(3) K-3 National Geographic Readers series. This book introduces newly independent readers to Abrams and her many accomplishments, with attention to the many "firsts" she's achieved as a Black woman. Mwai uses short, direct sentences to give a cursory overview of complicated topics, including civil rights and election fairness, with both personal and historical perspectives to add context. Vocabulary words are defined in text boxes and again at book's end. Fact lists, a timeline, and a quiz are included. Each page features captioned photographs that support and help break up the text.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Freeman. This picture-book biography follows current House Speaker Pelosi's life and career, from her childhood in Baltimore through her rise to become one of the highest-ranking women in American politics. As daughter of Baltimore's first Italian American mayor, Pelosi was inspired by her parents' vision to lift up people in need. As a United States Congresswoman, her message to Americans, particularly to girls, is to be yourself and serve the greater good. The text's overall tone is both serious and inspiring, and the vivid, earnest illustrations capture that mood. A historical note, a brief interview with Pelosi, and a selected bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Noa Kelner. This book is an expansion of a passage from the Talmud about Rabbi Hanina's experience getting caught in the rain. It reads very much like a folktale and focuses on the old man's interaction with animals, nature, and the Divine, and on the ultimate lesson of finding contentment and fitting in with the natural world. The text highlights Rabbi Hanina's one-sided conversation with the heavens while also providing details about the animals he sees and his internal emotional experience. While the illustrations in general are bright and whimsical, Hanina (and his long gray beard) comes across as serious.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. In 1863 a woman named Eliza Davis began a correspondence with Charles Dickens. Her first letter compliments the author for his attention to social issues but criticizes his portrayal of Jewish characters ("a vile prejudice"). Dickens initially responds harshly but eventually comes to rail against prejudice and creates kind Jewish characters in future work. Stancliffe's inviting illustrations with a lush palette are interspersed with black-and-white drawings that evoke Dickens's era. Churnin's language also echoes the period and includes direct quotes from the pair's seven letters. An author's note provides additional historical context for antisemitism in Great Britain and comments on how Dickens "encouraged sympathy for the Jewish community."

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Bee Johnson. Introduction by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This collection of thirty-three short biographies covers Biblical times (Miriam, Deborah) through the twentieth century (Bella Abzug, Nadine Gordimer). The women display a vast range of achievements, approaches to overcoming obstacles, and fields of interest (women of color are notably missing). The main text is more informational than inspirational, but RBG's direct involvement in the project adds cachet. A short blurb following each profile connects the topic to contemporary issues. A closing call to action encourages readers to take an activist approach to current events. Each biography is introduced with a colorfully stylized interpretive portrait.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sian James. This story begins in 1934 Norman, Oklahoma, as a grandmother and her grandson are preparing to bake a birthday cake. When the boy shares his self-conscious worry ("I want to help, but my friends said only girls bake"), Grandma Dora launches into the story of "the world's first woman mayor," elected in 1887 Kansas. The cartoony illustrations evoke the Old West and feature a determined Susanna Madora Salter...who, her grandson (and readers) learns, is actually Grandma Dora. The fictional framing story is a bit awkward, and why Susanna was put on the ballot as a prank isn't clear. Nonetheless, this book brings to light an early and largely unknown example of women's rights and leadership, challenging preconceived notions about women's roles in American history.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Hsu. This picture-book retrospective of current House Speaker Pelosi's life depicts her as a strong, independent girl, raised to champion those in need, who became a strong, independent American leader. Each page or spread features plot elements as well as direct quotes (on most of them) to support the narrative. Friendly, inviting illustrations show Pelosi at different stages of her life, in both personal and public scenes. Biographical, historical, and inspirational, this book does an effective job of personalizing a major historical figure and explaining why her contributions, including the 2010 Affordable Care Act, are so significant. A timeline and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by George McClements & Stéphane Kardos. Bonnie brings Forky to school, which inspires a "Craft Your Own Buddy Day" in her classroom. Forky teaches the newly created toys how to accept who they are. Inspired by Toy Story 4, the franchise matters more than the story, which is fine since the target audience will love it. The illustrations, fonts, and speech bubbles are an amalgam of styles, leading to a chaotic layout.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Flubby series. Flubby the cat won't do any tricks, no matter how much his owner Kami tries. Increasingly frustrated, Kami declares: "Flubby is NOT a good pet!" But when a thunderstorm begins, Flubby and Kami realize they need each other. The short, repetitive sentences are clearly designed for new readers. Minimalist illustrations humorously feature other animals doing tricks for their humans, while Flubby only says meow and falls asleep.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) PS Animal friends celebrate their differences; even though they don't do things the same way (i.e., "just like" one another), they nevertheless "just like" one another. Talents, physical traits, tastes, and preferences are all highlighted as ways of being unique--and loved. Very simple text uses repetition and rhyme. Clear watercolor and pencil illustrations allow the creatures' personalities, and their warm friendships, to shine through.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) PS Illustrated by Marco Bucci. These bedtime books employ the familiar structure of wishing others goodnight. Santa says goodnight to each of the reindeer, elves, and toys, but Rudolph needs an extra reminder to turn off his bright red nose (Reindeer). And readers follow a variety of forest animals from rising to "sleepy time" in Forest. Rough but simple rhymes are coupled with blurry detailed illustrations. Review covers these titles: Good Night, Forest and Good Night, Reindeer.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. In Kayla and dog King's fourth beginner chapter book, Kayla loses her tooth at school and brings it home in her class's special tooth fairy pillow pouch. When Kayla discovers the tooth is missing, she and her friend try to solve the mystery. Narrator King's perspective makes an otherwise straightforward story much more engaging, while humorous illustrations reinforce the plot and further forefront King's doggie thoughts.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) PS This book features friendly animal pals demonstrating kindness and manners. The message is strong and age appropriate, but some of the specifics may require adult explanation ("be an ally") or assistance ("take a selfie with friends"). The confusing narrative structure puts the text into three formats: declarative lessons ("Praise someone's work!"), explanatory verses, and dialogue. Cartoonish pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations show the lessons in action.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Daniela Stamatiadi. Kurt wants to join his brother and older friends in fighting against Hitler Youth: he proves he's brave enough through his trumpet playing. This story of resistance in Nazi Germany keeps the focus on blues music, letting anti-Semitism be a backdrop rather than the focus. Thoughtful, intricate illustrations include swastikas and depictions of Hitler. An author's note provides more information about the real Edelweiss Pirates.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) PS This simple, straightforward story perfectly captures a toddler's struggle with emotional regulation when life feels unfair. After expressing his anger, Bear takes deep breaths, slows down, and naps, and then he can go back to playing. The pattern of his tantrum will be familiar--and reassuring--to children and parents. Gee's understated, colorful illustrations show the world from Bear's perspective.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay. Houndsley's and Catina's lives are turned upside down when over-the-top Cousin Wagster comes to visit and commands everyone's attention. In three short chapters, themes of friendship, self-confidence, and communication emerge slowly but thoughtfully, and the story has a satisfying resolution. Whimsical watercolor illustrations depict a human-like world inhabited by animals of all kinds.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sandy Nichols. Eli's zaida (Yiddish for grandfather) always brings him bagels on Sunday morning. When Zaida gets hurt and must stay home, Eli and Zaida's friends miss their weekly ritual, but Eli comes to the rescue, bringing everyone their favorites and earning the elders' praise. This sweet intergenerational story has illustrations reminiscent of a bygone era, but which convey a universal message about love, food, and tradition. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Translated by Lisa Rosinsky. Illustrated by Nathalie Dieterlé. In this French import's fictitious jungle where kangaroos, lions, alligators, and others incongruously coexist, all the animals are fighting. Little elephant Jojo, who carries an adorable pink parasol, pretends he lost his memory so the creatures will work together to help him. His clever tactics will delight readers, especially once they're in on the joke. The animals are somewhat abstract-looking in the humorous, colorful ink and colored-pencil illustrations.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Mr. Monkey series. In both comedic stories, Mr. Monkey gets into lots of trouble but ultimately prevails in his goals. The spare early-reader texts appear partially in speech bubbles. Mack's cartoony digital illustrations, a mix of vignettes and full spreads, help tell the stories and add elements of slapstick; Mr. Monkey and his antics take center stage, but there's notable effort at inclusion and multiculturalism in the human casts. Review covers these Mr. Monkey titles: Mr. Monkey Bakes a Cake and Mr. Monkey Visits a School.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Mr. Monkey series. In both comedic stories, Mr. Monkey gets into lots of trouble but ultimately prevails in his goals. The spare early-reader texts appear partially in speech bubbles. Mack's cartoony digital illustrations, a mix of vignettes and full spreads, help tell the stories and add elements of slapstick; Mr. Monkey and his antics take center stage, but there's notable effort at inclusion and multiculturalism in the human casts. Review covers these Mr. Monkey titles: Mr. Monkey Bakes a Cake and Mr. Monkey Visits a School.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth