(2) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. The first half of this informational picture book is narrated by the collective “we” of generations of humpback whales: “Before there were ships and streets and buildings and a city called New York, we were here.” Subsequent pages depict whales and other sea creatures cavorting in what would soon become New York Harbor, with devastating harpooning and ship traffic and choking pollution to follow. The once-rich waters are no longer habitable, and the whales take off for “cleaner waters and a safer home.” In a (somewhat abrupt) turn, the art and text shift perspective, moving onto the land, and the narrative “we” becomes the voice of New York’s human inhabitants in the decades before and after passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. Diverse groups of New ­Yorkers are shown marching in support of environmental action; later, people clear litter from the river and enjoy boating, fishing, and other activities—eventually rejoined by a new generation of New York Harbor whales. Detailed back matter includes whale facts, a timeline, brief profiles of significant activists, and calls to action. Castaldo’s text, accompanied by Groenink’s detailed and expansive gouache and graphite illustrations, offers hope for aspiring citizen activists and makes a compelling case for taking the long view and not giving up the fight.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) PS Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Two children head into the redwood forest for a hike. Along the way, they collect a few more friends and together discover the marvels of fallen logs, banana slugs, ferns, and towering trees. Inviting her readers in with the almost familiar phrase -- "This is the forest. / This is the steeple" -- Fleming goes on to describe the plants and animals of this sensory-rich adventure in lilting rhyming text. "This is a redwood. / Look how it soars, / surrounded by sorrel / crowding the floor." Through the tall, narrow book, redwood trunks fill the pages bleeding off the top and sides, helping to convey a sense of the trees' majesty. On other pages, smaller panel illustrations walk readers through the diversity of the forest: "That way an eagle. / This way a bug. / Fast like a falcon. / Slow like a slug." Groenink's cheerful, expansive digital illustrations convey both the wonder of the forest itself, with rich greens and shafts of sunlight, and the joy of the wide-eyed multiracial cast of children as they explore and play. This forest is a holy place, and children and their families should be inspired to go outside and look for themselves.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2025

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. The young narrator and Papa go outside on a summer night to observe a hedgehog and her family. The mother and her three babies emerge from the bushes, drink from a water dish, and finally venture through the “hog hole” the humans have carved for them. Serene, rhyming text and ethereal mixed-media illustrations capture the wonder in the special moment, as well as the loving relationship between father and child.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. In this fictional "biography" of Dr. Williams's most famous poem, Rogers shows how Williams managed to put all that he observed into an economical, one-sentence, sixteen-word poem (printed on the final spread). Rogers suggests that there is power in noticing, as Williams did--finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Groenink's muted, sepia-toned illustrations capture the quiet, unassuming doctor at work. An author's note explains Williams's contributions to American poetry; a partial list of Williams's poems is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(2) PS Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Author and illustrator dedicate this book to the memory of Maurice Sendak, who surely would have appreciated its gleefully anarchic celebration of cannibalism (and the illustrator's small homages to the master placed throughout). Little Jim finds himself turned overnight into a lion. When his mother calls him down for breakfast, Jim's stomach begins to growl: "She sounded DELICIOUS." After devouring her (an act implied rather than pictured), Jim goes out for a second breakfast (a dog and a dog walker) and a third and a fourth. He tries to outrun his urges, only to encounter something as hungry as himself: a bear. But success in that battle leaves Jim stuffed, and back home he goes, regurgitating his victims (whole, thankfully) as he returns and, finally, is hungry once more...for pancakes. The link between Jim's hunger and his psyche is underbaked, but his glorious gustatory rampage is a lot of fun. With their warm brown tones and cozy lines, Groenink's pencil and Photoshop illustrations provide a witty counterpoint to the text, and the pictures, framed à la Where the Wild Things Are, are large and well composed, which, combined with the brisk writing, promises a storytime treat. If you dare.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2020

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Luca, a newcomer to the city, is rejected by dogs for being too fox-like and by foxes for being too dog-like. Luca doesn't know where he fits until a girl befriends him, giving him license to be whoever he wants. Groenink's digital illustrations underscore the air of possibility and have a soft quality that suits this tender story about self-acceptance and identity coming into focus.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) PS Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. In this story about generosity, a boy named William is trying to sleep, but animals seeking a place to hibernate keep showing up asking to join his cozy bed...until William is out of space. Rhyming, repetition, and counting drive Ashman's bedtime read-aloud. Groenink's illustrations are dark and shadowy and snow-filled, yet also full of friendliness and warmth.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. A bespectacled brown-skinned girl saves a rainy day with a lively trip to the library. Warm digital and pencil illustrations depict stories coming to life; in bustling scenes, familiar literary characters join the bookish protagonist in song and dance. The text is comprised of the lyrics to the singer-songwriter authors' "Library Song" (sheet music included); readers unfamiliar with the tune may stumble over some unusual rhythms.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Spoiled young boy Gideon ponders what it means to be a hero in this amusing, high-minded picture book. Desiring his "name on the front page of the newspaper," self-absorbed Gideon actually seeks fame, a conceit that may at first be lost on some young readers. Still, the story's understated humor and cleverness, greatly aided by Groenink's telling art, make ideal fodder for storytime discussions.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Readers shadow Hank the pill bug for a day as he journeys past other small ground-dwellers, up his "exercise stick," and across a big sidewalk to meet his best friend (a human child). Cleverly designed, the book tells the story through droll narration paired with editorializing picture labels. Digital illustrations capture Hank's personality and charmingly convey his bug's-eye vantage point through details, size, and changes in perspective.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Misunderstanding the phrase "friendship is out there," lonely Hedgehog captains her own boat to find a ship of friends. Animals she meets haven't seen "The Friend Ship," but each clambers aboard to join the search. Readers will understand before Hedgehog that she's already found real friendship. Some repetition of dialogue makes the story a good read-aloud; expressive illustrations in warm colors suit the tone.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Rufus decides to set up a "story stand" for the summer. As each customer stops by, Rufus writes and illustrates a story unique to that person, with entertaining results; as payment he asks for a shell from the beach, a kitten, and a surprise. This quiet story celebrates creativity and generosity. Mixed-media art in a rich palette includes Rufus's illustrated stories.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. On backwards birthday party day (i.e., opposite day), "the ice cream was hot. / The candles were not." The narrator doesn't mind: he's partying with friends from his all-animal guest list. The refrain makes obvious that the text is really song lyrics, but this doesn't wreck the party. Groenink finds the balance between spotlighting the mayhem and maintaining eye-pleasing order. Sheet music included.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. An error in printing ("the 'F' looked like a 'P'") turns a history of figs into a history of pigs. From earliest-recorded mentions to varieties and recipes, the substitution proves inconsequential. The book's gimmick--fully integrated into masterful Photoshop, gouache, and pencil illustrations--is the back-and-forth between an outraged author and a nonplussed editor, a humorous dynamic young industry-outsiders may not fully appreciate.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Readers are offered a day-by-day "glimpse of life at the North Pole" in twenty-five festive haiku "penned" by Santa himself. The poems are rich with tender emotions and crisp imagery, all reflected affectionately and vividly in Groenink's art. A warm seasonal collection notable for its clever, gently comical visual details (note St. Nick's adult beverage as he relaxes on December 26th).

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014