(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. As Big Papa drives his (unnamed) grandson to school, he learns that the child would rather not go because he's scared. The solution? Big Papa's "time machine"--visually represented by a big-bodied classic car--which gives the child insights into his grandfather's own life and fears. Big Papa's stories take the two back to 1952, as he is leaving his Little Rock home to make his way in the world. To 1955, as he works the perilous job of brick mason on Chicago skyscrapers. To 1957, as he summons up the nerve to dance with the woman who will ultimately become the child's Nana. With each story he tells, his grandson asks about his fears ("Was you scared?"). In response, the older man dispenses down-home wisdom, empowering the youth with every word ("Sometimes you gotta lose the life you have if you ever gonna find the one you want") and with the refrain "That's called being brave." When Big Papa relates his last two memories/fears, it's up to his grandson to remind him about the definition of bravery. Bernstrom's colloquial text captures the warm relationship between Big Papa and his grandson. Punctuated by brilliant yellows and blues, Evans's illustrations of swirling stars and outlined memories evoke the ethereal quality of the journey through time.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2020

(3) PS Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon. In this We're Going on a Bear Hunt–esque story, a black-girl narrator invites us on an epic quest to see an alligator up close and personal. On the trip, readers encounter bayou wildlife as well as the thrill of suspense as Gator's presence looms ("Better start that motor quick!...Time's a-wastin'! Chugga Chugga. Click. Click. Click"). The exciting excursion is illustrated in bright earthy and aquatic hues.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. In a folkloric-feeling cumulative tale, a brown-skinned boy skipping through a eucalyptus grove is eaten by a snake. The boy coaxes the snake to eat other creatures one by one until the group is released in an age-old device: a belch ("Gurgle-gurgle came a blurble / from that belly deep and full..."). Bernstrom's infectious, chantable rhymes combine with Wenzel's well-composed, more-goofy-than-grisly art for a top-notch read-aloud.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen