Dork Diaries 14: Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever by Rachel Renee Russell
Reading Age: 9-13 years
Grade Level: 4-8
Publisher: Aladdin; Illustrated edition
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
It is summer and middle grader Nikki Maxwell and her friends plan to be the opening act for a popular music group called Bad Boyz as they tour cities around the country. The story infuses quizzes about the four members of Bad Boyz so that readers understand the personalities and traits of the members. Unfortunately Nikki’s rival, McKenzie, plans to inject herself into this experience any way that she can. Nikki’s histrionic personality is well depicted in text and illustrations which at times will have readers laughing and at other times have readers’ eyes zooming through pages to find out how cliffhangers end. As the story unfolds the audience learns that there is more to Nikki than her dramatic personality. My Book Eyes enjoyed the pedal boat escapade. This middle grade chapter book is a fun read that ends on a happy note.
I Love Dad with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Age Range: 3 years – 5 years
Publisher: World of Eric Carle
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
The Very Hungry Caterpillar journeys from one father child pair to another in this picture book. The audience learns why dads are loved. The words are sparse but well chosen. Only one to six words appear on two page spreads which makes this a great read for young audiences. Mr. Carle’s vivid collage designs on white background are eye-catching.
My Book Eyes remembers seeing Mr. Carle at a book signing at Barnes and Noble in New York City. He drew such a large and diverse crowd. The book signing line seemed never ending. He will be missed.
And That’s Why She’s My Mama by Tiarra Nazario
Reading Age: 7 – 8 years
Publisher: Tiarra Nazario
Publication Date: March 15, 2018
In this rhyming picture book, the reader learns why mamas are special. Whether they encompass getting ready in the morning, going off to school, accepting wins and loses, taking care of the sick, helping to make treats to name a few, mamas are there. This book depicts mothers and children with different ages, abilities, skin tones, and hair textures/colors which are realities for many families whether they are biologically related, adopted or foster families. This book is a must in libraries.
Off to See the Sea by author Nikki Grimes and illustrator Elizabeth Zunon
Reading Age: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date: January 12, 2021
In this picture book, My Book Eyes feels transported to a tropical island when a mother and child enjoy bathtime via imaginary scenarios. Mesmerized children will quickly turn pages to investigate the action packed fun that awaits.The author uses poetic devices to energize this tale about a familiar activity. Vivid and contrasting patterns weave through the text and illustrations. A must read.
Kid Chef Bakes for the Holidays: The Kids Cookbook for Year-Round Celebrations by Kristy Richardson
Reading Age: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 4 – 6
Publisher: Rockridge Press
Publication Date: July 21. 2020
One of the things that My Book Eyes enjoys about this cookbook is that a list of recipes are displayed under Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and All Year Round in the table of contents. If My Book Eyes was looking for an Easter treat to make, it would be listed under Spring. There are 50 recipes identifying a variety of celebrations, plenty of tips, and information about tools and equipment to make culinary experiences successful.
William Wakes Up by author Linda Ashman and illustrator Chuck Groenink
Reading Age: 3-5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
In this rhyming picture book, hibernation is over and a bluebird is returning to enjoy the warmer spring weather. William and his animal friends roll out of bed one by one to tidy up. They work together except for Raccoon who decides to stay in bed. A cake is baked to welcome bluebird. Raccoon is ready to eat however his friends are his jury and decide that Raccoon did not work enough to enjoy the treat until Raccoon agrees to help with the last chore. Bluebird needs nests built for the birds that are returning and everyone, including Raccoon, help build. Rhyming text will help listeners and readers remember the story. Some early math skills are included i.e. when the animals roll out of bed. Illustrations and text are great introductions to the meaning of spring for this age group.
Princess Arabella is a Big Sister by author/illustrator Mylo Freeman
Reading Age: 3 – 6 years
Grade Level: Preschool-2
Publisher: Cassava Republic Press
Publication Date: November 26, 2019
This story begins with Princess Arabella playing alone in her room and wishing that she had a brother or sister to play with her. When she approaches her parents about a sibling, they ask her selection, a brother or sister. She isn’t sure so she makes some observations when she visits her friends with brothers or sisters. Both seem pleasant and annoying. After Princess Arabella decides that maybe she is better without siblings, her parents give her double treats! This is an enjoyable book. Illustrations with white backgrounds make it easy to discern details on pages.
Let’s Play Basketball! by author Charles R. Smith Jr. and illustrator Terry Widener
Reading Age: 2- 5 years
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication Date: July 8, 2004
This rhyming picture book is told from a basketball’s point of view. It wants to go outside. Text is filled with action verbs mentioning moves the ball could do outdoors with its owner. Illustrations are vivid and depict ball’s movements. A good book for children learning to read. Also, this book can be used to engage youngsters in movement activities.
The Teachers March!: How Selma’s Teachers Changed History by authors Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace and illustrator Charly Palmer
Reading Age: 7 – 10 years
Grade Level: 2-5
Publisher: Calkins Creek
Publication Date: September 29, 2020
In the 1960s when blacks were not allowed to vote but were allowed to teach about the Constitution of the United States in the segregated south, Reverend F. D. Reese, also a high school science teacher, wanted change. He was familiar with being chased away from the courthouse when he and protesters marched there. Frustrated, he had an idea to get teachers to march for voting rights. After all, teachers were looked highly upon in the community. Educators feared loosing their jobs however with so many of them marching, could they all be fired? Especially when marching was against the law in Selma, Alabama. A visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assured marchers that they were on the right path. During the Civil Rights Era many groups marched. The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965. My Book Eyes liked the drama and tension in the text and illustrations that beckoned pages to turn. Included in this nonfiction picture book are an author’s note, illustrator’s note, Timeline, Selected Bibliography, a list of In-Person Visits and a Learn More About the Teachers’ March section.
Snowy Race by author April Jones Prince and illustrator Christine Davenier
Reading Age: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Publication Date: November 26, 2019
In this rhyming picture book, viewers follow a little girl from the time she wakes up until the time she arrives back home. They also watch a snowstorm get progressively worse then slow down with more snow to come. The youngster accompanies her dad in a snowplow on their way to meet her mom. Illustrations are large and easy to see from a distance. The story moves quickly making it a good one to read to young ones and groups.
