THE PANDA’S CHILD, by Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher, Otter-Barry Books, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $24.99 (Ages 5-8)

A boy forms a special bond with a panda bear in the forest near his village in The Panda’s Child, by Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher.

In a faraway forest a baby is lost and found, protected by a she-panda. Nine years later another baby, the panda’s child, is in great danger, and only a boy and the spirit of the forest can save him. This magical, powerful story is a book for all ages to treasure, exploring our most vital connection with wild nature. —Synopsis provided by Otter-Barry Books

The Panda’s Child is a different kind of picture book. Though there are big moments, it has a quiet feel to it. One that begs for the words to be read aloud and the pictures explored.

Author Jacki Morris’ lyrical prose leaves room for breathing and understanding. Illustrator Cathy Fisher’s artwork is gorgeous. Her use of color and space draw you in. And her focus on eyes, in particular, provides extra emotion.

The Panda’s Child would make an excellent classroom or home read.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Mini Review: The Panda’s Child is gorgeous appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

A STAR SHINES THROUGH, by Anna Desnitskaya, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 5-9)

A displaced family sets out to make a home in a new country in A Star Shines Through, a picture book by Anna Desnitskaya.

We used to live in a big city. In our apartment window was a star-shaped lamp, shining through the cold. I could recognize home from far away. But then the war began, and we left for another country. Everything is different here—the food, the language, even Mom and me. Today Mom bought us a package of scissors, glue, and cardboard. Can we make this place feel a little more like home?

Narrated by a young refugee, A Star Shines Through is based on the experiences of the author-illustrator, who left Russia with her family after the start of the Ukraine War.  —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

There’s not a lot of text in A Star Shines Through, but the book doesn’t need it. Anna Desnitskaya’s straight-forward prose is perfectly balanced with her thoughtful illustrations, creating an emotional look at hope after loss.

Children will be drawn to Desnitskaya’s use of color, light and space, which set the tone throughout.

A Star Shines Through is a hopeful picture book that encourages empathy and understanding.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Anna Desnitskaya’s A Star Shines Through is hopeful picture book appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

A MIND OF HER OWN: THE STORY OF MYSTERY WRITER AGATHA CHRISTIE, by Robyn McGrath and Liz Wong, Beach Lane Books, May 28, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 5-10)

Learn about detective novelist Agatha Christie in A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Mystery Writer Agatha Christie, by Robyn McGrath and Liz Wong.

Before Agatha Christie became the greatest mystery writer of all time, she was a girl who loved books, make-believe, and puzzling out problems. She was a keen observer, always noticing the secrets hiding in the shadows and the clues just waiting to be uncovered. More than anything, Agatha loved detective stories. She longed to write her own mysteries, but she struggled when she put pen to paper. The letters came out jumbled, the words twisting and snagging. Writing became a new puzzle for her to solve.

Her family and teachers chided her for being lost in her head, but Agatha wasn’t lost…she had a mind of her own! —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane

When my daughter was in third grade, she asked me if she could read Agatha Christie books. I told she’d have to wait a year, and she now has The Mysterious Affair at Styles on her bookshelf. She’s fascinated by anything Agatha Christie, and has read A Mind of Her Own multiple times. Like so many readers before her, Christie’s work calls to her.

Author Robyn McGrath’s present tense prose adds an immediacy to A Mind of Her Own. It’s a treatment that pairs well with the biography of arguably one of the most famous mystery authors of all time. Though well researched, A Mind of Her Own feels almost conversational, drawing readers in.

Illustrator Liz Wong listened to Christie’s audiobooks while working on the art for A Mind of Her Own. This inspired Wong to include references to her life and novels in the illustrations. It’s a nice touch to her already engaging illustrations.

Backmatter includes more about Christie; author and illustrator notes; mystery vocabulary; and a bibliography.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Mind of Her Own is fantastic picture book biography of Agatha Christie appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

Home, by Isabelle Simler and Vineet Lal, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-9)

Take a tour through the dwellings of 27 different animals in Home, a picture book by Isabelle Simler and translated by Vineet Lal.

Creator Isabelle Simler presents a poetic journey through animal homes across the world. In Europe, alpine marmots stay safe in underground refuges. In southeast Asia, Sumatran orangutans doze off in treetop bedrooms. In Mexico and the southwestern US, elf owls nest in holes in saguaro cacti. On every continent but Antarctica, honeybees mold wax into palaces for their queens. No matter where you travel, some creature is making an extraordinary place to call home.

With connections to life cycles, camouflage, and other biological concepts, Home is a showcase of the natural world.  —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

From cover to cover, Home is simply stunning. Isabelle Simler immediately grabs your attention with her intricate artwork. Her images are full of texture and movement, just begging you to explore. Simler’s words, too, hold your attention. With phrases like:

“I slide into my home like a telescope
and fan out my feathery lashes.”

and

“At the blue hour, I shall make my entrance
to steal the heart of my beloved.”

you enter different animal domains. The entire experience is enchanting. Excellent backmatter includes more on each animal and a glossary of terms.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Isabelle Simler’s Home is exquisite look at animal dwellings appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

TELL ME ABOUT OCEANS, by Lisa Varchol Perron and Jennifer Falkner, Little Simon, April 16, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 2-5)

A child gets answers to their many questions about the ocean in this rhyming, fact-filled nonfiction board book.

Tell me why the ocean moves
in waves that splish and splash.

Wind on water makes those waves
that hit the shore and crash!

A child asks their grownup many questions about the ocean. From what creates waves, what lives in the deep sea, what makes the ocean blue, and more, scientific facts are conveyed in accessible language. Sidebars on each spread provide even more information for every question asked and answered. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

Tell Me About Oceans is a beautifully illustrated board book that little readers will be drawn to. Simple text works as a great introduction and more detailed sidebars provide further information as little ones ask for more clarity.

SHELLS… AND WHAT THEY HIDE INSIDE: A Lift-the-Flap Adventure, by Helen Scales and Sonia Pulido, Phaidon Press, April 17, 2024, Board Book, $14.95 (ages 2-4)

In this board book companion to What a Shell Can Tell, award-winning marine biologist and documentary maker, Helen Scales, introduces children ages 2-4 to the wonders of shells. With over 40 flaps to lift creating interactive opportunities on every page, stunningly lifelike illustrations, children are encouraged to observe, engage with, and understand a range of shells and environments. From where shells are found and who lives in them, to what a shell’s look and feel can reveal about its inhabitant and environment. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

Children are naturally drawn to shells, and this book expands on that interest through interactive flaps, bright colors and stunning illustrations. The lift of each flap reveals new illustrations and more information about each shell’s purpose. The book’s heavy-duty construction means it will stand up to heavy use. It’s one of the better nonfiction board books available.

THIS WOLF WAS DIFFERENT, by Katie Slivensky and Hannah Salyer, Beach Lane Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-8)

Inspired by natural history, this picture book imagines how humans and wolves first came together, exploring individuality and how true friendship means embracing differences.

Long ago, a wolf pup was born in a forest. This pup was a wolf, and so were her brothers and sisters. But this wolf was different. She liked staying close to the den instead of hunting and chasing her tail instead of chasing other animals. She wished she were more like her siblings—more like a real wolf.

Then she meets a new kind of creature, no more like the other wolves than she is. As a new friendship blossoms, the wolf discovers that it’s okay to be different and, better yet, it’s a gift to be something new. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books

Though This Wolf Was Different is fiction, it is based on sound research. It offers readers a plausible explanation of how dogs became domesticated. This gentle story is warm and full of life. And beautiful illustrations provide a sense of time and place. Extensive backmatter features scientific information about how wolves and humans first connected.

BEHOLD THE HUMMINGBIRD, by Suzanne Slade and Thomas Gonzalez, Peachtree, April 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Hummingbirds are tiny and pretty, so you might find yourself taking them for granted. But these little birds are remarkable, fierce, and talented. In Behold the Hummingbird, readers will learn about species that can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards and upside down, and consume half their body weight in a single day. —Synopsis provided by Peachtree

Behold the Hummingbird is two glorious books in one. The first, is a simple lyrical read that will hold a little one’s attention. The second, is an informative read that compliments the first. For example, a spread about “humming” explains how the hummingbird gets its name. Each spread features a different species of hummingbird rendered in glorious pastel, colored pencils and airbrush. The stunning artwork is such that you wouldn’t mind framing it and hanging it on the wall. Excellent backmatter explains how to find hummingbirds and how to help them.

ONE DAY THIS TREE WILL FALL, by Leslie Barnard Booth and Stephanie Fizer Coleman, Margaret K. McElderry Books, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem in this nonfiction picture book.

When a tree falls, is its story over?

There are many ways a tree’s story could end: Gobbled up by a bird as a tiny seed. Damaged by wind or ice or fire. Chopped down and hauled away. But some trees—this tree—survives. And grows old. Riddled with scars, cracks, and crevices, it becomes a place creatures large and small call home.

One day, after standing tall for centuries, this tree will fall. But even then, is its story over? Or will it continue to nurture the forest and its creatures for many years to come? Complete with additional information about the role trees play in a forest ecosystem, this sweeping story invites readers of all ages to celebrate the incredible life cycle and afterlife of trees. —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books

If ever there was a perfect book for reading aloud in a classroom, this one might be it. It features lyrical text that is a joy to read aloud; big, bold illustrations that can be seen from afar; and excellent backmatter that explains how a tree’s story never ends. This book will prompt questions, illustrations and further discussion, making it a great option for both home and/or classroom libraries.

IS THIS A HOUSE FOR HERMIT CRAB? by Megan McDonald and Katherine Tillotson, Neal Porter Books, Feb. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow a hermit crab on the perilous journey to replace his outgrown shell in this classic picture book by the author of the popular Judy Moody and Stink series.

Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell, and it’s time for a new home to keep him safe from predators. The beach is strewn with possible choices, but none are quite right. A rock is too heavy; a tin can is too noisy; a fishing net has too many holes.

He stepped along the shore,
by the sea, in the sand . . .
scritch-scratch, scritch-scratch

When a giant wave sends Hermit Crab careening toward a hungry porcupine fish, will he find a hiding place in time? —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

First written in 1990, Megan McDonald’s text gets a new look with Katherine Tillotson’s captivating watercolor, acrylic, finger paint, and collage artwork. Extensive backmatter includes a note from the author and two-page spread featuring more information about hermit crabs.

ANGELA’S GLACIER, by Jordan Scott and Diana Sudyka, Neal Porter Books, Jan. 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Angela listened to the glacier; the glacier listened to Angela.

As soon as she’s born, Angela’s father introduces her to her glacier. He carries her on his back up the icy expanse as the wind makes music of the snow and the water underneath. Over time, Angela gets big enough to walk beside him, and then, to go alone. She tells her glacier everything, and it answers.

But then, life gets busy. Angela’s days fill up with school, homework, violin and soccer and friends. Until one day, Angela’s heart doesn’t sound right anymore. Luckily, Angela’s dad is there to remind her what she needs: a visit to her ancient icy friend. —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

Angela’s Glacier was inspired by the author’s friend who grew up in Northern Ontario and emigrated to Iceland in 2011. It’s a story of home, growing up and discovering what’s most important to you. It’s told through lyrical text and magnificent illustrations that make you want to visit the glacier yourself. An afterword from the real Angela highlights the tragic threat climate change poses to our planet’s frozen marvels.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR: CARBON, CLIMATE, EARTH, AND US, by Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)

A nonfiction picture book about ways that the Earth removes carbon from the air, and ways people can help.

The Earth has a problem: there’s too much carbon in the air.

Luckily, the Earth also has amazing powers to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere-like the power of kelp, mangroves, and dirt. Although these powers alone cannot get us out of the climate crisis we’re facing, the Earth has another important power: the power of people! People have the power to change, protect, innovate, and invent.

In this informational picture book, Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma paint an encouraging yet honest picture of the problems at hand and some of the ways that we can address them. Thanks to the power of nature and the ingenuity of people, change is in the air! —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

At this point, there’s no point in denying climate change, but there is hope, and Change is in the Air offers it. Through fairly simple words and more detailed illustrations, readers are offered an accessible look at what can be a complex subject. Younger readers will be drawn to the artwork, while older ones will garner more from the text. Strong backmatter includes an author’s note on the problem and the Earth’s power to heal.

INCREDIBLE: STARS OF THE PLANT WORLD, by Benjamin Flouw, Twirl; 1st edition, Feb. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5 and up)

Towering sequoias, giant Saguaro cacti, prehistoric plants, incredible palms and many more fill the pages of this large format book. The detailed illustrations are accompanied by fascinating facts about each plant. It features supersized spreads with eye-catching illustrations, bite-sized descriptions about each plant and educational content reviewed by experts. —Synopsis provided by Twirl

This big, bold book will appeal to kids who like to wander their way through pages. Bold, stylized illustrations immediately grab attention and small sections of text make it more accessible. It’s not a book that has to be read front-to-back, which is a major bonus. A lovely world map tagged with each featured plant is included at the end, giving readers a sense of place. This is the sort of nonfiction book that you’d happily display on the coffee table but would also make a great addition to any classroom library.

SONA SHARMA, LOOKING AFTER PLANET EARTH, by Chitra Soundar and Jen Khatun, Candlewick, Feb. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 6-9)

Sona is determined to get her whole suburban Indian neighborhood to help fight climate change in this second Sona Sharma story.

When Sona learns about the climate crisis at school, she worries nobody is doing enough to combat it. So, she takes up the challenge herself! But her family isn’t amused when Sona suddenly gets rid of her sister’s diapers and turns off Thatha and Paatti’s cooling fan during their nap. Sona finds a better way to implement change, at a family meeting where everyone helps make a list of ways to conserve. Energized, Sona sets her sights on the rest of the neighborhood. When she learns many of the kolams—traditional art that people draw in front of their homes to celebrate the festival season—are not eco-friendly, she makes plans for some even bigger changes. Can Sona convince everyone to get involved—even her own strong-willed grandmother? —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

At 120 pages and full of charming illustrations, this is a good option for stronger chapter book readers looking for something a little different. With a likeable main character and timely topic, it’s a fun read.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Celebrate Earth Day 2024 with books about our planet appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

NOT YET: THE STORY OF AN UNSTOPPABLE SKATER, by Hadley Davis, Zahra Lari, Sara Alfageeh, Orchard Books, Feb. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A universal story about courage and determination that is loosely based on the life of five-time Emirati National Champion, Zahra Lari, who was the first figure skater to compete internationally in a hijab.

After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she’s too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don’t look like her… not yet at least! Illustrated with Sara Alfageeh’s energetic lines and colors that pop right off the page, we follow Zahra’s story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink… and as she repeatedly says ”not yet” to naysayers — including herself — who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream. An inspiring tale of self-empowerment and perseverance as we see the refrain — not yet — grow from a low, meek mumble to a mantra and promise filled with determination. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: THE STORY OF AVIATION PIONEER NANCY HARKNESS LOVE, by Dee Romito and Vivian Mineker, Aladdin, Sept. 26, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Take off with Nancy Harkness Love, first female pilot to serve in the Army Air Forces and founder of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) during World War II, in this picture book biography perfect for readers of Fly, Girl, Fly! or Fearless Flyer.

In 1930, when Nancy Harkness was sixteen years old, she took a ride in a biplane and fell in love with flight. But at that time, women weren’t encouraged to pursue careers in aviation.

Despite the barriers, Nancy took to the air and earned her pilot’s license. She continued to fly in college, becoming known as “The Flying Freshman.” After traveling to Boston for a job, she met her future husband and fellow pilot, Bob Love, and began her official career in aviation, eventually becoming director of the WAFS during World War II.

By pursuing her dreams, Nancy paved the way for other female pilots to soar. —Synopsis provided by Aladdin

YOU ARE A STAR, JANE GOODALL, by Dean Robbins and Hatem Aly, Scholastic Press, April 4, 2023, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 5-7)

It’s Jane Goodall like you’ve never seen her before!

Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. The second book in an exciting new nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Jane Goodall focuses on Jane’s lifelong mission to understand the chimpanzees and protect the planet.

Hatem Aly’s spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and engaging back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Jane! —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

SMARTY MARTY TAKES THE FIELD: A PICTURE BOOK, by Amy Gutierrez, Anika Orrock, Alyssa Nakken (Afterword), Harry N. Abrams, March 19, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 6-9)

Smarty Marty Takes the Field is an inspiring picture book from Emmy Award-winning sports journalist Amy Gutierrez—better known as Amy G—and award-winning author/illustrator Anika Orrock about the courage it takes to break down gender barriers in the world of sports and beyond.

Having proven her baseball chops in Smarty Marty’s Got Game, this time Marty is making a play for manager, something no girl has ever done in her town’s Little League history. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks she can do it, but a chance encounter with a very special trailblazer gives her the courage to turn her fear into opportunity.

Complete with plenty of baseball knowledge and go-get-’em-girl empowerment and a special interview with Alyssa Nakken, this story is sure to inspire young readers to ask themselves, “If not you, who?” —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF SKATEBOARDING: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE WITH OLYMPIC MEDALIST SKY BROWN, by Sky Brown and Shaw Davidson, Magic Cat, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 6-10)

Drop into the beginner’s guide The Life-Changing Magic of Skateboarding, with secrets from world champion Sky Brown!

Meet Sky Brown, the youngest person to win a medal in skateboarding at the Olympics and discover how she fell in love with the sport. Then, give it a try yourself as she offers tips to get you started.

Learn how to start . . . and stop. Then follow along as Sky takes you through ollies, kick turns, nose grabs, and more.

This practical biographical handbook features:

• • • A joy-filled introduction to the sport of skateboarding presented in an engaging graphic-novel style
    • Practical tips and inspiration from Sky Brown
    • Illustrated step-by-step instructions of basic and advanced skateboarding tricks
    • Advice on safety and how to get back up after a fall —Synopsis provided by Magic Cat

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Celebrate Women’s History Month with these picture books appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

YOU ARE A STAR, MALALA YOUSAFZAI, by Dean Robbins and Maithili Joshi, Scholastic Press, Jan. 2, 2024, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 5-7)

You Are a Star, Malala Yousafzai, by Dean Robbins and Maithili Joshi, is the story of the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Make way for Malala Yousafzai! 

It’s Malala Yousafzai like you’ve never seen her before!

Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an activist and trailblazer. The third book in the You Are a Star nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Malala Yousafzai focuses on Malala’s lifelong mission to bring educational equality and justice to all―especially young girls. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

You Are a Star, Malala Yousafzai is an accessible picture book biography of one of the world’s top advocates for girls’ education. The book really feels as if Malala is telling you her personal story. The mix of comic panels and larger illustrations almost give it a scrapbook feel. Excellent backmatter includes an author’s note and information on how readers can be more like Malala.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Mini Review: You Are a Star, Malala Yousafzai appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

COMET CHASER: The True Cinderella Story of Caroline Herschel, the First Professional Woman Astronomer, by Pamela S. Turner and Vivien Mildenberger, Chronicle Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5-8)

Learn about the first professional woman astronomer — Caroline Herschel — in Comet Chaser, written by Pamela S. Turner and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger.

Comet Chaser is the biography of a woman who made a lifetime of incredible contributions to science. She was the first woman to discover a comet, the first officially recognized in a scientific role, and the first to be given a Gold Medal by the Royal Astronomical Society.

In a day when girls were barely educated at all, Caroline Herschel’s father taught her math and music . . . until, suddenly, he died. Her mother saw her as little more than a household servant. Caroline might have been doomed to a life of drudgery and dimness if not for her brother, who took her from Germany to England. There they started looking for comets, and building telescopes in their free time, gradually making them larger and larger. Their many discoveries brought the great astronomers of the day to their doorstep, where they found that the Herschels had made the best telescopes of their time.

From household drudge to belle of the scientific ball, Caroline Herschel won international prizes never before awarded to a woman and earned a professional wage from the king. She and her discoveries remain as stunning today as they were then. In this delightfully imaginative retelling of Caroline’s career, her fairy godmother is none other than her own bright intelligence, hard work, and passion for science. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

Comet Chaser: The True Cinderella Story of Caroline Herschel, the First Professional Woman Astronomer is one of those books that will wow everyone who comes across it. Caroline’s accomplishments are fascinating and inspiring.

Author Pamela S. Turner tells Caroline’s story through clear, clean prose that is comfortable to read aloud or to one’s self. Artist Vivien Mildenberger’s illustrations have a looseness to them that draws in readers and invites them to imagine beyond. End papers include further information about Caroline and her discoveries; a glossary and resources; quotations and bibliography.

Comet Chaser has so many things going for it. It has many classroom applications including discussions of engineering, math, and scientific study.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Comet Chaser is fascinating story of astronomer Caroline Herschel appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

GO FORTH AND TELL: THE LIFE OF AUGUSTA BAKER, LIBRARIAN AND MASTER STORYTELLER, by Breanna J. McDaniel and April Harrison, Dial Books, Feb. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)

Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian And Master Storyteller, by Breanna J. McDaniel and April Harrison, is fantastic.

Before Augusta Braxton Baker became a storyteller, she was an excellent story listener. Her grandmother brought stories like Br’er Rabbit and Arthur and Excalibur to life, teaching young Augusta that when there’s a will, there’s always a way.

When she grew up, Mrs. Baker began telling her own fantastical stories to children at the 135th Street branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem. But she noticed that there were hardly any books at the library featuring Black people in respectful, uplifting ways. Thus began her journey of championing books, writers, librarians, and teachers centering Black stories, educating and inspiring future acclaimed authors like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin along the way.

As Mrs. Baker herself put it: “Children of all ages want to hear stories. Select well, prepare well and then go forth and just tell.” —Synopsis provided by Dial Books

Go Forth and Tell is a book that belongs in every library. After all, it is a picture book biography about librarian and storyteller Augusta Braxton Baker, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library.

Author Breanna J. McDaniel writing is warm and clear. Through her, you can almost hear Augusta speak. Her pacing is spot on, just inviting readers to say the words out loud. Illustrator April Harrison’s art is stunning. Her use of mixed media collage, acrylics and artist pens brings Augusta’s story to life.

This is a book I’d happily share with family and friends.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Go Forth and Tell is fantastic biography of storyteller Augusta Baker appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

THE LIGHT SHE FEELS INSIDE, by Gwendolyn Wallace and Olivia Duchess, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Oct. 3, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)

A girl notices how her inner glow changes in certain situations and learns how to harness it in The Light She Feel Inside, by Gwendolyn Wallace and Olivia Duchess.

Maya feels a warm glow when she picks strawberries in the community garden, hears music in her neighborhood, or spends time with the people she loves.

She feels a different kind of glow when she gets pushed down on the playground, overhears her family worrying about bills, and sees her favorite cousin stopped by police. Sometimes that glowing seems like too much to carry.

But Maya is learning that others feel the same glowing light. Black women throughout history, like Ida B. Wells, Nina Simone, June Jordan, and Maya’s own ancestors, found ways to honor these glowing feelings. They were guided by their light to make a difference. The light Maya feels inside is an important part of her that she’ll share as she works toward a brighter world. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

The Light She Feels Inside has a twofold purpose — helping children recognize their feelings and using those feelings to create change.

The book starts out with Maya’s joy — joy from spending time with neighbors, friends and family. Her glow changes from a yellow to orange when she’s treated poorly by a friend. And orange shifts to a red-hot red when she witnesses injustices. Her glow becomes a purply-blue with sadness. But as she’s introduced to women from the past who found ways to honor those feelings, her glow becomes a rainbow.

Author Gwendolyn Wallace creates a narrative that natural expands through straightforward and accessible text. Illustrator Olivia Duchess’ use of color throughout The Light She Feels Inside helps young readers visualize their emotions and really emphasizes the importance of community.

The Light She Feels is an excellent resource for home or the classroom.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Gwendolyn Wallaces’ The Light She Feels Inside celebrates tradition appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.