Gay, Marie-Louise. Any Questions? illus. by Marie-Louise Gay. 60p. House of Anansi/Groundwood. 2014. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781554983827.
K-Gr 2–Authors are asked many questions at school and library visits, such as “How many books have you written?” and “Where do your ideas come from?” In answering the question “Where does a story start?” the author/illustrator in this charming picture book demonstrates the method she uses for inspiration. Explaining that a thought can travel in many directions or go nowhere at all, Gay shows how opening up her mind can trigger an idea for a story. She begins by composing and illustrating a tale entitled “The Shy Young Giant” and midway through invites three children to assist her in continuing the fiction. The story-within-a-story technique makes the writing process clear, informative and fun. The kids have such a good time writing and drawing that when the story ends, they’re excited to begin another. Engaging illustrations, in watercolor, pencil, pastels, and collage, feature speech bubbles, handwritten notes, and childlike sketches. Gay’s delightful creation reveals how the combination of children’s natural curiosity and imagination can be the perfect springboard for a story.–Maryann H. Owen, Children’s Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WIHaughton, Chris. Shh!: We Have a Plan. illus. by Chris Haughton. 40p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763672935.
PreS-Gr 2–In a gorgeous nocturnal landscape of deep purples and blues, four figures go marching along. The three big ones are holding nets, and the little one trails slightly behind. Suddenly, they spy a bright pink bird in the tree. “Hello, birdie,” calls the little one. “Shh,” reprimands the first one. “SHH!” hisses the next. “We have a plan,” explains the third, holding up a birdcage. They tiptoe towards the bird with hilariously expressive body language until, “ready one…ready two…ready three…GO!” But the bird easily evades them, and the three end up in a tangle while the little one looks on. The scenario and “shhs” repeat, and finally, while the big ones are literally down the creek without a paddle, the little one makes friends. In a breathtakingly rich spread, a flock of colorful, jewel-toned birds appear and drive the schemers into retreat. Echoing the opening, the big ones quick-step along under the moonlit sky, nervously glancing behind them and dragging the little one along. The story seems over, but they haven’t quite learned their lesson yet. A masterful delight, this crafty caper has huge kid appeal and a title/refrain that will easily sneak into the family lexicon: shh! We have a plan. This perfect blend of circular narrative, deceptively spare art, and humor becomes a story that kids will want to read at storytime, at home, and to themselves if no adult is handy. Plan to make this title a first purchase.–Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN
Jeffers, Oliver. Once upon an Alphabet. illus. by Oliver Jeffers. 112p. Philomel. Oct. 2014. Tr $26.99. ISBN 9780399167911.
Gr 1-4–Jeffers’s empathic nature, evident from his sympathetic renderings of Drew Daywalt’s beleaguered crayons in The Day the Crayons Quit (Philomel, 2013), here extends to the hardworking letters. This eccentric and entertaining anthology is introduced by an eloquent syllogism about the relationship of letters, words, and stories. While each four-page tale showcases a (seemingly) hand-drawn capital and lowercase letter, and many of the words—and unnamed objects—begin with the corresponding letter, this is not your mother’s abecedarium. It is a framework for Jeffers’s intriguing worldview, combining ludicrous juxtapositions and situations and a great capacity for gentleness. Some passages are scientific: “Mary is made of matter….she got sucked through a microscope and became the size of a molecule.” The facing page shows Mary floating under the lens. The blackboard-style background is filled with “molecular” diagrams (mattresses, a moose, mums). Other sections are a mite macabre: “Jack Stack the Lumberjack has been struck by lightning one hundred and eleven times….” The lightning illuminates a skeleton, but after the page turn, the man appears in his jammies, normal, except that he can provide his own electricity. There is humor in the alliteration and mixed-media scenes: a puzzled parsnip, Victor the vanquished “plotting his vengeance,” and an enigma featuring elephants and envelopes. The author respects his readers’ intelligence, inserting expansive vocabulary, cameos from characters in previous books, people and plot threads that cross stories, and quiet details to discover in subsequent readings. An altogether stimulating, surprising, and satisfying reading experience.–Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library
Johnston, Tony. Winter Is Coming. illus. by Jim LaMarche. 40p. S. & S./Paula Wiseman Bks. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781442472532.
PreS-Gr 2–An empty sketchbook, freshly sharpened pencils, and binoculars set the stage for this luminous story about the powerful magic of being still and experiencing the natural world. Sitting in her tree house, using all her senses to witness the changing season, a girl sketches a variety of Northern animals and notes their habits as they forage for food. The short journal entries combine poetry with pragmatism, resulting in spare, elegant observations about nature: “Dawn burns the sky./A flock of wild turkeys jostles by./They poke everyplace, muttering/food, food, food.” Although the variety of animals that she sees within a single season is rather implausible, the respect she has for nature and the life cycle keep the text grounded: “I know animals/are best left alone./Maybe the deer will find enough food./Maybe not./ Soon they move on, nibbling.” Gorgeous acrylic and colored pencil illustrations show the wonder that the girl feels and evoke the experience of witnessing the layers of the natural world slowly revealing themselves as apparent stillness becomes full of life—wind rustling leaves, birds chirping, and scurrying insects. This book unflinchingly faces the fact that the cold is coming, the lean season is approaching, and there are endings within the cycle of life. A touching reminder about the beauty of the natural world.–Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN
Pilcher, Steve. Over There. illus. by Steve Pilcher. 40p. Disney-Hyperion. 2014. RTE $17.99. ISBN 9781423147930.
PreS-Gr 2–Part of a series of collaborations between Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Worldwide Publishing, this story of found friendship follows Shredder, a lonely shrew who sets out to find if there is something more to life “over there.” Attracted by a reflection of light, Shredder leaves the safety of his home to explore the big world. His progress is halted when he comes upon a body of water. Coincidentally, the shiny object that drew his attention in the first place is an aluminum tin that he uses as a boat. Sadly, it is not exactly seaworthy. However, before he can drown, a mole named Nosey comes to his rescue. Because they have so much in common, the two become fast friends. Bonded together by a love of digging, similar fashion choices, and food, the shrew and mole find that companionship makes life so much sweeter. The story is told through a combination of the cinematic illustrations and the simplistic text. Children and adults alike will appreciate this story with its stunning, dark illustrations, endearing characters, and cinematic spreads that propel the story forward. Highly recommended.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA
Stein, David Ezra. I’m My Own Dog. illus. by David Ezra Stein. 32p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763661397. LC 2013952833.
PreS-Gr 2–The typical pet picture book is turned on its ear in this witty and charming story. This independent pooch proudly takes care of himself: “I curl up at my own feet. Sometimes, if I’m not comfortable, I tell myself to roll over.” He scoffs at the pets who follow commands and demonstrates how he throws and fetches his own stick, “it’s fun.” His life is pretty perfect…except for the itch on his back that he just can’t reach. When a friendly person scratches the itch for him, then follows him home, the little canine can’t help but adopt him. Young readers will get a kick out of the reversed human-pet roles, which are cheerfully and animatedly illustrated in pen and “hacked” kids’ marker and colored with watercolor and crayon. The cartoonlike drawings perfectly illuminate the life and attitudes of this canine character, from his contented chewing on a slipper to his joyful, bowlegged run during a game of fetch. Minimal text makes this a great read-aloud for listeners with short attention spans, while the humor will tickle older kids and grown-ups.–Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT
For all the latest reviews in this subject area and more, check out our Book Verdict site! Book Verdict is fully accessible to all users, though certain content and functionality are only available to subscribers. To log in to your account, click here. To view the new subscription options, Get Started With Book Verdict Pro Today.
Don't know if you have an account with us? It's easy to check and verify your email, or create a new account.
The following titles are reviewed in this month's print issue.
Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.
Antony, Steve. Please, Mr. Panda. illus. by Steve Antony. 32p. Scholastic. Dec. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780545788922; ebk. $16.99. ISBN 9780545804165.
Aragon, Kat. Boy Zorro and the Bully/El Niño Zorro y el Pelón. tr. from Spanish. illus. by Noël Ill. 24p. Lectura Bks. 2014. pap. $8.95. ISBN 9781604480276. LC 2013957730.
Archer, Dosh. Little Elephant’s Blocked Trunk. 48p. (Urgency Emergency!). Albert Whitman. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780807583548.
Arnaldo, Monica. Arto’s Big Move. illus. by Monica Arnaldo. 40p. Owlkids. Oct. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781771470667. LC 2014932637.
Aulenback, Stephany. If I Wrote a Book About You. illus. by Denise Holmes. 32p. Simply Read Bks. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781927018460.
Bailey, Linda. If Kids Ruled the World. illus. by David Huyck. 32p. Kids Can. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781554535910.
Barnett, Mac. Sam & Dave Dig a Hole. illus. by Jon Klassen. 40p. Candlewick. Oct. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763662295.
Bass, Jennifer Vogel. Edible Colors. 32p. photos. Roaring Brook. Nov. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781626720022.
Beavis, Paul. Mrs. Mo’s Monster. illus. by Paul Beavis. 40p. ebook available. Gecko Pr. Oct. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781927271001.
Bertrand, Diane Gonzales. Cecilia and Miguel Are Best Friends/Cecilia y Miguel son mejores amigos. tr. from Spanish by Gabriela Baeza Ventura. illus. by Thelma Muraida. 32p. Piñata. Oct. 2014. pap. $17.95. ISBN 9781558857940. LC 2014005029.
Bhadra, Sangeeta. Sam’s Pet Temper. illus. by Marion Arbona. 32p. Kids Can. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771380256.
Biedrzycki, David. Breaking News: Bear Alert. illus. by David Biedrzycki. 32p. ebook available. Charlesbridge. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781580896634.
Birney, Betty G. Humphrey’s Playful Puppy Problem. illus. by Priscilla Burris. 96p. (Humphrey’s Tiny Tales). Putnam. 2014. Tr $4.99. ISBN 9780399252020. LC 2013028265.
Bolden, Tonya. Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer. illus. by Eric Velasquez. 32p. Abrams. Nov. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781419707926. LC 2013031976.
Brandt, Lois. Maddi’s Fridge. illus. by Vin Vogel. 32p. websites. Flashlight. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781936261291. LC 2013957177.
Brennan-Nelson, Denise. Teach Me to Love. 24p. Sleeping Bear. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781585368587. LC 2014004558.
Brown-Wood, JaNay. Imani’s Moon. illus. by Hazel Mitchell. 32p. Charlesbridge/Mackinac Island. Oct. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781934133576.
Bucay, Jorge. The King and the Magician. tr. from Spanish by Macarena Galan. illus. by Gusti. 52p. Abbeville. 2014. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9780789212047. LC 2014011247.
Butler, Dori Hillestad. The Haunted Library. illus. by Aurore Damant. 128p. (The Haunted Library: Bk. 1). Grosset & Dunlap. 2014. pap. $4.99. ISBN 9780448462424; Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780448462431.
Carnavas, Peter. The Boy on the Page. illus. by Peter Carnavas. 32p. Kane Miller. 2014. Tr $11.99. ISBN 9781610672450. LC 2013939902.
Carvalho, Adélia. There Once Was a Dog. tr. from Portuguese by Laura Gamerson. illus. by João Vaz de Carvalho. 32p. NorthSouth. 2014. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9780735841765.
Colby, Rebecca. There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie. illus. by Kate McLelland. 32p. Floris. 2014. pap. $11.95. ISBN 9781782500483.
Cole, Tom Clohosy. Wall. illus. by Tom Clohosy Cole. 32p. Candlewick/Templar. Oct. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763675608. LC 2013957276.
Collins, Billy. Voyage. illus. by Karen Romagna. 32p. Bunker Hill. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781593731540.
Edwards, Wallace. Unnatural Selections. illus. by Wallace Edwards. 32p. ebook available. Orca. Oct. 2014. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781459805552. LC 2014935386.
Enos, Joel. The Search for Catbug. illus. by Alan Brown & Ian McGinty. 64p. (Bravest Warriors). Viz Media. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781421571775.
Escoffier, Michaël. The Day I Lost My Superpowers. illus. by Kris Di Giacomo. 32p. Enchanted Lion. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781592701445.
Falcone, L. M. The Magic Box. illus. by Kim Smith. 88p. (The Ghost and Max Monroe: Bk. 1). Kids Can. 2014. Tr $12.95. ISBN 9781771381536; pap. $6.95. ISBN 9781771380171.
Freeman, Tor. Olive and the Embarrassing Gift. illus. by Tor Freeman. 32p. Candlewick/Templar. Oct. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763674069. LC 2013955693.
Friedman, Laurie. Ruby Valentine and the Sweet Surprise. illus. by Lynn Avril. 32p. Carolrhoda. Nov. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9780761388739.
Goble, Paul. Horse Raid: The Making of a Warrior. illus. by Paul Goble. 44p. Wisdom. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781937786250.
Gonzalez, Maya Christina. Call Me Tree/Llámame árbol. tr. from Spanish by Dana Goldberg. illus. by Maya Christina Gonzalez. 24p. Children’s Bk. Pr. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780892392940.
Good, Jason. Must. Push. Buttons! illus. by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. 32p. Bloomsbury. Jan. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781619630956. LC 2014013155.
Harper, Charise Mericle. Princess Patty Meets Her Match. illus. by Charise Mericle Harper. 48p. Disney-Hyperion. Dec. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781423108047.
Hart, Alison. Murphy: Gold Rush Dog. illus. by Michael G. Montgomery. 160p. (Dog Chronicles: Bk. 2). Peachtree. Oct. 2014. Tr $12.95. ISBN 9781561457694. LC 2013049354.
Hissey, Jane. Ruby, Blue and Blanket. illus. by Jane Hissey. 32p. Book House/Scribblers. 2014. Tr $12.95. ISBN 9781908973436.
Hofmeyr, Dianne. Zeraffa Giraffa. illus. by Jane Ray. 32p. Frances Lincoln. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781847803443.
Holabird, Katharine. Angelina’s Big City Ballet. illus. by Helen Craig. 32p. (Angelina Ballerina). Viking. Nov. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780670015603; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780698164871. LC 2013000464.
HOLE, Stian . Anna’s Heaven . tr. from Norwegian by Don Bartlett. illus. by Stian Hole. 42p. Eerdmans.2014. Tr $17. ISBN 9780802854414. LC 2013044518.
Imai, Ayano. Mr. Brown’s Fantastic Hat. illus. by Ayano Imai. 32p. Minedition. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9789888240845.
Jian, Li. Ming’s Adventure in the Forbidden City. tr. from Chinese by Yijin Wert. 42p. Better Link Pr. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781602209855.
Jian, Li, retel. Mulan. tr. from Chinese by Yijin Wert. 42p. Better Link Pr. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781602209862.
Kang, Anna. You Are (Not) Small. illus. by Christopher Weyant. 32p. Amazon/Two Lions. 2014. RTE $17.99. ISBN 9781477847725.
Kasdan, Mallory. Ella. illus. by Marcos Chin. 56p. Viking. Jan. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780670016754; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780698143685.
Ketteman, Helen. The Ghosts Go Haunting. illus. by Adam Record. 32p. Albert Whitman. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780807528525. LC 2014000631.
Kishira, Mayuko. Who’s Next Door? tr. from Japanese by Shana Rieko Shimizu. illus. by Jun Takabatake. 32p. Owlkids. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771470711. LC 2014931869.
Lloyd-Jones, Sally. Poor Doreen: A Fishy Tale. illus. by Aledandra Boiger. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780375869181. LC 2012047195.
Lynch, Jane with Lara Embry & A. E. Mikesell. Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean. illus. by Tricia Tusa. 32p. Random. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385379083. LC 2013030729.
Lyon, George Ella. What Forest Knows. illus. by August Hall. 40p. S. & S./Atheneum/Richard Jackson Bks. Nov. 2014. ebk. ISBN 9781442467767; Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781442467750.
Löhlein, Susanne. Hamster Monster. tr. from German by Erica Stenfalt. illus. by Henning Löhlein. 32p. NorthSouth. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780735841789.
McEwen, Katharine. Bear Hug. illus. by Katharine McEwen. 32p. Candlewick/Templar. 2014. RTE $15.99. ISBN 9780763666309. LC 2013955672.
McFarland, Clive. A Bed for Bear. illus. by Clive McFarland. 32p. HarperCollins/Harper. Nov. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062237057.
Macfarlane, Tamara. Amazing Esme. illus. by Michael Fowkes. 176p. illus. Hodder. 2014. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780340999936; ebk. ISBN 9781444905335.
Mack, Jeff. Duck in the Fridge. illus. by Jeff Mack. 32p. ebook available. Amazon/Two Lions. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781477847763.
Mackintosh, David. Lucky. illus. by David Mackintosh. 32p. Abrams. Oct. 2014. RTE $17.95. ISBN 9781419708091. LC 2013044957.
McMullan, Kate, retel. Pinocchio. illus. by Pascal LeMaitre. 144p. (Cartoon Classics). Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. Nov. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780805096996.
Manceau, Édouard. Hatch, Little Egg. tr. from French by Karen Li. illus. by Édouard Manceau. 32p. Owlkids. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771470773. LC 2014932280.
Mandana, Kavitha. A Pair of Twins. illus. by Nayantara Surendranath. 32p. Karadi Tales. 2014. pap. $11.95. ISBN 9788181903020.
Marston, Elsa. The Olive Tree. illus. by Claire Ewart. 32p. Wisdom Tales. Nov. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781937786298.
Mass, Wendy & Michael Brawer. Space Taxi: Water Planet Rescue. illus. by Elise Gravel. 128p. (Space Taxi). Little, Brown. 2014. Tr $15. ISBN 9780316243230; pap. $4.99. ISBN 9780316243223; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9780316243254. LC 2013044221.
Matison, Jimbo. I’m Going to Catch My Tail! illus. by Jimbo Matison. 40p. Abrams. Oct. 2014. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781419713828; ebk. $14.95. ISBN 9781613127285. LC 2013049747.
Membrino, Anna. I Want to Be a Ballerina. illus. by Smiljana Coh. 32p. Random. 2014. lib. ed. $17.99. ISBN 9780375973307; Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780385378642; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9780375982330. LC 2013018813.
Myers, Anna. Tumbleweed Baby. illus. by Charles Vess. 32p. ebook available. Abrams. Oct. 2014. RTE $16.95. ISBN 9781419712326. LC 2013042640.
Nakamura, Raymond. Peach Girl. illus. by Rebecca Bender. 32p. Pajama Pr. 2014. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781927485583.
Nichols, Lori. Maple and Willow Together. illus. by Lori Nichols. 32p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Nov. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780399162831.
Nöstlinger, Christine. Good Dragon, Bad Dragon. tr. from German by David Henry Wilson. illus. by Jens Rassmuss. 32p. NorthSouth. 2014. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9780735841819.
Offill, Jenny. While You Were Napping. illus. by Barry Blitt. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780375865725; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780375965722; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780375987434. LC 2010048532.
Oskarsson, Bardur. The Flat Rabbit. tr. from Faroese by Marita Thomsen. illus. by Bardur Oskarsson. 40p. Owlkids. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781771470599.
Peet, Mal & Elspeth Graham. Night Sky Dragons. illus. by Patrick Benson. 64p. Candlewick. Oct. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763661441. LC 2013955686.
Pilutti, Deb. Ten Rules of Being a Superhero. illus. by Deb Pilutti. 32p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. Oct. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780805097597.
Radunsky, Vladimir & Chris Raschka. Alphabetabum: An Album of Rare Photographs and Medium Verses. 80p. photos. New York Review. Oct. 2014. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781590178171.
Rashin. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. illus. by Rashin Kheiriyeh. 32p. NorthSouth. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780735841833.
Rivoal, Marine. Three Little Peas. illus. by Marine Rivoal. 48p. Enchanted Lion. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781592701551.
Rocco, John. Blizzard. illus. by John Rocco. 40p. Disney-Hyperion. Oct. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781423178651. LC 2014003220.
Rock, Zack. Homer Henry Hudson’s Curio Museum. illus. by Zack Rock. 32p. Creative Editions. 2014. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781568462608. LC 2013041164.
Rockliff, Mara. Chik Chak Shabbat. illus. by Kyrsten Brooker. 32p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763655280. LC 2013953462.
Ryan, Candace. Ewe and Aye. illus. by Stephanie Ruble. 40p. Disney-Hyperion. Dec. 2014. RTE $17.99. ISBN 9781423175919. LC 2013046183.
Schaapman, Karina. The Mouse Mansion. illus. by Karina Schaapman. photos by Tom Bouwer. 64p. Dial. Nov. 2014. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780803740495; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780698176607.
Schofield-Morrison, Connie. I Got the Rhythm. illus. by Frank Morrison. 32p. Bloomsbury. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781619631786; RTE ISBN 9781619631793; ebk. ISBN 9781619632097. LC 2013038025.
Schwarz, Viviane. Is There a Dog in This Book? illus. by Viviane Schwarz. 32p. Candlewick. Oct. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763669911. LC 2013955681.
Scieszka, Jon. Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown: Race from A to Z. illus. by David Gordon & others. 48p. ebook available. S. & S. Oct. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781416941361.
Scroggs, Kirk. Snoop Troop: It Came from Beneath the Playground. 176p. (Snoop Troop). Little, Brown. 2014. Tr $13.99. ISBN 9780316242714; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9780316242738. LC 2013041706.
Sif, Birgitta. Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance. illus. by Birgitta Sif. 32p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763673062. LC 2013952829.
Simmons, Anthea. Share! illus. by Georgie Birkett. 24p. Sterling. Oct. 2014. Tr ISBN 9781454914037.
Smith, Lori Joy. The Goodnight Book. illus. by Lori Joy Smith. 24p. Simply Read Bks. 2014. Tr $12.95. ISBN 9781927018422.
Spady, Angela. Channing O’Banning and the Tickled Pink Pencil Problem. illus. by Tammie Lyon. 106p. Santa Cruz. 2014. pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780615888903. LC 2013917216.
Sternberg, Julie. Friendship Over. illus. by Johanna Wright. 160p. (The Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine: Bk. 1). Boyds Mills. Oct. 2014. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9781590789933.
Stoop, Naoko. Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading Tree. illus. by Naoko Stoop. 40p. Little, Brown. 2014. Tr $17.00. ISBN 9780316228862. LC 2013034964.
Stott, Ann. What to Do When You’re Sent to Your Room. illus. by Stephen Gilpin. 32p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763660529. LC 2013955677.
Strady, Sophie. The Memory of an Elephant: An Unforgettable Journey. illus. by Jean-François Martin. 44p. Chronicle. 2014. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781452129037.
Teckentrup, Britta. Sleep Tight, Little Bear. illus. by Britta Teckentrup. 40p. NorthSouth Books. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780735841802.
Tougas, Chris. Dojo Daycare. illus. by Chris Tougas. 32p. Owlkids. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771470575.
Villeneuve, Anne. Loula and the Sister Recipe. illus. by Anne Villeneuve. 32p. Kids Can. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771381130.
Wegman, William. Flo & Wendell Explore. 32p. Dial. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780803739307. LC 2014001606.
Yankey, Lindsey. Bluebird. illus. by Lindsey Yankey. 32p. Simply Read Bks. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781927018330.
Yoon, Salina. Stormy Night. illus. by Salina Yoon. 40p. Bloomsbury Children’s. Jan. 2015. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780802737809. LC 2014012196.
Graphic Novels
Nordling, Lee. BirdCatDog. illus. by Merixtell Bosch. 32p. (Three-Story Books). Graphic Universe. Nov. 2014. lib. ed. $25.26. ISBN 9781467745222; pap. $6.95. ISBN 9781467745239. LC 2013045749.