• Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin

    Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin

    written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Scholastic Press

    Given Donaldson’s reputation for outstanding rhyme, I thought Jonty Gentoo would be a fun read-aloud, and it did not disappoint. This story entertains readers with delightful phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home and also includes many facts about penguins. The bright illustrations from Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus an image of the Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of both humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. Another marvelous picture book from a dynamic duo!

  • “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”

    —Margaret Fuller

  • Summer is Here

    Summer is Here

    written by Renée Watson, illustrated by Bea Jackson

    40 pages, 3–6 years; published 2024 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

    Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of it like a cherished friend. A young girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. This includes splash time at the pool and a picnic in the park. Jackson’s illustrations pop off the page with bright colors and an infectious warmth. Her dynamic compositions draw the reader in and delight us with their varied vantage points. Summer Is Here welcomes the warm season with open arms and will be a comfort to read later on once she’s past.

  • “We read to know we are not alone.”

    —C.S. Lewis

  • Noodles on a Bicycle

    Noodles on a Bicycle

    written by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Random House Studio

    Noodles on a Bicycle is an equally fun and fascinating tale about Japanese deliverymen who literally peddle fresh soba noodle orders via bicycles. Kids will revel at the concept of balancing towering stacks of food trays—in one hand no less—while cycling among city traffic. Maclear’s words paired with Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill and energy of this vocation. It all seems like pure fiction until you see the added black and white photo from the 1930s taken on the streets of Tokyo. Such an interesting and culturally historic topic to share with children.

  • “I read a book one day and my whole life was changed…”

    —The New Life by Orhan Pamuk 

  • The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals

    The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals

    written by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Clarion Books (Harper Collins)

    The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals is a charming story from Deborah Underwood. This classic tale is about a rigid gentleman who enjoys his tidy home and never entertains the idea of owning a messy pet. Until a cat shows up at his door that isn’t so bad. The man grows to like the cat and then another cat, and a dog, and a menagerie of creatures that pay him a visit. The illustrations by LeUyen Pham double the charm. Pham loads each spread with fabulous details kids will love discovering. The story builds to the point where the man needs to kick all the animals out of his home or move somewhere bigger. Turns out this is an Old McDonald origin story—what fun!

  • “That is, freedom begins the moment we forget ourselves.”

    —Johannes from The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

  • Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

    Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

    written by Amy Hest, illustrated by Erin Stead

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Neal Porter Books

    I love the simplicity and tenderness of this picture book, Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing. Hest uses few words to convey the emotional connection between Big Bear and Little Bear, but each word is chosen with care. The bears use the same level of intention to pack up and prepare for their day of fishing. Stead’s paintings are nothing short of perfection, containing just the right amount of color and content. She creates bears with body language that speaks volumes. This thoughtful combination of words and illustrations culminates in a story that truly warms the heart. Readers come to learn that a day of fishing for Little Bear and Big Bear is really about quality time with one another.

  • “Great fiction opens readers’ hearts and, once they are captive and pliant, then opens their minds.”

    —Donald Maass

Categories