THIS IS HOW WE PLAY: A CELEBRATION OF DISABILITY AND ADAPTATION, by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, Kayla Harren, Dial Books, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation, by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, Kayla Harren, focuses on inclusion.

With love and adaptation, this is how we play! This read-aloud with an empowering refrain, from disability rights activists Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, demystifies and respects how disabled people and their families use adaptive, imaginative, and considerate play so everyone can join in the fun.

Back matter consists of a kid-friendly guide to thinking, learning, and talking about disability; a glossary of the different disabilities represented throughout the book; and a guide for grown-ups on ways to encourage discussions about disabilities with the children in their lives. Throughout, This Is How We Play centers, affirms, and encourages the disabled children and adults who are already doing the challenging work of advocating for themselves and finding strength in community. —Synopsis provided by Dial Books

This Is How We Play celebrates the fun and joy that can be had when adapting play to include everyone. The disabilities in this book range from ALS and Down syndrome to limb differences and Parkinson’s disease.

The text in the book has a rhythmic bounce to it that echoes the positive sentiment. And the bright illustrations are full of life and movement. Where This Is How We Play excels is showing disabilities across generations — kids, parents, grandparents, friends and beyond. We’ve had to make some of these adaptations in my own home, and it’s lovely to see them represented in a picture book. This is a must-have book for every library.

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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MOUSETRONAUT SAVES THE WORLD: BASED ON A (PARTIALLY) TRUE STORY (THE MOUSETRONAUT SERIES), by Mark Kelly and C. F. Payne, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Three mice are tasked with saving Earth from an asteroid in Mousetronaut Saves the World, by US Senator and retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly and illustrator C.F. Payne.

An asteroid is hurtling toward Earth! To save the planet, the president calls on Meteor the Mousetronaut, and Meteor assembles his team: Flint the scientist and Luna the engineer. Can they divert the asteroid in time? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

Mousetronaut Saves the World is the third book in Mark Kelly and C.F. Payne’s Moustronaut series, which was inspired by Kelly’s experiences as an astronaut.

This book is a fast-paced adventure that reads almost like a movie. In fact, it’s the type of book that practically begs to be read aloud. Younger audiences will love the pictures while more advanced readers will focus more on the finer elements of the plot. It would be fun to include it as part of a space unit in school or to give as a gift to your favorite future astronaut.

Extensive backmatter focuses on the space program, our planetary neighbors and the risk of an asteroid hitting Earth.

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 MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES (Mini Mysteries), by Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki, Gibbs Smith, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles is adapted for young readers in Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki’s new book by the same title.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is Agatha Christie’s first detective novel (a cozy mystery―no violence or gore), and where she introduces her fictional detective Hercule Poirot. The story, set in England during World War I, is a true who-done-it full of mysterious characters and teasing clues.

Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Christie’s mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.

There is also a glossary of terms and French words. —Synopsis provided by Gibbs Smith

This retelling of The Mysterious Affair at Styles is the first in a series of interactive picture book “mini mysteries” for children. And it’s tons of fun.

Marci Kay Monson’s rhythmic text ushers in new information and further activities, which help them solve the mystery alongside Poirot. Artist Greg Paprocki’s playful illustrations are colorful and bright and perfectly matched to the text.

There are a number of novels for middle-readers that feature a young Agatha or are inspired by her works. My 10-year-old has a number of them and read the original The Mysterious Affair at Styles this past summer. She loves everything to do with Agatha Christie, and was excited about this picture book, even though she’s too old for it.

This is a great start to what looks to be a really fun 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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AS EDWARD IMAGINED: A STORY OF EDWARD GOREY IN THREE ACTS, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn about creative genius Edward Gorey in As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski.

Discover the unique childhood and life of the enigmatic and eccentric Edward Gorey whose artwork and books had a profound impact on creators such as Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, and Tim Burton.

Even as a young boy, readers learn that Edward constantly forged his own path, passions, and pursuits never forsaking his individuality for fame.This brilliant picture book biography is paired with a whimsical art style that captures the unrelenting creativity Edward brought to his playfully macabre creations. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

I’ve been a fan of Edward Gorey since I was a kid, and my older sister gave the three of us still living at home Amphigorey: Fifteen Books. The book fascinated me, and it was read on repeat. So, I was very excited to see a picture book biography about this beloved writer/illustrator.

As Edward Imagined follows Gorey’s life from childhood up until his death in April 2000. It explores his motivations, personal flair and how he lived “the life he imagined.”

Author Matthew Burgess brings Gorey to life with his expressive prose:

“At three and a half, Edward
taught himself to read.

His father gave him permission
to prowl his personal library,

and Edward stalked the shelves
like an inquisitive cat,
pawing this and reading that.”

It would have been easy for artist Marc Majewski to emulate Gorey’s style. Instead, his illustrations are acrylic paintings on paper that truly tell Gorey’s story rather than copy the artist’s work. Majewski captures Gorey’s free spirit and creativity.

As Edward Imagined is a joy to read. I plan on passing it on to my daughter along with a new copy of Amphigorey (the old one was worn out years ago) so that she can fully delve into Gorey’s life and work.

About the creators:

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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I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A curious girl searches for the answers to all her questions in I Want to Read All the Books, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big mission: she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction.

But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I Want to Read All the Books is a celebration of curiosity and reading.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s joyful story will appeal particularly to inquisitive kiddos who also want to know all the answers to all their questions. Ohi perfectly captures the love of reading through her expressive illustrations. And if you look closely, she provides little Easter eggs throughout. It’s the sort of book that will inspire kids to explore different options at the library, school or store.

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 LIGHT OF HOME: A STORY OF FAMILY, CREATIVITY, AND BELONGING, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi, Orchard Books, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (Ages 4-8)

A girl struggles to feel normal after being forced from her home in The Light of Home: A Story of Family, Creativity, and Belonging, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi.

Nur has always loved her home by the sea, where water glimmers along a straight horizon. But when Nur and her family are forced to leave, they begin a long journey to an unfamiliar place. Here the horizon curves and twists, and the moonlight no longer glitters across the water. For Nur, nothing in this new place feels like home. 

Then one day, Nur’s mother brings her a new set of paintbrushes. Nur’s brushstrokes help her connect the place she’s lost to this new horizon, and she finds home again through her own creativity and heart. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

The Light of Home is a tender story of carrying home with us wherever we may go. Diana Farid explains this in her author’s note: “It honors how new places can feel unfamiliar and strange, but the same sky and the same light imbue the world, unbound by lines on a map. … when our art reflects the beauty of the different horizons we’ve encountered, we find the home that always beats within — the love in our own hearts.”

That sentiment is clear in Farid’s text, which has a gentle sway to it, particularly when read aloud. Artist Hoda Hadadi’s paper collage illustrations are full of movement and texture. Her use of color ties in perfectly with the emotions expressed throughout.

Though The Light of Home is the story of a family forced to move, it will resonate with any child who has had to leave familiar surroundings. The idea of using art and creativity to reconnect with the past while embracing the future is one to be celebrated. It’s a lovely read.

About the creators:

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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MILLIE FLEUR’S POISON GARDEN, by Christy Mandin, Orchard Books, July 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A girl finds joy planting and caring for weird plants in Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, a picture book by Christy Mandin.

Garden Glen is a very bland place. Every house and every garden looks exactly like the other. That is… until Millie Fleur La Fae comes to town.

Up on a scruffy hill, beside a ramschackle house, Millie Fleur plants her marvelously strange garden, filled with Sneezing Stickyweed, Fanged Fairymoss, and Grumpy Gilliflower. Millie Fleur finds it enchanting, but the townspeople of Garden Glen call it poison!

But Millie Fleur is proud of her beloved little garden. So, if some townspeople want to be sticks in the mud, she’ll take matters into her own hands and find the kindred spirits who appreciate everything the garden has to offer. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books 

Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden is one of those books that will appeal to kids and parents — especially gardeners — alike. This charming picture book celebrates the unusual and daring to be different. Author/illustrator Christy Mandin’s text is straight forward and accessible. But it’s her fantastic and imaginative illustrations that really make this book exciting. Her quirky illustrations encompass curiosity and passion. It’s a joy to 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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EVIDENCE!: HOW DR. JOHN SNOW SOLVED THE MYSTERY OF CHOLERA, by Deborah Hopkinson and Nik Henderson, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow a doctor as he races to find the cause of a deadly outbreak in Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera, by Deborah Hopkinson and Nik Henderson.

Dr. John Snow is one of the most influential doctors and researchers in Western medicine, but before he rose to fame, he was just a simple community doctor who wanted to solve a mystery.

In 19th century London, the spread of cholera was as unstoppable as it was deadly. Dr. Snow was determined to stop it, but he had a problem: His best theory of how the disease was spread flew in the face of popular opinion. He needed evidence, and he needed to find it fast, before more lives were lost.

Taking on the role of detective as well as doctor, Dr. Snow knocked on doors, asked questions and mapped out the data he’d collected. What he discovered would come to define the way we think about public health to this day. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Deborah Hopkinson is an expert storyteller. Through her deft hands, Evidence! plays out like a great mystery, the likes of which only great detectives can solve. Her text is engaging and clear enough that young children won’t need a lot of explanation to understand.

Illustrator Nik Henderson uses graphite, charcoal and digital coloring techniques to masterfully set the tone. This is the type of book readers young and old will be drawn to. There are numerous classroom applications as well as just being fun to read.

Compelling backmatter provides more information about the Broad Street Pump, Dr. John Snow and a list of major infectious diseases and their causes.

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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DOÑA FELA’S DREAM: THE STORY OF PUERTO RICO’S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR, by Monica Brown and Rosa Ibarra, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn the story of Puerto Rico’s first female mayor in Doña Fela’s Dream, written by Monica Brown and illustrated Rosa Ibarra.

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city.

Doña Fela was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. Doña Fela’s inspiring story as a visionary leader is brought to life on the page through stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Doña Fela’s Dream tells the story of a trailblazing woman that is often overlooked in discussions of how Latin American figures have shaped our country. To be honest, I was a history major, and I had no idea who Doña Fela was before reading this book. And now I want to know even more. The same holds true for my 10-year-old, who loves biographies.

It’s easy to see how Doña Fela’s Dream would appeal to lots of young readers, especially girls. The idea that Doña Fela believed love, not just politics, that got things done resonates.

Author Monica Brown’s text is clear and inviting. And illustrator Rosa Ibara’s oil on canvas paintings set the tone. Her use of color and patterns truly give readers a sense of what Puerto Rico is like.

Doña Fela’s Dream is a fascinating nonfiction picture book that is sure to inspire.

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 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.

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