AS EDWARD IMAGINED: A STORY OF EDWARD GOREY IN THREE ACTS, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn about creative genius Edward Gorey in As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski.

Discover the unique childhood and life of the enigmatic and eccentric Edward Gorey whose artwork and books had a profound impact on creators such as Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, and Tim Burton.

Even as a young boy, readers learn that Edward constantly forged his own path, passions, and pursuits never forsaking his individuality for fame.This brilliant picture book biography is paired with a whimsical art style that captures the unrelenting creativity Edward brought to his playfully macabre creations. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

I’ve been a fan of Edward Gorey since I was a kid, and my older sister gave the three of us still living at home Amphigorey: Fifteen Books. The book fascinated me, and it was read on repeat. So, I was very excited to see a picture book biography about this beloved writer/illustrator.

As Edward Imagined follows Gorey’s life from childhood up until his death in April 2000. It explores his motivations, personal flair and how he lived “the life he imagined.”

Author Matthew Burgess brings Gorey to life with his expressive prose:

“At three and a half, Edward
taught himself to read.

His father gave him permission
to prowl his personal library,

and Edward stalked the shelves
like an inquisitive cat,
pawing this and reading that.”

It would have been easy for artist Marc Majewski to emulate Gorey’s style. Instead, his illustrations are acrylic paintings on paper that truly tell Gorey’s story rather than copy the artist’s work. Majewski captures Gorey’s free spirit and creativity.

As Edward Imagined is a joy to read. I plan on passing it on to my daughter along with a new copy of Amphigorey (the old one was worn out years ago) so that she can fully delve into Gorey’s life and work.

About the creators:

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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I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A curious girl searches for the answers to all her questions in I Want to Read All the Books, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big mission: she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction.

But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I Want to Read All the Books is a celebration of curiosity and reading.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s joyful story will appeal particularly to inquisitive kiddos who also want to know all the answers to all their questions. Ohi perfectly captures the love of reading through her expressive illustrations. And if you look closely, she provides little Easter eggs throughout. It’s the sort of book that will inspire kids to explore different options at the library, school or store.

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 LIGHT OF HOME: A STORY OF FAMILY, CREATIVITY, AND BELONGING, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi, Orchard Books, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (Ages 4-8)

A girl struggles to feel normal after being forced from her home in The Light of Home: A Story of Family, Creativity, and Belonging, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi.

Nur has always loved her home by the sea, where water glimmers along a straight horizon. But when Nur and her family are forced to leave, they begin a long journey to an unfamiliar place. Here the horizon curves and twists, and the moonlight no longer glitters across the water. For Nur, nothing in this new place feels like home. 

Then one day, Nur’s mother brings her a new set of paintbrushes. Nur’s brushstrokes help her connect the place she’s lost to this new horizon, and she finds home again through her own creativity and heart. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

The Light of Home is a tender story of carrying home with us wherever we may go. Diana Farid explains this in her author’s note: “It honors how new places can feel unfamiliar and strange, but the same sky and the same light imbue the world, unbound by lines on a map. … when our art reflects the beauty of the different horizons we’ve encountered, we find the home that always beats within — the love in our own hearts.”

That sentiment is clear in Farid’s text, which has a gentle sway to it, particularly when read aloud. Artist Hoda Hadadi’s paper collage illustrations are full of movement and texture. Her use of color ties in perfectly with the emotions expressed throughout.

Though The Light of Home is the story of a family forced to move, it will resonate with any child who has had to leave familiar surroundings. The idea of using art and creativity to reconnect with the past while embracing the future is one to be celebrated. It’s a lovely read.

About the creators:

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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MILLIE FLEUR’S POISON GARDEN, by Christy Mandin, Orchard Books, July 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A girl finds joy planting and caring for weird plants in Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, a picture book by Christy Mandin.

Garden Glen is a very bland place. Every house and every garden looks exactly like the other. That is… until Millie Fleur La Fae comes to town.

Up on a scruffy hill, beside a ramschackle house, Millie Fleur plants her marvelously strange garden, filled with Sneezing Stickyweed, Fanged Fairymoss, and Grumpy Gilliflower. Millie Fleur finds it enchanting, but the townspeople of Garden Glen call it poison!

But Millie Fleur is proud of her beloved little garden. So, if some townspeople want to be sticks in the mud, she’ll take matters into her own hands and find the kindred spirits who appreciate everything the garden has to offer. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books 

Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden is one of those books that will appeal to kids and parents — especially gardeners — alike. This charming picture book celebrates the unusual and daring to be different. Author/illustrator Christy Mandin’s text is straight forward and accessible. But it’s her fantastic and imaginative illustrations that really make this book exciting. Her quirky illustrations encompass curiosity and passion. It’s a joy to 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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EVIDENCE!: HOW DR. JOHN SNOW SOLVED THE MYSTERY OF CHOLERA, by Deborah Hopkinson and Nik Henderson, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow a doctor as he races to find the cause of a deadly outbreak in Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera, by Deborah Hopkinson and Nik Henderson.

Dr. John Snow is one of the most influential doctors and researchers in Western medicine, but before he rose to fame, he was just a simple community doctor who wanted to solve a mystery.

In 19th century London, the spread of cholera was as unstoppable as it was deadly. Dr. Snow was determined to stop it, but he had a problem: His best theory of how the disease was spread flew in the face of popular opinion. He needed evidence, and he needed to find it fast, before more lives were lost.

Taking on the role of detective as well as doctor, Dr. Snow knocked on doors, asked questions and mapped out the data he’d collected. What he discovered would come to define the way we think about public health to this day. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Deborah Hopkinson is an expert storyteller. Through her deft hands, Evidence! plays out like a great mystery, the likes of which only great detectives can solve. Her text is engaging and clear enough that young children won’t need a lot of explanation to understand.

Illustrator Nik Henderson uses graphite, charcoal and digital coloring techniques to masterfully set the tone. This is the type of book readers young and old will be drawn to. There are numerous classroom applications as well as just being fun to read.

Compelling backmatter provides more information about the Broad Street Pump, Dr. John Snow and a list of major infectious diseases and their causes.

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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DOÑA FELA’S DREAM: THE STORY OF PUERTO RICO’S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR, by Monica Brown and Rosa Ibarra, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn the story of Puerto Rico’s first female mayor in Doña Fela’s Dream, written by Monica Brown and illustrated Rosa Ibarra.

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city.

Doña Fela was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. Doña Fela’s inspiring story as a visionary leader is brought to life on the page through stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Doña Fela’s Dream tells the story of a trailblazing woman that is often overlooked in discussions of how Latin American figures have shaped our country. To be honest, I was a history major, and I had no idea who Doña Fela was before reading this book. And now I want to know even more. The same holds true for my 10-year-old, who loves biographies.

It’s easy to see how Doña Fela’s Dream would appeal to lots of young readers, especially girls. The idea that Doña Fela believed love, not just politics, that got things done resonates.

Author Monica Brown’s text is clear and inviting. And illustrator Rosa Ibara’s oil on canvas paintings set the tone. Her use of color and patterns truly give readers a sense of what Puerto Rico is like.

Doña Fela’s Dream is a fascinating nonfiction picture book that is sure to inspire.

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 BOY AND THE ELEPHANT, by Freya Blackwood, Random House Studio, Aug. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (Ages 4-8)

The Boy and the Elephant, by Freya Blackwood, follows a boy who saves the trees in the lot next door from being cut down.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the city is an overgrown piece of land where trees and wildlife thrive. A boy, who lives in a house on the lot next to it, loves to visit. He has a friend there: an elephant, an animal that he sees within the shapes of the trees. No matter the weather, the boy visits. And as the seasons change so does the elephant; thick green foliage changes to autumnal colors before the bare branches of harsh winter appear. But one day, builders arrive. The land has been sold, and the trees have been marked for removal. The boy can’t lose his elephant, and so he comes up with a plan. —Synopsis provided by Random House Studio

I love wordless picture books. They speak directly to a child’s imagination, inviting them to fill in the gaps and create their own dialogue.

The Boy and the Elephant, by Freya Blackwood, is a perfect example of this.

Blackwood’s illustrations — crafted with pencil and oil paints on watercolor paper — are exquisite. The soft edges and blurred lines bring her story into focus. Her use of space and light open the door for the narrative to grow.

The Boy and the Elephant is not only a celebration of creativity, but a celebration of nature and the ability to create change. It’s a beautiful picture book that would be a wonderful addition to any classroom or home.

About the author:

Freya Blackwood fell in love with illustrating books as a child while growing up in New South Wales, Australia. She is the illustrator of many acclaimed picture books published throughout the world, including My Two Blankets, Baby Day, and Harry and Hopper for which she won the Kate Greenaway Medal. She lives in New South Wales with her daughter. To learn more, visit her website: freyablackwood.com.au

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 SHAPE OF THINGS: HOW MAPMAKERS PICTURE OUR WORLD, by Dean Robbins and Matt Tavares, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

The Shape of Things, by Dean Robbins and Matt Tavares, explores how mapmakers through the ages have helped people understand the world around them.

How did the first people explore the land they lived on? How did civilizations expand their boundaries and chart courses into new lands? Learn about the history of cartography across cultures in this ode to mapmaking through the ages.

Join history’s first mapmakers as they explore the wonders of the world! In these pages, you’ll find the tools ancient people used to depict their surroundings, methods different cartographers developed to survey new lands, and how we’ve arrived at modern mapmaking today. Above all else, the thread that runs throughout thousands of years of civilization is the spirit of exploration that helps us measure the shape of things around us, the world we all share. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

I always love a good cover, and the cover of The Shape of Things is great. You can’t see it without wanting to know more, and it sets the stage for a fantastic history of mapmaking.

Author Dean Robbins starts at the beginning, when early humans used cave art and tusks to map the way. Robbins takes readers to the Americas, Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, China and Polynesia. He highlights what mapmakers got right — and what they sometimes got wrong. And Robbins does this in relatively few words. Words that are wonderfully paced and nice to read aloud.

Artist Matt Tavares’ digital illustrations perfectly compliment the text, transporting readers to different points in time and place. His images set scope and make you excited for what is to come.

Excellent backmatter includes a timeline; author’s note; illustrator’s note; information on mapmaking tricks and tools; a list of what mapmakers love; and a bibliography.

About the creators: 

Dean Robbins is a journalist and children’s book author. His previous books include, The Fastest Girl on Earth!, Two Friends; Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, Miss Paul and the President, and Margaret and the Moon. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his family. To learn more, visit https://deanrobbins.net/

Matt Tavares is a New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of over twenty titles. His books have been featured in: ALA Notable, Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, and twelve were chosen for the Society of Illustrators Original Art exhibit. His artwork has been exhibited at the Brandywine River Museum, the Eric Carle Museum, and the Mazza Museum. Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters. Visit his website: matttavares.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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GODFATHER DEATH, by Sally Nicholls and Júlia Sardà, Viking Books for Young Readers, Aug. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

The Brothers Grimm’s Godfather Death, is reimagined by writer Sally Nicholls and artist Júlia Sardà in a fantastic new picture book.

When a poor fisherman chooses Death to be godfather to his son, he’s certain he’s made a good choice—for surely there’s no man more honest than Death? At the christening, Death gives the fisherman a gift that seems at first to be the key to the family’s fortune, but when greed overcomes the fisherman, he learns that nobody can truly cheat Death… —Synopsis provided by Viking Books for Young Readers

Godfather Death is exquisite from cover to cover. Author Sally Nicholls’ haunting tale will captivate readers young and old. It’s the type of story that begs to be read aloud. Júlia Sardà’s stylized artwork features a dark humor that will resonate with readers. Text and illustrations pair perfectly, moving the story forward and rewarding you at the end.

Godfather Death is a good option heading into the “scary season,” but it holds year-round appeal. This would be a fun classroom read with lots of writing and art applications.

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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IMAGINE COUNTING ALL THE STARS, by Raewyn Caisley and Gabriel Evans, Candlewick, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Maddie takes comfort in counting daisy petals and the parallel lines of moonlight pouring through her bedroom blinds. She finds joy in patterns: the black-and-white keys on a piano, the tessellations in a brick pathway. Dad understands and encourages her love of math, but Maddie longs for a friend who marvels with the same enthusiasm she does. The other girls prefer dolls to building with shapes at playtime, and when they bake together, Maddie likes to measure, while the others decorate. Always the odd girl out, Maddie finally meets her match when Dad invites new classmate Priya and her mom along on a stargazing expedition to the observatory. The unfathomable number of stars takes Maddie’s breath away—and Priya’s. Perhaps one of them will discover a way to count all those stars one day! Heartfelt text and timeless illustrations tell a relatable story of finding the right friend at the right time and counting yourself lucky indeed.

LIFE AFTER WHALE: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall, by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin, Neal Porter Books, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

All living things must one day die, and Earth’s largest creature, the majestic blue whale, is no exception. But in nature, death is never a true ending. When this whale closes her eyes for the last time in her 90-year life, a process known as whale fall is just beginning. Her body will float to the surface, then slowly sink through the deep; from inflated behemoth to clean-picked skeleton, it will offer food and shelter at each stage to a vast diversity of organisms, over the course of a century and beyond. Additional back pages offer further info and reading recommendations on whales, whale falls, and ecosystems.

DESERT SONG, by Laekan Zea Kemp and Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández, Neal Porter Books, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

As the blush of sunset gives way to night in the desert, coyotes, cicadas, and barn owls emerge, each calling out to the moon. Watching from their porch, the family joins the song. One by one, each relative offers their drums, flute, maracas, strings, and voices.

They sing with the insects, birds, snakes and toads; and they sing with their ancestors, an audience glittering in the stars overhead. With each strum of passed-down instruments, memories renew, and those gone are alive and near again.

Desert Song hums and chimes with all the music a front porch and the desert beyond can hold. Simultaneously published in Spanish as Canción del desierto.

BEACH HAIR, by Ashley Woodfolk and Nina Mata ,Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

When I wake up with the wildest bed head
and Mommy and Daddy do too
Mommy says we all have beach hair,
so Daddy says, “Guess we should go to the beach.”

At the beach, everyone has beach hair. There’s twisty and twirly hair, flossy and glossy hair, hair that’s barely there, and hair that’s everywhere.

The best part about a beach day is the belonging and joy that everyone feels when they let their hair run as wild and free as the sea.

THE WORLD IN OUR BACKYARD, by Jami Gigot, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, May 21, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 4-7)

Show young readers that whether they live in the country, city, or suburbs, their backyard is a world full of wonder ready to be explored.

As children play together, a sandbox becomes a desert, sidewalk chalk drawings become an art gallery, and everything that can be dreamed up is within reach. From forests to hike and mountains to climb, oceans to sail and castles to build, creative little ones don’t have to look any farther than their own backyard for wonderful things to be discovered!

THERE’S A MOUNTAIN IN THIS BOOK, by Rachel Elliot and Genevieve Lacroix, Thames & Hudson, June 11, 2024, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 6 and up)

Young adventurers undertake an intrepid journey to explore some of the mightiest mountains on Earth. From the foothills of the Alps to the peak of Mount Everest, readers will discover the diverse habitats of mountain ecosystems. Expedition logs encourage readers to use their senses to explore each location as they climb.

There’s a Mountain in This Book provides young readers with an immersive experience of breathtaking mountain environments. Visit forests and caves in the foothills of the Alps; canyons, lakes, and spectacular geysers in the Rocky Mountains; rainforest and moorland in the uplands of Mount Kilimanjaro; and the snowy glaciers and icefalls of the Himalayas. Discover remarkable flora and fauna, including mighty bears, snowy leopards, and even a rare cave-dwelling salamander with no eyes!

Using die-cut flaps and gatefold pages, the book details how mountains are formed, shows a cut-through of the interior structure of a mountain, and describes the effects of changing seasons and climates on mountains in different parts of the world. Illustrated in color throughout.

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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