THE SEASONS OF PARASTOO, by Rashin Kheiriyeh, Nancy Paulsen Books, Aug. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

When a girl’s mother leaves for the winter, the changing seasons bring hope that the things the girl loves most will return in the spring in The Seasons of Parastoo, by Rashin Kheiriyeh.

Parastoo loves the colors that make up her world, and especially loves the blue swallows in the tree outside her window. She’s sad when they fly south for the winter—and this year is hard because her mom has to go away for a while, too. Fortunately, her grandparents take great care of her, and she continues to find joy in the wonders of each season. But she longs for spring, when her mother will return just like the swallows.

Celebrating the cycles of nature, this warm family story offers a reassuring message about how seasons of nature—and life—come and go, each with their own special beauty. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books

The Seasons of Parastoo is a beautiful exploration of love and nature. Author/illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh’s lyrical text is warm and inviting. And Kheiriyeh’s use of color helps define bright spots, even in the cold, long winter. Kheiriyeh’s watercolor, oil, acrylic and pencil illustrations are full of life and movement. Children will relate to the feelings of hope and anticipation as well as the frustration that comes with waiting. It’s a lovely read.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE DAY BELL FOUND HER SOUND, by Lizzy O’Donnell, Viking Books for Young Readers, July 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-5)

A young mouse tries to find her place in her community’s symphony of noises in The Day Bell Found Her Sound, by Lizzy O’Donnell.

In a town bursting with music, everyone marches to the beat of their own drum. Except for a quiet mouse named Bell, who doesn’t yet know what her sound is. She tries honking, tooting, strumming, even tapping, just like she hears her neighbors doing. But none of it feels quite right! None of it feels like Bell. Figuring out her place in the village, it turns out, might just mean finding her own voice first. —Synopsis provided by Viking Books for Young Readers

The Day Bell Found Her Sound is a celebration of discovering out truest selves. At the center of Lizzy O’Donnell’s story is Bell, and adorable young mouse who loves the melody of her town but doesn’t know how to be a part of it. The harder Bell tries to fit in, the more she stands out. And it isn’t until she takes a breath and gets lost in the melody that she truly becomes one with it.

O’Donnell’s story is thoughtful and charming. Their pastel-toned illustrations are full of energy and pair perfectly with their warm tone. It’s a lovely book that’s perfect for preschoolers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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A LOVE LETTER TO MY LIBRARY, by Lisa Katzenberger and Rob Sayegh Jr., Sourcebooks Explore, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 4-8)

Celebrate all the things that make libraries great in A Love Letter to My Library, written by Lisa Katzenberger and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

Everyone loves visiting the library! Children―and adults alike―enjoy searching the shelves for new adventures, curling up in their favorite cozy chair during story time, and even laughing with their friends during arts and crafts. The library has something for everybody!

Thank you, library, for books in every nook and cranny.

Thank you, library, for taking me on adventures from the seas to the stars.

Thank you, library, for helpers who find the perfect book that I hug hard the whole way home. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Explore

A Love Letter to My Library is a joyous picture book that celebrates all the facets that make libraries so wonderful. Warm and cheerful text is paired with bright and inclusive illustrations. This would be a serve as a great introduction to little readers as well as remind their parents of the happiness a world of books brings.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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EARNEST SANDPIPER’S GREAT ASCENT, by Timothy Basil Ering, Candlewick, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

The time has come for three young sandpipers to soar, but Earnest seems tied to the ground. He has wings and tail feathers just like his brother and sister; what makes him so afraid? Magic will happen, Mom promises, when he’s ready. But no matter how much she and Dad coach him or his siblings cheer him on, Earnest’s efforts only lead him into danger. Perhaps, with his family’s support and a little trust in himself, they’ll lead him out again. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

Earnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent is a charming tale of a bird that’s not quite as ready to take the next big leap as his siblings. His mother’s reassuring words, “We all find our strength at different times,” is something that all kids could benefit from hearing. Author/illustrator Timothy Basil Ering’s story is heartwarming, and his charcoal, ink and acrylic paint artwork is beautiful. Children will love Earnest’s journey.

TERRIBLE HORSES: A STORY OF SIBLING CONFLICT AND COMPANIONSHIP, by Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max, Candlewick, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

My sister is cooler than me.
I want her friends to be my friends.
I want her things to be my things.

For one little boy and his older sister, fights are always waiting to happen—when he takes something without asking, jumps on her bed without asking, even wanders off without asking. And when they fight, they don’t use words: it’s all push, pull, hurt, hide. To cool off after, the boy retreats to his room to write and draw stories—stories about terrible horses trampling and galloping, while he is a lone pony unable to compete or speak or sleep. One morning, the boy wakes up to find his sketchbook missing, taken by his sister. What now? Will this make things worse, or could it help them to finally understand each other? —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

Terrible Horses is a story anyone with a sibling can relate to. The boy learns to use art and creativity as an outlet for his anger, and by doing so, he helps his sister do the same. This is an excellent exploration of conflict and ways to overcome it.

GRAY, by Laura Dockrill and Lauren Child, Candlewick, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

Today I feel gray.
But that’s OK.

Some days you may feel sunshine yellow or orange-balloon bright. Other days you’re gray, or even night-sky black—like a dark scribble on a page, a storm in the clouds, or a puddle in the road. Gray is when you don’t feel like yourself, or like you don’t belong. But however you feel, there are big hugs (red) and loving lullabies (blue) waiting, and even the grayest sidewalk is a canvas for you to fill with the colors you choose. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

Gray is an exploration of feelings through color. Simple, accessible text is combined with bold art and thoughtful die-cuts, creating a clear understanding of basic feelings. Supportive language acknowledges sadness while assuring children that they are loved.

JUST LIKE MILLIE, by Lauren Castillo, Candlewick, March 27, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-7)

A young girl and her mother move to an apartment in a new city. Despite her mother’s efforts to take her out, the girl would rather play by herself in their cozy home—she feels just fine on her own. Introductions to children her age have her hiding behind her mother’s legs, and invitations to group activities have her in tears. That is, until she meets Millie, a rescue dog who is not too big, not too small, and kisses her arm when the girl nervously reaches out. With Millie, saying hello to new people isn’t so scary . . . and maybe making a friend isn’t either. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

There are a lot of things to love about Just Like Mille. One of my favorite elements is the girl’s mom allowing her to take things at her own speed. Just Like Millie is like a warm hug. From Lauren Castillo’s gentle and honest prose to her soft and inviting illustrations, this book is one that children, especially shy ones, will immediately feel at home with.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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SUMMER IS HERE, by Renée Watson and Bea Jackson, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-6)

In Summer Is Here, author Renée Watson and illustrator Bea Jackson offer readers an ode to the perfect summer day.

“Summer is here!
No dark clouds in the sky,
it’s a perfect day for play.
What joy will summer bring me today?”

Summer is finally here, and she’s bringing the most perfect day! From sunup to sundown, there’s so much to do on this lovely summer day. With summer comes fresh fruit, sweet and tangy, jump ropes for leaping and dancing, and friends at the pool swimming and floating. Summer brings family cookouts under shady trees, gardens overflowing, and the familiar song of the ice-cream truck. This beautiful ode to all the season’s sensations follows one girl’s perfect day in an exploration of joy, family, friendship, sunshine, and wonder. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

“Her stars shimmer like spilled glitter across the sky.
I whisper a wish and say goodbye to the day.
I wish summer would stay.”

Every kid who has just finished school will immediately relate to Summer Is Here. The season is ripe with possibilities, and author Renée Watson hits on so many of them. With each turn of the page Watson asks readers to savor the moment, savor the little things and the big. Illustrator Bea Jackson captures the joy and wonder with bright and expressive illustrations. Particularly strong are her illustrations of movement — jumping into the pool, jumping/twirling rope, throwing water balloons, etc. These moments capture action mid-step and feel almost like photographs.

Summer Is Here is a joyful picture book that makes you smile.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE ABCS OF PERSIAN FOOD: A PICTURE BOOK, by Sunny Sanaz Shokrae and Ly Ngo Heisig, Harry N. Abrams; Bilingual edition, May 14, 2024, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 3-5)

Learn about Persian food and culture in The ABCs of Persian Food, by Sunny Sanaz Shokrae and illustrator Ly Ngo Heisig.

From Anar to Zereshk, this picture book proves that the way to anyone’s heart—and appreciation of a new culture—is through their stomach! The ABCs of Persian Food introduces a Persian dish for each letter of the alphabet, with the aim of teaching phonetics and conversational Persian to pre-readers.

Examples of the dishes include: F is for Fesenjan, a slow-cooked chicken stew with toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses; L is for Lavashak, a fruit leather snack Iranian kids love; and R is for Reshteh polo, a special rice and noodle dish served on the Spring Equinox.

 Extended back matter includes a glossary for English-speaking readers, complete with phonetic pronunciation, Persian text, and a tantalizing description of each featured food. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

Author Sunny Sanaz Shokrae wrote The ABCs of Persian Food in hopes of teaching her young son about favorite foods and how to pronounce their names. She wanted to bridge the gap between being a Californian and Persian. She hopes it will bring joy to all who love Persian food.

Each letter focuses on a food and is written in English and Persian text. The text is accompanied by eye-catching images that are bold and graphic.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WAT KEPT PLAYING: THE INSPIRING STORY OF WATARU MISAKA AND HIS RISE TO THE NBA, by Emily Inouye Huey and Kaye Kang, Shadow Mountain, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 3-8)

Learn about the first person of color to play in the NBA in Wat Kept Playing: The Inspiring Story of Wataru Misaka and His Rise to the NBA, by Emily Inouye Huey and Kaye Kang

As the child of Japanese immigrants, Wataru “Wat” Misaka often felt like he didn’t fully belong in either Japanese or American culture. He was sometimes excluded, treated differently, and bullied, even though he was born in the United States. As he grew up, however, Wat discovered he had a very special talent for playing basketball. Even at just five foot seven, he was unstoppable.

After leading his high school team to a state championship, Wat played for the Utah Utes and helped the team win the 1944 NCAA championship. Wat kept playing even as Japanese Americans from the West Coast were sent to incarceration camps for the duration of World War II. Then, after two years serving in the United States Army, Wat returned to basketball, leading the University of Utah to Madison Square Garden and winning another national championship. The cheering crowd recognized Wat the way he wanted to be seen — as a person who was both Japanese and American and an amazing basketball player. Talent scouts from the New York Knicks were so impressed, they drafted Wat to their team. Wat’s undeniable talent changed history as he became the first person of color to play in the NBA. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Wat Kept Playing is an inspiring story of determination and grit in the face of racism. Author Emily Inouye Huey captures Wat’s drive with clear text that drives the story forward. And illustrator Kaye Kang’s use of space and silhouettes expertly conveys emotion. This is a book that will appeal to a large cross-section of readers — fans of history, basketball, WWII, etc. It’s a compelling picture book biography.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE ELEPHANT AND THE SEA, by Ed Vere, Doubleday Books for Young Readers, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

Follow the story of a brave elephant who reaches for his dreams in The Elephant and the Sea, by Ed Vere.

“There is only one thing I want to do . . . So I will do it!”

Gabriel the elephant dreams of being part of the lifeboat crew in his seaside town, but he is too young, and too little. But soon, Gabriel grows up and he is too . . . BIG! Disappointed but undaunted, Gabriel makes a plan. He hammers and chops, saws and sands, and builds his very own boat.

One night, a great storm hits, and it’s Gabriel’s time to shine, pulling his oars alone against the crashing waves to save a crew in peril. —Synopsis provided by Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Gabriel is a charming character — both when he’s young and old. Ed Vere’s gentle tale of an elephant who dreams big and makes it happen is brilliantly realized through words and illustrations. He perfectly captures the excitement and disappointment of trying to accomplish something. Parents will immediately see their own children in Gabriel, and kids will easily relate.

Vere’s text is full of energy, making the book a joy to read aloud. And Vere’s illustrations are so full of movement and energy, it’s hard not to get excited. of particular note is Vere’s use of color and blank space through which he adds emphasis and emotion. Kids and their parents will love The Elephant and the Sea.

About Ed Vere:

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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FINDING GRATEFUL, by Dianne White and Faith Pray, Chronicle Books, April 16, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 5-8)

Finding Grateful, written by Dianne White and illustrated by Faith Pray, encourages young readers to find gratitude in the smallest of moments.

What does grateful look like? How does it feel? How do you find it? Even in the face of a challenge, you don’t need a map: You just need to pay attention to the little things—a smile, a hug, the smell of newly cut grass—that add up to a sense of presence and hope.

This book is a reminder to pause, reflect, and take in the glimmers of positivity and connection that can be found amid even the most difficult circumstances. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

Gratitude is a way children — and adults — can center themselves. Two years ago, my daughter’s school theme was Beyond Grateful. Students were asked to think about the things they were grateful for and then take action. Finding Grateful does the same.

Author Dianne White’s prose is gentle and warm. Phrases like, “I wonder: can grateful be a smile?” help young readers understand how something simple can have a big impact.

Illustrator Faith Pray’s artwork — done in watercolor inks, crayon sticks, colored pencils and linoleum blocks — are full of movement and expression.

The publisher’s suggested age range for Finding Grateful is 5-8, but given the simplicity of the text and the age of the main character, it feels a bit younger, ages 3-7.

Finding Grateful helps kids recognize how to embrace joy.

Find recommended reading, activities, and links at findinggrateful.com.

About the author:

Dianne White is a writing teacher and the author of many award-winning picture books, including Blue on Blue, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes, and Dark on Light, illustrated by Felicita Sala. Dianne loves purple flowers, puppies, and “finding grateful” each and every day. For more, visit findinggrateful.com and diannewrites.com.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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TELL ME ABOUT OCEANS, by Lisa Varchol Perron and Jennifer Falkner, Little Simon, April 16, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 2-5)

A child gets answers to their many questions about the ocean in this rhyming, fact-filled nonfiction board book.

Tell me why the ocean moves
in waves that splish and splash.

Wind on water makes those waves
that hit the shore and crash!

A child asks their grownup many questions about the ocean. From what creates waves, what lives in the deep sea, what makes the ocean blue, and more, scientific facts are conveyed in accessible language. Sidebars on each spread provide even more information for every question asked and answered. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

Tell Me About Oceans is a beautifully illustrated board book that little readers will be drawn to. Simple text works as a great introduction and more detailed sidebars provide further information as little ones ask for more clarity.

SHELLS… AND WHAT THEY HIDE INSIDE: A Lift-the-Flap Adventure, by Helen Scales and Sonia Pulido, Phaidon Press, April 17, 2024, Board Book, $14.95 (ages 2-4)

In this board book companion to What a Shell Can Tell, award-winning marine biologist and documentary maker, Helen Scales, introduces children ages 2-4 to the wonders of shells. With over 40 flaps to lift creating interactive opportunities on every page, stunningly lifelike illustrations, children are encouraged to observe, engage with, and understand a range of shells and environments. From where shells are found and who lives in them, to what a shell’s look and feel can reveal about its inhabitant and environment. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

Children are naturally drawn to shells, and this book expands on that interest through interactive flaps, bright colors and stunning illustrations. The lift of each flap reveals new illustrations and more information about each shell’s purpose. The book’s heavy-duty construction means it will stand up to heavy use. It’s one of the better nonfiction board books available.

THIS WOLF WAS DIFFERENT, by Katie Slivensky and Hannah Salyer, Beach Lane Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-8)

Inspired by natural history, this picture book imagines how humans and wolves first came together, exploring individuality and how true friendship means embracing differences.

Long ago, a wolf pup was born in a forest. This pup was a wolf, and so were her brothers and sisters. But this wolf was different. She liked staying close to the den instead of hunting and chasing her tail instead of chasing other animals. She wished she were more like her siblings—more like a real wolf.

Then she meets a new kind of creature, no more like the other wolves than she is. As a new friendship blossoms, the wolf discovers that it’s okay to be different and, better yet, it’s a gift to be something new. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books

Though This Wolf Was Different is fiction, it is based on sound research. It offers readers a plausible explanation of how dogs became domesticated. This gentle story is warm and full of life. And beautiful illustrations provide a sense of time and place. Extensive backmatter features scientific information about how wolves and humans first connected.

BEHOLD THE HUMMINGBIRD, by Suzanne Slade and Thomas Gonzalez, Peachtree, April 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Hummingbirds are tiny and pretty, so you might find yourself taking them for granted. But these little birds are remarkable, fierce, and talented. In Behold the Hummingbird, readers will learn about species that can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards and upside down, and consume half their body weight in a single day. —Synopsis provided by Peachtree

Behold the Hummingbird is two glorious books in one. The first, is a simple lyrical read that will hold a little one’s attention. The second, is an informative read that compliments the first. For example, a spread about “humming” explains how the hummingbird gets its name. Each spread features a different species of hummingbird rendered in glorious pastel, colored pencils and airbrush. The stunning artwork is such that you wouldn’t mind framing it and hanging it on the wall. Excellent backmatter explains how to find hummingbirds and how to help them.

ONE DAY THIS TREE WILL FALL, by Leslie Barnard Booth and Stephanie Fizer Coleman, Margaret K. McElderry Books, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem in this nonfiction picture book.

When a tree falls, is its story over?

There are many ways a tree’s story could end: Gobbled up by a bird as a tiny seed. Damaged by wind or ice or fire. Chopped down and hauled away. But some trees—this tree—survives. And grows old. Riddled with scars, cracks, and crevices, it becomes a place creatures large and small call home.

One day, after standing tall for centuries, this tree will fall. But even then, is its story over? Or will it continue to nurture the forest and its creatures for many years to come? Complete with additional information about the role trees play in a forest ecosystem, this sweeping story invites readers of all ages to celebrate the incredible life cycle and afterlife of trees. —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books

If ever there was a perfect book for reading aloud in a classroom, this one might be it. It features lyrical text that is a joy to read aloud; big, bold illustrations that can be seen from afar; and excellent backmatter that explains how a tree’s story never ends. This book will prompt questions, illustrations and further discussion, making it a great option for both home and/or classroom libraries.

IS THIS A HOUSE FOR HERMIT CRAB? by Megan McDonald and Katherine Tillotson, Neal Porter Books, Feb. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow a hermit crab on the perilous journey to replace his outgrown shell in this classic picture book by the author of the popular Judy Moody and Stink series.

Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell, and it’s time for a new home to keep him safe from predators. The beach is strewn with possible choices, but none are quite right. A rock is too heavy; a tin can is too noisy; a fishing net has too many holes.

He stepped along the shore,
by the sea, in the sand . . .
scritch-scratch, scritch-scratch

When a giant wave sends Hermit Crab careening toward a hungry porcupine fish, will he find a hiding place in time? —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

First written in 1990, Megan McDonald’s text gets a new look with Katherine Tillotson’s captivating watercolor, acrylic, finger paint, and collage artwork. Extensive backmatter includes a note from the author and two-page spread featuring more information about hermit crabs.

ANGELA’S GLACIER, by Jordan Scott and Diana Sudyka, Neal Porter Books, Jan. 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Angela listened to the glacier; the glacier listened to Angela.

As soon as she’s born, Angela’s father introduces her to her glacier. He carries her on his back up the icy expanse as the wind makes music of the snow and the water underneath. Over time, Angela gets big enough to walk beside him, and then, to go alone. She tells her glacier everything, and it answers.

But then, life gets busy. Angela’s days fill up with school, homework, violin and soccer and friends. Until one day, Angela’s heart doesn’t sound right anymore. Luckily, Angela’s dad is there to remind her what she needs: a visit to her ancient icy friend. —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

Angela’s Glacier was inspired by the author’s friend who grew up in Northern Ontario and emigrated to Iceland in 2011. It’s a story of home, growing up and discovering what’s most important to you. It’s told through lyrical text and magnificent illustrations that make you want to visit the glacier yourself. An afterword from the real Angela highlights the tragic threat climate change poses to our planet’s frozen marvels.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR: CARBON, CLIMATE, EARTH, AND US, by Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)

A nonfiction picture book about ways that the Earth removes carbon from the air, and ways people can help.

The Earth has a problem: there’s too much carbon in the air.

Luckily, the Earth also has amazing powers to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere-like the power of kelp, mangroves, and dirt. Although these powers alone cannot get us out of the climate crisis we’re facing, the Earth has another important power: the power of people! People have the power to change, protect, innovate, and invent.

In this informational picture book, Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma paint an encouraging yet honest picture of the problems at hand and some of the ways that we can address them. Thanks to the power of nature and the ingenuity of people, change is in the air! —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

At this point, there’s no point in denying climate change, but there is hope, and Change is in the Air offers it. Through fairly simple words and more detailed illustrations, readers are offered an accessible look at what can be a complex subject. Younger readers will be drawn to the artwork, while older ones will garner more from the text. Strong backmatter includes an author’s note on the problem and the Earth’s power to heal.

INCREDIBLE: STARS OF THE PLANT WORLD, by Benjamin Flouw, Twirl; 1st edition, Feb. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5 and up)

Towering sequoias, giant Saguaro cacti, prehistoric plants, incredible palms and many more fill the pages of this large format book. The detailed illustrations are accompanied by fascinating facts about each plant. It features supersized spreads with eye-catching illustrations, bite-sized descriptions about each plant and educational content reviewed by experts. —Synopsis provided by Twirl

This big, bold book will appeal to kids who like to wander their way through pages. Bold, stylized illustrations immediately grab attention and small sections of text make it more accessible. It’s not a book that has to be read front-to-back, which is a major bonus. A lovely world map tagged with each featured plant is included at the end, giving readers a sense of place. This is the sort of nonfiction book that you’d happily display on the coffee table but would also make a great addition to any classroom library.

SONA SHARMA, LOOKING AFTER PLANET EARTH, by Chitra Soundar and Jen Khatun, Candlewick, Feb. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 6-9)

Sona is determined to get her whole suburban Indian neighborhood to help fight climate change in this second Sona Sharma story.

When Sona learns about the climate crisis at school, she worries nobody is doing enough to combat it. So, she takes up the challenge herself! But her family isn’t amused when Sona suddenly gets rid of her sister’s diapers and turns off Thatha and Paatti’s cooling fan during their nap. Sona finds a better way to implement change, at a family meeting where everyone helps make a list of ways to conserve. Energized, Sona sets her sights on the rest of the neighborhood. When she learns many of the kolams—traditional art that people draw in front of their homes to celebrate the festival season—are not eco-friendly, she makes plans for some even bigger changes. Can Sona convince everyone to get involved—even her own strong-willed grandmother? —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

At 120 pages and full of charming illustrations, this is a good option for stronger chapter book readers looking for something a little different. With a likeable main character and timely topic, it’s a fun read.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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