Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Two kidlit creators at the top of their game come together to weave a wonderful story about the power of books to take us places and appreciate where we’ve come from.
In Every Life by Marla Frazee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Marla Frazee dazzles in her latest picture book. A wonderful gift for various occasions.
Elbert in the Air by Monica Wesolowska
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For anyone who loved the idea of The Giving Tree and Love You Forever but found them unsatisfying for whatever reason, Elbert in the Air might be a great alternative. A wonderful celebration of supportive parents or caregivers.
I Forgive Alex: A Simple Story about Understanding by Kerascoët
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Powerful and important especially in this day and age when people tend to have a herd mentality against those who did wrong. This wordless picture book would be great to discuss accountability and intentionality.
Where Wonder Grows by Xelena González
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A companion to All Around Us- and perfect to pair with Everybody Needs a Rock-, this is an intergenerational celebration of what’s around us and what they can bring to and out of us.
Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement by Bryan Collier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Inspiring read of someone I didn’t know about even though I’ve read many books about the Civil Rights Movement. I’m glad Diane Nash is getting her share of the spotlight in this picture book.
We Are Little Feminists: Celebrations by Brook Sitgraves Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This board book was a delight. Loved seeing all the representations of diverse families celebrating various holidays. Great backmatter with additional information and questions to engage the reader.
We Are Little Feminists: On-the-Go by Brook Sitgraves Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This board book was a delight. Loved seeing all the representations of various mobility and body types. Great backmatter with additional information and questions to engage the reader.
We Are Little Feminists: Hair by Brook Sitgraves Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This board book was a delight. Loved seeing all the representations of diverse people. Great backmatter with additional information and questions to engage the reader.
Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home by Lauren Castillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Winnie the Pooh fans will find themselves charmed with Lauren Castillo’s new series about the loveable creatures of Hedge Hollow. When Hedgehog meets others of her kind, she’s faced with the problem of where she belongs.
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fans of Roller Girl and New Kid will enjoy this graphic novel about a girl who has to try something new and learn to count on others who may or may not be real friends. Tackles some difficult history of a segregated past.
Squid Happens. The adventures of team Pom volume 1 by Isabel Roxas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun, quirky graphic novel series about three friends who find themselves in the middle of something mysterious that involves a giant squid and a devious team of diving divas.
The Moth Keeper by Kay O’Neill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
K. O’Neil creates another world that is alive with both loud and quiet magic and wonder. This story also tackles responsibility and burn out.
Camp Creepy by Kiersten White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Mysterious Benedict Society will enjoy this quirky and kooky middle grade series. Something sinister surrounds a trio of sibling’s summer break when their parents sends them off to stay with an aunt they never even knew existed and who leaves them with more questions than answers. While it looks like they can finally just enjoy themselves, they need to remember nothing is ever as it seems!
Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A delightful little book that really spoke to my heart for obvious reasons. The main characters are a middle aged overweight woman who is looking for excitement in her life and a middle aged short balding man (and an aspiring writer to boot!) who loves books. Her on-a-whim purchase of his traveling bookstore- the titular Parnassus on Wheels- starts a series of unexpected events full of heart and laughter. Book lovers will revel in the celebration of all things literary. Readers will be touched how the characters were able to find new leases on life and love.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 
Looks like more great books from you this week, Earl. I just got Once Upon A Book from my library, loved the new Hedgehog book, & will look for some of the others, like The Moth Keeper which sounds intriguing, along with Parnassus on Wheels. Thanks & have a great week ahead!