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 PANDA’S CHILD, by Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher, Otter-Barry Books, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $24.99 (Ages 5-8)

A boy forms a special bond with a panda bear in the forest near his village in The Panda’s Child, by Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher.

In a faraway forest a baby is lost and found, protected by a she-panda. Nine years later another baby, the panda’s child, is in great danger, and only a boy and the spirit of the forest can save him. This magical, powerful story is a book for all ages to treasure, exploring our most vital connection with wild nature. —Synopsis provided by Otter-Barry Books

The Panda’s Child is a different kind of picture book. Though there are big moments, it has a quiet feel to it. One that begs for the words to be read aloud and the pictures explored.

Author Jacki Morris’ lyrical prose leaves room for breathing and understanding. Illustrator Cathy Fisher’s artwork is gorgeous. Her use of color and space draw you in. And her focus on eyes, in particular, provides extra emotion.

The Panda’s Child would make an excellent classroom or home 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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WHAT FEELINGS LIKE BEST, by Tina Oziewicz, Aleksandra Zajac, Antonia Lloyd-Jones (Translator), Pushkin Children’s Books, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 6 and up)

What would feelings do if they were little furry creatures? What Feelings Like Best by Tina Oziewicz and Aleksandra Zajac, explores emotions that live inside all of us.

What Feelings Like Best follows Nostalgia as she decorates the Christmas tree and thinks of yuletides gone by. Curiosity loves listening to all of Anxiety’s fascinating worries while Patience enjoys calmly making jam for all her friends. Stubbornness gets into sticky situations while Common Sense looks on and shrugs. Worthlessness finds value among rubbish. Courage relies on Trust. Malice is at odds with Joy, and Gratitude comes full circle, looking for Nostalgia.

What Feelings Like Best is a beautifully crafted picture books that helps readers build emotional intelligence.

Where this book differs from some of the others in the genre, is in the exploration of nuanced terms and interconnectivity of feelings.

Author Tina Oziewicz expertly explains those feelings through a narrative that helps readers understand using context. It’s not easy to do, and she does so perfectly. Artist Aleksandra Zajac’s imaginative illustrations are full of personality. The lovely drawings really bring whole concepts together.

It’s a great book to add to your personal library.

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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A STAR SHINES THROUGH, by Anna Desnitskaya, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 5-9)

A displaced family sets out to make a home in a new country in A Star Shines Through, a picture book by Anna Desnitskaya.

We used to live in a big city. In our apartment window was a star-shaped lamp, shining through the cold. I could recognize home from far away. But then the war began, and we left for another country. Everything is different here—the food, the language, even Mom and me. Today Mom bought us a package of scissors, glue, and cardboard. Can we make this place feel a little more like home?

Narrated by a young refugee, A Star Shines Through is based on the experiences of the author-illustrator, who left Russia with her family after the start of the Ukraine War.  —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

There’s not a lot of text in A Star Shines Through, but the book doesn’t need it. Anna Desnitskaya’s straight-forward prose is perfectly balanced with her thoughtful illustrations, creating an emotional look at hope after loss.

Children will be drawn to Desnitskaya’s use of color, light and space, which set the tone throughout.

A Star Shines Through is a hopeful picture book that encourages empathy and understanding.

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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