(2) K-3 Illustrated by Erika Meza. Juno and his mom have "lost their home" and need to move. When they open the gate to their new place, they're greeted by some noisy mourning doves that have built a nest there. Mom thinks they sound "lovely," but to Juno, who's upset about the move, they sound "startled and frightened." He also questions the wisdom of building a nest in such a busy spot. The next day movers accidentally knock down the nest, destroying the two eggs inside, which devastates Juno. Created with ink, charcoal, pencil, and Photoshop, Meza's (The Other Side, rev. 5/23) illustrations employ a muted color palette primarily of grays, blues, and tans to match Juno's sadness. Juno rebuilds the nest, hoping to encourage the birds to return. Over time, he grows more comfortable in his new home, and the color palette becomes lighter, culminating in cheerful yellows and corals when he discovers a bird sitting on eggs in the nest weeks later. Levine's (Sensitive, rev. 11/23) extended metaphor is clear but not heavy-handed. The final double-page spread shows Juno and his mom cuddled up reading together in his bedroom where a framed sign reads "Juno's nest." A reassuring story for any child coping with a difficult move.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. This honest and validating book looks at how a young girl copes with the pain she feels in being labeled "too sensitive" and told to grow "thicker skin." How can she change something she can't control? "Her skin must actually have been quite thin because she could feel their words passing into her." Amini's textured collage illustrations effectively convey the overwhelming effects of the criticisms, showing the heavy words swirling around the child's head and ultimately pouring into her body, darkening the space around her. "Finally, it got so crowded...that she couldn't hear her own thoughts or feel her own feelings." With space, rest, and quiet, she eventually knows how to turn those mean words into something positive and empowering. The emotionally resonant text and striking illustrations capture the healing one can find in art and creativity. The text seems best suited for elementary-aged children, though the powerful message resounds for all ages.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(3) K-3 This informative and accessible book begins by categorizing the four types of germs that make us sick: bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. Levine introduces each group with general information followed by brief profiles of two or three specific organisms (e.g., E. coli, giardia, trichophyton, coronavirus). She then covers how germs infect us, the immune system's job, and how vaccines work. The well-designed pages feature color-enhanced micrographs that provide a look at this usually unseen world. Appended are a glossary, suggested reading and websites, and a list of "Germy Jobs."

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kate Slater. Different species of birds use their beaks for different purposes, this book explains. Right-facing pages show the silhouette of a bird with a beak shaped like a common tool, asking the question, "What kind of bird has a beak that works like a...pair of needle-nosed pliers? ...pair of tweezers? ...sharp knife?" Turn the page to find the enthusiastic answer (a sandpiper! a wren! a hawk!) along with a description of what the beak looks like and how the bird uses it. The rich mixed-media illustrations, full of gentle pastel colors, showcase each bird in its habitat; an explanation of evolution and resources for further reading are included.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Masha D'yans. Narrated by a sassy purple prickly pear cactus, this playful, informative book about pollination teaches budding botanists how to interpret plant colors (e.g., yellow flowers say: "Bees, bargain basement this way--free food!"). D'yans's watercolors--featuring flowers, insects, and wide-eyed birds--are overly busy but burst with colors and textures as each page imparts science facts. Pollination steps and tips for protecting pollinators are appended. Reading list.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) K-3 Illustrated by T. S. Spookytooth. In this amusing and informative science picture book, children visiting a natural history museum compare human and dinosaur skeletons: the similarities, then the unique structures that identify species such as stegosaurus (back plates) and diplodocus (many vertebrae). The children--humorously illustrated with dino features--imagine what it would be like to fly, stomp, and chomp like a dinosaur. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by T. S. Spookytooth. This examination begins by looking at the functions of human teeth. The discussion moves on to mammals' exaggerated incisors, canines, and molars. The humorous cartoon illustrations feature kids with tusks, large canines, and extra-high molars, emphasizing that animals' diets require different types of teeth. This is an amusing and informative source for elementary-age readers. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by T. S. Spookytooth. This unusual comparison of human and animal skeletons and the functions for which they've adapted begins by positing an existence without any bones: "It wouldn't be pretty." Readers are asked to guess what animal they'd be if various bones were missing or elongated or super-strong. Playful illustrations contain carefully rendered bone details. A great way to introduce skeletal systems. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin