cliff-hanger endings for a faster pace that entertains readers. . . . Recommended for high school and public library collections.”—School Library Journal View →
The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez
“In this debut novel, Yardi draws parallels between the fantasy world of talking animals and Mateo’s reality of growing up and finding himself. . . . A fun, action-filled tale whose protagonist has a distinct and sincere young voice. Recommended for collections and libraries… View →
I Saw an Invisible Lion Today: Quatrains
“An appealing introduction to quatrains that will be useful for encouraging students to create their own poems.”—School Library Journal View →
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds: Tiny Hovering Birds
“Students who enjoyed previous iterations of this set . . . will be pleased to see these installations. . . . Intriguing and effective additions.”—School Library Journal View →
Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam
“An exciting introduction to these semiaquatic animals. . . . Hocking’s intricate and beautiful full-spread watercolors greatly enhance the text. . . . A solid supplemental purchase.”—School Library Journal View →
“Boisterous fun in the spirit of Hervé Tullet’s Press Here (Chronicle, 2011) and Adam Lehrhaupt’s Warning: Do No Open This Book (S. & S., 2013).”—School Library Journal View →
The Bath Monster
“[W]e are introduced to Boyd’s deliciously wicked Bath Monster. . . . Children will shiver and giggle as they relish repeated readings once they are privy to the final joke on Mom.”—School Library Journal View →
Don't Call Me Grandma
“The story’s perspective is from the child, who finds her great-grandmother ‘scary’ but also intriguing, outspoken, and glamorous. Zunon’s lively, colorful illustrations balance the serious tone of the text with warmth and saturation. . . . An appealing… View →
Plants vs. Meats: The Health, History, and Ethics of What We Eat
“[T]his is a timely, student-friendly primer on the historical, nutritional, and ethical impacts of what and how humans eat. . . . This solid introduction to where food comes from and the consequences of its consumption and production is a worthy addition.”—School Library View →
“Smart use of white space, along with well-balanced placement of text and illustrations, offers a fun, robot-filled friendship tale. . . . This well-crafted picture book will appeal to all young inventors who just want to believe in the impossible.”—School Library Journal View →
Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land
“An attractive and inspiring look at immigration to the United States, sure to spark discussions at home or in the classroom. . . . [T]his offering puts a human face on a serious issue. . . . An ideal jumping-off place for teachers and parents interested in starting a conversation… View →