My Bunkmate Hates Puppies (Camp Lil’Vills #1) by Sam Hay

Illustrated by Ria Maria Lee 2 stars Welcome to Lilliputian Villages Summer Camp a.k.a. Camp Lil’Vills where there are plenty of magical surprises in store for the campers. Bloom, the daughter of an ex-evil sorcerer, helps new campers settle in. But when she meets her new bunkmate, Cruella, she’s unsure if camp is the right…

Read More

A Dreidel in Time: A New Spin on an Old Tale

by Marcia Berneger Illustrated by Beatriz Castro 3 stars A fun, quick read about the origins of Hanukkah complete with adventure and time travel. Reminiscent of the Magic Treehouse books. All Devorah and Benjamin want to do is open their Hanukkah presents. But they’re in for a surprise when their family gives them an old…

Read More

Not He or She, I’m Me by A. M. Wild

Illustrated by Kah Yangni 3 stars A cute picture book following a child’s typical day – eating breakfast, going to school, and hanging out with friends. Throughout, there is a catchy refrain, affirming the child’s nonbinary identity and celebrating they/them pronouns. Simple and nice. The artwork is sweet with fun collage-style visuals and a mix…

Read More

Disney Frozen Adventures: Snowy Stories

3 stars A fun collection of comics that combine adventure, mystery, and humor. The comics range from a single page to longer adventures. Plenty of fun with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, and Kristoff. Cute artwork. There are nice lessons throughout such as the value of helping others, taking time for yourself, and making new friends,…

Read More

Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez

Illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz 3 stars A beautiful example of the power of representation and the joy of doing what you love. This book is an interesting mashup of a semi-autobiographical story mixed with magic and time travel. Meli loves exploring the waters of la Playita del Condado, especially the tidal pools. When she…

Read More

Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson

Illustrated by Gillian Reid 3.5 stars It’s her very first picture day and Molly is excited. But when Mom reveals the dress she wants Molly to wear, all that excitement is gone. The dress has a weird collar and puffy parts and no pockets. It doesn’t feel like Molly at all. Now Molly has to…

Read More

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

3 stars A sweet novel-in-verse about family, perseverance, and the bond between a girl and her dog. Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 shelter in place order is enacted. Together with Malsum, the mysterious rez dog who adopted her, and her grandparent’s stories, Malian finds the strength to overcome…

Read More

The Walrus and the Caribou by Maika Harper

Illustrated by Marcus Cutler 3 stars A humorous rendition of Inuit folklore showing that you don’t always get it right on the first try. During the creation of the world, Guk breathes life into two animals. A walrus whom she gives a large pair of antlers and a caribou with a set of long tusks….

Read More

The Race by Édouard Manceau

Translated by Sarah Quinn 3 stars A strange but entertaining read. Manceau describes a race between caribou from an outsider’s perspective who knows nothing about races. This leads to some humorous descriptions and interpretations (the finish line, the starting pistol, the lineup at the start of the race). The pictures are fun and give a…

Read More

Little Robin’s Fighting Hood by Sarah Hines Stephens

Illustrated by Agnes Garbowska 2.5 stars A straightforward story where Robin takes the lead. Alfred gives Robin a secret delivery to bring to Batman at the museum with strict instructions to not stray from the path or talk to anyone along the way. But when Robin gets sidetracked, things get a bit out of hand….

Read More