Our Children’s staff keep current on all the new children’s book releases. And, to help each other out, they write short reviews of new titles to share with each other. Now, we want to share them with you! All of these titles are staff approved and available in the Clevnet catalog. Happy Reading! Read past reviews here: https://bit.ly/3PLioLO
Miss Cara, Willoughby
Hot Dog by Doug Salati ★★★★★
In this sparsely worded book, the illustrations speak for themselves. Follow a dog through a hot summer day in the city. When the dog has had enough of the heat and noise, it sits down and refuses to move. The owner knows just what to do, so we follow along on their trip to the shore. It’s just what is needed to cool off their bodies and minds, so that when it’s time to return home to the city, they are refreshed.
Place hold: https://bit.ly/3s0LJKn
Miss Melissa, Willoughby
Dot the Ladybug: Dot Day by Kallie George ★★★★★
Dot the Ladybug is celebrating her Dot Day. She needs to solve the mystery to find her friends. This is a kind and gentle First Reader book. It would be a great lap sit or early independent read. The illustrations are well-done, and there are many elements to each page that can spark questions, imagination, color and counting activities for young readers.
Place hold: https://bit.ly/3PRSYfy
Miss Sam, Eastlake Library
The Red Jacket by Bob Holt ★★★★★
A heartwarming story about a seagull who wants to be noticed. When a penguin gives him his red jacket, seagull is finally able to be recognized, causing him to gain confidence in his interactions with others. Eventually he gives his jacket to a turtle who needs it for the same reason. It’s a beautiful demonstration of being kind and paying it forward. A great story that would work well in a preK storytime themed around friendship, kindness, beach, clothing, etc. It may even work quite well for readers’ theatre!
Place hold: https://bit.ly/3FjpiTZ
Miss Danielle, Willoughby Hills
What does Little Crocodile Say at the Beach? by Eva Montanari ★★★★
A very cute book filled with lots of onomatopoeia that tells the story of all the different sounds that Little Crocodile hears at the beach. Including Big Crocodile telling him, “It’s time to go home!”. It’s a great summertime book for building vocabulary!
Place hold: https://bit.ly/45u7dgw
Miss Rachael, Willowick
Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton ★★★★★
This story is such an uplifting story with a beautiful message of encouragement. It is so important for kids to know that even if they make a mistake, they can learn from it and know that they are not a bad person. The message at the end of the story reminds us that it is very important to also encourage ourselves, as well as others.
Place hold: https://bit.ly/3QlqQTB
Miss Diane, Willowick
And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner ★★★★★
Honestly, this took me back to the first day of school, and I almost wish I hadn’t retired from teaching. Almost! This is a delightful description of the end of summer activities, and all the preparations families make to get ready to start a new year: packing up clothes that are too small, buying new ones, and getting school supplies. Then follows the excitement of getting on the bus, seeing your friends again, and meeting your new teacher. Perfectly captures the back-to-school experience!
Place hold: https://bit.ly/3PZVJeX
Miss Khin, Eastlake
Rocket Says Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon ★★★★★
This is a feel-good story about a girl named Rocket who loves to visit the library and read; however, one day she finds that her town library has closed down. She is inspired by Rosa Parks and organizes a peaceful “Save Our library” protest and eventually is able to raise the funds to reopen the library. This is an inspiring story encourages kids to stand up for what they believe in. The illustrations are excellent.
Place hold: https://bit.ly/3tCEJEh
