December 2023 Prime Picks
Reviewer's Choice
The Haunting
of
Velkwood
Gwendolyn Kiste
Saga Press/Simon
& Schuster
9781668036143
$26.99
www.simonandschuster.com
The Haunting of Velkwood is a compelling
ghost story about three
childhood friends who survive the transformation of the world—into
ghosts.
An entire
block of
homes has vanished behind an impenetrable veil, leading Talitha
Velkwood to shun
her past and the tragedy that changed her family. However, she never
felt like
she could escape its publicity and mystery, so when a new researcher
tracks her
down and offers to pay her to return home, Talitha has more than one
motivation
for accepting.
A powerful
saga of
returning home and solving ghostly, haunting events emerges which
injects the
idea of originality back into the ghost story genre, making The Haunting of Velkwood a top pick for
ghost story enthusiasts looking for something refreshingly, eerily
original.
Jessica
Kingsley
Publishers
www.jkp.com
Two new
arrivals from
Jessica Kingsley are highly recommended acquisitions for libraries
interested
in building diverse and inclusive collections.
Sonny Jane
Wise's We're All Neurodiverse
(9781839975783,
$18.95) explores the connections between neurodiversity, disability,
and race.
Interviews
and
narratives capture the experiences and perceptions of systems and
social norms
that define and impact neurodivergent people, exploring how to identify
and
address inherent pathology and prejudice and how to build a kinder,
more
intelligent society that effectively addresses its underlying attitudes
towards
neurodivergent populations.
Laura Kate
Dale edits
Stories of Autistic Joy
(9781839978095, $21.95), a gathering that celebrates autistic
experiences in a
manner few other books on the subject begin to explore.
Most
autistic treatises
discuss suffering and prejudice, but this book's celebratory tone
fosters an
appreciation for autistic strengths and identity which goes far to
confront the
ideas and prejudices surrounding autism.
Fifteen
autistic
authors from around the world add their captivating insights and
experiences of
moments of joy, which comes in all forms but is unified by their autism.
Both books
contain
powerfully rendered, much-needed subjects that any library interested
in
diversity, prejudice, and new paradigms for viewing change will find
important
and unique. They will be perfect additions to libraries, and should
ideally
receive book club recommendation for discussion and enlightened debates.
Mid-Century
Type
David Jury
Merrell Publishers
9781858947075
$55.00
www.merrellpublishers.com
Mid-Century Type: Typography, Graphics, Designers
is a visual art
reference to the history of typography. It gathers some five hundred
examples
of typefaces, literary ads, signs, book and magazine covers, and more
into a
survey that captures the style and usage of 20th-century type and
graphic
design by American and European typographers.
Any art
library
interested in historical reviews of designers, influences, and changing
approaches to typography will find Mid-Century
Type an essential reference containing captivating color
visuals that
reinforce its historical survey.
Red Blood
and the
Indian Trader
Marilyn Dear Nelson
and Chris Nelson
TwoDot/Globe Pequot
9781493073900
$24.95
www.twodotbooks.com
Red Blood and the Indian Trader: The Remarkable
Friendship of the Sioux
Chief and JW Dear in the Last Days of the Frontier should
reside in any
American history collection as a unique and personal survey of Civil
War years
and beyond.
JW Dear not
only
fought in the war as a Confederate soldier, but then journeyed West,
where he
was one of the last fur traders and the longest-serving
government-appointed
Indian Trader to Red Cloud's Sioux.
Beset upon
by
misfortune and bad circumstances again and again, JW participated in
one of the
most turbulent periods in American history in the West. His poignant
search for
a better life amidst the postwar tumult creates a riveting, personal
history of
the times that is hard to put down and infinitely memorable.
Young Adult/Children
Candlewick Press
www.candlewick.com
These picture books
provide vivid, fun stories that read-aloud parents and elementary-level
libraries will appreciate.
Two arrived too late
for seasonal mention, but deserve year-round recommendation for their fun
approaches to Christmas.
Mac Barnett's How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
(9781536223767, $18.99) addresses an ages-old question savvy kids often ask
about the Santa legend.
A series of questions
tackles all kinds of Christmas snafus, from what Santa does when there is no
chimney at a house to his magical ability to pour out of a faucet. The fantasy
is fun and lively.
Ross Collins writes We Disagree About This Tree (9781536231984,
$16.99) in another Bear and Mouse story of friendship and adversity.
The duo's differences
once again come to light when Bear brings home a Christmas tree and Mouse is
more interested in adding big ornaments than he is. Given their different
perspectives on the tree's adornment, how can they build a Christmas tree that
appeals to such very different personalities and values?
Jasbinder Bilan's My Incredible India (9781536225013,
$19.99) is illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti, who provides vivid portraits of
Indian people, places, maps, and wildlife to accompany a lively survey of
India's wonders.
The presentation
sidebars of eye-catching detail that blend biography with geography facts will
prove especially enticing to kids who look for visual reinforcement to make
their reading attractive, while adults interested in educational value will
find this introduction to India far more wide-ranging than most.
Simon Mole's Stomp and Chomp: My First Book of Dinosaurs
(9781536231243, $19.99) receives fun illustrations by Matt Hunt as it surveys
dinosaurs using poetic descriptions.
This approach
introduces kids to the possibilities and powers of verse that capture the
amazing countenances and possibilities of dinosaurs, making for an eye-catching
introduction as lively in its descriptions as it is in its art.
Marion Dane Bauer's We, the Curious Ones (9781536218596,
$18.99) is illustrated by Hari and Deepti and provides a lyrical blend of
science and contemplation about the universe and science.
Changing belief
systems about the universe accompany vivid, captivating illustrations of sky,
space, and humans who explore both in a simple, yet evocative story that
read-aloud adults will find especially compelling for discussing bigger-picture
worldviews with kids.
Rhiannon Giddens
writes We Could Fly (9781536222548,
$18.99), accompanied by especially vivid illustrations by Briana Mukodiri
Uchendu. As a mother a daughter watch a bird take flight, the young girl who
longs to follow them receives a story about ancestors who could fly.
Lovely roots of Black
American folklore and spirituality permeate a story that is creatively
compelling.
Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love
by Randa Abdel-Fattah and Maxine Beneba Clarke is especially notable because
discourses about Arab culture too often lack references to love and friendship,
which are just as intrinsic apart of this culture as in any other.
The discussion of
many kinds of love and one family's special journey makes for a compelling
account of immigrant experience, kindness, and love that will serve as a gripping
discussion point for the young.
Baking Book for Kids by David Atherton (9781536231304, $17.99) is
illustrated by Harry Woodgate, a winner in the great British Baking Show. Here,
he shows kids how to make everything from Chocolate Chip Buns to Cheeky Mouse
Cakes and Chocolate Brownie Bites. Baking
Book for Kids goes beyond most kids'
cookbooks in pairing recipes with tips for adaptation and adjustment with
step-by-step color illustrations that demonstrate how to produce superior
results.
Steve Light's A Spider Named Itsy (9781536225297,
$18.99) expands the classic rhyme to consider why Itsy Bitsy made his trek in
the first place. Lovely illustrations contribute whimsical, delightful visuals
to a light rhyme and a fun series of spider conundrums that will engage both
kids and their read-aloud parents.
Boyogi: How a Wounded Family Learned to Heal by David Barclay Moore
(9781536213706, $17.99) is a lesson in trauma that all ages need, couched in a
picture book discussion. It follows the story of a PTSD veteran and his return
to his family. Butta Bean wonders if maybe his daddy just doesn't love him
anymore. Yoga classes offer healing, just as this picture book offers
understanding of that process.
Mike Wohnoutka's Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions
(9781536227376, $17.99) comes from a winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
and presents a fine survey of how emotions can shift. The peaks and valleys of
a school day bring this topic down to a realistic level that kids will understand
while read-aloud adults reinforce this important book's message and examples.
Tanya Rosie's Grandpa is Here! (9781536231267, $18.99)
receives fine illustrations by Chuck Groenink as it tells of a Persian
grandfather's long-distance visit to his granddaughter. She shows him all her
favorite things in the world ... but if he just could stay longer, she could
show him the spring. A tender story of distant relatives and love evolves which
is highly recommended for family viewing.
David Elliott's At the Poles (9781536205992, $18.99) is
illustrated by Ellen Rooney and provides poetry describing the animals and
survival skills necessary to live at the poles of the Earth. Lovely
illustrations accompany these descriptive writings for a recommendation that
will appeal both to natural history picture book libraries seeking a different
way of viewing the poles, and for educators looking for a vivid marriage of
verse and illustration.
Runaway Pond by Nancy Price Graff (9781536219982, $18.99) is
illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline and tells of an overflowing pond and a
long-legged footrace winner who must run to the neighbors to warn them of
impending disaster. Inspired by a true experience, the vivid illustrations and
storm adventure comes to life in a tale that is compelling and hard to put
down.
Dr. Shan Woo Liu and
Kaili Liu Gormley's Masked Hero: How Wu
Lien-the Invented the Mask That Ended an Epidemic (9781536228984, $18.99)
covers not COVID, as some might think, but is set a hundred years in the past,
when a doctor stepped up to confront a pneumonic plague sweeping through
Northeast China.
Wu Lien's biography
receives as much color as the medical descriptions, outlining discrimination,
opposition, and eventual acceptance of his controversial methods which not only
succeeded in controlling one epidemic, but resulted in the N95 mask that
addresses COVID in modern times.
Kitty & Cat Bent Out of Shape by Mirka Hokkanen (9781536223682,
$18.99) is for preschoolers who hate baths and love kitties and puppies. A
hilarious pursuit at Cat's bath time includes a lesson on shapes and angles as
Cat hides and has adventures.
Anne Twist's Betty and the Mysterious Visitor
(9781536234862, $17.99) enjoys gorgeous illustrations by Emily Sutton as it
explores a child and her grandmother, who love their garden until a mysterious
creature begins destroying Acorn Hollows. How can Betty identify and stop this
monster from taking away their beloved garden? Joyful, colorful images invite
young reader attention.
Cosmic Wonder: Halley's Comet and Humankind by Ashley
Benham-Yazdani (9781536223231, $18.99) follows the evolution of human
civilization and a comet which visits Earth every seventy-six years.
Each visit returns
new insights about the progression of the human race from the comet's viewpoint
as "It saw family trees grow tall
and wide, and it saw great minds come and go. It saw sorrow and joy, wonder and
love, and sometimes many of these feelings all at once." The evocative
sense of appreciation and wonder lends to a read-aloud experience the entire
family can participate in.
Emma Dodd's Spread Your Wings (9781536223554,
$17.99) features a pair of cockatoos who represent parental love and the encouragement
of a youngster to spread their wings and fly. The easy rhymes impart a sense of
love and acceptance, making for a picture book celebration of growth that
parents will find special and inviting for read-aloud.
David Melling's Ruffles and the Cozy, Cozy Bed
(9781536231557, $17.99) tells of a dog who loves to dig, run, and sleep. But he
hates loud noises, such as thunderstorms. Nothing feels safe during such an
event, but Ruffles comes to a revelation about his fear which will please
parents with its important message about feeling safe and comforted.
All are outstanding
picture book explorations for young readers.
The Garden Witch
Kyle Beaudette
Eye of Newt Press
9781777791841 $17.95
www.eyeofnewtpress.com
The Garden Witch is the picture book story of a magical garden that
belongs to a witch. Everything she grows is magic, designed to attract adults
and kids alike. The only thing she can't grow is love.
Parents seeking to
introduce the very young to concepts of sharing, caring, and helping others
will find in this evocative story a powerful lesson about love which takes an
unusual approach in presenting a giving (but unlovable) witch and what happens
when someone unexpected listens to her.
The Great Poop
Contest
Rafael Ordóñez
and Laure du Faÿ
Nube Ocho
9788419607094 $17.99
www.nubeocho.com
The Great Poop Contest tells of a strange competition between a
goat, horse, duck, and cow that centers around poop and patties.
Kids attracted to
tales of bodily functions will find the humorous observations of different
animal poops, from quantity to odor and consistency, makes for an inviting and
fun story; while adults will appreciate the real-world insights it provides
into animal feces.
Proud Mouse
Cara Mentzel and
Idina Menzel
Disney/Hyperion
9781368080996 $17.99
www.disneybooks.com
Proud Mouse is illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett and outlines how a
little sister finds her way in the world with a little help from big sister
Dee.
As her first day of
school brings challenges to Cara Lee when people keep comparing her to Dee, she
learns she must find her own ways to stand out in this delightfully illustrated
and compelling story of originality, sibling relationships, and growth.
Proud Mouse's lessons in building a unique personality and
attractions is delightfully presented, beautifully illustrated, and a top
recommendation for libraries and read-aloud adults alike.
Simon & Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com
These picture books
are excellent recommendations for libraries and parents interested in lasting
lending and reading value, each offering a superior pairing of entertainment
and illustration that sets them above others.
Lita Judge's Don't Worry, Wuddles (9781665916769,
$18.99) tells of the coming of snow and Duckling, who has a plan for surviving
the cold in his friendship with Wuddles the woolly. Wuddles won't mind sharing
his warmth, will he?
A series of
delightfully whimsical mishaps tests the boundaries of sheep-and-duck
friendships and creative thinking in this fun tale.
Toni Yuly's Slowly Slowly (9781669917186, $18.99) is
an simple primer about waking up to wonder, and will prove an especially
inviting read-aloud for parents seeking to instill this sense of discovery and
appreciation in the very young.
When you slow down,
you see more. That's the basic message of a girl charged with taking the time
to absorb the world's wonder.
John Sullivan's Ethan and the Strays (9781534471320,
$18.99) receives inviting illustrations by Hatem Aly as it surveys young
Ethan's determination to rescue all the stray cats he sees in the alleyway on
his way to school.
With his father banning
pets, how can Ethan help them? A fine story of rescue and friendship evolves.
Leslie Barnard
Booth's A Stone is a Story
(9781534496941, $18.99) provides an introductory primer on geology and rocks
which invites kids to understand how rocks and stones hold history and
importance.
Poetic descriptions
of a stone's journey invite kids to think about their place in the world.
All are excellent
recommendations for libraries and read-aloud adults seeking compelling blends
of entertainment and enlightenment.
Tiger Tales
www.tigertalesbooks.com
These new arrivals
from Tiger Tales are winning acquisitions, highly recommended for
discriminating libraries seeking high-quality picture books.
Perry Emerson's Big, Big Feelings (9781664300347,
$18.99) enjoys whimsical illustrations by Sean Julian as it tells of little
sister Willow, who sometimes just can't help crying as her feelings become too
big and bring on a tantrum.
Family love and
patience needs to come from all angles, from understanding parents to an older
brother's patience, so that Willow can get a handle on feelings that sometimes
feel just too big to hold in.
Read-aloud parents
will find much to appreciate in Willow's education about her emotions and the
reactions of those of all ages around her.
Stephanie Stansbie's The Owl Who Dared (9781664300330,
$18.99) is illustrated by Frances Ives, who provides lovely illustrations to
accompany the story of a little owl who is afraid to fly and fail.
An understanding
mother advises that it will take a few failures before he succeeds, but the
little owl just can't seem to control his wings.
A learning curve
accompanied by observations of other animals helps him understand his
limitations, successes, and how to confront major life obstacles.
The Young Teacher and
the Great Serpent
Irene Vasco and Juan
Palomino
Wm. B. Eerdmans
9780802856173
www.eerdmans.com
The Young Teacher and the Great Serpent is translated by Lawrence
Schimel and proves an inviting story set along the Amazon River, telling of a young
teacher's interactions with an Indigenous community.
Stories are shared
and their connections reinforced, but the oral stories are affected by a large,
dangerous serpent.
Read-aloud parents
will find plenty of opportunities to reinforce lessons about cross-cultural
connections, adversity, and support in this evocative tale.