A FAMILY OF TREES: MY FIRST BOOK OF FORESTS, by Peggy Thomas and Cookie Moon, Phaidon Press, May 22, 2024, Board Book, $16.95, (ages 2-4)

A Family of Trees, by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Cookie Moon, introduces little ones to forest families.

In this first book of forests for the very young, children are invited to experience how trees, like humans, talk to each other, care for each other, share food, and create a home together. The book further unfolds to showcase a lush temperate forest-scape, creating a true visualization of how trees are connected and form forest families. Back panels offer vivid illustrations of diverse forests environments around the world for a more global context, while secondary text offers more detailed, curricular information about tree science and the flora and fauna that rely on forest habitats.

This introduction to forests and the new science of tree communication has a accordion-style board-book format. Housed in a gift case with a magnetic closure, it opens up to create a forest-scape that is 2more than 8-feet long. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

A Family of Trees is essentially two books in one — the first one (or side of the accordion) is about tree families, their ecosystems. The second book is about different environments in which forests adapt and thrive. There is simple main text that offers broad ideas and smaller, secondary text that goes into more detail, allowing parents to cater to their child’s attention span and interest. Charming illustrations bring the whole thing together.The design of A Family of Trees is cool. The 8-foot-long accordion is constructed from heavy stock. And the magnetic enclosure is very strong. However, I can see some rambunctious kids running around with it trailing behind them. Therefore, I suggest this book be one that’s read supervised.

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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RUN, RUN, RUN! (Taro Gomi), by Taro Gomi, Chronicle Books, March 12, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-3)

It’s time to run a race like no other! Finish line? Winning? None of that matters here. Exploring is the goal! In this colorful board book by bestselling author-illustrator Taro Gomi, follow the racer as he runs far past the finish line and through fields, a farm, a forest, and more. Toddlers will delight in turning the pages to find out where he will run, run, run to next!

Ideal for fans of Taro Gomi and his popular children’s books, this board book combines irresistibly expressive artwork and energetic text to create a read-along story parents and kids will not walk but run to read again and again. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

Crafted out of heavy cardboard stock, this colorful board book should hold up to lots of use. Little ones will be drawn this action-packed race.

LET’S PLAY! (Interactive Books for Kids, Preschool Colors Book, Books for Toddlers), by Herve Tullet, Chronicle Books; Brdbk edition, March 29, 2016, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2-4)

In Hervé Tullet’s third interactive outing, there’s a yellow dot. And a thin black line. Adventure definitely awaits! Press a finger to the page to embark on a new journey of color, shape, motion, and imagination. Follow the yellow dot’s invitation, turn the page, and you are on your way!

Filled with artistry and delight, the Let’s Play! journey lets you leap headlong into a completely new dimension: emotion. Connecting to the mind and the heart, this dot expresses an extraordinary sense of humor, fear, joy, and more as it pushes, lurches, wiggles, and slides its way through—and even off!—the pages. Hervé’s hallmark graphic style and irrepressible whimsy take young readers on a spectacular ride in this new compact, toddler-friendly board book edition. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

This interactive board book is sure to delight. It’s fun to read aloud and work through the actions with a little one. It’s simple fun at its best.

TARO GOMI’S BIG BOOK OF WORDS, by Taro Gomi, Chronicle Books, March 12, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-5)

Taro Gomi introduces toddlers to first words in unforgettable ways: From flowers to a face, to greetings and games, this one-of-a-kind collection not only provides first-word basics but a fresh and fun-filled approach all while letting the youngest of readers “travel” to Japan through its pages. At once a first word and phrases primer and an introduction to new people and places, this content-rich collection will be treasured by kids and caregivers alike.  —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

In Taro Gomi’s Big Book of Words, kids aren’t just introduced to words, they’re introduced to context. It’s a small but important distinction that helps little ones understand the world around them. Colorful and expressive illustrations help further that concept.

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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WHERE’S THE BUNNY? by Ingela P Arrhenius, Candlewick Press, Jan. 2, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-2)

Five illustrated spreads show a series of baby animals, including a puppy, a mouse, a duckling, and a bunny, hiding beneath bright felt flaps. With a mirror on the final page, this is the perfect book to share with very little ones. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

This interactive board book is perfect for little hands, especially because the felt flaps not only feel soft, but they’re easy to manipulate. The mirror at the end is a nice touch. This one will get a lot of use.

MY LITTLE LAMB, by Hannah Eliot and Jennifer A. Bell, Little Simon, Jan. 16, 2024, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 0-2)

This sweet springtime board book with a padded cover is perfect to share with your gentle little lamb.

My little lamb,
come snuggle with me.
Then off on your own,
with the birds and bees.

Lambs have adventures during the day then come home safe and sound for nighttime snuggles. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

Robust construction makes this perfect for little hands. Sweet pastel illustrations evoke the feeling of spring.

EASTER BUNNY, WHERE ARE YOU?: A Lift-the-Flap Book! by Jeffrey Burton and Juliana Motzko, Little Simon, Jan. 16, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-3)

Easter Bunny, where are you?
Do you want to play?
I know you’re hiding somewhere.
It’s almost Easter day.

It’s almost Easter, but the Easter Bunny is nowhere to be found! Maybe the Easter Bunny is hiding behind that bush or that gate or maybe that tree. Look under the sturdy flaps to see whose fluffy tail or furry foot that really is—and find an Easter surprise on the last page! —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

This interactive book features chunky flaps that are easy for little hands to manipulate. Cute illustrations and fun calls to action are perfect for babies and toddlers.

OOPS! RABBIT (Jo Ham’s Rabbit), by Jo Ham, Candlewick Studio, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $9.99 (ages 0-3)

Rabbit on. Oops! Rabbit off . . . With some endearing misadventures, Jo Ham’s international sensation hops into the pages of a picture-book series.

Big waves and sandcastles, paint cans and tippy chairs—accidents happen! And with cheeky, curious, and sweet-toothed Rabbit, they’re almost inevitable.

The creation of Jo Ham, whose art celebrates the magic of everyday life, Rabbit has been spotted everywhere from the Centre Pompidou in Paris to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and on mugs and nursery decorations in homes around the world. Now the iconic black-silhouetted bunny appears in a series of children’s books. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

This book celebrates the power of simplicity. Sparse words and a black-silhouetted bunny are all that are needed to make this charming book work.

THE GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT: A Search and Find Adventure (Brown Bear Wood), by Rachel Piercey and Freya Hartas, Harry N. Abrams, Jan. 9, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-5)

Follow Bear and his friends on their Great Easter Egg Hunt adventure in the forest, which has 100 eggs to find and count. Can you help them?

Through the woodland, someone kind
has hidden one hundred eggs to find . . .
So would you like to join the fun
and help us spot them, one by one? —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

The Great Easter Egg Hunt is part counting book, part scavenger hunt, part Easter celebration. With rhythmic text and incredibly detailed pictures, this is a book the whole family will enjoy.

WHO LAID THESE EGGS? (An Animal Traces Book), by Laura Gehl and Loris Lora, Harry N. Abrams, Jan. 9, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2 and up)

In this nonfiction board book, young readers will see eggs in different environments on each spread. They can lift the flaps to discover all of the different animal nests and eggs—and learn a simple fact about each species. Featured creatures include robins, alligators, ostriches, salmon, butterflies, seagulls, snakes, and chickens, plus the kids who gather the eggs from the coop! —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

What better way to look forward to spring than a sweet board book about new life. The question-and-answer format of Who Laid These Eggs? is perfect for little readers. It adds a fun interactive element beyond the lifting flaps. Bright illustrations of cute animals will draw little ones in. The pages are made of thick stock, as are the flaps, standing up to lots of use. Who Laid These Eggs would make a good Valentine’s Day, Easter, or just because gift.

IS THIS . . . EASTER? (Helen Yoon’s Is This . . .?) by Helen Yoon, Candlewick, Jan. 2, 2024, Hardcover, $10.99 (ages 3-7)

Look, an egg! An egg left by a bunny! What does that mean? It means it’s time to celebrate . . . Easter! Or is it time to celebrate breakfast?

In Helen Yoon’s scenario, a difference of opinion arises between excitable pups, and the egg bearer (and ultimate squabble settler) is, naturally, an enormous,

Zen-like bear wearing tiny bunny ears. As the bear demonstrates, whether it’s decorating eggs or eating them, Easter is kind of . . . delicious!  —Candlewick

This humorous look at Easter is a bit silly, but kids will love the antics, and it might give them a few ideas about what to do with all those eggs when the time comes around.

BUNNY SHOULD BE SLEEPING, by Amy Hest and Renata Liwska, Neal Porter Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Bunny should be sleeping, but instead, he is waiting for Dad to come check on him. Dad always checks on him, but tonight, Dad is late.

Soon Dad will come. He will come in the night
to check on his little Bunny. Come on, Dad!
Check on me, check on me, check on me!

Bunny can’t wait anymore— he needs his dad! Slipping out of bed, Bunny packs a wagon of everything Dad might need: some water, a blanket, a snack, and their favorite book to share. Down the hall and through the dark, Bunny finds Dad fast asleep, oblivious to all the supplies Bunny offers him.

At last, Bunny resorts to a tap on the nose to wake Dad up. Dad checks on Bunny, and Bunny checks on Dad, who is happy to see him, if still groggy. They read their special book, and all is right with the world again. —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

This gentle bedtime story serves as a reminder to little ones that they are safe and loved, even when they’re alone in their rooms at night. Warm text and adorable illustrations make this 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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ALBERT’S ABCS: A SIBLING STORY, by Henry Cole, Peachtree, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 2-5)

Follow siblings and their emotions throughout the day in Albert’s ABCs: A Sibling Story, a new picture book by Henry Cole.

Big brother Albert gets increasingly frustrated with little brother Baxter. Crying! Diaper! Hungry! Irritated! A normal day and a familiar sibling interaction escalate alphabetically until Grandma resolves all the problems, with an X for a kiss goodnight, followed by Yawn, and, of course, ZZZZ. —Synopsis provided by Peachtree

Albert’s ABCs is a clever take on alphabet books. It tells a story through single words that go beyond the basics — Stumbles. Scrapes. Tantrum! Author/illustrator Henry Cole’s expressive illustrations bring the whole thing together. Little readers, especially those with siblings, will love it.

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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ONE, by Ruth Forman and Katura Gaines, Little Simon, Aug. 29, 2023, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 2 and up)

From the bestselling author of Curls, Glow, Bloom, and Ours comes a counting board book about ten friends who add up to something wonderful!

One
only one

but now we are two
and now we are three

—Synopsis provided by Little Simon

One is a unique counting book that focuses on friendship and community. Bright colors and unique characters make this one fun. Heavy duty construction means it should stand up to heavy use.

LIKE SO, by Ruth Forman and Raissa Figueroa, Little Simon, Jan. 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 1-4)

From bestselling author Ruth Forman and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honoree Raissa Figueroa comes a picture book honoring the love and bond that exists between family and child even in complicated times.

Told from Nana’s point of view, this simple, affirming, and comforting read-aloud shows how every family’s love is natural and connected to the world around us. Just as the sun loves the day, the moon loves the waves, and the night sky loves the star glow…so is our love for each other: innate, wondrous, and infinite. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

Simple text celebrates a loving relationship that comes to life through vibrant illustrations that celebrate expressions of love.

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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TEN LITTLE RABBITS, by Maurice Sendak, HarperCollins, Feb. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 2-6)

Learn the magic of pulling a rabbit out of a hat … or putting it back in, in Ten Little Rabbits, a never-before-published book by Maurice Sendak.

Prepare to be. . .

Amazed. . .

Dazzled . . .

And mesmerized by Mino’s magic show!

Ten Little Rabbits takes the simplicity of counting to 10 and adds a whole bunch of humor that kids will immediately love and understand.

With fewer than 10 words in the entire book, Sendak relies on cardinal numbers and simple, but expressive, line illustrations to tell the story. And what a charming little story it is. Little readers will giggle out loud as they follow Milo’s magic show. This is one of those books that will be read over and over again.

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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WHO LAID THESE EGGS? (An Animal Traces Book), by Laura Gehl and Loris Lora, Harry N. Abrams, Jan. 9, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2 and up)

Learn about eight animal species and their nests in Who Laid These Eggs, a lift-the-flap book by Laura Gehl and Loris Lora.

In this nonfiction board book, young readers will see eggs in different environments on each spread. They can lift the flaps to discover all of the different animal nests and eggs—and learn a simple fact about each species. Featured creatures include robins, alligators, ostriches, salmon, butterflies, seagulls, snakes, and chickens, plus the kids who gather the eggs from the coop! —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

What better way to look forward to spring than a sweet board book about new life. The question-and-answer format of Who Laid These Eggs? is perfect for little readers. It adds a fun interactive element beyond the lifting flaps. Bright illustrations of cute animals will draw little ones in. The pages are made of thick stock, as are the flaps, standing up to lots of use. Who Laid These Eggs would make a good Valentine’s Day, Easter, or just because gift.

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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BEAR SAYS THANKS, by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Sept. 5, 2023, Hardcover, $9.99 (ages 2-5)

Bear has so much to give thanks for in the ninth offering of The Bear Books series by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman, Bear Says Thanks.

 What better way for Bear to say thanks than over a nice, big dinner? Bear decides to throw a feast! One by one, Bear’s friends show up with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do? —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Bear Says Thanks is the perfect book for this time of year. Even though it’s not Thanksgiving specific, it helps set the tone for little ones.

Karma Wilson’s rhythmic text is fun to read aloud and moves the story forward. And the repetition of “And bear says, ‘Thanks!’” invites kids to take part.

Jane Chapman’s acrylic paintings are full of detail and life. Her characters are adorable and welcoming to new and old fans of the series.

Bear Says Thanks is great fun for any time of the year, but especially now, heading into the holiday season.

Copyright © 2023 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 WHEELS ON THE COSTUME, by Cindy Jin and Lauren Lowen, Little Simon, July 18, 2023, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 1-5)

Get ready to go trick-or-treating on Halloween night with this wheelchair-themed novelty board book with moving wheels that showcases creative costumes to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus!”

Little ones will love seeing how a wheelchair can transform into an awesome racecar, a mighty bulldozer, a lovely princess carriage, and more! This festive book celebrates disability and inclusivity in a fresh, fun way and proves that kids of all abilities have the magic to transform into whatever they want to be on Halloween night.

 IT’S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN (Peanuts), by Kara McMahon, Charles M. Schulz, Scott Jeralds, July 18, 2023, Board Book, $14.99 (ages 1-5) 

A spooky season classic gets new life in this lap board book edition of the Peanuts gang’s whimsical Halloween adventures!

It’s Halloween night, and the Peanuts gang is busy dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and bobbing for apples. Meanwhile, Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin to rise from the pumpkin patch and bring toys to all the children of the world. Could this be the year it finally appears?

APPLE VS. PUMPKIN: The Battle for the Best Fall Treat Is On! by Jeffrey Burton and Lydia Jean, Little Simon, July 18, 2023, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 1-5)

It’s the ultimate seasonal showdown between autumnal characters Apple and Pumpkin in this festive fall board book!

Apple and Pumpkin make their case for being the most beloved fall characters. Are pumpkin spice drinks superior to warm apple cider? Do kids prefer pumpkin patches or apple orchards? Time to decide which household favorite will reign supreme!

HAPPY HALLOWEENIE, by Katie Vernon,  Little Simon, July 18, 2023, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 1-5)

A loveable hot dog named Weenie gets dressed up for Halloween in this fun and festive board book that will have little ones laughing out loud.

“Weenie loves Halloween,
but try as they might,
just can’t decide
what to be on this night.”

What will Weenie choose to be? Should they be cute or scary? Hairless or hairy? On a night like Halloween, the choices are endless!

EEK! HALLOWEEN! (Boynton on Board), by Sandra Boynton, Boynton Bookworks, July 18, 2023, Board Books, $7.99 (ages 1-3)

In this holiday favorite, it’s time for Halloween in a board book that’s all treat and no tricks from the one and only Sandra Boynton.

Strange things are happening. One chicken saw a pumpkin with flickering eyes, another spied a mouse of enormous size. They all saw a wizard and a witch, and a spooky robot, too. “WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Relax, silly chickens! It’s HALLOWEEN!”

“There’s a big round moon
in a dark, dark sky.
The chickens are nervous.
Do you know why?”

Copyright © 2023 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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