The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran

Illustrated by Michelle Pereira 4 stars A sweet picture book about practice, confidence, identity, and friendship. Zimdalamashkermishkada is starting a new school and is worried about his long name. He tries to shrink it down to make it easier for his classmates and teacher to say. But through practice and repetition, a new friend helps…

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Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day

by Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice 5 stars Short and sweet review because this book has me smiling so big. A stunning picture book filled with positive affirmations to repeat every day. Each spread contains a daily affirmation along with a poem that expands on it. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous….

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Burt the Beetle Lives Here! (Burt the Beetle #2)

by Ashley Spires 4 stars Burt’s used to sheltering under leaves, but when he sees the cool homes other insects create, he sets out to find the perfect one for himself. Will he find shelter in time? An engaging story that works in interesting nonfiction information. Learn about why insects need homes in the first…

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Pluto!: Not a Planet? Not a Problem! (Our Universe #7)

by Stacy McAnulty Illustrated by Stevie Lewis 5 stars Told with humor and engaging artwork, this adorable nonfiction picture book lets Pluto tell his story. He talks about his place in the solar system, his planetary family, his features, and the history of his discovery and reclassification. Such a fun book. The illustrations are so…

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A Garden in My Hands by Meera Sriram

Illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat 4 stars It’s the day before a wedding and a young girl patiently waits as her mother applies henna designs to her hands. While she does, she shares stories and memories to pass the time. Rich, lush illustrations and a heartwarming story of celebration, spending time together, and sharing family history….

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The Worry Balloon by Mónica Mancillas

Illustrated by Betty C. Tang 4 stars The first day of school has arrived, but with it comes Isla’s worries. With her Mami by her side, Isla practices mindfulness, visualization, and positive thinking to battle her anxiety and blow the worry balloon away. Beautiful illustrations. Nice visual representations of how Isla’s feelings influence how she…

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Silver Linings by Fiona Woodcock

4 stars A heartwarming story of looking on the bright side. Pip has a tendency to see the negative in a situation. But Parker is always there to reframe it. When Parker makes a mistake, it’s Pip’s turn to show him the silver lining. Beautiful illustrations. Loved the soft color palette. A sweet reminder of…

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All Are Welcome: Welcome Back!

by Alexandra Penfold Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman 3 stars A sweet early reader featuring the characters from All Are Welcome. This rhyming book welcomes students back to school and shared lessons on conduct. These include trying new things, practicing kindness, helping others, and working together. Lovely, diverse illustrations. This Step 2 book includes basic vocabulary, short…

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Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity

by Louise Gooding Illustrated by Ruth Burrows 5 stars A fantastic introduction to how the brain works and neurodiversity. Burrows works in modern understandings about different conditions, including how gender may affect getting a diagnosis. The book covers some basics on how the brain works, dives into different neurodiverse experiences, gives a little history, and…

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