Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack

4 stars An engaging tour through the ages, celebrating art from around the world. Follow a young artist as she questions what makes art, how to create it, and how long it takes. Her questions are answered by famous artists throughout history, from Frida Kahlo to the sculptors of the Temple of the Feathered Serpent,…

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I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams by Tanisia Moore

Illustrated by Robert Paul Jr. 5 stars A wonderful celebration of Black men as role models, from entertainment to law, activism to sports. The narrator finds inspiration through different famous men, which inspires him to take an active role in his community. Told through lyrical text and a powerful refrain, this book celebrates both contemporary…

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This Book is My Best Friend by Robin Robinson

3 stars A fun story about sharing a good read and the power of books. While at the library, Sunny and Aarush reach for the same book, both declaring they need it. Each tries to persuade the other to check out something else. As they share why the book is so important to them, they…

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Bhangra Baby by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal

Illustrated by Ani Bushry 4 stars A vibrant picture book told in catchy rhymes and an infectious beat. Bhangra Baby wants to join in the fun of the Punjabi folk dance. With the help of his family and friends, he learns the moves and spends the night dancing and celebrating. Bold, colorful illustrations. An adorable…

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Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

by Airlie Anderson 5 stars Another great picture book from Anderson with lovely messages about accepting differences and celebrating all. The artwork is lovely. Whimsical and fun. Wonderful emphasis on personal preferences and the difference between being alone and being lonely. It was also nice to see representation of how preferences can change depending on…

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A Library by Nikki Giovanni

Illustrated by Erin K. Robinson 5 stars A gorgeous, soothing homage to libraries and reading. As a librarian, I may be a little bias, but this book is absolute perfection. The lyrical text celebrates the different versions of ourselves we live out when we read and the wonderful places our imagination can take us. The…

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Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja

Illustrated by Shiho Pate 4 stars A delicious story about patience, practice, perseverance, and family. Hiro sets out to make the perfect bowl of ramen just like his dad and his dad’s dad. He’s watched his dad thoroughly and taken detailed notes. But once he gets started, things don’t go to plan. Adorable artwork. I…

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Empanadas for Everyone by Jackie Azúa Kramer

Illustrated by Lenny Wen 3 stars A delicious story of community, family, and generosity. Every Saturday, Carina visits Tia Mimi’s to make empanadas. But this week, Tia Mimi is volunteering at the food center, which leaves Carina to collect all the ingredients herself. Along the way, she finds that her diverse neighbors all have their…

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Eyes That Weave the World’s Wonders by Joanna Ho with Liz Kleinrock

Illustrated by Dung Ho 5 stars Another lush, heartwarming, gorgeous read from Joanna Ho and Dung Ho. Through poetic text, the narrator describes how her eyes are different from her adoptive family’s and how their loves connects them. It explores the narrator’s relationship with her adoptive father and mother, and her curiosity about her birth…

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The Mommies on the Bus by Hannah Eliot

Illustrated by Airin O’Callaghan 3 stars A sweet little book to celebrate moms, set to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus”. The illustrations and text wonderfully capture some of the ways moms show they care, from providing snacks and reading nonverbal cues to zipping up coats and holding the door. Gorgeous illustrations. Loved…

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