(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. On a walk home with Uncle Jerome, biracial siblings, Zarah and her brother, experience a world full of imagination, brought to life through their five senses. Expressive, colorful illustrations depict their make-believe encounters with tigers, crocodiles, and mysterious yeti footprints. Zarah’s initial reluctance turns to excitement as she discovers the joy of taking the “long way.” With lively dialogue and playful repetition, this heartwarming celebration of curiosity, adventure, and family bonds bursts with energy and charm.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) PS Barefoot Singalongs series. Illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. Adapted from a cumulative Irish folk song, this picture book is also a delightful science lesson about the flora and fauna found in bogs. Technicolor, woodcut-inspired illustrations follow a “rattlin’ bird” in a “rattlin’ tree” through the “rattlin’ bog.” Back matter provides facts about bogs and the life cycle of birds and trees, as well as sheet music for “The Rattlin’ Bog.”

Reviewer: Monica de los Reyes

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. A picture book’s journey from Asian printing factory to American bookstore. Each striking double-page spread includes parallel texts: Sidebar narration explaining details about each phase of the process and pairs of opposites depicting more abstract impressions of the story (“Every UP has a DOWN” and “Every QUIET has a NOISY”). Digital illustrations contrast grayscale environments with selective colors (the bright red cargo ship; blue, green, and orange container crates, etc.).

Reviewer: Russell Perry