babies/tots
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I Can Dream
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I Can Explore
by Betsy Snyder
Chronicle, 2018, $8.99
Betsy Snyder adds two more sturdy board books to her vibrant “I Can”
series, which celebrates all that youngsters can do and aspire to. The
series is inclusive regarding gender and race. Each double-page spread
features a poem, a colorful illustration and two holes, which allow little
ones to insert their own fingers to make the wiggly arms or legs of various
characters. “I Can Explore” is perfect for summer outings to the beach or
lake. “I Can Dream” peeks at an array of intriguing professions, including
fire fighter, astronaut, marine biologist and veterinarian.
ages 3 – 8
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Penguin & Tiny Shrimp Don’t Do Bedtime!
by Cate Berry
illustrated by Charles Santoso
Balzer and Bray, 2018, $17.99
In her debut picture book, Cate Berry cleverly upends the usual bedtime
ritual. Penguin and a night cap-wearing shrimp spurn tooth-brushing and
soft beds for adventures in the rain forest, on the Serengeti and on the
open sea. But even as they sing and joke with the critters they have met
along the way (delightfully rendered by artist Charles Santoso), the
intrepid twosome grows sleepier and sleepier till they finally plop happily
into the large bed they had previously disdained. Sure to make your little
night owls smile – and fuel their imaginary adventures in dreamland. -
Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs
by Jacky Davis
illustrated by David Soman
Dial, 2018, $17.99
The 10th book ends this popular series on a high note and finds Lulu, in
her red Ladybug Girl ensemble, and basset hound Bingo at the farmers’
market. Lulu and her two friends meet eight dogs at an adoption event and
volunteer to help water, brush and play with them. This lively tale
realistically portrays the important work of pet-adoption groups and
acquaints readers with alternatives to purchasing a purebred pet from a
breeder. Lulu and her buddies even engineer a parade to show off the
pooches and succeed in getting one adopted. Most importantly, the kids
realize that their help can be ongoing and vow to “come back next week and
rescue other dogs.” -
Washington, D.C.: Our Nation’s Capital from A-Z
by Alan Schoreder
illustrated by John O’Brien
Holiday House, 2018, $17.95
What better time to explore our nation’s capital than summer? This
kid-centered alphabet guide includes entries beyond the usual museums and
monuments. For example, “A” features “Air and Space,” with information
about a favorite Smithsonian museum, and “Acrobat,” with the amazing fact
that in 1949, an acrobat walked down the 897 steps of the Washington
Monument on his hands. Before visiting the city, have your family peruse
the book and choose their top choices. Mine include the AIDS Memorial
Quilt, under “Q,” and the National Cathedral’s Great Organ, with 10,000
pipes. -
Beep and Bob: Too Much Space!
by Jonathan Roth
Simon & Schuster, 2018, $5.99
Zoom off to space school with Bob and his alien friend Beep in a
fast-paced, humorous chapter book by local author/illustrator Jonathan
Roth. A teacher himself, Roth knows how to engage emerging readers with
drama and hijinks. Even though Bob would rather read comic books than deal
with creepy genius spiders, he rescues one from sure death in a black hole
– and receives a web-woven message in thanks. Then there’s Beep, who seems
to think that Bob is his mother. This new chapter book series is perfect
for a family read-aloud or for kids eager for a solo, silent read. -
Leaf Litter Critters
by Leslie Bulion
illustrated by Robert Meganck
Peachtree, 2018, $14.95
Through 19 rhyme-rich poems, Leslie Bulion introduces kids to the
little-known denizens of one of Earth’s most valuable ecosystems: the
ground beneath our feet. In an opening note, she describes the leaf litter
as the “crossroads where air, soil, water, plants, animals and microbes
meet … teeming with billions of tiny, busy recyclers.” Substantive
sidebars and back matter enhance understanding of mushrooms, mites,
millipedes, earthworms and rove beetles. As you and your kids care for the
yard or family garden, take time to appreciate these wow-worthy
creepy-crawlies.
ages 9 -14
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The Mortification of Fovea Munson
by Mary Winn Heider
Disney Hyperion, 2018, $16.99
In her first novel, Mary Winn Heider brings literal meaning to the phrase
“talking heads” because the three heads in the cadaver lab belonging to her
protagonist’s parents are quite animated and chatty. Heider casts a quirky,
life-affirming eye on bowling, barbershop quartets and Hippocrates, the
Greek Father of Medicine, as her titular character, Fovea Munson, goes
about solving this unique mystery. Readers will chuckle as they turn pages
full of plot twists and oddities, including a careening hearse and
spirit-guide frog. -
Wild Blues
by Beth Kephart
Atheneum, 2018, $17.99
Bedridden and in pain, Lizzie struggles to explain what happened when her
uncle and best friend are kidnapped in the Adirondacks. She addresses her
tale to an unknown listener who seems to have abetted the kidnappers. Short
chapters, vivid language and a sense of urgency enhance suspense and
stakes. Even though the police and helicopters are searching an area of
roughly 6 million acres as they hunt for the victims and perpetrators,
Lizzie sets out alone to brave narrow bridges, dark caves and bats as she
follows the clues her loved ones have planted.
