(2) K-3 Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. On the shortest day of the year, people gather on a beach to build a bonfire and make "a wish for light. A wish for hope. A wish for renewal." The poetic text also includes scientific information about the winter and -- across the world at the same time -- the summer solstice, both further discussed in the back matter. Paganelli's vibrant illustrations embrace rich purples, blues, and reds for dazzling nighttime images that reflect the sense of comfort and belonging that the bonfires represent. A particularly powerful spread displaying togetherness features people passing candles and lanterns across panels highlighting other winter solstice celebrations.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. Almeida, who grew up in Scotland in the 1930s and 40s, "dreamed of studying science at a university." She had to quit school at sixteen, however, to help her family financially. She found a job in a hospital lab and went on to make significant contributions to virology at labs in Canada and London. Slade focuses on Almeida's work, mentioning life challenges (including divorce and single parenthood) but not dwelling on them. Paganelli's illustrations are a mixture of reflecting the text and fancifully expanding it. "More About June" includes three black-and-white photos. A timeline and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. With musical support of Rachel Leach. In association with the London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Simon (the LSO's musical director, Sir Simon Rattle, who provides a foreword) needs to assemble an orchestra. As he auditions musicians, readers are introduced to the orchestra's different instrumental sections and the role each plays as part of the whole. An online component provides forty-three musical tracks aligned with the text for a more immersive experience--including the two pieces performed by Simon's orchestra on opening night. The lively illustrations support the upbeat text. Notes about each track, a glossary, and an index are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn