22. Nubby

Nubby. Dan Richards. Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey. 2023. [January] [Source: Library]

First sentence: Nubby was done. He had been carried, buried, dropped, dragged, torn, worn, chewed on, sat on, and even used as a nose wipe. Repeatedly. A bunny can only take so much. He needed a new beginning. 

Premise/plot: Nubby, a toy bunny, thinks the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. (Not really. Well, not literally). Nubby HATES his life. Surely ANYTHING is better than staying "stuck" in the same place. So Nubby runs away from home, but, his new beginning...leads to many new beginnings...all of them equally less than ideal. HOME has never meant more to Nubby. Can this 'prodigal' toy find his way back home??? 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading Nubby. It was a lovely read with a great message. It was definitely SHOW not tell. (Any picture book can 'preach' about contentment and gratitude.) The story was entertaining. The illustrations really help tell the story. I loved some of the expressions in the artwork.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

21. A Story Is To Share

A Story Is To Share: How Ruth Krauss Found Another Way to Tell a Tale. Carter Higgins. Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Born
a baby
late at night
There's
no parade
just crashing
rain
Soon
the girl
twirls upside-up
and rides her bike
down down the hall
But sickness sticks around a lot
and steals her voice away--
so she wiggle-wiggles little fingers
that's how she says hi
Like this
She listens listens
writes and draws
stitches pages
sews a book
She finds another way
to tell a tale

Premise/plot: This picture book biography is written in verse. It is a biography of children's book author Ruth Krauss. 

My thoughts: I was expecting to like this one. While Ruth Krauss is not my absolute favorite and best author. I do remember reading several of her books growing up. Still, any picture book biography about a children's author/writer is going to be on my radar. I'm going to want to read it and try to get a behind the scenes glimpse of the magic.

I definitely was pleasantly surprised by this one. I really LOVED the narrative style. It is not perfectly perfect. I personally need punctuation. I do. I like periods at the end of sentences. (All punctuation has a role to play in text.) But the beauty of the rhythm works for me. 

I would recommend this one. I do think young readers would probably benefit most if this biography is read alongside some of Ruth Krauss's picture books.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

20. Meowsterpieces

Meowsterpieces: A Cat's Guide to Art...and Life! Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Nyangsongi. 2022. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Come walk along with Mama Cat
and tour the works of art.
Inside each frame you're sure to find
your own creative heart.
Mama Cat is far from pleased:
Her Kits ignore their dishes.
Their supper's filled with Tangled Strings
and Mousey-Hunting Wishes.
And so she feels the time is right
to boost their kitten smarts.
"Gather roun, you cheeky Kits--
come learn the Feline Arts."

Premise/plot: A mama cat is "teaching" her kittens about how to kitten...or how to cat, if you will. This lesson comes in verses that rhyme. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love the illustrations. Thirteen artworks [one of the thirteen is a photograph] inspire the illustrations for this picture book.

The Study of a Student by Laura Wheeler Waring
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijin
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat
The Dancing Class by Edgar Degas
Jockey on a Galloping Horse by Eadweard Muybridge
Bedroom in Arles by Vincent Van Gogh
Children's Games by Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Under the Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai
The Banjo Lesson by Henry Ossawa Tanner
New York Construction Workers Lunching on a Crossbeam by Charles Clyde Ebbets

The cats steal the show in this one.

As for the text, well, I am almost so distracted by how awesome the illustrations are that I neglect the text. I think the text is fine.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

19. Mission to Shadow Sea

Mission to Shadow Sea (Future Hero #2) Remi Blackwood. 2023. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jarell brushed his hand over the back of his head. It's got to be long enough now, right? he thought. At least his hair was finally more than stubble. On his last adventure to the kingdom of Ulfrika, the magical symbol had been burned away completely. He couldn't return until his hair was long enough to have a new symbol cut into it, but time was running out. He had to return to the ancient-future world of Ulfrika, find the remaining three iron animals, and stop the evil sorcerer Ikala before it was too late. 

Premise/plot: Mission to Shadow Sea is the second book in the Future Hero fantasy series for young readers. Jarell--the future hero--travels via haircut and magic mirror to another world, Ulfrica. He has adventures (and sometimes misadventures) there. When he's not off risking it all and fighting against the odds, he lives in London, I believe.

My thoughts: I am not the target audience for this one. That doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. I would recommend, however, waiting until ALL the books in the series have been released. I imagine that this series would be at its absolute best if a reader--presumably young--sat down with a stack of books and fell absolutely in love with the series, the story, the characters, the adventure of it all. 

The more detailed a fantasy world is, the more a reread is required in between books. Plus some fantasy books just require more investment. Fantasy can be hit or miss for me. And there usually isn't a reason why some fantasy novels I just am able to immerse myself into the world and escape...and others that just leave me puzzled and out of sorts. But I do think it's more of a me problem.

I remembered the real world, London, bits. I had a hazy memory of the fantasy world. (Probably it would be better if it was reversed.) Still, I don't have to personally love a series in order to recommend it to kids. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

18. The Real Dada Mother Goose

The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense. Jon Scieszka. Illustrated by Julia Rothman. 2022. [October] 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King's horses, and all the King's men,
Cannot put Humpty together again.
So Dada Geese decided to help...

Premise/plot: How absurd can a collection of already slightly-absurd classic Mother Goose rhymes get? Extremely absurd in the hands of "Dada Geese" aka Jon Scieszka. He's no stranger to absurd twists-and-turns, the "fracturing" of the familiar. 

Six classic rhymes get "fractured" or "spun." Each of the six get fractured six times. (So thirty-six new rhymes in all.)

These six include: 

Humpty Dumpty

Jack Be Nimble, 

Hey Diddle, Diddle

Old Mother Hubbard

Hickory, Dickory, Dock

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

My thoughts: This one is supposedly/allegedly inspired by "dadaism." (Kids probably won't know, won't care. Though I could be wrong. I certainly wouldn't have cared as a kid so long as I got a giggle or two from the book.) What I did appreciate as an adult reader was the back matter. *Some* of the new poems get a little extra explanation or footnote, if you will. (Like the morse code alphabet.) 

The book is definitely odd/whimsical/absurd. That was the aim, and it succeeded. 

 I personally don't know *who* the perfect, target audience is. While the original Mother Goose or Real Mother Goose might have been for toddlers, preschoolers, the very young...this book is decidedly not for that young an audience.

For me, it was very hit or miss. I liked "Computer Translation Telephone" as a retelling of Humpty Dumpty. But Humpty Dumpty censored, well, I'm sure some will find it hilarious, but it wasn't me. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

17. Pizza and Taco: Rock Out!

Pizza and Taco: Rock Out (Pizza and Taco #5) Stephen Shaskan. 2023. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Taco: Check out my fave band! Pizza: Lollipop and the Popcorns? Taco: YAAAS! Pizza: Anyone can do that! 

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco--two best friends--are back in their fifth early reader graphic novel. In this adventure, the two decide--with a little back and forth--to start their own band. But, it isn't as easy as they hoped. (And Phineas and Ferb made it look so easy!!!) Will this band break up before they've even written and practiced one song????

My thoughts: I have enjoyed this series. Pizza and Taco are such a fun duo! I enjoy the world in which they live. It's just a fun, super-silly, quirky early reader series. I don't equally love, love, love each and every book the same. (The fourth book wasn't love for me.) But overall, the series is fun and recommendable.

Adult readers will notice some puns and jokes that younger readers may not quite fully grasp.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

16. Cornelli

Cornelli. Johanna Spyri. 1892. 120 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Spring had come again on the banks of the Iller-Stream, and the young beech trees were swaying to and fro. One moment their glossy foliage was sparkling in the sunshine, and the next a deep shadow was cast over the leaves. A strong south wind was blowing, driving huge clouds across the sun.

Premise/plot: Cornelli Hellmut is an easy-going, pleasant daughter until her father goes away on an extended business trip leaving his cousin, Kitty Dorner, and another young woman, Miss Grideelen, to "educate" Cornelli. He returns to find Cornelli radically changed--and not for the better. He's puzzled, but thinks the solution is to send her away to boarding school. Dear, kind, loving Martha is a godsend. She is able to talk a little sense into both of them....

So Martha--dear that she is--let her spare room to a (sick) city boy, Dino Halm. (This was while Director Hellmut was away on business).  Dino and Cornelli become good friends despite a less than great first impression. So soon after her father's return, he receives a letter from Dino's mother requesting Cornelli come for a visit. (This is the kind of visit that happened on Gilligan's Island, not really, but still). 

When father and daughter are reunited--about eighteen months later???--he's in for a big surprise. (But this time a good one). 

My thoughts: I absolutely love, love, love Dino's family--his mom, Agnes, Niko, and Mux. I really like Cornelli. I did love Martha. So many of the characters just felt like FRIENDS within a short period of time. 

The story is old-fashioned certainly. It was originally published in 1892. It definitely has Christian themes and values. But I don't think it is as insufferable as it could have been. (I'll try to explain). The book that comes to mind is Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley. It is NOT as insufferable as that. (I made it through the first book and part of the second book). To clarify, having Christian themes and values does not make it automatically insufferable. It doesn't. But I think characters have to be developed (they are) and the dialogue has to be strong (it is). 

The book does have a tied in a neat bow ending. (I don't mind). There are some characters that are absolutely clueless and you wonder how they function at life. (The dad). There are some characters that you just want to yell and scream at (like the cousin and her friend). But I found it an engaging read. Definitely glad I read this one.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

15. The One and Only Ruby

The One and Only Ruby (The One and Only Ivan #3) Katherine Applegate. 2023. [May] 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Nobody ever listens to the littlest elephant. And around here, the littlest elephant is me. 

Premise/plot: Ruby has starred in The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob. It is only fair that this 'littlest elephant' gets a chance to tell her own story. 

Ruby is getting her tusks and the elephant herd wants to celebrate the occasion. But Ruby is reluctant. She is not happy about her tusks, and the idea of celebrating something she hates about herself, well, it's overwhelming. 

Ruby is surrounded by those who love, love, love, love, love, love, love her. She is supported. 

In this book, she tells her story. She shares memories of Stella. She shares memories of her time in Africa. There are so many flashbacks. Many chapters are just Ruby talking while Ivan and Bob occasionally are referenced as listening or gently asking questions. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The One and Only Ruby. I can honestly say that all three books in this series are unique. You might think, well, they are all in the same series. Yes, they're in the same series, but the tone and voice, the plot and pacing--each book is so unique.

The One and Only Ruby is very reflective. Perhaps this isn't surprising. After all, elephants never forget, right? They have amazing memories. Ruby has been shaped by her memories. And while she's struggling with her reluctance to celebrate her tusks--and finding the teasing unbearable--her memories are helping her. 

Friendship and found families are strong themes in this one. (Though I might be misusing the word 'theme'.)

Quotes:

An elephant matriarch is like a teacher and a counselor and a rescuer and a yeller and a helper and a nudger and a guider all rolled into one. I hope she isn't mad. I really do try to listen to the grown-ups, but every now and then my ears misbehave.

"Don't think too hard about the words," she says, "Just feel them." "But words aren't for feeling," I say. "Words are for hearing and saying and maybe singing. Also yelling and whispering and--"

Anything can be amazing, Ruby. Anything and everything. ~ Stella

"You can't run away from growing up," she says. "That's a race you will not win, my friend." ~ Aunt Zaina

"A first friend is a true gift, because forever after, your heart knows what's possible."

"A sentinel is someone who looks out for you. It can be someone who's part of your herd, of course, but it could be anyone. Sentinels can be your caretakers or your friends or your teachers or your neighbors. They look out for you. They understand you. They help you."

I looked at Uncle Ivan and Uncle Bob. My eyes were hot with tears. "You," I said. "You are my sentinels." I sniffled a little. "I'm a very lucky elephant."

"Then why should I celebrate having tusks? Why should I be excited about something people want to kill me over?" I cry.

"We are not our best selves without kindness." The other aunts respond, all speaking together: "An elephant without kindness is not an elephant." "We are not our best selves without wonder," says Aunt Akello. "An elephant without wonder is not an elephant," the aunts respond. "We are not our best selves without courage," says Aunt Akello. "An elephant without courage is not an elephant," the aunts respond. "We are not our best selves without gratitude," says Aunt Akello. "An elephant without gratitude is not an elephant," the aunts respond. 

"Every day," says Aunt Akello, "pick a quiet time and ask yourself these two questions. "What gifts did the world give you today? What gifts did you give the world?"

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

14. The One and Only Bob

The One and Only Bob. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao.  2020. 352 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Look, nobody's ever accused me of being a good dog. I bark at empty air. I eat cat litter. I roll in garbage to enhance my aroma. I harass innocent squirrels. I hog the couch. I lick myself in the presence of company. I'm no saint, okay?

The One and Only Bob is a sequel to Katherine Applegate's One and Only Ivan. Is it a sequel or more of a companion novel? Definitely a sequel. The novel opens with Bob living with his new family (George, Sara, Julia), and Ivan (the gorilla) and Ruby (the elephant) in their new homes at the local zoo. There are flashbacks--of sorts--to their time living together at the mall (as well as other flashbacks). 

The One and Only Bob has enough action for ten books. (I jest, mostly). You could argue that The One and Only Ivan was a character-driven, contemplative/reflective story with tons of heart. The One and Only Bob doesn't lack any in the character department. It doesn't. (There are new characters introduced too). And it certainly has HEART. (It is all the feels all at once.) But the action is INTENSE. Now take what you're imagining and magnify by about five. For 98% of this one expect to have your stomach in knots and an ache in your heart. 

So a storm is coming...and it's a BIG storm. It will catch all the characters--especially the animals, but also the humans--a bit unprepared. 

I really LOVED this one. It is a love in a different way. It complements One and Only Ivan. It does. But the intensity of the action is something that I could NEVER have handled in a million years as a kid. Bravo to those who can read it without becoming a total wreck. And the ending is 1000% worth it. It is a GREAT book. But oh the journey for these characters!!!!!

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

13. The One and Only Ivan

 The One and Only Ivan. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao. 2012. 307 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am Ivan. I am a gorilla. It's not as easy as it looks. 

ETA: I read this one initially in 2012 (see below review). I reread it in January 2023. I don't know that I could improve upon my initial review. Everything I said in the review below, I stand by. My love for this novel hasn't faded with time. 

Want to read one of the best, best books of the year? May I suggest Katherine Applegate's verse novel, The One and Only Ivan. I can't promise that every reader will come to LOVE Ivan, Ruby, Stella, Bob, Julia, and George, but you might end up loving them just as much as I did. (Ivan is a gorilla; Ruby and Stella are elephants; Bob is a dog; George and Julia are two of the most sympathetic human characters in the novel.)

So what is it about? It's about a small group of animals on display at Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Ivan, the gorilla, is an artist whose works sell in the gift shop. He's been captive almost thirty years. Stella is one of his dearest friends, she's an elephant who knows quite a few tricks. She's a great storyteller, but, many of her stories are bittersweet. She's had a hard life to have such a great memory. Bob, the stray dog, is Ivan's other best friend, he's not really on display--not wild enough, not talented enough--but to Ivan, well, he's the best dog in the world. One day, Mack, the owner, brings someone new: a baby elephant named Ruby. Her arrival changes EVERYTHING for Ivan. For at long last, he has someone to protect. 

Within pages, I was hooked. Here is the second poem:

names


People call me the Freeway Gorilla. The Ape at Exit 8. The One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback.


The names are mine, but they're not me. I am Ivan, just Ivan, only Ivan.


Humans waste words. They toss them like banana peels and leave them to rot.


Everyone knows the peels are the best part.


I suppose you think gorillas can't understand you. Of course, you also probably think we can't walk upright.


Try knuckle walking for an hour. You tell me: Which way is more fun?

The narrative voice is so strong, so rich, so observant, so right. Here are just a few examples:

Humans speak too much. They chatter like chimps, crowding the world with their noise even when they have nothing to say. (3)

Anger is precious. A silverback uses anger to maintain order and warn his troop of danger. When my father beat his chest, it was to say, Beware, listen, I am in charge. I am angry to protect you, because that is what I was born to do. Here in my domain, there is no one to protect. (10)

It was Julia who gave me my first crayon, a stubby blue one, slipped through the broken spot in my glass along with a folded piece of paper. I knew what to do with it. I'd watched Julia draw. When I dragged the crayon across the paper, it left a trail in its wake like a slithering blue snake. (16)

Humans don't always seem to recognize what I've drawn. They squint, cock their heads, murmur. I'll draw a banana, a perfectly lovely banana, and they'll say, "It's a yellow airplane!" or "It's a duck without wings!" That's all right. I'm not drawing for them. I'm drawing for me. (17)

My visitors are often surprised when they see the TV Mack put in my domain. They seem to find it odd, the sight of a gorilla staring at tiny humans in a box. Sometimes I wonder, though: Isn't the way they stare at me, sitting in my tiny box, just as strange? (23)

Bob's tail makes me dizzy and confused. It has meanings within meanings, like human words. "I am sad," it says. "I am happy." It says, "Beware! I may be tiny, but my teeth are sharp." Gorillas don't have any use for tails. Our feelings are uncomplicated. Our rumps are unadorned. (35)

Homework, I have discovered, involves a sharp pencil and thick books and long sighs. (44)

But hunger, like food, comes in many shapes and colors. At night, lying alone in my Pooh pajamas, I felt hungry for the skilled touch of a grooming friend, for the cheerful grunts of a play fight, for the easy safety of my nearby troop, foraging through shadows. (133)

It's an odd story to remember, I have to admit. My story has a strange shape: a stunted beginning, an endless middle. (144)

The One and Only Ivan is definitely an EMOTIONAL read. It's a book about how humans treat or mistreat animals. It tells the story of several animals: Stella, Ivan, Ruby, etc. In some cases relating how they got to their current "domain" (cage, or prison). For the most sensitive reader, it may prove a little too much in a few poems. Overall, I think it's a great read. Powerful, compelling, beautifully written.

Read The One and Only Ivan

• If you love E.B. White's Charlotte's Web
• If you love Kathi Appelt's The Underneath
• If you love animal stories
• If you love gorillas, elephants, dogs
• If you love GREAT writing

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

12. Sincerely Sicily

Sincerely Sicily. Tamika Burgess. 2023. 304 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Demanding to see the email only shows me how real this all is. Pa's phone trembles in my hands as I read it for myself. I almost can't get past the words: Sicily Jordan is registered and has been placed in a sixth grade class.

Premise/plot: Sicily Jordan will be attending a different middle school than her (current) best friends. It is the absolute end of the world. There is no recovering from this trauma, this abuse. HOW dare the universe do this to her?!?! She can't even. 

Reyna Sado--her best friend from kindergarten that disappeared (moved away)--attends the same middle school now. These two have the potential to be friends, but, because they don't have 100% the same interests and personalities, there's some doubt whether these two will reconnect...permanently. 

Meanwhile, Sicily has decided to cancel Grandma (Abuela) after she--or whether her hairstyle [braids]--was critiqued. Her father is reluctant to cut all ties with his mother, after all she's grieving the loss of her husband, is physically in need of help, and is from a different generation, but possibly to avoid being canceled himself decides to give grandma an ultimatum. 

The only other plot thread to be found is Sicily's interest in writing for the school newspaper. She's discouraged by the super mean-girl-bossy-rich-girl eighth grader. But she's encouraged by others. 

My thoughts: Sincerely Sicily wasn't for me--personally. This middle grade "problem novel" is a two-note song. For those that love the two notes and want to support a new author, this one might be a fantastic fit. 

Race and racism is front and center on almost every single page of this one. Sicily is learning the distinctive differences and nuances between race and culture, culture and race. And she is personally becoming fascinated with the history of all her blended cultures from her family tree. Like researching these cultures, traditions, etc., is her favorite new hobby. She writes about it every day in her journal. And occasionally--here and there--there are brief moments where you could see, yes, race is coming into play, perhaps there's a smidge of prejudice and offense to be taken. The journal entries--and some of the conversations--to me seem a little more info-dump than I prefer. I'm sure this seems [extra] harsh.

For me, the weakest element of this one was the characterization or lack thereof. Sicily, our heroine, is the most developed. And her sole interests seem to be a) learning about her race and culture b) writing about her race and culture c) talking about her race and culture d) talking about writing about her race and culture e) finding offense when people misunderstand her race and/or culture. Based on her interactions with her family, friends, classmates, etc, she seems a little immature and slightly bratty. Her characterization may be 1000% correct for your typical sixth grader. I am not calling into question her authenticity. Sicily wasn't necessarily given opportunities to shine with strong, developed relationships with other characters. The next-best-developed character was her crush, Michael. The conversations between these two show potential. I felt that Sicily could have potential to be a good, solid heroine if she felt more dimensional. The relationships were also on the weak side, in my opinion.

 "Problem novels" aren't my favorite and best type of realistic fiction to read.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

11. The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music

The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music. Roberta Flack and Tonya Bolden. Illustrated by Hayden Goodman. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Little me, in my Blue Ridge Mountain town
of Asheville, North Carolina,
living on a street named Velvet,
then on one named Circle,
didn't have fancy-fine clothes,
high-priced toys,
or other richy-rich
things.
But I had music.
My treasure.
My gold.

Premise/plot: The Green Piano is a picture book autobiography of Roberta Flack--particularly her formative childhood years. The book focuses on Roberta Flack's love of music. It tells the story of how her father brought home a piano from a junkyard and painted it green. This gift of love was also a gift of music. (Though music was VERY important to Roberta, to the whole family, to the community, before this gift.)

The biography is written in free verse. 

My thoughts: Some books are written in verse and you don't know exactly why. It makes a lot of sense that a book about music would be written in verse. On the surface, it makes perfect sense, like it would be a great fit. Lyrics often are poetry. (Though perhaps not all lyrics?) However, I found the verse to lack a little magic. To me the verses just lacked rhythm and that certain spark that makes verse work well. The text didn't "sing" to me. Prose can sing--and sometimes does sing--poetry is expected to sing more often than not. 

I wanted to really love this one. Roberta Flack's music is something that I generally enjoy. (I do have favorites. I am familiar with her music.) The text is weaker than I would have expected. The illustrations, however, are more my cup of tea. There are spreads that I absolutely loved.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

10. Wednesday and Woof #3: The Runaway Robot

The Runaway Robot (Wednesday and Woof #3) Sherri Winston. Illustrated by Gladys Jose. 2022. [November] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Zoom! A robot dog shoots across the shiny wood floor of room 12. It makes a whir-whir-whir sound. Bottle caps jingle around its neck like a collar.

Premise/plot: Wednesday Nadir (our detective heroine) and Woof (her faithful dog companion) have two mysteries to solve in this illustrated early chapter book mystery series for young readers. It is the third in the series. [Books can standalone, in my opinion.] The first mystery is a MISSING robot. The second mystery is the class pet--a hamster. Both are missing when the class returns from recess. Are these mysteries linked? 

My thoughts: It is what it is. I don't know many mystery series geared towards new readers [early chapter books] that will thrill adults as well. But that's not really the purpose, is it??? I think for early elementary grades this series is appropriate and (probably, possibly) appealing. This one is set entirely within the school setting--which I appreciate because it allows for more suspects and a bigger world to detect in as opposed to your own backyard.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

9. A Boy Called Bat

 

A Boy Called Bat. Elana K. Arnold. 2017. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bixby Alexander Tam stared into the refrigerator, trying to decide what to eat. He knew that the longer he took, the more energy he was wasting, and Bixby Alexander Tam did not like to waste energy. But he also didn't like to eat leftovers, or cheese that had to be sliced, or any of the yogurt flavors in the fridge.

Premise/plot: Bat (Bixby Alexander Tam) is having a not-so-great day. In fact, he's on the verge of a meltdown. His day begins to improve when his mom--an animal rescuer presumably--brings home a newborn baby skunk. BAT is super-excited to take care of it. He loves animals and animal facts. As the days and weeks pass, Bat becomes bonded. Can they keep the baby skunk as their forever pet? Or will they have to let him go to another rescue/refuge center?

My thoughts: Bat is in an interesting character. I do believe he is on the spectrum. Everything about this one felt authentic--his relationships with his mom, his dad, his sister, his teacher, classmates, etc. I loved the ending. Nothing is tied neatly in a bow, but there is potential--great potential for Bat to be in a good, happy and healthy place. 

My sister recommended this one to me. She thought I would find Bat relatable. I did, I really did!!! So I'm very glad I checked this one out from the library. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

8. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Bernard Waber. 1965. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is the house. The house on East 88th Street. Mr. and Mrs. Primm and their son Joshua live in the house on East 88th Street. So does Lyle. Listen: Swish, swash, splash, swoosh! That's Lyle... Lyle the Crocodile.

Premise/plot: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is the second book in the picture book series by Bernard Waber. Lyle's adventures and misadventures continue. The main 'story' of this one is the one-sided conflict with their neighbors--Mr. Grump and his cat Loretta. It is a BIG conflict. No matter how much Lyle wants to make friends, well, these two aren't having it. Mr. Grump even manages to have Lyle taken away to the zoo!!!! Will Lyle ever be reunited with his family????

My thoughts: I love and adore this one!!!! I do. It is such an AWESOME read. I enjoyed the first book. I did. But this one had me at hello. It was packed with action and adventure. The plot shares some similarities with the recent movie, however, it has some major differences as well. [Perhaps the powers that be thought it was too melodramatic how Lyle is finally able to make friends with the Grumps.] 

I highly recommend this one. It's never too late to go back and read picture books you may have missed out on. And of course, if you grew up with Lyle the Crocodile, it may be time to revisit these.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

7. The House on East 88th Street

The House on East 88th Street. Bernard Waber. 1962. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is the house. The house on East 88th Street. It is empty now, but it won't be for long. Strange sounds come from the house. Can you hear them? Listen: Swish, swash, splash, swoosh...

Premise/plot: The Primm family is moving into the house on East 88th Street. [Mr. and Mrs. Primm and their son, Joshua]. What should they discover in their house???? Lyle, Lyle crocodile! Though the family is at first a bit shocked and confused, it's soon the new normal. OF COURSE the crocodile belongs there! Of course, he's just going to fit right in--not only with them as a family, but with the whole neighborhood, the city. 

This is the origin story of Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. We meet Hector P. Valenti who seems to come and go in Lyle's life. In this first story, after making great friends with the Primm family, he is rushed away by Valenti...but the life of fame is not agreeable....not really. 

My thoughts: I recently watched the film Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. I had not--to my recollection--read any of the Lyle books growing up. [Though it's entirely possible that I had them read to me at a young age--from the library--and have just forgotten.] I would say the movie blends the plot of House on East 88th Street and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. It also connects the dots and fills in the blank. The picture books do not necessarily start at the beginning of Lyle's story. It begins with the Primm family moving in. The movie is all Lyle's story. 

I enjoyed this one very much. I especially loved the art.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

6. The Famously Funny Parrott

The Famously Funny Parrott: Four Tales from the Bird Himself. Eric Daniel Weiner. Illustrated by Brian Biggs. 2022. [December] 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I don't know about you, but my favorite breakfast treat, by far, is the chocolate chip waffle. I've had many sweet dreams about the chocolate chip waffle. The dream is simple. There is a waffle on a plate. I eat it. Very early on Saturday, April tenth, of this year, I was in the middle of one of these waffle dreams. But just as I lifted fork to beak, I heard a terrible knocking on my front door.

Premise/plot: There are four stories in this collection: "The Mystery of the Knocking Door," "The Case of the Missing Waffle Batter," "A Very Windy Wednesday," and "The Gigantic Waffle Emergency." All four stories star  Freddie Parrott and [Oswald Theodore] Peccary. What would Freddie do without Peccary his butler???? He'd be lost and hopeless that's what. The stories are all adventures/misadventures. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this animal fantasy. I loved, loved, loved meeting Parrott and Peccary. Their bantering relationship was super-fun. The adventures were silly and whimsical. The illustrations had me at hello. Seriously. I don't know if I would have loved the book quite so much with different illustrations. Overall, I thought both text and illustrations were absolutely delightful. 

The vibes are definitely old-fashioned(ish). Think the Wind in the Willows or any of Wodehouse stories starring Jeeves and Wooster.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

5. The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook.

The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook. Joyce Lankester Brisley. 1928. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time there was a little girl. She had a Father, and a Mother, and a Grandpa, and a Grandma, and an Uncle, and an Aunty; they all lived together in a nice white cottage with a thatched roof.

Premise/plot: Milly Molly Mandy stars in a collection of stories. This book was originally published in 1928. There are other Milly Molly Mandy books. The stories--at least in this initial collection--are episodic. Each story stands more or less on its own. It features (relatively) the same cast of characters: her immediate family (see above) and her friends Toby and Susan. 

The stories in this collection:

• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes Errands (I would personally say go ON errands, but the table of contents says otherwise)
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Spends a Penny
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Meets Her Great-Aunt
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes Blackberrying
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes to a Party
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Enjoys a Visit
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes Gardening
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Keeps Shop
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Gives A Party
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Gets to Know Teacher
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes to a Fete
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Has A Surprise
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes to A Concert
• Milly-Molly-Mandy's Mother Goes Away
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes to the Sea
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Minds a Baby
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Goes on an Expedition
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Helps to Thatch a Roof
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Keeps House
• Milly-Molly-Mandy and the Blacksmith's Wedding
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Has a New Dress

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one thoroughly. I did. It is old-fashioned for sure. These stories are like licks on a lollipop. I don't know that any one story stands out as wow or amazing. But taken together there is something satisfying about spending time with Milly-Molly-Mandy. I'm not sure how much appeal this character will have for young children or children. Perhaps if introduced to the stories by someone who passionately loves these characters, these books, and takes the time to pass on the tradition???

This is a book that I [and probably plenty of other adults] could imagine being read by their grandparents when they were little. And that adds an element of sentimentality perhaps. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

4. Cat Crew (Dog Squad 2)

Cat Crew (Dog Squad #2) Chris Grabenstein. 2022. [October] 304 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The diabolical villain known as Cattywampus has stepped in one too many piles of dog poop on the sidewalks of Paris. It has made his soul bitter. His shoes stinky.

Premise/plot: Fred (and company) are still busy being heroes on and off screen. In the first book, Fred took the role of 'Duke' over from the original Duke. In the second book, Fred and his dog friends are having to make friends with cats [among other animals]. The success of the show "Dog Squad" is faltering. An animal show starring seven seals is threatening to take over the top spot. That show is even getting ready to launch a spin-off. To stay on the air, they need more viewers...and a spin-off show of their own. A spin-off starring CATS. But there's plenty of drama off-screen as well. In fact most of the drama occurs off-screen. There's an evil animal trainer who has decided to destroy Dog Squad. Can Fred [and company] step up to reveal all and save their show before it's canceled.

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book [which I reviewed in December, I believe] well enough. I did. I like to try on new series. I like to be able to recommend new series. But I don't always feel the personal need to keep up with each new series that I start. For me, as an adult, I don't see me going on past this second book in the series. I think kids  may love, love, love the fact that this is a series book. The appeal may be in that it depicts both off-screen and on-screen drama. Half of the book focuses on the television show filming/acting and the other half focuses on their personal lives, friendships, and drama. 

There are plenty of characters--humans (trainers, owners, directors/producers, villains), dogs, cats, and occasionally another animal. (I believe there's a bird????) There is plenty of action. There is always something happening. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

3. A Bear, A Bee, and a Honey Tree

A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree. Daniel Bernstrom. Illustrated by Brandon James Scott. 2022. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: A bear, a bee...

Premise/plot: Tale as old as time. A bear wants honey. A bee [and all the bees from the hive] want to keep the bear from getting honey. This one features very few words. Maybe one or two words per spread. Maybe. The story is told through illustrations. 

My thoughts: The story is predictable, familiar. The text is incredibly simple. The illustrations are charming/delightful. If you love the illustrations you are a thousand times more likely to like the book overall. The text in and of itself might not be enough to "wow" you. Still, this one would be easy for little ones to learn to "read" on their own. Just a few times through with an adult [parent, grandparent, etc] and they may just pick it up enough to "read" or read all on their own. Plus, since the illustrations do all the heavy-lifting, little ones can read the illustrations all on their own. It's important to have books this simple.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

2. Madison Morris Is Not a Mouse!

Madison Morris is NOT a Mouse! [Class Critters #3] Kathryn Holmes. Illustrated by Ariel Landy. 2022. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "You're late," Madison Morris's great-aunt grumbled as Madison's mama helper her climb into the car. She said the same thing every Thursday. Madison and her mama were never late. Still, Madison knew better than to argue.

Premise/plot: Madison Morris started out the day super-positive and excited. Today is the day when all the students share their ideas on projects for how to change the world [activism]. But Great Aunt Joelle is a Negative Nelly, a true downer. Her negativity drowns out all the joy from Madison's day. She is now second-guessing all of her ideas--and she had so many. When she's called upon first by the teacher, she begs off saying that she'll share her ideas later... But actions have consequences in magical classrooms. And in this classroom, students can turn into animals. Madison Morris turns into a mouse....what will it take for her to become human again???

My thoughts: I like the series overall. I do. Series books can be so important for young readers. And this series offers entertainment and mild morals. There's a lesson packed into each book. The series will only improve once more titles are available. Binge-reading series is so much fun...for readers of all ages.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

1. Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party

Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party. Saadia Faruqi. Illustrated by Ani Bushry. 2022. [October 18] 144 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First Sentence: It wasn't fair that my birthday party was exactly two days after Alexa R.'s. "Why couldn't I have been born a little early?" I groaned at breakfast on Monday.

Premise/plot: Marya Khan is about to turn eight. But her birthday party doesn't feel like a party. At least not in comparison. Her parents think an appropriate party includes inviting over a best friend, getting pizza, and watching a movie. Marya Khan dreams a little bigger. A LOT bigger. Something perhaps even bigger and better than her neighbor-and-classmate, Alexa, will have. Her storytelling gets a little out of control and catches the attention of Alexa who believes Marya really is having this awesome party--a henna party. Can Marya convince her parents to throw her a big(ger) party in just a few days???? Or will she be caught out in her lie????

My thoughts: I really loved this one. It was such a great early chapter book. I loved meeting Marya and her family. I loved meeting her friends. I loved how the tense relationship between Alexa and Marya was explored. [Marya is more than a little jealous. But Alexa doesn't seem to have any negative, mean feelings about her.] I loved that this story shows the importance of empathy. Lest you think it is all about morals and lessons, this one offers some humor as well.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Books Read in 2023

 

Books read and reviewed at Young Readers in 2023

1. Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party. Saadia Faruqi. Illustrated by Ani Bushry. 2022. [October 18] 144 pages. [Source: Review copy]

2. Madison Morris is NOT a Mouse! [Class Critters #3] Kathryn Holmes. Illustrated by Ariel Landy. 2022. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

3. A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree. Daniel Bernstrom. Illustrated by Brandon James Scott. 2022. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

4. Cat Crew (Dog Squad #2) Chris Grabenstein. 2022. [October] 304 pages. [Source: Library]

5. The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook. Joyce Lankester Brisley. 1928. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

6. The Famously Funny Parrott: Four Tales from the Bird Himself. Eric Daniel Weiner. Illustrated by Brian Biggs. 2022. [December] 144 pages. [Source: Library]

7. The House on East 88th Street. Bernard Waber. 1962. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

8. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Bernard Waber. 1965. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

9. A Boy Called Bat. Elana K. Arnold. 2017. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

10. The Runaway Robot (Wednesday and Woof #3) Sherri Winston. Illustrated by Gladys Jose. 2022. [November] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

11. The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music. Roberta Flack and Tonya Bolden. Illustrated by Hayden Goodman. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

12. Sincerely Sicily. Tamika Burgess. 2023. 304 pages. [Source: Library]

13. The One and Only Ivan. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao. 2012. 307 pages. [Source: Library]

14. The One and Only Bob. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao.  2020. 352 pages. [Source: Library]

15. The One and Only Ruby (The One and Only Ivan #3) Katherine Applegate. 2023. [May] 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]

16. Cornelli. Johanna Spyri. 1892. 120 pages. [Source: Bought]

17. Pizza and Taco: Rock Out (Pizza and Taco #5) Stephen Shaskan. 2023. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

18. The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense. Jon Scieszka. Illustrated by Julia Rothman. 2022. [October] 80 pages. [Source: Library]

19. Mission to Shadow Sea (Future Hero #2) Remi Blackwood. 2023. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

20. Meowsterpieces: A Cat's Guide to Art...and Life! Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Nyangsongi. 2022. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

21. A Story Is To Share: How Ruth Krauss Found Another Way to Tell a Tale. Carter Higgins. Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

22. Nubby. Dan Richards. Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey. 2023. [January] [Source: Library]

23. I Did It! Michael Emberley. 2022 [October 11] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

24. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends (Ready-to-Read Graphics Level 1) Kaz Windness. 2023. [January] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

25. Sabrina Sue Loves the Sky. Priscilla Burris. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

26. Chicken Karaoke. Heidi E. Y. Stemple. Illustrated by Aaron Spurgeon. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

27. The Real Mother Goose. Illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright. 1916. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

28. Never Glue Your Friends To Chairs (Roscoe Riley Rules #1) Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Brian Biggs. 2008. 79 pages. [Source: Library]

29. The Secret School Avi. 2001. 157 pages. [Source: Library]

30. Lost Little Leopard (Lily to the Rescue #5). W. Bruce Cameron. Illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer. 2021. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

31.  Lily to the Rescue #6: The Misfit Donkey. 2021. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

32. The Secret Sisters. Avi. 2023. [August] 256 pages. [Source: Review copy]

33. Hot Dog. Doug Salati. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

34. Foxes In A Fix (Lily to the Rescue #7) W. Bruce Cameron. 2021. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

35. The Three Bears (Lily to the Rescue #8) W. Bruce Cameron. 2022. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

36. Squirrel in the Museum. Vivian Vande Velde. 2019. 112 pages. [Source: Library]

37. Squirrel on Stage. Vivian Vande Velde. 2022. [October 25] 128 pages. [Source: Library]

38. Knight Owl. Christopher Denise. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

39. Ready for Spaghetti: Funny Poems for Funny Kids. Michael Rosen. Illustrated by Polly Dunbar. 2022. [November] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

40. Space Cat. Ruthven Todd. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1952. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

41. The Lost Galumpus. by Joseph Helgerson. Illustrated by Udayana Lugo. 2023. [January] 384 pages. [Source: Library]

42. Once Upon a Book. Grace Lin and Kate Messner. 2023. [February] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

43. Mister Kitty is Lost! Greg Pizzoli. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

44. Dog Can Hide. (Ready to Read, Ready to Go) Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Fred Blunt. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

45. Mushroom Lullaby. Kenneth Kraegel. 2022. [October] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

46. I Am Picky: Confessions of a Fussy Eater. Kristen Tracy. Illustrated by Erin Kraan. 2022. [October 18] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

47. How To Draw A Happy Cat. Ethan T. Berlin. Illustrated by Jimbo Matison. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

48. A Book, Too, Can Be a Star: The Story of Madeleine L'Engle and the Making of a Wrinkle in Time. Written by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Jennifer Adams. Illustrated by Adelina Lirius. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

49. The Library Fish. Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Illustrated by Gladys Jose. 2022. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

50. The Library Fish Learns to Read. Alyssa Satin Capucilli. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

51. Harriet Spies. Elana K. Arnold. 2023. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

52. In Every Life. Marla Frazee. 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

53. To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights. Angela Dalton. Illustrated by Lauren Semmer. 2023. [January] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

54. Nat the Cat Takes a Nap (Ready to Read, Pre-Level 1) Jarrett Lerner. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

55. The Digger Dance. Judy Ann Sadler. Illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. 2022. [October 15] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

56. Rosetown. Cynthia Rylant. 2018. 149 pages. [Source: Library]

57. Rosetown Summer. Cynthia Rylant. 2021. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

58. A Snow Day for Plum! Matt Phelan. 2023. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

59. Madame Alexander. The Creator of the Iconic American Doll. Susan Goldman Rubin. Illustrated by Sarah Dvojack. 2022. [October 18] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

60. The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Easter Egg Hunt. Eric Carle. 2023. [January] 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

61. Good Night, Sister. Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt. Illustrated by Lucy Fleming. 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

62. Rescuing Titanic: A True Story of Quiet Bravery in the North Atlantic. Flora Delargy. 2021. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

63. Happy Easter From the Crayons. Drew Daywalt. Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

64. Hope is a Hop. Katrina Moore. Illustrated by Melissa Iwai. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

65. How Many Squirrels Are in the World? Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G). 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

66. Board book: Vegetables in Pajamas. Jared Chapman. 2023. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

67. Board book: Two Dogs on a Trike. Gabi Snyder. Illustrated by Robin Rosenthal. 2022. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

68. The Rock from the Sky. Jon Klassen. 2021. 96 pages. [Source: Review copy]

69. This Little Kitty. Karen. Obuhanych. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

 70. The Giants' Farm. Jane Yolen. Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. 1977. 78 pages. [Source: Library]

 71. This Book Is My Best Friend. Robin Robinson. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

72. Board book: The Little Engine's Easter Egg Hunt. Lana Edelman. Illustrated by Jannie Ho. 2023. [January] 26 pages. [Source: Review copy]

73. The Summer We Found The Baby. Amy Hest. 2020. 192 pages. [Source: Library]

74.  Link + Hud: Heroes By A Hair. Jarrett Pumphrey. Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey. 2023. [March] 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]

75. Henry, Like Always (Henry #1) Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2023. [January] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

76. A Friend for Henry. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2019. 36 pages. [Source: Library]

77. I Love You Like Yellow. Andrea Beaty. Illustrated by Vashti Harrison. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

78. The Umbrella. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2023. [March] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

79. Board book: 10 Little Excavators. Annie Bailey. Illustrated by Jeff Harter. 2022. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

80. Board book: Orange Excavator. Kersten Hamilton. Illustrated by Valeria Petrone. 2022. 28 pages. [Source: Library]

81.  Pocket Full of Sads. Brad Davidson. Illustrated by Rachel Mas Davidson. 2023. [April] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

82. The World And Everything In It. Kevin Henkes. 2023. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

83. Zoobilations! Animal Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Library] 

84. The Story of the Saxophone. Lesa Cline-Ransome. Illustrated by James E. Ransome. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

85. Pat the Bunny. Dorothy Kunhardt. 1940. 18 pages. [Source: Library]

86. Horton Hatches The Egg. Dr. Seuss. 1940/1968. Random House. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

87. Betsy-Tacy. Maud Hart Lovelace. Illustrated by Lois Lenski. 1940. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

88. A Fine, Fine School. Sharon Creech. Illustrated by Harry Bliss. 2001. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

89. Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport. Caren Stelson. Illustrated by Selina Alko. 2023. [February] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

90. Caps for Sale. Esphyr Slobodkina. 1940. 48 pages. [Source: Childhood Copy] 

91. A Day in the Sun. Diana Ejaita. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

92. Palace of Books. Patricia Polacco. 2023. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

93. Board book: Sometimes Babies. Charlotte Trounce. 2021. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

94. Meet Danitra Brown. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 1994. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

95. Ode to a Bad Day. Chelsea Lin Wallace. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum.  2023. [April] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

96. Picky Panda. Jackie Huang. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

97. Twenty Questions. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Christian Robinson. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

98. Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels. Daniel Kirk. 2020. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

99. Too Many Lollipops. Robert M. Quackenbush. 1975. 32 pages. [Source: Book from my childhood] 

100. Board book: Bugblock. Christopher Franceschelli. Illustrated by Peski Studio. 2023. [April] 84 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

101. Animals in Pants. Suzy Levinson. Illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

102. The Astronomically Grand Plan (Astrid the Astronaut #1) Rie Neal. Illustrated by Talitha Shipman. 2022. [July] 112 pages. [Source: Library] 

103. Woo Hoo! You're Doing Great! Sandra Boynton. 2023. [April] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

104. A Giant Problem. (Mihi Ever After #2) Tae Keller. 2023. [May] 208 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

105. Dazzle Makes a Wish (Book Buddies #3) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2023. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

106. Princess Private Eye. Evelyn Skye. 2023. [May] 320 pages. [Source: Library]

107. Basil of Baker Street. (Great Mouse Detective). Eve Titus. 1958. 113 pages. [Source: Library]

108. Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy (Doggo and Pupper #3) Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Charlie Alder. 2023. [March] 96 pages. [Source: Library] 

109. What Does Baby See (Board Book) Peter Pauper Press, Inc. Illustrated by Simon Abbott. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

110. Nat the Cat Takes a Bath (Ready to Read: Pre-Level One) Jarrett Lerner. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

111. Ways to Build Dreams. Renee Watson. Illustrated by Nina Mata. 2023. [October] 208 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

112. Ella Fitzgerald (She Persisted) Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. 2023. [April] 80 pages. [Source: Library] 

113. How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

114. Pew! The Stinky and Legen-dairy Gift From Colonel Thomas S. Meacham by Cathy Stefanec Ogren. Illustrated by Lesley Breen. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

115. Picture book:  The Teachers I Loved Best. Taylor Mali. Illustrated by Erica Root. 2023. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

116. Board book: Cowy Cow. Chris Raschka. 2014. 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

117. Picture book: Truffle: A Dog (And Cat) Story. David McPhail. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

118. Picture Book: Oh No, the Aunts Are Here. Adam Rex. Illustrated by Lian Cho. 2023. [May] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

119. Picture book: Anatole (Anatole #1) Eve Titus. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1956. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

120. Anatole and the Cat (Anatole #2) Eve Titus. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1957. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Link to cover image]  

121. Picture Book: (Golden Book) The Kitten Who Thought He Was A Mouse. Miriam Norton. Illustrated by Garth Williams. 1951. 22 pages. [Source: Library] 

122. Picture Book Biography: Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll! Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe the Godmother of Rock & Roll. Tonya Bolden. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

123. Basil and the Cave of Cats (Great American Detective #3? #2?) Eve Titus. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1971. 101 pages. [Source: Library] [Link to cover image]  

124. Teaching Tornero: The True Story of a Sloth Superstar. Georgeanne Irvine. 2023. [May] 36 pages. [Source: Review copy]

125.  Audrey L. and Audrey W. Best Friends-ish (Book 1) Carter Higgins. Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. 2021. 184 pages. [Source: Library]

126. Monster Mac and Cheese Party. Todd Parr. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

127. The Great Mathemachicken: Hide and Go Beak. Nancy Krulik. 2022. [January] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

128. The Great Mathemachicken #2 Have A Slice Day. Nancy Krulik. 2023. [April] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

129. Elena Rides. Juana Medina. 2023. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

130. City Under the City. Dan Yaccarino. 2022. [November] 68 pages. [Source: Library] 

131. Gertie, The Darling Duck of WWII. Shari Swanson. Illustrated by Renee Graef. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

132. The Underdogs #1: The Underdogs: Catch a Cat Burglar. Kate and Jol Temple. Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon. 2021. 160 pages. [Source: Library] 

133. True Creative Talents (Audrey L & Audrey W #2) 2022. [October] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

134. Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild. Margarita Engle. 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

135. Fish and Worm. (I Can Read Comics, Level 1) Sergio Ruzzier. 2023. [May] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Early Reader] 

136. Gnome and Rat. Lauren Stohler. 2023. [June] 80 pages. [Source: Library] [Early chapter book, graphic novel] 

137. The Ice Cream Vanishes. Julia Sarcone-Roach. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

138. The Corgi and the Queen. Caroline L. Perry. Illustrated by Lydia Corry. 2022. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

139. Anne Dares (Anne #5) Kallie George. Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. 2023. [October 17?] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy] [early chapter book; illustrated chapter book] 

140. Poppleton in Summer (Poppleton #6?) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 2023. [May] 64 pages. [Source: Library] [Early chapter book, Animal fantasy] 

141. Board book: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Adapted from C.S. Lewis. Illustrated by Joey Chou.. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]  

142. Board book: ABC's of Texas. Sandra Magsamen. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

143. Board book: I Love You As Big as Texas. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Joanne Partis. 2021. 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

144. Where I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town. Edited by Paul B. Janeczko. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. 2023. [March] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Poetry collection for young children]

145. Pizza and Taco #6, Pizza and Taco: Dare To Be Scared. Stephen Shaskan. 2023. [June] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [Graphic novel, early chapter book] 

146. Kitty-Cam (Ready to Read, Pre-Level 1) Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [June] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

147. Board book: Moo-Moo, I Love You! Tom Lichtenheld. Illustrated by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. 2022. [November 1] 34 pages. [Source: Library] 

148. Oslo Learns to Swim (Ready to Read, Level One) Doug Cushman. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader, beginning reader]

149. Graphic novel: Waffles and Pancake: Failure to Launch. Drew Brockington. 2023. March. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

150. Flashback to the Awesome '80s! Patty Michaels. Illustrated by Sarah Rebar. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, early readers, beginning to read level 2]

151. Flashback to the Fly 90s! Patty Michaels. Illustrated by Sarah Rebar. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, Beginning readers, ready to read level 2] 

152. Board book: The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk. Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha. Illustrated by Jess Golden. 2016/2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

153. A Smart, Smart School. Sharon Creech. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

154. Board book. Hello Baby Sloth (Say Hello! Baby Animals series) Beverly Rose (according to GoodReads). 2023. [March] 18 pages. [Source: Library]

155. Board book: Now That You're Here. Loryn Brantz. 2023. [January] 22 pages. [Source: Library]

156.  Board book: Christmas Kitten: A Touch and Feel Book. Rosie Adams. Illustrated by Lucy Barnard. 2022. [September] 10 pages. [Source: Library]

157. Board book: Peppa Pig: Class Pet (Touch-and-Feel) Adapted by Eric Geron (according to Goodreads). Illustrated by Eone. (according to Goodreads). 2023. 10 pages. [Source: Library]

158. Board book: For Your Smile. Loryn Brantz. 2022. [September] 22 pages. [Source: Library]

159. Board book: I Love You, Little Truck. David and Stephanie Miles. Illustrated by Natasha Molins. 2023. [January] 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

160. What Cat Likes Best: Rhymes for Children. Erwin Moser. Translated by Alistair Beaton. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

161. What Bear Likes Best: Rhymes for Children. Erwin Moser. Translated by Alistair Beaton. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

162. What Hedgehog Likes Best: Rhymes for Children. Erwin Moser. Translated by Alistair Beaton. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

163. Arfy and the Stinky Smell. (Step Into Reading, Step 2, A Comic Reader) Troy Cummings. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader]

164. A Doll for Marie. Louise Fatio. Illustrated by Roger Duvoisin. 1957/2015. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture Book, Classic] 

165. DK Super Readers (level 2): Cats and Kittens. D.K. Publishing. 2023. [May] 35 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, nonfiction]

166. There's a Cow in My Bed. Daniel Fehr. Illustrated by Jorge Martin. 2023. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

167. Cat's Very Good Day. Kristen Tracy. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

168. Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract. Mirka Hokkanen. 2023. [April] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

169. Extraordinary Warren's World. (Previously published as Extraordinary Warren and Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day) Sarah Dillard. 2020. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

170. DK Super Readers (Level 3) Spacebusters Race to the Moon. Philip Wilkinson (according to Goodreads) 2023. [April] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, early chapter book]

171. DK Super Readers, Level 1. A Day on the Farm. DK Publishing. 2023. [April] 35 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader; nonfiction] 

172. The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad Montague. Illustrated by Brad and Kristi Montague. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

173. Kunoichi Bunny. Sara Cassidy. Illustrated by Brayden Sato. 2022. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

174. 10 Cats. Emily Gravett. 2022/203. [May 2023 in U.S.] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

 175. Being A Cat A Tail of Curiosity. Maria Gianferrari. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

176. The Perfect Present. Petr Horacek. 2022/2023. [May] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

177. This Story is Not About a Kitten. Randall de Seve. Illustrated by Carson Ellis. 2022. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

178. A Kitten Tale. Eric Rohmann. 2008. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

179. BOARD BOOK: Oakley the Squirrel: Camping 1 2 3! A Nutty Numbers Book. Nancy Rose. 2023. [May] 30 pages. [Source: Library]

180. BOARD BOOK: Little Chicks. Taro Gomi. 2018/2023. 26 pages. [Source: Library]

181. BOARD BOOK: It's Tummy Time! Elise Parsley. 2023. [February] 22 pages. [Source: Library]

182. BOARD BOOK: I'M YOUR ICE CREAM TRUCK. Hannah Eliot. Illustrated by Belinda Chen. 2023. [May] 18 pages. [Source: Library]

183. BOARD BOOK: I Love You Slow Much. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Sanja Rescek. 2022. [December] 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

184. Our Incredible Library Book and the Wonderful Journeys It Took. Caroline Crowe. Illustrated by John Joseph. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] [Books about books]  

185. Space Cat #2: Space Cat Visits Venus. Ruthven Todd. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1955. 87 pages. [Source: Library] [Chapter book; Vintage; Classic] 

186. Bear Is Never Alone. Marc Veerkamp. Illustrated by Jeska Verstegen. Translated into English by Laura Watkinson. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

187. Before, Now. Daniel Salmieri. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

188. Walter Finds His Voice: The Story of a Shy Crocodile. Ann Kim Ha. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

189. Hattie Harmony: Opening Night. Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett. Illustrated by Marissa Valdez. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

190. Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear. Nadine Brun-Cosme Illustrated Olivier Tallec. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

191. Mr. S: A First Day of School Book. Monica Arnaldo. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] 

192. Pepper & Boo: Paws Up for Joy! Charise Mericle Harper. 2023. [February] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

193. The Story of Barbie and the Woman Who Created Her. Cindy Eagan. Illustrated by Amy June Bates. 2017. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction; picture book biography] 

194.  Cinderella with Dogs! Linda Bailey. Illustrated by Freya Hartas. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book; fairy tale adaptation; humor; dogs and cats]

195. A Book for Bear. Ellen Ramsey. Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley. 2023. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy] [picture book; books about books; friendship] 

196. Dogtown (A Dogtown Book #1) Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko. 2023. [September] 352 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Animal fantasy; J Fiction; MG Fiction] 

197. The Brilliant Ms. Bangle. Cara Devins. Illustrated by K-Fai Steele. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

198.  Nothing's Wrong! A Hare, a Bear, and Some Pie To Share. Jory John. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

199. Rain. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Lisa Congdon. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] 

200. Our Dragon. Mem Fox. Illustrated by Linda Davick. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

201. Sometimes Shy. Julie Bliven. Illustrated by Dang Khoa Tran. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

202. This Is The First Book I Will Read To You. Francesco Sedita. Illustrated by Magenta Fox. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

203. Something's Wrong: A Bear, A Hare, and Some Underwear. Jory John. Illustrated by Erin Kraan. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

204. Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! Bill Martin Jr. Michael Sampson. Illustrated by Nathalie Beauvois. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

205. Hope In the Valley. Mitali Perkins. 2023. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [J Fiction; MG Fiction; everybody-fiction, "historical" fiction, realistic fiction]

 206. Simon and the Better Bone. Corey R. Tabor. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book; animal fantasy; dogs; humor]

207. How To Talk Like a Bear. Charlie Grandy. Illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; animal fantasy; bears; humor]

208. Fox Forgets (Goose and Bear Stories) Suzanne Bloom. 2013/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; animal fantasy]

209. Bear Can Dance! (Goose and Bear Stories). Suzanne Bloom. 2015/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book; animal fantasy] 

210. Adventures in Fosterland: Emmet and Jez (Adventures in Fosterland #1) Hannah Shaw. Illustrated by Bev Johnson. 2022. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [chapter book; animal fantasy; series]

211. Super Spinach (Adventures in Fosterland #2) Hannah Shaw. Illustrated by Bev Johnson. 2022. 173 pages. [Source: Library] [chapter book; animal fantasy; series] 

212. When Rubin Plays. Gracey Zhang. 2023. 56 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; music appreciation; cats]

213. Luli and the Language of Tea. Andrea Wang. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

214. I Cannot Draw A Bicycle. Charise Mericle Harper. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

215. YOU Can't Be a Pterodactyl! James Breakwell. Illustrated by Sophie Corrigan. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] 

216. See the Ghost: Three Stories about Things You Cannot See. David LaRochelle. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. 2023. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book] [early reader]

217. Big Kids No Everything. Wednesday Kirwan. 2023. [April] 36 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

218. Baby Animals First Sounds. Alexandra Claire. 2023. [February] 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

219. My First Book of Fruit. Fred Wolter. 2023 [March] 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

220. My First Book of Veggies. Fred Wolter. 2023. [March] 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

221. Bear With Me. Kerascoët (Sebastien Cosset and Marie Pommepuy). 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [near wordless picture book]

222. The Together Tree. Aisha Saeed. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [school, bullying]

223.  Tap! Tap! Tap! Dance! Dance! Dance! Hervé Tullet. 2023. [May] 64 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] [interactive]

224. Fox Has a Problem. Corey R. Tabor. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

225. Mindy Kim and the Summer Musical. Lyla Lee. Illustrated by Dung Ho. 2023. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book; series book]

 226. Bad Luck Lola (Hola, Lola) Keka Novales. Illustrated by Gloria Felix. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book]

227. Dance of the Feather (Hola, Lola) Keka Novales. Illustrated by Gloria Felix. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book] 

228. Mine! Candace Fleming. Illustrated by Eric Rohmann. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

229. Who Made This Mess? Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Aleksandar Stojsic. 2023. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

230. NO is all I know! Chris Grabenstein. Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. 2023. [May] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

231. Jungle Cat. Andrew Larsen. Illustrated by Udayana Lugo. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

232. Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention. Carrie A. Pearson. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. 2023. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library] 

233. The Scariest Kitten in the World by Terrifying Kitten with help from Kate Messner. Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley. 2023. (August) 40 pages. [Source: Library]

234. It's Fall! Renee Kurilla. 2023. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

235. Fox and the Jumping Contest. Corey R. Tabor. 2016. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

236. Fox and the Bike Ride. Corey R. Tabor. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

237. Fox is Late (I Can Read) Corey R. Tabor. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

238. Fox the Tiger. Corey R. Tabor. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

239. Fox at Night. Corey R. Tabor. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader] 

240. The Horseback Librarians. Jane Yolen. Illustrated by Alexandra Badiu. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] [Fiction based on true story] 

241. Fox in Winter. Corery R. Tabor. 2020. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader]

242. Feeding the Ducks with Lily and Milo. Pauline Oud. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book/board book] 

243. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! Mo Willems. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

244. Mel Fell. Corey R. Tabor. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

245. Who's A Goose? Scott Stuart. 2021/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

246. Pumpkin Day at the Zoo. Susan Meissner. Illustrated by Pablo Pino. 2023. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

247. Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred. Deborah Hopkinson. Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. 2023. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture Book] [LGBT+ retelling of Cinderella] 

248. Mighty Muddy Us. Caron Levis. Illsutrated by Charles Santoso. 2023. [October] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] [picture book] 

 249. Baby Badger (Adventures in Fosterland) Hannah Shaw. 2023. [January] 173 pages. [Source: Library] [illustrated chapter book] 

250. Snowpea The Puppy Queen (Adventures in Fosterland) Hannah Shaw. 2023. [July) 144 pages. [Source: Library] [illustrated chapter book] 

251. The Bunny Rabbit Show! Sandra Boynton. 2014/2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [board book]

252. Norma and Belly #3: Pizza My Heart. Mika Song. 2022. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [Early chapter book; graphic novel]

253. One Smart Cookie (Norma and Belly #4). 2023. [August] 112 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book; graphic novel] 

254. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (Book 1) Adam Rex. 2023. 140 pages. [Source: Library] [speculative fiction; j fantasy; j fiction]

255. Dear Stray. Kirsten Hubbard. Illustrated by Susan Gal. 2023. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

256. Hello Baby Penguin! Beverly Rose. 2023. 18 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

257. Hello, Baby (Say Hello in 15 Languages!) Little Bee Books. 2023. 18 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

258. You Are New. Lucy Knisley. 2019/2023. 42 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book; originally published as a picture book; not eligible for Cybils]

259. Opposites. (Baby's First Library) Agnese Baruzzi (illustrator) 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book; wordless]

260. See, Touch, Feel Tummy Time. Roger Priddy (Priddy Books) 2023. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

261. Cat vs. Vac (Ready to Read Level 1) Kaz Windness. 2023. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

262. Garvey's Choice (The Graphic Novel). Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III. 2023. [June] 144 pages. [Source: Library] [J Graphic novel; MG graphic novel] 

263. Good Books for Bad Children: The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom. Beth Kephart. 2023. [September] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book biography; nonfiction] 

264. Tig & Lily #1 Tiger Trouble. Dan Thompson. 2023. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [early graphic novel] 

265. Who Was Frank Sinatra. Ellen Labrecque. Illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez. (Who H.Q series). 2023. [July] 112 pages. [Source: Library]

266. How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Jon Klassen. 2023. [September] 33 pages. [Source: Library]

267. Hopefully the Scarecrow. Michelle Houts. Illustrated by Sara Palacios. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

268. A Walk in the Woods. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

269. I Love You, Daddy. [Board book] Stephanie Moss. Illustrated by Kathryn Inkson. 2023 (2021). 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

270. The Baddies. Julia Donaldson. Illustrated by Axel Scheffler. 2022/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

271. Horace and Bunwinkle. PJ Gardner. 2020. 224 pages. [Source: Library] [Animal fantasy; early chapter book mystery series]

272. The Words We Share. Jack Wong. 2023. [October 10] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

273. The Yellow Handkerchief. Donna Barba Higuera. Illustrated by Cynthia Alonso. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

274.  The Umbrella. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2023. [March] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

275. I Am Cat! Peter Bently. Illustrated by Chris Chatterton. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

276. Jack the Library Cat. Marietta Apollonio. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

277. The Digger and the Butterfly. Joseph Kuefler. 2023. [May] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

278. Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals. Linda Ashman. Illustrated by Aparna Varma. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Poetry book] 

279. Beulah Has a Hunch! Inside the Colorful Mind of a Master Inventor Beulah Louise Henry. Katie Mazeika. 2023. [October 17] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [2024 Cybils Eligible in Nonfiction Elementary]

280. This Book is Banned: A Delightfully Silly Picture Book from the Author of P is for Pterodactyl. Raj Haldar. Illustrated by Julia Patton. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

281. Fitz and Cleo Put a Party On It (Fitz and Cleo #3) Jonathan Stutzman. Illustrated by Heather Fox. 2023. [August] 64 pages. [Source: Library] 

282. Dory Fantasmagory #6: Can't Live Without You. Abby Hanlon. 2023. [September] 160 pages. [Source: Library]

 283. Puppy Cam. Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early Reader]

284. All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow! Peter H. Reynolds and Henry Rocket Reynolds. 2023. [October 3] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] 

285. Dragon's First Taco (Board Book) Adam Rubin. Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. 2023. [September] 16 pages. [Source: Library]

286. I'll Be A Chicken Too (Board book) Lana Vanderlee. Illustrated by Mike Deas. 2023. [May] 22 pages. [Source: Library]

287. Fifteen Animals (Board book). Sandra Boynton. 2002/2008/2014. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

288. Snow (Board book) Leslie Patricelli. 2023. [September] 26 pages. [Source: Library]

289. Leo at the Park (Board book) Anna McQuinn. 2023. [June] 18 pages. [Source: Library]

290. Snow, Snow, Snow. (Board book) Sandra Boynton. 2023. [September] 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

291. Detective Duck #1: The Case of the Strange Splash. Henry Winkler. Illustrated by Lin Oliver. 2023. [October 17]  80 pages. [Source: Library]

292. I Am Mister Rogers. Brad Meltzer. Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. 2023. [October 31] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

293. How To Count to One: And Don't Even Think About Bigger Numbers. Caspar Salmon. Illustrated by Matt Hunt. 2023. [June] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

294. Squash, the Cat. Sasha Mayer. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

295. Just Because. Matthew McConaughey. Illustrated by Renee Kurilla. 2023. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

296. Cornbread and Poppy at the Museum (Cornbread & Poppy #3) Matthew Cordell. 2023. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

297. Trim Sets Sail. Deborah Hopkinson. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

298. Trim Helps Out. Deborah Hopkinson. 2023. [October 24] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

299. Shark-Cam. (Critter Cam) Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [June] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

300. Let's Eat! Fruits and Vegetables from A-Z. Jacqueline Brooks. Illustrated by Davide Ortu. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

 301. Party Animals (Tig and Lily #2) Dan Thompson. 2023. [September] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

302. 10 Dogs. Emily Gravett. 2023. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

303. I Want 100 Dogs. Stacy McAnulty. Illustrated by Claire Keane. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

304. The Bear and Her Book. Frances Tosdevin. 2023. [November] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

305. Out Cold (A little Bruce book) Ryan T. Higgins. 2023. [October 3] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

306. Just One Flake. Travis Jonker. 2023. [October 10] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

307. A Very Cranky Book. Angela and Tony DiTerlizzi. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

308. The Big Cheese. Jory John. Illustrated by Peter Oswald. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] 

309. Lullaby for The King. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Michelle Carlos. 2023. [October 10] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] 

310.  Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. Robert E. Barry. 1963. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

311. Perfect Piggies: A Book! A Song! A Celebration! by Sandra Boynton. 2010??? 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book] 

312. The Brand-New, Never-Used, Perfect Crayons. Leanne Hatch. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

313. Mercy Watson Is Missing (Tales from Deckawoo Drive #7) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2023. [December] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

314. Jingle Bell Joy. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

315. Santa's Gotta Go. Derrick Barnes. Illustrated by Courtney Lovett. 2023. 33 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

 316. The Twelve Hours of Christmas. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Bea Jackson. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

317. Holy Night and Little Star. Mitali Perkins. Illustrated by Khoa Le. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

318. Snowmen's Twelve Nights of Christmas. Caralyn Buehner. Illustrated by Mark Buehner. 2023. 33 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] 

319. Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story. Edward Hemingway. 2018/2023. 30 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

320.  First Stories: A Christmas Carol. Jean Claude. 2018. 8 pages. [Source: Library] [board book]

321. The Very Snow Christmas. Diana Hendry. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. 2013/2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

322. My Magical Santa. [Abrams Appleseed Board Books] 8 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

323. Touch and Trace Nursery Rhymes: Jingle Bells. Editors of Silver Dolphin Books. 2023. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [Board books]

324. Slide and See First Words Christmas. Helen Hughes. Illustrated by Kathryn Selbert. 2023. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [board books] 

325. Best Buddies: A Pie for Us (An Acorn Book) Vicky Fang. Illustrated by Luisa Leal. 2023. [October 17] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader; early graphic novel]

326. Best Buddies: Save the Duck (An Acorn Book) Vicky Fang. Illustrated by Luisa Leal. [December 2023] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader; early graphic novel]

327. Let's Go, Construction Trucks (Spin Me). Scholastic. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Board books]

328.  101 Trucks: And Other Mighty Things That Go. April Jones Prince. Illustrated by Bob Kolar. 2019. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

329. Vehicles ABC. Jannie Ho. 2018. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

330. The Goodnight Train Rolls On. June Sobel. Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith. 2018/2019. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy]

331. This Little Piggy (Let's Count to 10) Jarvis. 2019. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

332. Picken. Mary Murphy. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

333. We Love the Farm (Two Books in One) Rachael Saunders. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

334. We Love Animals (Two Books In One) Lo Cole. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

335. I Thought I Saw an Elephant. Lydia Nichols. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

336. I Thought I Saw A Bear. Lydia Nichols. 10 Pages. [Source: Review copy]

337. Colors with Little Fish. Lucy Cousins. 2019. 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

338. Our Little Love Bug. Sandra Magsamen. 2007/2018. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

339. Hanukkah Upside Down. Elissa Brent Weissman. Illustrated by Omer Hoffmann. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

340. The 13-Story Treehouse: Monkey Mayhem! Andy Griffiths. Illustrated by Terry Denton. 2011. 256 pages. [Source: Bought]

341. Sabrina Sue Loves the Moon. Priscilla Burris. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

342. Frog Can Hop (Ready to Read, Ready to Go) Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Fred Blunt. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

343. Monkey Cam (Critter Cam) Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers