THE ART BOOK FOR CHILDREN, by Ferren Gipson, Amanda Renshaw, Gilda Williams, Phaidon Press, May 22, 2024, Hardcover, $29.95 (ages 7-12)

Children are asked to examine art and discover the way they feel about it as an individual in The Art Book for Children from Phaidon Press.

Two decades ago, Phaidon published the first volume in The Art Book for Children series (adapted especially for children from Phaidon’s iconic The Art Book), which quickly became beloved by children and parents the world over. To share its legacy with a new generation of readers, this combined, updated, and expanded edition pairs a selection of ‘best of’ artists from the original series with 30 brand-new contemporary entries.

This single volume features 60 artists through a wide range of large-scale, full-page reproductions of their artworks, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, video, prints, and installations from across time and space. Each page showcases defining artworks by the artists, combined with an interactive and informative conversation, giving relatable and memorable contexts for children, and inspiring a curiosity and appreciation for the Visual Arts that will continue into adulthood.

With a fresh new design, this book both features the ‘best of’ from the original two volumes, plus new entries, specially selected in collaboration with art historian and writer, Ferren Gipson. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

The Art Book for Children is one of the books I’ve been most excited about heading into summer. I love art history, and my kid loves all forms of art. This is exactly the sort of book I she’s drawn to.

Each of the 60 artists featured get an entire page of accessible text that talk about the artist and why they created their art. In some cases, only one piece of art is shown, in others, there are more.

Usually, art books group artists or works in specific ways — by style, date, genre, etc. That doesn’t seem to be the case here, where polka dots from 1929 are next to the Mona Lisa (1452), which is followed by Rene Magritte’s surrealism (1898). This randomization works well, especially for children, keeping things fresh with every turn of the page. The last pages of the book prompt kids about what kind of artist they would want to be and what they will create.

The Art Book for Children is an excellent resource and just plain fun. I can imagine countless summer projects that will be inspired by it.

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.

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COLOSSAL WORDS FOR KIDS, by Colette Hiller and Tor Freeman, Frances Lincoln Ltd, May 9, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 7 and up)

Colossal Words for Kids, by Colette Hiller, helps kids grow their vocabularies through illustrated poems.

Each poem in this book teaches a specific important word, as well as its meaning and spelling, in an innovative and accessible format that kids will love. Using rhythm and wordplay, the poems help build a colossal vocabulary, thinking skills and literacy — without kids even noticing. But most of all, this book delights young readers with the joy and silliness of the English language.

Each word in this collection is defined in a simple rhyme. Using rhythm, humor and logic, each word’s meaning is made clear and accessible. Kids will want to try them out straight away.

From Ambiguous to Zealous, the words in this book are for 7-to-12-year-olds. It may seem inconceivable for one book to encompass such a wide age span. But in fact, inconceivable — and all the other words in this book — were selected from vocabulary lists intended for older children, so that younger children can challenge themselves and discover a wealth of great new words. —Synopsis provided by Frances Lincoln Ltd.

Colossal Words for Kids combines silliness and learning into a rhythmic read that’s enjoyable and educational. There are a few words that even grownups might struggle with — idiosyncrasy, penultimate, soporific — but that’s part of the fun. Comical illustrations and different fonts are helpful contextually and add to the humor.

Colossal Words for Kids could be used in a classroom or just for fun. It will especially appeal to kids who are big readers, like trivia or words in general.

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.

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Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman, by Joanna Lapati, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Feb. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 7-12)

Learn about one of the women who secretly served as soldiers during the Civil War in Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman, by Joanna Lapati.

In 1862, the war between North and South showed no signs of stopping. In rural New York, 19-year-old Rosetta Wakeman longed for a life beyond the family farm. One day she made a brave, bold choice: she cut her braid and disguised herself as a man. No one suspected that “Lyons” was a woman—not even when she signed up to fight for the Union. As Rosetta’s new regiment traveled to Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Louisiana, she sent letter after letter home to New York. Army life wasn’t easy, but Rosetta knew it was where she belonged— supporting her family and serving her country. —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

In 2000, author Joanna Lapati began researching women soldiers who served in the Civil War. During that research, she came cross The Uncommon Soldier, by Lauren Cook Burgess. That sparked a 12-year interest and inspired Guts for Glory.

Private Rosetta “Lyons” Wakeman’s letters are the only ones written by female soldiers to survive and offer a unique point of view. Lapati includes excerpts in this picture book biography.

Lapati’s writing is smooth and accessible and forms a framework for her gorgeous illustrations, which she crafted out in scratchboard. These intricate illustrations are full of texture and movement, providing a look that echoes the time period in which they are set.

Lapati’s extensively researched book is presented in chronological order and follows Rosetta’s time in service. Rosetta died June 19, 1864, from dysentery. Excellent backmatter includes glossaries, author’s note, a timeline and more about Rosetta and the Civil War.

Guts for Glory is one of those books to which young readers will instantly be drawn.

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.

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HOLDING HER OWN: THE EXCEPTIONAL LIFE OF JACKIE ORMES, by Traci N. Todd and Shannon Wright, Orchard Books, Jan. 3, 2023, Hardcover, $21.99 (ages 7-10)

Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes, by Traci N. Todd and Shannon Wright, is an excellent picture book biography.

Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature “Jackie joy” while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting? —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

Jackie Ormes was an influential Black woman who used her talents to call attention to inequalities facing Black people in America. In Holding Her Own, author Traci N. Todd captures Jackie’s spark through strong text and solid pacing. But it’s Shannon Wright’s illustrations that are key to young readers understanding of who Jackie was. Wright’s collage work is not only full of movement, but offers little nods to Jackie. Wright’s black-and-white renditions of Jackie’s comics make you want to see the originals.

An excellent end note from the author includes photographs and more detailed information about Jackie’s life.

Holding Her Own is a fascinating look at the woman whose groundbreaking cartoons continue to influence Black illustrators and cartoonists today.

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.

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Board Books

SNOW! by Leslie Patricelli, Candlewick, Sept. 12, 2023, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-3)

Bundle up in snowsuits and boots, and out we go . . . Whump! Right into the fluffy, soft snow. We don’t care! There’s a hill to climb up and sled down, a snowperson to build, and skis to try out. Swish! Then—brrr—inside, please! What better way to warm up than a bubbly tub and a snuggle on the couch to watch the storm? Everyone’s favorite baby joins an adorable pal to revel in a seasonal adventure that will have little listeners eager to explore their own white, wintry world. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

BUNDLE UP, LITTLE PUP, by Dori Elys and Elena Comte, Little Simon, Sept. 12, 2023, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 0-3)

Is there anything better than waking up next to your furry best friend? Together, child and puppy pals put on their winter gear: jackets to keep warm, boots to protect their feet, and scarves to snuggle into. Then, they’re ready to explore the snowy world outside! —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

WHOSE PRINTS? by Kari Allen and Kim Smith, Little Simon, Sept. 19, 2023, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-3)

Go on a snowy adventure through the woods and match animals to their tracks in this beautiful board book with die-cuts throughout!

Who tiptoed across the snow? Who scurried and skittered? Who slink-slink-slinked along? Little readers will love looking at different tracks in the snow and figuring out which animal made each one. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

Ages 3 and up

THE SNOW MAN: A TRUE STORY, by Jonah Winter and Jeanette Winter, Beach Lane Books, Oct. 3, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3 and up)

Meet the man living alone in the mountains whose hobby of measuring snowfall led to a global understanding of climate change in this nonfiction picture book from celebrated mother-son team Jonah and Jeanette Winter.

When Billy Barr came to the mountains as a young man, his only companions were a skunk and a pine marten. He needed something to fill the hours. So, he began measuring the snow that fell. Day after day, and year after year, he measured.

As he grew older, he noticed something: the snow was disappearing. It arrived later, melted sooner, and there wasn’t as much of it. He shared his records with a local scientist, who shared them with other scientists, until his measurements were used by scientists all over the world studying climate change. Thanks to his curiosity, groundbreaking data was gathered that still helps us today! —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books

Ages 4 and up

SLOWLY SLOWLY, by Toni Yuly, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Sept. 12, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A persimmon branch takes its time creating a wonderful gift for the community around it in this charming picture book celebrating the beauty that can be found in slowing down.

In this this simple yet stunning picture book, a persimmon tree stretches across every page, changing with the seasons. In the world beyond its branches, a boy and his puppy delight in the wonders they see around them. All the while, the tree is slowly growing, blooming, and creating fruit to be enjoyed. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY (THE SOLSTICE SERIES), by Kelsey E. Gross and Renata Liwska, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Oct. 10, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Tonight is the longest night of the year—solstice is here! Deep in the forest, the dark, cold, and quiet of winter is all around. Owl, Mouse, and Deer all watch the light fades and dark surrounds them, but they have a gift of hope to share with their neighbors. The moon and stars shine down on a lone tree in the forest, and the animals gather around to bask in its light. Winter Solstice arrives as the winter sky brings magic for all to share. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

BRAVE LITTLE BEAR, by Steve Small, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Oct. 24, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

It’s time for Arlo the bear and his family to leave their winter den and journey to Spring Valley, but he doesn’t feel ready for the big departure from the home he likes just the way it is. Sometimes Arlo wishes he could be brave like his sister, Eva. But when a snowstorm hits and separates the family as they travel through the Great Wood, Arlo finds that being brave when you’re afraid is the bravest brave of all. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

IF I HAD A POLAR BEAR (If I Had A…Series), by Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow, Thames & Hudson, Oct. 24, 2023, Hardcover, $15.95 (ages 4-8)

A boldly illustrated bedtime story that imagines what it would be like to have a snuggly and super-strong polar bear for a pet.

If I Had a Polar Bear imagines what it would be like to have a polar bear as a pet. It might be an unconventional choice, but it would be sure to give the best bear hugs . . .

Polar bears are cuddly but they’re also very strong. As marine mammals, they can swim for days at a time―that’s serious perseverance! So, if Santa ever needed help delivering his presents, guess who he would call? Join our funny female protagonist as she wonders, “What would life be like . . . if I had a polar bear?”­ —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson

Ages 7 and up

DO PENGUINS LIKE THE COLD? by Huw Lewis Jones and Sam Caldwell, Thames & Hudson, Oct. 10, 2023, Hardcover, $18.95 (ages 7-10)

Do Penguins Like the Cold? takes readers on a tour of the Southern Hemisphere to meet eighteen species of penguin and to witness the conservation work underway to protect these incredible birds and their native habitats.

By observing penguins firsthand, readers will discover whether penguins truly like the cold, how their diving skills make up for the fact that penguins can’t fly, and how to tell what a penguin had for dinner based on the color of its poo!

Along with zoological facts, field guide Huw Lewis Jones has some helpful tips on how to track penguins’ movements from space, on what prehistoric penguins can tell us about their descendants, and advice on what we can to do help penguins faced with a warming world.

Packed with information about penguins living in Argentina, Australia, Chile, the Galápagos Islands, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, and South Africa, Do Penguins Like the Cold? also gives readers a hands-on look of what it’s like to work in the wild. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson

WHO WILL MAKE THE SNOW? by Taras Prokhasko (Author), Marjana Prokhasko (Author, Illustrator), Jennifer Croft (Translator), Boris Dralyuk (Translator), Elsewhere Editions, Dec. 12, 2023, Harcover, $22 (ages 7-11)

The two newest moles in the forest learn to dig themselves out of their comfort zones and experience the boundless, unpredictable world around them—a Social Emotional Learning adventure

Twin moles, Purr and Craw, are born on the first day of spring. The newest members of their woodland world, they’re curious about everything. What is swimming? Why does mother speak French as she makes pancakes? What does father scrawl in his notebook? Do animals live in the sea? Why do grownups eat smelly cheese? How do we get better when we’re sick? What happens when we die?

As they start to grow up, every day is filled with another adventure as they explore the peculiar characters that surround them in the forest. Home is always waiting for them, filled with the clacking of father’s typewriter, the sound of mother playing her upright bass, and the smells of quince jam and medicinal moss brews.

During their adventures outside the home, they learn that the world is sometimes scarier, stranger and more dangerous than it seemed from the pocket of their father’s coat. Each new encounter leaves Purr and Craw a little braver and wiser and with a few extra friends.

Beautifully illustrated with scenes of mischief and discovery by Marjana Prohasko, Who Will Make the Snow? reminds us that the world is always larger and more wonderful than we can see from our own corner of the woods. —Synopsis provided by Elsewhere Editions

Copyright © 2023 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.

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HOW THE NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD WERE BUILT (How the Wonders Were Built, 2), by Jiri Bartunek, Tom Velcovsky, Jan Sramek, Albatros Media, July 11, 2023, Hardcover, $17.95 (ages 9-12)

Learn about some of the most amazing structures in the world in How the New Seven Wonders of the World Were Built, by Jiri Bartunek, Tom Velcovsky and Jan Sramek.

In the next book in the How the Wonders were Built series, the new seven wonders of the world are introduced from the architectural point of view.

The Great Wall of China, Petra, The Colosseum, Chichén Itzá, Machu Picchu, The Taj Mahal, and Christ the Redeemer were selected as the new seven wonders of the world by over 600 million people who participated in a vote between 2000 and 2007. But have you ever wondered how these monumental structures were built centuries ago without using the modern technologies and heavy machinery that is available today? This book will give you the answers you are looking for.

These buildings are a cross-section of world architecture, offering a unique opportunity to compare the approaches, but also cultures of the entire world and different historical periods. —Synopsis provided by Albatros Media

How the New Seven Wonders of the World Were Built is just one of those books that is plain cool. The book begins with a map and an introduction to what constitutes a “wonder” and why there are seven “new” wonders. From there, each new wonder is featured in a six-page spread that offers some basic history, architectural achievements and use cases.

Stylized illustrations give readers a sense of shape and scale. Closer-up views provide details that might otherwise be missed. Informative text is provided in the form of short paragraphs that offer one-off information on varying topics ranging from a building description to the people who built the structures.

How the New Seven Wonders of the World Were Built is an engaging picture book that will appeal to kids who love history and architecture. The publisher’s suggested age range on this is 9-12. Due to its simplicity, I’d put it ate ages 7-10.

Copyright © 2023 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.

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WELCOME TO THE MYSTERYVERSE: A World of Unsolved Wonders, by Clive Gifford and Good Wives and Warriors, Wide Eyed Editions, Oct. 3, 2023, Hardcover, $30 (ages 7 and up)

Welcome to the Mysteryverse explores the baffling and mysterious gaps in human knowledge through science’s latest theories.

Why do we dream? How come more people are right-than left-handed? What’s inside a black hole? 

Science is pretty amazing, but even though we know more about our universe than ever before, there still remain lots of unanswered questions that fascinate and perplex even the greatest scientific minds.

These are the unknowns, the paradoxes and the things not fully explained or understood. This book is a compendium of these riveting unsolved mysteries, that still have us wondering… How? What? Why?

Whisking readers through some of these holes in our scientific knowledge, Welcome to the Mysteryverse turns to the unanswered questions, what we do know, and some of the best current theories, as well as some of the most far out suggestions! From the personal (Why do we have fingerprints? Why do we yawn?) to the fundamental (How did life begin? Is anybody out there?) to the downright funny (Why do cats sit in circles?)

Divided into chapters on People, Earth, Nature, Space and Miscellaneous Mysteries, this compendium breaks down the most complex topics and theories so everyone can puzzle over unanswered questions. —Synopsis provided by Wide Eyed Editions

The moment you see Welcome to the Mysteryverse, you’ll notice its artwork. This book is an explosion of color and graphic elements from beginning to end. It’s bold. It’s bright. It’s awesome. But these graphic elements aren’t just there for show, they draw you in and beg you to read up on whatever topic you turn to.

Welcome to the Mysteryverse is a big picture book — size (10.1 x 0.6 x 12.3 inches) and length (112 pages) — which can seem daunting. But it’s the type of book that you don’t have to read cover-to-cover. It practically begs to be flipped through. And with each turn of the page, you discover another fascinating topic.

At $30, Welcome to the Mysteryverse is a bit pricey. However, it more than makes up for the cost. It’s the sort of book that little kids will love to look at, older ones will devour and parents can enjoy, too.

Copyright © 2023 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.

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SUPERPOWERED ANIMALS: Meet the World’s Strongest, Smartest, and Swiftest Creatures, by Soledad Romero Mariño and Sonia Pulido, Phaidon Press, Oct. 5, 2023, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 7 and up)

Meet 22 of the world’s most “powerful” animals in Superpowered Animals: Meet the World’s Strongest, Smartest, and Swiftest Creatures, by Soledad Romero Mariño and Sonia Pulido.

Over thousands of years of evolution, certain animals have become masters of survival. They are capable of exceptional abilities, from perceiving sounds and smells that humans can’t detect, to creating powerful chemical formulas. Each animal ‘superhero’ is given a stunning visual portrait as well as superpower icons, from superstrength and vision, to superspeed and intelligence. Important key facts, such as the animals’ habitat and predators, give context to their super abilities.  —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

In Superpowered Animals, readers are introduced to evolutionary marvels. And that’s how the book starts — giving a quick overview of things like strength, touch, sight chemicals, intelligence, teamwork, speed and regeneration.

From there, comes a separate two-page spread featuring species ranging from Iberian ibex and crocodile to exploding ant and honeybee. Each spread features a full-page illustration that calls to mind tarot card design and a page full of facts including super skills, size, color, life span, habitat, diet, reproduction and enemies.

Superpowered Animals is one of those books that children and kids will be drawn to. Sure, the superpower aspect is a big enticement, but once you open this nonfiction book, the bold, graphic elements and fantastic illustrations keep you flipping. Kids will love all the facts, and parents won’t mind leaving this one out on the coffee table as a conversation starter.

Copyright © 2023 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.

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SPECTACULAR: MIRACLES OF NATURE, by Philippe Nessmann and Alex Asfour, Twirl; 1st edition, Sept. 19, 2023, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5 and up)

Discover Earth’s beauty in Spectacular: Miracles of Nature, a new picture book by Philippe Nessmann and Alex Asfour.

Pink lakes, giant crystal caves, ice flowers, and polar lights are some of the spectacular natural phenomena featured in this large format book. The illustrations are accompanied by facts about the phenomena and the science behind them. —Synopsis provided by Twirl

Spectacular: Miracles of Nature is a supersized book with supersized spreads featuring bite-sized nuggets of information from geysers and salt flats to celestial marvels and mysterious phenomena.

This is the type of book that doesn’t have to be read cover-to-cover and could be easily utilized in a classroom. The illustrations are bold and engaging and the text is accessible.

The suggested age range for this book is 5 and up. While 5-year-olds will certainly enjoy the illustrations, the text is too small and too complicated for them to read on their own. I see this appealing to older kids, ages 7 and up.

Copyright © 2023 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.

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HOW TO SPACEWALK: Step-by-Step with Shuttle Astronauts, by Kathryn Sullivan and Michael J. Rosen, MIT Kids Press, June 6, 2023, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 7-9)

Learn how astronauts prepare for working outside their spacecraft in How to Spacewalk, by Kathryn Sullivan and Michael J. Rosen.

What is it like to walk in space — to use cutting-edge equipment and conduct experiments in a 280-pound space suit? How do you get there in the first place? Would-be spacewalkers will find a host of facts, photos, drawings, and descriptions in this guide cowritten by three-time shuttle astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan and children’s book author Michael J. Rosen (who also provides illustrations). From detailed info about how to train (sometimes underwater!) to descriptions of the emotions spurred by seeing Earth from above, this guide will leave readers inspired and excited to start their own journeys into space. —Synopsis provided by MIT Kids Press

How to Spacewalk is one of those must-have books for future astronauts. Not only is it written by an actual astronaut, but that astronaut is the first American woman to walk in space.

Brimming with full-color photographs from NASA and drawings by Michael J. Rosen, How to Spacewalk will appeal to readers of all abilities. The book features more text than your average picture book, but it’s spread out well and divided into what almost feels like short chapters. Graphic elements are sprinkled throughout, and book designers have used font size and bullets to break things up. This fun look at space is one that I can see becoming a favorite in many homes.

Copyright © 2023 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.

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