WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS, by Lynn Austin, Tyndale Fiction, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

A newlywed discovers an orphan outside her door in Waiting for Christmas, a Gilded Age Christmas novella by Lynn Austin.

The year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience―and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all. —Synopsis provided by Tyndale Fiction

Waiting for Christmas is a companion to All My Secrets, also by Lynn Austin, which was published in February 2024. While Waiting for Christmas does stand alone, I did become curious about certain references, and I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more if I had read All My Secrets first.

Waiting for Christamas is a cozy Christmas tale that leans heavily into the characters’ faith. Tyndale is a Christian publisher, so that should come as no surprise here. It’s not over the top, nor is it overly preachy. And it does feel as though it’s steeped deeply in who the characters are.

Austin’s writing is warm and inviting, and her setting is clear and accessible. You can easily picture the action playing out like a Hallmark movie. In that sense, it’s clear that there aren’t going to be any big surprise endings — it’s fairly predictable — but enjoyable nonetheless.

Waiting for Christmas is considered adult fiction, but I would have no problem handing it to a young adult or new adult. It’s a fun option as we head into the Christmas shopping season.

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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THE SECRET DEAD CLUB, by Karen Strong, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)

A girl discovers she’s not the only one at her new school who can see ghosts in The Secret Dead Club, by Karen Strong.

Wednesday Thomas sees ghosts. But that doesn’t mean she has to talk to them.

After a terrifying experience in an Arizona state park with a wicked ghost, Wednesday and her mother Olivia sell their RV and move back south to the family home in Alton, Georgia. Wednesday’s determined not to use her gift anymore—until she meets a group of girls who also know about the spirit realm.

There’s free-spirited Miki Okada and Southern belle Danni-Lynn Porter who seem to know about the ghosts who roam the school’s hallways, popular girl Alexa Scott who tells Wednesday to stay away from Miki and Danni-Lynn and not draw attention to herself, and mysterious neighbor Violet Delgado who died last year but still haunts the house across the street. Wednesday feels these girls have some kind of shared history, but it isn’t until Miki gives her an official invitation to the Dead Club that she starts to understand there’s a lot more going on with the ghosts in Alton and the girls who can see them.

And when another malevolent ghost threatens to harm Wednesday, it will take the help of new friends both living and dead to save her and banish the evil being to the spirit realm where it belongs. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

With a name like The Secret Dead Club, you know kids are going to be drawn to Karen Strong’s new book about friendship, fitting in, and the mysterious forces that control the afterlife.

Strong balances the mysterious with mundane daily life and does that against the backdrop of kids figuring themselves out. In fact, Strong’s writing style reminds me of one of my childhood favorites — Mary Downing Hahn. Wait Till Helen Comes, anyone?

Where Strong excels is balancing the creepy with lighter notes, creating a spooky atmosphere without making things too scary for readers. This balance comes from various sources — extended family, new friends, spirits with unfinished business.

Strong’s writing is clear and inviting. She sets the stakes early on, and makes readers want to keep reading.

As we enter the Halloween season, The Secret Dead Club is the perfect novel to set the tone.

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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GODFATHER DEATH, by Sally Nicholls and Júlia Sardà, Viking Books for Young Readers, Aug. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

The Brothers Grimm’s Godfather Death, is reimagined by writer Sally Nicholls and artist Júlia Sardà in a fantastic new picture book.

When a poor fisherman chooses Death to be godfather to his son, he’s certain he’s made a good choice—for surely there’s no man more honest than Death? At the christening, Death gives the fisherman a gift that seems at first to be the key to the family’s fortune, but when greed overcomes the fisherman, he learns that nobody can truly cheat Death… —Synopsis provided by Viking Books for Young Readers

Godfather Death is exquisite from cover to cover. Author Sally Nicholls’ haunting tale will captivate readers young and old. It’s the type of story that begs to be read aloud. Júlia Sardà’s stylized artwork features a dark humor that will resonate with readers. Text and illustrations pair perfectly, moving the story forward and rewarding you at the end.

Godfather Death is a good option heading into the “scary season,” but it holds year-round appeal. This would be a fun classroom read with lots of writing and art applications.

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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IMAGINE COUNTING ALL THE STARS, by Raewyn Caisley and Gabriel Evans, Candlewick, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Maddie takes comfort in counting daisy petals and the parallel lines of moonlight pouring through her bedroom blinds. She finds joy in patterns: the black-and-white keys on a piano, the tessellations in a brick pathway. Dad understands and encourages her love of math, but Maddie longs for a friend who marvels with the same enthusiasm she does. The other girls prefer dolls to building with shapes at playtime, and when they bake together, Maddie likes to measure, while the others decorate. Always the odd girl out, Maddie finally meets her match when Dad invites new classmate Priya and her mom along on a stargazing expedition to the observatory. The unfathomable number of stars takes Maddie’s breath away—and Priya’s. Perhaps one of them will discover a way to count all those stars one day! Heartfelt text and timeless illustrations tell a relatable story of finding the right friend at the right time and counting yourself lucky indeed.

LIFE AFTER WHALE: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall, by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin, Neal Porter Books, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

All living things must one day die, and Earth’s largest creature, the majestic blue whale, is no exception. But in nature, death is never a true ending. When this whale closes her eyes for the last time in her 90-year life, a process known as whale fall is just beginning. Her body will float to the surface, then slowly sink through the deep; from inflated behemoth to clean-picked skeleton, it will offer food and shelter at each stage to a vast diversity of organisms, over the course of a century and beyond. Additional back pages offer further info and reading recommendations on whales, whale falls, and ecosystems.

DESERT SONG, by Laekan Zea Kemp and Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández, Neal Porter Books, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

As the blush of sunset gives way to night in the desert, coyotes, cicadas, and barn owls emerge, each calling out to the moon. Watching from their porch, the family joins the song. One by one, each relative offers their drums, flute, maracas, strings, and voices.

They sing with the insects, birds, snakes and toads; and they sing with their ancestors, an audience glittering in the stars overhead. With each strum of passed-down instruments, memories renew, and those gone are alive and near again.

Desert Song hums and chimes with all the music a front porch and the desert beyond can hold. Simultaneously published in Spanish as Canción del desierto.

BEACH HAIR, by Ashley Woodfolk and Nina Mata ,Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

When I wake up with the wildest bed head
and Mommy and Daddy do too
Mommy says we all have beach hair,
so Daddy says, “Guess we should go to the beach.”

At the beach, everyone has beach hair. There’s twisty and twirly hair, flossy and glossy hair, hair that’s barely there, and hair that’s everywhere.

The best part about a beach day is the belonging and joy that everyone feels when they let their hair run as wild and free as the sea.

THE WORLD IN OUR BACKYARD, by Jami Gigot, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, May 21, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 4-7)

Show young readers that whether they live in the country, city, or suburbs, their backyard is a world full of wonder ready to be explored.

As children play together, a sandbox becomes a desert, sidewalk chalk drawings become an art gallery, and everything that can be dreamed up is within reach. From forests to hike and mountains to climb, oceans to sail and castles to build, creative little ones don’t have to look any farther than their own backyard for wonderful things to be discovered!

THERE’S A MOUNTAIN IN THIS BOOK, by Rachel Elliot and Genevieve Lacroix, Thames & Hudson, June 11, 2024, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 6 and up)

Young adventurers undertake an intrepid journey to explore some of the mightiest mountains on Earth. From the foothills of the Alps to the peak of Mount Everest, readers will discover the diverse habitats of mountain ecosystems. Expedition logs encourage readers to use their senses to explore each location as they climb.

There’s a Mountain in This Book provides young readers with an immersive experience of breathtaking mountain environments. Visit forests and caves in the foothills of the Alps; canyons, lakes, and spectacular geysers in the Rocky Mountains; rainforest and moorland in the uplands of Mount Kilimanjaro; and the snowy glaciers and icefalls of the Himalayas. Discover remarkable flora and fauna, including mighty bears, snowy leopards, and even a rare cave-dwelling salamander with no eyes!

Using die-cut flaps and gatefold pages, the book details how mountains are formed, shows a cut-through of the interior structure of a mountain, and describes the effects of changing seasons and climates on mountains in different parts of the world. Illustrated in color throughout.

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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A FAMILY OF TREES: MY FIRST BOOK OF FORESTS, by Peggy Thomas and Cookie Moon, Phaidon Press, May 22, 2024, Board Book, $16.95, (ages 2-4)

A Family of Trees, by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Cookie Moon, introduces little ones to forest families.

In this first book of forests for the very young, children are invited to experience how trees, like humans, talk to each other, care for each other, share food, and create a home together. The book further unfolds to showcase a lush temperate forest-scape, creating a true visualization of how trees are connected and form forest families. Back panels offer vivid illustrations of diverse forests environments around the world for a more global context, while secondary text offers more detailed, curricular information about tree science and the flora and fauna that rely on forest habitats.

This introduction to forests and the new science of tree communication has a accordion-style board-book format. Housed in a gift case with a magnetic closure, it opens up to create a forest-scape that is 2more than 8-feet long. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

A Family of Trees is essentially two books in one — the first one (or side of the accordion) is about tree families, their ecosystems. The second book is about different environments in which forests adapt and thrive. There is simple main text that offers broad ideas and smaller, secondary text that goes into more detail, allowing parents to cater to their child’s attention span and interest. Charming illustrations bring the whole thing together.The design of A Family of Trees is cool. The 8-foot-long accordion is constructed from heavy stock. And the magnetic enclosure is very strong. However, I can see some rambunctious kids running around with it trailing behind them. Therefore, I suggest this book be one that’s read supervised.

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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A FIELD GUIDE TO SPRING: Play and Learn in Nature (Wild by Nature, 1), by Gabby Dawnay, Dorien Brouwers, Louise Black, Thames & Hudson, April 2, 2024, Hardcover, $14.95 (ages 6-9)

Inspired by the Forest School movement, A Field Guide to Spring aims to teach kids how to play and learn in nature.

A Field Guide to Spring is a pocket-sized introduction to spring, inspired by the Forest School movement. Building on children’s natural curiosity about the world around them, this book aims to establish a connection with nature at an early age that will go on to last a lifetime!

Hunt for seedlings, squelch around in the mud, identify birds’ eggs, and build your own nest. Discover how tadpoles transform into frogs and why rainbows appear in the sky.

The first in the Wild by Nature series, A Field Guide to Spring features poems, hands-on crafts and activities, scientific facts, and identifier pages to help children find different plants and animals. Whether a child’s access to nature is in the form of an urban park, a private garden, a field, or a forest, there is so much to discover and experience. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson

A Field Guide to Spring is the sort of book to which curious kids will be drawn. Everything about it invites them to explore the natural world around them. Topics range from senses and amphibians to splashing and mud. This book would be an excellent resource in a classroom or homeschool or just fun for kids after school or on the weekends.

Gaby Dawnay’s warm text is inquisitive and insightful. Prompts inspire investigation beyond the book. Dorien Brouwers’ charming illustrations are featured in cheerful full color throughout. This is a great start to a new series.

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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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.

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SAVING DELICIA: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams, by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola, Flyaway Books, April 9, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

A young girl creates a seed bank after learning her favorite tree is about to go extinct in Saving Delicia: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams, by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola.

Kari’s favorite parts of summer are eating juicy fruit from the delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. But now the last remaining delicia is in danger. What if this beloved tree dies out? Is there anything one girl can do? With inspiration, information, and a pocketful of seeds, Kari sets out to craft a surprise for Otis―and for the future.

This story celebrates the connections between generations, emphasizing that small steps can have a big impact when one looks beyond the present. An author’s note about seed banks around the world is included. —Synopsis provided by Flyaway Books

Saving Delicia is a story about connection to other people and connection to nature. Kari associates the delicia tree with friendship, with stories, and with sweet, tangy fruit. Blight is about to take away the tree, but Kari’s memories are intact. And those memories spur her to action.

Readers are introduced to the very real and important concept of seed banks through the fictional delicia tree. Author Laura Gehl’s warm and gentle text is comfortable to read aloud. It has a lovely rhythm to it that conveys feeling with few words. Equally lovely is Patricia Metola’s whimsical illustrations. Her use of white space and color convey emotion and energy throughout.

This is a great option for helping little readers understand the roles they can play in caring for our planet.

About the creators:

Laura Gehl is a former science teacher who still loves getting kids excited about science and nature . . . now through her books. She’s written more than forty books for young readers, including the Baby Scientist board book series, Odd Beasts, Odd Birds, Who Is a Scientist?, Apple and Magnolia, Who Dug This Hole?, and Climate Warriors. Gehl lives with her husband and four kids in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she enjoys observing and exploring in the woods near her home. Visit Laura at lauragehl.com.

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POETRY COMICS, by Grant Snider, Chronicle Books; First Edition, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8 and up)

Poetry Comics, a new offering by Grant Snider, is a book that combines poetry and comics in a whole new way.

From the cloud-gazing hours of early spring to the lost bicycles of late autumn, Grant Snider’s brilliantly illustrated Poetry Comics will take you climbing, floating, swimming, and tumbling through all the year’s ups, downs, and in-betweens. He proves that absolutely everything, momentous or minuscule, is worthy of attention, whether snail shells, building blocks, the lamented late bus, or the rare joy of unscuffed shoes. These poems explore everything you never thought to write a poem about, and they’re so fun to read you’ll want to write one yourself. Not to worry, there’s a poem for that, too! —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

Poetry Comics is one of those books that kids are going to be drawn to. Even kids younger than 8 are going to be curious about this one. Its physical dimensions are those of a picture book, but at 96 pages, it’s significantly longer.

Grant Snider’s use of comic-book panes invites readers to look at poetry in a new way. In his book, each phrase gets attention. And the imagery Snider uses as he takes readers through the seasons is pitch perfect.

Poetry Comics is a great option for curious, nature-loving kids and would work well as a jumping off point/prompt in 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.

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SPECK: AN ITTY-BITTY EPIC, by Margaux Meganck, Knopf Books for Young Readers, March 19, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 3-6)

Follow a tiny speck as it travels through the ocean in search of a place to grow and thrive in Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic, by Margaux Meganck.

Deep in a tide pool, too small to see,
Thousands of tiny specks go forth.
Each one searching
for a place to stay, and grow, and thrive…

The little speck does not know what it is, only that it wishes to find out. And so it embarks on a journey across the sea. From sun-flecked surf to darkest depths, past schools of fish, storm-tossed ships and hungry eels…. Until, at last, it finds exactly what it was looking for: a place to belong. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Despite its title, there’s nothing itty-bitty about Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic. Author/illustrator Margaux Meganck’s gentle, simple text sets the tone for a grand adventure.

Meganck’s book is full of vivid watercolors that not only show how tiny a speck is but an ocean’s vastness. And her expert use of light and color transport from the sparkling sunset to the dark, deep sea.

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic is a beautiful picture book that reminds young readers that every creature has a place and a role to play.

About the creator:

Margaux Meganck spends her days dodging raindrops and drawing from her imagination in beautiful Portland, Oregon. Her author-illustrator debut, People are Wild, received two starred reviews and was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year. Her illustration work has earned multiple accolades. Speck is the second book she has both written and illustrated. To learn more, visit margauxmeganck.com.

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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